US3960402A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle flow direction vanes
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-09-30
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Granted: 1976-06-01
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Expires: 1994-09-30
Abstract
Abstract Vehicle Flow Direction Vanes for reducing the rear vacuum induced drag on moving vehicles and thus increase mileage performance on the order of 20 percent. Aft, and forward, mounted flow direction vanes are attached to flat-back vehicles to deflect air flow into the drag producing reduced pressure area rearwardly of the vehicle. The basic shape of the vane is based upon the criteria that a line tangent to the curved surface at any point does not exceed an angle of 30° to the main airstream to avoid local separation.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack L. Keck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 16:11
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D35/00; B62D35/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A vehicle flow direction vane for mounting onto rear side-to-back corners of vehicles having large substantially flat rear surfaces creating drag behind moving vehicles, said vane having a leading edge and a trailing edge, brackets on said vane for attaching to the side surface of said vehicle to maintain said leading edge spaced from said side surface, brackets on said vane for attaching to the rear surface of said vehicle to maintain said trailing edge within 30° of a line extending rearwardly from said leading edge said vane having a vane surface extending from said leading edge straight and parallel to the main airstream for about 20% of the vane chord, said vane surface thereafter progressively curving inwardly as it extends rearwardly of said leading edge up to and not exceeding a 30° curvature of said vane surface relative to the main airstream.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A vehicle flow direction vane for mounting onto rear side-to-back corners of vehicles having large substantially flat rear surfaces creating drag behind moving vehicles, said vane having a leading edge and a trailing edge, brackets on said vane for attaching to the side surface of said vehicle to maintain said leading edge spaced from said side surface, brackets on said vane for attaching to the rear surface of said vehicle to maintain said trailing edge within 30° of a line extending rearwardly from said leading edge said vane having a vane surface extending from said leading edge straight and parallel to the main airstream for about 20% of the vane chord, said vane surface thereafter progressively curving inwardly as it extends rearwardly of said leading edge up to and not exceeding a 30° curvature of said vane surface relative to the main airstream.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
A vehicle flow direction vane as set forth in claim 1 wherein lines tangent to the vane surface at any point does not exceed an angle of 30° to the main airstream and wherein said lines form progressively larger angles when tangent to said vane surface at points spaced in a fore to aft direction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A vehicle flow direction vane as set forth in claim 1 wherein said brackets pivotally connect said vane to said vehicle thus permitting a back door to pivot open without interference from said vane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
A vehicle flow direction vane as set forth in claim 1 in combination with a similar vane along the other rear side-to-back corner for increasing the fineness ratio of said vehicle by creating a high velocity cone rearwardly of said vehicle and thus increasing its streamlined effect and gas consumption efficiency.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-06-01 | 1979-12-01 | 1980-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-01 | 1983-12-01 | 1984-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-01 | 1987-12-01 | 1988-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |