US4006931A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for reducing wind resistance of a vehicle
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1974-09-11
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Granted: 1977-02-08
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Expires: 1994-09-11
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to a device for reducing the wind resistance of a vehicle having a rearward body portion of greater height than a forward body portion such as a tractor-trailer rig. A false roof of generally inverted U-shape is positioned on top of the roof of the forward body portion to form an air-flow channel. An adjustable vane is positioned at the rear of the channel to direct air flowing through the channel upwardly and over the roof of the rearward body portion. The inclination of the vane is adjustable in order to accommodate rear body portions of differing height. An air conditioning unit may be positioned within the air flow channel of the false roof.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald W. Groves
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:46
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D35/00; B62D35/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
277 words
A device for reducing the wind resistance of a vehicle having a forward vehicle roof and a vertical body portion situated rearwardly and above said roof, a false roof having a transverse portion and depending side portions, said side portions having a greater longitudinal length than said transverse portion, said side portions of said false roof being joined to said vehicle roof adjacent the lateral edges of said vehicle roof, the leading edge of said transverse portion being spaced forwardly and upwardly of the leading edge of said vehicle roof, said transverse portion of said false roof being spaced apart from said vehicle roof and cooperating therewith to define an air-flow channel, an adjustable air deflector vane extending transversely between said side portions of said false roof, said adjustable vane extending upwardly and rearwardly and constructed to direct air flowing through said channel in a direction over the top of said vertical body portion, adjustment means supporting said adjustable vane relative to said false roof and constructed to provide means for adjusting the angle of inclination of said adjustable vane, said adjustable vane having an upper portion that extends upwardly above said transverse portion of said false roof whereby said adjustable vane deflects air flowing over said transverse portion as well as through said channel, an air conditioning unit supported on said vehicle roof in said air flow channel, said false roof being constructed to direct the flow of air around said air conditioning unit, a fixed air deflector vane extending transversely between said side portions of said false roof, the leading edge of said adjustable vane being disposed adjacent to and rearwardly of said fixed vane.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
277 words
A device for reducing the wind resistance of a vehicle having a forward vehicle roof and a vertical body portion situated rearwardly and above said roof, a false roof having a transverse portion and depending side portions, said side portions having a greater longitudinal length than said transverse portion, said side portions of said false roof being joined to said vehicle roof adjacent the lateral edges of said vehicle roof, the leading edge of said transverse portion being spaced forwardly and upwardly of the leading edge of said vehicle roof, said transverse portion of said false roof being spaced apart from said vehicle roof and cooperating therewith to define an air-flow channel, an adjustable air deflector vane extending transversely between said side portions of said false roof, said adjustable vane extending upwardly and rearwardly and constructed to direct air flowing through said channel in a direction over the top of said vertical body portion, adjustment means supporting said adjustable vane relative to said false roof and constructed to provide means for adjusting the angle of inclination of said adjustable vane, said adjustable vane having an upper portion that extends upwardly above said transverse portion of said false roof whereby said adjustable vane deflects air flowing over said transverse portion as well as through said channel, an air conditioning unit supported on said vehicle roof in said air flow channel, said false roof being constructed to direct the flow of air around said air conditioning unit, a fixed air deflector vane extending transversely between said side portions of said false roof, the leading edge of said adjustable vane being disposed adjacent to and rearwardly of said fixed vane.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-02-08 | 1980-08-09 | 1981-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-08 | 1984-08-09 | 1985-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-08 | 1988-08-09 | 1989-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |