DRAG REDUCING DEVICE FOR MULTI-TRUCK SHIPMENT WHEN MOUNTED

摘要

ABSTRACTThe rooftop drag reducing device comprises a topand a bottom and may be mounted to the cab of trucks forsemi-trailers at the factory. The device may then beconveniently collapsed with the top fitting inside thebottom when multiple trucks are shipped with the secondand third truck, for example, having their front wheelsmounted to the fifth wheel of the truck in front ofthem. Since the drag reducing device has had its heightreduced it will pass under low bridges. The device isinitially integrally molded in one piece and cut intothe top and bottom portions along a oblique cut linestep. The top may be left connected to the bottom atthe front to form a living hinge. Alternatively, apiano hinge may be used to connect the top and bottomportions at the front thereof. Bolts along the sidesare used to hold the top in its upright position. Thesebolts pass through stepped side flanges which strengthenthe device. The rear of the top is closed to form arigid box-like structure to resist sway. Trim tabs maybe integrally molded into the top at its rear. Eachtrim tab is preferably only cut out three quartersaround its perimeter so that it remains mounted at thefront thereof to the top by a living hinge of moldedmaterial. The device may be mounted to the roofs oftruck cabs by conventional brackets or by means of boltsthrough an integral horizontally disposed flange aroundits lower periphery.