Longitudinally and vertically adjustable trailer underbody fairing
First Claim
1. A fairing attached beneath a lower, outer longitudinal edge of a trailer, said fairing comprising longitudinally extending forward and rearward sections, said rearward section having a connector coupled to a trailer wheel assembly of said trailer for longitudinal movement of said rearward section with said trailer wheel assembly to adjustably position a rearward edge of said rearward section in a selected position forward of said trailer wheel assembly and to maintain said rearward edge in said selected position notwithstanding longitudinal adjustment of said trailer wheel assembly relative to said trailer, said forward and rearward sections further hingeably coupled to said trailer for displacement of said sections between a lowered position and a raised position.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fairing attachable beneath a lower, outer longitudinal edge of a trailer. The fairing has longitudinally extending forward and rearward sections. The rearward section can be moved longitudinally to adjustably locate its rearward edge in a selected position forward of the trailer'"'"'s wheel assembly. Such adjustable positioning occurs automatically if the rearward section is coupled to and longitudinally movable with the support frame for the trailer'"'"'s wheel assembly, thus maintaining the rearward edge of the fairing in the selected position whenever the trailer'"'"'s wheel assembly is longitudinally adjusted relative to the trailer. A hinge mechanism coupled between the trailer and the fairing allows pivotal displacement of each fairing section between lowered and raised positions. The lowered position is for long distance haulage of the trailer in order to achieve fuel economy. The raised position is for situations in which the trailer must be manoeuvred over ramps, uneven terrain, etc. which might contact the underside of or otherwise interfere with the fairing.
103 Citations
7 Claims
- 1. A fairing attached beneath a lower, outer longitudinal edge of a trailer, said fairing comprising longitudinally extending forward and rearward sections, said rearward section having a connector coupled to a trailer wheel assembly of said trailer for longitudinal movement of said rearward section with said trailer wheel assembly to adjustably position a rearward edge of said rearward section in a selected position forward of said trailer wheel assembly and to maintain said rearward edge in said selected position notwithstanding longitudinal adjustment of said trailer wheel assembly relative to said trailer, said forward and rearward sections further hingeably coupled to said trailer for displacement of said sections between a lowered position and a raised position.
Specification