Apparatus and method for mounting an aerodynamic add-on device onto a transport vehicle

• US 8,376,450 B1
• Filed: 01/13/2012
• Issued: 02/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kodiak Innovations, LLC
• Original Assignee: Kodiak Innovations, LLC
• Inventors: Lesesky, Alan C., Long, Jonathan C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dayoan, Glenn
• Assistant Examiner(s): ROMAIN, PINEL E
• Application Number:
  US13/350,409
• Time in Patent Office: 403 Days
• Field of Search: 296/180.1, 296/180.2, 296/180.4, 280/432, 280/455.1, 280/477
• US Class Current: 296/180.4
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/32 for indicating vehicle sides , e.g. clearance lights
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/001 For commercial vehicles or tractor-trailer combinations, e.g. caravans
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/007 Rear spoilers B62D35/001 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/02 Streamlining the undersurfaces B62D35/005, B62D35/007, B62D35/008 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for mounting an aerodynamic add-on device to a transport vehicle. decreasing aerodynamic drag, improving stability, and reducing road spray of a transport vehicle. The apparatus employs support posts and support cables to mount the aerodynamic add-on device, such as a trailer skirt, to a transport trailer. The apparatus and method facilitate the installation of the aerodynamic add-on device by one person and allow for the use of lighter, more cost-effective materials in the manufacture of the aerodynamic add-on device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for mounting an aerodynamic add-on device to a transport vehicle, comprising:

a first support post for mounting to a bottom portion of the transport vehicle;

a second support post for mounting to the bottom portion of the transport vehicle;

at least one support cable for mounting to the aerodynamic add-on device, said at least one support cable secured at one end to said first support post and at another end to said second support post; and

at least one quick-connect post for mounting both to the at least one support cable and to the transport vehicle;

whereby the apparatus facilitates the installation of the aerodynamic add-on device by one person and allows for the use of lighter, more cost-effective materials in the manufacture of the aerodynamic add-on device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one support cable is adapted to be slidably mounted along substantially the entire longitudinal length of the aerodynamic add-on device, thereby allowing the aerodynamic add-on device to expand and contract with changes in temperature without damage occurring to the aerodynamic add-one device.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one guide sleeve slidably attached to said at least one support cable, said at least one guide sleeve adapted to be fixably attached to the aerodynamic add-on device, whereby said at least one guide sleeve allows for the aerodynamic device to move in relation to said at least one support cable such that the aerodynamic add-on device can expand and contract with changes in temperature without damage occurring to the aerodynamic add-on device.

2. A method of mounting an aerodynamic add-on device onto a transport vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

attaching a first support post to the transport vehicle;

attaching a second support post to the transport vehicle;

securing at least one support cable to a side of the aerodynamic add-on device;

securing at least one quick-connect post to the at least one support cable, said at least one quick-connect post being positioned in a middle portion of the side of the aerodynamic device and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerodynamic add-on device;

securing one end of said at least one quick-connect post to the transport vehicle;

securing one end of said at least one support cable to said first support post; and

attaching an opposite end of said at least one support cable to said second support post;

whereby the method of installing an aerodynamic add-on device onto a transport vehicle facilitates installation by one person because the middle portion of the aerodynamic add-on device is supported during the installation process by at least said first quick-connect post.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein:

said at least one support cable comprises a first support cable and a second support cable;

said first support cable is secured to an upper portion of the side of the aerodynamic add-on device; and

longitudinally across an upper portion of the aerodynamic add-on device; and

said second support cable is secured to a lower portion of the side of the aerodynamic add-on device;

whereby said first support cable and said second support cable provide greater support for the aerodynamic add-on device and allow the aerodynamic add-on device to substantially maintain its aerodynamic shape while experiencing aerodynamic forces.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one support cable is secured to the side of the aerodynamic add-on device by guide sleeves;

whereby said guide sleeves permit the aerodynamic add-on device to expand in warmer temperatures and contract in cooler temperatures.