U.S. patent application number 17/198690 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-30 for aerodynamic curtain assembly for a tank trailer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tank Trailer Technologies LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Tank Trailer Technologies LLC. Invention is credited to Mark R. Holden, Scot McQuilkin, David Moore.
Application Number | 20210403099 17/198690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005830385 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210403099 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McQuilkin; Scot ; et
al. |
December 30, 2021 |
AERODYNAMIC CURTAIN ASSEMBLY FOR A TANK TRAILER
Abstract
An aerodynamic curtain assembly for use with a tank trailer
illustratively includes a front nose assembly, and opposing first
and second side assemblies. The front nose assembly illustratively
includes a front support coupled to the tank trailer, and a
flexible air deflector screen coupled to the support and extending
arcuately from a first upright supported by a first side of the
tank trailer to a second upright supported by a second side of the
tank trailer. Each of the side assemblies illustratively includes
an upper support member, a lower support member, an upper coupler
securing the upper end of a flexible air deflector screen to the
upper support member, and a lower coupler securing the lower end of
the flexible air deflector screen to the lower support member.
Inventors: |
McQuilkin; Scot; (Homer
Glen, IL) ; Moore; David; (Ottawa, IL) ;
Holden; Mark R.; (West Lafayette, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tank Trailer Technologies LLC |
Morris |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tank Trailer Technologies
LLC
Morris
IL
|
Family ID: |
1000005830385 |
Appl. No.: |
17/198690 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16440521 |
Jun 13, 2019 |
10946907 |
|
|
17198690 |
|
|
|
|
62685065 |
Jun 14, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 3/2215 20130101;
B62D 35/001 20130101; B62D 53/06 20130101; B60P 3/226 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62D 35/00 20060101
B62D035/00; B60P 3/22 20060101 B60P003/22 |
Claims
1. An aerodynamic curtain assembly for a tank trailer comprising: a
front nose assembly including a front support coupled to a tank
trailer, and a flexible front air deflector screen coupled to the
front support and extending arcuately from a first upright
supported by a first side of the tank trailer to a second upright
supported by a second side of the tank trailer; a first side
assembly supported adjacent the first side of the tank trailer; and
a second side assembly supported adjacent the second side of the
tank trailer; wherein the first side assembly and the second side
assembly each includes: an upper support member extending
longitudinally along one of the first side and the second side of
the tank trailer, a lower support member extending longitudinally
along the one of the first side and the second side of the tank
trailer below the upper support member, a flexible side air
deflector screen including an upper end and a lower end, an upper
coupler securing the upper end of the flexible side air deflector
screen to the upper support member, and a lower coupler securing
the lower end of the flexible side air deflector screen to the
lower support member.
2. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 1, further comprising
a tail support coupled to the first side assembly and the second
side assembly, the tail support including a first tail frame and a
second tail frame laterally spaced apart from the first tail frame,
the first tail frame supporting a rear end of the flexible side air
deflector of the first side assembly, and the second tail frame
supporting a rear end of the flexible side air deflector of the
second side assembly.
3. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the
first tail frame and the second tail frame includes an upper
longitudinal support member, a lower longitudinal support member,
an intermediate longitudinal support member positioned between the
upper longitudinal support member and the lower longitudinal
support member, and fasteners securing the flexible side air
deflector screen to the upper longitudinal support member, the
lower longitudinal support member, and the intermediate
longitudinal support member.
4. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper
coupler comprises a plurality of spring clips clamping the upper
end of the flexible side air deflector screen to the upper support
member.
5. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower
coupler comprises a cord passing through eyelets in the flexible
side air deflector screen to secure the lower end of the flexible
side air deflector screen to the lower support member.
6. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein the front
support of the front nose assembly includes a plurality of
horizontally spaced arcuate support members having opposing ends
coupled to receiving openings supported by first and second
weldments coupled to the first and second sides of the tank
trailer.
7. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein the
flexible front air deflector screen of the front nose assembly
includes an access opening with a closable flap.
8. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein the front
nose assembly further includes a tensioning member extending
horizontally to provide tension in the lower end of the flexible
front air deflector screen.
9. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 8, wherein the
tensioning member includes a strap and a tensioning buckle operably
coupled to the strap.
10. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein the front
nose assembly further includes an upper panel supported by the
front support.
11. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 1, further comprising
an aerodynamic panel coupled to an underbody of the tank trailer,
wherein the aerodynamic panel is coupled to the front end of the
tank trailer behind a front wheel assembly defined by a pulling
vehicle.
12. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 1, further comprising
a rear wheel aerodynamic assembly supported by a proximal end of a
rear wheel assembly.
13. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 12, wherein the rear
wheel aerodynamic assembly includes a body and a splash guard
operably coupled to the body.
14. An aerodynamic curtain assembly for a tank trailer comprising:
a first side assembly supported adjacent a first side of a tank
trailer; and a second side assembly supported adjacent a second
side of the tank trailer; wherein the first side assembly and the
second side assembly each includes: an upper support member
extending longitudinally along one of the first side and the second
side of the tank trailer, a lower support member extending
longitudinally along the first side of the tank trailer below the
upper support member, a flexible side air deflector screen
including an upper end and a lower end, an upper coupler securing
the upper end of the flexible side air deflector screen to the
upper support member, a lower coupler securing the lower end of the
flexible side air deflector screen to the lower support member, and
a tail support coupled to the first side assembly and the second
side assembly, the tail support including a first tail frame and a
second tail frame laterally spaced apart from the first tail frame,
the first tail frame supporting a rear end of the flexible side air
deflector of the first side assembly, and the second tail frame
supporting a rear end of the flexible side air deflector of the
second side assembly.
15. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 14, wherein each tail
support includes an upper longitudinal support member, a lower
longitudinal support member, an intermediate longitudinal support
member positioned between the upper longitudinal support member and
the lower longitudinal support member, and fasteners securing the
flexible side air deflector screen to the upper longitudinal
support member, the lower longitudinal support member, and the
intermediate longitudinal support member.
16. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 14, further
comprising a front nose assembly including a front support coupled
to the tank trailer, and a flexible front air deflector screen
coupled to the support and extending arcuately from a first upright
supported by a first side of the tank trailer to a second upright
supported by a second side of the tank trailer.
17. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 16, wherein the front
support of the front nose assembly includes a plurality of
horizontally spaced arcuate support members having opposing ends
coupled to receiving openings supported by first and second
weldments coupled to the first and second sides of the tank
trailer.
18. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 16, wherein the
flexible front air deflector screen of the front nose assembly
includes an access opening with a closable flap.
19. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 16, wherein the front
nose assembly further includes a tensioning member extending
horizontally to provide tension in the lower end of the flexible
front air deflector screen.
20. The aerodynamic curtain assembly of claim 19, wherein the
tensioning member includes a strap and a tensioning buckle operably
coupled to the strap.
21-39. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/685,065, filed Jun. 14, 2018, the
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an air deflector
for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a curtain for promoting
aerodynamics and preventing air drag on a conventional tank
trailer.
[0003] Air or aerodynamic deflectors on vehicles, including
trailers, are known to reduce wind drag and thereby increase fuel
efficiency. While a variety of different aerodynamic deflectors
have been used on cabs and conventional trailers to reduce air
drag, there has been little effort directed specifically to improve
the aerodynamics of tank trailers. More particularly, tank trailers
typically include components and associated surfaces that increase
air drag compared to other types of conventional trailers (e.g.,
flat bed trailers and enclosed trailers). For example, conventional
tank trailers include a tank having a plurality of silos and
associated piping components that increase air drag. As such, there
remains a need for air deflectors that improve aerodynamics of tank
trailers.
[0004] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, an aerodynamic curtain assembly for a tank trailer
includes a front nose assembly having a front support coupled to
the tank trailer, and a flexible front air deflector screen coupled
to the front support and extending arcuately from a first upright
supported by a first side of the tank trailer to a second upright
supported by a second side of the tank trailer. A first side
assembly is supported adjacent to the first side of the tank
trailer, and a second side assembly is supported adjacent to the
second side of the tank trailer. The first side assembly and the
second side assembly each include an upper support member extending
longitudinally along one of the first side and the second side of
the tank trailer, and a lower support member extending
longitudinally along the one of the first side and the second side
of the tank trailer below the upper support member. A flexible side
air deflector screen includes an upper end and a lower end. An
upper coupler secures the upper end of the flexible side air
deflector screen to the upper support member, and a lower coupler
secures the lower end of the flexible side air deflector screen to
the lower support member.
[0005] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, an aerodynamic curtain assembly for a tank trailer
includes a first side assembly positioned adjacent a first side of
a tank trailer, and a second side assembly supported adjacent a
second side of the tank trailer. The first side assembly and the
second side assembly each includes an upper support member
extending longitudinally along one of the first side and the second
side of the tank trailer, and a lower support member extending
longitudinally along the one of the first side and the second side
of the tank trailer below the upper support member. A flexible side
air deflector screen includes an upper end and a lower end, an
upper coupler secures the upper end of the flexible side air
deflector screen to the upper support member, and a lower coupler
secures the lower end of the flexible side air deflector screen to
a lower support member. A tail support is coupled to the first side
assembly and the second side assembly. The tail support includes a
first tail frame and a second tail frame laterally spaced apart
from the first tail frame. The first tail frame supports a rear end
of the flexible side air deflector screen of the first side
assembly, and the second tail frame supports a rear end of the
flexible side air deflector screen of the second side assembly.
[0006] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the
present disclosure, a tank trailer includes a frame extending
longitudinally between a front end and a rear end, a tank supported
by the frame, the tank including a first side and a second side, a
plurality of valves supported by the frame below the tank, and an
inlet supported proximate the front end of the frame. An
aerodynamic curtain assembly includes a front nose assembly
including a front support coupled to the tank trailer, and a
flexible front air deflector screen coupled to the support and
extending arcuately from a first upright supported by a first side
of the tank trailer to a second upright supported by a second side
of the tank trailer. The inlet is positioned intermediate the front
nose assembly and the tank. A first side assembly is supported
adjacent the first side of the tank trailer, and a second side
assembly is supported adjacent the second side of the tank trailer.
The first side assembly and the second side assembly each includes
a longitudinally extending upper support member, a longitudinally
extending lower support member positioned below the upper support
member, and a flexible side air deflector screen including an upper
end and a lower end. Each of the first side assembly and the second
side assembly further includes an upper coupler securing the upper
end of the flexible side air deflector screen to the upper support
member, and a lower coupler securing the lower end of the flexible
side air deflector screen to the lower support member.
[0007] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration
of the following detailed description of the illustrative
embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention
as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers
to the accompanying figures in which:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of a conventional tank
trailer;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the conventional tank
trailer of FIG. 1A;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the right side of the
tank trailer of FIG. 1, showing an illustrative aerodynamic curtain
of the present disclosure coupled thereto;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the left side of the
tank trailer and aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front end view of the tank trailer and
aerodynamic curtain of FIG.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear end view of the tank trailer and
aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front top perspective view of the tank trailer
and aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of illustrative support
structure weldments coupled to the right side of the tank trailer
of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an illustrative
support structure coupled to the mid-section of the left side of
the tank trailer of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the lower portion
of the right side of the aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of the upper portion
of the aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the upper portion of the
aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the lower portion of
the aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lower coupler of the
aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of illustrative
control gauges supported by a weldment of the aerodynamic curtain
of FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the illustrative front
or nose assembly of the aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the front right side of
the nose assembly of FIG. 15;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a detailed top perspective view of the right side
of the nose assembly of FIG. 15;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the coupling of the nose
assembly to a weldment of the aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 2;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the rear left side of
the nose assembly of FIG. 15;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a detailed side perspective view of the left side
of the nose assembly of FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an illustrative right
tensioning member on the rear right side of the nose assembly of
FIG. 15;
[0031] FIG. 22 is an illustrative center connector between right
and left tensioning members;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the left side of the nose
assembly of FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an illustrative right
tensioning member of the nose assembly of FIG. 15;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an illustrative access
opening, with the closure flap in an opened position;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an illustrative valve
access opening;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the access opening of FIG.
26, with the closure flap in an opened position;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of the right side of the
tail assembly of the aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 10;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a detail view of the tail assembly of FIG.
28;
[0039] FIG. 30 is another rear perspective view of the right side
of the tail assembly of FIG. 28;
[0040] FIG. 31 is a detailed rear perspective view of the right
side of the tail assembly of FIG. 28;
[0041] FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view of the left side of the
tail assembly of the aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 10;
[0042] FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of the tank trailer and
aerodynamic curtain of FIG. 2;
[0043] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an illustrative air
deflecting panel coupled to a front portion of the tank trailer of
FIG. 2;
[0044] FIG. 35 is a left perspective view of an illustrative rear
air deflector coupled to the rear wheel assembly of the tank
trailer of FIG. 2; and
[0045] FIG. 36 is a right perspective view of the rear air
deflector of FIG. 35.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] Various embodiments of the invention described herein are
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise
forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description
have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the
invention.
[0047] Referring initially to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a conventional tank
trailer 10 illustratively comprises self-loading vacuum pneumatic
trailer for loading, transporting and unloading material. More
particularly, the illustrative tank trailer 10 includes a tank or
hopper 12 supported by a frame 14. The frame 14 extends
longitudinally between a front or proximal end 16 and a rear or
distal end 18. A rear suspension or wheel assembly 20 supports the
rear end 18 of the frame 14, and a retractable landing gear or
dolly leg 22 may support the front end 16 of the frame 14 when the
tank trailer 10 is uncoupled from a pulling vehicle, illustratively
a tractor cab (not shown). A conventional receiver 24 is supported
proximate the front end 16 of the frame 14 by a coupling platform
25, and is configured to receive a hitch of the pulling
vehicle.
[0048] More particularly, a front suspension or wheel assembly
defined by the pulling vehicle supports the front end 16 of the
frame 14. In the illustrative embodiment, the front wheel assembly
includes a plurality of wheels rotatably supported by transverse
axles, and is positioned below the coupling platform 25. Debris
shields or mud flaps 29 are illustratively supported by the frame
14 rearward of the platform 25 and the front wheel assembly. The
rear suspension or rear wheel assembly 20 illustratively includes a
plurality of wheels 26 rotatably supported by transverse axles 27,
and fenders 28 supported above the wheels 26.
[0049] The tank 12 illustratively includes a substantially
cylindrically shaped main body 30, and includes a first or right
side 32 and a second or left side 34 (FIGS. 1A, 1B and 6). The tank
12 is illustratively of conventional design and is configured to
receive, store and discharge a fluid or granular material (i.e.,
liquid or drybulk). For example, the tank 12 may receive, store and
discharge a particulate, such as plastic pellets. A plurality of
storage portions or silos 36 couple the main body 30 to a piping
system 38, including a vacuum system 40 and a pressure system 42
(FIG. 1A).
[0050] With further reference to FIG. 1A, the vacuum system 40 is
configured to load material into the tank 12. The vacuum system 40
illustratively includes a vacuum connection or inlet 44, a material
intake 46, and piping 48 operably (e.g., fluidly) coupled to the
inlet 44 and the intake 46. The piping 48 illustratively extends
along an upper portion of the tank 12, and is operably (i.e.,
fluidly) coupled to a self-cleaning vacuum loading filter 50
located proximate the rear end 18 of the frame 14. The filter 50 is
operably coupled to an air operated vacuum control valve 52. The
material intake 46 is illustratively positioned at the rear end 18
of the trailer frame 14 below the filter 50. A material outlet or
discharge 54 is illustratively positioned within an upper portion
of the tank 12.
[0051] The pressure system 42 is configured to offload or discharge
material from the tank 12. The pressure system 42 illustratively
includes a pressure connection or inlet 58 operably (e.g., fluidly)
coupled to upper (top air line) piping 60 and/or lower (bottom air
line) piping 62. The upper piping 60 extends upwardly to an upper
portion of the tank 12, and the lower piping 62 extends below the
frame 14 and is operably coupled to the tank 12 to deliver material
therefrom. A pressure outlet 64 is illustratively positioned in an
upper portion of the tank 12. A plurality of discharge fixtures 66
(illustratively valves or knuckles) are supported below each silo
36 and operably (e.g., fluidly) coupled to the piping system 38.
Pressure from the outlet 64 forces material out of the tank 12 and
through the opened discharge fixtures 66. Control devices (e.g.,
handles) may be supported by the frame 14 and are operably coupled
to the fixtures 66.
[0052] With reference now to FIGS. 2-4, an illustrative aerodynamic
curtain assembly 100 includes a first or right side assembly 102a
extending along the right side 32 of the tank trailer 10, and a
second or left side assembly 102b extending along the left side 34
of the tank trailer 10. As shown, the tank 12 is illustratively
positioned between the first side assembly 102a and the second side
assembly 102b. A front nose assembly 104 is supported by the front
end 16 of the tank trailer 10, and cooperates with the first side
assembly 102a and the second side assembly 102b.
[0053] Each of the side assemblies 102a and 102b are substantially
identical. As such, while the following description and
accompanying drawings will focus on the first side assembly 102a,
it should be appreciated that the second side assembly 102b
includes substantially similar components.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7-14, each side assembly
102a and 102b illustratively includes a side support structure 106,
and a flexible side air deflector screen 108 coupled to the side
support structure 106. The side support structure 106
illustratively includes an upper support member 110 and a lower
support member 112 extending longitudinally along the respective
side 32 and 34 of the tank trailer 10. More particularly, the upper
support member 110 is positioned above and extends parallel to the
lower support member 112. An intermediate support member 111 may
extend parallel to and between the upper and lower support members
110 and 112. Each support member 110 and 112 illustratively
comprises a rigid member, such as an aluminum bar.
[0055] The support members 110 and 112 are illustratively secured
to brackets 114, 116a, 116b, 116c and 118 coupled to the respective
sides of the tank 12 (support members 110 and 112 shown in phantom
in FIG. 7 for clarity). The front bracket 114 is illustratively
welded to the front end of the tank 12, while the rear bracket 118
is illustratively welded to the rear end of the tank 12. The side
brackets 116a, 116b, and 116c are illustratively longitudinally
spaced apart and welded to the sides of the tank 12 intermediate
the silos 36. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8,
support panels 119 may be coupled to the brackets 114, 116a, 116b,
116c and 118. The support panels 119 may be formed of Kemlite,
available from Crane Composites Inc. of Channahon, Ill. The support
panels 119 are an option for providing additional structural
rigidity to the side assemblies 102, but may be eliminated in order
to reduce assembly weight and cost.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 11-13, the illustrative flexible
side air deflector screen 108 includes an upper end 120 and a lower
end 122, and extends longitudinally between a front end 124 and a
rear end 126. An upper coupler 128 secures the upper end of the
flexible side air deflector screen 108 to the upper support member
110, and a lower coupler 130 secures the lower end of the flexible
side air deflector screen 108 to the lower support member 112. The
side air deflector screen 108 may be formed of conventional tarp
material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
[0057] With reference to FIG. 11, the upper coupler 128
illustratively comprise a plurality of spring clips 132 clamping
the upper end 120 of the flexible side air deflector screen 108 to
the upper support member 110. Pockets 134 are formed within the
upper end of the flexible side air deflector screen 108 to receive
the clips 132. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lower coupler 130
illustratively comprises a cord 136 (e.g., nylon) passing through
eyelets 138 in the flexible side air deflector screen 108 to secure
the lower end 122 of the flexible side air deflector screen 108 to
the lower support member 112.
[0058] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 28-32, a tail support 140 is
illustratively coupled to the first side assembly 102a and the
second side assembly 102b. The tail support 140 illustratively
includes a first tail frame 142a and a second tail frame 142b
laterally spaced apart from the first tail frame 142a.
Illustratively, the first tail frame 142a is coupled to the first
side assembly 102a, and the second tail frame 142b is coupled to
the second side assembly 102b. The first tail frame 142a supports a
rear end of the flexible side air deflector screen 108 of the first
side assembly 102a, and the second tail frame 142b supports a rear
end of the flexible side air deflector screen 108 of the second
side assembly 102b. Cross members 144 illustratively extend
laterally between the tail frames 142a and 142b and vertical
supports 146 coupled to the frame 14.
[0059] Each of the tail frames 142a and 142b are substantially
identical. As such, while the following description will focus on
the first tail frame 142a, it should be appreciated that the second
tail frame 142b includes substantially similar components.
[0060] With further reference to FIGS. 28-32, each of the first
tail frame 142a and the second tail frame 142b includes a rear
support structure 150 including an upper longitudinal support
member 152, a lower longitudinal support member 154, and an
intermediate longitudinal support member 156 positioned between the
upper longitudinal support member 152 and the lower longitudinal
support member 154. Vertical braces 158 illustratively extend
between the upper longitudinal support member 152 and the
intermediate longitudinal support member 156. Angle support members
160 illustratively couple the lower longitudinal support member 154
to the intermediate longitudinal support member 156. The lower
longitudinal support member 154 is illustratively coupled to the
frame 14. Fasteners 162 (such as bolts, nuts and washers)
illustratively secure the flexible side air deflector screen 108 to
the upper longitudinal support member 152, the lower longitudinal
support member 154, the intermediate longitudinal support member
156, and the vertical braces 158.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 14, standard pressure gauges 164
are positioned outside of the side air deflector screen 108 to
provide easy access to the driver for material loading and
unloading. With reference to FIGS. 1A and 24, temperature gauges
165 are illustratively positioned below the side air deflector
screen 108 for easy viewing.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 4, 6 and 15-27, the front nose
assembly 104 illustratively includes a front support structure 166
coupled to the front end of the tank trailer 10, and a flexible
front air deflector screen 168 coupled to the front support
structure 166. The front air deflector screen 168 illustratively
extends arcuately (in a horizontal plane) from the first side 32 of
the tank trailer 10 to the second side 34 of the tank trailer 10
around the vacuum connection, the pressure connection and
associated fittings. More particularly, the front air deflector
screen 168 extends arcuately from a first upright (e.g., bracket
114) supported by the right side 32 of the tank trailer 10 to a
second upright (e.g., bracket 114) supported by a left side 34 of
the tank trailer 10. The front air deflector screen 168
illustratively extends vertically from above the frame 14 to above
the tank 12.
[0063] The front support structure 166 illustratively includes a
plurality of horizontally spaced arcuate support members 170a,
170b, 170c. Illustratively, each support member 170a, 170b, 170c is
substantially u-shaped and includes opposing ends 172 and 174
coupled to receivers 176 supported by brackets 114 secured to the
first and second sides 32 and 34 of the tank trailer 10. More
particularly, the opposing ends 172 and 174 of each support member
170a, 170b, 170c are removable secured within receiver openings 178
by releasable fasteners, such as bolts 180. Each support member
170a, 170b, 170c are illustratively formed of a rigid, light weight
material, such as aluminum tubing.
[0064] The upper support member 170a is illustratively received
within an upper pocket 182 formed within the front air deflector
screen 168. A releasable closure, such as a zipper 184, facilitates
insertion of the upper support member 170a within the pocket 182.
As such, the front air deflector screen 168 hangs downwardly from
the upper support member 170a (e.g., similar to a curtain).
Vertical supports 186 and 188 are coupled to the support members
170a, 170b, 170c to provide additional structural rigidity.
[0065] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 23-27, a tensioning member 190
extends horizontally to provide tension in a lower end of the
flexible front air deflector screen 168 of the front nose assembly
104. The tensioning member 190 illustratively includes right and
left tensioning straps 192a and 192b, each extending between
opposing first and second ends 194 and 196. The first end 194 of
each tensioning strap 190a, 190b is operably coupled to a
tensioning device, such as a ratcheting buckle 198a and 198b,
respectively. The second end 196 of each tensioning strap 190a,
190b is coupled to a center bracket 200. The tensioning straps 192a
and 192b extend through pockets 202a and 202b, respectively, formed
within a lower portion of the front air deflector screen 168.
[0066] The front air deflector screen 168 of the front nose
assembly 104 illustratively includes access openings 204 and 206,
each with a closable flap 208 and 210, respectively. With reference
to FIG. 28, opening 204 provides access to flow control valves 212,
while flap 208 and associated closure member (zipper 214) closes
the opening 204. With reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, opening 206
provides access to a filter 216, while flap 210 and associated
closure member (zipper 218) closes the opening 206.
[0067] With further reference to FIGS. 4, 6 and 15, the front nose
assembly 104 further includes an upper panel or deflector screen
220 coupled to the front support structure 166 to prevent air from
dropping below the front air deflector screen 168 and impacting the
front end of the tank. A cross-member 222 secures a rear end of the
upper panel 220 to the upper support member 170a. A front end of
the upper panel 220 is secured (e.g., via stitching) to the upper
portion of the front air deflector screen 168. The front air
deflector screen 168 and the upper panel 220 may be formed of
conventional tarp material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
[0068] With reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, a lower air deflector
assembly 230 is illustratively supported by a bottom portion of the
tank trailer 10. More particularly, the lower air deflector
assembly 230 illustratively includes a plurality of aerodynamic
panels 232 coupled to the frame 14 on the underbody of the tank
trailer 10. One such panel 232a is coupled to a leading portion 234
of the frame 14 (FIG. 34).
[0069] More particularly, panel 232a is illustratively supported
laterally intermediate the mud flaps 29, and behind the front wheel
assembly defined by the pulling vehicle. The panel 232a is
illustratively angled from vertical to assist in deflecting air
away from the components supported under the frame 14. In one
illustrative embodiment, each panel 232 is illustratively formed of
translucent Kemlite, available from Crane Composites Inc. of
Channahon, Ill.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 35 and 36, a rear wheel
aerodynamic assembly 240 is illustratively supported by a rear end
of the rear suspension 20. The rear wheel aerodynamic assembly 240
includes a body 242 and a splash guard 244. The body 242 is
illustratively coupled to the frame 14 via conventional fasteners,
such as bolts 246, and includes an angled deflector shield 248. The
body 242 is illustratively formed of a durable, light weight
material, such as aluminum. The splash guard 244 illustratively
comprises a plurality of downwardly extending bristles 250 (e.g.,
nylon).
[0071] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *