Theodore Richard Gondert

US Patent:

45737304, Mar 4, 1986

Filed:

May 16, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/610692

Inventors:

Theodore R. Gondert - Romeo MI
Richard A. MacDonald - Brighton MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B62D 3500

US Classification:

296 1S

Abstract:

An aerodynamic drag reducing device for a pickup truck includes a tonneau cover which extends between the side walls of the pickup box and forwardly from the tailgate to a distance short of the passenger cab so that the tonneau cover encloses a rearward portion of the pickup box. Tonneau covers enclosing the rearward portion of the pickup box to a range of approximately 40 to 60% of the total length of the pickup box provide a greater reduction of aerodynamic drag coefficient than obtained with a tonneau cover enclosing the full length of the pickup box.