James G Sweet

US Patent:

20200010126, Jan 9, 2020

Filed:

Sep 19, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/576118

Inventors:

- Lafayette IN, US
Michael J. Courtney - Dayton IN, US
James Andrew Sweet - Lafayette IN, US
Brian N. Haan - Lafayette IN, US

International Classification:

B62D 35/00

Abstract:

An aerodynamic drag reduction system includes a side panel configured to be coupled to a rear swing door to extend generally vertically at least partially along a height of a trailer and a top panel configured to be coupled to the rear swing door to extend generally horizontally at least partially along a width of the trailer. The drag system includes a cable system configured to connect the side and top panels to prevent upward movement of the top panel beyond its generally horizontal position. The cable system includes a first cable with a first end coupled to an inner surface of the side panel, and a second cable and a third cable each with a first end coupled to a bottom surface of the top panel. A second end of each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable is coupled together at a juncture.

US Patent:

20190241220, Aug 8, 2019

Filed:

Feb 5, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/268283

Inventors:

- Lafayette IN, US
Leonard W. Baker - Lafayette IN, US
James A. Sweet - Lafayette IN, US

International Classification:

B62D 33/04
B32B 3/12

Abstract:

A shipping trailer wall panel includes a first partially hollow section, a second partially hollow section, and a reinforcing section. The first partially hollow section includes a first plurality of cell walls. The second partially hollow section is interlockingly connected to the first partially hollow section. The second partially hollow section includes a second plurality of cell walls. The reinforcing section is connected to one or more of the first partially hollow section and the second partially hollow section.

US Patent:

20180086395, Mar 29, 2018

Filed:

Sep 29, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/279846

Inventors:

- Lafayette IN, US
James A. Sweet - Lafayette IN, US
Brian N. Haan - Lafayette IN, US
Leonard W. Baker - Lafayette IN, US

International Classification:

B62D 35/00

Abstract:

A device for reducing aerodynamic drag comprises a fairing structure configured to be attached to a vehicle surface. The fairing structure comprises a curved wall, a rounded edge, and a substantially flat wall. The substantially flat wall is connected to a mounting surface configured to be attached to the surface of the vehicle.

US Patent:

20170361881, Dec 21, 2017

Filed:

Aug 30, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/690891

Inventors:

- Lafayette IN, US
Michael J. Courtney - Dayton IN, US
James Andrew Sweet - Lafayette IN, US
Brian N. Haan - Lafayette IN, US

International Classification:

B62D 35/00

Abstract:

An aerodynamic drag reduction system includes a side panel configured to be coupled to a rear swing door to extend generally vertically at least partially along a height of a trailer and a top panel configured to be coupled to the rear swing door to extend generally horizontally at least partially along a width of the trailer. The drag system includes a cable system configured to connect the side and top panels to prevent upward movement of the top panel beyond its generally horizontal position. The cable system includes a first cable with a first end coupled to an inner surface of the side panel, and a second cable and a third cable each with a first end coupled to a bottom surface of the top panel. A second end of each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable is coupled together at a juncture.

US Patent:

20170129550, May 11, 2017

Filed:

Jan 13, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/406343

Inventors:

- Lafayette IN, US
Michael J. Courtney - Dayton IN, US
James Andrew Sweet - Lafayette IN, US
Brian N. Haan - Lafayette IN, US

International Classification:

B62D 35/00

Abstract:

An aerodynamic rear drag reduction system of the present disclosure is configured to be coupled to a rear frame assembly of a trailer including a rear frame and a rear swing door. The drag reduction system includes a top panel configured to be coupled to the rear swing door of the trailer and a hinge configured to couple the top panel to the rear swing door. The hinge includes a planar bracket configured to be coupled to the rear swing door, an L-shaped bracket configured to be coupled to the top panel, and a hinge joint configured to couple together the planar bracket and the L-shaped bracket. The hinge joint is configured to rotate about a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to a top edge of the rear frame of the trailer when the top panel is coupled to the rear swing door.

US Patent:

20170057563, Mar 2, 2017

Filed:

Aug 31, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/252377

Inventors:

- Lafayette IN, US
Brian N. Haan - Lafayette IN, US
James A. Sweet - Lafayette IN, US
Michael J. Courtney - Dayton IN, US

International Classification:

B62D 35/00
B62D 35/02

Abstract:

A trailer with an aerodynamic skirt system for reducing drag is disclosed. The aerodynamic skirt system may include a landing gear skirt with an aperture positioned to receive a landing gear crank handle. The aerodynamic skirt system extends down from the sides of the trailer.

US Patent:

20160339969, Nov 24, 2016

Filed:

May 23, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/161583

Inventors:

- Lafayette IN, US
Brian Haan - Lafayette IN, US
James A. Sweet - Lafayette IN, US
Michael J. Courtney - Dayton IN, US

International Classification:

B62D 35/00

Abstract:

A nose gap reducer for reducing drag on a vehicle is disclosed. The nose gap reducer may be coupled to a vehicle such as a trailer of a semi-trailer truck for example. The trailer may be positioned between a tractor unit or between another trailer.

US Patent:

20160318559, Nov 3, 2016

Filed:

Apr 28, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/141409

Inventors:

- LAFAYETTE IN, US
Brian N. Haan - Lafayette IN, US
Michael J. Courtney - Dayton IN, US
James Andrew Sweet - Lafayette IN, US

International Classification:

B62D 35/00

Abstract:

An aerodynamic rear drag reduction system of the present disclosure is configured to be coupled to a rear frame assembly of a trailer including a rear frame and a rear swing door. The drag reduction system includes a side panel configured to be coupled to the rear swing door to extend generally vertically at least partially along a height of the trailer; and a folding mechanism coupled to the side panel. The folding mechanism moves the side panel between (i) a fully-deployed position wherein the side panel is configured to extend generally rearwardly away from the rear end of the trailer and (ii) a fully-stowed position wherein an inner surface of at least a portion of the side panel is configured to lie generally adjacent the rear swing door. The folding mechanism is configured to be coupled to a door locking mechanism of the trailer for movement therefrom.