Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus

A drag reducing device for use in reducing drag on vehicles, the drag reducing device comprising:

• a drag reducing assembly that is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the drag reducing assembly including a first end adapted for connection to the vehicle and a second end that is moved outwardly from the first end when the drag reducing assembly is moved from the retracted configuration toward the extended configuration;
• the drag reducing assembly at least partially defining an extended volume when the drag reducing assembly is in the extended configuration, the extended volume tapering inwardly as the drag reducing assembly extends in a direction from the first end to the second end of the drag reducing assembly;
• the drag reducing assembly including at least a first panel rotatably connected to the vehicle at a first fold-line and a second panel rotatably connected to the vehicle at a second fold-line, the first panel defining a first side and the second panel defining a second side of the drag reducing assembly;
• and
• the drag reducing assembly further including at least a third panel rotatably connected to the first panel at a third fold-line and connected to the second panel at a fourth fold-line;
• wherein the first, the second, the third, and the fourth fold-lines are relatively positioned to define a fold-line arrangement, the fold-line arrangement being configured to enable the first, the second, and the third panels of the drag reducing assembly to be folded and unfolded in a coordinated manner such that the drag reducing assembly can be extended and retracted as a unit.