BACKGROUND The popularity of pickup trucks, especially the new miniature pickup trunks, continues to increase across the nation. Traditionally, pickup trucks were used in construction and other work activities. Given the cost efficiency, versatility, practicality, and utility of the pickup truck, it has become the vehicle of choice for many individuals for both work related and recreational activities.

However, given all the positive attributes of pickup trucks, a major drawback of pickup trucks is fuel inefficiency. The fuel inefficiency is due to the inherent design of trucks. They are, traditionally, high profile vehicles with various blunt surfaces and design features that are aerodynamically inefficient such as a truck bed. The truck bed is not aerodynamic, especially when the tailgate is closed in its upright position. When the tailgate is in the upright position, it creates a wall at the rear of the truck, over which the air must travel when the vehicle is in motion. Air hitting the tailgate creates air resistance which is commonly referred to as aerodynamic drag.

Aerodynamic drag is the result of the inability of air to flow smoothly around an object such as an upright tailgate at the rear of a truck. Once air hits an blunt object like a tailgate, airflow is disturbed which creates turbulent airflow. Turbulent airflow is air is moving with parallel and other velocity vectors. The resulting air movement is not well organized and has undesirable properties.

For instance, when an object produces turbulent airflow, more energy is required to push it forward. The increase in energy is the result of the object, such as a truck, trying to overcome aerodynamic drag. Energy consumption is drastically increased as the velocity of the truck increases. Thus, at highway speeds, trucks are very fuel inefficient because they have to overcome the aerodynamic drag of the truck bed.

Various attempts have been made to alleviate the aerodynamic deficiencies of the truck bed. For instance, truck owners leave the tailgate open or remove the tailgate. While leaving the tailgate open may alleviate drag associated with the tailgate in the closed position, the open tailgate may cause an increase in lift may create vehicle instability at high speeds.

Furthermore, if the tailgate is left open, its appearance may be marred by rocks and road debris.

Additionally, smaller items cannot be stored in the truck bed since the items may either slide around the truck bed, which may damage the items, or they may fall out of the truck bed when the vehicle is in motion.

Other attempts at improving the aerodynamics of the truck bed include replacing the tailgate with a mesh-type netting. The mesh-type netting allows the air to flow through the rear of the truck which alleviates aerodynamic drag. A drawback to the mesh-type netting is the tailgate must be removed from the truck and stored. Furthermore, smaller items may still slide around in the truck bed or fall out of the truck when the vehicle is in motion since the netting contains holes that allow air to pass through to reduce air resistance. Additionally, smaller items cannot be securely stored, and the items are exposed to the elements. Also, from an aesthetic standpoint, the mesh-type netting may not be visually appealing to truck owners.

Another drawback of conventional truck bed design is the lack of storage space to hold smaller items, such as groceries and work tools. Normally, these items may be strewn about the bed when the truck is in motion. Furthermore, smaller items may be damaged while exposed to the elements such as rain, hail, sleet, or snow. Traditionally, a storage box is placed in the truck bed adjacent to the truck cab. Although the storage box placed behind the truck

cab solves the storage problem, they are difficult to access. An individual had to reach over the side of the truck to open the box or climb into the truck bed to gain access to the storage box. Furthermore, the traditional storage box does not alleviate the aerodynamic deficiencies of the truck bed. Air still hits the tailgate of the truck creating aerodynamic drag.

An alternate solution was placing a storage box adjacent to the tailgate. Traditionally, the storage box was triangularly-shaped with the hypotenuse extending from the top of the tailgate to a position on the floor of the truck bed. Although it may seem that a canted surface would reduce air resistance, the inventors of the present invention found that the canted surface still created turbulent airflow. Furthermore, another drawback to this design is that the effective length of the truck bed is reduced since the box is placed at the end of the bed adjacent to the tailgate.

Therefore, a feature of the present invention is to provide an aerodynamic aid for truck beds that minimizes turbulent airflow and encourages laminar airflow.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide an aerodynamic aid that can also be adapted to store both small items and long items.

Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide an aerodynamic container that promotes laminar flow of air over the tailgate.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide an aerodynamic container that can be adapted to store both small items and long items.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION These and other features are achieved by the aerodynamic aid of the present invention which, in accordance with a broad structural aspect of the invention, includes a laminar flow device. This device directs air to smoothly accelerate to laminar flow over the tailgate of a truck. In addition, the laminar flow device defines a space that may be used as a storage space.

This space may be further defined by coupling the laminar flow device to side panels, and a

floor panel to form a secure aerodynamic container. The box is aerodynamic in design and reduces the aerodynamic drag of a truck bed.

Unlike the prior art aerodynamic containers, the. aerodynamic container of the present invention also provides a means for utilizing the whole truck bed. In order to optimize storage flexibility, a pass-through opening at the leading edge of the aerodynamic container allows longer items to placed in the box and extend into the truck bed. This pass-through opening allows a truck owner to haul long items without removing the aerodynamic container. Thus, the truck's utility is not diminished, and fuel efficiency is improved.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the laminar flow device.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the aerodynamic container.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the aerodynamic container.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the aerodynamic container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The aerodynamic aid of the present invention is designed to promote laminar flow of air over the tailgate of a truck. In particular, a laminar flow device causes air to smoothly accelerate over the tailgate of the truck. The shape of the laminar flow device promotes laminar airflow. Additionally, the laminar flow device defines a space that may be utilized to store small items. This space may be further defined by coupling the laminar flow device to side walls and a floor panel to form an aerodynamic container.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates a laminar flow device of the present invention, generally indicated by reference 10. The laminar flow device 10 has a leading edge 12 and a trailing edge 14. The laminar flow device can be made from materials

such as metal, wood, plastic, or other materials that can resist deformation. The laminar flow device 10 may be coupled to the truck bed by means of bolts, screws, or other fastening device known by those skilled in the art. When the laminar flow device is installed in the truck bed, the trailing edge 14 of the laminar flow device is positioned so that air flows smoothly over the tailgate of the truck. Additionally, the trailing edge 14 is approximately the same height as the tailgate of the truck. The leading edge 12 is adjacent to the floor of the truck bed. The leading edge is 12 is lower in height as compared to the trailing edge 14 as shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, the laminar flow device 10 is approximately S-shaped. As such, the laminar flow device 10 is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the present invention to that specific shape. The laminar flow device may be shaped in other forms that would promote laminar airflow over the tailgate of a truck.

Additionally, a variety of aerodynamic aids may be added to the laminar flow device 10 to further enhance the aerodynamics of the device. For example, vertical vanes may be added to the surface of the laminar flow device which would redirect air that flows around the sides of the truck. Other aerodynamic aids such as wings or airfoils may be added to the laminar flow device to achieve different aerodynamic properties. It is contemplated that these and other aerodynamic aids may be added to the laminar flow device.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the overall dimensions of the laminar flow device 10 are determined by dimensions of the truck bed. As such, the laminar flow device 10 shown in Fig. 1 is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the present invention to specific relative dimensions. However, it is anticipated as being within the scope of the present invention to produce a laminar flow device ranging in length from approximately 20 inches to 24 inches, height ranging from approximately 15 inches to 19 inches, depth ranging from 21 inches to 31 inches, and width ranging from approximately 48 inches to 60 inches. Though these dimensions are exemplary only, larger or smaller size laminar flow devices are within the scope of the present invention and it is believed that these exemplary dimensions are suitable

for most currently know truck beds that would utilize aerodynamic containers as such as those of the present invention.

In an alternate embodiment, the laminar flow device 10 may be provided with a pass- through opening located near the leading edge 12. The pass-through opening allows long objects to pass through the laminar flow device 10 and extend into the truck bed. The pass- through opening may be covered with a pass-through door. The pass-through door may be pivotally coupled to the laminar flow device by means of a hinge, a piano-type hinge, injection molded hinge, or by other pivoting means known by those skilled in the art.

Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The laminar flow device 10 is coupled to side panels 16 and a floor panel 18 to form an aerodynamic container 20.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the aerodynamic container 20 of the present invention. The aerodynamic container 20 may be formed from plywood, metal, plastic, or other like materials that will resist deformation. The aerodynamic container 20 has a leading edge 22 and a trailing edge 24, wherein the trailing edge 24 is taller in height as compared to the leading edge 22 of the aerodynamic container.

The aerodynamic container 20 is placed in a position at the rear of the truck bed so that the trailing edge 24 of the aerodynamic container is substantially adjacent to the tailgate.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the overall dimensions of the aerodynamic container 20 are determined by dimensions of the truck bed that the aerodynamic container will be installed in. As such, the aerodynamic container shown in Fig. 2 is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the present invention to specific relative dimensions. However, it is anticipated as being within the scope of the present invention to produce a aerodynamic container ranging in length from approximately 20 inches to 24 inches, height ranging from approximately 15 inches to 19 inches, depth ranging from 21 inches to 31 inches, and width ranging from approximately 48 inches to 60 inches. Though these dimensions are exemplary only, larger or smaller size aerodynamic containers are within the scope of the present

invention and it is believed that these exemplary dimensions are suitable for most currently know truck beds that would utilize aerodynamic containers as such as those of the present invention.

The aerodynamic container 20 can be secured within the truck bed by providing holes in the floor panel 18 of the aerodynamic container. The aerodynamic container 20 is then coupled to the floor of the truck bed by means of bolts, screws, or by other fastening means known by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the side panels 16 may be provided with holes that would allow the aerodynamic container 20 to be secured within the truck bed by strapping, tying or latching the aerodynamic container 20 to the side walls of the truck bed. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, various combinations of the aforementioned securing means may by used to secure the aerodynamic container within the truck bed.

As shown in Fig. 2, the aerodynamic container 20 is provided with a laminar flow device 10. The laminar flow device 10 has a leading edge 12 and a trailing edge 14. When the aerodynamic container 20 is installed in the truck bed, the trailing edge 14 of the laminar flow device is substantially adjacent to the tailgate of the truck. Additionally, the trailing edge 14 is approximately the same height as a closed tailgate. The trailing edge 14 of the laminar flow device is lower in height as compared to the leading edge 12 as shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, the laminar flow panel 10 is approximately S-shaped. As such, laminar flow panel 10 shown in Fig. 2 is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the present invention to that specific shape. The laminar flow device 10 may be shaped in other forms that would promote air to accelerate to laminar airflow over the tailgate of the truck. The laminar flow device 10 is coupled to side panels 16. The side panels 16 may be welded, tacked, glued to the laminar flow device 10. The aerodynamic container 20 comprising the side panels 16 and the floor panel 18 may be composite molded to form an unitary piece. A door 26 for the aerodynamic container 20 may be pivotally coupled to the floor panel 18. The door 26 may be attached to the floor panel 18 by means of a hinge, a piano hinge, injected molded hinge, and by other

pivoting mechanisms. When the door 26 is closed, the door 26 may be recessed within the aerodynamic container or flush with the outer edges of the storage bin. Alternatively, the opening of the storage bin may be secured by closing the tailgate of the truck.

When the door 26 is closed in the upright position, it may be locked. In one embodiment, at least one lock is placed along the top edge of the door panel 26 and the accompanying latch is positioned on the trailing edge 14 of the laminar flow panel.

Alternatively, a single lock may be used that would be centered on the top edge of the door panel 26 and the accompanying latch would be centered on the trailing edge 14 of the laminar flow panel. In another embodiment, the door may be locked by means of a recessed finger grip handle with two rods affixed to the inner part of the grip handle. The rods are secured to the handle with C-clips and pins. The rods extend in opposite directions and span across the door panel 26. The rods are held in a horizontal position by brackets that are mounted on the inside of the door panel 26. When the recessed finger grip handle is twisted, the rods slide horizontally and engage the inside portion of the side panels. As those skilled in the prior art will appreciate, various combinations of the aforementioned locking mechanisms may be employed to secure the aerodynamic container 20.

Fig. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment further incorporates a pass-through opening, generally indicated by reference 28. The pass- through opening is located 28 at the leading edge 22 of the aerodynamic container. The pass- through opening 28 may be exposed or covered by means of a pass-through door 30. When the pass-through door 30 is opened, the pass-through opening 28 is exposed which allows longer items to be placed in the aerodynamic container and extend into the truck bed. As shown in Fig. 3, the pass-through door 30 is pivotally coupled to the leading edge of the laminar flow device 10 by means of a hinge, a piano-type hinge, injected molded hinge, and by other pivoting mechanisms known by those skilled in the art. The coupling of the pass-through door 30 to the leading edge of the laminar flow device, as shown in Fig. 2, is exemplary only

and is not intended to limit the present invention For example, the pass-through door 30 may be attached to the floor panel 18 by means of a hinge, a piano-type hinge, injected molded hinge, and by other pivoting mechanisms known by those skilled in the art.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates an universal aerodynamic container 32. The universal aerodynamic container may be either expanded or contracted to fit different sized truck beds. The universal aerodynamic container 32 is an amalgamation of two aerodynamic containers that can slide relative to each other so that the overall width of the universal aerodynamic container 32 is variable. Each half of the universal aerodynamic container 32 consists of a laminar flow device 10, a side panel 16, a floor panel 18, and a door panel 26. The laminar flow device 10 is coupled to a side panel 16, and the side panel is coupled to the floor panel 18. The door 26 is pivotally coupled to the floor panel 18. One half of the universal aerodynamic container is slightly smaller than the other half of aerodynamic container that allows the small half to slide inside the bigger half.

The two halves combined form an universal aerodynamic container 32. The halves are moveable relative to one another to adjust for the width of the truck bed.

The universal aerodynamic container 32 may be installed within a truck bed by providing the side walls with holes and then strapping, tying, or latching the side panels 16 of the container to the side walls of the truck bed or to utility hooks attached to the truck bed.

The door 26 or each half of the universal aerodynamic container may be locked. Each door 26 may have a lock placed along the top edge and the accompanying latch is positioned along the trailing edge of the laminar flow panel. Alternatively, the lock may be placed on the trailing edge of the laminar flow panel and the accompanying latch is positioned on the door.

It is contemplated that various locking mechanisms may be used to lock the universal aerodynamic container.

In another embodiment of the universal aerodynamic container 32, the container 32 may have a pass-through opening 28. The pass-through opening 28 is located at the leading

edge of the universal aerodynamic container. The pass-through opening may be exposed or covered by means of pass-through doors 30. When the pass-through doors 30 are opened, it exposes the pass-through opening 28 which allows longer items to be placed in the aerodynamic container and extend into the truck bed. As shown in Fig. 4, the pass-through doors 30 is pivotally coupled to the leading edge of the laminar flow device by means of a hinge, a piano-type hinge, injected molded hinge, and by other pivoting mechanisms known by those skilled in the art. The coupling of the pass-through door to the leading edge of the laminar flow surface, as shown in Fig. 4, is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, the pass-through door 30 may be attached to the floor panel by means of a hinge, a piano-type hinge, injected molded hinge, and by other pivoting mechanisms known by those skilled in the art.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the invention. Other modification may be employed with are within the scope of the invention ; thus, by way of example but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the laminar flow device may be utilized to cause air to smoothly accelerate to laminar flow. Additionally, alternative configurations of the laminar flow device may be used to form an aerodynamic container. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described in the present specification.