Aerodynamic and protective vehicle panel assembly and method of constructing same

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to aerodynamic and protective devices for land vehicles. More particularly, the invention is related to a structural panel assembly with a surface macrostructure for reducing aerodynamic drag and improved protection of damage-prone regions of the vehicle, such as the underbody.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002Various types of aerodynamic panels have been devised for reducing vehicle drag, including panels which are generally positioned on the underside of the vehicle. Newly manufactured high performance vehicles, for example, commonly use cowlings or panels manufactured from a unitary sheet to reduce the air drag under a vehicle. These same panels cannot be easily modified, however, to fit older vehicles. Moreover, these panels may encounter rocks or other objects when the vehicle is driving at a high rate of speed, and the panels frequently crack or tear, so that new panels are required.

0003Various types of aerodynamic surfaces have also been devised for reducing drag in turbulent flow. U.S. Pat. No. 7,041,363 discloses a microstructured surface in a solid body to reduce frictional or flow resistance when a gas or liquid flows over the object. The surface geometry of an object, i.e. the dimples on a golf ball, can influence the fluid dynamics for the object in relative motion to a fluid. Rough surfaces known in the art can improve turbulent airflow by affecting the boundary layer flow, or flow structures like large eddies and vortices. The aerodynamic benefits of integral rough surfaces are compromised however by the added manufacturing costs of machining patterns such as wavelets and diamonds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,099.

0004While the benefits of aerodynamic panels on the undersides of vehicles has been thoroughly demonstrated to reduce drag and improve gas mileage, a low percentage of vehicles presently use such panels in an effective manner. As indicated previously, the panels currently installed on high performance vehicles cannot be easily modified or adapted to other vehicles. The need thus exists for a low-cost aerodynamic panel which has broad utility and may be added to existing vehicles.

0005The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present invention, an improved aerodynamic panel assembly and method are hereinafter disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0006An aerodynamic and protective panel assembly is provided for a land vehicle comprising of a plurality of overlapping slats forming a non-smooth woven surface macrostructure exposed to a fluid, such as air, having relative motion to the vehicle or device. The aerodynamic protection device includes overlapping slats each extending across the width of one or more slats, whereby slats are preferably arranged in a pattern configuration with each slat having a substantially rectangular profile. Additional types and variations of slats discussed herein provide further functionality and benefits.

0007Also provided is an improved method for constructing similar panel assemblies or components thereof in order to achieve, for example, additional aerodynamic or protective benefits, such as controlling the fluid flow or improving mechanical properties. The construction method described herein is an improved construction method for aerodynamic and protective devices for land vehicles whereby a plurality of slats are overlapped and assembled to form a more aerodynamic or durable device.

0008Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, wherein reference is made to the figures in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0009<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a right elevation view of a tractor-trailer road vehicle showing the front of the panel assembly mounted to the lower side of the vehicle.

0010<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a pictorial view of the mounted panel assembly shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0011<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a front view of the panel assembly shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a pictorial view of the exterior side of the shaped panel assembly shown mounted to the underbody of a road vehicle.

0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a pictorial view of the interior side of the shaped panel assembly shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a pictorial view of a standard slat.

0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a side view of a standard (pre-woven) slat.

0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side view of the standard slat shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a top view of the standard slat shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a pictorial view of a standard panel assembly with a plurality of interwoven <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> slats.

0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a top view of a cutout featured slat.

0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a top view a cutout panel assembly with a plurality of interwoven <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> slats.

0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a pictorial view of a standard formed slat.

0022<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a pictorial view of a ribbed and channeled formed slat.

0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a pictorial view of a multi-bend formed slat.

0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a pictorial view of a ducted formed slat.

0025<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a pictorial view of a twist-bend formed slat.

0026<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a pictorial view of a chamfered or angle-cut machined slat.

0027<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a pictorial view of an outer cutout machined slat.

0028<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a pictorial view of a curved machined slat.

0029<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a pictorial view of an inner cutout machined slat.

0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a pictorial view of a microsurface machined slat.

0031<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a pictorial view of auxiliary hinge feature pivotably connecting two standard panel assemblies.

0032<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a pictorial view of an auxiliary deflector handle feature fastened to a standard slat.

0033<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a pictorial view of a slideable panel assembly.

0034<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a section view of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> panel assembly in mounting configuration <b>1</b>.

0035<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a section view of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> panel assembly in mounting configuration <b>2</b>.

0036<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a section view of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> panel assembly in mounting configuration <b>3</b>.

0037<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a section view of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> panel assembly in mounting configuration <b>4</b>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0038Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a woven panel assembly <b>6</b> for the underbody of a tractor-trailer road vehicle is shown. The panel <b>6</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is mounted to the lower sides of the trailer <b>2</b> between the trailer rear axles <b>8</b> and landing gear <b>14</b>. The panel <b>6</b> may alternatively extend forward beyond the landing gear <b>14</b> to the tractor wheels <b>12</b>.

0039The panel assembly <b>6</b> comprises a plurality of vertical slats <b>22</b> and interwoven horizontal slats <b>24</b>. Three mounting slats <b>10</b> are interwoven into panel assembly <b>6</b> similar to vertical slats <b>22</b>. Mounting slats <b>10</b> may be reinforced, along with the top slat and the bottom slat, to provide more rigidity to the panel. Reinforcing slats may be formed, for example, from metal, while the remaining slats may be formed from plastic.

0040<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a pictorial view of the panel <b>6</b> from beneath the trailer <b>2</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and more clearly depicts the mounting slats <b>10</b> secured to the angled mounting brackets <b>20</b> and trailer frame beams <b>16</b>. Referring now to the woven end of mounting slats <b>10</b>, this end of the slat <b>10</b> is secured to angled mounting brackets <b>20</b> with fasteners <b>18</b>. Mounting brackets <b>20</b> in turn are secured to frame beams <b>16</b> with fasteners <b>18</b>, as shown. The non-woven ends of mounting slats <b>10</b> are secured to frame beams <b>16</b> with fasteners <b>18</b>. For this embodiment, mounting slats <b>10</b> are preferably bent inward and secured to the frame beams <b>16</b> a distance from brackets <b>20</b> to provide a balance of rigidity and flexibility to the panel assembly <b>6</b>. Although conventional fasteners <b>18</b> are shown in this embodiment to secure mounting slats <b>10</b> to frame beams <b>16</b>, various mounting mechanisms or auxiliary brackets are known in the art and may be suitable alternatives for securing the mounting slats to frame beams.

0041<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a front view of the panel assembly shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and illustrates more clearly the panel assembly <b>6</b> with vertical slats <b>22</b> and interwoven horizontal slats <b>24</b>. Openings <b>25</b> are inherent to the panel assembly <b>6</b> since vertical slats <b>22</b> do not directly contact other vertical slats and horizontal slats <b>24</b> do not directly contact other horizontal slats <b>24</b>. If slats are instead woven tightly such that slats <b>22</b> and slats <b>24</b> are in direct side-to-side contact with each other, it is possible that no openings <b>25</b> will be formed, or that any spacing between slats will be negligible.

0042<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a pictorial view of the exterior of another panel assembly <b>26</b> in a partially woven configuration shown mounted to a road vehicle underbody <b>38</b>. The lower side of the road vehicle body <b>28</b> may contact the shaped panel <b>26</b> as shown in the figure, or the vehicle body <b>28</b> may serve as a mounting location for the panel <b>26</b> using sheet metal screws. The exhaust assembly <b>30</b>, rear axle assembly <b>32</b>, and rear tire <b>34</b> are shown to the right and behind the panel <b>26</b>. The chassis opening <b>36</b> receives both the overlapping slats <b>40</b>A and <b>40</b>D. Slats <b>40</b>A, <b>40</b>D, and <b>40</b>G may have substantial bending and curvature, and also may function as mounting slats.

0043<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a pictorial view of the interior side of the shaped panel assembly <b>26</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> which more clearly illustrates the slats <b>40</b> and holes for mounting the assembly <b>26</b> to the vehicle underbody <b>38</b>. Each slat <b>40</b> is fastened to other overlapping slats <b>40</b> with fasteners <b>18</b>. Each slat <b>40</b>B, <b>40</b>C, <b>40</b>E, <b>40</b>F is secured to mounting slat <b>40</b>G and to either mounting slat <b>40</b>A or <b>40</b>D with fasteners <b>18</b>. Slats <b>40</b>B, <b>40</b>C, <b>40</b>E, and <b>40</b>F may be tapered, angled, bent, twisted, curved or more generally machined or formed as required to obtain the desired shape, aerodynamic characteristics, and structural properties of the device. The shaped panel assembly <b>26</b> with slats <b>40</b> has openings <b>25</b> between tightly woven slats and gap regions <b>44</b> between non-woven, loosely woven, or spaced slats. Slats <b>40</b>A and <b>40</b>D may also function as a single reinforcing slat because they are fastened together with fasteners <b>18</b> and have an effective thickness greater than other slats. Slats <b>40</b>A and <b>40</b>D have holes <b>46</b> for securing with auxiliary devices after receipt by chassis opening <b>36</b>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. A flat mounting bracket <b>48</b> is secured to mounting slat <b>40</b><i>g </i>with fastener <b>18</b> as shown in the lower left of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Mounting slat <b>40</b>G may also have formed bends <b>42</b> and extended length to mount to the vehicle underbody <b>38</b> with fastener <b>18</b> as shown in the upper right of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

0044In a variation of the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> embodiment, slats <b>40</b>B, <b>40</b>C, <b>40</b>E, and <b>40</b>F may be removed, and the width of the remaining slats increased and/or the spacing between the slats reduced so that slats <b>40</b>A, <b>40</b>B, and <b>40</b>G constitute all the slats of the panel assembly. Preferably one or more of these remaining slats, such as slat <b>40</b>G, extends beyond the panel assembly and may be used for mounting the panel assembly by inserting an end of the extended slat through an opening in the vehicle, then using a clip or other member to secure the extended slat and thus the panel assembly in place. Extended straps may thus be mounted to the vehicle as disclosed in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> discussed below.

0045In some applications, only one or two of the slats may be interwoven with other slats, and in other embodiments none of the slats are interwoven. The panel assembly may thus comprise of two or more generally parallel and adjoining first slats, and two or more generally parallel and adjoining second slats each perpendicular to the first slats.

0046As noted subsequently, not all slats need be interwoven, e.g., only one or two of the slats may be interwoven with other slats. Also, the exterior surface of each slat may be a micromachined or microformed surface, as disclosed in the prior art, to further reduce aerodynamic drag when air flows over the panel assembly. The entire panel may be aerodynamically configured to reduce aerodynamic drag.

0047<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a pictorial view of a standard slat. The shallow hills <b>50</b> and valleys <b>52</b> of the slat, as well as the woven bend <b>54</b> of the slat, are inherent to in woven configuration. The slat as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is not formed bent before it is woven, rather its bend is inherent when interwoven with other slats. The hills and valleys may be formed from bends, each perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the slat, or the bend may be canted, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>.

0048<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side view of the standard slat shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> which illustrates the thickness dimensions of the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> slat. T<b>1</b> corresponds to the material thickness dimension of the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> slat. T<b>2</b> corresponds to the woven thickness of the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> slat. The woven slat thickness is measured by the overall height of a single woven slat. The thickness of a slat T<b>1</b> is typically in the range of 1/64 inch to ½ inch. T<b>2</b> is typically 1.1 to 5 times the dimension of T<b>1</b> for standard slats.

0049<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a top view of the standard slat shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> with length L and width W dimensions defined. L corresponds to the overall length dimension of the slat as measured along the centroidal axis of the slat. W corresponds to the width dimension of the slat as measured across the greatest dimension of the hills <b>50</b> and valleys <b>52</b> of slats. Each slat preferably has a width which is at least twice the thickness of the slat, and in most cases the slats will have a width of at least ¼ inch.

0050<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a pictorial view of a standard panel assembly <b>56</b> which more clearly depicts the shallow hills <b>50</b> and valleys <b>52</b> of interwoven <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> slats. The hills <b>50</b> and selected valleys <b>52</b> are shown for the interwoven slats A-I.

0051<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a top view of a cutout slat which shows edge cutouts <b>58</b> in proximity to alternate bend regions <b>54</b>.

0052<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a top view of a cutout featured panel assembly <b>60</b> with four vertical <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> slats interwoven with four horizontal <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> slats. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> more clearly illustrates how slats may create new features and benefits in a woven assembly. In this embodiment, new assembly features created are cutout openings <b>62</b>, non-overlap regions <b>64</b>, and edge openings <b>66</b>. The advantages of the cutout openings <b>62</b> may include reduced stress concentrations of slats near the openings. Further benefits of openings <b>62</b> may include improved flexibility to the assembly and ventilation or through-flow of fluid between top and bottom regions of panel assembly <b>60</b>.

0053<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a pictorial view showing a standard formed slat with preformed bends <b>68</b>. In this embodiment, the similar hills <b>50</b> and valleys <b>52</b> of the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> slat are obtained before the slat is woven into an assembly through conventional preassembly bending or forming methods which may include line bending, vacuum forming, drape forming, or other thermoforming and forging construction methods. Alternatively, the slats may be at least partially interwoven then heated to form the respective hills and valleys.

0054<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a pictorial view of a ribbed and channeled formed slat with formed ribs <b>70</b> and formed channel <b>72</b>. Ribs <b>70</b> and channels <b>72</b> may be formed into slats using conventional forming means and generally in any number, shape, and direction required to achieve desired structural or aerodynamic benefits, such as improved slat rigidity and therefore panel assembly rigidity, and also for example aerodynamic drag reduction since channels or ribs may direct or deflect fluid flow for reduced drag.

0055<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a pictorial view of a multi-bend formed slat with formed bends <b>68</b> creating an outermost face <b>74</b>. The bends <b>68</b> and outermost face <b>74</b> may effectively form an integrated hinge or pivot whereby unconstrained bending axis or axes parallel to the bends <b>68</b> may permit either end of the slat and therefore the assembly to fold about the bending axis. Additional benefits of the bends <b>68</b> and outermost face <b>74</b> may include protection or impact absorption similar to an underbody skid plate or vehicle bumper since the face <b>74</b> of the slat may extend closer to the ground or to the front of the vehicle than other parts of the assembly, and therefore is more likely to contact the ground or foreign objects before or instead of the other assembly parts. The multi-bend formed slat may also have aerodynamic advantages if the fluid flow is properly directed or deflected by the bent slat for drag reduction or improved cooling.

0056<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a pictorial view of a ducted formed slat with formed bends <b>68</b> and molded ducts <b>76</b>. Ducts <b>76</b> as shown create an aerodynamic fluid flow passage which may permit through-flow or ventilation between the top and bottom regions of a slat or panel assembly. Through-flow or ventilation aerodynamic advantages achieved through ducts may differ from advantages through cutout openings <b>62</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, since the general flow direction and momentum, which is assumed to be substantially parallel to the width dimension W in this case, is preserved rather than disturbed. The ducts <b>76</b> direct air flow through or past the panel assembly. Additional aerodynamic advantages of ducts <b>76</b> may include increased flow attachment or flow separation as desired.

0057<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a pictorial view of a twist-bend formed slat with twist edges <b>78</b> and twist opening <b>80</b>. Twist edges <b>78</b> are similar to the longitudinal edges of a standard slat but their incremental angle at any location along the edge changes with respect to other edges. Twist openings <b>80</b> may be formed inherently with any twist-bend and may provide the aerodynamic advantages similar to vortex generators, deflectors, ducts, vents, or similar aerodynamic devices known in the art.

0058<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a pictorial view of a tapered machined slat showing tapered edges <b>82</b> on the slat at angle θ relative to the original lengthwise edge of the slat. The <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> slat may also be referred to as a chamfered or angle cut slat. The slat may be machined to have any number of tapered edges <b>82</b> at an angle θ relative to any edge of the slat. Tapered slats are used preferably for some slats in the shaped panel assembly <b>26</b> to obtain the desired shape. Chamfers and other angle cuts to slats may be preferable for example for inserting slats into chassis openings <b>36</b>, or to obtain a flush or less abrupt edge as desired, similar to the slats.

0059<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a pictorial view of an outer cutout machined slat shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> and discussed above.

0060<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a pictorial view of a curved machined slat having curved edges <b>88</b>. Curved machined slats may be preferable in shaped panel assembly <b>26</b> whereby the slats <b>40</b> may not require expensive forming operations if they can be machined to obtain the same effective curvature of the panel assembly <b>26</b>. Further, the curved slats may direct flow in an aerodynamically advantageous manner such as slat <b>40</b>D in front of the rear tire <b>34</b>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

0061<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a pictorial view of an inner cutout machined slat having inner cutouts <b>90</b> in cutout arrangement <b>92</b>. Inner cutouts <b>90</b> are shown with an elliptical shape but may be rectangular, circular, triangular, or of any other shape or pattern that can be cut into the slat. The inner cutout machined slat of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> may have any number of cutouts <b>90</b>. The slat as shown has nine inner cutouts <b>90</b> spaced approximately equally from each other to define the linear pattern cutout arrangement <b>92</b>. Cutouts may be arranged similar to arrangement <b>92</b>, or non-linearly. The benefits of inner cutouts <b>90</b> are similar to the benefits described for edge cutouts <b>58</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref> whereby ventilation or through-flow of fluids between the top and bottom regions of the slat or panel assembly is obtained.

0062<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a pictorial view of a slat with microsurface arrangement <b>96</b>. The arrangement <b>96</b> is composed of one or more machined microsurfaces <b>94</b> which divert a fluid in relative motion to the slat surface (in this case, a leftward motion of the slat through air). Surfaces <b>94</b> are preferably formed or machined into the surface but may also be of another material or object affixed to the surface. The <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> slat may be provided with surfaces <b>94</b> for aerodynamic benefit beyond directionality. A highly dimensional or turbulent flow may be affected by slat <b>21</b> with surfaces <b>94</b> arranged for drag reduction, improved flow control, improved flow attachment, improved flow separation, turbulence generation or reduction, or other aerodynamic benefits using microsurfaces and microsurface patterns known in the art.

0063<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a pictorial view of auxiliary hinge <b>98</b> pivotably connecting two standard panel assemblies <b>56</b> about hinge axis <b>100</b>. The hinge <b>98</b> is secured to panel assemblies <b>56</b> with fasteners <b>18</b>. One or both of the panel assemblies <b>56</b> may be pivoted about the axis <b>100</b> in order to quickly obtain access to regions of the underbody of a vehicle, or also for improved storage and maneuverability.

0064<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a pictorial view of an auxiliary deflector handle <b>102</b> fastened to a standard slat with fasteners <b>18</b>. The deflector handle <b>102</b> is not a slat but rather an auxiliary feature which can be attached with fasteners <b>18</b> to any slat in order to provide an aerodynamic deflector or other aerodynamic feature where the feature cannot be integrated into the slat. Further, the deflector handle <b>102</b> may have additional or other advantages such as to provide a handle for improved ease of transporting, mounting, or removing a panel assembly.

0065<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a pictorial view of a slideable panel assembly <b>104</b> with formed <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> slats having outermost faces <b>74</b>, with the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> slats receiving slideable slat <b>106</b> in slide direction <b>108</b>. Slideable slats <b>106</b> may connect two panel assemblies in a sliding configuration for improved accessibility to regions of the vehicle underbody, since panel assemblies can translate in at least one slide direction <b>108</b>. Further advantages of slideable slats may include reduced size for storage and transport as well as the slideable slat functioning as a reinforcing slat to strengthen the assembly <b>104</b>.

0066<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a section view of the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> panel assembly <b>6</b>A in one mounting configuration <b>1</b>. In this mounting configuration, mounting slat <b>10</b>A is not interwoven with horizontal slats <b>24</b> but instead is secured on one end to trailer frame beam <b>16</b> with fasteners <b>18</b> and secured on the opposite end to horizontal slat <b>24</b>B with fasteners <b>18</b>. Horizontal slat <b>24</b>B as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is thicker and wider than other <b>24</b> slats and therefore is also a reinforcing slat. Vertical slat <b>22</b> fastened to slat <b>24</b>B with fasteners <b>18</b>, and from there above is interwoven with horizontal slats <b>24</b>. Horizontal slat <b>24</b>A, the top slat, is thicker than other <b>24</b> slats and therefore is also a reinforcing slat. Slats <b>24</b>A and <b>22</b> are fastened to mounting bracket <b>20</b> with fasteners <b>18</b>. Mounting bracket <b>20</b> is secured to frame beam <b>16</b> with fasteners <b>18</b> to substantially support panel assembly <b>6</b>A.

0067<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a section view of the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> panel assembly <b>6</b>B in a second mounting configuration. This mounting configuration is similar to the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> mounting configuration except that mounting slat <b>10</b>B also performs the function of a vertical slat <b>22</b>. There are major advantages of integrating mounting slats and woven slats as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> in that the total parts, materials, and therefore cost of the device <b>6</b>B is reduced. Further differences between the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> configuration and the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> configuration include slat <b>24</b>D having a width greater than horizontal slats <b>24</b> and therefore slat <b>24</b>D also serving as a reinforcing slat. Still further differences between the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> configuration and the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> configuration include horizontal slat <b>24</b>C also functioning as a mounting slat with fasteners <b>18</b> securing the <b>24</b>C slat to frame beam <b>16</b>. Slat <b>24</b>C is thicker, bent similar to mounting bracket <b>20</b>, and is therefore a featured, reinforcing, and mounting slat.

0068<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a section view of the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> panel assembly <b>6</b>C in a third mounting configuration. The mounting configuration of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is similar to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> mounting configuration except that mounting slat <b>10</b>C is secured to frame beam <b>16</b> at both ends of the slat passing through a hole or aperture then secured a with fastener <b>18</b>. A further difference between the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> configuration and the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> configuration is that the device <b>6</b>C includes horizontal slat <b>24</b>E, the top slat, which is thinner in width but formed of a stronger material than horizontal slats <b>24</b> and is therefore also a reinforcing slat. With mounting slat <b>10</b>C now functioning as a mounting slat at both ends of the slat, cost reduction and ease of installation advantages may also be realized with fully integrated mounting slats.

0069<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a section view of the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> panel assembly <b>6</b>D in a fourth mounting configuration. This mounting configuration is similar to the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> mounting configuration except that mounting slat <b>10</b>D with holes not utilized by fasteners is received by slot or hole <b>36</b> in the chassis, shown as part of frame beam <b>16</b>, and secured from by a pin or clip style lock <b>110</b> which prevents the mounting slat from releasing slat <b>10</b>D while providing advantages such as improved mounting and removability of the assembly <b>6</b>D.

0070As disclosed herein, a first plurality of slats are interwoven with the second plurality of slats to achieve the desired configuration of the panel. Each slat in the first and second set of slats may be interwoven between the other set of slats, such that both the front and rear faces of the interwoven slat engage front and rear faces of the other slats. In other applications, only the slats from one set may be interwoven with a parallel set of slats which are not interwoven. Also, it is preferable for an interwoven first slat to rest on the front face of one of the second slats, then on the back face of the adjacent second slat, and then on the front face of the next adjacent second slat, etc. In other applications, one slat may span more than one intersecting slat. For example, a horizontal slat could pass over two vertical slats, then under two vertical slats, then over two vertical slats, etc. Also, a plurality of slats in a set of slats may be interwoven with another set of slats, but all slats in that set may not be interwoven.

0071Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein in some detail, this has been done solely for the purposes of explaining the various aspects of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims which follow. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment shown and described is exemplary, and various other substitutions, alterations and modifications, including but not limited to those design alternatives specifically discussed herein, may be made in the practice of the invention without departing from its scope.