Variable aerodynamic device

Abstract

A variable aerodynamic device for a vehicle, comprising: a wing element ( 1 ) having a front and a rear; a frame or body ( 2 ) for mounting to a vehicle; a linear actuator ( 4, 5 ) mounted between the body ( 2 ) and a first mounting point or first location ( 8 ) on the wing element for moving the rear of the wing element between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the body; and a guide strut or linkage ( 9 ) mounted between the body and the wing element, the linkage being pivotally coupled to the wing element at a second mounting point or second location ( 10 ) forwards of the first location ( 8 ); the linkage being configured such that when the rear of the wing element is moved by the linear actuator between the raised position and the lowered position, the second location moves rearwardly relative to the body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A variable aerodynamic device capable of acting as an air brake for a vehicle, comprising a wing element being rotatable about a lateral axis between a stowed position and a braking position and the wing element comprising a high-level stop light. 
     
     
         2 . A variable aerodynamic device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the high-level stop light comprises a light source and a wide-angle lens for dispersing light from the light source so that it can shine rearwardly throughout the rotational range of the wing element. 
     
     
         3 . A variable aerodynamic device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the wherein the wide-angle lens spreads light from the lighting element through an arc such that light from the element can be seen from behind the vehicle irrespective of the angular position of the wing. 
     
     
         4 . A variable aerodynamic device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the light source comprises a bulb. 
     
     
         5 . A variable aerodynamic device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the lighting source comprises an LED. 
     
     
         6 . A variable aerodynamic device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the lighting source comprises a row of LEDs. 
     
     
         7 . A variable aerodynamic device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the row of LEDs extends horizontally along the interior of the wing. 
     
     
         8 . A vehicle comprising:
 a vehicle body; and   a variable aerodynamic device as claimed in  claim 1  mounted to the vehicle body.