Abstract: An illustrative example drum brake device includes a drum having an inner, braking surface. At least one brake shoe includes a friction lining and a support structure for the friction lining. The support structure includes a window having a first portion that is wider than a second portion. A shoe mount is configured to be received through the first portion of the window and engage the support structure adjacent the second portion of the window in a manner that resists movement of the brake shoe in two dimensions and allows selective movement of the brake shoe in a third dimension for allowing the friction lining to selectively engage the braking surface.

Abstract: Method of assembling a drum brake device includes positioning a portion of a brake shoe (22) support structure (40, 42) near an opening of a brake actuating cylinder (80); manipulating the support structure (40, 42) so that a window (44) of the support structure (40, 42) is received over a portion of a shoe mount (50); moving the support structure (40, 42) relative to the shoe mount (50) so that the portion of the support structure (40, 42) is received into the brake actuating cylinder (80) and the support structure (40, 42) is engaged by the shoe mount (50) in a manner that the shoe mount (50) restricts movement of the brake shoe (22) in two dimensions and allows selective movement in a third dimension; and securing the brake shoe (22) in an installed position by placing the drum (26) over the brake shoe (22) with the braking surface facing the friction lining.

Abstract: A connector piece useful for joining two beam members preferably includes a generally triangular arrangement of load bearing members. The connector piece is especially useful in joining beam members of a vehicle space frame. The connector piece includes a set of tab members extending generally away from the load bearing members. The tab members are inserted into channels formed on the beam members. The beam members are then joined to the connector piece, preferably, by spot welding through each sidewall of the channels and the tabs, respectively. A longitudinal component of a load incident on one of the beam members is transferred along at least one of the load bearing members to assist in avoiding deformation of the beam.

Abstract: A spaceframe for a vehicle body includes distinct passenger compartment, front and rear suspension modules. Each module is completely assembled individually and later connected to the other modules to complete the frame, which renders the assembly process much more efficient. The passenger compartment module essentially consists of two longitudinal side rails. The front and rear suspension modules combine with the side rails to form generally rectangular compartments at the front and rear of the frame. The generally rectangular compartments provide the primary lateral and torsional stability to the entire frame. Energy absorbing modules preferably are provided at the front and rear ends of the frame.