Having Specific Motor-to-body-frame Relationship Patents (Class 180/291)
- With member or mechanism for controlling gearing or clutch, and means for minimizing transfer of movement, caused by operation of motor, to member or mechanism (Class 180/293)
- With means enabling repositioning of motor and gearing or clutch (Class 180/294)
- With wheeled auxiliary frame, resiliently joined to body frame, for supporting motor and gearing or clutch (Class 180/295)
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Publication number: 20110114410Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame (102) portion and a tandem wheel arrangement, which includes a main linkage (312) and a stabilizing linkage (322) that are pivotally connected to the frame (102) portion. A first mount (304) and a second mount (304) are pivotally connected to the main linkage (312) and to the stabilizing linkage (322), such that the main linkage (312), the stabilizing linkage (322), the first mount (304), and the second mount (304) define a four-bar-linkage arrangement (202) that operates to transfer unbalanced torque loads from the first mount (304) and the second mount (304) to the frame (102) portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Daniel Sergison, Norval P. Thomson, Steven A. Daniel, W. Christopher Swick
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Publication number: 20110108348Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2011Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Pride Mobility Products CorporationInventors: James P. Mulhern, Ronald Levi, Christopher E. Grymko
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Publication number: 20110094816Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a pair of right and left front wheels, at least a pair of right and left rear wheels, a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left first roof supports, a pair of right and left second roof supports, a pair of right and left roof members, a seat, a front panel, an engine unit, a pair of right and left head light units and a front carry bar. The vehicle body frame supports the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. The right and left first roof supports are provided at transversely lateral sides of the vehicle body frame. The right and left second roof supports are also provided at the transversely lateral sides of the vehicle body frame. The right/left roof member connects an upper portion of the right/left first roof support and an upper portion of the right/left second roof support. The right/left head light unit overlaps with a right/left hub of the right/left front wheel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuhiro SUZUKI, Takehiko ARAI, Kouji YAMAMOTO
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Publication number: 20110094813Abstract: In an all terrain vehicle, an engine unit is at least partially disposed under a seat. An exhaust pipe includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion is connected to a rear surface of the engine unit, and extends rearward therefrom. The second portion is connected to the first portion, and has a U-shaped configuration. The third portion is connected to the second portion, and extends forward therefrom. A muffler is connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler is arranged such that the first portion and the third portion at least partially overlap with an area located between two tangent lines of the muffler. The tangent lines of the muffler are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a tangent line shared by the first portion and the third portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuhiro SUZUKI, Hiroyuki FUJIMOTO, Hikaru MORIYA, Satoshi KUBOTA
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Publication number: 20110094817Abstract: A snowmobile has a structure that reduces and minimizes adverse affects of snow on a throttle motor. The snowmobile includes a snowmobile body including an engine room therein, an engine which is disposed inside the engine room, a throttle valve arranged to adjust intake air supplied to the engine, a throttle motor arranged to drive the throttle valve and disposed ahead of the engine, and an air box arranged to pass the intake air through toward the engine, disposed ahead of the engine and including a portion located ahead of the throttle motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tokinari NAGAO, Atsushi SAWABUCHI, Takashi ASHIDA, Manabu KAI
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Publication number: 20110083923Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes a tunnel portion provided in a floor and left and right side members. Each of the side members includes a front side member, an inner member, and an outer member. The inner and outer members branch off from the front side member in a direction toward the rear of the vehicle. The inner member extends toward the rear of the vehicle along the tunnel portion. The inner members of the left and right side members are connected together by a plurality of connecting portions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at least at a location corresponding to a front portion side of the tunnel portion. These connecting portions break when a front impact load is input to at least one of the side members.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
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Publication number: 20110073402Abstract: A hybrid construction machine includes an engine, a generator motor, and a hydraulic pump. They constitute a power unit, and are connected in series, with the generator motor being disposed between the engine and the hydraulic pump and with a center of gravity of the entire power unit being positioned closer to the generator motor than the center of gravity of the engine. A mount installation bracket is mounted at a side of each flange disposed at a corresponding side of the generator motor. A generator-motor-side mount device is mounted to the bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventors: Tetsunori MANABE, Takao Sugano
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Publication number: 20110073403Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey David Bennett, Benjamin J. Dieter, Nathan D. Dahl, John D. Schreier, Steve L. Nelson, Sean E. Sherrod, Scott E. McKinster, Alan S. Olson, Louis James Brady
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Publication number: 20110067942Abstract: Cooling apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided in which a power unit (9), in which an engine (10) and a generator (11) are arranged in the vehicle width direction between side members (2, 3) and a drive motor (12) and a differential apparatus (13) are arranged behind the generator one above the other, with an inverter (14) arranged to lie above the generator and said drive motor; and a first radiator (26) for cooling the engine and a second radiator (33) for a cooling circuit for electric motor apparatus essentially consisting of the generator, drive motor, and inverter are arranged in the vehicle width direction at the front of the engine compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Toshio Takei
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Patent number: 7882912Abstract: To provide an intake structure for a seat type vehicle which makes it possible to shorten the air intake path and to prevent the taken-in air from being heated with the heat of an engine. An intake structure for a seat type vehicle is provided in which an engine and a fuel tank are mounted side by side in the lateral direction of the vehicle under the occupant seats attached onto a frame. An air cleaner is arranged to the rear of the engine with an intake port for the air cleaner being provided under the occupant seats and above the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Nozaki, Takeshi Kobayashi, Masahiro Inoue, Katsumi Kanai
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Publication number: 20110017541Abstract: A small vehicle includes a chassis, a seat post supported on the chassis, a pivotal frame pivotally connected to the chassis, a rear cushion provided between the seat post and the pivotal frame, a motor provided on the pivotal frame, two rear wheels driven with the motor, an upper shell for covering most of the elements and a lower shell for covering only the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventor: Rong-Fang HE
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Publication number: 20110001329Abstract: A motor vehicle (2) has a roof (3) with two laterally spaced longitudinal roof members (4, 5) and side windows (9) under the longitudinal roof members (4, 5). Fins (4, 5) extend rearward from the longitudinal roof members (4, 5) and an outer skin (16) of a rear deck lid (17) is arranged between the fins (12, 13). Air inlet openings (20, 21) are formed on outer sides (14) of the fins (12, 13) adjacent the side windows (9). An air duct (23, 24) extends from the air inlet opening (20, 21) to an air outlet opening (25, 26) on the inner side (15) of the fin (12, 13). The outer skin (16) has at least one supply air inlet (28, 29) for an assembly of the motor vehicle (2) and a rear air deflection device (32) is arranged behind the supply air inlet (28, 29).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Grant Larson
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Publication number: 20100300795Abstract: A small-sized vehicle has an oil control valve for a hydraulically-actuated mechanism of an engine, and provides good cooling of the oil control valve. A small-sized vehicle includes a spool valve for adjusting a hydraulic pressure for a hydraulically-actuated mechanism of an engine. The spool valve is disposed sideways of a cylinder portion (cylinder head) such that an axis of the spool valve extends substantially in parallel with an axis of the cylinder portion. Further, the spool valve is disposed at a position that is rearward of a radiator and that falls within a vertical span of the radiator in a vehicle side view.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Ken Adachi, Masahiro Nakashima
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Patent number: 7819211Abstract: A motorcycle in which an engine is disposed between a front wheel and a rear wheel and an exhaust pipe for guiding exhaust gas emitted from the engine is extended forward relative to the engine, including an electric motor that is disposed behind a cylinder portion of the engine and is configured to apply a torque to a power transmission system including a crankshaft of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoji Fukami, Takeshi Nakajima
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Publication number: 20100243364Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle has an engine-fastening structure which stabilizes a seating face contact between a collar and a vehicle body frame on one side, and between the collar and an engine on the other side. The vehicle includes a vehicle body frame having an engine-supporting portion, and an engine block having a female threaded portion formed therein for alignment with the engine-supporting portion. The collar is interposed between the engine-supporting portion and the engine block. The engine-supporting portion of the frame, the collar and the engine side female threaded portion are fastened together by a bolt. A gap is provided at least at locations between the collar and the bolt which oppose a boundary between the collar and the engine-supporting portion, and another boundary between the collar and the engine side female threaded portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kanji HAYASHI, Masao AKIEDA, Katsumasa MUKAI, Yutaka NAKANISHI, Jun HARIU, Kenji MORITA, Osamu KIKUCHI, Takeshi KIMISHIMA, Kazuma MORIMITSU
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Publication number: 20100224433Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle, and arrangement of an electric part such as a controller for a saddle-ride type vehicle, can include a vehicle frame which has a left main frame and a right main frame which extend from a forward side to a rearward side of a vehicle body. An engine is supported on the vehicle frame, and a throttle body is disposed near the engine. An air cleaner is disposed adjacent throttle body, and a controller is provided, which is configured to control the engine. A support member supports at least a controller, with the support member being removably mounted relative to the vehicle body. The support member is separate from the throttle body and the air cleaner. The support member is typically disposed above the throttle body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tatsuya Shiokawa, Masatoshi Sato
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Patent number: 7779957Abstract: A framework of a vehicle provided with an engine mounted in an engine room and having a crank shaft, includes a subframe extending in the lateral direction of a space at the back of the engine. A steering gear box provided above the subframe extends in the lateral direction and an exhaust pipe that extends in the longitudinal direction crosses the gear box. A longitudinally extending recessed portion is formed on a top surface of the subframe so that the exhaust pipe provided under the steering gear box enters the recessed portion. Arch-shaped reinforcing members spanning over the exhaust pipe are provided on a top surface of the subframe at longitudinally spaced positions. The reinforcing member toward the front of the vehicle breaks when a physical impact is applied to the front of the vehicle before the reinforcing member disposed toward the rear of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Akitoshi Mitake
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Patent number: 7775311Abstract: A housing (10) is for containing an energy source (2), such as a fuel tank, battery or fuel cell, and other power system components of a vehicle having a seat (4). The housing includes a body (12), preferably a generally rectangular box, connectable with the vehicle and configured to support the seat. The body has an interior space sized to receive the energy source and the other power system components, such that the energy source and other components are supported by the body, including when the body is unconnected with the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Club Car, Inc.Inventors: David R. Hardy, Christopher D. Cosby, Duane E. Newman, Douglas T. Crow, Gary L. Lewis, Paul E. Morgan, Gerald C. Skelton, Michael L. Welsh
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Publication number: 20100193278Abstract: A power drive apparatus is easily attachable to a conventional wheelchair for converting it into a powered wheelchair. The only change to the conventional wheelchair is the addition of a pair of mounting studs clamped to the front of the wheelchair. The power drive apparatus has an adjustable frame to adapt it to a range of wheelchair configurations and includes a novel mount for the drive motor. A severe-off-road-use version is shown which includes a separate, inboard, non-road-contacting ring for maintaining good driving and braking performance under adverse environmental conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Royce H. Husted, Joel P. Husted
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Patent number: 7766113Abstract: A mount structure for an electric unit is a mount structure for a PCU mounted in an engine room of a hybrid vehicle. The mount structure includes a vehicle body, the PCU mounted in the engine room, an engine mounted on the vehicle body and spaced from PCU, a cable connected to the PCU and having a portion positioned between the PCU and the engine, and a wire-protecting portion positioned between the PCU and the engine and keeping the distance between the PCU and the cable and the distance between the engine and the cable at respective distances that are at least distances necessary for wiring protection.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takahiro Yamafuji
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Patent number: 7766118Abstract: An engine bracket including: an attachment portion provided in a fixing location adapted to be fixed to at least one of the vehicle body and power unit; a bolt hole being formed in the attachment portion so that the attachment portion is fixed to the vehicle body or power unit by a fixing bolt inserted into the bolt hole; and at lease one breaking groove formed at an area located spaced away from the bolt hole so as to extend away from the bolt hole and toward an outer peripheral edge of the attachment portion on at least one of opposite surfaces of the attachment portion in a direction in which the fixing bolt is inserted.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Ohji, Kazushi Saikusa
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Publication number: 20100175946Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle can include a crankcase, and a supercharger disposed behind the crankcase in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body. A throttle body and an intercooler are connected in the front-to-rear direction, to an intake passage of the engine. The intake passage extends a rearward from a cylinder head, and the cylinder head protrudes substantially upward from the crankcase. The throttle body and the intercooler are connected in this order, in the front-to-rear direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinichi KARUBE, Takaaki SHOMURA
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Publication number: 20100163328Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle is provided which arranges a canister therein, taking heat from an engine into consideration. The saddle-ride type vehicle includes a storage box which has a bulging portion; an engine; a fuel tank; and a canister, the engine is arranged behind the bulging portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the fuel tank and the canister are arranged in front of the bulging portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The fuel tank and the canister are arranged with respect to the engine such that the bulging portion of the storage box is sandwiched between the fuel tank canister and the engine. It is possible to arrange the canister away from the engine by a distance corresponding to the bulging portion and hence, it is possible to reduce influence of heat from the engine exerted on the canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Junko Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7730986Abstract: An electric component arrangement structure for a vehicle includes a plurality of electric components, a support member, and a body frame of the vehicle. The plurality of electric components includes a battery and an ECU. Couplers of the electric components are arranged in the support member. The body frame includes a main frame which supports an engine. The plurality of electric components are arranged in the body frame. The main frame supports the support member at a front region located forward with respect to the engine. The main frame supports the battery and the ECU at a rear region located rearward with respect to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masao Takeshima, Hitoshi Furuhashi
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Patent number: 7717206Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame and four wheels that support the frame. Two seat assemblies are disposed side by side on the frame. The seat assemblies are separated from each other to define a space therebetween. An engine powers the wheels. The engine defines an air intake port that communicates with a combustion chamber. An air intake system delivers air to the intake port. At least a portion of the air intake system extends through the space.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignees: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of AmericaInventors: Norihiko Tanaka, Kazuhiko Izumi, Akira Inui, Eiji Kato, Colby Nash
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Patent number: 7717218Abstract: A swiveling work machine includes a traveling apparatus, a swivel base mounted on the traveling apparatus to be pivotable about a vertical axis, a hood disposed at a rear portion of the swivel base, the hood accommodating therein an engine, a support frame being disposed across over the engine, and a ROPS having a front end thereof fixed to the swivel base and a rear end thereof fixed to an upper portion of the support frame. The support frame includes a front leg member disposed on one lateral side of the ROPS, the front leg member extending to vicinity of a position forwardly of the swivel base.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Takanori Matsumoto, Fumiki Sato, Shizuo Shimoie, Yoshihiro Kato, Kenzo Koga
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Patent number: 7717219Abstract: A unitary rear frame mounting an engine and hydrostatic transmissions to the rear of a ZTR mower is disclosed. The unitary rear frame includes a lower mounting surface supporting the engine, an upper mounting surface above and forward of the lower mounting surface; a wall extending between the upper and lower mounting surfaces; and a pair of integral side panels depending downwardly from the upper mounting surface and extending forwardly of the wall. Each side panel may have a side pocket for mounting a hydrostatic transmission thereto.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Michael David
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Patent number: 7708103Abstract: A power unit support structure to minimize vibration of a vehicle body frame. A mount bracket disposed on a vehicle body frame supports a power unit that includes a longitudinal engine. Specifically, the mount bracket is disposed substantially at a center in a vehicle width direction between a pair of right and left center side frames that form part of the vehicle body frame and extend in a vehicle fore-aft direction. The center side frames are connected together with cross members. The mount bracket is mounted to the cross members via a connection member as a vibration damping material. The power unit is then mounted to the mount bracket via a subframe.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Okuyama, Kazuo Yamamoto, Masashi Koyanagi, Hiroaki Kase, Takeshi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7690472Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame and wheels. An engine of the vehicle has a crankshaft. A transmission transmits the rotation of the crankshaft to the wheels. A housing houses a transmission mechanism of the transmission. The housing has an air inlet duct through which ambient air enters the housing and an air outlet duct through which the air leaves the housing. The air inlet duct has an inlet opening. The outlet duct has an outlet opening. The inlet and outlet openings are positioned higher than the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Kato, Rusty Hayes, Colby Nash, Joel Cheek
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Patent number: 7690462Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame and a plurality of wheels. An engine powers the wheels. An air intake system supplies air to the engine. The air intake system has an air inlet through which ambient air enters the intake system. The air inlet is positioned higher than the wheels. An air intake duct extends rearward to the engine from the air inlet. At least a portion of the air intake duct is positioned lower than the tops of the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignees: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of AmericaInventors: Eiji Kato, Kazuhiko Izumi, Akira Inui, Norihiko Tanaka, Colby Nash
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Patent number: 7690686Abstract: A rear vehicle structure has an electrical system unit, two side members, two extension parts, two cross members, a rear seat and a cover. The electrical system unit includes first and second electrical system units. Each extension part extends rearwardly from one of the rearward ends of one of the side members. The cross members are located above rear suspension members of the vehicle. The electrical system unit is fixedly attached to a top of at least one of the cross members. The rear seat is installed forward of the first electrical system unit. The second electrical system unit is located along a rearward surface of the rear seat. The cover is installed rearward of the second electrical system unit and has an upright panel that is oriented vertically to provide an enclosed space between a rearward surface of the second electrical system unit and the cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadayoshi Hashimura, Shinichiro Mizote, Satoshi Nagasaka
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Patent number: 7686121Abstract: A refueling operation of an all terrain vehicle can be enhanced, even when a fuel tank is arranged below a seat, without changing an entire length of the vehicle. A fuel tank is arranged below a seat. A seat concave portion with a substantially concave shape when viewed from the top is formed in the seat. A fuel filler of the fuel tank is arranged in the seat concave portion to be seen from the top. It becomes possible to perform refueling from the fuel filler without detaching the seat. Also, an overlap between the seat and the fuel filler when viewed from above is avoided, with a reduction in a seating area of the seat minimized.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masao Takeshima, Masatoshi Sato
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Publication number: 20100071981Abstract: A snowmobile having improved drive stability of the vehicle body during steering includes a pair of left and right skis on a front side of the vehicle body, a steering shaft disposed on a front of a saddle type seat for steering the skis, an engine mounted in a cowling that covers the front side of the vehicle body, and a crawler disposed on a rear side of the vehicle body for driving the snowmobile. The engine is mounted by inclining a cylinder axis thereof forward, and the steering shaft is disposed on the front of a cylinder head of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Hideto Nakamura, Toshio Hayashi
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Patent number: 7677343Abstract: A four-wheeled utility vehicle including an engine unit mounted in the utility vehicle; and a vehicle body frame including a frame member that is disposed in the vicinity of the engine unit and is partially movable relative to the engine unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruo Kitai, Toru Minami, Hiroyuki Fujimoto
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Patent number: 7669686Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle having an improved parking locking mechanism disposed within the housing of a transmission assembly. The parking locking mechanism includes a locking-lever guide disposed eccentrically about the axis of rotation of the shift drum and a locking lever having a body with an opening therein engaging the locking-lever guide. The guide and the opening constructed and arranged to cooperate with each other such that rotation of the shift drum moves the locking lever into locking engagement with one gear of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KGInventor: Fritz Einboeck
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Patent number: 7665566Abstract: To effectively cool an electric power steering system having an electric motor. A rough terrain vehicle includes an electric motor that is disposed substantially orthogonal to a steering shaft with an engine and an exhaust pipe that are disposed behind the steering shaft and under a seat. A forced air cooling fan is provided for cooling the electric motor. The forced air cooling fan is provided behind the electric motor and in front of the engine or exhaust pipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Megumu Okada, Akio Handa
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Patent number: 7665770Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a frame, an engine unit suspended from the frame, a fuel tank mounted on the frame, and a fuel pump disposed within the fuel tank. A protrusion protruding downward is provided on a bottom surface of the fuel tank and at a portion opposing a fuel suction vent of the fuel pump. The protrusion is arranged so that the protrusion opposes a throttle body connected to the engine unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Yamamura
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Patent number: 7644791Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies Inc.Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Brian P. Davis, Richard A. Davis
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Patent number: 7641017Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a vehicle body having a floor frame; a fuel cell that generates electricity by the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; and a subframe on which the fuel cell is mounted, being attached to the lower side of the floor frame and has a pair of side frames that extend in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle body, wherein the bottom end of the fuel cell disposed at a position between the upper end and the lower end of the subframe.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shujiro Nozaki, Takashi Kato, Makoto Anazawa, Masato Nakaarai
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Publication number: 20090309279Abstract: An air-damping mount, in which a displaceable bellows plate is mounted in order to define a damping chamber. A rigid or displaceable partition plate having at least a through-hole is mounted in the damping chamber, and thereby partitions the damping chamber into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. At least an orifice tube is mounted on and connected with the through-hole so as to allow the upper and lower chambers to fluidly communicate with each other. Thereby, the air-damping engine mount can reduce engine vibration by means of flow resistance of air occurring when the air passes through the through-hole and the orifice tube and by means of displacement of the displaceable bellows plate caused by a change in pressure of the lower chamber, and thus remarkably improve a damping effect of the engine vibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Pyung Hwa Industrial Co., LTD.Inventors: Young Dal Kim, Jeong Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 7631716Abstract: Cotton harvester frame structure includes main structural members elevated to approximately cab floor level and extending horizontally rearwardly in a planar fashion over the engine compartment and the rear axle. The structural members attach to the central portion of the rear axle to provide added clearance for larger wheels and tires. The single elevated plane of the main frame structure provides simplified attachment of a power module including a transversely mounted engine. Access areas under the main structural members are of sufficient minimum width and height to allow an operator or an assembler to stand fairly erect while accessing most areas of the power module and a harvester fan.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jeffrey Robert Fox, Michael Lee Pearson, Robert Matthew Bares
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Patent number: 7617903Abstract: A mount for a model vehicle engine is provided, having a hinge configured to be secured to a vehicle chassis, a vehicle engine having a crank shaft for driving a vehicle, the engine being secured to the hinge for pivotal movement toward and away from a shaft coupled directly or indirectly to a wheel for driving a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Traxxas LPInventors: Brent Whitfield Byers, Jon Kenneth Lampert
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Patent number: 7614473Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a body frame with a subframe mounted to a lower part of the body frame. The subframe is formed into a rectangular shape and has front, intermediate and rear cross members. A storage battery is designed to be mounted astride the front cross member and the intermediate cross member. A fuel tank is designed to be mounted astride the intermediate cross member and the rear cross member.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tohru Ono, Takahiro Sugawara, Takayuki Ogawa, Koichi Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20090260909Abstract: The present invention aims at the shortening of a main line which constitutes an assembly line. To achieve such an object, in the present invention, an assembly line is constituted of a main line and sub lines, and a first unit which is constituted by connecting a clutch part and a transmission part, a second unit which constitutes a prime mover part, a third unit to which a support body and parts such as a handle, pedals, a dashboard, a fuel tank and the like which are supported on the support body are assembled, a fourth unit to which a front support body and parts such as a battery and a radiator which are supported on the front support body are assembled, a fifth unit to which steps, fenders and the like are assembled, and a sixth unit which is a hood are preliminarily assembled on sub lines and, thereafter, the above-mentioned first to sixth units are assembled together on the main line.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2006Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yozo Oka, Nobuaki Takahashi
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Publication number: 20090242311Abstract: An upper assembly structure of a work machine comprising a driver's seat mounted on a vehicle body, an engine compartment for housing an engine, a tank compartment for housing a tank, a hood, a tank cover member, a first partition for partitioning between the engine compartment and the driver's seat, a second partition for partitioning between the tank compartment and the driver's seat, and a support frame mounted on the engine compartment including an arm member protruding from the support frame toward the tank compartment, wherein the engine compartment and the tank compartment are arranged to form an L-shape as viewed from the top, wherein the engine compartment is covered by the first partition and the hood, wherein the tank compartment is covered by the second compartment and the tank cover member, and wherein the arm member supports internal equipment arranged inside the tank compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji Fujita, Shinya Mukae, Junichi Fujiwara
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Patent number: 7588117Abstract: A drive motor mounting structure of an electric vehicle, including: a drive motor unit (12) having its front part attached to a vehicle body member (17) in a front part of a vehicle (10) by use of a front motor mount (27); and a rigid robust member (31) disposed in front of and obliquely above the drive motor unit (12), and above and in front of the front motor mount (27).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takuya Fukuda
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Publication number: 20090218153Abstract: A straddle-type three-wheeled vehicle has a frame having an upper frame member, a lower frame member, a forward cross member interconnecting a forward portion of the upper frame member with a forward portion of the lower frame member, and a rearward cross member interconnecting a rearward portion of the upper frame member with a rearward portion of the lower frame member. A strut extends diagonally from the forward cross member to the lower frame member. The vehicle has an engine mounted to the frame. An air box of the vehicle has at least a portion thereof disposed above at least a portion of the engine. A fuel tank of the vehicle is disposed rearwardly of the air box.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Bruce CODERE, Brian MASTINE
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Patent number: 7581615Abstract: An improved saddle-ride type vehicle in which heat radiation of a body is improved while the exterior appearance of the body is enhanced, and an exhaust pipe and a muffler are free from interference from the outside while a hose, a cable and the like are designed to be easily retained in place in a simple structure. A saddle-ride type vehicle provides a side cover disposed on the side of a body frame, a foot board disposed below the side cover and an exhaust pipe extending in the forward and rearward direction of a vehicle body disposed inside the body frame. The exhaust pipe is disposed as viewed laterally so as to be exposed to the exterior through an opening surrounded by an upper slat frame, the side cover and the side plate of a foot board, and the guard member is disposed at the opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Karube, Rei Shioya, Masahiro Inoue, Yuji Maki
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Patent number: 7575083Abstract: In order to reduce the influences of engine heat and vibration on a shift actuator, a shift actuator is disposed apart from the engine and the transmission on a vehicle. In particular a straddle-type vehicle, the vehicle includes a head pipe and a body frame including a main frame that extends rearward from the head pipe. The engine is suspended by the body frame 2 and a transmission is disposed next to the engine. The transmission includes a shift mechanism having a multiple-step speed change gear and a clutch mechanism that interrupts the transmission of rotation at the switching of the speed change gear of the transmission 40. An automatic transmission control unit operates the clutch mechanism and switches the speed change gear of the transmission automatically.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Kosugi, Sadamu Iwanaga, Takuji Murayama, Kimio Matsuda
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Patent number: 7575087Abstract: A power train mounting system includes a front mount, a rear mount, an engine mount, and a transmission mount. Installation heights and spring constants of each mount are predetermined such that the majority of the weight of the power train is supported by the front and rear mounts. Mounting axes of the engine mount, front mount, and rear mount are vertical while the mounting axis of the transmission mount is lateral. The transmission mount may include bridges which vary its spring constant during vehicle roll.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyo-Seok Kim