Bodies Patents (Class 180/89.1)
  • Patent number: 11965716
    Abstract: A landmine, unexploded ordnance (UEO) or improvised explosive device (IED) detection and destruction system which uses ground penetrating (GPR) radar to detect and guide a ballistic weapon to destroy it. The positions of which are also visually communicated through smart helmets or headgear having heads up display visors worn by the personnel, soldiers, combatants or any endangered persons in the vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: JJ1 Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Jeanette Mary Jones
  • Patent number: 11541938
    Abstract: A CPU of a control device provided in a traveling unit causes a display to display information indicating that it is necessary to mount an energy absorbing unit capable of absorbing collision energy in a case where it is determined that a vehicle cabin forming unit is for the purpose of carrying a person, and causes the display to display information indicating that it is not necessary to mount the energy absorbing unit in a case where it is determined that the vehicle cabin forming unit is not for the purpose of carrying a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsuyoshi Ohno
  • Patent number: 11414140
    Abstract: An active side panel assembly having at least one deployable panel (22) and at least one actuator (30). The deployable panel deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements and provides valuable reduction in vehicle drag, thereby reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. Additionally, it allows for the system to retract so the vehicle can still meet ground clearances, ramp angles, off-road requirements, etc. The active side panel provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator to help prevent damage, and communication with the vehicle to determine proper deployment and function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 11084374
    Abstract: Described is a modular transport unit adapted for transporting persons and/or goods and comprising at least one cabin module and/or at least one storage compartment module, and at least one autonomous propulsion module. The autonomous propulsion module may be adapted for simultaneously serving as a flexible, customizable undercarriage of said modular transport unit and, in operation, propelling said modular transport unit. The propulsion module may comprise a propulsion system, a suspension unit, and a housing. The housing may comprise a top cover element comprising at least one connection element adapted for connection with at least one complementary connection element provided on the cabin module and/or the storage compartment module to enable an end user to exchange the cabin module and/or the storage compartment module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Jesper Flindt Kristiansen
  • Patent number: 11027785
    Abstract: In a vehicle having an incoming wind entering a central air main inlet and two front-side air opening inlets, and exiting respectively as a hood air opening outlet air flow and two lateral-wheel outlet flows, an apparatus to affect airflow and to enhance vehicle performance, the apparatus having: at least one outlet air flow-enhancing device configured to modify the hood air outlet opening and the two lateral-wheel outlet flows, the at least one outlet air flow enhancing device having an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, the axes mutually orthogonally oriented; and a mechanical fixture of the at least one outlet air flow-enhancing device to the vehicle, the mechanical fixture having movable supports configured to allow changes in attitude and positioning of the at least one outlet air flow enhancing device; wherein the hood air outlet opening and the two lateral-wheel outlet flows are affected by aerodynamic changes to the vehicle by not directly affecting changes in the exterior contours and shape of the vehic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Snir Golan
  • Patent number: 10953932
    Abstract: A semitrailer comprising a main frame having a hitch, an axle assembly connected to the main frame, the axle assembly including at least two wheels for rotation relative to the main frame, a fairing connected to an underside of the semitrailer intermediate the hitch and the axle assembly, the fairing including a pair of lateral surfaces, a bottom surface spaced from the underside of the semitrailer, and a leading surface, wherein the leading surface includes an intake opening, and wherein at least one of the bottom surface or the lateral surfaces includes an exit opening, and a flow path fluidly connects the intake opening and the exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: EkoStinger, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Parr Wiegel
  • Patent number: 10889337
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed having a front wall, a tailgate, and a pair of sidewalls that extend between the front wall and the tailgate and an airflow assembly. The airflow assembly includes air inlets, air outlets, and a tubular duct. The air inlet is provided on an exterior surface of each of the pair of sidewalls. The air outlet is provided on an interior surface of each of the pair of sidewalls. At least two air ducts fluidly couple the air inlet and the air outlet on each of the pair of sidewalls. The tubular duct extends in the vehicle lateral direction to couple the air outlets on each of the pair of sidewalls such that air exiting the air outlets enters into the tubular duct and exits the tubular duct to create an air ramp flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Scott Louis Frederick
  • Patent number: 10829157
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes: a pair of left and right suspensions provided below a vehicle body floor; suspension mounting portions for mounting the suspensions to the vehicle body floor; a power supply device that supplies power to drive a vehicle; a frame that supports the power supply device; and frame mounting portions for mounting the frame to the vehicle body floor, wherein the frame mounting portions are disposed at positions overlapping in a vertical direction with the suspension mounting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Kato, Ken Yasui, Koichi Takahashi, Satoru Kawabe
  • Patent number: 10793193
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes: a pair of left and right suspensions provided below a vehicle body floor; suspension mounting portions for mounting the suspensions to the vehicle body floor; a power supply device that supplies power to drive a vehicle; a frame that supports the power supply device; and frame mounting portions for mounting the frame to the vehicle body floor, wherein the frame mounting portions are disposed at positions overlapping in a vertical direction with the suspension mounting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Kato, Ken Yasui, Koichi Takahashi, Satoru Kawabe
  • Patent number: 10737645
    Abstract: A bumper member at a vehicle frontmost end is joined to side members. The bumper member has a curved shape, a center portion protrudes further to the vehicle front than a tip end portion of the side member, a projecting portion is positioned on the outer side of the tip end portion, and is curved toward the vehicle rear, a protruding part extending toward the side member is provided on an inner side of the projecting portion, a tip end portion on the inner side of the protruding part has a planar portion opposite a side face portion on the outer side of the side member, a protrusion protruding to the inner side from the planar portion and extending in the longitudinal direction is provided in the planar portion, and a slit-shaped opening into which a tip end of the protrusion is inserted is provided in the side face portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Hadano, Yoshihiro Tanabe
  • Patent number: 10737737
    Abstract: Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of “modules” that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Timo Birnschein, Adriano Di Pietro, Kyle Matthew Foley, Timothy David Kentley-Klay, Andrew Piper
  • Patent number: 10730570
    Abstract: A vehicle with a body, two front wheels and at least one rear wheel. An airfoil is mounted to the body with adjustability in angle of attack, and at least one of the front wheels is driven to permit acceleration to a cruise speed at which the airfoil provides sufficient lift to raise the rear wheel off the road while the front wheels maintain contact with the road. Lift may be modified by at least modifying velocity and modifying the angle of attack of the airfoil. This vehicle provides advantages in comfort and efficiency due to reduced friction in contact with the road and imperfections on the road. The wing may also be adjusted to increase downward force on the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Autaero LLC
    Inventor: J. Douglas Hurst
  • Patent number: 10696232
    Abstract: A split deck rail system including a front railing section and a rear railing section. The front railing section may include at least two vertical posts and at least two horizontal rail segments that extend to termination ends having attachment tabs. The rear railing section includes at least one vertical post, an angled rail segment, and at least two horizontal rail segments that also extend to termination end having attachment tabs. The attachment tabs may be attached to a boom rest. For instance, the boom rest may also include tabs that the various attachments tabs can be attached to. The split deck rail system can also include corresponding deck sections that an operator can stand on. Additionally, the split deck rail may include a ladder that an operator can walk up to get to the deck sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Blaine A. Schwalbe, James Hanke
  • Patent number: 10654425
    Abstract: The vehicle (1) is provided with a pair of front compartments and a pair of rear compartments that are inclined to a first lateral side toward rear parts thereof. A front part (23B) of the rear compartment (23) on the first lateral side is positioned between rear parts (21B, 22B) of the front compartments (21, 22) while a rear part (22B) of the front compartment (22) on a second lateral side opposite from the first lateral side is positioned between front parts (23B, 24B) of the rear compartments (23, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Takamura, Kazutaka Tateishi, Tabito Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 10556626
    Abstract: A vehicle front body structure includes: a dash panel; an apron reinforcement extending forward on an outside in the vehicle width direction of an engine room; a suspension housing coupled to the apron reinforcement in front of the dash panel; a cowl side panel extending in a front-rear direction between a rear portion of the suspension housing and the dash panel in side view of the vehicle, the cowl side panel 11 constituting a wall portion on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the engine room; and a first reinforcing member dividing a space surrounded by the apron reinforcement and the cowl side panel back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Keizo Kawasaki, Shigeaki Watanabe, Kenji Maruyama
  • Patent number: 10450010
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cab suspension for a tiltable cab of a commercial vehicle, preferably a front cab-suspension. The cab suspension includes two brackets for mounting on a frame construction of the commercial vehicle in a manner fixed to the frame, a vibration construction for damping movements of the cab while the commercial vehicle is travelling, wherein the vibration construction has two lateral bearing portions and a cross-element connecting the bearing portions, and a torsion-bar construction for tilting the cab. The cab suspension is particularly notable in that the brackets have a ramp structure along which the vibration construction may be guided backwards and upwards in the event of a frontal collision and/or the vibration construction and the torsion-bar construction are functionally separate from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: MAN TRUCK & BUS ÖSTERREICH GESMBH
    Inventors: Klemens Täuber, Martin Moser, Rudolf Bramberger
  • Patent number: 10344518
    Abstract: A hood energy management apparatus includes an energy dissipation feature having a magnetic component and a pneumatic component as well as a hood bumper carried on the energy dissipation feature. A related method of managing hood closing energy and also automatically providing proper hood fit and finish is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Alfonso Hickman Guevara, Raul Ezequiel Alvarez Ruiz
  • Patent number: 10179610
    Abstract: A front vehicle-body structure of a vehicle comprises a hinge pillar, an apron reinforcement, a suspension housing, a side sill, and a connecting member which connects the apron reinforcement to the hinge pillar in a brace shape and connecting the apron reinforcement to a front portion of the side sill. The connecting member includes first and second bending portions which are positioned between a rear face portion and a side face portion and between a forward flange and the side face portion, respectively, and the apron reinforcement and the side sill are continuous to each other via at least one of the first and second bending portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Keizo Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 9919743
    Abstract: A motor vehicle front end crash-load carrying structure has at least one side rail on each side of the vehicle extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, an A-pillar extending upward from the side rail, and a reinforcement extending between the A-pillar and the side rail. The reinforcement is made up of a longitudinally-extending rear element fixed to the A-pillar and extending forward therefrom outboard of the side rail, and a transversely-extending forward element fixed to and extending inboard from a forward end of the rear element, an inboard end of the forward element abutting an outboard surface of the side rail. The rear element extends substantially parallel with a vehicle longitudinal axis and defines a concave-downward wheel arch. The rear element may include an engineered bending site adjacent to a joint between the rear element and the forward element. The reinforcement may be supported on a suspension mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcel Schmidt, Heiko Wuestner
  • Patent number: 9878748
    Abstract: A drive unit for a tracked vehicle includes a track support beam, at least one drive wheel, a set of support wheels and an endless track, the drive wheel being arranged to drive the endless track running over the drive wheel and the set of support wheels. The drive wheel and the support wheels are rotatably attached in the track support beam. The drive unit further includes and electric motor attached to the drive wheel and integrated in the track support beam, and a support beam integrated lubrication system having a pump unit arranged for pressurized supply of lubricant to parts of the drive unit in need of lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS HÄGGLUNDS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Björn Hellholm, Jens Wågberg, Niclas Jonsson
  • Patent number: 9828048
    Abstract: An improved track frame assembly wherein the idler wheels are arranged to prevent loss of track contact with the terrain. Seriatim primary idler wheels are aligned to longitudinal outer lateral track edges. Secondary idler wheels are mounted interiorly of the outer wheels and longitudinally staggered to prevent the track from lifting or “caterpillaring” in spaces intermediate the primary idler wheels. The numbers, diameters, widths and positions of the secondary idler wheels are selected to overlap the track contact points of the primary idler wheels. A resiliently biased and/or slippery presser member, roller or slide assembly can alternatively be mounted to prevent vertical track flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Glen Brazier
  • Patent number: 9795892
    Abstract: A family of toy cars includes a plurality of components, which cooperatively translate a motive force applied to a finger engagement structure into motion of the toy car in a horizontal plane. The toy car system includes a chassis, a body, a finger engagement structure, a pair of front wheels rotatably coupled to the chassis, and a pair of rear wheels rotatably coupled to the chassis. Each of the front pair of wheels may be coupled to the front suspension by a castered coupling. The toy car may include a steering linkage between the front wheels configured such that the front wheels turn in unison in response to the motive force applied to the toy car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Thoughtfull Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Silverglate, Brian Gulassa, Steven Asher Silverglate
  • Patent number: 9650073
    Abstract: A forward portion of a vehicle body includes a forward side member provided in a forward portion of a motor vehicle, and a shotgun inserted into the forward side member to be directly connected thereto. The shotgun contains an end coupling portion bent in a direction toward the forward side member so as to be coupled to the forward side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: POSCO
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Kim, Yeon-Sik Kang, Hyoun-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 9610980
    Abstract: There are provided a pair of right-and-left front side frames which extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a pair of right-and-left apron reinforcements which extend straightly in the vehicle longitudinal direction above and outward, in a vehicle width direction, of the pair of front side frames, a pair of right-and-left fender panels which cover respective outward sides, in the vehicle width direction, of the pair of apron reinforcements, a pair of right-and-left connecting frames which connect respective front end portions of the pair of apron reinforcements to the front side frames, and a pair of right-and-left connecting brackets which connect respective front-end side portions of the pair of fender panels to the pair of apron reinforcements. The connecting bracket is arranged substantially at the same longitudinal position as a connection portion of the apron reinforcement and the connecting frame in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Nakauchi, Takayuki Nakamae, Nobuyuki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9526202
    Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural application machine (10) comprising a chassis (100) which carries a storage tank (15) for the material to be applied is provided. The chassis (100) comprises a central longitudinal beam (110) from which at least a pair of wheels (12, 14) are suspended. The narrow chassis (100) allows steerable wheels to be positioned at tolerable track widths while permitting a large steering angle and thus small turning radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: AGCO Netherlands B.V
    Inventor: Joris Hiddema
  • Patent number: 9505439
    Abstract: A method of varying vehicle width on a single platform includes providing a plurality of vehicles, where each vehicle includes a side sill extending longitudinally along a lower portion of a vehicle body. The side sill defines a door opening interface on each opposing side of the vehicle body. Each of the plurality of vehicles also includes a floor panel extending laterally across a width of each vehicle. The floor panel is joined at a lateral edge to the side sill. The method also includes maintaining a common lateral position of the joint between the floor panel and the side sill across each of the plurality of vehicles. The method further includes positioning the door opening interface at first lateral position corresponding to a first one of the plurality of vehicles and at a second lateral position corresponding to a second one of the plurality of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vladimir Vladimirovich Bogachuk, Monica Blair, Maria J. Heirtzler, Shawn Michael Morgans, Steve William Gallagher, Joshua Jacob Clement, Eric Layton Stratten, Jon A. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 9016418
    Abstract: A right front housing cover is arranged in the right side of a working mechanism, and a first control valve is arranged in a front portion side of a valve accommodation room that is covered with the right front housing cover. Further, a signal control valve block is arranged in the back side of the first control valve and in the upper side of the first control valve, and a solenoid valve is arranged in the back side of the signal control valve block. A front surface plate forming part of the right front housing cover has a lower side is inclined in an oblique downward direction toward the forward side, and is arranged along a virtual line that extends in an oblique downward direction through a front end portion of the first control valve and a front end portion of the signal control valve block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kakurou Ootsuka, Hidefumi Hiramatsu, Tsuyoshi Ueki
  • Patent number: 8997908
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members; a frame; and an operator area having an operator side and a passenger side. The utility vehicle further comprises a roll cage extending above the operator area; a front windshield coupled to the roll cage; and a rear windshield coupled to the roll cage. The utility vehicle further includes a roof latched to the roll cage, a first door hinged to the roll cage along the operator side, and a second door hinged to the roll cage along the passenger side. The couplings between the rear windshield and the roll cage, between the roof and the roll cage, and between the first and second doors and the roll cage each being free of a fastener. The front and rear windshields, the roof, and the first and second doors enclose the operator area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J Kinsman, Angus M Morison, Keith A. Hollman, Adam J. Schlangen, Greg W. Fedelem, Daniel L. Goffman, Paul J. Johnson, Kelly J. Knutson, Jeremiah T. Johnstun
  • Patent number: 8973693
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises at least one front ground engaging member; at least one rear ground engaging member; and a frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The frame includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a channel member extending in the longitudinal direction between the front and rear portions. The vehicle further comprises a floor board coupled to the channel member and a powertrain assembly having a drive shaft operably coupled to at least one of the front ground engaging member and the rear ground engaging member. Additionally, the vehicle comprises a plurality of transport lines configured to transport at least one of a fluid and an electrical connection between the front portion and the rear portion of the frame. The channel member is positioned intermediate the drive shaft and the transport lines and is configured to support the transport lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Kinsman, Angus M. Morison, Keith A. Hollman, Adam J. Schlangen, Greg W. Fedelem, Daniel L. Goffman
  • Publication number: 20150047917
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame assembly supported by the plurality of ground-engaging members, and a powertrain assembly. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a body generally surrounding the frame assembly and including a hood, dashboard assembly, and a side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel L. Burt, II, Brent C. Eaton, Michael C. Bohnsack, Andrew J. Miller, Michael J. Hanten, Anthony J. Kinsman, Brent J. Hanson, Timothy F. Melvin, James E. Rogala, Ryan Black-Macken, Kurt E. Stenberg, Garth H. Bracy, Jeff M. Goulet, Jeremiah T. Johnstun
  • Patent number: 8955631
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator basically includes a lower traveling unit, an upper revolving unit, a counterweight, a machine compartment, a first handrail, a second handrail and a pair of antenna supporting parts. The upper revolving unit is revolvably mounted on the lower traveling unit. The counterweight is disposed on the upper revolving unit. The machine compartment is disposed in front of the counterweight on the upper revolving unit. The first and second handrails are disposed on the machine compartment. The antenna supporting parts are configured to support a pair of antennas. The antenna supporting parts are respectively connected to the first and second handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Minetaka Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8950538
    Abstract: Disclosed is a working machine which comprises: a lower propelling body; a support base; an equipment installation area; a pipe extending from the equipment installation area; a guard which covers the equipment installation area and has an opening for leading out the pipe therethrough; and a clamp configured to support the pipe and having a shape capable of closing up the opening. The clamp includes: at least one support element for supporting the pipe; a guide portion for guiding the at least one support element; and a pair of clamping members for clamping the at least one support element. One of the pair of clamping members has a shield plate portion having a shape capable of closing up a remaining region of the opening other than a region closed up by the at least one support element arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuya Kurauchi
  • Patent number: 8919474
    Abstract: A rear wheel is attached to a side of a rear vehicle body. A platform is attached to the side of the rear vehicle body so as to be located above the rear wheel. The platform is provided with an opening formed by a through hole, and the opening is located within a range obtained by projecting the rear wheel upwardly and located on the rear vehicle body side with respect to a center (center line A-A) of a width A1 of the rear wheel when the rear wheel is viewed from above. A plate member extending only in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body in the opening is provided. As a result, there can be obtained a wheel loader having good workability in inspection and maintenance of an engine room front and having good driver's rearward visibility during the operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Masuda, Shirou Kanamori
  • Patent number: 8905172
    Abstract: An integrated service center has an outward facing wall. A first and second section are recessed from the outward facing wall, each with a plurality of walls and a lower end, which forms an opening in the lower end and extends to the outward facing wall. The first section has a fluid access point disposed at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees below a reference plane. The second section has an electrical access point. A door assembly is mounted to move between an open and closed, which abuts the outward facing wall and covers the first section when closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Madera, Joshua C. Bedyk, Jeffrey P. Sayre, Adam M. Plecker
  • Patent number: 8899364
    Abstract: The articulated off-road vehicle includes a pivotable chassis and an upper frame extending from the pivotable chassis. Wheels, an engine, and a steering assembly are coupled to the chassis, and the upper frame defines a compartment for drivers and passengers. The pivotable chassis is divided into a front chassis section and a rear chassis section, and a hinge joint pivotally connects the front chassis section to the rear chassis section. A front suspension assembly having a pair of shock absorbers respectively extending at an angle between the top corners of the upper frame and the front chassis section with the shock absorbers pivotally mounted to the upper frame and the front chassis section. Pivotal movement of the front chassis section and concurrent absorption of impact can substantially reduce impact forces imparted to the driver while traversing rough terrain as can thereby increasing safety and comfort for the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Ahmad A. M. J. J. Al Qanaei
  • Patent number: 8887851
    Abstract: A saddle-ride vehicle for reducing air resistance flowing toward the rear of the vehicle. A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl in a vehicle front part and a rear cowl provided in a vehicle rear part. The rear cowl is provided with a bulging part protruding to the left and right in a vehicle widthwise direction. In addition, the bulging part protrudes outward of the rear edges of the front cowl in the vehicle widthwise direction. Further, side surfaces of the bulging part are each formed in a curved shape which bulges toward an outside of the vehicle in a plan view of the vehicle. Furthermore, a peak part which is located at an outermost edge of the side surface in the vehicle widthwise direction is located at a position closer to the front of the vehicle within a length of the bulging part in a vehicle front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takefumi Okubo, Atsushi Takasaki
  • Patent number: 8875830
    Abstract: An anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of an accessory. The anchor has a base part movable between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. An accessory part is operatively connected to the base part. The accessory part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the accessory for bracing at least partially the accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. The anchor has other features. A vehicle having an anchor and an attachment base assembly is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Massicotte, Ivan Brousseau, Francois Chenevert, Thierry Cotnoir
  • Publication number: 20140284127
    Abstract: To provide a pedal guide system device for preventing an erroneous operation of a driver for the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal of a vehicle. A pedal guide system device for preventing an erroneous operation of a driver for a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal of a vehicle is provided with a plate-shaped, bellows-shaped, belt-shaped, or curtain-shaped guide component, which can be attached to the vehicle with a predetermined gap of 0.5-10 cm beside the brake pedal and/or the accelerator pedal and has the similar height as the height from the lower surface of a dashboard to the floor. The pedal guide system device enables a pedal operation in a space enclosed by four surfaces including a floor surface, an inner panel, and the dashboard, thereby enabling simple and easy to understand pedal position confirmation, enabling beginners and elderly people to get easily accustomed thereto, and enabling prevention of the erroneous operation for the pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Teruo Matsuyama
  • Publication number: 20140284126
    Abstract: An integrated service center has an outward facing wall. A first and second section are recessed from the outward facing wall, each with a plurality of walls and a lower end, which forms an opening in the lower end and extends to the outward facing wall. The first section has a fluid access point disposed at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees below a reference plane. The second section has an electrical access point. A door assembly is mounted to move between an open and closed, which abuts the outward facing wall and covers the first section when closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Madera, Joshua C. Bedyk, Jeffrey P. Sayre, Adam M. Plecker
  • Publication number: 20140262583
    Abstract: An off road vehicle of modular construction, which a user may insert or remove modules to perform particular functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Dale Url
  • Patent number: 8827029
    Abstract: In the engine compartment of a bulldozer the radiator is arranged forward of the engine. An exhaust gas treatment unit is arranged above the engine. A first exhaust gas treatment device of the exhaust gas treatment unit is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the first exhaust gas treatment device follows the forward-backward direction of the vehicle. A second exhaust gas treatment device of the exhaust gas treatment unit is positioned to the side of the first exhaust gas treatment device, and arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the first exhaust gas treatment device follows the forward-backward direction of the vehicle. The air cleaner is arranged between the radiator and the exhaust gas treatment unit in the forward-backward direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakagami, Taira Ozaki, Hironori Yamamitsu
  • Patent number: 8800704
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes a vehicle body frame, an engine, a working unit a fuel tank and a cooling device. The fuel tank is attached to a bottom surface of a rear part of the vehicle body frame, and has a rear end surface slanted obliquely rearwards from up to down. The cooling device is configured to release heat of a coolant flowing through an inside thereof. The cooling device is supported by the rear part of the vehicle body frame. A bottom end portion of the cooling device is opposed to and separated away from a rear end surface of the fuel tank at a predetermined distance in a back-and-forth direction. A bottom surface of the cooling device is positioned lower than a top surface of a rear end portion of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kitaoka, Ryuutaro Kato
  • Patent number: 8776940
    Abstract: A chassis for a road making machine comprises at least one first longitudinal beam which extends at least in sections laterally along an engine compartment of the road making machine. The longitudinal beam comprises a step which divides the longitudinal beam into an external longitudinal beam section and an internal longitudinal beam section. The internal longitudinal beam section forms a receiving area by the step in which a first cover element can be received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Joseph Voegele AG
    Inventors: Thomas Schmidt, Tobias Gotterbarm
  • Publication number: 20140182959
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attenuating vibrations in the header of a vehicle to reduce acoustic noise. The apparatus includes a fluid damper configured to be coupled to a header of a vehicle and an accelerometer for sensing vibrations in the header and providing a signal to adjust the fluid damper thereby attenuating the vibrations. A method is provided which includes receiving a signal indicating a vibration in a header of a vehicle and adjusting a fluid damper coupled to the header in response to the signal thereby attenuating the vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: MARK A. STEBBINS, SHAWN G. QUINN, CHRISTOPHER A. STIRLEN
  • Patent number: 8744643
    Abstract: A vehicle controller which can perform appropriate control even when an acceleration sensor is mounted in a movable portion of a vehicle. The vehicle controller includes an acceleration sensor attached to a cabin movable around a shaft, an open/closed state detection section which detects the open/closed state of the cabin, and a correction section which corrects the output value of the acceleration sensor. When the open/closed state detection section detects that the cabin is opened and then closed, the correction section performs correction. When the acceleration sensor is provided in the cabin serving as a movable portion, the inclination of the acceleration sensor may differ slightly before and after the cabin is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinsuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8701812
    Abstract: A towing tractor includes an operator's cockpit, a battery, a hood, a first inclined surface, a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The battery is disposed forward of the operator's cockpit. The hood covers the top of the battery. The first inclined surface is formed on the hood and inclined downwardly toward the front of the towing tractor. The second inclined surface is located forward of the first inclined surface and inclined downwardly toward the front of the towing tractor. The inclination angle of the second inclined surface is greater than the inclination angle of the first inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Seiji Uno
  • Patent number: 8706336
    Abstract: A motorcycle apparatus is provided which may include a step disposed between a front wheel and a rear wheel, and to support feet of a rider and a side cover configured to cover a lateral side of the vehicle body. The apparatus may also include a charging electric cable for charging the battery from an outside power source and an electric cable housing unit to house the charging electric cable in the vehicle body, and in which the charging electric cable is connected to the vehicle body. The apparatus may further include a housing opening portion to be opened for inserting or removing a leading end portion of the charging electric cable into or from the electric cable housing unit and an opening lid to close the housing opening portion. The housing opening portion may be located under the step and provided to the side cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shujiro Inui
  • Patent number: 8695742
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body outer panel; a battery; a second seat including a seatback; a seatbelt apparatus including a webbing; and a side trim positioned behind the seatback of the second seat in a vehicle front-rear direction. The side trim includes an insertion opening through which the webbing of the seatbelt apparatus is inserted, an exhaust opening through which exhaust air after cooling the battery is discharged into a space between the side trim and the body outer panel, and an inlet opening which is positioned behind the insertion opening in the vehicle front-rear direction, and through which the exhaust air in the space is drawn into a vehicle room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhisa Fujita, Kazuyuki Ueno
  • Patent number: 8678120
    Abstract: Provided is a method for mounting a device on a frame in a construction machine. The method includes forming plate holes in a beam member at respective mount-member-provision positions on the beam member; mounting a plate supporter on a back surface of the beam member at each of the mount-member-provision positions so as to border the plate hole at a lower side thereof; installing the beam member on the frame; putting the mount plate into the plate hole from above so as to make the mount plate be supported by the plate supporter and fixing the plate supporter in the plate hole after adjusting the position of the mount plate horizontally and vertically within the plate hole; and mounting the mount members to the mount plates fixed in the plate holes respectively and mounting the device on the beam member via the mount members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Shimomura, Takayuki Okunishi, Shinji Katsuhara
  • Patent number: 8662227
    Abstract: A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hal-Tech Limited
    Inventor: Donald R. Halliday