Abstract: Triangular left and right load transmission members each have a first arm interconnecting a front sub frame and a left or right rear frame, a second arm interconnecting the front sub frame and a left or right side sill, and a third arm interconnecting the left or right side sill and the left or right rear frame. The transmission members each transmit an impact load from the front sub frame to the left or right rear frame via the first arm and to the left or right side sill via the second arm. A cross member spans between the side sills and fixedly connected to the rear frames. Left and right rigid areas are formed by the transmission members, cross member and right rear frames.

Abstract: A vehicle frame for a vehicle (100) having at least two driven rear wheels or a wide rear drive roller or similar (snowmobile), the frame comprises a main frame portion (300) and an upper frame portion (200) as a load carrying unit. The upper frame portion is dismountable from the main frame portion (300) for providing access to the interior of the latter. A method for manufacturing this kind of vehicle comprises the steps of: 1. manufacturing a main frame portion (300) of a vehicle frame; 2. installing an engine and a corresponding gearbox in the main frame portion (300) of the vehicle frame; 3. mounting an upper frame portion (200) to the main frame portion.

Abstract: A frame for a machine may include a load transfer member attached to a load support member and to a first plate member and a second plate member. Additionally, the first and second plate members may each include an aperture shaped to receive a trunnion. The load transfer member may be disposed proximate to the apertures.

Abstract: A suspension member for connecting a vehicle body and a suspension device that comprises a pair of side members that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and are located symmetrically relative to the center in the transverse direction of the vehicle body, and cross members interconnecting the pair of side members and extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. The suspension member is formed by press-molding only after flat plate-like side members and cross members are welded in butt joints.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a front flatbed trailer section, a rear flatbed trailer section, a first support assembly carried by one of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and wherein the first support assembly at least partially disengages the other of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections. A method of extending a trailer comprising the steps of providing a first flatbed trailer section and a second flatbed trailer section with a slide member and a first support assembly, displacing the first support assembly in a first direction, separating the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a vertical direction, and moving one of the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a horizontal direction relative to the other of the first and second flatbed trailer sections.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A vehicle frame structure for a saddle-type vehicle has a vehicle frame including a subframe portion detachably mounted on a main frame, and a joint between the main frame and the subframe which is disposed in a longitudinally intermediate portion of a continuously extending frame component, wherein the frame component is kept rigid and the joint is maintained in a small size. In the joint, the frame component has a portion divided by a vertical plane into a main-frame-side joint arm and a subframe-side joint arm. The joint arms have distal ends having arcuate outer walls cut off around their fastening positions. The joint arms further have integral upstanding walls disposed on proximal ends thereof, corresponding to the cut-off arcuate outer walls of the joint arms. The joint arms are fastened to each other with the distal ends thereof fitted in cavities surrounded by the upstanding walls.

Abstract: A transport frame includes a plurality of polymer beams interconnected to form the frame with a first group of the polymer beams intersecting and extending through a second group of the polymer beams. The first group of the polymer beams is secured to the second group of polymer beams by an adhesive at their respective intersections. At least one of the polymer beams provides a non-conductive raceway for routing electrical wires or cables through the frame.

Abstract: A utility vehicle (1) comprising a carrier frame (3) mounted above a transaxle (2) is provided. The carrier frame (3) comprises a first carrier frame section (30) and a second carrier frame section (40). A height level of the first carrier frame section (30) differs from a height level of the second carrier frame section (40).

Abstract: The invention relates firstly to a frame construction for a road vehicle, comprising a main frame of, for example, a motorcycle. This main frame is on the front edge provided with a fork head. A front frame is also provided, which is suspended from the fork head. In addition, the front frame is fastened to the main frame by means of further, separate front suspension means. Further, a rear frame can also be provided, which is provided with rear suspension means standardly present on the main frame. The rear frame can possess a drive train having a differential, the housing of which can be driven by means of a chain or pulley transmission.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a method of manufacture of an automobile structure comprising the steps of: forming in a die a plurality of castings (10) each having at least one socket (14); forming a plurality of metallic rails (12, 13) and fixing the metallic rails (13, 14) in the socket of the castings (10) in order to construct the automobile structure. The present invention also provides a method of manufacture of a plurality of different automobile structures, the method comprising: fixing metallic rails of a first plurality into sockets of a first plurality of the castings to form a first type of automobile structure; and fixing metallic rails of a second plurality into sockets of a second plurality of castings to form a second type of automobile structure. The invention also relates to automobile structures made by the methods.

Abstract: A vehicular frame assembly is provided and includes a pair of control arm support brackets. Each of the control arm support brackets define a pair of recesses. The first control arm support bracket and the second control arm support bracket are substantially identical and are configured to be positioned along a vehicular frame such that one of the pairs of recesses defined by a control arm support bracket receives forward legs of right and left suspension support members and the other of the pairs of recesses defined by the other of the control arm support bracket receives rearward legs of right and left suspension support members. A vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A main beam of a container semi-trailer provided with the joint, and the connecting method thereof. The joint is used to connect a main beam and has a first connecting plate connected to the main beam; a second and a third connecting plate secured to the same side of the first connecting plate and spaced apart to each other; and a fourth connecting plate slantingly connected between the second and third connecting plates.

Abstract: A cross-member for supporting a vehicle chassis loads includes a generally shaped member including: i) a generally flat top sheet; ii) a first side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a first side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the first side sheet; iii) a second side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a second side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the second side sheet.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present development, a platform trailer includes a chassis comprising first and second aluminum beams each including an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The first and second beams are arranged parallel to each other and each extend from a forward end to a rear end in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The first and second beams are each defined with an arch comprising an upwardly oriented apex located between the forward and rear ends. At least one axle assembly connected to the chassis and includes a left wheel and tire assembly and a right wheel and tire assembly. A platform is supported on the first and second beams of the chassis. The platform includes spaced-apart left and right side rails and a plurality of extruded aluminum panels that each extend from a left lateral end abutted with said left side rail to a right lateral end abutted with said right side rail.

Abstract: One embodiment of a modular base assembly comprises a frame and leveler assemblies used to support a vehicle model. The frame has a frame segment with several parts including a cross-support and a side-support having a surface defining a plurality of holes where model-making components can be attached and unattached thereto. Leveler assemblies level the base assembly, and each can include a wheel hub locator that adjustably fixes a hub along a longitudinal horizontal, a vertical, and a lateral horizontal direction. Another embodiment comprises a motorized vehicle undercarriage that carries a frame. The frame has a platform with a top surface defining a plurality of holes in the form of a matrix. Model-making components can be attached and unattached thereto.

Abstract: A reinforcement member is used to join directly two hydroformed tubular members in an automotive vehicle. The reinforcement member is formed with two spaced triangular plates joined to an orthogonal doubler plate in an integral configuration, providing mating surfaces for connection to orthogonally joined tubular members. The parallel triangular plates improve the joints vertical bending stiffness because the parallel plates provide an increased footprint at the joint. The parallel plates also enhance the lateral bending performance of the joint by locking relative movement of the two tubular members at the joint. The vertical doubler plate increases the thickness of the cross tubular member at the joint to allow a lighter gage tubular member to be utilized. The reinforcement member can be joined by MIG welding techniques on one side or on opposite sides of the cross tubular member for welding to the primary frame member.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis assembly includes a frame assembly having a plurality of frame members connected together, a drivetrain, a suspension system, and an exhaust system. The connection of the frame members provides a low-profile configuration for reduced step height and a kick-up portion to allow ascent of steeper inclines. The frame further includes an exhaust pipe supported within a frame member and two castings bolted to removable wheel arches. The exhaust pipe has a circular cross-section that changes to a rectangular cross-section near the back of the chassis assembly.

Abstract: A center section for a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises a driveshaft hoop, crossmember attachment areas extending generally from opposing sides thereof, and trailing arm mounts on either side of the driveshaft hoop for attachment of one or more trailing arms to the center section. The crossmember attachment areas have heights that allow attachment of crossmember portions to the center section at offset heights. A method of constructing a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises providing a center section having crossmember attachment areas of predetermined heights extending generally from opposite sides of a driveshaft hoop, and attaching crossmember portions within the crossmember attachment areas at heights that are offset from each other.

Abstract: A connective system for connecting a first body to a second body having an aperture, is provided. The system includes a pin connected with the first body. The pin has a detent surface. A retainer ring having a snap fit engagement with the pin detent surface is provided. The retainer ring also has a locking arm for entry into the aperture of the second body with snap fit engagement with a surface of the second body thereby retaining the second body with said first body.

Abstract: A vehicular frame assembly includes a mainframe, a support bracket, and a subframe. The support bracket is coupled with the mainframe. The subframe is coupled with the support bracket such that the subframe is stationary with respect to the mainframe. The support bracket is configured for pivotal attachment to a suspension element. Vehicles including a frame assembly having a support bracket are also provided.

Abstract: A frame structure for a vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a pair of occupant seats, and a center pipe. The vehicle body frame has a front-rear direction. The pair of occupant seats includes a driver's seat and a passenger seat and are arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The center pipe extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged substantially on a center line of a vehicle body so as to pass through positions between the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A primarily aluminum extendable flatbed trailer has front and rear flatbed sections adjustable to various trailer lengths. Reinforcing plates with holes therein are connected to an aluminum longitudinal rail on one flatbed section. Holes in the rail aligned with the reinforcing plate holes removably receive a locking pin which secures the front section to the rear section. The locking pin slidably engages the reinforcing plates and associated wear bars. A generally vertical web strengthener is secured to a vertical longitudinal web on the rail adjacent the suspension of the trailer. Tubular aluminum braces are used in various locations. A friction reducing plastic slide member on one flatbed section slidably engages the other flatbed section. Another trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in a standard configuration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a road trailer whose frame consists of profiles having a fin to support the floor and grooves on their upper and lower faces able to retain in rotation bolt heads and the lower edges of sidewalls (10). The side members and cross bars are joined by corner pieces which have a vertical orifice to receive the lower end of a post (9) comprising orthogonal grooves housing the side edges of the sidewalls (10). The corner pieces (30) have two perpendicular arms respectively fitted into the adjacent ends of profiles forming the frame. Mounting of the elements requires little tooling.

Abstract: A frame extender (10) for attachment to a siderail (14) and to a front cross member (16A) of a vehicle frame (12) having a centerline (C) includes a first portion (52) generally parallel with and attached to the siderail. The frame extender (10) also includes a second portion (66) extending generally transversely from the first portion (52) and outwardly from the centerline (C), and a third portion (80) extending from the second portion and generally parallel to the siderail (14). The first portion (52), the second portion (66) and the third portion (80) are formed as a single component.

Abstract: A vehicle with an interchangeable suspension system is disclosed. The vehicle includes a forward section with a forward suspension system and a rear section with a rear suspension system. Different forward and rear sections having different suspension systems can be selected and interchangeably attached to a central section. This arrangement allows rapid alteration of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of mounting a battery box (10) on a frame rail (12). Fasteners and elements (36, 38; or 54, 56) provide spaced apart, axially tapered outer surfaces (46; 62) proximate a vertical side of the rail with the tapers narrowing toward the side of the rail. The box has tabs (28) having downwardly open throats (30). The box is hung on the rail by positioning the box so as to place each tab over a respective element (38 or 56) on the fastener (36 or 54) with the tab throat aligned with the element, and then lowering the box to cause the elements to enter the tab throats and the throats to come to rest on the elements so that at least some of the weight of the box is borne by the rail through the throats resting on the elements. With the throats resting on the elements, the tapered outer surfaces present axial interference to the tabs beyond the tabs relative to the rail. After the box has been hung, the box is fastened to the rail by additional fasteners.

Abstract: A rear suspension cross member mounting structure includes a rear floor side member with a 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and a 2WD rear cross member mounting hole, and a reinforcement bracket with a slot corresponding to both the 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and the 2WD rear cross member mounting hole. The structure may further include a bolt, passing through the reinforcement bracket and the rear floor side member to attach the rear cross member to the structure. The bolt may pass sequentially through the reinforcement bracket, the rear floor side member, and the rear cross member, and then engage with a nut provided below the rear cross member.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame structure for an all-terrain vehicle having at least a front wheel, and including a first frame assembly and a second frame assembly. The first frame assembly includes an arm support portion and a steering shaft support portion located at a front portion of the vehicle body frame structure, for steering the front wheel. The second frame assembly is bisected from the first frame assembly; and the vehicle body frame structure also includes a suspension arm vertically swingably supported by the arm support portion.

Abstract: Vehicle front body structure includes, in each of its left and right sections, a damper housing having mounted thereon an upper portion of a suspension damper; a front side frame having the housing attached thereto; a damper housing connection bracket inserted in an opening of the frame; a welding section formed on the housing and fixed to the bracket; a lid fitted in the opening to form the frame as a closed-sectional-shape structure. The body structure also includes a collar nut provided within the side frame and supporting a sub frame, and each of the housings has a lower section connected to the collar nut.

Abstract: The subframe contains a framework which is cast as a single part and has profiled hollow members for the longitudinal and cross members. The cross members are connected to each other via supporting pillars at the corners, or are integrally formed on the supporting pillars. Arms which protrude outward are integrally formed on the supporting pillars or on the longitudinal and cross members, the end sides of which arms have connecting bearings toward the vehicle body. A differential is held on the two cross members, the differential having one mounting on the front cross member and two mountings on the rear cross member. The longitudinal members have a curved passage opening for the drive shafts of the differential. Mountings for wheel guiding links are arranged on the outside of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A cross member for a motor vehicle includes an elongated, non-cast center structure and first and second castings. The center structure is formed as a one-piece, unitary structure and has a first end, a mid portion, and a second end. The first casting is rigidly connected to the first end of the center structure and the second casting is rigidly connected to the second end of the center structure. Each of the castings is configured and arranged to be attached to a respective motor vehicle element.

Abstract: A vehicular frame assembly includes a mainframe, a support bracket, and a subframe. The support bracket is coupled with the mainframe. The subframe is coupled with the support bracket such that the subframe is stationary with respect to the mainframe. The support bracket is configured for pivotal attachment to a suspension element. Vehicles including a frame assembly having a support bracket are also provided.

Abstract: A sub frame for a vehicle may include an assembly including a front member, a rear member, and a pair of side members of which both front ends are jointed to distal ends of the front member and of which both rear ends are jointed to distal ends of the rear member respectively, wherein the front member, the rear member, and the side members form upper members and lower members that are combined to have a box-shaped close cross section by structural adhesive members.

Abstract: A front subframe 42 is formed of an aluminum alloy into a frame that is formed substantially into a shape of parallel crosses or into a rectangular shape and is made up of left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 which are disposed at corners of the frame that is formed substantially into the shape of parallel crosses or the rectangular shape, and left and right longitudinal members 61, 61, and front and rear cross members 62, 67 which connect the joint portions 64, 64, 71, 71 together. The left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and the left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product, whereas the left and right longitudinal members 61, 61 are formed of an aluminum alloy wrought product. In addition, connecting locations 76 . . . of a camber angle adjusting mechanism 157 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product. Additionally, a rear cross member compound 63 is formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product.

Abstract: A vehicle (100) is disclosed. The vehicle may include a base portion (104) and a modular portion (112). The base portion may be a four wheel vehicle having an operator area (114) with seating for at least two occupants in a side-by-side arrangement. The modular portion may be coupled to the base portion resulting in a six wheel vehicle. The wheels (102) of the modular portion may be powered by an engine (500) of the base portion.

Abstract: A motorcycle trailer converts between a single mode, for towing one motorcycle, and a dual mode for towing two motorcycles. In the single mode, a longitudinal frame includes a front member, a center member and a rear member which assemble to provide an elongate, narrow platform with a tire channel for receiving the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle. Left and right wheel assemblies each include a wheel with a tire, an axle and an axle extension that slides into an axle sleeve fixed to the underside of the longitudinal frame. A straight coupler is fitted to the front member for hitching the assembled trailer to a tow vehicle. In the dual mode, two assembled longitudinal frames, each having the front member, center member and rear member, are positioned in parallel spaced relation and an axle extension is connected between the axle sleeves.

Abstract: A structure of a mount of a vehicular sub-frame includes a main cup into which a sub-frame pipe can be pressure-fitted, an upper plate coupled to the main cup, an auxiliary cup coupled to one end of the main cup, and a lower plate coupled to the auxiliary cup.

Abstract: A chassis having systems responsive to a nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes preassembled modules to enhance ease and simplicity of chassis assembly. The chassis is preferably configured to minimize the possibility of a preassembled module being incorrectly positioned within the chassis. Methods for advantageously employing preassembled modules to assemble vehicle chassis are also provided.

Abstract: A mine service vehicle has a forward module, a rear module, and a cab module of unitized construction that can be secured together to assemble the vehicle. The forward and rear modules preferably have frame sections with terminating plates that can be affixed together with bolts, while the cab preferably mounts to the forward and rear modules by resilient couplings. The bolts preferably pass through tension sleeves into threaded holes in bolt receiver plates attached to one of the terminating plates. A frame extender can be affixed between the terminating plates to lengthen the vehicle. The vehicle preferably has a rear axle mounted to axle support bars that are each resiliently, floatably mounted to a pair of axle support brackets by a pivot bolt, with resilient bearings interposed between the axle support bar and the pivot bolt as well as between the pivot bolt and the axle support brackets.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body defining at least one channel and a front-end module including at least one attachment arm having a retention feature movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The retention feature is movable into the retracted position when the at feast one attachment arm is inserted into the at least one channel and is biased into the extended position upon movement of the at least one attachment arm relative to the vehicle body a predetermined distance to prevent removal of the at least one attachment arm from the channel.

Abstract: A module for a frame for a motor vehicle and a method of forming a frame assembly with a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending central side rail structures includes, in one embodiment, using a pair of tubular hydroformed side rail members and a laterally extending connecting structure connected between the pair of side rail members to secure the pair of side rail members in laterally spaced, fixed relation to one another. Each first portion of the pair of side rail members extending longitudinally and each second portion of the pair of side rail members extending laterally relative to the respective first portion and each second portion having an end being constructed and arranged to form a joint with a portion of a respective central side rail structure such that the end of each of the pair of side rail members extends generally laterally through a side of the respective central side rail structure.

Abstract: A suspension and steering subassembly for a heavy truck is provided including a subframe. The subframe includes first and second side members extending substantially in the direction of vehicle travel and first and second cross members extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel. The first and second cross members are integral with the first and second side members such that the subframe is a unitary member. The first and second side members and the first and second cross members are further configured to receive first and second lower suspension control arms, first and second upper suspension control arms, and a portion of the steering linkage for the vehicle. The subframe may further be configured to receive a steering gear and one or more strut rods to provide fore/aft support to the subframe.

Abstract: A vehicle front body structure includes a hollow front side frame of closed cross-sectional structure having a wheel relief portion having a horizontal width reducing to allow swivel movement of a front wheel of the vehicle. The wheel relief portion has a pair of reinforcement beads extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and projecting from an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall, respectively, of the front side frame into an internal space of the hollow front side frame. The reinforcement beads have top surfaces being in abutment with each other and firmly fixed together.

Abstract: A module for a frame for a motor vehicle with a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending central side rail structures. The module including a pair of tubular hydroformed side rail members and a laterally extending connecting structure connected between the pair of side rail members to secure the pair of side rail members in laterally spaced, fixed relation to one another. Each first portion of the pair of side rail members extending longitudinally and each second portion of the pair of side rail members extending laterally relative to the respective first portion and each second portion having an end being constructed and arranged to form a joint with a portion of a respective central side rail structure such that the end of each of the pair of side rail members extends generally laterally through a side of the respective central side rail structure.

Abstract: A frame structure and a method of manufacturing a body frame that is divided into small assemblies to facilitate the carriage and storage of articles and individuals and the manufacturing efficiency. A body frame is divided into three, namely, a front assembly having a closed loop structure, an engine support system assembly having a closed loop structure and a rear suspension support system assembly having a closed loop structure. The front assembly and the rear suspension support system assembly are connected to the engine support system assembly to form the body frame. The small assemblies have a closed loop structure whereby the rigidity is enhanced, and the shape is also stabilized. Therefore, the accuracy management can be performed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a replacement steering assembly for a rear steer vehicle and requires no cutting/removal of suspension components or drilling holes or welding of vehicle frame rails. The replacement steering assembly includes a cradle for support a replacement steering system. The cradle includes spaced apart first and second side plates and a center support extending therebetween. A mounting portion of the first side plate includes mounting holes to affix the plate to the left side frame rail and a mounting portion of the second side plate includes mounting holes to affix the plate to the right side frame rail. The first and second side plate mounting holes are configured to align with existing mounting holes in the frame rails which were provided to mount original vehicle steering assembly. The center support is offset vertically downwardly and positioned forwardly of the side plate mounting portions.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a structural frame having a frame portion that partially defines an open space and that has a predetermined configuration such that the open space maintains a predetermined amount of spatial integrity in the event of a horizontal impact to the vehicle chassis. The frame also includes a frame component operatively connected to the frame portion that further defines the structural frame. The open space provides a protected packaging space wherein certain critical chassis components are placed. The frame portion configuration provides a pre-engineered protected area that may be used in a variety of structural frame configurations. Accordingly, a method for using pre-engineered frame portions is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes first and second chassis members, and a locking device. Each of the first and second chassis members includes a connector formed with a hole unit therethrough. The locking device includes a locking pin that extends through the hole units in the connectors, and a resilient retainer that latches releasably to one end of the locking pin.

Abstract: A frame rail assembly configured for use in various applications, including automotive vehicles. The frame rail assembly includes two rail portions. The rail portions include apertures each encompassed by a mounting boss. In addition, the frame rail includes spacers sized and configured to receive the mounting bosses in a snug fit to help with alignment. The spacers include at least one dimple in order to guide a mounting bolt though the apertures. The mounting bolt may be employed to hold the frame rail assembly together and attach other components to the frame rail assembly.