With Resilient Means For Suspension Patents (Class 280/788)
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Patent number: 11685446Abstract: An electric vehicle frame strut tower to body structure interface bracket is disclosed. An example electric vehicle disclosed herein includes a frame, a battery pack supported by the frame, a body coupled to the frame, a strut tower coupled to the frame to support the body and absorb road surface impacts on the electric vehicle, and a strut tower interface bracket to couple the strut tower to the body.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Gary E. Sheaffer, II, Steve William Gallagher, Joshua Jacob Clement
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Patent number: 11548553Abstract: A vehicle underbody structure includes a pair of rockers that are provided on both vehicle width direction sides of a vehicle underbody and extend in a vehicle front-rear direction, a battery that is disposed centrally in a vehicle width direction center between the pair of rockers and is disposed above a vehicle floor and on the lower side of a seat, a fuel tank that is disposed in the vehicle width direction center between the pair of rockers and is disposed under the vehicle floor and further toward a rear side of the vehicle than the battery, and a waste pipe that is coupled to a drive unit provided at a vehicle front side of the battery and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction between the battery and one of the rockers.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
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Patent number: 11472247Abstract: Mounting bracket assemblies including a base bracket and a clamp. The base bracket includes a base bracket wall with a base wall portion having a first surface portion and a second surface portion. The base bracket is positioned along an existing jounce bumper mount of a vehicle with the first surface portion engaging a distal edge of the jounce bumper mount. The clamp is the base bracket and extends peripherally along a side wall portion of the jounce bumper mount in abutting engagement with an outer peripheral surface portion thereof and coextensively therewith. Suspension systems, mounting bracket kits and methods of assembling a mounting bracket assembly are also included.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventor: Scott A. Smith
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Patent number: 11465684Abstract: A front suspension apparatus in which a front side of a suspension arm can be cut off from a subframe at the time of a small overlap collision without a complication of structure and formability. A front suspension apparatus in which a lower arm from which a front wheel is suspended is provided, and a front arm portion and a rear arm portion of the lower arm are axially supported by axially supporting portions of a subframe is characterized in that an axially supporting portion of the front arm portion is joined to the subframe at a joined portion extending in a vehicle width direction, a joined portion extending in an up-down direction, and a joined portion extending in a front-rear direction, and a joining strength of a joined portion in the front-rear direction is lower than a joining strength of the joined portion in the up-down direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroyuki Okamoto, Fumihiro Kurohara, Ippei Kuroda, Yasunori Takahara
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Patent number: 11377152Abstract: A ridgeline of a bottom surface portion at a rear portion of a rear side member rear at a rear of a fastening portion of rear side members to a rear portion of a rear suspension member is a slope shape which inclines downward toward a vehicle rear. A side member reinforcement, which is a reinforcing member which is against a load in a vehicle length direction, is attached to the rear portion of the rear side member rear. A fragile portion of low rigidity compared to a lower portion is formed at an upper portion of the side member reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kosei Ota, Masanori Yoshimoto
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Patent number: 11352063Abstract: Power machine frames, and corresponding power machines such as skid steer loaders, have fully arcuate access aperture features formed in a first frame panel providing access to a volume internal to the first frame panel or otherwise positioned interior to the frame. The fully arcuate access aperture has a fully arcuate perimeter in the first frame panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANYInventors: Brent Durkin, Michael J. Schmidt
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Patent number: 11148738Abstract: A vehicle including: a pair of suspension towers, each of which houses, in an upright state, a suspension unit configured to provide suspension to a front wheel; a power unit compartment that is provided between the pair of suspension towers, and that houses at least a drive unit configured to drive the front wheels; at least one of a high voltage component or a low voltage component, configuring a sub unit disposed at a vehicle upper side of the suspension towers; and a driving seat that is disposed in a vehicle cabin at the vehicle upper side of the power unit compartment, and that is provided such that feet of a driver are positioned further toward a vehicle lower side than upper ends of the suspension towers and such that a head of the driver is positioned further toward the vehicle upper side than the sub unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuhiro Hara, Ayano Tsuruta
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Patent number: 11130530Abstract: Load-bearing structural component (1) in particular of a motor vehicle including a strut-dome (2) to hold the strut and an engine support (3) to fasten an engine wherein the load-bearing structural component (1) is formed in one-piece as a single part.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Inventors: Michael Dettling, Stephan Philipp, Christophe Buch, Edouard Girault, Julien Carrie
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Patent number: 10994782Abstract: A pair of elongate attachment members, or “Z-rails” for attaching an end of a trailer crossmember to a flanged beam each include a first end section, an L-shaped portion comprising a horizontal leg and a vertical leg extending from the first end section, and a second end section extending from the vertical leg. The horizontal leg has a bottom surface with a width equal to the distance between the web of the flanged beam and the end of the flange. The vertical leg has an outer surface with a width equal to the width of the end of the flange. The Z-rails are attached to opposite ends of the crossmember to form a subassembly. The subassembly is fixed to and between the flanged beams by welding the first end sections to the web of the corresponding beam, with the horizontal leg on the flange, without directly heating the flange, thereby not diminishing the toughness of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Western Trailer Co.Inventors: Jerald M. Whitehead, Todd H. Swanstrom
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Patent number: 10358168Abstract: A crossing member disposed along a vehicle width direction between inflected portions of side members is capable of transmitting load from one of the side members to the other of the side members when the one side member deforms toward a vehicle width direction inward. Accordingly, when collision load is input due to an offset collision or the like, the collision load is transmitted from the one side member input with the collision load to the other side member through the crossing member, and the collision load is supported by the other side member.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hyuga Atsumi, Junichi Takayanagi, Kenichiro Yoshimoto, Daisuke Tanabe, Kyosuke Kawase
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Patent number: 10336372Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle can include a main frame assembly defining a passenger compartment, and a front frame assembly. The front frame assembly can include a pair of front frame members extending upwardly, and a pair of intermediate frame members spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Each of the intermediate frame members can be connected to a respective one of the front frame members. Each of the intermediate frame members also can be connected to a cross member of the main frame assembly, and can include a bend such that each of the intermediate frame members buckles in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle if a load or kinetic energy applied to each of the intermediate frame members in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Luke M. Upah, Daniel T. Sellars, Dakota D. Kirtland, Matthew L. Taracko
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Patent number: 9650079Abstract: A kart includes a chassis having a pair of substantially parallel tubular rails extending longitudinally and connected to one another at each end by at least one transverse tubular element. The kart chassis includes, in the front portion thereof, at least two substantially flared-U-shaped tubes positioned facing one another and assembled in the middle portion such as to form an X-shaped structure between the tubular rails, and at least two substantially rectilinear tubes disposed on each side of the X-shaped structure and each having a first end solidly connected to one of the tubular rails and another end solidly connected to a central portion of the X-shaped structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: SODIKARTInventor: William Gergaud
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Patent number: 9261154Abstract: A motor vehicle axle includes a subframe which has a bushing for linkage to a vehicle body. The bushing defines an axis and includes a bushing body and a face plate which is welded to the bushing body via a weld seam and has a contact surface which is raised in relation to the weld seam, as viewed in a direction of the axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBHInventors: Andreas Franzke, Ralf Pape, Markus Rowinski
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Patent number: 9260133Abstract: Disclosed is a friction-stir welded structure in which corrosion resistance of a peeling region is ensured when a film coating is peeled away from a steel sheet. In a sub-frame, an aluminum alloy member is laid over a steel member that has been electropainted, and the overlaid part where the member is laid over is friction-stir welded at inner and outer welds. The aluminum alloy member has an aluminum layered part which together with the steel member constitutes the overlaid part due to being laid over the steel member, and aluminum extending parts provided to the aluminum layered part. The aluminum extending parts have aluminum extending parts that are orthogonal to the extending direction of the inner and outer welds and that protrude outward from the steel member.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsunehisa Hata, Toshikazu Hirobe
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Patent number: 9085329Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive rear vehicle body structure comprising: a rear subframe (21) having right and left side member segments (22), and a cross member segment (23) coupling the side member segments (22) together; and a rear suspension supported by the rear subframe (21). The cross member portion (23) has right and left lateral portions (23S) each composed a pipe-like shaped member extending vehicle-widthwise inwardly and downwardly from each of the right and left side member segments (22), and a central portion (23C) composed of a pipe-like shaped member coupling the lateral portions (23S) together. The central portion (23C) is disposed at a height position below a vertically middle position between an upper-arm support section (28) and a lower-arm support section (29).Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventor: Katsuyuki Komiya
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Patent number: 9079620Abstract: A rear subframe comprises: a pair of right and left side member segments; and a front cross member segment and a rear cross member segment each coupling the side member segments together. The rear cross member segment has: a central portion; and a front branch portion and a rear branch portion branched forwardly and rearwardly from each of vehicle-widthwise outer ends of the central portion, while extending in the vehicle width direction. Each of the side member segments has a bent portion with its axis extending in a curved manner between a coupling portion between the front branch portion and the side member segments, and a coupling portion between the rear branch portion and the side member segments. The bent portion has a wall thickness set to be less than that of a region of the side member segment located forward of the bent portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventor: Katsuyuki Komiya
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Publication number: 20150114735Abstract: A modular axle concept for a motor vehicle with electric drive includes a structure that supports the bodywork of the motor vehicle. The structure has an integration point or preferably a connection point, in each instance, for attachment of a coupling module, in each instance, for each wheel of the front axle and/or rear axle that can be driven electrically. The module can be connected with the electrically drivable wheel, particularly with its wheel mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: KSM CASTINGS GROUP GMBHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Andreas Kiesel, Gregor Bechtle
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Patent number: 9016704Abstract: Front-axle bracket (1) for motor vehicles, in which in each case two receptacles or recesses (5, 6) for the bearings for the swivel mounting of in each case one of two wheel control elements (7), such as the wishbone or A-arm, and the receptacles (18, 19, 20) for the securing of the front-axle bracket are provided as a premanufactured unit together with preassembled assemblies on the vehicle body, and at least some of the receptacles or recesses listed below for the securing of the steering mechanism (13) the securing of the stabilizer (15) the mounting of a hinged column (14), and the front-axle bracket is produced in the form of a light-metal component which is integral with said receptacles or recesses and connects them to one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Juergen Eickmann, Uwe Lange
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Patent number: 8998260Abstract: An apparatus, kit, and method for improving a motor vehicle. Embodiments include right and left frame supports, a cross beam, and two mounts for air bump stops, for instance, outboard of the vehicle frame. Damage to the frame can be prevented in severe suspension impacts and vehicle handling and performance can be improved both on and off road surfaces. Certain embodiments include impact pads clamped to the axle of the vehicle, hardware or bolts that attach components together or to the frame of the vehicle, or a combination thereof. Components can be configured to attach to the vehicle frame. Particular embodiments support the frame at the top, bottom, outboard side, or a combination thereof, and some frame supports have a channel portion, a hollow box portion, and two parallel gusset plates, for example. In some embodiments, the cross beam can fit between and attach to the gusset plates.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventor: Corey M. Kausch
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Publication number: 20150061275Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame assembly, a cab frame assembly, a front suspension assembly, a rear suspension assembly, a power steering assembly, and a powertrain assembly, all of which may be configured to lower the center of gravity of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Aaron D. DECKARD, Adam J. SCHLANGEN, Alex R. SCHEUERELL, Aaron J. NYSSE, Anthony J. RIPLEY, Daniel L. GOFFMAN, Andy T. IVES, Donovan L. FREDRICKSON, Gordon J. STEINMETZ, Keith A. HOLLMAN, Anthony J. KOMAREK, Corrie S. ROYTEK, Shawn D. PETERSON, Dennis J. LUTZ
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Publication number: 20150061274Abstract: An off-road vehicle is provided with a body frame that supports a final drive unit and a rear suspension, the rear suspension that supports rear wheels with an upper arm and an lower arm and absorbs shock with a rear cushion unit disposed between the rear wheels and the body frame, and a drive shaft that transmits a driving force from the final drive unit to the rear wheels. The body frame that configures generally rectangular parallelepiped sides enclosing the area around the final drive unit is provided with a front rear side frame. The front rear side frame vertically extends the left and right of one side of either the front side or the back side of the final drive unit and supports the upper arm, the lower arm, and the rear cushion unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Tadashi Oshima, Yasuo Hanafusa, Naoki Kuwabara
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Patent number: 8967672Abstract: In a vehicle-body structure of a vehicle, where suspension forming members are attached to a vehicle body, there are provided a first face portion, through which the suspension forming member extends, a second face portion provided to face to the first face portion, and a support member provided between the first face portion and the second face portion and supporting the suspension forming members, and the support member is joined to said second face portion via a reinforcing member which is formed integrally with the support member or formed separately from the support member. Accordingly, vibrations of the support member can be properly restrained.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Osamu Kurogi, Tsuyoshi Sugihara, Kohya Nakagawa, Kuniaki Nagao, Sakayu Terada, Miho Kowaki, Akira Iyoshi, Shigeaki Watanabe
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Patent number: 8955632Abstract: A tubular frame structure is provided for a three-wheeled motor vehicle with an top upper frame extending in the vehicle longitudinal and vehicle transverse direction, and with a lower frame extending in vehicle longitudinal direction and vehicle transverse direction, which is structurally connected with the upper frame via several connecting tubes extending substantially in the vehicle vertical direction, to form at least one energy absorption structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thorsten Schurna, Curd-Sigmund Boettcher
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Patent number: 8950779Abstract: A golf cart includes a frame, an adjuster, and a pair of suspension assemblies that reduce changes in camber angles in a pair of wheels caused by an adjustment of a ground clearance. The adjuster includes a pair of first adjusting portions and a pair of second adjusting portions. Each of the first adjusting portions includes a first upper hole and a first lower hole. Each of the second adjusting portions includes a second upper hole and a second lower hole. Each suspension assembly includes a damper and an arm portion. When the golf cart is set to a high ground clearance, the first adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the dampers, and the second adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the arm portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuta Inoue, Ken Itou, Yuya Sato
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Patent number: 8925966Abstract: A golf cart includes a frame, an adjuster, and a pair of suspension assemblies that reduce changes in camber angles in a pair of wheels caused by an adjustment of a ground clearance. The adjuster includes a pair of first adjusting portions and a pair of second adjusting portions. Each of the first adjusting portions includes a first upper hole and a first lower hole. Each of the second adjusting portions includes a second upper hole and a second lower hole. Each suspension assembly includes a damper and an arm portion. When the golf cart is set to a high ground clearance, the first adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the dampers, and the second adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the arm portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuta Inoue, Ken Itou, Yuya Sato
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Patent number: 8888135Abstract: A flatbed trailer design that uses clamps, or a clamp and an L-bracket, to secure aluminum main beams to their respective suspension hangers without penetrating the lower flange portion of the main beams. Where the main beams are I-shaped, a clamp secures a part of the lower flange portion on each side of the main beam web to a support plate that is welded to the suspension hanger. Where the main beams are L-shaped, a clamp secures a part of the lower flange portion to the support plate that is welded to the suspension hanger; an L-bracket is then used on the other side of the L-shaped main beam to secure the main beam web to the support plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Inventor: Miles A. Reitnouer
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Patent number: 8876132Abstract: A front sub-assembly for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The front sub-assembly includes a pair of spaced apart, substantially hollow side assemblies. Each of the side assemblies includes an upper side member and a lower side member. The front ends of the side assemblies are joined together by a front cross member that includes a front cross member reinforcing bracket and an internal mass dampener. The rear ends of the side assemblies are joined by an upper cross member and a lower cross member. A plurality of brackets, including body mount brackets, a steering gear bracket, an exhaust mount bracket, and a roll restrictor bracket are also strategically provided. The brackets as well as other components are preferably formed from stamped steel.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Patrick Marchena, Mark Andrew Kessen
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Patent number: 8863884Abstract: A vehicle chassis in the form of a trough is ‘V shaped and encloses the vehicle driveline and is resistant to ballistic and blast damage. The chassis has a removable body attached by longitudinal pivot pins. A torsion bar suspension is pivoted on the axis of the torsion bar.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Ricardo UK Ltd.Inventor: Roland Jacob-Lloyd
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Patent number: 8857853Abstract: A modular vehicle chassis frame includes: two longitudinal bar pieces having front and rear end portions and a plurality of engaging portions; two front connecting members; two rear connecting members; two terminal bar pieces, one of which is connected to the front end portions of the longitudinal bar pieces through the front connecting members, and the other one of which is connected to the rear end portions of the longitudinal bar pieces through the rear connecting members; and a plurality of crossbar pieces that extend transversely to the longitudinal bar pieces. Each of the crossbar pieces extends through two aligned ones of the engaging portions respectively of the longitudinal bar pieces.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chuang-Hsiung Lin
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Patent number: 8833775Abstract: An electronic control suspension (ECS) system for vehicles is provided. The ECS system includes a strut assembly which is coupled to a vehicle body, and a lower portion of which is inserted through the housing so as to absorb the rocking from the wheel. A vehicle-height control module converts a rotating force of a motor to a linear motion of the strut assembly when the rotating force of the motor is provided to a screw section thereof surrounding the stmt assembly. This allows the strut assembly to be vertically moved relative to the housing, thereby controlling the height of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jong Min Kim, Sung Bae Jang, Bo Min Kim, Dae Sik Ko
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Patent number: 8807575Abstract: A mass transit vehicle includes one or a combination of the following: floor portions that are angled for creating an incline of a floor of the buss; a door or entranceway that is angle relative to a fore-aft axis of the vehicle; and/or an entranceway that opens a relatively low height relative to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Arboc Specialty Vehicles, LLCInventors: James J. Bartel, Ronald A. Byrd
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Patent number: 8801011Abstract: An articulatable suspension system for a vehicle includes a front axle assembly, a front pivot assembly, a rear axle assembly, a rear pivot assembly, a frame and at least one equalizer bar. The front axle is pivotally coupled to the front pivot assembly such that the front axle assembly is rotatable about at least one of a longitudinal axis or a lateral axis passing through the front pivot assembly. The rear axle is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot assembly such that the rear axle assembly is rotatable about at least one a longitudinal axis or a lateral axis passing through the rear pivot assembly. Front and rear dampeners extend between the front and rear axle assemblies and the frame. An equalizer bar is coupled to the front and rear pivoting assemblies by front and rear vertical linkages. The equalizer bar is pivotally secured to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Preffered Chassis Fabrication, Inc.Inventor: William Dwaine Jungen
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Patent number: 8801037Abstract: A golf cart includes a frame, an adjuster, and a pair of suspension assemblies that reduce changes in camber angles in a pair of wheels caused by an adjustment of a ground clearance. The adjuster includes a pair of first adjusting portions and a pair of second adjusting portions. Each of the first adjusting portions includes a first upper hole and a first lower hole. Each of the second adjusting portions includes a second upper hole and a second lower hole. Each suspension assembly includes a damper and an arm portion. When the golf cart is set to a high ground clearance, the first adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the dampers, and the second adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the arm portions.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuta Inoue, Ken Itou, Yuya Sato
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Publication number: 20140203544Abstract: A golf cart includes a frame, an adjuster, and a pair of suspension assemblies that reduce changes in camber angles in a pair of wheels caused by an adjustment of a ground clearance. The adjuster includes a pair of first adjusting portions and a pair of second adjusting portions. Each of the first adjusting portions includes a first upper hole and a first lower hole. Each of the second adjusting portions includes a second upper hole and a second lower hole. Each suspension assembly includes a damper and an arm portion. When the golf cart is set to a high ground clearance, the first adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the dampers, and the second adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the arm portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuta INOUE, Ken ITOU, Yuya SATO
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Patent number: 8752660Abstract: There is obtained a cooling structure for a vehicle that can keep low a temperature of an interior of a power unit chamber in which a power unit is disposed. A cooling structure for a vehicle has: a power unit that is disposed within a power unit chamber disposed at a vehicle front side and at which air intake ports are formed in a front end side in a vehicle front-rear direction; an air-cooling-type heat exchanger that is disposed at a rear side with respect to the power unit, and that is cooled by heat exchange with air that passes from a front side to a rear side; and a communication duct that communicates a rear side portion with respect to the air-cooling-type heat exchanger and a rear side portion of the power unit in the power unit chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
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Patent number: 8746718Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively ensure the rigidity of supporting a front suspension with a simple configuration, without increasing the weight of a vehicle body. In a suspension mounting structure for a vehicle in which a front suspension is supported by sub frames 3, the sub frames 3 have a pair of right and left side sub frames 9 that extend in a front-rear direction of a vehicle in lower parts of front side frames 2; and a rear sub cross member 11 that couples rear end parts of the right and left side frames 9 to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takahiro Otani, Masanobu Fukushima, Hiroaki Takeshita
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Patent number: 8727380Abstract: In a suspension tower structure for a vehicle (1) including a chassis frame (9) to which suspension towers (101) are attached, a front leg part (101a) and a rear leg part (101b) branched to be separated from each other in a vehicle length direction are provided in a lower part of the suspension tower (101), and lower parts of the front leg part (101a) and the rear leg part (101b) are attached to a main frame (10) of the chassis frame (9) extending in the vehicle length direction so as to be separated from each other in the vehicle length direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Akaki, Hideto Yamada, Soukichi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 8567801Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one or two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another. At least individual ones of the accommodations are integrated into the front-axle bracket by way of rod-shaped connecting elements, in framework-like manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heiko Kauert, Juergen Eickmann, Andreas Hennings, Andreas Buehrig-Polaczek, Lars Wuerker, Klaus Greven
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Patent number: 8522909Abstract: An attachment structure of an electromotor, connected to rear wheels, of a vehicle, includes: a sub frame, to which the electromotor is assembled, provided at a rear portion of the vehicle, and having members extending in a longitudinal direction, and front and rear cross members extending in a width direction of the vehicle, the sub frame having a rectangular shape in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions; a receptacle provided at a front of the sub frame; and a rear motor mount provided at a rear of the rear cross member, a position of the rear motor mount being substantially the same as that of the electromotor in the perpendicular direction, the electromotor being provided at an upper side of the rear cross member; and a connection member, to which the electromotor is fixed, being provided at a lower side of the front cross member.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuzo Niina
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Publication number: 20130221648Abstract: An apparatus, kit, and method for improving a motor vehicle. Embodiments include right and left frame supports, a cross beam, and two mounts for air bump stops, for instance, outboard of the vehicle frame. Damage to the frame can be prevented in severe suspension impacts and vehicle handling and performance can be improved both on and off road surfaces. Certain embodiments include impact pads clamped to the axle of the vehicle, hardware or bolts that attach components together or to the frame of the vehicle, or a combination thereof. Components can be configured to attach to the vehicle frame. Particular embodiments support the frame at the top, bottom, outboard side, or a combination thereof, and some frame supports have a channel portion, a hollow box portion, and two parallel gusset plates, for example. In some embodiments, the cross beam can fit between and attach to the gusset plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventor: Corey M. Kausch
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Patent number: 8496259Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle trailer includes a pair of elongated, spaced-apart parallel main members, each one having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical walls. At least one cross member extends between and attaches to the main members, and includes a pair of spaced apart parallel transversely-extending vertical walls. Each one of a first pair of hangers includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel vertical walls that generally align and attach to the main member vertical walls. Each hanger includes a hanger support having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical webs integrally formed with a diagonally extending side member. The hanger support attaches to the inboard hanger wall and also to the cross member. The frame reduces weight and provides improved reaction of longitudinal and side loads, yet still efficiently reacts vertical and racking loads imparted on the frame during operation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventor: John Edward Ramsey
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Patent number: 8485303Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame, a first pair of pivot arms provided at right and left sides, respectively, at a front end portion of the vehicle body frame such that the pivot arms extend in a rightward and leftward direction from the front end portion and are vertically pivotable, the first pair of pivot arms being attached to front wheels at tip ends thereof, respectively, and a stabilizer having one end mounted to one of the first pair of pivot arms and an opposite end mounted to the other of the first pair of pivot arms. The stabilizer extends through a front side of the vehicle body frame, outside the vehicle body frame, from the one end thereof to the opposite end thereof, and has an intermediate portion located in front of the vehicle body frame and mounted to the front end portion of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Teruaki Yamamoto, Kazuhiro Maeda, Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Hidetoshi Kaku
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Patent number: 8439148Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an engine attached to the vehicle body frame, and a power transmission unit for transmitting output from the engine to a wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle body frame includes a plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket which is integrally connected to front end portions of main frame sections extending in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle at a lower portion of the vehicle body frame, and also is integrally connected to lower end sides of front frame sections vertically extending at a front portion of the vehicle body frame. The plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket includes suspension arm-supporting portions formed integrally therewith. The lightweight vehicle body frame reduces total weight of the vehicle and, at the same time, enhances assembling accuracy thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Hajime Uchiyama
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Patent number: 8439377Abstract: Provided is a structure of a roll rod for a vehicle which is mounted on a subframe of the vehicle and combined with a transmission or an engine. The structure includes a fastening rod having one end connected with the transmission or the engine and the other end where a sliding portion is inserted in the subframe, a mounting member fixed to the subframe in contact with the outer circumference of the sliding portion and having a protrusion on the inner circumference, a front insulator connected to the outer circumference of the sliding portion and positioned ahead of the protrusions, a rear insulator connected to the outer circumference of the sliding portion and positioned behind the protrusion, and an end plate mounted on the fastening rod, behind the rear insulator, in which the rear insulator is formed by combining two or more sub-insulators and one or more sub-insulators are spaced apart from the end plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hyo-Seok Kim
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Patent number: 8403347Abstract: Front-axle bracket (1) for motor vehicles, in which in each case two receptacles or recesses (5, 6) for the bearings for the swivel mounting of in each case one of two wheel control elements (7), such as the wishbone or A-arm, and the receptacles (18, 19, 20) for the securing of the front-axle bracket are provided as a premanufactured unit together with preassembled assemblies on the vehicle body, and at least some of the receptacles or recesses listed below for the securing of the steering mechanism (13) the securing of the stabilizer (15) the mounting of a hinged column (14), and the front-axle bracket is produced in the form of a light-metal component which is integral with said receptacles or recesses and connects them to one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbHInventors: Juergen Eickmann, Uwe Lange
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Patent number: 8371596Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a first trailing arm assembly and a second trailing assembly each including a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame and a trailing arm member pivotably coupled to the associated mounting bracket and adapted to be operably coupled to an axle member, wherein the trailing arm members each include an aperture extending therein, wherein the aperture has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a depth thereof. The vehicle suspension system further includes a torsional member extending between the first and second trailing arm members and frictionally secured within the apertures thereof, wherein the torsional member has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a length thereof that is received within the apertures of the trailing arms.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Saf-Holland, Inc.Inventors: Marc Johnson, Mark Molitor, Jeffrey Michael Galla, Jason Klein, David Roe, Daniel R. Dykstra
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Patent number: 8371589Abstract: A mass transit vehicle includes one or a combination of the following: floor portions that are angled for creating an incline of a floor of the buss; a door or entranceway that is angle relative to a fore-aft axis of the vehicle; and/or an entranceway that opens a relatively low height relative to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: ARBOC Technologies LLCInventors: James J. Bartel, Ronald A. Byrd
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Patent number: 8366150Abstract: A reinforcement tube assembly for a fastener in a vehicle body structure is provided. The reinforcement tube assembly includes a reinforcement tube and a locator. The locator is affixed to the reinforcement tube. The reinforcement tube is operatively configured to receive a fastener and is operatively configured be installed at least partially within a vehicle body structure. The locator includes at least two mounting surfaces operatively configured to engage with a vehicle body structure. The locator includes at least two mounting surfaces operatively configured to engage with the vehicle body structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: David Alan Parsons, Yiqun Liu
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Patent number: 8356839Abstract: A trailer having a forward frame section, a rearward frame section, and two trailing arm suspension links forming an independent suspension system without a unitary cross axle. The trailing arm suspension links further include (i) a pivot joint connected to the forward frame section, (ii) a wheel hub assembly including a spindle; and (iii) a shock mount including a bracket position rearward of the spindle. The shock absorbing mechanism has a first end pivotally connected to the shock mount and a second end pivotally connected to the rear frame section rearward of the shock mount.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Inventor: Jeffrey L. Vey
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Patent number: 8302979Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one or two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another. At least individual ones of the accommodations are integrated into the front-axle bracket by way of rod-shaped connecting elements, in framework-like manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: KSM Castings GmbHInventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heiko Kauert, Juergen Eickmann, Andreas Hennings, Andreas Buehrig-Polaczek, Lars Wuerker, Klaus Greven