Abstract: A cargo bed of a utility vehicle includes an extruded wall panel with an integrally-formed track and an attachment assembly that can be positioned on the track and secured without the use of tools. The attachment assembly includes a first piece that is inserted into the track and a second piece that abuts an outer surface of the track. The attachment assembly also includes a clamping mechanism that draws the first and second pieces together to clamp a portion of the track between them. The attachment assembly may include a spring that biases the first and second pieces together, such that insertion of the first piece into the track includes a push-and-twist action to overcome the spring bias, properly insert the first piece through a slot, and locate the first piece within the track.

Abstract: A golf accessory for attaching to an accessory mounting system of a golf car. The accessory mounting system including a bracket that is configured to connectably receive the golf accessory and a mount for attachment to the golf car and configured to connectably receive the bracket. The mount including a base that has a generally vertical surface, an aperture extending generally horizontally into the base from the vertical surface and configured to receive a portion of a fastener coupled with the bracket, and a slotted opening extending into the base and configured to receive a portion of the bracket. The base including a generally horizontal surface and the slotted opening extends generally vertically into the base from the horizontal surface. The golf accessory including a golf-related item, and means for connecting the golf-related item to the bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a remote diagnostic system for motorized vehicles. Apparatus according to this aspect of the invention includes a base station having a processor associated with a transceiver and a remote unit installed in a vehicle. The remote unit includes a controller associated with a transceiver, where the controller gathers diagnostic data. The remote unit controller transmits a vehicle identification signal in conjunction with diagnostic data to the base station transceiver such that the base station processor monitors the diagnostic data for the vehicle. Another aspect of the invention further includes a mapping processor associated with a memory. The memory stores a virtual map of a local operating area having areas that are allowable and restricted. The controller is coupled to the mapping processor and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver is coupled to the mapping processor.

Abstract: A housing (10) is for containing an energy source (2), such as a fuel tank, battery or fuel cell, and other power system components of a vehicle having a seat (4). The housing includes a body (12), preferably a generally rectangular box, connectable with the vehicle and configured to support the seat. The body has an interior space sized to receive the energy source and the other power system components, such that the energy source and other components are supported by the body, including when the body is unconnected with the vehicle.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: A golf accessory for attaching to an accessory mounting system of a golf car. The accessory mounting system including a bracket that is configured to connectably receive the golf accessory and a mount for attachment to the golf car and configured to connectably receive the bracket. The mount including a base that has a generally vertical surface, an aperture extending generally horizontally into the base from the vertical surface and configured to receive a portion of a fastener coupled with the bracket, and a slotted opening extending into the base and configured to receive a portion of the bracket. The base including a generally horizontal surface and the slotted opening extends generally vertically into the base from the horizontal surface. The golf accessory including a golf-related item, and means for connecting the golf-related item to the bracket.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system is for attaching at least first and second accessories to a vehicle. A first bracket is configured to connectably receive the first accessory and a second bracket is configured to connectably receive the second accessory. The second bracket has a configuration substantially different than the first bracket. A mount is coupled with the vehicle and is configured to connectably receive the first bracket to attach the first accessory to the vehicle and to alternatively connectably receive the second bracket to attach the second accessory to the vehicle. The mount preferably includes a base coupled with the vehicle and at least one and preferably two apertures extending into the base, each configured to receive a fastener coupled with the accessory. A slotted opening extends into the base, is spaced below the apertures, and configured to receive a portion of either an accessory or a bracket connected therewith.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: A support device is for a vehicle having a body, a roof spaced above the body and a seat back. The support device includes a base or body connectable with the vehicle and having a mounting portion configured for attachment of the seat back and a recess providing a storage space. A roof support has a first end connected with the base and a second end connectable with the roof. The roof support is configured to retain the roof spaced generally above a remainder of the vehicle. Preferably, the roof support includes two struts extending between the base and the roof, the base transferring the weight of the roof from the struts and to the vehicle body. Preferably, the struts each include a fluid passage extending between the roof and the base, the passage being configured to discharge fluid beneath the vehicle body.

Abstract: A pedal assembly is for a vehicle including a motor and a braking mechanism. An actuator pedal is coupled with the vehicle so as to be displaceable between initial and maximum displaced positions and operatively connected with the motor. A brake pedal is coupled with the vehicle so as to be displaceable between initial and park positions and operatively coupled with the braking mechanism to actuate the mechanism in the park position. A brake retainer mechanism includes a coupler connected with the brake pedal and a retainer coupled with the vehicle so as to be angularly displaceable about an axis. The retainer is releasably engageable with the coupler and the actuator pedal to prevent angular displacement of the retainer in a first direction about the retainer axis. As such, the brake pedal is retained at the park position when the coupler and the actuator pedal are engaged with the retainer.

Abstract: A speed control system is for a vehicle having an engine including a carburetor with a throttle plate moveable between a minimum open position and a maximum open position. The speed control system includes a ground speed limiter mechanism operatively coupled with the throttle plate and configured to displace the plate toward the minimum position as ground speed of the vehicle approaches a predetermined maximum value. An engine speed limiter mechanism is operatively coupled with the throttle plate and is configured to displace the plate toward the minimum position as a speed of the engine approaches a predetermined maximum value. Preferably, a control linkage is connected with the throttle plate and is moveable between a first configuration, at which the throttle plate is disposed at the minimum position, and a second configuration at which the throttle plate is disposed at the maximum position, the two limiter mechanisms displacing the linkage.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: An adjustable control arm is for a suspension of a vehicle having a frame and at least one wheel. The control arm includes a first arm section connected with the frame and a second arm section connected with the wheel and coupled with the first arm section such that the second section is releasably fixable to the first section and alternatively slidably displaceable with respect to the first section so as to adjust camber of the wheel, the first and second arm sections remaining generally coupled together during displacement of the second section. Preferably, the first arm section has a cavity and the second arm section has an engagement portion disposed within the cavity, the engagement portion being fixedly connectable to the first arm section to releasably connect the two arm sections and alternatively displaceable within the cavity.