Patents Assigned to Textron, Inc.
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Publication number: 20070267838Abstract: A golf car includes an independent front suspension system having an identical pair of A-arms reversibly arranged with respect to each other. Each A-arm includes a Y-shaped, flat plate body having a first end and a second end. A first tube member is welded to the first end. A second tube member is also welded to the first end and is spatially separated from the first tube member. The second tube member is co-axially oriented with the first tube member. A third tube member is welded to the second end of the body. A longitudinal axis extending through the first and second tube members is parallel to a third tube member longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second tube members are connected for co-rotation about the longitudinal axis to a frame structure of the golf car. The third tube member is connected to a wheel structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Sanville, William Mosuch
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Publication number: 20070267837Abstract: An adjustable height front suspension system for a golf car includes a frame structure. A support member is fixed to the frame structure and includes first and second apertures. The first aperture is positioned above the second aperture with respect to a ground surface. A shock absorber assembly includes a longitudinally displaceable piston rod and a sleeve fixed to the piston rod. The sleeve is positioned proximate the support member such that a fastener aperture of the sleeve is co-axially aligned with one of the first and second apertures. A fastener is disposed through one of the first and second apertures and the fastener aperture of the sleeve, the first aperture defining a first installation position and the second aperture defining a second installation position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventor: Anthony J. Sanville
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Publication number: 20070267790Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for a golf car includes a homogenous spring body having a rolled first end, a curving portion extending away from the rolled first end, a flat portion defining a second end, and a bend portion connecting the curving portion to the flat portion. A pin inserted through the rolled first end rotatably connects the rolled first end to a frame member of the golf car. A U-shaped bracket also connected to the frame member slidably supports the flat portion within the bracket permitting vertical deflections of the leaf spring body to be converted to fore-aft deflections of the flat portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Christopher K. Furman, Michael J. Hebert, Mark J. Holloway
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Publication number: 20070267826Abstract: A height adjustable golf car suspension system includes an axle housing and first and second brackets connected to the axle housing. The first and second brackets each include a first U-shaped member welded to the axle housing, a second U-shaped member welded to the first U-shaped member, and a flange of the second U-shaped member having first and second apertures created through the flange. The first and second apertures receive a mounting fastener of a shock absorber and coil spring assembly. The first aperture is positioned above the second aperture. A height of the suspension system is adjustable by insertion of the mounting fastener into a select one of the first and second apertures of both the first and second brackets.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Christopher K. Furman, James Agerton
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Publication number: 20070267243Abstract: A vehicle operation control switch for a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The vehicle operation control switch includes an ‘Off’ setting or position. When the switch is placed in the ‘Off’ position, the switch disables a vehicle prime mover that generates motive forces utilized to propel the vehicle when enabled. The switch additionally includes a ‘Forward’ setting or position, whereby when the switch is moved to the ‘Forward’ setting, the vehicle prime mover is enabled and the vehicle is configured in a ‘Forward’ movement operational mode. Furthermore, the switch includes a ‘Reverse’ setting for enabling the vehicle prime mover and placing the vehicle in a ‘Reverse’ movement operational mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Oliver A. Bell,, Aric Singletary, Michael J. Hebert, Warren Clark, Gregory Schlachter
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Publication number: 20070267259Abstract: A golf car shock absorber mount assembly includes a tubular sleeve connected to a shock absorber. A shock absorber mount bracket is fixed to a frame structure of the vehicle and engages a first end of the tubular sleeve. A bushing assembly within the tubular sleeve includes an elastomeric bushing having an outside cylindrical surface contacting a tubular sleeve inner cylindrical surface and an inner bore defining a cylindrical wall. A rigid tubular member includes a cylindrical body portion having a body outside surface and a washer portion positioned proximate to and extending radially outward with respect to the cylindrical body portion. The body outside surface and the cylindrical wall are bonded. The assembly permits a shock-absorber load and at least two non-load directional axes of motion between the tubular sleeve and the tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Christopher K. Furman, Landon Ball
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Publication number: 20070269713Abstract: A battery hold-down assembly is provided including a retaining member and a fastener member. The retaining member can have a body with first and second surfaces generally connected by a sidewall. The second surface can include a dividing member generally extending therefrom. The dividing member can have a width generally less than the width of the second surface. The second surface can be configured to abut a top of a battery and the divider can be configured to extend between adjacent batteries. The retaining member can include at least one aperture passing therethrough. The fastener member can have a first end passing through the aperture at the first surface and a second end passing through the aperture at the second surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Donald S. Hanson, Warren Clark
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Publication number: 20070267839Abstract: A suspension system for a golf car includes an axle housing having first and second brake drum/hubs rotatably supporting first and second driven wheels. A brake actuation arm is rotatably connected to each brake drum/hub. A bracket is connected to the axle housing. The bracket includes a first wall having a fastener receiving aperture, and an opposed second wall oriented at an angle with respect to the first wall. The second wall has a keyed aperture. A shock absorber is connected by a fastener to the fastener receiving aperture. A cable assembly has an outer sheath engaged with the second wall and a flexible cable slidingly disposed within the outer sheath and coupled to the brake actuation arm. A pin extending from a leaf spring is received in a bracket pin aperture. A further bracket aperture engages an assembly dolly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Christopher K. Furman, James Agerton
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Publication number: 20070267241Abstract: A small utility vehicle frame can have prevailing torque nuts welded thereto. The frame utilizes attachment features having the prevailing torque nuts welded thereto. The prevailing torque nuts allow the coupling of components of the small utility vehicle to the structural members of the frame. The prevailing torque nuts develop a locking action with the fasteners, thereby preventing the inadvertent removal or loosening of the fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventor: Landon Ball
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Publication number: 20070267836Abstract: A mono-leaf spring for a golf car includes a homogenous body. The homogenous body includes: a substantially planar portion; a first bend portion extending from the planar portion to a first distal end, the first bend portion having a first length; and a second bend portion oppositely extending from the planar portion with respect to the first bend portion to a second distal end, the second bend portion having a second length. A wall thickness of each of the first and second bend portions continuously decreases from the planar portion to each of the first and second distal ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Christopher Furman, James Agerton, Warren Clark
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Patent number: 7296526Abstract: A marine air cushion vehicle provides a hull having a hull periphery, an inflatable bag connected to the hull at the hull periphery, an inflatable skirt connected to the bag, and a pair of inflatable lateral stability seals, each extending generally perpendicular to the hull central longitudinal axis and to port and starboard positions. A plurality of inflatable open cones are attached to the inflatable bag, the open cones being positioned in between the lateral stability seals in a fore to aft direction. The skirt includes in part the inflatable open cones. In another embodiment, the open cones can be alternatively placed in between the lateral stability seals or in front of the lateral stability seals, in between a lateral stability seal and the hull bow. In another alternative embodiment, inflatable open cones can be positioned in between a lateral stability seal and the hull stern.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventor: W. Keith Dubose
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Publication number: 20070257503Abstract: Seat support assembly for use in a small utility vehicle. The seat support assembly can be removably attached to a frame to allow assembly of small utility vehicles of varying configurations. Components of the seat support assembly can have various support features thereon to support other components of the small utility vehicle. The seat support assembly can be removably attached to the structural members of the frame with threaded fasteners, such as bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Landon Ball, Michael Hebert, Warren Clark
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Publication number: 20070257152Abstract: A compression-molded part has a conductive layer embedded in the part during molding of the part. The conductive layer is generally adjacent an outer surface of the part and is preferably formed from a mesh, a foil, a pulled screen, or multiple layers of conductive elements. The part is preferably optimized for use on the exterior of an aircraft for lightning-strike or EMI protection or for use as an antenna. Methods for forming the panels of the invention include placing the conductive layer against a mold surface of a compression mold, then forming the compression-molded part with the conductive layer embedded in the part.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2005Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Anthony Bergerson, Jason Hoyle
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Publication number: 20070257519Abstract: A light-weight utility vehicle floorboard is provided having a pair of frame channels formed in an interior portion of the floorboard. The frame channels receive a pair of vehicle frame struts therewithin. The floorboard additionally has formed therein a plurality of load dispersing structural ribs (LDSRs) between the frame channels and sides of the floorboard. The LDSRs spread a force generated by a low-speed side impact to the floorboard such that the vehicle frame struts are not damaged. The LDSRs also transfer passenger loads exerted on the outer portions of the floorboard to the DS and PS frame struts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Donald Hanson, Anthony Rossello
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Publication number: 20070257555Abstract: A vehicle wiring harness for a lightweight utility vehicle is provided. The wiring harness comprises a plurality of vehicle function components integrally connected to a plurality of branch wires. Thus, the wiring harness is fabricated to form a unitary wiring harness that includes the function components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Oliver Bell, Michael Hebert, Aric Singletary, Warren Clark
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Publication number: 20070256880Abstract: A frame for small utility vehicles. The frame allows for modular assembly such that the same frame can be utilized to manufacture small utility vehicles of varying configurations. The frame is configured to allow efficient assembly such that limited movement of the frame is required during the attachment of the various components to assemble the small utility vehicle. The components can be attached directly to the frame from either a top or side of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: Textron, Inc.Inventor: Landon Ball
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Publication number: 20070257522Abstract: A strut assembly is provided including a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a third wall portion. The first wall portion can have an outer surface. and an aperture therethrough. The second wall portion can be disposed generally opposite the first wall portion. The third wall portion can connect the first and second wall portions. The strut is provided with a threaded insert that can be configured to engage a fastener between the outer surface of the first wall portion and the second wall portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Landon Ball, Bradley Hanson
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Publication number: 20070256881Abstract: A small utility vehicle frame has tubular frame members with blind holes therein. Threaded inserts are disposed in the blind holes and are axially and rotationally fixed to the tubular frame members. The threaded inserts allow attachment of components of the small utility vehicle to the frame without requiring access to the back of the blind opening to retain a fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Landon Ball, Walton Jeffcoat, Warren Clark
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Publication number: 20070257556Abstract: A power cell charge monitoring system for a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The monitoring system can comprise a receptacle module electrically connectable to at least one power cell of the vehicle. The receptacle module is removably mateable with a power cell charger connector and can comprise at least one indicator light. The receptacle module can be configured to utilize the indicator light to indicate a charge status of the power cell when the receptacle module is mated with the charger connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: Textron Inc.Inventors: Oliver Bell, Warren Clark, Aric Singletary
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Patent number: D554574Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Textron Inc.Inventors: Bradley J. Hanson, Donald S. Hanson, Anthony R. Rossello
