Abstract: A one-piece molded golf car basket generally mounted to the golf car behind the golf car seat. The basket includes an integrally formed front wall, two integrally formed opposing side walls, an integrally formed back wall and an integrally formed bottom. Additionally, the basket includes a golf bag yoke integrally formed with the back wall.

Abstract: An engine isolator mount can be utilized to couple a front portion of a drive unit including an internal combustion engine assembly to the frame of a small utility vehicle. The engine isolator mount can allow for limited relative movement between the engine and the frame during acceleration and deceleration and operation of the small utility vehicle. The engine isolator mount can be configured to undergo compression during forward deceleration and tension during forward acceleration of the small utility vehicle. The engine isolator mount can allow relative movement in all three directions.

Abstract: A system for notifying the operator of a reel-type greens mower, or any blade-based cutting system, of the relative sharpness of the blades. A controller receives at least one input from the mowing unit such as current draw of the mowing unit, driving energy input to the mowing unit, or rotational speed of the reel, for example, and monitors that input in comparison with the forward cutting speed of the mower to make a determination as to the relative sharpness of the blades. A display may be provided to alert the operator of the condition of the blades, including when maintenance of the blades in necessary. A speed control circuit may also be provided to maintain the speed of the greens mower below the maximum effective cutting speed of the mower.

Abstract: A window assembly cooperating with a window frame on a golf car includes a first window pane selectively coupled to the window frame. A second window pane is selectively coupled to the window frame and offset from the first window pane. A first pair of retaining members are arranged on the window frame in an installed position and movable between a retaining position wherein the retaining members retain the first window pane in an upright position and a release position wherein the retaining members are disengaged from the first window pane. Each of the first pair of retaining members are defined by a rigid frame having an integrally molded elastomeric body.

Abstract: A protection system for an accelerator and brake (A&B) assembly of a utility vehicle is provided. The protection system comprises a brake pedal (BP) protective boot that conforms with and sealingly fits around a brake pedal arm. The protection system additionally includes an accelerator pedal (AP) protective boot that conforms with and sealingly fits around an accelerator pedal arm.

Abstract: A utility vehicle seat assembly includes a seat cushion subassembly having a plastic base that includes a substantially flat or smooth perimeter portion on an underside of the plastic base. The substantially flat perimeter is suitable for accepting fasteners. The seat cushion subassembly additionally includes, a foam cushion that is positioned on a top surface of the plastic base and a seat cushion covering that is positioned over the foam cushion. The seat cushion covering is wrapped around a circumferential edge of the plastic base and fastened to the substantially flat perimeter portion of the underside of the plastic base using a plurality of fasteners. A fastener cover is positioned over the fasteners and connected to the underside of the plastic base to conceal the fasteners and the fastened portion of the seat cushion covering.

Abstract: An access panel for a golf car that can comprise a first planar portion; a second planar portion integral with and orientated at an angle relative to the first planar portion; a first retention detail extending from the first planar portion; a second retention detail extending from the second planar portion; and an aperture extending through the first planar portion.

Abstract: A self-punching fastener (10), which in a way safe against rotation and pressing out can be pressed into a metal sheet member (40) having an annular body, the side of which facing the metal sheet is having radially disposed projections (15, 25), which, during the pressing-in, are pressed into the metal sheet member (40) and thereby are securing the fastener (10) against rotation, wherein in the centre an interior thread (11) is positioned and, wherein on the side facing the metal sheet member (40) in the set state there is provided an annular depression (12) into which the material displaced during the setting is pressed.

Abstract: Position sensing of movable elements including but not limited to machine components is disclosed. Motion of a movable element can produce motion of a magnetic field, which can be detected by magnetic sensors. The motion and/or variations of a magnetic field and/or a magnetic flux may be produced by any combination of a motion of the sensors, associated magnets, or associated magnetic material. Magnetic sensors maybe capable of measuring either rotary, or linear motion, or both. Such sensors can provide indication of an incremental position change, an absolute position, or both. Absolute position and high-resolution position sensing may be produced for measurement of either linear and/or angular motion. Suitable magnetic sensors include, but are not limited to, Hall effect devices and/or magneto-resistive elements, and may include multi-element magnetic sensors. Suitable signal conditioning and/or control means such as control electronics can be used to receive output signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A utility vehicle comprising a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, a polymeric footrest, and a plurality of polymeric traction promoting features. The footrest is mounted at the rear end and extends from the rear end of the vehicle. The traction promoting features are integral with the footrest and protrude from an upper surface of the footrest.

Abstract: A height adjustable suspension system for a golf car includes a leaf spring and an axle housing rotatably supporting first and second driven wheels. The axle housing is supported by the leaf spring. A support element is connected to the axle housing. A height adjustment block is connected to the support element. The height adjustment block includes a hook-shaped engagement member at least partially engaging the height adjustment block to the support element. The height adjustment block is positioned between the leaf spring and the support element, and together with the support element defines a spacing between the leaf spring and the axle housing.

Abstract: A utility vehicle comprising a front end, a rear end, a front seat assembly facing the front end, and a rear seat assembly facing the rear end. The rear seat assembly can comprise a footrest extending from the rear end of the vehicle, a seat frame, a seat mounted to the seat frame, a rear seatback base mounted to the seat frame, and a seatback cushion removably mounted to the seat frame.

Abstract: A footrest assembly for a utility vehicle comprising a base portion, a first hinge receptacle, a second hinge receptacle, a first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism. The base portion is operable to support the weight of a passenger of the utility vehicle. The first hinge receptacle extends from the base portion. The second hinge receptacle extends from the base portion and is aligned with the first hinge receptacle. The first locking mechanism is provided in the first hinge receptacle and is operable to rotationally secure a door within the first receptacle. A second locking mechanism is provided in the second hinge receptacle and is operable to rotationally secure the door within the second receptacle.

Abstract: A cargo bed lift assembly for a light-weight utility vehicle. The lift assembly includes a bed platform coupled to an underside of a light weight utility vehicle cargo bed. An electric actuator can be removably mounted at an upper end to the bed platform and removably mounted at a lower end to a vehicle frame front cross-member. Additionally, a frame brace can be removably coupled at a lower end to the vehicle frame front cross-member and removably coupled at an upper end to a vehicle frame rear cross-member. Thus, the actuator is a front, center mounted actuator that can be electrically controlled to lift and hold the front of the cargo bed at any desired position between and inclusive of a non-deployed position and a fully deployed position.

Abstract: A method for standardizing fastener installation for a golf car suspension system includes configuring each of a plurality of suspension system component connections as a metal-to-metal contact connection. The method further includes selecting a single fastener engagement size for each of a plurality of fasteners used to couple the component connections. Further, the method includes applying a predetermined torque to the plurality of fasteners, the predetermined torque selected from a predetermined range of torque values. Still further, the method includes installing each of the fasteners using a single installation tool.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one venting device which is connected to a fuel vapor filter, wherein the venting device includes at least one collecting container (4) for receiving liquid fuel (21). The fuel tank is distinguished in that disposed within the collecting container (4) is a delivery pump (8) for emptying it into the delivery volume (23) of the fuel tank (1).

Abstract: A gimbal for a gimbaled mirror optical sensor system includes a mirror support rotatable about a first axis along which an optical sensor suite lies, the first axis being spaced apart from a desired pivot point of a variable line of sight, which may be for example a fixed-size window in the outer wall of an aircraft. The gimbal further includes two generally planar mirrors supported by and rotatable with the mirror support. A first mirror is spaced apart from the optical sensor suite along the first axis and is non-orthogonal to the first axis so as to reflect light from a second axis to the optical sensor suite, wherein the second axis sweeps an arcuate path about the first axis upon rotation of the mirror support. A second mirror lies along the second axis so as to follow the arcuate path upon rotation of the mirror support. The second mirror is pivotable so as to reflect light from the variable line of sight to the first mirror along the second axis.

Abstract: A convertible cargo bed assembly for a utility vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a single piece molded main body having a pair of integrally formed hip restraints that each include a passenger hand hold integrally formed within the respective hip restraint. The assembly additionally includes a molded pivoting panel that has a cargo deck side and a seat side. The cargo deck side functions as a portion of a cargo deck when the pivoting panel is in a deployed position. The seat side has at least one full-sized seat cushion coupled thereto. That is the full-sized seat cushion is approximately the same size as the forward facing driver's and passenger's seats. Therefore, when the pivoting panel is transitioned from the deployed position to a stowed position, wherein the convertible cargo bed provides a full-sized rear facing seat.