Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides kit that can be used for closing off the volume between the top and bottom trays of a hand cart for more secure storage of items on the bottom tray. The kit comprises a first wall section, a second wall section, and a third wall section. The first wall section is generally flat. The second wall section has a first generally flat section and a second generally flat section connected by a corner section. The third wall section has a first generally flat section and a second generally flat section connected by a corner section, and a generally flat door section connected to the second generally flat section by a hinge. The kit preferably comprises a plurality of fastener pairs for attaching the wall sections to the angle-stock legs. Preferably, each fastener pair comprises a bolt and a nut, and the kit further comprises a bushing for each fastener pair.

Abstract: A ladder system includes a first rail, a second rail parallel to the first rail, a ladder bracket supported by and configured to slide along the first rail and the second rail, a ladder coupled to the ladder bracket and configured to rotate with respect to the ladder bracket between a lowered position and a storage position, and an air spring coupling the ladder to the ladder bracket and configured to apply a force to the ladder when the ladder is in the lowered position to keep the ladder in the lowered position. Another ladder system includes a rail, a bumper stop below the rail, a ladder bracket, a ladder, a bumper, and an air spring. An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis supported by a plurality of wheels, and a ladder system carried by the chassis. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A retractable stair assembly for vehicles. In an embodiment, the retractable stair assembly may be detachable. Mounting brackets may be provided at opposing sides of a floor plate, and a one-piece mounting bracket assembly provided for installation at the threshold of a door in a recreational vehicle. Pivot plates are provided for pivotal movement of a retractable stair assembly about pivot studs provided on the mounting brackets. Pivot plates may be in the form of open jaw brackets provided at each side of a sill cover plate, to enable removal of the retractable stair assembly. A sill cover plate is provided that is shaped and sized to fit over the threshold and sill in a recreational vehicle doorway, yet allow closure of the door. In an embodiment a bottom stair is independently deployable, so the stair may be used, or not used, as may be appropriate at a given location.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame including a cabin frame portion; a loading bed tiltable between a normal position and a dumping position; and an intake unit including an intake port. The intake unit is disposed above a rear wheel and extends over a height range overlapping a height range over which the loading bed in the normal position extends, and a location of the intake unit in a vehicle width direction substantially coincides with a location of a side wall portion of the loading bed in the vehicle width direction. The intake unit is located rearward of the cabin frame portion and exposed to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The intake unit is fixed to the vehicle body frame at a distance from a trajectory along which the loading bed is tilted.

Abstract: A retractable step system for getting into and out of a vehicle has at least one step and a supporting element, which carries the step and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position; in the lowered position, the step projects from the supporting element along a first horizontal axis so as to allow a user to place a foot on it; the system has a control member, which can be manually operated, and a stop device, which holds the supporting element in the raised position, when the control member is arranged in a first position, and allows the supporting element to freely move to the lowered position, when the control member is arranged in a second position; the control member has a retention portion, which, in the second position, projects along a second horizontal axis, which is orthogonal to the first horizontal axis, so as to keep, in use, a vehicle door open.

Abstract: A construction machine in which an electrical unit can be reliably cooled at low cost by effectively utilizing an intake pipe connected to an intake port of an engine. This construction machine includes: an engine; and a hood covering the engine, wherein a space inside the hood has a placement space in which an electrical unit is placed and which communicates with outside air, and a distal-end opening of an intake pipe connected to an inlet port of the engine is disposed in the placement space to cause outside air sucked into the intake pipe due to a suction pressure occurred in the intake pipe to pass through the placement space to form a cooling air path in the placement space.

Abstract: Implementations of a vehicle entry system may include an extension section configured to extend out a bed opening of a truck bed; an opening in the extension section; a first rail extending along a first side of the opening; a second rail extending along a second side of the opening; and a set of steps rotatably coupled along a third side of the opening. The set of steps may encloses the opening when rotated up toward the extension section.

Abstract: An assist step assembly includes a linkage assembly including a first linkage member and a second linkage member, an assist step coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first assist step position to a second assist step position, an aerodynamic member coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first aerodynamic member position to a second aerodynamic member position, a movement mechanism coupled to the aerodynamic member and configured move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position, and a controller in electronic communication with the movement mechanism, the controller configured to determine an operating condition, determine a position of the assist step based on the operating condition, and generate one or more control signals to move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position.

Abstract: A vehicular slope apparatus includes: a slope plate deploying to a lower end of a door opening portion; a guide rail extending in a deploying and storing direction of the slope plate; a drive shoe moving in an extending direction of the guide rail; a link member having a first connection point rotatably connected to a rear end portion of the slope plate and a second connection point rotatably connected to the drive shoe; a posture holding mechanism configured such that the slope plate moves in the extending direction of the guide rail in conjunction with the drive shoe; and a lift mechanism configured to form a rotation fulcrum of the link member between the first and second connection points and to rotate the link member by changing an interval between the rotation fulcrum and the second connection point to thereby lift the rear end portion of the slope plate.

Abstract: An automatically extending and retracting step system according to the solution may reside in a retracted state when the deck of a car-carrying vehicle is substantially horizontal to the ground, i.e. when the deck is in a payload state. Advantageously, when the deck is tilted and extended to a ramp state for receiving cargo, the step system according to the solution extends laterally outward from beneath the deck, thereby providing a convenient and visible step for a user to use in getting down from the deck. When the deck is returned from the ramp state to its payload state, the step automatically retracts to a travel state beneath the deck.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a system and method of protecting the engines of ATVs by preventing excessive water from entering the belt drive and/or air intake of the vehicle motor. The system includes a riser and valve assembly. Each snorkel valve assembly includes one or more water sensors in communication with a valve. When water is detected by the sensors, the valve closes, preventing water from entering the vehicle engine, transmission, air box, clutch housing, and/or any other vented element of the ATV engine. Instead, the water is diverted out of the system through a drain valve. Accordingly, the system prevents water, mud, and the like from entering the main components of the ATV motor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an axle, electric machine, friction, brakes, and a controller. The axle has an input shaft to an open differential and output shaft extending out of the open differential. The electric machine is secured to the input shaft and wheels are secured to the output shafts. The controller is programmed to, in response to an anti-locking braking event, generate a signal indicative of a total torque demand to brake the vehicle based on a difference between a desired and an actual wheel slip ratio, adjust a regenerative braking torque of the electric machine based on signal and a regenerative braking weighting coefficient to maintain or drive actual wheel slip toward the desired wheel slip, and adjust a friction braking torque of the friction brakes based on the signal and a friction braking weighting coefficient to drive actual wheel slip at or toward the desired wheel slip.

Abstract: A work vehicle of the invention includes: a pair of right and left front wheels disposed in a front part of the vehicle body; a pair of right and left rear wheels disposed in a rear part of the vehicle body; a side wall disposed at an outer end part of one side in a right-left direction of the vehicle body; and a radiator disposed between the front wheels and the rear wheels in a side view and on an inner side relative to the side wall in a plane view, wherein the radiator is disposed with an air-suction surface thereof facing toward the side wall to form an air-suction opening in a bottom part of a space between the air-suction surface and an inner surface of the side wall, and wherein a dust-proof body protruding downward to a lower level than a level of a lower end of the vehicle body is disposed on at least one of: a front side of the air-suction opening and a rear side of the front wheels; and a rear side of the air-suction opening and a front side of the rear wheels.

Abstract: A folding staircase. The folding staircase has a frame with an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the frame defines a top step. Multiple steps are pivotally connected to the lower end of the frame and pivoting arms connects each of the steps to one another. The frame includes brackets that secure to existing mounting points of a vehicle. At least one step is operably connected to a linear actuator, which is in turn connected to a motor. The motor is operably connected to a control switch. Activation and deactivation of the control switch causes the motor to operate resulting in the unfolding of the steps outwardly to a deployed configuration and folding inwardly to a storage configuration. The folding staircase is utilized to provide a safe method of entering and exiting a vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting and dismounting system for replaceable power sources is disclosed. The mounting and dismounting system is integrated into a vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle and the replaceable power source may include at least one battery. The mounting and dismounting system includes a lift rack assembly that engages shafts on the replaceable power source to raise and lower the replaceable power source. The mounting and dismounting system also includes a set of retaining members to help keep the shafts in place. The lift rack assembly includes rack members that move in a substantially vertical direction to limit swinging and tilting.

Abstract: A detachable footrest assembly is provided. The assembly includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion. A footrest extends from the first portion of the frame. A first mount positioned such that the first mount is adapted to be received into a lower door hinge of a vehicle with a first pin that extends from a first mating portion which is threaded and which extends in a direction away from the first portion of the frame. A second mount is spaced apart from the first mount and positioned such that the second mount is adapted to be received into an upper door hinge of a vehicle with a second pin that extends from a second mating portion which is threaded and which extends in a direction away from the first portion of the frame. The first and second pins are substantially aligned.

Abstract: A folding wagon allowing a user initiate a folding action by pressing or stepping down on a lever disposed on the front end, the rear end, or both ends of the folding wagon.

Abstract: A child's folding walker with caster wheels that is adjustable in height to permit a child to sit and touch the ground and move the walker. The walker has four vertical legs and two collapsible side frames that enabling the walker to collapse into a vertical configuration. Each collapsing side frame includes a folding upper member and a folding lower member. The proximal ends of the folding members are pivotally attached to a vertical leg. Each upper frame member is made of two elongated sections joined by a locking collar that holds distal ends of the elongated sections together in axial alignment. The locking collar is pivotally attached at its opposite ends to the two elongated sections. When the locking collar is forced upward, the two elongated sections are misaligned thereby enabling the legs to move inward. On the front and rear side frames on the walker is a supplemental locking assembly. The suspension seat is provided for supporting a child.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, battery, electric machine, and controller. The engine is configured to propel the vehicle. The electric machine is configured to draw energy from the battery to propel the vehicle and to recharge the battery during regenerative braking. The controller is programmed to, in response to operation of the electric machine to propel the vehicle while the vehicle is in a nominal vehicle operation mode and depletion of a battery charge to a nominal value, terminate operation of the electric machine and propel the vehicle via the engine. The controller further is programmed to, in response to operation of the electric machine to propel the vehicle while the vehicle is in a reserve vehicle operation mode and depletion of the battery charge to a reserve value that is greater than the nominal value, terminate operation of the electric machine and propel the vehicle via the engine.

Abstract: A step apparatus for a vehicle with a rear impact guard beam includes top and bottom steps mounted on a step frame adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam about a step pivot axis oriented horizontally and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the vehicle. The step frame is movable from an operating position to a stored position. A roller is mounted to a bottom rear end of the step frame about a roller rotational axis oriented parallel to the step pivot axis, and located above the step pivot axis. An upright surface moving toward the step frame contacts the roller component and the roller rolls upward along the upright surface and pivots the step frame about the step pivot axis from the operating position to the stored position.