Abstract: A cradle winch assembly for easy attachment to and detachment from a vehicle frame is disclosed. The cradle assembly includes a winch cradle for mounting a winch thereon, two drawbars fixed to the winch cradle and extending a distance from the cradle, two receiver brackets configured to be affixed to the vehicle frame and to allow insertion therein of the two drawbars, and a locking mechanism connected to the winch cradle. The disclosed locking mechanism includes a lever, two opposing load-bearing pins, and linkage connecting the lever to the pins wherein the locking mechanism is configured to move between a locked and unlocked position with the pins moving in a direction transverse to the insertion direction of the drawbar into the receiver bracket. The locking mechanism locks the cradle to the vehicle frame when actuated to a locked position by the lever.

Abstract: A blast structure and system for use as an outer blast protection component for a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The blast protection system comprises a personnel cabin adapted for receiving a blast structure, the cabin comprising a space forming an interior of the cabin, a floor within the interior of the cabin, the floor having a perimeter section and a removable floor panel centrally disposed therein, a blast structure comprising at least one outer blast panel attachable to the perimeter when the floor panel is removed, and means for attaching and detaching the blast panel to the perimeter section, providing an outer blast protection component to the interior space of the cabin. The attaching/detaching means include fasteners which are accessible through the interior of the cabin, without breaching the exterior surface of the blast structure.

Abstract: A blast structure and system for use as an outer blast protection component for a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The blast protection system comprises a personnel cabin adapted for receiving a blast structure, the cabin comprising a space forming an interior of the cabin, a floor within the interior of the cabin, the floor having a perimeter section and a removable floor panel centrally disposed therein, a blast structure comprising at least one outer blast panel attachable to the perimeter when the floor panel is removed, and means for attaching and detaching the blast panel to the perimeter section, providing an outer blast protection component to the interior space of the cabin. The attaching/ detaching means include fasteners which are accessible through the interior of the cabin, without breaching the exterior surface of the blast structure.

Abstract: A door support assembly for a motor vehicle is described. Generally speaking, the assembly includes a pin with a tapered section and being attached to the vehicle door, a passage with a mating surface for the tapered section fixed to the vehicle, and a latching mechanism configured to pull the vehicle door inward when engaged. When the latch mechanism is engaged, the assembly provides zero-gap with the door frame. The pin is tapered to a degree that it does not become wedged within the passage as the result of an explosive event.

Abstract: A modular vehicle frame structure assembly, which combines a monocoque cabin structure with separately attachable space frame structures, is disclosed. The modular vehicle body assembly includes a monocoque cabin structure, a front frame section and a rear frame section, wherein the front and rear frame sections secure separately to the respective front and rear sections of the cabin structure and extend longitudinally therefrom forming a modular vehicle body with the cabin structure. The modular vehicle frame assembly is useful in the construction of light weight, low-profile military vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle structure includes a combination of hydro-formed, generally tubular shaped rails joined by an overlapping joint to a two-piece cross member. The overlapping joint is formed between a rail aperture and the cross member. To retain the structural strength lost by removing material from the rails, a weld joint is formed about the total perimeter of contact between the rail aperture and the cross member. The cross member includes a shoulder area formed to nest within the rail aperture. The two-piece cross member assembly reduces total parts while providing a plurality of cross member geometries and the necessary tolerance flexibility at the rail connections. The cross member is formed of two generally C-shaped members having butted or overlapping mating surfaces joined by a perimeter weld joint.

Abstract: A cam reaction tool includes a cam disc, and an extension coupled to the cam disc, the extension having a first coupling arrangement for coupling the cam tool to an arrangement for aligning a suspension system, and a second coupling arrangement for cooperating with a torque-applying tool. A method for aligning a front suspension system of a vehicle is provided in which a cam tool is fitted to an arrangement for adjusting the control arm of a vehicle suspension system and a torque is applied to the cam tool so as to adjust the control arm.