Abstract: A vehicle BIW sub-assembly comprising two or more structural members each having at least one engaging portion. The engaging portions of at least two of the structural members being connected to each other by a node unit formed of two or more shell members assembled with each other. The node unit having at least two designated sockets, each snugly receiving one engaging portion of one of the structural members, wherein at least one of said designated sockets is an interior socket formed between the two or more shell members.

Abstract: A running board comprising at least one composite material wherein the miming board is produced in a one continuous step pultrusion process wherein the pultrusion process parameters are selected to yield a miming board with specific one or more characteristics selected from dimensions, three dimensional shape, light weight/lightness, strength, fatigue, stiffness, rigidity, chemical resistance, fire resistance, reduced sensitivity to corrosion, UV resistance, thermal resistance, bending forces, impact resistance, wear resistance and visibility.

Abstract: A running board comprising at least one composite material wherein the miming board is produced in a one continuous step pultrusion process wherein the pultrusion process parameters are selected to yield a miming board with specific one or more characteristics selected from dimensions, three dimensional shape, light weight/lightness, strength, fatigue, stiffness, rigidity, chemical resistance, fire resistance, reduced sensitivity to corrosion, UV resistance, thermal resistance, bending forces, impact resistance, wear resistance and visibility.

Abstract: A vehicle BIW sub-assembly comprising two or more structural members each having at least one engaging portion. The engaging portions of at least two of the structural members being connected to each other by a node unit formed of two or more shell members assembled with each other. The node unit having at least two designated sockets, each snugly receiving one engaging portion of one of the structural members, wherein at least one of said designated sockets is an interior socket formed between the two or more shell members.

Abstract: An impact-resisting beam is provided, the beam comprising a multi-layer composite structure, the composite structure comprising first and second fibrous materials, the first fibrous material having a first effective elastic modulus and comprising one or more layers comprising fibers of a first type being arranged with one or more orientation angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the beam such that a predetermined load applied to the beam from a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis drives the fibers of the first type towards alignment with the longitudinal axis of the beam, the second fibrous material having a second effective elastic modulus and comprising one or more layers comprising fibers of a second type, the second fibrous material being selected to provide effective elongation or deformation of the beam which prevents splitting of the beam under application of the predetermined load.

Abstract: A reinforcement system for a vehicle comprising side walls and a floor extending therebetween and meeting with each side wall along an intersection line dividing the side wall into an upper and a lower side wall section. The vehicle further comprises a belly attached to the lower side wall section at a location thereof spaced from the intersection line. The reinforcement system comprises a central reinforcement assembly configured for reducing deformation of the floor due to torque generated along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The reinforcement system further comprises a peripheral reinforcement assembly configured for localizing bending of the side wall at the lower side wall portion due to movement of the belly towards the floor.

Abstract: A blast armor including a base plate made of a ballistic material and having an inner and outer surface. The cover plate is made of ballistic material and spaced from the inner surface of the base plate to form a space therebetween. The armor comprises at least one energy absorbing module disposed within the space between the base and cover plate. The module has front and rear surfaces, and side surfaces extending therebetween. The module is positioned with at least one of its surfaces facing the base plate and at least another surface thereof facing the cover plate. The base and cover plate are each made of a material tougher than that of the module. The module is configured to progressively deform between the base and cover plate under the application of a force to the outer surface of the base plate at least partially directed towards its inner surface.

Abstract: A blast armor including a base plate made of a ballistic material and having an inner and outer surface. The cover plate is made of ballistic material and spaced from the inner surface of the base plate to form a space therebetween. The armor comprises at least one energy absorbing module disposed within the space between the base and cover plate. The module has front and rear surfaces, and side surfaces extending therebetween. The module is positioned with at least one of its surfaces facing the base plate and at least another surface thereof faceing the cover plate. The base and cover plate are each made of a material tougher than that of the module. The module is configured to progressively deform between the base and cover plate under the application of a force to the outer surface of the base plate at least partially directed towards its inner surface.

Abstract: A reinforcement system for a vehicle comprising side walls and a floor extending therebetween and meeting with each side wall along an intersection line dividing the side wall into an upper and a lower side wall section. The vehicle further comprises a belly attached to the lower side wall section at a location thereof spaced from the intersection line. The reinforcement system comprises a central reinforcement assembly configured for reducing deformation of the floor due to torque generated along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The reinforcement system further comprises a peripheral reinforcement assembly configured for localizing bending of the side wall at the lower side wall portion due to movement of the belly towards the floor.

Abstract: An underbelly for an armored vehicle is provided, configured for providing ballistic protection against a detonation of an explosive device detonated substantially therebelow. The underbelly comprises a central portion having a lowermost area, sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, the central portion and sidewalls constituting a main armor of the underbelly, and an auxiliary armor panel disposed so as to project downwardly from the lowermost area of the central portion. Upper portions of the sidewalls are free of any auxiliary armor panel.