Abstract: A vehicle with an actively adjustable axle system suitable for traveling over even or uneven terrain with a load is herein proposed.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for a chair device, such as a wheelchair, that is intended to engaged the frame of the wheelchair and lift and lower the wheelchair between a ground engaging position and an elevated position. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm having one end secured within and moveable with respect to a vehicle. The lift arm has another end which can extend outwardly of the vehicle to engage the chair device. The lift arm has a lift plate disposed adjacent the other end of the lift arm, which is intended to mate with or couple the frame of the wheelchair. The lift arm is in communication with an actuator which controls the movement of the lift arm between the ground engaging position and the elevated position. The lift mechanism utilizes a universal coupling system to effectuate elevation in vehicular transportation or architectural setting.

Abstract: A coupling device for a chair device, such as a wheelchair includes a bracket that is intended to be integrally incorporated in the chair device frame or secured to the frame of the wheelchair. The bracket has an attachment system formed by various elements thereof, which is intended for mating with a corresponding engagement device associated with a lift mechanism or a securing position. The attachment system is intended to mate with the corresponding engagement device to allow the wheelchair to be secured in position and then lifted to or lowered from an elevated position within a transportation vehicle or architectural setting while the wheelchair is occupied. The attachment system is additionally intended to universally mate to a corresponding engagement device for securing of a wheelchair in position.

Abstract: A dolly wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a dolly wheel and a dolly wheel spindle fixedly secured to the dolly wheel such that the dolly wheel and the dolly wheel spindle rotate together as a single unit. The dolly wheel spindle is in communication with a dampening device so as to apply a resisting force to the dolly wheel spindle. Application of the resisting or braking force restricts or prevents free rotation of the dolly wheel about an axis defined by the dolly wheel spindle. The dampening device is in communication with a controller which causes the dampening device to apply the resisting or braking force or to remove application of the resisting or braking force upon demand to satisfy a variety of different conditions encountered with the vehicle operation considering functional implication of the dolly wheel assembly.

Abstract: An external protection system for a vehicle includes a plurality of external guards in communication with a passenger compartment. The plurality of guards are spaced a distance away from the passenger compartment such that a crush zone exists between each of the plurality of guards and the passenger compartment. This provides a lightweight vehicle with an increased level of protection.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle includes a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim and a tire secured to the wheel rim. The wheel is secured to a frame portion of the vehicle by a spindle assembly. The spindle assembly includes a wheel carrier arm pivotally secured thereto at a pivot point, such that the wheel and the wheel carrier arm rotate together about an axis of rotation defined by pivot point. The wheel carrier arm is in communication with a shock absorption device. The shock absorption device is located within a space defined by the wheel, such that the shock absorption spring device is hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a side direction. The shock absorption spring device compresses upon an impact force contacting the vehicle wheel. In the most compact form, the wheel carrier arm and the shock absorbing spring device is packaged within the wheel rim volume such that both are hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a front direction.

Abstract: The disclosed concept provides an external protection system for a vehicle and more particularly, for a lightweight vehicle, producing the same protection level for its occupants as that of a much heavier vehicle. The integragated design of the system provides impact, rollover and crash protection for front, side and rear impact while maximizing the aerodynamic advantage of the vehicle relative to the protection volume and level of protection provided to the vehicles' occupants.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a support structure of a wheel having a forward rolling axis. The suspension system includes a first link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of wheel at an outer end. The suspension system includes a second link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of the wheel at an outer end. The system also includes a shock absorber having a first end in communication with one of the first link or the second link and a second end rotatably secured to the vehicle. The shock absorber is compressible to allow the support structure of the wheel to absorb impact forces imparted thereto during travel. The shock absorber is located along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A. dolly wheel steering system includes a dolly wheel, a dolly wheel spindle in communication with the dolly wheel such that the dolly wheel and the dolly wheel spindle are fixedly secured to one another and are rotatable as a single unit. The dolly wheel spindle is in communication with a coupling device and a steering control system. The steering control system and the coupling device are each in communication with a controller to regulate actuation of each. When a signal from the controller requests utilization of steering control, the coupling device applies a restraining force to the dolly wheel spindle to limit free rotation of the dolly wheel. When the rotation of the dolly wheel spindle is thus restrained, the steering control system can effectuate direct steering control of the dolly wheels to provide precise directional control.

Abstract: An environmental enclosure device for a vehicle includes a passenger compartment formed therein for receipt of an occupant. The device includes a roof portion disposed substantially over the passenger compartment to protect the occupant seated therein from undesirable weather elements or conditions. The device also includes at least one transparent portion extending generally downwardly from the roof portion toward the vehicle such that a space remains between the vehicle and a bottom edge of the transparent portion to allow the occupant to interface with fresh air elements of the outdoors while the enclosure device is in a closed position.

Abstract: An armrest having an elbow-supporting portion and an associated control panel for a utility vehicle is arranged such that the operator's forearm can be supported on a fulcrum position on the elbow-supporting portion and can be pivoted in a swinging direction to reach plural controls. A hand rest is also provided on the control panel and located such that an operator can span his forearm from the elbow at the fulcrum position of the elbow-supporting portion, to the hand rest located on the control panel.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for an operator is disclosed in combination with a mechanical joystick for operating ancillary equipment of the vehicle. The joystick is pivotably mounted on the seat for movement between an active position in which the joystick may be manipulated by a seated operator and a stowed position in which access to the seat is unencumbered by the joystick.

Abstract: A cab is described for an agricultural vehicle having front and rear corners and two rear wheel fenders arranged one on each side at the rear of the cab. The cab comprises a frame that includes two rear support members. The rear support members having lower portions disposed at the back of the cab between the two fenders and upper portions disposed above the fenders and offset laterally outwards from the lower portions.

Abstract: An armrest having an elbow-supporting portion and an associated control panel for a utility vehicle is arranged such that the operators forearm can be supported on a fulcrum position on the elbow-supporting portion and can be pivoted in a swinging direction to reach plural controls. A hand rest is also provided on the control panel and located such that an operator can span his forearm from the elbow at the fulcrum position of the elbow-supporting portion, to the hand rest located on the control panel.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a support structure of a wheel having a forward rolling axis. The suspension system includes a first link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of wheel at an outer end. The suspension system includes a second link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of the wheel at an outer end. The system also includes a shock absorber having a first end in communication with one of the first link or the second link and a second end rotatably secured to the vehicle. The shock absorber is compressible to allow the support structure of the wheel to absorb impact forces imparted thereto during travel. The shock absorber is located along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.