Frame Patents (Class 180/311)
  • Patent number: 8061465
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three-wheeled vehicle with centrally positioned motor and driver's seat. An exemplary embodiment has a frame for supporting a driver and a multitude of mechanical devices. A pair of steerable front wheels are rotatably affixed to the front portion of the frame. A rear wheel is rotatably affixed along the frame's centerline in the rear portion. A motor is affixed to the frame's centerline. The driver's seat is also affixed to the frame's centerline behind the motor and ahead of the rear wheel, so the driver sitting in the driver seat is in both a recumbent and straddle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 8056926
    Abstract: Overlapping section (81) is constructed by positioning an inner side wall portion (78) of an outer impact absorbing section (63) closer to a longitudinal centerline (48) of a vehicle body than an outer side wall (33, 103) of a front side frame (11, 12; 91), so that a collision impact load can be transmitted to the outer side wall portion by way of the overlapping section. Inner impact absorbing section (62) projects forward by a greater length than an outer impact absorbing section (63). Thus, an airbag-deploying acceleration threshold value Gs is set within a range between an acceleration level when the inner impact absorbing section (62) alone is deformed by impact energy and an acceleration level when the inner and outer impact absorbing sections (62, 63) are deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kojiro Okabe, Fumitoshi Kase, Shigeto Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 8051935
    Abstract: An air-cushioned vehicle or hovercraft includes a three-dimensional frame comprising a latticework of tubular members. A pressure plate is coupled to the underside of the frame and includes at least one aperture therein and a skirt attached adjacent a periphery thereof. At least one lifting fan is positioned relative to the at least one aperture to generate a current of air therethrough. The frame may be configured to generate a visual indication of damage thereto. Methods of making and air-cushion vehicle are disclosed. Methods of using an air-cushion vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Weber State University
    Inventor: William G. Clapp
  • Patent number: 8047311
    Abstract: A track driven vehicle comprises a structural member underneath the vehicle. The structural member includes a plurality of structural member apertures for receiving fasteners inserted therethrough. The vehicle also includes a first track carrier and a first mounting strut attached to the first track carrier. The first mounting strut, which attaches the first track carrier to the structural member, includes a plurality of mounting strut apertures which, when aligned with the structural member apertures, receive the fasteners inserted therethrough. One of the first mounting strut and the structural member includes a fixedly attached dowel pin, and the other of the first mounting strut and the structural member includes a pin receiving aperture. When attaching the first track carrier to the structural member using the first mounting strut, the dowel pin extends into the pin receiving aperture to prevent cross-shearing between the structural member and the first mounting strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Waletzko, Jeret L. Hoesel, Jason J. Asche
  • Patent number: 8042635
    Abstract: Safety of passengers may be improved by a front end module of a vehicle that includes: a front end module carrier that extends transversely in front of a vehicle a front end module carrier that extends transversely in front of a vehicle engine compartment and forms a frame for mounting vehicle accessory part; and an intercooler assembly that cools an air that is drawn into an engine, wherein the intercooler assembly is assembled with a bottom of the lower member of the front end module carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Tae Han Kang
  • Publication number: 20110247538
    Abstract: A vessel having an elongate base frame with a transverse tubular member adjacent each end of said base frame. The vessel also has elongate buoyancy members extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base frame adjacent opposite sides thereof. The elongate buoyancy members are movable between respective extended and retracted positions relative to the base frame by support beams telescopically located within respective ends of a respective tubular member. The vessel also has a drive system to selectively move the elongate buoyancy members between the extended and retracted positions. The vessel also has a mobile transportation unit. The transportation unit includes an elevation mechanism to move the vessel between a raised position with retracted buoyancy members for road transportation and a lowered position with extended buoyancy members. The mobile transportation unit is detachable from the vessel when in the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: GETAWAY CONCEPTS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Brian Mervin Gimpel, Mark Evans
  • Publication number: 20110232987
    Abstract: A sub-frame and component configuration for mounting on a motorcycle includes a body frame structure including a main frame portion; and a sub-frame portion, he sub-frame is fixedly secured to the main frame portion and is configured for receiving and securing thereon a drop seat providing a rider with a seating area that is relatively closer to the ground than the seating area of a conventional motorcycle seat. A method of mounting the sub-frame on a motorcycle includes: fixedly securing a drop seat sub-frame portion onto a main frame portion, wherein the drop seat sub-frame portion is configured for receiving and securing thereon a drop seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Gary D. Chipp
  • Patent number: 8025313
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension subframe structure of a vehicle, which is capable of improving the overall rigidity of a suspension subframe to effectively receive input loads from suspension arms, while reducing the overall weight of the suspension subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Y-Tec Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Katsuyuki Komiya, Shin Murata, Norihisa Adachi, Yukihito Itami, Hitoshi Nagai, Takeshi Nakano
  • Patent number: 8011466
    Abstract: A vehicle, in particular an agricultural tractor, is disclosed with a vehicle chassis, which is formed at least partly from two laterally spaced side members (1, 2) with C-shaped profile, comprising a vertical bar (1a, 2a) and two horizontal flanges (1b, 2b) and containing hydraulic lines in the space between the flanges, and with a radiator sub-assembly (5), fitted to the vehicle chassis, which consists of a carrier plate (6) fitted to the side members and several oil coolers (8, 9) supported by the carrier plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH.
    Inventors: Robert Honzek, Gerhard Mariner, Guido Nägele, Georg Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8002064
    Abstract: A pair of side frames extends longitudinally away from each other in a vehicle width direction, which includes a closed cross section formed by an outer panel having a U-shaped cross section with its vehicle's inward side opening and an inner panel having a U-shaped cross section with its vehicle's outward side opening. A cab-mount bracket is provided on a vehicle-outward side of a front portion of the side frame to support a cabin. The cab-mount bracket includes an upper portion which is joined to a side face of a side portion of the outer panel and extends in an outward direction, and a lower portion which includes an extension portion extending in a vehicle inward direction beyond the side face of the outer panel and be joined to a lower face of a bottom portion of the inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies LLC, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hideto Yamada, Eiji Okada
  • Patent number: 7997618
    Abstract: A rear frame for a motor vehicle has a profile part manufactured from cast metal. The profile part has two legs, which are connected to one another via a cover element, and an attachment element. In this way, the rear frame has a particularly high stability and may be manufactured particularly cost-effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jens Hartmann, Morgan Boerjesson, Hans-Joachim Patschicke, Nico Alexander Diehl
  • Publication number: 20110196582
    Abstract: A ground engaging work vehicle including a frame, a plurality of tractive elements, a movable extension, a hydraulic fluid using attachment, a hydraulic fluid pump and an accumulator. The plurality of tractive elements are coupled to the frame. The tractive elements engage the ground. The movable extension is connected to the frame. The hydraulic fluid using attachment is coupled to the movable extension. The hydraulic fluid pump is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment. The accumulator is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment dependent upon at least one fluid flow requirement of the attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Jarvis Degroot, Adrian Fengler, William Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7975799
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and supplying a fluid for use by a motorcycle engine includes a fluid tank assembly that can be mounted so that at least a portion of it is integral with a motorcycle frame. The assembly includes a center block that is mounted within a cavity in the motorcycle frame and two fluid reservoir housings, each mounted on opposite sides of the frame exterior and adjacent to the center block. The center block includes a hole of sufficient diameter that reservoir chambers, defined by the two reservoir housings, are in a free-flowing, fluid communication with one another via the center block hole. Moreover, the center block is a structural element thereby providing strength to the motorcycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Vanilla Gorilla, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse G. James, Michael Desmond
  • Patent number: 7971887
    Abstract: In a method of making a subframe of a motor vehicle profile elements made of hollow sections of steel are placed in a casting tool. Subsequently, aluminum material is filled into the casting tool to casting around the profile elements so as to form plural cast nodes on the profile elements in spaced-apart relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Dörr, Michael Wibbeke
  • Patent number: 7954853
    Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Brian P. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7950491
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle has a structure that ensures a sufficient clearance between a shock absorber and a front rod of an upper arm supporting front wheels, and also achieves satisfactory frame strength. The body frame of the saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle includes a lower frame extending below an engine to the rear of the vehicle. The body frame includes a front frame which is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and located above the lower frame. In the front frame, pairs of arm-supporting portions which are spaced away from each other in a front-rear direction and support the front rods and a rear rods of the upper arms, and shock-absorber-supporting portions which are situated above the arm-supporting portions and support upper ends of the shock absorbers, are provided. The front frame has, at a forefront of the front frame, an extending portion extending obliquely upward and rearward from a lower end of the extending portion connected to the lower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Isoda, Takehito Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20110114411
    Abstract: Separate from the vehicle's engine, a self-contained internal combustion engine supplies hydraulic power to drive a product pump on a bobtail. The self-contained engine, which can itself run on propane, is provided as part of a preassembly which includes the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic fluid tank, a heat exchanger, and a solenoid controlled start-up valve. The preassembly is mounted as a unit to the side of the bobtail in front of the rear wheels, powering the product pump at the rear of the bobtail while the vehicle's engine is off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: STAC, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Merth, Shawn Auxier
  • Patent number: 7942447
    Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Brian P. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110108349
    Abstract: Fuel tank 10 is provided such that its front end 10? is located to the rear of the rear end 20a? of crankcase 20a; air intake duct 34 of transmission case 21a has an intake port 34b arranged above air intake opening 21b of transmission case 21a, with at least a portion of it being forward of the rear end part 8? of handlebar member 8 at the time of maximum turning thereof; and exhaust duct 35 has an exhaust port 35b arranged above exhaust opening 21c of transmission case 21a, with at least a portion of it being forward of the rear end part 8? of handlebar member 8 at the time of maximum turning thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: William McClendon, Christopher Gervais, Bryan Harper
  • Publication number: 20110094812
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a pair of right and left front wheels, at least a pair of right and left rear wheels, a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left first roof supports, a pair of right and left second roof supports, a pair of right and left roof members, a seat, a front panel, a front gear case, a pair of front suspensions, a vehicle body cover, a radiator and a pair of head light units. The vehicle body frame includes a pair of upper frames, a pair of lower frames and a pair of front frames. The first roof supports are provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The second roof supports are provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in the transverse direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro SUZUKI, Kouji YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7931106
    Abstract: All terrain vehicle including front wheels, rear wheels, vehicle body frame, first roof supports, second roof supports, roof members, seat, front panel, front gear case, front suspensions, vehicle body cover, radiator, and head light units. The vehicle body frame includes upper frames, lower frames, and front frames. The first and second roof supports are each provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame. The right roof member connects upper portions of the right first and second roof supports. The left roof member connects upper portions of the left first and second roof supports. The radiator is positioned rearward of the front frames, forward of the front suspensions, and in a transverse center of the vehicle. The head light units are positioned above and longitudinally overlapping with the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Kouji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7918468
    Abstract: The present invention is a drop-down extra axle and wheel set for a utility truck. The extra axle and wheels are pivotally connected to an extra frame set that overlies and/or extends along the original frame for the truck, from the back end of the truck frame to near its midpoint just behind the cab of the truck. The extra frame set is a generally horizontal, rectangular piece that lays over the top of, and/or extends along, from the back end of to just behind the cab of, the original truck frame. The extra frame set has a trailing, extra, axle support assembly near its back end. The extra axle support assembly depends down from the extra frame, and supports an extra axle and wheel set at its bottom. A set of pivoting connecting rods extend forwardly from the bottom of the extra axle support assembly to pivot brackets which also depend down from the extra frame several feet forward of the extra axle support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Neil Justesen, Arlan Woodridge, Ryan Pearson, Larry Carter
  • Patent number: 7918300
    Abstract: A motorcycle conversion assembly for a motorcycle comprising first and second side members and first and second cross members to thereby define a rigid frame. The motorcycle conversion assembly further comprises first and second frame plates operably coupled to the frame and first and second axle plates operably coupled and rotatably adjustable relative to the first and second frame plates. The motorcycle conversion assembly further comprises first and second torsion adjustment assemblies, which are used to adjust the torsion acting on wheel assemblies when the motorcycle conversion assembly is operably connected to a motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Barns
  • Publication number: 20110067943
    Abstract: In a vehicle (1) including a frame (2) incorporated with a drive unit (3) for enabling the frame to travel in a prescribed direction and a seat assembly (4) supported by the frame and including a pair of saddle members (63) defining a pair of seat surfaces (70A), respectively, configured to jointly support buttocks of a vehicle occupant, the saddle members are resiliently supported by the frame in such a manner that the seat surface of each saddle member is in an approximately horizontal orientation but is progressively tilted inward with a downward movement of the saddle member under a load of a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori WAITA, Kazushi HAMAYA, Hiroshi GOMI
  • Patent number: 7900738
    Abstract: An engine supporting device for a motorcycle includes a first frame section having a head pipe portion supporting a front fork, a second frame section supporting a rear arm and connected to the first frame section and an engine supported between the first and second frame sections and having a standing cylinder section. The second frame section has an extension made from a forged product and extends toward a region above the cylinder section of the engine. A hanger bracket that suspends the cylinder section is mounted to the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayoshi Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 7896370
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailing arm mounting device for a vehicle with a small-sized frame, in which mounting assembly that connects small-sized frame and the trailing arm and has a limit on the weight and cross-section by reducing the size of frame expands the fixing portion for small-sized frame, such that the fastening force to the mounting assembly is increased and the dynamic stiffness of the trailing arm used for small-sized frame is also increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yongdok An
  • Patent number: 7896371
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a front wheel, a body frame and a double wishbone type suspension for suspending the front wheel. The body frame has a triangular frame part formed into the shape of a triangle in side view of the vehicle. The triangular frame part includes a first frame extending downward to the front side of the vehicle, a second frame extending downward to the rear side of the vehicle from an upper end of the first frame and a third frame connected to a lower end of the first frame and a lower end of the second frame. The double wishbone type suspension includes an upper arm, which is pivotably supported on the first frame and the second frame so as to be swingable, and a lower arm, which is pivotably supported on the third frame so as to be swingable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuya Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7883113
    Abstract: Triangular left and right load transmission members each have a first arm interconnecting a front sub frame and a left or right rear frame, a second arm interconnecting the front sub frame and a left or right side sill, and a third arm interconnecting the left or right side sill and the left or right rear frame. The transmission members each transmit an impact load from the front sub frame to the left or right rear frame via the first arm and to the left or right side sill via the second arm. A cross member spans between the side sills and fixedly connected to the rear frames. Left and right rigid areas are formed by the transmission members, cross member and right rear frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Yatsuda
  • Patent number: 7878287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The device comprises a pin attached to the subframe and extending toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body. The pin is adapted to engage the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body. The invention also relates to a method for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The method comprises providing a pin on the subframe that extends toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body, and engaging the pin with the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, Tim D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7866700
    Abstract: A frame for a machine may include a load transfer member attached to a load support member and to a first plate member and a second plate member. Additionally, the first and second plate members may each include an aperture shaped to receive a trunnion. The load transfer member may be disposed proximate to the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Danny L. Weibling, Adam C. Grove
  • Patent number: 7857349
    Abstract: A suspension member for connecting a vehicle body and a suspension device that comprises a pair of side members that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and are located symmetrically relative to the center in the transverse direction of the vehicle body, and cross members interconnecting the pair of side members and extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. The suspension member is formed by press-molding only after flat plate-like side members and cross members are welded in butt joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujiki, Takahiro Watanabe, Ryouzou Ikeuchi
  • Patent number: 7857083
    Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a counterweight of a power shovel interchangeable with that of a superordinate model without affecting a rear end radius of the shovel at the time of rotation. In the power shovel 50 in which the counterweight is formed at the rear part of a vehicle body frame 11 extended from a front end to a rear end of a lower part of a rotation upper body 10, and an engine 14 is mounted on the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11, an additional weight 12 is placed in a space between the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11 and the engine 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Oyamada, Keiichi Nishihara, Takahiro Ikeda, Takafumi Nobayashi, Masao Nagata, Saizou Kondou, Masami Miyanishi
  • Publication number: 20100320023
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle has a frame. A rotational section is coupled to the frame. An axle assembly is coupled to the frame. A steering system is coupled to the axle assembly. The steering system has a flexible joint to adjust the steering assembly as the rotational section rotates in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. An engine is coupled to the axle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Rhodig
  • Patent number: 7845450
    Abstract: A rear frame attachment structure for a two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a main frame supporting an engine, a pair of right and left center frames extending vertically behind the engine, and a rear frame supporting a seat and a side cover. An end section of the rear frame is attached to the center frame by a fastening member. A concave section of the center frame is formed in an outside surface of the center frame and is attached to the end section of the rear frame. Further, an end section of the side cover extends to a periphery of a head section of the fastening member. The concave section and the end section of the side cover surround the periphery of the head section of the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Kato, Yuji Noguchi, Daisuke Soeno
  • Publication number: 20100288574
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for designing and manufacturing a snowmobile platform. The method entails designing and manufacturing a group of tunnel subassemblies, designing and manufacturing a group of engine cradle subassemblies, and designing and manufacturing a group of front suspension subassemblies. Next, one tunnel subassembly, one engine cradle subassembly, and one front suspension subassembly are selected from each respective group. Then, the tunnel subassembly is connected to the engine cradle subassembly at a rear portion thereof. Finally, the front suspension subassembly is connected to the engine cradle subassembly at a front portion thereof to create the snowmobile platform. The present invention also concerns a snowmobile platform constructed according to this method, which combines, among other elements, a tunnel subassembly, an engine cradle subassembly, and a front suspension subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mihai Rasidescu, Denis Morin
  • Patent number: 7823677
    Abstract: A vehicle body includes a pair of left and right main frames extending rearwardly from a front portion of the vehicle body and a seat extending rearwardly from a substantially central portion for providing seating for an occupant. A trunk is provided on the rear side of the seat for storing luggage with a backrest mounted to a front wall of the trunk for supporting the back of the occupant. The occupant includes a rider and a passenger, and the seat includes a front seating portion for the rider and a rear seating portion for the passenger arranged in tandem in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. A pair of left and right rear frames for supporting the trunk extend to a position below the rear seating portion, so that the load of the passenger sitting on the rear seating portion is borne by the rear frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidemi Minami, Koichi Nozoe
  • Patent number: 7815008
    Abstract: The invention relates firstly to a frame construction for a road vehicle, comprising a main frame of, for example, a motorcycle. This main frame is on the front edge provided with a fork head. A front frame is also provided, which is suspended from the fork head. In addition, the front frame is fastened to the main frame by means of further, separate front suspension means. Further, a rear frame can also be provided, which is provided with rear suspension means standardly present on the main frame. The rear frame can possess a drive train having a differential, the housing of which can be driven by means of a chain or pulley transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Sandy Augustinus Maria Poglavec
  • Patent number: 7810599
    Abstract: A reserve tank layout structure of a motorcycle can secure a capacity of a reserve tank, and allow for easy checking of a remaining amount of a cooling water in the tank from the exterior. The layout structure is provided with a vehicle body frame, an engine supported by the vehicle body frame, a swing arm attached to the vehicle body frame so as to freely oscillate, a rear wheel supported by the swing arm, a wrapping transmission mechanism having an endless rope-like body wound between an output shaft of the engine and an axle of the rear wheel and transmitting power from the output shaft to the axle, and a reserve tank for storing cooling water of the engine, the reserve tank being disposed so that at least a part thereof is positioned at an inner peripheral side of the rope-like body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Mano, Kenichi Jino, Atsuya Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7805840
    Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a method of manufacture of an automobile structure comprising the steps of: forming in a die a plurality of castings (10) each having at least one socket (14); forming a plurality of metallic rails (12, 13) and fixing the metallic rails (13, 14) in the socket of the castings (10) in order to construct the automobile structure. The present invention also provides a method of manufacture of a plurality of different automobile structures, the method comprising: fixing metallic rails of a first plurality into sockets of a first plurality of the castings to form a first type of automobile structure; and fixing metallic rails of a second plurality into sockets of a second plurality of castings to form a second type of automobile structure. The invention also relates to automobile structures made by the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Lotus Cars Limited
    Inventors: John Kenneth Bingham, Robert McQuire, John Nicholas Sampson
  • Patent number: 7806223
    Abstract: A frame of a motorcycle includes a head pipe configured to support a steering shaft, a first frame configured to extend from the head pipe, through above and rearward of an engine, and to rearward of a vehicle body, a second frame that is located under the first frame and configured to extend from the head pipe, through forward and downward of the engine, and to rearward of the vehicle body, a bracket by which a first component is mounted to the second frame, and a coupling member that is mounted to the second frame to couple a second component to the second frame, and the bracket is integral with the coupling member. An engine bracket of a motorcycle is manufactured by forging such that a region subjected to tensile stress is made thicker than a region in the vicinity of the region which is subjected to the tensile stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Kurokawa, Yoshihiro Masuda, Takehiro Nakashima, Akira Takasu, Toshiyuki Miyake
  • Patent number: 7802816
    Abstract: A vehicular frame assembly is provided and includes a pair of control arm support brackets. Each of the control arm support brackets define a pair of recesses. The first control arm support bracket and the second control arm support bracket are substantially identical and are configured to be positioned along a vehicular frame such that one of the pairs of recesses defined by a control arm support bracket receives forward legs of right and left suspension support members and the other of the pairs of recesses defined by the other of the control arm support bracket receives rearward legs of right and left suspension support members. A vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeremy T. McGuire
  • Publication number: 20100236857
    Abstract: A work machine includes a frame supported for movement over the ground, a prime mover for driving movement of the frame, an operator compartment supported on the frame and a cradle coupling the operator compartment to the frame. The cradle is pivotable between an operating position and a service position and includes a biasing mechanism for biasing cradle toward the service position and an isolation mount coupling the operator compartment to the cradle. The isolation mount permits deflection of the operator compartment relative to the cradle along a selected axis. A latch mechanism releasably couples the cradle to the frame and a handle is provided for actuating the latch mechanism. The isolation mount includes a deformable member having a void defining the selected axis. The axis can be aligned with a force exerted on the cradle by the operator compartment to reduce stress on the biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Larry E. Albright, Gary J. Homola, Maria C. Homola, Rodney Koch, Dan A. Frederick, Nicole L. Fuss, Karla J. Frederick, Thomas J. Roan
  • Publication number: 20100231025
    Abstract: A work vehicle has an operating cab, a power plant positioned adjacent to the operating cab, a pair of suspension members operable by the power plant and spaced apart in a lateral direction, and a load carrying member supported by the pair of suspension members. The vehicle further has an adjustable undercarriage frame that includes a housing having a predetermined shape and having a longitudinal axis thereof aligned with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the housing positioned intermediate the pair of suspension members, whereby each of the pair of suspension members is operatively mounted to a respective side of the housing. The adjustable undercarriage frame also provides for adjusting longitudinal position of the operating cab and the power plant and for adjusting lateral spacing between suspension members. Novel pivot assembly for rotating the load carrying member in order to discharge the load is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7789424
    Abstract: The all terrain vehicle safety attachment includes an adjustable frame having first and second frame portions. Upper ends of the first and second frame portions are pivotally secured to one another by a hinge or the like. The first and second frame portions are selectively, angularly adjustable with respect to one another. The first frame portion is secured to the back end of the all terrain vehicle, and a safety device is releasably and removably secured to the second frame portion. The safety device includes a pair of spaced apart, lower horizontal members. Each of the lower horizontal members has a front portion, a central portion and a rear portion. The rear portions thereof are angled upwardly so that the rear portions form a support base for the all terrain vehicle when a front end of the all terrain vehicle accidentally tips off the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Mark William Shaw
  • Patent number: 7789427
    Abstract: A chassis frame (10) uses channels as right and left side rails (12, 14). A lower “clam” (22) has a horizontal bottom wall (26L) that bridges the side rails and is disposed against bottom flanges (20R, 20L) of the side rail channels and vertical side flanges (28L, 30L) that extend from opposite sides of the bottom wall upward and against a face of a respective one of vertical walls (16R, 16L) of the channels that is exterior to the interior of the respective channel. An upper “clam” (24) is a mirror image of the lower “clam” and fits over the side rails. Spacer structure (30, 31, 38A, 38B, 40A, 40B) is disposed between and in abutment with the side rail channels and between and in abutment with the “clams” in inwardly spaced relation to the side rail channels. Fasteners (48, 50, 56, 62) fasten various parts together to complete the cross member that is formed by the “clams” and the spacer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Navistar Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo P. Oriet, Jules Cazabon
  • Publication number: 20100213725
    Abstract: A rail assembly for a motor compartment of a motor vehicle having a bumper and a deformable energy-absorbing device secured rearward of the bumper, includes a longitudinally-extending motor compartment rail operatively connected rearward of the energy absorbing device and having an inner rail member and an outer rail member configured to define a cavity therebetween. A stability enhancement member transversely spans the cavity and is secured to both the inner rail member and the outer rail member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Soo A. Tan, Bradley E. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7775556
    Abstract: Production of a working vehicle frame consumes high costs because it requires high rigidity. A simple construction improves the rigidity of the frame and reduces costs required for the production. In a structure of a frame (9) for a working vehicle (1), side sections of the frame (9) are constructed in a boat form, and, in a front view, the width of a lower section of the frame (9) is set smaller than that of the central section in the vertical direction of the frame (9). Further, a mast plate (63) for supporting a front loader (2) and a front axle installation plate section (75) are integrated, and side frames (62) constructing the side section of the frame (9) and the mast plate (63) are jointed in a lateral T shape in a side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Sakamoto, Kouichi Takata, Nagahiro Ogata, Yousuke Yamashita, Makiko Tajima
  • Patent number: 7770683
    Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle includes a main frame assembly having a steering head disposed on a front portion of the main frame assembly, a front fork assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably supported by the front fork assembly, a rear frame coupled to a rear portion of the main frame assembly, a rear axle assembly coupled to at least one of the main frame assembly and the rear frame, a pair of rear wheels rotatably supported by the rear axle assembly, an engine-transmission assembly supported by the main frame assembly and positioned between the front wheel and the pair of rear wheels, and a body including a first mounting portion directly mounted to the main frame assembly, and a second mounting portion directly mounted to the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic Keogh, Andrew James Ravn, Mark W. Fischer, Michael L. Welliver, Steven P. Pertzsch
  • Patent number: 7766118
    Abstract: An engine bracket including: an attachment portion provided in a fixing location adapted to be fixed to at least one of the vehicle body and power unit; a bolt hole being formed in the attachment portion so that the attachment portion is fixed to the vehicle body or power unit by a fixing bolt inserted into the bolt hole; and at lease one breaking groove formed at an area located spaced away from the bolt hole so as to extend away from the bolt hole and toward an outer peripheral edge of the attachment portion on at least one of opposite surfaces of the attachment portion in a direction in which the fixing bolt is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Ohji, Kazushi Saikusa
  • Patent number: 7766119
    Abstract: A motorcycle has a head pipe and an engine disposed with its cylinder axis inclined rearward. An intake pipe located between a down tube and the engine is connected to a front part of the engine and includes an engine connecting part connected to a front part of the engine. The engine connecting part is inclined upward to the front to define an acute angle with respect to the cylinder axis of the engine. A funnel is connected to a throttle body and extends upward to the front in a more vertically upward direction than an axis of the throttle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Yokoi, Shidehiko Miyashiro