With Structure Adapted To Receive Or Support A Motor, Change-speed Gearing, Or Other Power Train Element Patents (Class 180/312)
  • Patent number: 8316977
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame to which the engine is mounted; a seat frame fastened to the vehicle body frame and including a seat bottom support member; and a seat bottom detachably fastened to the seat bottom support member; wherein a portion of an upper wall surface of an engine room in which the engine is disposed is defined by at least a portion of a lower surface of the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Hidetoshi Kaku, Tyler Furman, Kazuhiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 8312955
    Abstract: A working vehicle according to the present invention includes a pair of front frames and a pair of main frames that are detachably connected to each other, a reinforcing member coupling the pair of main frames while being overlapped therewith in a side view, a pair of attachment stays fixedly attached to outer side surfaces of the pair of main frames so as to be at least partially overlapped with the reinforcing member in a side view. A cabin is supported in a vibration-isolation manner at no less than four positions including the pair of attachment stays and right and left supporting positions that are provided at a pair of rear axle cases or a transmission case. The working vehicle can enhance stabilization of support of the cabin while simplifying a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Kawashiri
  • Patent number: 8312954
    Abstract: A frame for an electric vehicle with a motor and a transmission, the frame including a steering head unit, a power unit casing, a left side frame and a right side frame. The steering head unit includes a steering head, a left extension and a right extension, wherein the left extension and right extension extend at an angle from the steering head. The power unit casing encloses the motor and the transmission, orienting the gearbox of the transmission vertically underneath the motor. The left and right side frames mount, on one end, to the left and right extensions of the steering head unit, respectively, wherein the other end mounts to the left and right sides of the power unit casing, respectively. The steering head unit, the power unit, the left side frame and the right side frame form an open cage, configured to accept a battery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Mission Motor Company
    Inventors: Karl Ashley Johnson, Jorah Wyer, James Parker, Jon Wagner
  • Publication number: 20120285764
    Abstract: A universal cross member secures a variety of transmissions within various vehicles, and allows installed transmissions to be exchanged for different transmissions. The universal cross member may comprise a plurality of arms supporting a body. The body may have one or more elongated, circular, or other slots to allow various transmissions to be attached thereto. An adjustment pad having a particular thickness and its own slots may be provided to support additional transmissions. The universal cross member may have cambered arms that extend upward towards the body of the cross member. In addition, a plurality of to throughbores may be at the distal ends of the arms to allow the universal cross member to be attached at various locations within a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: L. Brooks Compton
  • Patent number: 8308193
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a subframe, a collar assembly with a collar member and a mounting pin, and a main frame with a saddle. The main frame has a contact side that faces toward the collar assembly and the saddle is located on the contact side. The subframe is connected to the main frame with a bolt that extends from the subframe and into a bore in the mounting pin. The mounting pin is in contact with the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Lux, Eric J. Boettcher, Robb L. Augustine, Martyn L. Morrish
  • Patent number: 8297394
    Abstract: A two or more person RUV (recreational utility vehicle) is provided with a multi-place multi-planar saddle seat assembly, multi-place multi-planar foot board assemblies, and grip handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, Eric A. Davis, Russell R. Kleiser
  • Patent number: 8272469
    Abstract: The invention provides a trunnion bearing assembly for the drive system of a snow blower, mower, tractor, or other self-propelled utility vehicle. In certain embodiments, the trunnion assembly comprises a bearing having ball bearings, roller bearings, or another type of bearing set. This can provide free relative rotation of several components of the bearing assembly relative to a trunnion housing of the bearing assembly. This rotation is imparted when a friction disk of the assembly engages a spinning motor flywheel of the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Oconomowoc Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Kyle C. Stoehr, Scott T. Breyer
  • Patent number: 8267217
    Abstract: A swivel frame for a swivel work machine includes a swivel base plate supported on a traveling machine body to be pivotable about a swivel axis and mounting an engine at a rear portion thereof, a support bracket provided at a front end of the swivel base plate for supporting an excavator, a partition wall provided on the swivel base plate for partitioning space forwardly of the engine in the fore/aft direction, and a pair of right and left vertical ribs provided on the swivel base plate for interconnecting the support bracket and the partition wall. The swivel base plate is divided into a rear plate portion on the rear side thereof and a front plate portion on the front side thereof, the rear plate portion being formed of a plate thinner than the front plate portion. The rear plate portion and the front plate portion are fixedly connected to each other in such in a manner that upper surfaces thereof are flush each other. A rear portion of the front plate portion projects more rearward than the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Kotani, Kenichi Saiki, Kenzo Kusama, Sho Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20120223500
    Abstract: A side by side vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame, a vehicle seat frame positioned in a mid portion of the frame, and powertrain. Side by side seats are supported by the seat frame; and one or more storage units are positioned under the side by side seats. The side by side vehicle also has a rear suspension comprising at least one rear alignment arm coupled to each side of a rear of the vehicle frame, where the alignment arms are coupled to the vehicle frame at front and rear connection points. A distance between the front connection points is greater than a distance between the rear connection points, and at least a portion of the powertrain is positioned between the front connection points of the alignment arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Kinsman, Angus M. Morison, Keith A. Hollman, Adam J. Schlangen, Shawn D. Peterson, Richard D. Ripley, Brent A. Erspamer, Steven M. Schiebel
  • Patent number: 8256555
    Abstract: A three-wheel motorcycle having a support frame with rear wheels mounted on a double axle with differential there between for a drive from a powerful automobile type engine. A front portion of the frame supporting the front motorcycle type single steerable wheel and handlebars mounted thereto for conventional steering. Other features include a unique shock and spring mechanism for the support frame measuring no more than 6 inches off of the ground and having a center of gravity of 14 inches or less powered by an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond Ackley
  • Patent number: 8246061
    Abstract: A sub-frame mount for a suspension may include a frame structure having an upper plate and a lower plate, a front mounting portion provided at a front portion of the frame structure, and connected to a vehicle body through a first mount bolt, and a rear mounting portion provided at a rear portion of the frame structure, and connected to the vehicle body through a second mount bolt, wherein the respective rear mounting portion includes, a first hole formed at the upper plate, a second hole corresponding to the first hole and formed at the lower plate, width of the second hole corresponding approximately to the width of the body of the second mount bolt, and a third hole connected to the second hole so that a head of the second mount bolt can pass through the third hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Hee Gon Kang
  • Publication number: 20120205179
    Abstract: A vehicle body frame of a motorcycle includes a head pipe, a pair of main frame sections extending rearwardly from the head pipe, a pair of pivot plates joined to end portions of the main frame sections, and a crossmember arranged between the pivot plates. In such vehicle body frame, the crossmember is arranged between upper end portions of the pivot plates such that the upper end portions of the pivot plates are sandwiched between the crossmember and rear end portions of main frame sections so that at least a portion of the crossmember overlaps a joint portion between the main frame sections and the pivot plates as viewed in a side view. Such structure of the vehicle body frame ensures the rigidity of connecting portions where the crossmember is connected to pivot plates without making the vehicle body frame heavy and thick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Munehiro TODA, Akira HOSONO, Ryo KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20120186895
    Abstract: To provide a motorcycle in which a distinction between a main harness and ABS pipes can be easily made to enhance flexibility of packaging design of the motorcycle and to facilitate operations for assembly and piping, thereby improving productivity of the motorcycle. A main harness 50 for supplying electric power from a battery 61 to multiple electric components 62 to 67 is arranged on one side in a right-to-left direction of a vehicle 10, and ABS pipes 101, 102 and 106 for transmitting a hydraulic pressure to a brake caliper 74 are arranged on the other side in the right-to-left direction of the vehicle 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Hamauzu, Tetsuo Takeshige, Kotaro Fujiyama
  • Patent number: 8226097
    Abstract: An integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base for a vehicle includes an elongate, generally hollow housing having at least one mounting portion at each of opposing ends. A steering gear including a steering gear input and a pair of opposingly-oriented tie rods is assembled within the hollow housing such that the steering gear input and the tie rods extend from the interior of the housing. An engine mount base is integrated into the housing. The integrated steering gear, frame structure and engine mount base is mountable to a vehicle support frame to function as a subframe member of the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Kudla, Paul Choin, Daniel Vogel, Kevin LeClair, Stephen G. Rosepiler, Joshua C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8225901
    Abstract: In a frame structure of a vehicle that includes a flywheel housing, an intermediate housing and a transmission case that are connected to each other along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle to constitute a vehicle frame, the intermediate housing has a hollow shape with a first end and a second end located along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the first end having an abutting surface against which the second end of the flywheel housing abuts, a support surface located radially inwardly of the abutting surface so as to support the forward/rearward movement switching unit, and an opening surrounded by the support surface, the opening serving as a first-end opening of the intermediate housing along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The abutting surface and the support surface along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle are located so that at least a portion of the forward/rearward movement switching unit is accommodated within the flywheel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Ohtsuki, Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Atsuo Yoshina
  • Publication number: 20120181101
    Abstract: A fuel tank support structure for a saddle-type vehicle includes a head pipe which steerably supports a front wheel, a main frame section extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe, and a pair of left and right lower frame sections extending substantially horizontally rearwardly from a lower portion of the main frame section. A fuel tank is disposed in back of the main frame section and between the lower frame sections, and a step floor is disposed over the fuel tank. In the fuel tank support structure, floor support members are disposed under the step floor as support members. The floor support members are disposed in a left-right pair on the outer sides relative to the lower frame sections. The fuel tank is supported by the floor support members. The lower frame sections are disposed so that their lower edges extend along a lower surface of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Seiji
  • Patent number: 8220581
    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 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, Tim D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120160589
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame including a main frame including a floor member and a pair of right and left side members and a sub-frame for reinforcing the main frame, each of the side members includes a side pipe element, a first pillar pipe element, a second pillar pipe element and a third pillar pipe element, the sub-frame includes a first cross member provided between and coupled to second pillar pipe elements, one end portion of the first cross member is detachably coupled to one of the second pillar pipe elements and an opposite end portion of the first cross member is detachably attached to the other second pillar pipe element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Hidetoshi Kaku, Tyler Furman, Kazuhiro Maeda
  • Publication number: 20120160592
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body frame including a main frame to which an engine is mounted, the main frame including a round pipe having a circular cross-section and a rectangular pipe having a rectangular cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Teruaki Yamamoto, Brian Butler
  • Patent number: 8196692
    Abstract: A two or more person RUV (recreational utility vehicle) is provided with a multi-place multi-planar saddle seat assembly, multi-place multi-planar foot board assemblies, and grip handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, Eric A. Davis, Russell R. Kleiser
  • Patent number: 8186474
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes a rear frame having left and right plate-shaped main beams. A reinforcing bracket is provided at an upper position substantially in a middle of a front-and-rear direction of the rear frame, and the reinforcing bracket bridges between the main beams. A substantially middle position of the rear frame exhibits a closed-section structure that includes the reinforcing bracket. The closed-section structure at the main beams specifically includes an axle support, a reinforcing plate, a reinforcing rib and the reinforcing bracket in the order from a lower side to an upper side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Utility Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioji, Toshifumi Ogihara, Akio Miyane, Takeshi Kamimae
  • Publication number: 20120118660
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration source attachment structure equipped with a vibration isolation device. In the vibration source attachment structure, the vibration source (41) of an engine, or the like, is attached via the vibration isolation device (50) to a subframe (30) that has been attached in a downward position with respect to a vehicle body frame (20). The vibration isolation device (50) is provided with a first attachment (51) that attaches to the vibration source (41), a second attachment (52) that attaches to the subframe (30), and an elastic body (53) that connects the first and second attachments (51, 52). The subframe (30) is provided with fitting holes (31) that are formed in the vertical direction of said subframe. The second attachment (52) is detachably attached to the fitting holes (31) by means of press fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Tamura
  • Patent number: 8177013
    Abstract: A rear-wheels transmission and suspension system, adapted for modifying a two wheeled motorcycle into a motorcycle containing two rear wheels, includes a suspension device, a rear axle and a transmission device. The suspension device includes a supporting frame longitudinally extending along the central axis of a construction frame and pivotally connected with a seat portion of the construction frame of the motorcycle for supporting the rear axle at the rear end the supporting frame while defining a transmission cavity after a rear end of the supporting frame and at a central position behind an output of said engine along the central axis of the construction frame. Therefore the transmission device is able to be supported by the rear axle in the transmission cavity to transmit a rotation output from the engine to drive the rear axle to rotate for driving the rear wheels to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Liang Chang, Xin Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8172029
    Abstract: A saddle-riding vehicle mounted with a V engine between a front wheel and a rear wheel, the V engine having a front cylinder portion extending obliquely forwardly and upwardly from a crankcase and a rear cylinder portion extending obliquely rearwardly and upwardly from the crankcase. A main switch is disposed between the front cylinder portion and the rear cylinder portion, and also an intake system is disposed between the front cylinder potion and the rear cylinder portion, wherein the main switch is fixed to the intake system. The main switch is disposed efficiently in terms of space utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenta Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120090912
    Abstract: A powertrain mounting system with a decoupled hydraulic bushing device as a torque reacting element. An elastic element of the bushing mount vibrates in response to powertrain pitch torque. At high vibration amplitude of the elastic element, high hydraulic damping is provided via a main liquid reservoir, bounce inertia track and bellowed secondary liquid reservoir, with a decoupler fluid passage being passively disabled. At low vibration amplitude of the elastic element, minimal hydraulic damping is provided via a decoupler system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Gannon, Sam M. Jomaa, Ping Lee, Dennis J. Kinchen
  • Patent number: 8157042
    Abstract: A working vehicle with a cabin in which, to lift a cabin upward, a lift arm of a hydraulic lifting mechanism can be easily connected to a cabin. The working vehicle has a travel body having an engine mounted on it, the cabin having an operation seat for an operator, a steering wheel, etc., a link mechanism for connecting a working section to the travel body, the hydraulic lifting mechanism for lifting the working section connected to the link mechanism off the ground, and a lifting rod for detachably connecting the lifting arm of the hydraulic lifting mechanism and the link mechanism. A cabin support body is placed at the lower end of the front of the cabin. The hydraulic lifting mechanism is placed below the rear of the cabin. The upper face side of the hydraulic lifting mechanism is opened by rotating the cabin about the cabin support body. The working vehicle has a projection body engaging the cabin from below, and the projection body is detachably connected to the lifting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Katsumi Fujiki
  • Patent number: 8141904
    Abstract: A frontal collision energy absorbing structure includes a pair of left and right main frames. A front cross member and a rear cross member each connect the left and right main frames. A suspension tower and an engine mount bracket may each be attached to each main frame. Each front suspension tower is spaced out from the joint between the front cross member and the main frame. Each rear suspension tower is spaced out from the joint between the rear cross member and the main frame. Each of engine mount bracket is longitudinally spaced apart from the following joints: the front cross member and the main frame; the rear cross member and the main frame, and the suspension tower and the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Akaki, Hideto Yamada, Soukichi Kikuchi, Osami Ohno
  • Patent number: 8132640
    Abstract: A frangible mount for a vehicle differential that includes a first horizontal mounting flange, a second mounting flange parallel to and vertically offset from the first mounting flange, and a generally circular differential shaft bushing holder portion with a central axis transverse to the first and second mounting flanges. The mount also includes a first transition integrally formed with, and between, the first mounting flange and the receiver portion, a notch defined between the first mounting flange and the first transition, and a second transition integrally formed with, and between, the second mounting flange and the receiver portion. When an axial force is applied to the bushing holder portion in excess of a threshold value, either the first transition or the first mounting flange fracture and either the second transition or the second mounting flange fracture, thus, allowing the bushing holder portion to be displaced apart from the first mounting flange and second mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Heitkamp, Stephen Rosepiler, Kishore Pydimarry
  • Patent number: 8118127
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a head pipe that supports a steering shaft which is arranged to rotate freely, a body frame connected to the head pipe, and an engine supported by the body frame in a suspended state. The body frame includes a main frame that extends obliquely downward to the rear from the head pipe and a pair of left and right subframes that extend obliquely downward to the rear from the main frame. The engine includes a crankcase and a cylinder that extends obliquely upward to the front from the crankcase. The cylinder is supported by a rear end of the main frame. The crankcase is supported by portions in two places separated to the front and the rear in the respective subframes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshimasa Miyabe
  • Patent number: 8104565
    Abstract: A body frame for a vehicle such as a motorcycle with a minimized number of parts. A main frame is connected to a head pipe and supports a rear arm to which a rear wheel is attached. A tank rail is connected to the head pipe at one end and to the main frame at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shidehiko Miyashiro, Toshio Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8083020
    Abstract: A ride-on, self-propelled vehicle having front caster wheels, such as a zero-turn mower, includes a front brake system. The actuating power for the front brake pass through a spindle supporting the front caster wheel. In a preferred embodiment, a center shaft of each spindle or a concentric outer ring of a sleeve of each spindle passes a force from a brake actuator to a brake for the respective caster wheel. Actuation of the brake actuator moves a member into frictional contact with a portion of the front wheel or an object attached to the front wheel to applying a braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Ted H. Corriher
  • Publication number: 20110308880
    Abstract: A wheelchair structure includes a wheelchair frame, an auxiliary drive device and a combined frame. The combined frame has an assembly base frame, a moveable rack assembly and an elastic support. The assembly base frame has a horizontal hack lever, at least a plug-in rod section, a positioning end and object fixed seat assembly portion. The sleeving portion of the moveable rack assembly is inserted into the holding space of the plug-in rod section, and a limiter is used to prevent the moveable rack assembly from disengagement. The moveable rack assembly is provided with a limiting end. With this configuration, when the limiting end is abutted onto the positioning portion, the positioning end of the horizontal hack lever can be locked onto the assembly position. With this simple and efficient structure, the user can be benefitted from rapid assembly and ease-of-operation with improved applicability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: WU'S TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chien-Liang CHIU
  • Publication number: 20110303476
    Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement of a vehicle with a clutch release bearing and a lubrication path through a bell housing of a transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Kingston Jennings, Mahesh Shashidhar Nesari, Clinton Lee McClellan, Daniel Vern Gochenour, Chad Louis Davis
  • Publication number: 20110290579
    Abstract: An upper pipe 55 includes a single front pipe portion 68, a branch portion 69 bifurcated from the rear end of the front pipe portion 68, and two left and right rear pipe portions 71L, 71R extending vehicle-rearward from the branch portion 69. A cylinder head cover 58 is located between the two left and right rear pipe portions 71L, 71R as viewed from above. Therefore, the cylinder head cover 58 can be accessed from above and removed from a cylinder head, whereby a valve train chamber can be inspected and maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyuki MUTO, Mitsuo NAKAGAWA
  • 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: 8042643
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle with a swing arm swingably supported on a body frame. A shock absorber is connected to the body frame and the swing arm for applying a damping force. A shock absorber support member is suspended to the body frame in a vehicle width direction for supporting an upper end of the shock absorber. The shock absorber is supported on a central portion in the vehicle width direction of the shock absorber support member. The central portion in the vehicle width direction of the shock absorber support member is formed in a U-shape that is open at a lower side in a cross section taken along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An upper surface and a lower surface of the shock absorber support member are curved wherein a central portion lies above the end portion in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Nakagawa, Kotaro Fujiyama, Daisuke Kuramochi, Junichi Sakamoto, Satoru Ikami
  • Patent number: 8042862
    Abstract: A reinforcing brace is disclosed. The reinforcing brace supports a collar of a fastener. In addition, the reinforcing brace is configured to strengthen the connection between a frame rail and a cross member. By aligning side walls of the reinforcing brace with walls of the cross member, the reinforcing brace can continue the walls of the cross member through the frame rail to strengthen the connection between the frame rail and the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jared S. Cox
  • Patent number: 8046129
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling engine vibration mounted within a vehicle including at least one hydraulic mount, each mount including a fluid chamber. A pair of accelerometers sense relative acceleration across the mount between the engine and the frame and generate a relative acceleration signal. A control unit is electrically connected to the accelerometers. The control unit is adapted to generate an electronic control signal in response to the relative acceleration signal. The control device is responsive to the electric control signal for controlling the damping force of the hydraulic mount. A control algorithm calibrates the control unit such that maximum vibration damping occurs at and around the engine resonance bounce frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: BWI Company Limited S.A.
    Inventors: Prasad V. Gade, Sanjiv G. Tewani, Thomas A. Baudendistel
  • Patent number: 8037962
    Abstract: A motorcycle that maintains sufficient vehicle rigidity with a simple structure. A main frame has an up-and-down extension part in a vehicle width center, side plates disposed apart on the right and left of the up-and-down extension part, and first and second supporting pipes. Both ends of the supporting pipes are attached to the side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoshige Susaki
  • Publication number: 20110247890
    Abstract: The invention provides a trunnion bearing assembly for the drive system of a snow blower, mower, tractor, or other self-propelled utility vehicle. In certain embodiments, the trunnion assembly comprises a bearing having ball bearings, roller bearings, or another type of bearing set. This can provide free relative rotation of several components of the bearing assembly relative to a trunnion housing of the bearing assembly. This rotation is imparted when a friction disk of the assembly engages a spinning motor flywheel of the drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Kyle C. Stoehr, Scott T. Breyer
  • Publication number: 20110240398
    Abstract: A snowmobile frame (106) is described, with a tunnel (108) having an inverted U-shape. An engine cradle (110) is attached to a forward portion of the tunnel. A suspension assembly (112) is disposed forwardly of the engine cradle. At least one support member (142) supports the suspension assembly on the engine cradle. The at least one support member forms a crumple zone between the suspension assembly and the engine cradle. The at least one support member resists plastic deformation in response to the first predetermined force exerted on the suspension assembly. The at least one support member undergoes plastic deformation in response to a second predetermined force being exerted on the suspension assembly. The second predetermined force is greater in magnitude than the first predetermined force. The tunnel resists plastic deformation in response to the second predetermined force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Sebastien Vezina
  • Publication number: 20110240397
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an engine attached to the vehicle body frame, and a power transmission unit for transmitting output from the engine to a wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle body frame includes a plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket which is integrally connected to front end portions of main frame sections extending in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle at a lower portion of the vehicle body frame, and also is integrally connected to lower end sides of front frame sections vertically extending at a front portion of the vehicle body frame. The plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket includes suspension arm-supporting portions formed integrally therewith. The lightweight vehicle body frame reduces total weight of the vehicle and, at the same time, enhances assembling accuracy thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu SHIINA, Akihiro YAMASHITA, Hajime UCHIYAMA
  • Patent number: 8016067
    Abstract: A vibration isolation assembly is disclosed. The vibration isolation assembly comprises a first body member, a second body member, a first isolation member, a second isolation member, and a least one fastener. The first and second body members are configured to matingly engage one another and the first and second isolation members are partially retained by portions of the first and second body members, respectively. The fastener serves to securing the first and second body members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jon Horgas
  • Patent number: 8002312
    Abstract: A structure reduces impact force incurred when a structural body located forward of the vehicle interior comes toward the vehicle interior. The structure includes a pressing mechanism arranged forward of the vehicle interior. The pressing mechanism applies a pressure downwardly to the structure in order to restrict the structure from entering into the vehicle interior. The structure further includes a drive member to drive the pressing mechanism in the case of emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Koji Korechika, Bengt Pipkorn, Jan Olsson
  • Patent number: 7997377
    Abstract: A case structure of an integrated package module for a hybrid vehicle is provided. A front case of the integrated package module is formed of a first front case having a receiving groove on a upper portion thereof and a second front case. The case structure can stably mount and support the integrated package module on a vehicle body in a safer and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dal Kim, Haekyu Lim, Gungoo Lee
  • Patent number: 7987942
    Abstract: An upper frame for an excavator is provided to smoothly transmit the load and shock which is transmitted through a mounting portion of a working device during operation (e.g., a lifting operation mode), to an upper frame by integrally installing a bracket for mounting a fuel tank or the like on an upper plate of the upper frame. The upper frame includes a center frame having a bottom plate and a pair of side plates and vertically welded to the bottom plate, a left side frame welded to the side plate of the center frame, a right side frame welded to the side plate of the center frame, an upper plate placed in the front of the center frame for supporting a bracket for a working device, to which a boom is pivotally secured, and an extended member integrally extended from one end of the upper plate for supporting desired parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Jin Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20110174569
    Abstract: The vehicle body frame is configured in a manner that an upper tension pipe is removed from a first cross portion and a second cross portion. When mounting the engine in the vehicle body frame, the vehicle mounted component that is relatively heavy can be lowered into the vehicle body frame from above by removing the upper tension pipe. The vehicle body frame simplifies the removal and installation of the vehicle-mounted components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu SHIINA, Akihiro YAMASHITA, Hajime UCHIYAMA, Tatsuya SHIOKAWA, Yukinori KURAKAWA, Masayuki HIRUKAWA
  • Patent number: 7980350
    Abstract: A chassis frame (10) has a cross member (22) that bridges right and left side rails (18, 20). Right and left wheel units (14, 16) comprising respective right and left steered road wheels (24, 26) are suspended from the frame by respective multi-link suspensions (33). A steering system (28) steers the wheels. An electric motor (34) and gear box (36) mounted on the cross member is coupled to the right and left wheels by respective drive shafts (38, 40). The weight of a brake system (42, 44) for the wheels is supported by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Navistar Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo P. Oriet, Andre Bocancea
  • Publication number: 20110162902
    Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle has an engine compartment defined by a transverse rail extending generally parallel to a lateral axis of the vehicle, first and second side rails extending forwardly from the transverse rail, and a hood extending over the engine compartment. A hybrid-electric transmission is located in the engine compartment and an inverter system controller module (ISCM) is supported on an equipment shelf extending between the hybrid electric transmission and the hood. The equipment shelf includes an inclined portion attached to the transverse rail and extending upwardly and forwardly at an oblique angle; a generally horizontal tray projecting forwardly from the inclined portion above the hybrid electric transmission; and a lateral brace extending from a forward end of the tray laterally to the first side rail. The junction between the inclined portion and the tray forms a deformation trigger that absorbs crash loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon G. Dobbins, Edgar Edward Donabedian
  • 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