With Structure Adapted To Receive Or Support A Motor, Change-speed Gearing, Or Other Power Train Element Patents (Class 180/312)
  • Publication number: 20100032229
    Abstract: A rear body structure of a vehicle includes a wheel housing inner panel, and a common mounting bracket which is engaged with an outer surface of the wheel housing inner panel in a forward/backward direction of the car body and has insertion holes formed therein such that a two-wheel shock absorber and a four-wheel shock absorber are inserted into the holes, respectively, and an inner quarter connecting member which connects the common mounting bracket to an inner quarter panel to reinforce a rigidity of the bracket. Accordingly, a single common mounting bracket can be applied to a two-wheel drive system and a four-wheel drive system, without the need of separately manufacturing and assembling a bracket for a two-wheel shock absorber and a bracket for a four-wheel shock absorber, and thus the manufacturing cost of the rear body structure can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Hyundai Motors Company
    Inventor: Yong Kew KIM
  • Patent number: 7654543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle suspension arm supporting structure. A receiving portion 9 is formed integrally on a subframe 5 which is formed of a light metal in such a manner as to extend transversely outwards, and a sheet steel member 15 is connected to the subframe 5 by a bolt or a nut in such a manner as to be situated below the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 at a predetermined interval. A base portion 13b of a suspension arm 13 is disposed between the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 and the sheet steel member 15, the base portion 13b of the suspension arm 13 is supported on the subframe 5 via a rubber bushing joint 14 by a connecting bolt 16 which vertically passes through the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 and the sheet steel member 15, and the receiving portion 9 of the subframe 5 is connected to a side member 4 by the connecting bolt 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Tanaka, Yasushi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7650959
    Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame and four wheels that support the frame. An engine powers the wheels. The engine is mounted on the frame. The frame includes multiple frame members that surround the engine. One of the frame members disposed behind the engine is detachably affixed to the rest of the frame members. The frame members are divided into first and second groups. The first and second groups are offset fore to aft relative to each other and overlap with each other in a rear section of the first group and in a front section of the second group. The rear section of the first group defines a bent portion coupled with the second group. The front section of the second group defines a bent portion coupled with the first group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Kato, Colby Nash
  • Publication number: 20100012418
    Abstract: To provide an accelerator position sensor arrangement structure for a motorcycle that can prevent an increased vehicle-width without change of operational feeling of a throttle. An accelerator position sensor is connected to a throttle grip via a pair of throttle cables and disposed externally of main frames, of a body frame, extending from a head pipe toward the rearward of a vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Tomoya YOSHIZAWA
  • Patent number: 7647996
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle comprising a rear platform between the rear wheels providing standing room and access to the straddle seat of the all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may also featuring a rear passageway and a side passageway for the rider of the all-terrain vehicle to access to the straddle seat. The all-terrain vehicle also features rear wheel track which is smaller than the front wheel track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Hugues Maltais, Simon Constantineau, Claude Gagnon, David Belzile
  • Patent number: 7637514
    Abstract: A rear suspension cross member mounting structure includes a rear floor side member with a 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and a 2WD rear cross member mounting hole, and a reinforcement bracket with a slot corresponding to both the 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and the 2WD rear cross member mounting hole. The structure may further include a bolt, passing through the reinforcement bracket and the rear floor side member to attach the rear cross member to the structure. The bolt may pass sequentially through the reinforcement bracket, the rear floor side member, and the rear cross member, and then engage with a nut provided below the rear cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ki Chang Kim
  • Publication number: 20090294199
    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: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Jeremy T. McGuire
  • Publication number: 20090283352
    Abstract: An assembly support has a supporting element which is connected to the vehicle body and has an upper shell with a connected closing plate, and reinforcing bars are arranged in the region of fastening openings between the upper shell and the closing plate. A bridge support is connected to the supporting element, the bridge support is held with free limb ends in bearing eyes of the supporting element, and a bearing spindle for a transmission bearing being arranged between the bearing eyes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Hornisch, Francesco Germano
  • Publication number: 20090255739
    Abstract: A power wheelchair includes a base frame and a seat frame. The base frame includes front and rear frame members, a pair of front wheels connected rotatably to the front frame member, a pair of rear wheels connected rotatably to the rear frame member, and a pair of mid-wheels connected rotatably to the front frame member and disposed between the front and rear wheels. The seat frame is connected to the rear frame member. The rear frame member is connected pivotally to the front frame member, and extends above the front frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: P & F Brother Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Tseng
  • Patent number: 7597174
    Abstract: An anti-deflection structure for a chassis of a remote-controlled car includes a board which is added below a central differential gear at a center of a chassis, to strengthen a rigid structure of the chassis. A center of the board is provided with a hollow part for emplacing a gear set of the central differential gear, and an exterior side of the hollow part is provided with a plurality of pivoting holes. The pivoting holes correspond to through-holes on the chassis for locking the central differential gear, thereby locking and fixing the board. In addition, the hollow part is locked at columns of the central differential gear by transfixing screws from bottom to top into the pivoting holes and the through-holes. On the other hand, front and rear ends of the board provide for connection of two support arms, thereby constituting the anti-deflection structure for the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Daimler Chu
  • Publication number: 20090242313
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame structure includes pivot plates at rear portions of left and right main frames extending rearwardly and downwardly from a head pipe. A seat rail is fastened to an upper portion of the pivot plate at two positions which are vertically spaced apart from each other, and also at the front end of the seat rail. A first attachment portion and a second attachment portion are attached to a front end of the seat rail. The first attachment portion is fastened to the pivot plate from the horizontally external side of the seat rail with a first bolt, and laterally overlaps a rear upper lateral surface of the pivot plate. The second attachment portion is fastened to the pivot plate from the rear side of the pivot plate with a second bolt, and overlaps a rear portion of the pivot plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Morita, Jun Hariu
  • Publication number: 20090242312
    Abstract: A combined heat shield and wire-holding structure for a saddle-type vehicle, where the vehicle includes a pair of right and left frame sections extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and a fuel tank disposed above the vehicle body frame sections. The combined heat shield and wire-holding structure comprises a heat shield, which is disposed below the fuel tank and which extends between the right and left body frame sections. The combined heat shield and wire-holding structure includes a wire-holding portion which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction outside of the vehicle body frame, and the wire-holding portion holds a wiring harness routed through an inside portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Oshima, Masayuki Hojo
  • Patent number: 7594559
    Abstract: An engine support structure improves energy absorbing efficiency at the vehicle body frame in relation to impact input from the vehicle front to rear direction. The support structure includes a vehicle body frame having front frame side members extending in the front to rear direction of the vehicle, a sub-frame disposed below the vehicle body frame and that supports the engine, and connecting members that connect the front frame side members and sub-frame. A suspension device for an automobile prevents insecure tightening. A support member which connects a body vehicle side member and sub-frame is provided with an outer tubular member connected to the sub-frame and that extends in the upper to lower direction, an inner tubular member mated into the upper portion of outer tubular member, and an insulator mated into inner tubular member and whose length in the upper to lower direction is shorter than outer tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru Kitoh, Toru Kurokawa
  • Publication number: 20090229908
    Abstract: In a motorcycle in which a rear fork is swingably provided on a vehicle body frame with a power unit, a rear wheel is provided at a rear end of the rear fork, a drive shaft is provided between a gear case on a lateral side of the rear wheel and an output shaft of the power unit, and output power of the power unit is transmitted to the rear wheel through the drive shaft and the gear case. The rear fork extends along a lateral side of the rear wheel and has an arm through which the drive shaft passes. The arm has a tubular base part with a closed cross section, and a rear part with an open cross section through which the drive shaft passes. The base part has a thick-walled area at the rear end 300 of the base part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Shinji Ito
  • Patent number: 7588411
    Abstract: A working machine includes a working arm, the arm in use, carrying a working implement, the arm being raisable and lowerable about a generally horizontal axis by a power operated device, a cab structure for an operator, an engine for providing power to a ground engaging drive structure to drive the machine over the ground and for operating the working arm, each of the working arm, the cab structure and the engine being mounted on a machine chassis, and the machine being characterized in that the chassis includes a single primary chassis member which provides a substantial resistance to torsional deformation of the machine between the front and rear ends of the machine, the single primary chassis member including a first part which extends longitudinally of the machine at the one side of the machine, and a second part which extends transversely of the first part at or towards one end of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: JCB Compact Products Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Gray
  • Patent number: 7584815
    Abstract: A front cross member 202 of a rear subframe 53 has a recessed portion 221 which is recessed continuously over a longitudinal direction thereof. The recessed portion 221 is formed at a lower portion of the cross member 202 and is recessed upwardly, and an elastic bush 240 is fitted in a resulting recess. The elastic bush 240 has an elastic element 243 which connects together an inner tube 241 and an outer tube 242 which surrounds the inner tube 231 and is mounted on the rear subframe 53 at the recessed portion 221 as a bracket. The bracket 221 has bracket plate portions 263a, 263b which each have a plane which is brought into contact with an end face of the inner tube and folded-back portions 235, 235. The bracket 221 is disposed in such a manner as to hold therein both ends of the inner tube 241 and is configured such that the elastic bush 240 is mounted thereon by passing a bolt 224 through the inner tube 241.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ogawa, Haruyuki Iwasaki, Izuru Hori, Yuichi Nagai, Hiroshi Akiyama, Kunihiko Kimura
  • Patent number: 7581524
    Abstract: An engine front structure, which is provided with a cover body (9a) of the timing cover (9) which covers the camshaft driving force transmission mechanism at a position opposed to a front surface of the cylinder head. An upper extension portion (9b) of the timing cover (9) extends upwardly from an upper portion of the cover body (9a) and has an inner surface formed with a depression (12, 13) receiving therein the variable camshaft timing mechanism (7, 8). A fastening seat (14) on the cover body (9a) with a relatively high stiffness is located beneath of the upper extension portion (9b) and centrally in a width direction of the engine and is fastened to the engine body. An engine-mounting-bracket receiving seat (16) is formed on a top surface of the upper extension portion (9b) to have a relatively high stiffness and attached to an engine mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7575088
    Abstract: A powertrain mounting system includes a pair of engine and transmission mount assemblies. The engine mount assemblies include an isolator assembly having an elastomeric bushing with an encapsulated mounting member, an integral snubber, and a bracket assembly having a one piece can arranged to house the bushing and having an interlock arranged to engage the bushing. The bushing is press-fit into the can and arranged to isolate the mounting member from the can thereby dampening powertrain vibration and controlling powertrain movement, and the snubber is arranged to limit movement of the bushing relative to the can. The transmission mount assembly includes a support member, a pair of isolators positioned relative to each other, and a pair of mounting brackets positioned on the isolators; wherein the isolators are arranged to maintain the mounting brackets in spaced relation to the support member thereby dampening powertrain vibration and controlling powertrain movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Hamid Mir, Adrian VanCampenhout, Christopher A Wolfe, John D Richardson, John Boughton, Ted Thelen, Larry W Bell, Brian J Rahn
  • Patent number: 7576500
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a motor coupled to an electrical bus in a vehicle are provided. Selected resonant frequencies of the electrical bus are determined. The selected resonant frequencies include a low resonant frequency and a high resonant frequency. Power is provided to the motor through at least one switch operating at a switching frequency. The switching frequency is controlled as a function of a rate of operation of the motor. The function is characterized by one of a first substantially linear portion having a first slope when the switching frequency is less than or equal to a selected switching frequency and a second substantially linear portion having a second slope if the switching frequency is greater than the selected frequency, the selected switching frequency being greater than the low resonant frequency and a substantially linear portion having a y-intercept being greater than the low resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nitinkumar R. Patel, Mohammad N. Anwar, Silva Hiti, Brian A Welchko, Steven E. Schulz, Lisa M. Talarico
  • Patent number: 7575250
    Abstract: A cross member for a motor vehicle includes an elongated, non-cast center structure and first and second castings. The center structure is formed as a one-piece, unitary structure and has a first end, a mid portion, and a second end. The first casting is rigidly connected to the first end of the center structure and the second casting is rigidly connected to the second end of the center structure. Each of the castings is configured and arranged to be attached to a respective motor vehicle element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Werner, Gianfranco Gabbianelli
  • Publication number: 20090194354
    Abstract: A motorcycle including a body frame 1 and an engine 20 mounted to the body frame 1, wherein the body frame 1 includes: left and right frame members (tank rails) 3 and 3 provided on one and the other sides in the vehicle width direction; a cross member 50 for connecting the left and right frame members with each other; and a bracket 53 provided into one body with the cross member 50, wherein a cylinder part (a cylinder head) 24 of the engine 20 is directly mounted to the bracket 53.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shouichi Kubo, Masahiro Noda, Hidenori Satake
  • Publication number: 20090194355
    Abstract: An electrical component attachment structure for a two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a main frame supporting components of a vehicle body such as an engine, a center frame extending vertically behind the engine, and a pair of right and left seat rails detachably attached to the center frame, the seat rails being attached with a bracket which supports an electrical component, in which the bracket is formed in an approximate U-shape and is arranged with an opening section of the U-shape directed towards the front of the vehicle body, so that the bracket is configured to support the electrical component inside the approximate U-shape and to allow the electrical component to be taken out towards the front of the vehicle body from the opening section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takao YAMAMOTO, Tatsuya SASAKI, Kunihiro KAI, Takashi SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20090194356
    Abstract: A electrical component attachment structure for a two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a main frame supporting components of a vehicle body such as an engine, a pair of right and left center frames extending vertically behind the engine, and a rear swing arm swingably supported by a pivot shaft provided to the center frame. In this structure, a drive chain which transmits a driving force from the engine to a rear wheel is arranged along the rear swing arm. An electrical component is arranged on a vehicle inner side of the right and left center frames above the drive chain behind the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Kato, Yuji Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20090178873
    Abstract: The invention provides a buggy engine anchorage structure, which is characterized primarily by the fixing of the engine on a vehicle frame in a horizontal manner, where the output end of the engine is perpendicular to the rear wheel axle, and the output end of the engine and the rear wheel axle perpendicular to each other at first are put to carry out power linkage through a power output conversion structure by the output end of the engine, which enables the power at the output end of the engine to be transmitted through the power output conversion structure to the rear wheel axle. Accordingly, the engine fixed on the frame horizontally can no longer squeeze the space of the vehicle operator and the passengers, where the engine and the frame is then integrated into a single one piece, which substantially avoids the vibrations due to the engine as the vehicle is moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Aeon Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huei-Huay Huang, Benson Huang, Weily Chen
  • Publication number: 20090178871
    Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Larry Sunsdahl, Aaron David Deckard, Marcus Johannes Tullemans, Richard E. Eck, Jason Carl Plugge, Alan A, Meyer, Laurie Jean Rengel, Geoffrey G. White, Thomas Samuel Parks McCoubrey, Brian Michael Safranski
  • Patent number: 7559578
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis assembly includes a frame assembly having a plurality of frame members connected together, a drivetrain, a suspension system, and an exhaust system. The connection of the frame members provides a low-profile configuration for reduced step height and a kick-up portion to allow ascent of steeper inclines. The frame further includes an exhaust pipe supported within a frame member and two castings bolted to removable wheel arches. The exhaust pipe has a circular cross-section that changes to a rectangular cross-section near the back of the chassis assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Workhorse Custom Chassis, LLC
    Inventors: Dion van Leeve, Hennie van Niekerk, Wayne Seaman, Kelvin Milne, Johann Eloff, Anton Francois
  • Patent number: 7559402
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis comprises two longitudinal side rails (10, 12). A first cross member (14) extends in a transverse direction between the front ends of the side rails (10, 12) and a second cross member (20) extends in a transverse direction between the central portions of the side rails. The chassis further comprises two secondary longitudinal members (22, 24) extending between the first cross member (14) and the second cross member (20), and the secondary longitudinal members are each connected to the side rails by means of a central support section (28, 30) which is longitudinally spaced between the first and second cross members (14, 20). The structure provides rigid support for the vehicle suspension and for a eye recovery (42), and crumples in a controlled way on frontal impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Land Rover
    Inventors: Vincent Jennings, John Paul Trowton
  • Publication number: 20090166110
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle incorporating integrated hydrogen storage is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a tank configured to contain hydrogen and a fuel cell coupled to the tank for receiving hydrogen from the tank and converting the hydrogen to an electric current. In various embodiments, a mast for manipulating a load, an overhead guard covering an operator area, and/or a chassis comprise a tank configured to contain hydrogen. The tank may be coupled to, integral with, and/or within the mast, overhead guard, and/or chassis and may contain a solid hydrogen carrier, gaseous hydrogen, and or liquid hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Bryce A. Gregory, Steve Medwin, Brian Bordwell, Mike Field, James E. Banko, II
  • Patent number: 7549494
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle, suitable for use at highway speeds, having at least one seat and independently suspended rear wheels, each being driven via a sequence of two constant velocity universal joints, there further being a transverse mounted multiple cylinder mid-engine and transmission substantially present between the seat and centers of the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel A. Zichek, David A. Zichek
  • Patent number: 7543672
    Abstract: A straddle-type three-wheeled vehicle has a frame having an upper frame member, a lower frame member, a forward cross member interconnecting a forward portion of the upper frame member with a forward portion of the lower frame member, and a rearward cross member interconnecting a rearward portion of the upper frame member with a rearward portion of the lower frame member. A strut extends diagonally from the forward cross member to the lower frame member. The vehicle has an engine mounted to the frame. An air box of the vehicle has at least a portion thereof disposed above at least a portion of the engine. A fuel tank of the vehicle is disposed rearwardly of the air box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Codere, Brian Mastine
  • Publication number: 20090107753
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle including a frame, a rear wheel, a swingarm coupling the rear wheel to the frame, and a pivot shaft assembly rotatably coupling the swingarm to the frame. The pivot shaft assembly includes a first shaft having a non-circular outer surface engageable with a corresponding non-circular aperture in the frame. The pivot shaft assembly also includes a second shaft threaded to one end of the first shaft. The second shaft pivotably supports one side of the swingarm with respect to the frame. The pivot shaft assembly further includes a third shaft threaded to the other end of the first shaft. The third shaft pivotably supports the other side of the swingarm with respect to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Doperalski, John F. Wolanski
  • Patent number: 7520514
    Abstract: A front subframe 42 is formed of an aluminum alloy into a frame that is formed substantially into a shape of parallel crosses or into a rectangular shape and is made up of left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 which are disposed at corners of the frame that is formed substantially into the shape of parallel crosses or the rectangular shape, and left and right longitudinal members 61, 61, and front and rear cross members 62, 67 which connect the joint portions 64, 64, 71, 71 together. The left and right front joint portions 64, 64 and the left and right rear joint portions 71, 71 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product, whereas the left and right longitudinal members 61, 61 are formed of an aluminum alloy wrought product. In addition, connecting locations 76 . . . of a camber angle adjusting mechanism 157 are formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product. Additionally, a rear cross member compound 63 is formed of an aluminum alloy die-cast product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ogawa, Kunihiko Kimura, Fumiaki Fukuchi, Shuichi Ono, Shuji Otake, Yasunori Oku, Hideki Koga
  • Publication number: 20090095559
    Abstract: A framework of a vehicle provided with an engine mounted in an engine room and having a crank shaft, includes a subframe extending in the lateral direction of a space at the back of the engine. A steering gear box provided above the subframe extends in the lateral direction and an exhaust pipe that extends in the longitudinal direction crosses the gear box. A longitudinally extending recessed portion is formed on a top surface of the subframe so that the exhaust pipe provided under the steering gear box enters the recessed portion. Arch-shaped reinforcing members spanning over the exhaust pipe are provided on a top surface of the subframe at longitudinally spaced positions. The reinforcing member toward the front of the vehicle breaks when a physical impact is applied to the front of the vehicle before the reinforcing member disposed toward the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Akitoshi Mitake
  • Publication number: 20090095558
    Abstract: A mount assembly (74) for a transmission (78) on a vehicle having at least two frame members (16A, 16B) and a cross member (12) extending substantially between the frame members includes a mounting member (40) that is attached to the cross member. A cradle member (60) is coupled to the mounting member (40) and is configured for attachment to the transmission (78). The cradle member (60) suspends the transmission (78) from a top surface (83) of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: David K. Bigg, Johann Vorster
  • Publication number: 20090095557
    Abstract: An inverter buffer structure for a vehicle is provided so that even when a head-on collision occurs, no damage is caused to the inverter case and its internal contents. In one embodiment an inverter buffer structure for a vehicle is disposed with an inverter in an engine compartment and is provided with buffer member between a surface of the inverter and a radiator core support that constitutes a portion of a frame of the vehicle to reduce an incoming force to the vehicle in the event of a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Yajima
  • Patent number: 7513329
    Abstract: A vehicle rear body structure includes a support frame of generally rectangular shape attached to side frames of a vehicle body from below for supporting thereon a vehicle part including a fuel tank. The support frame is connected at a front end thereof to floor frames disposed inwardly of the side frames and extending along front parts of the side frames and, at a rear end thereof, to rear frames forming rear parts of the side frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Nakashima, Takeshi Aoki, Hiroyuki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7510036
    Abstract: A cover accommodates a power converter receiving high voltage. A connector assembling portion to which a connector of an external power line is assembled is arranged external to the cover and secured by a securing member to a vehicle's main body. A support member is arranged at a lower surface of the cover and connector assembling portion, rather than that portion of casing connecting the connector assembling portion and the power converter's main body, between the cover and the connector assembling portion and thus binds them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaji Kikuchi, Takeshi Menjo
  • Publication number: 20090071741
    Abstract: A motorcycle is provided in which the size of the body frame is restricted from increasing in a vehicle-width direction while enhancing the frame rigidity. The body frame includes a head pipe and left and right front frame sections which extending from the head pipe. The left and right front frame sections have left and right side wall sections which extend in a longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. Left and right side wall sections are disposed on the left and right sides of the engine unit. The engine unit is supported by the left and right side wall sections which have relatively high rigidity, thereby enhancing the supporting rigidity of the engine unit. This type of engine unit support ensures body frame rigidity without widening the space between the left and right body frame sections in a vehicle-width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Takashi Ono, Yasunobu Kanou
  • Patent number: 7497471
    Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle includes a torque sensor, an electric motor operated according to a detected value detected by the torque sensor, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting rotational power of the electric motor to the side of a steering wheel or wheels. The power steering system makes it possible to protect the electric motor while reducing the weight through simplification of the vehicle body component members. A cross member that is bent to form a recessed portion is provided in the vehicle body. At least an electric motor of the power steering system is disposed inside the recessed portion. However, the torque sensor, the electric motor and a power transmission mechanism can be disposed inside the recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7469764
    Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Jérôme Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
  • Publication number: 20080289896
    Abstract: The invention provides a four wheeled utility vehicle which can efficiently introduce a cooling air into an engine room from a front side of the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a cabin arranged between front wheels and rear wheels and accommodating a seat of the vehicle and an operating portion in front of the seat to steer the vehicle; an engine room arranged within the cabin or at a position rearward of the cabin to accommodate an engine of the vehicle therein, and configured to be covered by a wall surface at least in a front side and an upper side of the engine; an air duct extending forward from the engine room, and introducing an engine room cooling air into the engine room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Hideyoshi Kosuge, Toshinori Oki
  • Publication number: 20080277184
    Abstract: A frame for a vehicle has a first pyramidally-shaped frame portion and a second pentahedrally-shaped frame portion. The first frame portion has a first apex and a first base. The first apex is disposed vertically above the first base. The second frame portion has a first vertex and a second base. The first vertex is disposed vertically below the second base. The second frame portion is disposed vertically below the first frame portion. At least three wheel attachment portions are connected to the second pentahedrally-shaped frame portion. Each of the at least three wheel attachment portions is adapted to permit attachment of one of at least three wheels to be mounted to the frame. An all-terrain vehicle including the frame is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Benoit Marleau
  • Patent number: 7445070
    Abstract: A three wheel motorcycle with one leading front wheel and two driven rear wheels is capable of supporting increased dynamic loads of a V-8 automotive engine and transmission in addition to carrying up to three people and cargo. The body of the trike is integrated with the frame to ease manufacturing costs and improve the experience of the riders. Increased, versatile storage space is provided compared to prior art trikes, and the exhaust system is largely hidden beneath the body of the trike for improved appearance and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory L. Pickering
  • Publication number: 20080257632
    Abstract: An electric component arrangement structure for a vehicle includes a plurality of electric components, a support member, and a body frame of the vehicle. The plurality of electric components includes a battery and an ECU. Couplers of the electric components are arranged in the support member. The body frame includes a main frame which supports an engine. The plurality of electric components are arranged in the body frame. The main frame supports the support member at a front region located forward with respect to the engine. The main frame supports the battery and the ECU at a rear region located rearward with respect to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masao TAKESHIMA, Hitoshi Furuhashi
  • Patent number: 7431121
    Abstract: A drive section of an industrial truck has a vehicle frame (1), a drive unit (4) having a steerable drive wheel, and at least one pivoting roller (5, 6) located at a lateral offset in relation to the drive wheel (4d). The vehicle frame (1), when viewed in the transverse direction of the drive section, has a first, centrally located mounting for the drive unit (4) and a second, laterally located mounting for the drive unit (4). Optionally, a drive unit (4) or a pivoting roller (5, 6) can be fastened to the mounting that is located to the side. The vehicle frame (1) has a mounting for a pivoting roller (5, 6) on the side opposite the lateral mounting for the drive unit (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbH
    Inventors: Eric Goguelet, Dominique Rousseau
  • Publication number: 20080223648
    Abstract: A body frame of a motorcycle in which strength and rigidity against external forces are secured while increased cost is suppressed. A mainframe has an upper bearing and a pipe main body of a head pipe and is extended rearward. A down tube includes a first tube having a lower bearing of the head pipe and extended rearward and second tubes joining the first tube and bosses of the mainframe. The first tube is joined to the mainframe by welding, and the second tubes are detachably joined to the first tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takushirou SHIRAISHI
  • Publication number: 20080223647
    Abstract: A motorcycle has an engine, a main frame passing above the engine and extending rearward, and a down tube passing below the engine and extending rearward. An upper part of the engine is overlapped with the main frame without projecting above the main frame, and a lower part of the engine is overlapped with the down tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yousuke IMURA
  • Publication number: 20080217081
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle comprising a rear platform between the rear wheels providing standing room and access to the straddle seat of the all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may also featuring a rear passageway and a side passageway for the rider of the all-terrain vehicle to access to the straddle seat. The all-terrain vehicle also features rear wheel track which is smaller than the front wheel track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Hugues Maltais, Simon Constantineau, Claude Gagnon, David Betzile
  • Publication number: 20080203718
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis frame including at least one substantially straight rail extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a cab having a floor at least partially disposed vertically below the at least one rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: MACK TRUCKS, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce P. Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 7416046
    Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle for on-road use with a modular front headlight system that complies with both United States and European Community laws is disclosed. The modular system includes a headlight module, an air intake module, and a fairing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Aube, Guillaume Longpre, Mathieu Audet, Daniel Mercier