Abstract: A latch assembly for a hood of a vehicle including a first plate including an elongated slot extending in a horizontal direction (H), a second plate, a first member being mechanically connected to the second plate, the first member extending in a vertical direction (V) through the elongated slot, slidably connecting the first plate to the second plate, at least one deformable element, in a retracted position of the latch assembly, securing the first plate to the second plate in the horizontal direction (H), and the at least one deformable element being arranged to deform upon impact in the horizontal direction (H) allowing the first plate to slide relative to the second plate in the horizontal direction (H) to an extended position. The present disclosure further relates to a hood elevation system for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing a latch assembly for a hood of a vehicle.

Abstract: A guard assembly for a work machine includes at least one guard including a body. The body in part defines a volume, a first opening, at least one second opening, and at least one pair of first retention tabs. The door defines a first end and a second end. In an open position of the door, the door provides access to the volume and, in a closed position of the door, the door limits access to the volume. The door includes a plate removably coupled to the guard proximal to the first end of the door by at least one fastener, and at least one coupling arrangement extending from the plate for pivotably coupling the plate to the guard proximal to the second end of the door. The coupling arrangement includes a first portion coupled to the plate and a second portion extending from the first portion.

Abstract: A method of transporting a vehicle that has a ruptured fluid container from an accident includes affixing a fluid absorbent diaper to the vehicle at the location of the ruptured fluid container. The diaper has an absorbent planar member being at least about half the size of the vehicle undercarriage and a plurality of spaced bungee straps extending from edge portions of the member. The vehicle can then be transported and/or stored without risk of spillage of hydrocarbon fluid or battery acid.

Abstract: A drive device protection structure has a rotary electric machine, a gearbox connected the rotary electric machine, an undercover disposed underneath the drive device and a protecting plate provided to the undercover. The rotary electric machine has a rotary electric machine housing that has a rotary electric machine flange. The gearbox has a gearbox housing that has a gearbox flange. The rotary electric machine flange and the gearbox flange are connected together. The rotary electric machine flange and the gearbox flange are formed such that a lower surface of the gearbox flange is positioned lower than a lower surface of the rotary electric machine flange. The protecting plate is formed of a material more rigid than a material of the undercover. The protecting plate is provided beneath connecting part between the rotary electric machine flange and the gearbox flange so as to face the connecting part.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting spilled liquid hydrocarbons includes a support beam coupled to an oil rig, the support beam positioned below a flare boom, and a spill pan coupled to an end of the support beam, the spill pan positioned below a burner nozzle of the flare boom. A method includes coupling an oil spill collector to an offshore rig below a flare boom, the oil spill collector including a support beam coupled to the offshore rig and a collection device coupled to an end of the support beam, positioning the collection device below a burner nozzle of the flare boom such that the collection device is horizontally aligned with the burner nozzle, and collecting spilled liquid hydrocarbons in the collection device from the flare boom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (I) for regulating an air stream for an air inlet of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (2) defining a flow duct (4), in which an air stream flows, in which a cooling unit (6) is at least partially arranged, comprising at least one heat exchanger (8, IO) and a motorized fan unit (12). According to the invention, the housing (2) comprises a sealing means (64, 64a, 64b, 64c) for preventing any air leakage outside the flow duct (4). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a regulating device (I).

Abstract: Interchangeable track systems for interchangeable deployment with vehicle wheels on a forestry harvester vehicle having a front axle and a rear axle may include a pair of front roller frame mount arms and a pair of rear roller frame mount arms configured for mounting on the front axle and the rear axle, respectively. A pair of front track assemblies and a pair of rear track assemblies may be configured for removable mounting on the pair of front roller frame mount arms and the pair of rear roller frame mount arms, respectively. Each of the pair of front track assemblies and the pair of rear track assemblies may include an elongated roller frame configured for pivotal attachment to the corresponding one of the pair of front roller frame mount arms and pair of rear roller frame mount arms. A front idler roller and a rear idler roller may be carried by the roller frame. A track may be trained on the front idler roller and the rear idler roller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a vehicle that can include a bumper, a plurality of frame brackets, and a skid plate assembly, and related methods. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a skid plate assembly that can include a light source and a main body with a first portion, a second portion, and a plurality of mounts. The skid plate assembly can extend below a bumper of a vehicle. The main body can define an opening that exposes the light source and the face of the light source can be aimed forward and downward.

Abstract: An energy storage system for vehicles is provided which is formed by a battery and a compartment for its accommodation which allows the insertion and removal of batteries and their connection to the electrical system of the vehicle with ease, quickly and at a low cost, both manually and based on auxiliary tools with different degrees of automation; the battery includes electrical connection elements and communication connection elements and is inserted in or removed from the compartment with a horizontal movement. The compartment includes electrical connection elements and communication connection elements complementary to those of the battery and allows cooling the battery; in this way, an electric vehicle can incorporate batteries as needed, adjusting its cost to its real use and reducing the waiting times due to charging its energy storage.

Abstract: An attachable fluid leak capture assembly including a mesh carrier having an absorbing media pad embedded therein, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the mesh carrier to a leaking vehicle or machinery part. A method of capturing fluids from vehicles or machines, by attaching the attachable fluid leak capture assembly to a vehicle or machine part leaking fluid through the attachment mechanism and absorbing the leaking fluid onto the absorbing media pad.

Abstract: A fluid catchment assembly for capturing fluids leaking from an internal combustion engine includes an oil pan structured to fit over a factory installed oil pan of an internal combustion engine thereby facilitating the oil pan to capture fluids that leak from the internal combustion engine. A sight glass is fluidly integrated into the oil pan thereby facilitating the sight glass to visually display a fluid level in the oil pan. A plug is insertable into the drain for closing the drain and a pair of attachments is each attached between the internal combustion engine and the oil pan. Each of the attachments releasably retains the oil pan on the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A device for regulating an air stream for an air inlet of a motor vehicle may include a duct defining a flow channel in which an air stream flows. A cooling unit is arranged in the duct and includes at least one heat exchanger and a motor-fan unit. Additionally, the duct includes at least one sound absorption means arranged so that it at least partially limits the propagation of noise annoyance to the outside of the duct. A motor vehicle may include the regulation device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a vehicle that can include a bumper, a plurality of frame brackets, and a skid plate assembly, and related methods. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a skid plate assembly that can include a light source and a main body with a first portion, a second portion, and a plurality of mounts. The skid plate assembly can extend below a bumper of a vehicle. The main body can define an opening that exposes the light source and the face of the light source can be aimed forward and downward.

Abstract: A guard for protecting a drain plug and a ground-facing surface of an axle housing on a machine including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a body configured to be mounted to the axle housing to protect at least portion of the ground-facing surface of the axle housing. The body includes an opening configured to allow access to and removal of the drain plug through the opening. The second portion is removably couplable to the first portion. When the second portion is attached to the first portion, the second portion covers the opening to protect the drain plug. When the second portion is removed, the drain plug is accessible and removable to service oil in the axle housing.

Abstract: A vehicle front-end assembly includes a vehicle frame, a first tow hook and a skid plate. The vehicle frame has a first front side member with a front-end portion. The first tow hook is attached to a downward facing surface of the first front side member. The skid plate has a main section, a first attachment flange extending from a first lateral side of the main section. The first attachment flange overlays a portion of the first tow hook and is attached to the downward facing surface of the first front side member such that the main section covers a central forward area of an underside of the vehicle.

Abstract: In the oil lubrication structure that supplies lubricating oil to the transmission device, the oil lubrication structure includes an oil passage formed above a transmission device. The oil passage is formed by an oil groove portion and a plate member. The oil groove portion is integrally formed in a crankcase. The plate member is arranged in the crankcase so as to cover the oil groove portion. The plate member has oil dripping holes formed therein, and the oil dripping holes are opened at positions directly above the transmission device.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a main frame, and a bottom plate disposed below the main frame and attached to the main frame. A slide member is attached to a lower surface of the bottom plate.

Abstract: In a vehicle oil pan guard including a guard plate mounted on a support member via a mounting portion such that the guard plate is arranged at a position under an oil pan storing a hydraulic oil for protecting the oil pan from an impact from below, a cover plate different from the guard plate is mounted together with the guard plate via the mounting portion on the support member such that the cover plate closes an opening formed near the guard plate toward a road surface.

Abstract: A vehicle front-end assembly includes a vehicle frame and a skid plate. The vehicle frame has a first front side member and a second front side member. Each of the first and second front side members has a corresponding front-end portion with a downward facing surface. The skid plate has a main section, a first attachment flange extending from a first lateral side of the main section and a second attachment flange extending from a second lateral side of the main section. The first attachment flange is attached to the downward facing surface of the first front side member. The second attachment flange is attached to the downward facing surface of the second front side member such that the main section covers a forward area of an underside of the vehicle.

Abstract: An earth working machine (10), for example a road milling machine (10), recycler, stabilizer, or surface miner, having a propelling unit (22) and a machine frame (12) carried by the propelling unit (22), comprises a working apparatus (32) for earth working. Provision is made that the earth working machine (10) comprises, on an underside (12a) of the machine frame (12) facing toward the supporting substrate of the machine (10), a maintenance door (52) that is movable between a raised operational readiness position and a lowered maintenance position and that comprises, on its inner side (52a) that faces away from the supporting substrate (U) in the operational readiness position, at least one functional configuration (56, 58) that assists a maintenance operation.

Abstract: A method for calculating a crane capacity for a crane having a variable position counterweight at a locked position includes determining a boom combination and determining a maximum capacity at a hook position for the boom combination. A maximum target value for an operating condition dependent on a balance of the crane is determined. An indication of the locked counterweight position is received. At least one new target value for the operating condition dependent on the balance of the crane between the variable position counterweight at the locked counterweight position is established. A new capacity of the crane is calculated by decrementing the maximum capacity of the crane proportionally to a difference in the maximum target value and the at least one new target value. Cranes and crane control systems may employ this method.

Abstract: The soap dispenser drip catcher comprises a bag holder and a soap collection bag. The bag holder attaches to a wall-mounted liquid soap dispenser and suspends the soap collection bag under the soap dispenser. In an embodiment, the bag holder comprises a front frame and a rear frame which are each U-shaped armatures that are separated from each other by two springs. The front frame and rear frame hang from mounting holes in the soap dispenser using hooks at the upper end of each arm of the frames. A bag attachment comprising a plurality of clips are located at the bottom of the bag holder. The clip removably hold the soap collection bag in place. In another embodiment, the hooks at the top of the bag holder are replaced by a net that rests on the top of the soap dispenser.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cover, a front protector, and a rear protector. The cover has a cover lowest portion projecting from the bottom of the vehicle body toward an outside of the vehicle by a first distance. The front protector is provided on a front side of the cover in a front-rear direction. The front protector has a front protector lowest portion projecting from the bottom of the vehicle body toward the outside of the vehicle a second distance longer than the first distance. The rear protector is provided on a rear side of the cover in the front-rear direction. The cover is provided between the front protector and the rear protector in the front-rear direction. The rear protector has a rear protector lowest portion projecting from the bottom toward the outside of the vehicle by a third distance longer than the first distance.

Abstract: A protective panel for a vehicle substantially conforming to a portion of a vehicle. The protective panel having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface having a reduced surface area in order to limit force applied to the protective panel and the vehicle. The panel further having an edge portion disposed along a perimeter, between the upper and lower surface, for deflecting obstacles, and one or more mounting points for removably attaching the protection panel to a portion of the exterior of a vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having a towing lug at a front end of the motor vehicle. The towing lug is directly accessible. A longitudinal axis of the towing lug is arranged substantially vertical or downward at an angle, such that a free end of the towing lug, at which a lug section of the towing lug is formed, points downward in the direction of a roadway.

Abstract: A vehicle understructure includes a transaxle including a plurality of enclosures and a fastening part that mutually fastens outer edge parts of the enclosures, an undercover including an interference part that is made of resin, is displaced upward when a road surface interferes with the undercover, and faces the fastening part, and a metal plate that reinforces at least a portion of the interference part.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device suitable to be fastened under and to extend downwards from a vehicle, near the vehicle front face includes one central spoiler having a front wall and two side walls extending rearwards from the front wall side ends, and two lateral spoilers, each lateral spoiler having a front wall as well as an outer side wall and an inner side wall each extending rearwards from a front wall side end. In the operative position of the aerodynamic device, the inner side wall of each lateral spoiler substantially faces a corresponding side wall of the central spoiler and forms a channel having a substantially longitudinal axis and having a width along a transverse direction which decreases from its front end to its rear end, so that the channel is capable of canalizing and accelerating air flowing under the vehicle substantially longitudinally from the channel front end towards its rear end.

Abstract: An oil pan assembly for a vehicle is provided which reduces and the movement of the oil pan relative to the engine block, and reduces the mechanical strain on the Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) layer between the oil pan and the engine block. The oil pan assembly includes a brace and an oil pan having a base and sidewalls, and optionally an oil pan cover. The oil pan may include a peripheral flange operatively configured to be coupled to an engine block. The brace may be affixed to the oil pan about the peripheral area of the oil pan.

Abstract: A vehicle understructure includes a left undercover and a right undercover provided in an underpanel. The left undercover is provided from below inside in a vehicle width direction with respect to a left side sill between a left front wheel and a left rear wheel. The right undercover is provided from below inside in the vehicle width direction with respect to a right side sill between a right front wheel and a right rear wheel. Each of the left undercover and the right undercover includes a lowering portion. The lowering portion can lower from the underpanel during driving and extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction such that the vehicle longitudinal direction becomes a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In a battery frame, an upper panel is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and first reinforcements are made of sheet metal. Head portions of rivets are disposed at the upper panel side, and a diameter dimension of the head portions is set larger than that of caulking portions of the rivets. This enables a contact surface area between the rivets and the upper panel to be larger than in cases in which the caulking portions are disposed at the upper panel side. This enables peripheral edge portions of first joint holes in the upper panel to be supported by the head portions of the rivets over a large surface area. The peripheral edge portions of the first joint holes in the upper panel are thereby suppressed from breaking and the like.

Abstract: A drip pan apparatus for use in a helicopter includes a drip pan and a frame having a plurality of frame sides and a plurality of frame corners that define an inwardly-facing peripheral surface. A first frame angle is formed between a first inwardly-facing surface and a second inwardly-facing surface. The first frame angle is an acute angle. The drip pan has an outwardly-facing peripheral surface. The outwardly-facing peripheral surface defines a plurality of sides, including a first side and a second side, to cooperate with the inwardly-facing peripheral surface of the frame. A first angle is formed between the first side and the second side. The first angle is an acute angle. A method of installing a drip pan includes modifying at least a portion of a skirt on the helicopter and then securing the frame to one or both of the modified skirt and the helicopter structure.

Abstract: A dual-strake assembly can be coupled to the underbody of the vehicle in order to maximize the downforce-to-drag ratio, thereby enhancing the vehicle aerodynamic efficiency. The dual-strake assembly includes a first strake and a second strake having different curvatures. The second strake has a chord length. Each of the first and second strakes has a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first edges of the first and second strakes are spaced apart from each other so as to define a gap, which has a gap distance measured from the first edge of the first strake to the first edge of the second strake. The gap distance is equal to or less than twenty-five percent of the chord length. The camber of the first strake is less than the camber of the second strake.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a movable crane counterweight is disclosed. In the method, a boom orientation is determined, a first counterweight position is determined, a first crane capacity at the first counterweight position is determined, a second counterweight position is determined corresponding to a second rearward stability associated with the boom orientation. A second crane capacity at the second counterweight position. A load on the crane is determined and the counterweight is positioned at a third position between the first counterweight position and the second counterweight position dependent on the boom load, and the first crane capacity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective apparatus that can be positioned along an underside of a motor vehicle and, in many cases, near a front or rear region of the motor vehicle. The protective apparatus may include an underbody made from fiber-reinforced plastic for protecting assemblies or components arranged above it against damage as a consequence of stone chipping or ground contact. Further, the underbody may have three-dimensionally structured regions for increasing its rigidity, and the underbody may be designed to absorb chassis and/or crash loads and may include integrated holders for movably attaching chassis links.

Abstract: At a vehicle lower portion structure S1, a first inclined portion 24 is formed at a rear end portion of a first undercover 20, and a second inclined portion 34 is formed at a front end portion of a second undercover 30. The second inclined portion 34 overlaps at least a portion of the first inclined portion 24 as seen in a vehicle plan view and a vehicle front view. An exhaust portion 40 is demarcated and formed by the first inclined portion 24 and the second inclined portion 34. An underfloor space UA and a space within an engine compartment 12 are communicated by the exhaust portion 40. Hot air within the engine compartment 12 can be made to flow via the exhaust portion 40 toward the underfloor space UA.

Abstract: An axle support for a motor vehicle is provided. The axle support includes an at least approximately planar fiber composite reinforcing element which is secured to individual supports of the axle support. The reinforcing element is multi-layered, with a lower and an upper cover layer and at least one intermediate layer extending analogously to the cover layers over the entire surface. Continuous fiber strips having directionally oriented fibers which are narrow relative to the cover layers are introduced above and below the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A vehicle hood structure including a hood outer panel and a hood inner panel, wherein the hood inner panel is made from a resin, is disposed at a hood lower side of the hood outer panel, is joined to the hood outer panel, and includes a general portion, plural ribs and a weakened portion, wherein: the general portion has a general face that faces the hood outer panel, the plural ribs project out from the general portion toward the hood outer panel side and extend along the general face, and are set at intervals in either a hood width direction or a hood front-rear direction, and the weakened portion is formed at the ribs and extends along an extension direction of the ribs.

Abstract: A powertrain unit includes an engine and a power transmission device that transmits drive force of the engine to a drive wheel of a vehicle, the power transmission device including a transmission provided in a power transmission path between the engine and the drive wheel. An oil pan is provided below the transmission. A guard member covering at least a portion of the oil pan from below is provided below the oil pan. The guard member has a first end secured to a portion of the powertrain unit which is located in front of the transmission in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and has a second end, opposite the first end, secured to a portion of the powertrain unit which is located behind the transmission in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The rigidity of the powertrain unit is improved by utilizing the rigidity of the guard member.

Abstract: A ramped garage draining system is provided having a parking area that is designed to receive a vehicle or other moveable object that may drip liquids. The draining system is designed to reside inside a garage or other structure and direct the liquid outside of the structure. The parking area is bordered on three sides with walls that extend above the parking area to contain the fluids. The ramp slopes toward a draining portion to direct the liquid towards a seal in the door to the structure. Seal interrupters extend under the seal and displace the seal upwards, creating a gap for the liquid to drain.

Abstract: A supporting frame for a motor vehicle has two parallel longitudinal members oriented in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and form part of the body. Two longitudinal struts are oriented at least partially in the longitudinal direction and are fixed at first ends to a contact section of the longitudinal members. The longitudinal struts are connected at a second end opposite the first end to an impact plate that is arranged on at least one driving component of the motor vehicle to form a load path between the contact section of the longitudinal members and the at least one driving component.

Abstract: Under covers for a vehicle body are attached to a lower surface of the vehicle body in such a manner that, as seen in a direction of travel of a vehicle, the under covers are arranged at positions in front of rear wheels and in at least a rear half of a lower surface of the vehicle body. Recessed grooves are formed in pairs in a surface of an under cover body that faces a road surface, and are arranged so as face each other across a widthwise center of the vehicle, and gradually approach closer to each other as they extend rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Rear ends of these grooves are located between the left and right rear wheels and are directed to the widthwise center of the vehicle.

Abstract: A main battery and an auxiliary battery are both mounted on a hybrid vehicle without narrowing a cargo room. A floor panel 102 includes a rising portion 102c that rises upward and extends in a widthwise direction of a vehicle 101, and a front portion 102a extending forward from the rising portion 102c. A rear seat 109 is mounted above the floor panel 102 in such a manner that a seat portion 109a is parallel to the front portion. The front portion 102a, the seat portion 109a of the rear seat 109, and the rising portion 102c form a housing space SP for mounting a main battery 110 and an auxiliary battery 111 side by side in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an electrical drive machine that is supplied with electrical energy by an electrical energy storage device, and has an underbody region or surface (5). The electrical energy storage device is accessible for maintenance and/or installation work via a maintenance cover (10) in the underbody surface (5) to reduce time required for maintenance and/or installation work.

Abstract: A transmission or engine pan is provided for holding the lubricating fluid. A plug is removably installed in a drain hole in the bottom of the pan to allow the fluid to be drained. The floor of the pan slopes to the drain hole. The bottom wall of the pan may have a tapered thickness from the side walls to the drain hole, or may have a constant thickness. The bottom exterior of the pan is flat, or alternatively may include ribs which define a horizontal surface for receiving a jack.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle has a frame, at least four wheels, a left seat and a right seat disposed in a side-by-side configuration, a steering assembly, an engine having an upper portion, and a console mounted between the left seat and the right seat. The console covers at least the upper portion of the engine. The console includes side walls and an upper portion connected to the side walls to define a central cooling tunnel. The central cooling tunnel includes a frontal opening and a rear opening allowing air flow through the central cooling tunnel from the frontal opening to the rear opening.

Abstract: There is obtained a cooling structure for a vehicle that can keep low a temperature of an interior of a power unit chamber in which a power unit is disposed. A cooling structure for a vehicle has: a power unit that is disposed within a power unit chamber disposed at a vehicle front side and at which air intake ports are formed in a front end side in a vehicle front-rear direction; an air-cooling-type heat exchanger that is disposed at a rear side with respect to the power unit, and that is cooled by heat exchange with air that passes from a front side to a rear side; and a communication duct that communicates a rear side portion with respect to the air-cooling-type heat exchanger and a rear side portion of the power unit in the power unit chamber.

Abstract: A maintenance cover includes a pair of lateral turning support parts provided at right and left sides of a front edge part, and a central turning support part. The lateral turning support parts have opening parts that can be caught by hook parts with an L-shaped cross-section that are provided at a cover main body part. The central turning support part has a stopper that is engageable with an inner wall surface of a side wall part provided at the cover main body part. When the maintenance cover is slid backwardly, a sliding operation of the maintenance cover is stopped by the lateral turning support parts and the central turning support part, and the maintenance cover is rotated with the lateral turning support parts being as supporting points.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine mounted in a central tunnel of the vehicle floor pan. The internal combustion engine comprises an engine block assembly having a lower end closed by an oil pan and an upper end extending at an angle ? from a rear of the engine block assembly to a front thereof. An engine block closes the upper end and defines a crankcase that is configured to house a crankshaft for rotation therein. A cylinder housing assembly is reclined from vertical, towards the rear of the engine block, about an axis of the crankshaft by an angle ?. At least a portion of the cylinder housing assembly and the crankcase are disposed in the central tunnel of the vehicle floor pan.

Abstract: A vehicle underfloor structure includes under covers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that cover an underside of a vehicle, and drain members (D) provided in the under covers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7). The drain members (D) each include: a front inclined wall (21) provided with a water drain opening (33, 34, 42, 43, 44, 72, 74); and a rear inclined wall (22). A recess is formed in each under cover in a front-back direction of the vehicle in such a manner that a first interior angle (?1) formed by the front inclined wall is larger than a second interior angle (?2) formed by the rear inclined wall and a length of the front inclined wall is different from a length of the rear inclined wall.

Abstract: A front underfloor structure of a vehicle (EV) includes a protruding member protruding downward from a front underfloor surface of the vehicle, and redirects a flow of traveling air that flows around a front underfloor while traveling. The protruding member is configured as a protruding member with curved surface (31) disposed at a position closer to the vehicle front than front tires (1L, 1R) and in a central portion of the front underfloor straddling a vehicle center line (CL). The protruding member with curved surface (31) has a circumference of protrusion in a vehicle longitudinal direction that is longest at the position of the vehicle center line (CL), and the circumference of protrusion in the vehicle longitudinal direction becomes gradually shorter with increasing distance from the vehicle center line (CL) on both sides in a vehicle width direction.