Specific Vehicle Frame Patents (Class 280/781)
  • Patent number: 11970210
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension arrangement includes a suspension slider assembly including first and second laterally spaced longitudinal frame members configured to be slidably coupled to a first vehicle frame member, first and second gusset members fixed to the first and second longitudinal frame members and each including a relief, a first lateral frame member extending between the first and second longitudinal frame members, the first lateral frame member having ends received within the reliefs, an axle member configured to support a pair of wheel assemblies, and a suspension assembly configured to support the suspension slider assembly from the axle member, the suspension assembly including a spring member positioned between the suspension slider assembly and the axle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Galazin, Edward Robert Hammer, Jeffrey M. Galla
  • Patent number: 11919276
    Abstract: Presented are multilayer composite panels for motor vehicles, methods for making/using such panels, and motor vehicles with transparent composite roof panels having localized reinforcement features. A sandwich-type multilayer composite panel contains one or more exterior layers each including a transparent rigid material, one or more bonding layers each including a transparent adhesive material, and one or more structural reinforcement layers each including a fiber-reinforced polymer material. Each structural reinforcement layer may be attached directly to a bonding layer and/or exterior layer. The composite panel may also include one or more IR-reflective layers, one or more light-absorbing sunshade layers, and one or more insulating low-k layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bradley A. Newcomb, Julien P. Mourou, Giles D. Bryer, Joung Min Choi, Thomas S. Prevost
  • Patent number: 11827275
    Abstract: A support device (1) of an engine support structure (2) of a motor vehicle includes at least a support part (4), comprising an upper face (10) and a lower face (12) defining between them a hollow volume (14), and at least one fixation device (8) intended to attach the support part to a vehicle body. The fixation device (8) comprises a fixation part (16) and a base part (18) extending at least partially inside the hollow volume (14) of the support part (4), at least a portion of the upper face (10) and at least a portion of the lower face (12) being applied against at least a portion of the base part (18) on either side of said base part (18. The fixation part (16) and the base part (18) are formed of at least two distinct parts attached together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Colmont, Thierry Derchu, Sébastien Albeaux, Guillaume De Taillac
  • Patent number: 11807302
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for scalable vehicle platforms. An example vehicle chassis disclosed herein includes a right front chassis portion including a first longitudinal member, and a first crossmember attachment locator disposed on the first longitudinal member. The example vehicle chassis includes a left front chassis portion including a second longitudinal member and a second crossmember attachment locator disposed on the second longitudinal member, wherein the vehicle chassis has a first width when a first crossmember is coupled to the first and second crossmember attachment locators and wherein the vehicle chassis has a second width greater than the first width when a second crossmember is coupled to the first and second crossmember attachment locators, the second crossmember longer than the first crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Marielle Conrad, Benjamin Jordan Curtis, David Earl Ooms, Yejin Han
  • Patent number: 11794812
    Abstract: An electric-vehicle frame includes a mid-section and an end section. The mid-section has first and second frame rails spaced from each other by a first distance along a cross-vehicle axis defining a battery compartment therebetween. The end-section has first and second frame rails spaced from each other by a second distance along the cross-vehicle axis smaller than the first distance. A first connector is fixed to the first frame rail of the mid-section and to the first frame rail of the end-section. A second connector is fixed to the second frame rail of the mid-section and to the second frame rail of the end-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ajay Kumar Gupta, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Yu Liu, John Wesley Stanley, Yu-Kan Hu, Fungtai Charles Ko, Petros Frantzeskakis
  • Patent number: 11654975
    Abstract: A vehicle frame rail includes a first half having a hole, a second half having a hole, a spacer locating member and a spacer. The second half is connected to the first half such that the hole in the first half is aligned with the hole in the second half and so as to form an enclosed space between the first half and the second half. The spacer locating member has a body section and a hole. The body section of the spacer locating member is spaced apart from the first half and the second half. The spacer has a first end, a second end and a bore extending from the first end to the second end. The spacer is located in the hole of the spacer locating member such that the bore is aligned with the hole in the first half and the hole in the second half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: AM General LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R Spehar, Hariton N Poparad, Mark Cutshall, John T McNally
  • Patent number: 11649605
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame, and a pair of loader arms supported by the frame. The frame includes a right side, a left side, and a bottom side extending between the right side and the left side. The compact utility loader additionally includes an engine mount secured to the bottom side of the frame and spaced apart from each of the left side and the right side of the frame. The compact utility loader further comprises an engine supported on the engine mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carlson, Toshihiko Takemura, John Relph, Jeff Welsh
  • Patent number: 11535317
    Abstract: A radio-controlled vehicle having a frame, a left undercarriage and a right undercarriage; wherein the frame has a front guide and a rear guide, each configured to house a respective cylinder; each undercarriage having a front slide and a rear slide, which are connected in a sliding manner to the front guide and to the rear guide, respectively; wherein each cylinder is configured to selectively vary the distance between the longitudinal axis of the frame and the longitudinal axis of each undercarriage; wherein each undercarriage comprises an anti-derailment plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: MDB S.R.L. Con Socio Unico
    Inventor: Mario Di Biase
  • Patent number: 11440589
    Abstract: A subframe structure includes: a left-right pair of extension members arranged below a power plant, arranged in a forward part of a vehicle, the left-right pair of extension members each extending in a vehicle front-rear direction and each having a rear end portion; and a rear member connected to the rear end portions of the pair of left-right extension members, the rear member extending in a vehicle width direction. The rear member has a rearward part in which a recessed portion recessed downward is formed. The rear member has an upper face on which a steering device is to be mounted and at least a portion of a motor of the steering device is to be placed in the recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hayato Takahashi, Keisuke Takakuwa, Masataka Hirano
  • Patent number: 11407452
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle body structure member molded by a die. The vehicle body structure member includes a general portion constituting a main part of the vehicle body structure member, ribs provided in a standing manner from the general portion, and thickened portions provided in a standing manner from the general portion, each of the thickened portions being thicker than each of the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Soshiro Murata, Ayaka Kagami, Takashi Sagisaka, Yu Sasaki, Shinichi Arimoto, Koh Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 11378799
    Abstract: A display device and an imaging system are provided. The display device includes a double-sided display module, a reflective component, and a curved mirror. The double-sided display module includes first and second light-exiting surfaces. In a first direction, light emitted from the first light-exiting surface is projected to a first position on the curved mirror. The reflective component at least reflects light emitted from the second light-exiting surface to a second position on the curved mirror. In a second direction, the curved mirror reflects the light emitted from the first light-exiting surface and the light emitted from the second light-exiting surface and reflected by the reflective component, to form a first virtual image and a second virtual image. Along the first direction, the first virtual image is spaced apart from the second virtual image, and the first direction intersects the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Tianma Micro-Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuefeng Gu, Jiandong Wang
  • Patent number: 11351974
    Abstract: Tube fastening unit of at least one fastening clip and at least one motor vehicle tube fastened to the fastening clip. The motor vehicle tube has an outer surface made of plastic, which is welded with the fastening clip. The fastening clip has at least one welding element, which at least partially consists of a weldable plastic which is welded with the outer surface of the tube. The welding element is positively and/or non-positively fastened to the fastening clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: TI AUTOMOTIVE (FULDABRÜCK) GMBH
    Inventor: Andre Häckel
  • Patent number: 11332198
    Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a technique that provides increased strength to a jointed site of ends of two channel-shaped plates. A first (second) channel-shaped plate includes an elongated first (second) main plate, a first (second) upper flange, and a first (second) lower flange. The first channel-shaped plate includes a first extension at an end thereof, the first extension extending from the first lower flange and a lower part of the first main plate, and extending in a longitudinal direction of the channel-shaped plate. The second channel-shaped plate includes a second extension same as the first extension. The ends of the first and the second channel-shaped plates are assembled and joined such that the first extension is located outside the second channel-shaped plate and the second extension is located outside the first channel-shaped plate. A reinforcement plate is joined to both of the first main plate and the second main plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junya Okamura, Tomohiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11299205
    Abstract: A body structure for an automotive vehicle includes an enclosure for a power source, an upper shear structure assembly and a lower shear structure assembly. The enclosure includes a front cross-member, a rear cross-member, a left rocker and a right rocker. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies are disposed across the top and bottom of the enclosure, respectively, and are fastened to respective top and bottom surfaces of the cross-members and rockers. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies may include respective front and rear generally trapezoidal sections configured for attachment to respective front and rear box structures. Each of the shear structure assemblies is effective to dissipate in-plane a portion of an external load imposed upon the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Brian V. Castillo, Giles D. Bryer, Warren J. Parsons, Michael T. Chaney, Eric A. Mathieson, James A. Rochon
  • Patent number: 11235808
    Abstract: A center upper frame connection for a space frame can comprise a pair of outer support beams spaced from each in a width direction, a rearward center support between the outer support beams, and support beam arch. Each outer support beam can have a rearward frame connection boss and a forward center frame nodal connection boss. The rearward center support can have a pair of rearward frame connection bosses oriented at an angle relative to each other, and a pair of side frame connection bosses provided on opposing sides of the rearward center support. The support beam arch can be provided adjacent to the outer support beams and the rearward center support. The rearward center support can be located on a longitudinal centerline of the support beam arch and can be parallel to the outer support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Tad W. Miller, David O Zalanka, Timothy D Harman, Thomas Alworth
  • Patent number: 11148515
    Abstract: A driving device for an electric truck which can obtain good ride quality by decreasing the unsprung weight while achieving the adequate fuel efficiency performance by improving the power transmission efficiency and which can improve the mountability of a battery. The driving device includes a driving unit that accommodates therein a motor, a gearbox, and a differential device. The driving unit is supported by a first support part with respect to a ladder frame. Drive shafts coupled to the differential device are accommodated in hollow members. The hollow members are elastically supported by a second support part with respect to the ladder frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Maki Ito, Hiroshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11059443
    Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame, a passenger compartment, a cargo box, and a foldable roll-over protection system (ROPS). The ROPS includes a front ROPS section and a rear ROPS section, wherein in a first position the front ROPS section is folded at least partially into the passenger compartment and the rear ROPS section is folded at least partially into the passenger compartment. In a second position the front ROPS section is connected to the rear ROPS section via interlocking joint components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: TEXTRON, INC.
    Inventor: Hunter Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 11059539
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a stay, which supports an electric component, an exterior component, and the like, on a front portion of a head tube of a body frame. The stay includes an upper-portion triangular frame body having a triangular shape from a V-shaped portion of a main stay and an upper stay, and at least a part of an ECU supporting portion, which supports an ECU, is disposed inward of the upper-portion triangular frame body. One apex of the upper-portion triangular frame body is positioned on a vehicle front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Hariu, Akiyuki Karashima
  • Patent number: 10858803
    Abstract: Power machine frames for power machines such as skid steer loaders that include features for aiding in the manufacture of the power machines, providing space saving advantages in the design of the power machine, and/or providing performance advantages for the power machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Brent Durkin, Michael J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10850772
    Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes: an adhesive member that is superimposed on and adhered to a plate shaped vehicle frame member extending in one direction such that the adhesive member is superimposed in a thickness direction of the vehicle frame member; a first fiber reinforced plastic member that includes plural first fibers oriented in different directions to each other, and that is disposed spaced apart from the vehicle frame member in the thickness direction; and a second fiber reinforced plastic member that includes plural second fibers oriented in an orientation direction of an intersecting direction intersecting the thickness direction, that has a thinner thickness in the thickness direction than a thickness of the first fiber reinforced plastic member, and that is sandwiched between the adhesive member and the first fiber reinforced plastic member in the thickness direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 10793207
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a reinforcement or brace that can be installed on the tailgate of a vehicle. The reinforcement can provide structural support for heavier mounted objects, such as tires, as well as allowing for different attachment points. Advantageously, the tailgate hinge does not need to be removed or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 10780777
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a tank that is placed behind a front component in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and that is arranged such that a longitudinal direction of the tank is along the front-rear direction; and a fixation member configured to fix the tank to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The front component and the tank are arranged to at least partly overlap with each other when the vehicle is viewed from a forward direction side. The fixation member releases fixation of the tank to the vehicle body when the front component comes into contact with the tank to apply an external force along the longitudinal direction that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yutaka Sawada
  • Patent number: 10766348
    Abstract: A vehicle rear structure secures a battery pack to rear side members by suspension. Each rear side member includes a less-strengthened portion further rearward of a vehicle with respect to a coupling portion with a rear cross member. The coupling portion is a suspending portion configured to fasten the rear end of the battery pack by suspension. The less-strengthened portion causes the rear side member to deform by bending when a collision load F is applied from rearward of the vehicle to the rear side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryosuke Fukui, Masahiro Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 10752217
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a container for receiving liquids arranged in a motor compartment of the motor vehicle in a space-saving manner. The two front end sections of the two front axle supports are connected together by two transverse supports, which are arranged at a distance from each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the container for receiving liquids is arranged in the intermediate space between the two front axle supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilhelm Riedl, Oeztzan Akif, Gerhard Fichtinger, Arne Koehler
  • Patent number: 10745051
    Abstract: A rear subframe structure is provided with a rear subframe configured such that a front cross member, a rear cross member, a pair of left and right upper side members extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, and a pair of left and right lower side members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction are connected; and a vehicle-body mounting portion formed on each of both ends of the front cross member in the vehicle width direction, and on each of rear ends of the upper side members. The rear subframe further includes a lower-arm support portion formed on a lower lateral portion of the rear cross member, and a stabilizer support member for supporting a stabilizer. The rear cross member connects the upper side members and the lower side members in an up-down direction. The rear cross member includes an upper-surface rear-side projection portion projecting rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Katsuyuki Komiya
  • Patent number: 10710423
    Abstract: A cargo vehicle includes a composite floor assembly configured to support cargo, at least one wheel assembly configured to transport the cargo on the composite floor assembly, a suspension assembly associated with the at least one wheel assembly, and an intermediate adapter assembly. The intermediate adapter assembly is permanently coupled to the composite floor assembly and removably coupled to the suspension assembly such that the composite floor assembly is removably coupled to the suspension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Travis Smith McCloud
  • Patent number: 10556624
    Abstract: A vehicle underbody assembly including a pair of rockers, a pair of side rails, a first cross member, a second cross member, and a fuel tank is provided. Each of the pair of side rails is secured to a rearward portion of one of the rockers. The first cross member extends between the side rails and is thermally treated to form a first central hard strength zone between two first soft strength zones. The second cross member is arranged with the pair of side rails and the first cross member to form a rectilinear frame and is thermally treated to form a second central hard strength zone between two second soft strength zones. The fuel tank is secured between the pair of side rails so that the fuel tank is located within a rectilinear frame formed by the pair of side rails and the cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Sridhar Santi Boyina, Rohit Telukunta, Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche
  • Patent number: 10501123
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis assembly having first and second frame rails. The vehicle chassis assembly may have an outrigger subassembly that may support a cab of the vehicle and may be disposed on the first and second frame rails. The vehicle chassis assembly may have an axle assembly that may be fixedly mounted to a mounting plate that may be fixedly mounted to a subframe that may be fixedly disposed on the first and second frame rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Svacha, Nimesh Meghpara, Adam P. Sadlik, Edward Brown, Paul Lawrence Barr
  • Patent number: 10392024
    Abstract: The invention is a modular vehicle that is intended for a variety of operations including both military and civilian operations. The vehicle addresses the issue of performing special purpose tasks that the vehicle is asked to do. Such tasks can be accomplished by configuring the vehicle as an ambulance, as a fire-fighting vehicle, as a communications van, as a command and control vehicle, etc. Thus, the vehicle is readily adapted using standardized and customized modules that are readily attached to a standardized platform that includes an appropriate interconnection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 10336369
    Abstract: The vehicle front body structure (2) comprises an upper longitudinal beam (10, 12) and a reinforcing element (14, 16) for reinforcing the wheel casing of the vehicle, said reinforcing element (14, 16) extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the upper longitudinal beam (10, 12), said upper longitudinal beam (10, 12) comprising an attachment portion (40), comprising an attachment area for attaching a connecting element (8) joining the upper longitudinal beam (10, 12) to a lower beam (22, 24) of the vehicle. The vehicle front body structure (2) further comprises a linking element (18, 20) joining the reinforcing element (14, 16) and the upper longitudinal beam (10, 12). The linking element (18, 20) is attached to the attachment portion (40) of the upper longitudinal beam (10, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal
    Inventors: Ivan Viaux, Sylvie Ditner, Florent Allaire
  • Patent number: 10309120
    Abstract: An elevated platform assembly suitable for mounting over the cargo area of a vehicle such as a pickup truck is disclosed. The platform assembly is modular for easy storage and can be conveniently transported to a scene wherever an elevated vantage point is desired, such as for viewing of outdoor musical concert, watching a game, or just camping out and observing nature. Embodiments of the invention disclosed include a normal platform, a wide platform for larger cargo areas where the platform is assembled with floor sections clamped together and supported with floor-pillars for extra support, or a long platform assembled with extendable platform floor modules fastened along the vehicle's axial or the length dimension. Also disclosed are the embodiments that include an awning assembly for providing shade to the occupants of the platform, and detachable handrails for the safety of platform occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Phares Azarael Noel, II
  • Patent number: 10232882
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chassis (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a passenger compartment cell (2), a front frame (3) and a rear frame (4), which are arranged along a longitudinal direction (100) of the chassis (1). The frame front (3) and the rear frame (4) each comprise two longitudinal members (31, 32; 41, 42) and a cross member (35; 45) forming a substantially C-shaped structure. The chassis (1) allows the adjustment of the track width and/or the pitch of the motor vehicle. To adjust the track width, the chassis (1) is adapted for the attachment of each longitudinal member (31, 32; 41, 42) of a frame (3, 4) to the passenger compartment cell (2) at a plurality of positions that are spaced apart in the transverse direction, in such a way as to allow an adjustment of the transverse distance between the two longitudinal members (31, 32; 41, 42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Matteo Bertezzolo
  • Patent number: 10144456
    Abstract: A strut-tower brace includes a pair of strut-tower attachments, and front and rear cross members extending between the attachments. The rear cross member has a flange configured to connected with a vehicle cowl. A lattice structure interconnects the cross members and has ribs that are each joined to another of the ribs at a node that is spaced between the front and rear cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Ciccone, Amol Kurane, Ryan Delaney, Samson Ng, Peter Thai, Jamal Hameedi
  • Patent number: 10011189
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Larry Sunsdahl, Aaron David Deckard, Marcus Johannes Tullemans, Jason Carl Plugge, Alan A. Meyer, Geoffrey G. White, Brian Michael Safranski
  • Patent number: 9969455
    Abstract: A frame for a bike with a plurality of frame units coupled to each other, at least one of the plurality of frame units includes a hollow chamber, and a first partition wall that partitions the hollow chamber into a first chamber unit and a second chamber unit, wherein the first chamber unit includes an opening in a first side of the first chamber unit and an accommodation space to accommodate a battery pack, and wherein the second chamber unit includes a plurality of holes through a first side of the second chamber unit, an interior of the second chamber unit and an exterior of the frame for the bike being in fluid communication through the plurality of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD., ALTON SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nohyun Kwag, Byungyong Choi
  • Patent number: 9868471
    Abstract: A reinforcement unit of an engine room includes a first mounting bracket mounted to a front end module disposed at a front of a vehicle body; a second mounting bracket corresponding to the first mounting bracket and mounted to a cowl disposed at a rear of the vehicle body; a first connection bracket mounted to one shock absorber housing of the vehicle body; a second connection bracket mounted to another shock absorber housing of the vehicle body; a first connecting member having both ends mounted to one side of the first connection bracket and the second connection bracket; and a second connecting member disposed at the rear of the vehicle body while corresponding to the first connecting member and having both ends mounted to another side of the first connection bracket and the second connection bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Byeongdo An, Tae Wan Park, Kang Chul Lee, Yong Dok An
  • Patent number: 9771970
    Abstract: A coaxial multi-member mechanism for using as the front axle and the rear axle in an electric vehicle is presented to allow the wheels of the vehicle changing the track widths from a wide track to a narrow track or vice versa in vehicle moving condition. The wide track mode is for safer high speed driving and more collision protection from the four wheels. The narrow track is used on the other hand for narrow street and slow speed driving and for easy parking in a narrow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Chiou-Muh Jong
  • Patent number: 9708813
    Abstract: A beam reinforcing metallic material includes a welding surface, a counter-flange-part surface, a contacting surface, a protrusion, and the like. The beam reinforcing material is a member that is made of metal such as steel for example. The beam reinforcing metallic material is not plate shaped but has a three dimensional shape. More particularly, the cross-sectional shape varies from the edge parts toward the center part in longitudinal direction. The cross section (cross-sectional area) of the center part of the beam reinforcing metallic material in longitudinal direction is larger than the cross sections (cross-sectional areas) of the both end parts. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the vicinity of the center part of the beam reinforcing metallic material allows the part that receives maximum stress to securely obtain the flexural strength when the beam reinforcing metallic material is fixed to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SENQCIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisatomo Mochizuki, Takuya Aoki, Hidenori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9708006
    Abstract: A subframe for a rear axle of a two-track motor vehicle includes a deformation element which, as viewed in a vehicle longitudinal direction, is provided at a forward end of the subframe between the subframe and a functional unit of the motor vehicle such that in the event of a rear-end crash a forward shift of the subframe causes the deformation element to come into contact with the functional unit and to undergo deformation to thereby dissipate crash energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Sven Schmalzrieth, Vladimir Idelevitch
  • Patent number: 9637171
    Abstract: A frame rail for a vehicle has a pair of elongated structural members, each one of the pair of elongated structural members having flanges protruding from lateral edges thereof. The flanges of one of the pair of elongated structural members extend in a direction toward the flanges of the other one of the pair of elongated structural members. The frame rail also has first and second metallic web panels interconnecting the pair of elongated structural members. Overall, the frame rail has a box beam structure, wherein at least a major portion of each one of the first and second metallic web panels has a material thickness that is less than a material thickness of at least a major portion of each one of the pair of elongated structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Marten, Frank N. Casali
  • Patent number: 9596807
    Abstract: A loading and transport apparatus for an agricultural header or implement that comprises a primary tool and a secondary tool, comprising a guide frame. On the guide frame is arranged a first support device having a first rest surface for movably holding the primary tool. On the guide frame is further arranged a second support device having a second rest surface for movably holding the secondary tool. A coupling element is arranged to the first support device, wherein the coupling element connects the first support device to the second support device. To the guide frame is arranged a support element, which contacts the second support device, wherein the coupling element and the support element are designed and arranged such that a movement of the first support device in a first direction along the guide frame effects lifting of the second rest surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Nürnberg, Didier O. M. Verhaeghe, Wolfgang Oehler
  • Patent number: 9598113
    Abstract: A vehicle body arrangement for a vehicle front part (6) has at least a first load path plane (8, 10, 12). The vehicle front part (6) has at least two longitudinal carriers (22, 24) and at least two transverse elements (18, 20) that connect the longitudinal carriers (22, 24). At least the rear transverse element (20), as viewed in the driving direction, is configured as a crossmember, as viewed in the load direction. The rear transverse element (20) is adjoined by an assembly carrier (36) with a motor vehicle assembly (38). The motor vehicle assembly (38) has at least one assembly longitudinal carrier (40, 42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Martin Kamm, Nino Andricevic, Robert Gudopp, Andreas Patzelt
  • Patent number: 9592867
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body structure is provided. The motor vehicle body structure includes an outer side wall, a lateral floor reinforcement for absorbing forces in the event of an impact event, an inner side wall with a lateral sill region and a wheel housing region, which at least partially forms a wheel housing of the vehicle. A body reinforcement element is connected to the wheel housing region of the inner side wall and to the lateral floor reinforcement in a positively joined, non-positively joined and/or materially joined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Roland Lessmeister
  • Patent number: 9586631
    Abstract: A mounting member for securing a vehicle body to a chassis frame includes a horizontal base wall defining a mounting hole used to assemble the body to a receptacle on the frame. The mounting member further includes a plurality of side walls extending from the base wall to connect to a floor panel of the vehicle body. A boss protrudes from the base wall to the floor panel and includes a bore aligned with the mounting hole. The mounting member also includes at least one gusset extending from the boss to the base wall. The base wall, side walls, boss, and the at least one gusset are integrally formed as a single unitary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen William Gallagher, Dragan B. Stojkovic
  • Patent number: 9499203
    Abstract: A system for supporting the bed of a utility vehicle, the system adapted to be mounted on the underbody frame of the utility vehicle, the system comprising: a generally planar unitary support formed from a composite material, the support having a first surface and a second vertically offset surface; a plurality of connecting members extending from the first surface to the offset surface, the members providing strength to said support; a generally rectangular panel fabricated from a composite material, the panel adhesively attached to said offset surface, the panel adapted to serve as a loading surface for the bed of the utility vehicle; a bracket secured to the support for mounting the support to the frame of the utility vehicle; and a backing plate secured to the support, wherein the plate and the bracket sandwich the support to secure it to the frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: BRANDFX LLC
    Inventor: Alfred L. Finley
  • Patent number: 9487244
    Abstract: A structural component for a motor vehicle comprises first and second profiled sheet metal parts joined together by welding spots, which sheet metal parts have opposing free ends arranged to be mating to form an overlapping portion over a predetermined distance. A cross-section of the component through the overlapping portion has a hat shape that comprises first and second edge portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the component, first and second side portions arranged to join a respective edge portion, and a central portion arranged to join the side portions. The free end of the central portion of each sheet metal part comprises at least two tabs separated by a recess, and the tabs of the first and second sheet metal parts are joined to a part of an adjacent central portion by welding. The disclosure further relates to a method for making the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jens Elfwing, Martin Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 9434417
    Abstract: This vehicle subframe (15) includes a main body section (32) that results from a top section (41) and a bottom section (42) being provided with a predetermined gap in the vertical direction by means of being formed in a hollow shape by means of a core unit (80). A central joining section (38) is provided to the front-half section (32g) at the center (32h) in the vehicle widthwise direction of the main body section (32). Furthermore, in the main body section (32), a rear partition wall (64) is joined to the top section (41) and the bottom section (42) at the rearwards direction of the vehicle with respect to the central joining section (38). The rear partition wall (64) extends in the front-back direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Yanagawa Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Imanishi, Nobuyuki Okabe
  • Patent number: 9434416
    Abstract: A subframe for a motor vehicle includes at least one transverse structure oriented in a transverse direction of the vehicle, a first and a second longitudinal member oriented in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to the at least one transverse structure by respective first and second cast joints respectively arranged between the first longitudinal member and the at least one transverse structure and the second longitudinal member and the at least one transverse structure, the first and second cast joints each having bearing connection points for fastening an engine bearing. The subframe also includes connection parts, one of which is provided for each of the first and second cast joints, the connection parts each having at least one other bearing connection point for fastening the engine bearing, and multiple bearing sites via which the connection parts are fastenable on the at least one transverse structure and on the bearing connection points of the first and second cast joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Christian Isakiewitsch, Sebastian Scheiblecker
  • Patent number: 9387758
    Abstract: The invention relates to wheel for a vehicle comprising, inside the wheel: a housing having a first side for mounting to a vehicle, an electrical motor for driving movement of said vehicle, said electrical motor comprising a stator rotation-fixedly connected to said housing and a rotor rotationally coupled to said stator and having an axis of rotation, said stator being arranged within said rotor, and a brake drum, forming an integral piece of equipment with the rotor. The invention further relates to a vehicle provided with such a wheel and a method and an adapter plate for mounting such a wheel to a vehicle, and to such a wheel having a rim system in which the rim forms an integral part with said rotor and with a brake drum of the brake system, i.e. forming one integral price of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: E-TRACTION EUROPE B.V.
    Inventors: Adrianus Johannes Heinen, Timothy van Seventer
  • Patent number: 9387889
    Abstract: A suspension subframe is secured to an insert member embedded in a core material of an inclined wall of a dash panel. The core material is formed from corrugated plate having a multiplicity of concave-convex portions extending in the fore-and-aft direction. One apex of the insert member is oriented in the vehicle width direction, and two sides of the insert member, proximate the apex, abut against the core material. When a load in the vehicle width direction is inputted from the suspension system into the subframe, it is possible, by absorbing the load by dispersing it from the two sides sandwiching the apex of the insert member toward the core material of the inclined wall of the dash panel, to enhance the support rigidity of the subframe with respect to the inclined wall of the dash panel without excessively complicating the structure of the insert member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shotaro Ayuzawa, Shigeto Yasuhara