Specific Vehicle Frame Patents (Class 280/781)
  • Patent number: 8678120
    Abstract: Provided is a method for mounting a device on a frame in a construction machine. The method includes forming plate holes in a beam member at respective mount-member-provision positions on the beam member; mounting a plate supporter on a back surface of the beam member at each of the mount-member-provision positions so as to border the plate hole at a lower side thereof; installing the beam member on the frame; putting the mount plate into the plate hole from above so as to make the mount plate be supported by the plate supporter and fixing the plate supporter in the plate hole after adjusting the position of the mount plate horizontally and vertically within the plate hole; and mounting the mount members to the mount plates fixed in the plate holes respectively and mounting the device on the beam member via the mount members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Shimomura, Takayuki Okunishi, Shinji Katsuhara
  • Patent number: 8672355
    Abstract: A frame longitudinal beam structure for chassis frames of utility vehicles, in particular for trucks and/or buses, has at least one frame longitudinal beam of modular construction extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction when in the mounted state. The beam has a base profile extending over substantially the entire length of the frame longitudinal beam and having a plate-shaped central web which, as viewed in cross section, extends between opposite frame longitudinal beam regions, such as between upper and lower flanges. The central web is substantially rectilinear along the longitudinal extent of the base profile. Supplemental profiles formed by separate components are attached to the central web in areal abutment. A plurality of supplemental profiles are attached to the central web such that, in the direction of extent of the longitudinal beam, at least two frame longitudinal beam regions of different profile cross section are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: MAN Truck & Bus AG
    Inventors: Norbert Burger, Andreas Uebelacker, Harald Boog, Jochen Butscher, Ferdinand Stecher
  • Publication number: 20140065936
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame includes a front frame portion, a mid-frame portion, and a rear frame portion. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the front frame portion. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat and an adjacent passenger seat spaced apart from the operator seat. The operator seat and the passenger seat are in a side-by-side arrangement. The utility vehicle also comprises an auxiliary power assembly having an attachment shaft configured to be operably coupled to the attachment. The attachment shaft extends in a generally longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle and projects outwardly from the front frame portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: JEREMY C. SMITH, ADAM J. SCHLANGEN, RICHARD D. RIPLEY, SHAWN D. PETERSON, KURT E. STENBERG, ANTHONY J. KINSMAN, ANGUS M. MORISON, DAVID A. ELIA, MATTHEW S. KMECIK, ERIC J. CZECHOWSKI, DAVID J. HICKE, AARON J. NYSSE, MATTHEW J. KALDOR, ROBERT R. LACHER, BRIAN P. DEHNERT
  • Patent number: 8657060
    Abstract: A support mount bracket (57) provided on a vehicle frame (9) and configured to support a mount part (53) of a front differential gear unit (36) is arranged on part of a cross-member (12) connecting a pair of right and left main frames (10) so as to be, in a vehicle width direction, displaced from the center of a vehicle (1) in a width direction thereof. The support mount bracket (57) includes a base part (57d, 57e) to be connected to the cross-member (12), and a pair of fixing parts (57b, 57c) protruding from the base part (57d, 57c) and sandwiching the mount part (53) from sides thereof in the vehicle width direction. One (57b) of the fixing parts (57b, 57c) on a side closer to the center of the vehicle (1) in the width direction thereof is detachably attached to the base part (57d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Osami Ohno, Osamu Kurogi, Noritaka Sakiyama, Hiroyuki Akaki, Hideto Yamada, Osamu Kishi
  • Publication number: 20140049030
    Abstract: In a beam member having a cylindrical beam main body with a first end portion and a second end portion in which respective end surfaces oppose and partially abut to each other in a circumferential direction of the beam main body to define a slit portion, a bracket member straddles the first end portion and the second end in the circumferential direction to be welded to an outer surface of the beam main body so as to cover the slit portion between a first welding portion and a second welding portion that weld abutting portions of the respective end surfaces of the first end portion and the second end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: F-TECH INC.
    Inventors: Eiji Yamamoto, Masamitsu Iino, Takayuki Owada
  • Patent number: 8641066
    Abstract: An integrated vehicular suspension and differential mounting structure includes a metal base frame which supports a differential support member having a body formed of a resin or composite material. The differential support member further includes integrated annular collars having a central portion formed of a metal and a peripheral portion formed of resin or rubber. The peripheral portion of the collars are integrated with the resin or composite body of the differential support member. The base frame may further include a bracket for supporting the differential support member and a bracket for mounting an associated suspension system. The bracket for supporting the differential support member may be integrally formed with the bracket for mounting the associated suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Kudla, Naoki Munekata
  • Patent number: 8641065
    Abstract: The battery-powered towing tractor includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, a body, a battery, a member plate, a front reinforcing plate and a rear reinforcing plate. The body has a floor formed between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The battery is disposed in the body at a position between the front wheel and the floor. The member plate extends in width direction of the body for compartmenting a rear end of the floor in the body. The front reinforcing plate is joined to a front surface of the member plate. The rear reinforcing plate is joined to a rear surface of the member plate. The front reinforcing plate and the rear reinforcing plate are opposed across the member plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Seiji Uno
  • Patent number: 8636303
    Abstract: The invention relates to a module for the modular frame of a heavy load transport vehicle, characterized in that it comprises, at one end thereof, a junction surface having an oblique bearing surface extending between two parallel planar surfaces inclined relative to the previous one. The invention also relates to a method for mounting such modules. The invention relates to a frame that comprises at least two such modules in which the junction surfaces together define an assembly with an oblique scarf joint, an unabutting scarf joint or key joint. The invention also relates to a harbor vehicle comprising at least one such frame and at least one such module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Envision Vehicle Engineering Novasio Technology Event
    Inventors: Christophe Gaussin, Pho-Trung Chau, Reginald Fenix
  • Patent number: 8613338
    Abstract: A flat plate nose frame design for a tractor in which a thick, flat structural plate is connected to and forwardly extends from the conventional frame rails of the tractor. The flat plate nose frame design increases vertical clearance under the hood without raising the hood height or reducing ground clearance. The nose plate is contoured to match the exterior contours of the tractor grill and hood eliminating the need for a separate aesthetic component covering the nose plate. The nose plate features a pair of vertically aligned short-height frame plates extending forwardly along the axis from the deep-section frame rails to increase strength in the flat nose plate without significantly increasing vertical height of the nose plate assembly. The flat plate nose frame is capable of withstanding operational loads as well as supporting a weight package or front-mounted implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John T. Rasset, Russell V. Stoltman, David S. Booth, Bryan J. Garberg, Carl J. Hagele, Chad A. Bautz, Landon J. Fries
  • Patent number: 8602454
    Abstract: An underbody structure in a vehicle includes a front rail configured to take a crash load and form a load path during a frontal impact. At least one arcuate beam is connected at one end of the front rail and is coupled at another end to at least one of a left structural member and a right structural member of the underbody structure. Here, the left and the right structural members are fixedly connected to a side structure of the vehicle, and the arcuate beam is angularly connected to the left and the right structural member. The angular connection is configured to transfer the crash load, at least partially, during the frontal impact to the at least one of the left structural member and the right structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saied Nusier, James Chih Cheng, Rahul Arora
  • Patent number: 8596685
    Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis including two side skirt lateral flanks comprising a horizontal portion. The motor vehicle chassis also includes a central floor situated between the two side skirt lateral flanks and including a horizontal main surface and horizontal secondary surfaces for attachment to the horizontal portion of the lateral flanks. The horizontal surfaces exhibit a height difference. The motor vehicle chassis also includes at least one fixing piece on each side of the central floor, between the horizontal main surface of the central floor and one of the side skirt lateral flanks. The at least one fixing piece includes two horizontal parts for fixing to the central floor, which are respectively fixed to the horizontal main surface and to a horizontal lateral surface of the central floor. One of the horizontal parts includes a first passage to accept a fixing lug of a bodywork element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Thomas Mauduit, Pascal Tabuteau, Guillaume Camus
  • Patent number: 8590663
    Abstract: A support structure for a motor vehicle body includes, but is not limited to a longitudinal girder extending between an engine compartment and a wheel installation space, a wheel installation strut extending over the wheel installation space, an engine frame, an attached bracket protruding downward on the longitudinal girder, which supports the longitudinal girder on the engine frame, and a one-piece reinforcement element, of which a first arm flanks the bracket and a second arm extends in the direction of the wheel installation strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Karsten Bohle
  • Patent number: 8579307
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monolithically cast axle support (12) for motor vehicles. A steering box (10) is provided which is monolithically produced as a whole or in part along with the axle support or which is integrally bonded to the axle support as a whole or in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Juergen Eickmann, Heiko Kauert
  • Patent number: 8567821
    Abstract: An aluminum tubular beam is assembled to a steel box frame rail with a steel sleeve. The sleeve is connected by a crimp joint or by a hem flange to the tubular beam. The steel sleeve may be effectively welded to the steel box frame rail to which it is assembled. An adhesive may be provided between the sleeve and the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Anthony Wagner, Ari Garo Callskan, John Edward Huber, Yuksel Gur, Michael M. Azzouz, Jeffrey A. Wallace, Parameswararao Pothuraju, Sunil K. Kasaragod, Xiaoming Chen
  • Patent number: 8544888
    Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Maiorana, Denis Gosselin
  • Patent number: 8544587
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James A. J. Holroyd, Gustavo A. Aramayo, Brian T. Utter, Jason J. Hohenstein, Vittorio Tomolillo, Mark Alan Ziliak
  • Publication number: 20130241186
    Abstract: A light-alloy vehicle suspension member integrally made from a light alloy, including a sectional shape formed by an upper wall, a front wall, and a rear wall so as to have an open bottom, the upper wall being substantially horizontal, the front wall and the rear wall being erected in a substantially vertical manner on a front edge and a rear edge of the upper wall respectively, wherein: one end of a torque rod is connected to a center portion, in a vehicle width direction, of the upper wall, another end of the torque rod is connected to an engine; a vertical position of the upper wall substantially corresponds to a vertical center position between the front wall and the rear wall, and substantially corresponds to a height position of the torque rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Shibaya
  • Patent number: 8534412
    Abstract: A multiuse vehicle comprises a frame having longitudinal portions forming a central opening for supporting an engine and end portions extending forward and rearward from said longitudinal portions, each of the end portions having a downwardly extending leg portion with one or more hitches. A suspension system includes the use of pivoting arms that carry trunnion-mounted differentials. An operator's cab is mounted on a forward portion of the frame to provide the operator with increased visibility. The frame behind the operator's cab is configured to receive any of a variety of devices such as a dump bed, a sprayer tank, a salt spreader, or a flat bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Custom Chassis, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Carl Huhn, Matthew Thomas Tipple
  • Patent number: 8534706
    Abstract: A vehicle frame having at least one elongated truss. The truss is elongated and generally triangular in cross sectional shape. Consequently, the truss includes three side walls. Each of the side walls is constructed from a sheet material, such as sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Herb Adams
  • Publication number: 20130229005
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle cross-member assembly includes: adding adhesive to an adhesive reservoir in an interconnecting member composed of a first material; overlapping a first rail composed of a second material with the interconnecting member; and welding the interconnecting member to a second rail in a position perpendicular with respect to the second rail. The second rail is composed of a different material than the first rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: John Martin Knittel, Xiaoming Chen, Sanjay Mehta, Michael M. Azzouz, Eric William Barrett, Mark Wlotkowski
  • Patent number: 8522910
    Abstract: To obtain a vehicle underbody structure that is capable of ensuring the capacity of a fuel tank while suppressing an increase in the size of the fuel tank. A fuel tank is mounted behind a front floor and under a center floor. An exhaust pipe partially overlaps the fuel tank when a vehicle is seen in a plan view, and the exhaust pipe is positioned between the fuel tank and the center floor at this overlapping section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Asai
  • Patent number: 8517423
    Abstract: A frame assembly for an off-road vehicle including a left frame rail and a right frame rail that are identical to each other, a front frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, an occupant frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, a rear frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, and a plurality of identical adapters mounting the components to the left and right frame rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Club Car, LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Huston, Roy L. Woodard
  • Patent number: 8511711
    Abstract: A utility vehicle (1) comprising a carrier frame (3) mounted above a transaxle (2) is provided. The carrier frame (3) comprises a first carrier frame section (30) and a second carrier frame section (40). A height level of the first carrier frame section (30) differs from a height level of the second carrier frame section (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Honzek
  • Patent number: 8505973
    Abstract: A forward mount is disclosed which is secured to the frame of an off-road vehicle to enable the rearward ends of a push-tube assembly to be secured thereto. The forward mount of this invention may be attached to the main frame of off-road vehicles of different manufacturers in various ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Curt J. Hill
  • Patent number: 8506006
    Abstract: A frame for use in a construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator, in which a circle member (18) for mounting a swing circle to a center frame is secured. An outer curved portion (21A) with a recessed groove shape is provided over the entire circumference in a vertically intermediate portion of the outer peripheral surface of the circle member, and an inner curved portion (21B) with a recessed groove shape is provided over the entire circumference in a vertically intermediate portion of the inner peripheral surface of the circle member to thereby make it possible to render small the plate thickness (t) of the hourglass-shaped thin-walled portion (21) located in the vertically intermediate portion relative to the plate thickness (T) of upper and lower thick-walled portions (19, 20) located on both vertical end sides of the circle member. Consequently, the weight of the circle member can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Watanabe, Yoshio Namai
  • Publication number: 20130187371
    Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis including two side skirt lateral flanks comprising a horizontal portion. The motor vehicle chassis also includes a central floor situated between the two side skirt lateral flanks and including a horizontal main surface and horizontal secondary surfaces for attachment to the horizontal portion of the lateral flanks. The horizontal surfaces exhibit a height difference. The motor vehicle chassis also includes at least one fixing piece on each side of the central floor, between the horizontal main surface of the central floor and one of the side skirt lateral flanks. The at least one fixing piece includes two horizontal parts for fixing to the central floor, which are respectively fixed to the horizontal main surface and to a horizontal lateral surface of the central floor. One of the horizontal parts includes a first passage to accept a fixing lug of a bodywork element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Thomas Mauduit, Pascal Tabuteau, Guillaume Camus
  • Patent number: 8485555
    Abstract: A structural joint in a truck tractor frame includes a first frame member having an interface plate permanently mounted thereon, the interface plate having an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions, which may be grooves and ridges. A second frame member has an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions complementary to the plurality of protrusions and depressions of the interface surface of the interface plate. The second frame member is mounted to the first frame member with the interface surfaces in contact, with a plurality of releasable fasteners fastening the second frame member to the interface plate, wherein, the contoured interface surfaces interengage to resist linear and torsional shear forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Group North America, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Steven Hunt
  • Patent number: 8474871
    Abstract: A frame for recreational vehicles having a pair of oppositely spaced longitudinal frame members, having notches completely therethrough. The longitudinal frame members have a foam core in direct contact with a woven fiber fabric on an exterior of the longitudinal frame members with fabric flaps extending therefrom. The frame has a plurality of transverse stringers having a foam core in direct contact with a woven fiber fabric on an exterior of stringers that rest in notches of the longitudinal members. The stringers are complementary to the notches in the longitudinal members and the stringers have fabric flaps that extend along their length on opposite sides. The stringers extend completely through the longitudinal frame members. The flaps on the longitudinal frame members and the stringers are in overlapping contact. A deck having a layer of fabric covers the stringers, the flaps, and the longitudinal frame members and is impregnated with resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Ludwick
  • Patent number: 8469137
    Abstract: Provided are a pair of left and right upper frames extending in a longitudinal direction; a mount frame supporting a transmission case below the upper frames; and vertical frames connecting the upper frames and the mount frame. Rear suspension arms are supported on the vertical frames. The vertical frames are configured to have upper members connected to the upper frames and lower members connected to the mount frame. The upper and lower members are separably connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Fujii
  • Patent number: 8465054
    Abstract: A system for providing crash compatibility between automotive vehicles is disclosed. The system includes crush horns and a bracket located below the longitudinal axis of the crush horns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Wlotkowski, Eric William Barrett, Michael M. Azzouz, Yu-Kan Hu, Leonard Anthony Shaner
  • Patent number: 8448988
    Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus is installed below a floor supported by both side members of a vehicle to recover heat from exhaust gas passing through an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. Assistance members, which extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, are provided between the both side members of the vehicle. The exhaust heat recovery apparatus is installed close to one of the assistance members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takato Ishihata, Mamoru Yashima, Yoshihiro Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20130127146
    Abstract: A support mount bracket (57) provided on a vehicle frame (9) and configured to support a mount part (53) of a front differential gear unit (36) is arranged on part of a cross-member (12) connecting a pair of right and left main frames (10) so as to be, in a vehicle width direction, displaced from the center of a vehicle (1) in a width direction thereof. The support mount bracket (57) includes a base part (57d, 57e) to be connected to the cross-member (12), and a pair of fixing parts (57b, 57c) protruding from the base part (57d, 57c) and sandwiching the mount part (53) from sides thereof in the vehicle width direction. One (57b) of the fixing parts (57b, 57c) on a side closer to the center of the vehicle (1) in the width direction thereof is detachably attached to the base part (57d).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION, FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Osami Ohno, Osamu Kurogi, Noritaka Sakiyama, Hiroyuki Akaki, Hideto Yamada, Osamu Kishi
  • Patent number: 8439148
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an engine attached to the vehicle body frame, and a power transmission unit for transmitting output from the engine to a wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle body frame includes a plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket which is integrally connected to front end portions of main frame sections extending in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle at a lower portion of the vehicle body frame, and also is integrally connected to lower end sides of front frame sections vertically extending at a front portion of the vehicle body frame. The plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket includes suspension arm-supporting portions formed integrally therewith. The lightweight vehicle body frame reduces total weight of the vehicle and, at the same time, enhances assembling accuracy thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Hajime Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 8434789
    Abstract: There is provided a framework structure for a vehicle where two members can be welded to each other even when the two members are disposed adjacent to each other and the extending directions thereof are changed, thereby improving strength. A kick portion 11 of a front side member 1 includes a kick lower member 2 of which an extending direction is changed so that a front portion of the kick lower member rises, and a long kick upper member 3 that is provided along the kick lower member 2. The kick lower member 2 and the kick upper member 3 are joined to each other at a kick lower member flange middle portion 22C and a kick upper member flange middle portion 32C. The kick lower member flange middle portion 22C and the kick upper member flange middle portion 32C are formed in a linear shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeo Mori
  • Patent number: 8424912
    Abstract: A composite bar for the chassis of a vehicle; the composite bar consists of at least two extruded elements which are internally hollow and are butt jointed at a junction area; each extruded element has a trapezoidal cross section having a major base, a minor base parallel and opposite to the major base, and two side walls; a first end of a first extruded element arranged in the junction area has no major base; and a second end of a second extruded element arranged in the junction area is interference fitted into the first end through the missing major base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
  • Patent number: 8419065
    Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Maiorana, Denis Gosselin
  • Patent number: 8413758
    Abstract: The vehicle body frame is configured in a manner that an upper tension pipe is removed from a first cross portion and a second cross portion. When mounting the engine in the vehicle body frame, the vehicle mounted component that is relatively heavy can be lowered into the vehicle body frame from above by removing the upper tension pipe. The vehicle body frame simplifies the removal and installation of the vehicle-mounted components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Hajime Uchiyama, Tatsuya Shiokawa, Yukinori Kurakawa, Masayuki Hirukawa
  • Patent number: 8376439
    Abstract: A deck assembly for use with a transporter vehicle is provided. The deck assembly includes a fastener, a first deck panel including an upper support surface, a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall defining at least one first opening, the second side wall defining at least one second opening and a second deck panel coupled to the first deck panel, the second deck panel including an upper support surface, a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall defining at least one first opening, the second side wall defining at least one second opening. The second side wall of the first deck panel is supported adjacent to the first side wall of the second deck panel such that the at least one first opening of the first deck panel is at least partially aligned with the at least one second opening of the second deck panel to define a through hole for the fastener. The fastener is received within the through hole and secures the first deck panel to the second deck panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Jerr-Dan Corporation
    Inventors: Sanjeev Kuriakose, Joseph G. Smitka
  • Patent number: 8366150
    Abstract: A reinforcement tube assembly for a fastener in a vehicle body structure is provided. The reinforcement tube assembly includes a reinforcement tube and a locator. The locator is affixed to the reinforcement tube. The reinforcement tube is operatively configured to receive a fastener and is operatively configured be installed at least partially within a vehicle body structure. The locator includes at least two mounting surfaces operatively configured to engage with a vehicle body structure. The locator includes at least two mounting surfaces operatively configured to engage with the vehicle body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: David Alan Parsons, Yiqun Liu
  • Publication number: 20130026745
    Abstract: A forward mount is disclosed which is secured to the frame of an off-road vehicle to enable the rearward ends of a push-tube assembly to be secured thereto. The forward mount of this invention may be attached to the main frame of off-road vehicles of different manufacturers in various ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Curt J. Hill
  • Patent number: 8356838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front spring bracket (18) for a truck, wherein said bracket can be attached to the front end of a vehicle frame (10) and comprises a side part (20) associated with a respective longitudinal frame carrier (12, 14) of the vehicle frame (10), which are connected to each other by way of at least one cross-member (22), wherein at least parts (20) of the front spring bracket (18) are configured as aluminum castings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Beuss, Norbert Sonsalla, Wilhelm Stockklausner
  • Publication number: 20120319389
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension subframe (1) in which highly rigid side-end members (10) are attached to opposite side end sections of a flat plate-like main body member (2) so as to extend in the front-rear direction of a vehicle. The subframe (1) has extremely high rigidity against forces acting thereon from the front, rear, left, right and the like with the aid of the side-end members (10). The subframe (1) makes it possible to cut out materials with almost zero waste, and is made lightweight and inexpensive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Yorozu Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takahashi, Youhei Koiso
  • Patent number: 8328274
    Abstract: A cabin apparatus for a work vehicle provided with rear axle cases includes: a cabin frame having a top frame; a bottom frame; a pair of left and right front braces; a pair of left and right rear braces; a pair of left and right mounting braces extending downward from the rear part of the bottom frame; and a pair of left and right mounting plates provided respectively to the bottom ends of the pair of left and right mounting braces and protruding outward to the left and right. The pair of left and right mounting plates is fixedly mounted to the respective left and right rear axle cases in order to support the rear part of the cabin frame on a vehicle body of the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Hasegawa, Kenji Morikane
  • Patent number: 8317227
    Abstract: A car body is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a structural unit including a rear frame structure with a rear axle and mountings for a fuel tank or an electric accumulator. The structural unit is fixed on a bottom plate of the car body. A correspondingly designed rear frame structure makes it possible to selectively equip the motor vehicle for drives with an internal combustion or purely electric drives or hybrid drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stanislaw Klimek, Martin Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20120291691
    Abstract: An evacuation cabin includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing has a joining portion along a bottom edge of the upper housing and an opening at middle of one side of the upper housing for receiving an upper part of a water-sealable door. The lower housing has a joining portion corresponding and sealed to the joining portion of the upper housing such that the upper housing and the lower housing are sealed integrally and water-sealably, and an opening corresponding to the opening of the upper housing and for receiving a lower part of the water-sealable door. There are accommodated in the lower housing a power source acting as a weight to lower the center of gravity of the evacuation cabin so as to maintain the evacuation cabin in a stable condition when water floods the ground. A chassis, provided underneath the evacuation cabin, is mounted with an axle for installing wheels so that the evacuation cabin can stand stationary or be transported as a trailer by a mobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Stanley Shao-Ying LEE
  • Patent number: 8302979
    Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one or two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another. At least individual ones of the accommodations are integrated into the front-axle bracket by way of rod-shaped connecting elements, in framework-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: KSM Castings GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heiko Kauert, Juergen Eickmann, Andreas Hennings, Andreas Buehrig-Polaczek, Lars Wuerker, Klaus Greven
  • Patent number: 8276276
    Abstract: A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas William Cordea
  • Patent number: 8276926
    Abstract: A rear suspension spring support structure enables a rear side member to have an improved rigidity, and thus driving stability is improved. The rear suspension spring support structure has a rear cross member connected to a rear side member with a rear cross member extension being interposed therebetween. An extending portion, on a vehicle lateral side, of the rear cross member extension passes under the rear side member and extends to the vehicle lateral side of the rear side member. The extending portion is welded to a lower surface of the rear side member and a side surface of the vehicle lateral side. A coil spring bracket for receiving an upper end portion of the coil spring is joined to a lower surface of the rear cross member extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Koyama
  • Publication number: 20120241334
    Abstract: A system for shipping liquids is disclosed which comprises a container (12) which consists of two identical shells (16) the upper one of which is inverted with respect to the lower one. Toggles (32) and latches (34) are provided for pulling the two shells (16) together. The container rests on a frame, which includes pipework (44) for connecting to an inlet/outlet (26.1) in the base of the lower shell of the container. The equivalent inlet/outlet in the top of the upper shell of the container receives a gas escape vent (52). A flexible tank (46) is provided in the container (12) and the inlets/outlets communicate with the interior of the bag. The frame can, instead of accommodating just one container, be configured to support two, three or more containers in a side-by-side array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Trans Ocean Bulk Logistics Limited
    Inventor: Brendan P. Mckenna
  • Publication number: 20120241237
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James A.J. Holroyd, Gustavo A. Aramayo, Brian T. Utter, Jason J. Hohenstein, Donald Brett Gass