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.

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a method of insulating a structural frame member of a transport vehicle. The method comprises providing at least one flexible insulation member. The method further comprises providing at least two self-retaining foam insulation members. The method further comprises wrapping the flexible insulation member over a first end of a structural frame member of a transport vehicle and over at least portions of two sides of the structural frame member. The method further comprises positioning one self-retaining foam insulation member on each side of the wrapped structural frame member and in compression fit between each side of the wrapped structural frame member and adjacent structural frame members, such that the self-retaining foam insulation members impart one or more compression forces on the flexible insulation member to secure the flexible insulation member in place without use of any fastener device.

Abstract: A swivel frame for a swivel work machine includes a swivel base plate supported on a traveling machine body to be pivotable about a swivel axis and mounting an engine at a rear portion thereof, a support bracket provided at a front end of the swivel base plate for supporting an excavator, a partition wall provided on the swivel base plate for partitioning space forwardly of the engine in the fore/aft direction, and a pair of right and left vertical ribs provided on the swivel base plate for interconnecting the support bracket and the partition wall. The swivel base plate is divided into a rear plate portion on the rear side thereof and a front plate portion on the front side thereof, the rear plate portion being formed of a plate thinner than the front plate portion. The rear plate portion and the front plate portion are fixedly connected to each other in such in a manner that upper surfaces thereof are flush each other. A rear portion of the front plate portion projects more rearward than the partition wall.

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.

Abstract: A three-wheel motorcycle having a support frame with rear wheels mounted on a double axle with differential there between for a drive from a powerful automobile type engine. A front portion of the frame supporting the front motorcycle type single steerable wheel and handlebars mounted thereto for conventional steering. Other features include a unique shock and spring mechanism for the support frame measuring no more than 6 inches off of the ground and having a center of gravity of 14 inches or less powered by an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chassis for a vehicle, the chassis including a frame as well as a first axle and a second axle, on which the wheels of the vehicle are mounted on bearings and which axles are connected to the frame to swivel at least with respect to a vertical axis and a longitudinal axis, and in which chassis the axles are connected to each other by means of mechanisms for transmitting motion in such a way that the movements of the first axle are transmitted to the second axle, and vice versa. In the chassis according to the invention, the mechanisms for transmitting the motion includes arms for transmitting motion between the axles, which arms are configured to remain primarily parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame, irrespective of the movements of the axles.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a front frame, a rear frame, an oscillation frame, a slew bearing, and a rolling-element bearing. The slew bearing and the rolling-element bearing allow oscillation between the oscillation frame and the rear frame about a fore-aft axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting traverse for reinforcing a vehicle frame, comprising a cross-member with a fastening region, which is integrally formed thereon on the end and can be connected to the vehicle frame, and bearing blocks acting between the fastening regions on the cross-member. The aim of the invention is to refine a supporting strut with which the risk of the bearing block breaking away from the cross-member due to wear is considerably reduced. According to the invention, said aim is achieved by a supporting traverse, wherein the bearing blocks and the cross-member are connected to each other in a non-detachable way.

Abstract: A snowmobile chassis includes dual panels that form a lighter weight and stronger tunnel preferably without the need for structural doublers, plates or other attachable reinforcement devices. The dual panels take the form of inner and outer panels coupled together with selective gaps or spaces located between the panels. The gaps laterally separate the panels and may be continuous and take a variety of shapes as defined by each panel's configuration. The arrangement of the gaps may advantageously define a desired structural load path through the tunnel, increase a section modulus with respect to a centerline of the tunnel, and reduce an overall weight of the tunnel as compared with conventional tunnels that utilize added reinforcement devices.

Abstract: A transport frame includes a plurality of beams interconnected to form the frame with a first group of the beams intersecting and extending through a second group of the beams. The first group of the beams is secured to the second group of beams at their respective intersections. At least one of the beams comprises a polymer beam.

Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending main members. Each one of a pair of hangers is attached to and depends below a respective one of the main members. An axle/suspension system is mounted on the hangers. A vertically disposed brace structure extends between and is attached to the hangers and the main members. The brace structure includes a hanger cross member disposed perpendicularly between the hangers and a pair of inclined members each of which extend between and are attached to the hanger cross member and to a respective one of the main members or to a respective one of the main members and a respective one of the hangers. The brace structure efficiently dissipates loads from the axle/suspension system into the frame adjacent the hangers and eliminates the need for additional cross members within the frame.

Abstract: A reinforced cab riser adapter, which adapts to standard roll-over protection structure (ROPS) to a swing frame on a hydraulic excavator resulting in improved rollover load bearing capacity, is disclosed. This invention is also retrofit-able and can be universally adapted to a wide variety of swing frames without cutting or welding of the base machine. The present invention relates to safety features with respect to attaching a cab to a frame on load bearing vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for the modular frame of a heavy load transport vehicle, characterised 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 harbour vehicle comprising at least one such frame and at least one such module.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body including a main frame, a seat, and an entrance, and a door including a door body, a hinge, and a latch device. The latch device includes a striker member mounted to the vehicle body to protrude outward in a vehicle width direction, a latch member attached to the door body and actuated to switch between a first state where the latch member engages with the striker member and a second state where the latch member disengages from the striker member, and an operation member attached to the door body to operate the latch member. The operation member is positioned on an outer surface of the door body in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments are disclosed which display modularity for accomplishing multiple modes of operation for a utility vehicle. The utility vehicle (100) may include a rear cargo platform (450), a plurality of connection points (460) disposed in matrix and adapted to couple an item to the rear cargo platform, and three or more couplings (490) for adding a subsection (470) in a non-pivotable manner or pivotably coupling the rear cargo platform. The vehicle may be a four-wheeled vehicle that coverts to a six-wheeled vehicle by the addition of the subsection. The utility vehicle may include a subsection cargo platform which may be coupled to the rear cargo platform and may pivot rearward. The utility vehicle may include couplings for adding a second subsection.

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.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a chassis frame and a vehicle body has switchable connection elements between the chassis frame and the vehicle body. The connection elements are arranged both in front of and behind the connection line of the wheel contact points of the front wheels and/or the connection line of the wheel contact points of the rear wheels. As a result, during cornering, the vehicle body exercises a bending moment upon the chassis frame, which results in a self-steering behavior of the front axle and/or of the rear axle. This self-steering behavior can be influenced in that either the connection elements in front of or the connection elements behind the corresponding axle are triggered such that they exhibit a transverse rigidity that is as high as possible. While the respective other connection elements are triggered such that they exhibit a transverse rigidity that is as low as possible.

Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes a central frame member, extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction at a central portion of a body frame. The central frame member includes a front end joined to a second front cross pipe, and a rear end joined to a second lower crossmember behind the second front cross pipe. When viewed from the side, the central frame member extends in a substantially straight line along with the left and right front reinforcing pipes. The front end portion of the central frame member is joined to the second front cross pipe at a position inwardly of a joint between the left front reinforcing pipe and the second front cross pipe, and inwardly of a joint between the right front reinforcing pipe and the second front cross pipe. Such frame structure lowers level of a center of gravity of the vehicle, and enhances rigidity.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a stackable vehicle which may be supported from, or serve as support to, another like vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame and a body supported from the frame. The body includes a weight bearing roof Wheel assemblies are mounted for rotation on the frame. The body includes recesses from the roof of the body to accommodate location of wheel assemblies of a like vehicle supported on the roof Support and mounting points are located on the roof and on the frame respectively to fix location of a vehicle to be carried on top of a supporting vehicle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle in which the body frame can be reinforced without using a special reinforcing member includes left and right rear frame portions extending rearward and upward from a down frame. The right and left rear frame portions each include a rear frame front half portion and a rear frame rear half portion that are joined together at a joint. The left and right rear frame front half portions are connected to each other by a cross frame. The rear frame rear half portions extend further forward from its joint with the rear frame front half portion and are also joined together by the cross frame, which supports a seat through a storage box.

Abstract: A wheel loader includes a rear frame having left and right plate-shaped main beams. A reinforcing bracket is provided at an upper position substantially in a middle of a front-and-rear direction of the rear frame, and the reinforcing bracket bridges between the main beams. A substantially middle position of the rear frame exhibits a closed-section structure that includes the reinforcing bracket. The closed-section structure at the main beams specifically includes an axle support, a reinforcing plate, a reinforcing rib and the reinforcing bracket in the order from a lower side to an upper side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a traveling working machine, in particular an excavator, with an undercarriage on which the traveling gear is arranged, and an uppercarriage rotatably arranged on the undercarriage about a vertical axis of rotation. In accordance with the invention, the load-bearing steel construction of the uppercarriage is composed of at least one first and one second element, which are connected with each other via bolts and/or screws.

Abstract: A rear-wheels transmission and suspension system, adapted for modifying a two wheeled motorcycle into a motorcycle containing two rear wheels, includes a suspension device, a rear axle and a transmission device. The suspension device includes a supporting frame longitudinally extending along the central axis of a construction frame and pivotally connected with a seat portion of the construction frame of the motorcycle for supporting the rear axle at the rear end the supporting frame while defining a transmission cavity after a rear end of the supporting frame and at a central position behind an output of said engine along the central axis of the construction frame. Therefore the transmission device is able to be supported by the rear axle in the transmission cavity to transmit a rotation output from the engine to drive the rear axle to rotate for driving the rear wheels to rotate.

Abstract: A canister that adsorbs evaporated fuel in a fuel tank is protected from an impact force and is mounted sufficiently at a height above the ground to eliminate the need for a protection member. A pair of left and right side members extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle on a lower side of a rear floor of the vehicle. The canister is disposed between the fuel tank and the spare tire housing. A pair of front and rear cross members extending in the widthwise direction of the vehicle connect to the side members between the fuel tank and the spare tire housing. The canister is disposed directly below the rear floor between the pair of front and rear cross members, and the canister is mounted to the front and rear cross members.

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.

Abstract: A motor vehicle frame having parallel frame rails and at least one cross member constructed from a tube. The tube is sealed at its opposite ends by first and second mounting plates to provide a sealed, closed space for the storage of fluids. The mounting plates directly abut the frame rails for attachment of the cross member to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A frontal collision energy absorbing structure includes a pair of left and right main frames. A front cross member and a rear cross member each connect the left and right main frames. A suspension tower and an engine mount bracket may each be attached to each main frame. Each front suspension tower is spaced out from the joint between the front cross member and the main frame. Each rear suspension tower is spaced out from the joint between the rear cross member and the main frame. Each of engine mount bracket is longitudinally spaced apart from the following joints: the front cross member and the main frame; the rear cross member and the main frame, and the suspension tower and the main frame.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. The ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features enhance the utility of the vehicle.

Abstract: A body frame for a vehicle such as a motorcycle with a minimized number of parts. A main frame is connected to a head pipe and supports a rear arm to which a rear wheel is attached. A tank rail is connected to the head pipe at one end and to the main frame at the other end.

Abstract: A frame structure for a vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a pair of occupant seats, and a center pipe. The vehicle body frame has a front-rear direction. The pair of occupant seats includes a driver's seat and a passenger seat and are arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The center pipe extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged substantially on a center line of a vehicle body so as to pass through positions between the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the vehicle body frame.

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.

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.

Abstract: A selectively powered ambulatory stretcher chair has a bifurcated articulating base of free-wheeling casters at each of the corners thereof, with motor driven wheels on a transaxle interposed therebetween. Articulation of the bifurcated base causes deployment and retraction of the drive wheels to allow use of the stretcher chair in both a manual and power-driven mode, while ensuring stability in both. A u-shaped positionable bar is pivotally connected to a back of the stretcher chair and maintains a control box within a tight range of positions as the chair of the stretcher chair assembly translates between upright and horizontal positions. The back of the stretcher chair is of a radiolucent material, accommodating medical procedures in the stretcher chair in a broad range of positions.

Abstract: Provided is a front structure of a vehicle 1, and the front structure includes a pair of side frames 2 and a first cross member 31. The pair of side frames 2 are disposed respectively on both sides of the vehicle in a vehicle-width direction and extend in a front-to-rear direction. The first cross member extends in the vehicle-width direction, and connects front-end portions 25 of the pair of side frames 2. Each of the front-end portions 25 of the side frames 2 includes a protruding portion 26 that extends frontwards integrally thereof beyond the first cross member 31. In the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle 1, the protruding portions 26 absorb the produced energy, so that the amount of deformation of portions respectively of the side frames 2 located at rear sides of the front-end portions 25 can be reduced.

Abstract: A reinforcing brace is disclosed. The reinforcing brace supports a collar of a fastener. In addition, the reinforcing brace is configured to strengthen the connection between a frame rail and a cross member. By aligning side walls of the reinforcing brace with walls of the cross member, the reinforcing brace can continue the walls of the cross member through the frame rail to strengthen the connection between the frame rail and the cross member.

Abstract: A vehicle including a main body frame having a length direction and a width direction includes a front frame carried by the main body frame. The front frame includes a first front cross frame having a generally height and extends along said main body's width direction. A second front cross frame is disposed frontward and offset from the first cross frame at an elevational height less than the first front cross frame. A first and second side frame interconnect with the first cross frame and the second cross frame to define radiator cage having an interior space. A radiator is disposed within the interior space of said radiator cage.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension subframe structure of a vehicle, which is capable of improving the overall rigidity of a suspension subframe to effectively receive input loads from suspension arms, while reducing the overall weight of the suspension subframe.

Abstract: Described herein are fiber-reinforced composite members and methods and systems for making the same. The composite members can be any of various types, including load-bearing structural members such as frame rails for a truck chassis. The composite members can be formed directly in a desired shape, such as with a pultrusion process, with irregular features, such as bolt holes, preformed therein without damaging the fibers. The composite members can provide similar or greater overall strength compared to metal members with reduced weight, and can comprise fibers distributed and oriented in such a manner to create additional strength in desired locations and directions and reduced strength in other locations/directions.

Abstract: A pair of side frames extends longitudinally away from each other in a vehicle width direction, which includes a closed cross section formed by an outer panel having a U-shaped cross section with its vehicle's inward side opening and an inner panel having a U-shaped cross section with its vehicle's outward side opening. A cab-mount bracket is provided on a vehicle-outward side of a front portion of the side frame to support a cabin. The cab-mount bracket includes an upper portion which is joined to a side face of a side portion of the outer panel and extends in an outward direction, and a lower portion which includes an extension portion extending in a vehicle inward direction beyond the side face of the outer panel and be joined to a lower face of a bottom portion of the inner panel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.

Abstract: A track frame in which stress concentration caused by a work load is avoided and that has increased strength. These are achieved by reducing the weigh of connection legs and providing sufficient welding length for joint surfaces for joining the connection legs. The track frame has a front and rear pair of left/right connection legs (61, 71) joined to a center frame (30) and side frames (7) to connect the center and side frames (30, 7). Each of the connection legs (61, 71) has a body part (62, 72) formed in a tubular shape, a center joint part (63, 73) formed at one opening edge of the body part (62, 72) and joined to the center frame (30), and a side joint part (64, 74) formed at the other opening edge of the body part (62, 72) and joined to a side frame (7). The center joining parts (63, 73) are flush with or projected from the upper surface of the center frame (30).

Abstract: A unit support is provided for the body of a motor vehicle having at least one connection point for the connection of a component of the engine compartment of the motor vehicle. It is provided that the unit support is substantially formed by the bulkhead of the motor vehicle, which separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment, and can be installed together with the at least one component as a preassembled structural unit into the body and can be connected to the instrument board of the motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a preassembled bulkhead module with such a unit support, a cockpit module for connection to the bulkhead module, and a body structure for receiving a bulkhead module.

Abstract: An upper frame for an excavator is provided to smoothly transmit the load and shock which is transmitted through a mounting portion of a working device during operation (e.g., a lifting operation mode), to an upper frame by integrally installing a bracket for mounting a fuel tank or the like on an upper plate of the upper frame. The upper frame includes a center frame having a bottom plate and a pair of side plates and vertically welded to the bottom plate, a left side frame welded to the side plate of the center frame, a right side frame welded to the side plate of the center frame, an upper plate placed in the front of the center frame for supporting a bracket for a working device, to which a boom is pivotally secured, and an extended member integrally extended from one end of the upper plate for supporting desired parts.

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.

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.

Abstract: A chassis frame includes a first chassis subsection having a first width w and at least a second chassis subsection adjacent to the first chassis subsection having a width W greater than the width w of the first chassis subsection. Each chassis subsection includes a right and a left parallel C shaped frame rail inwardly open towards each other and extending longitudinally; the chassis further includes a right—respectively left—interface bracket connecting two consecutive right—respectively left—frame rails belonging to two adjacent chassis subsections; the interface bracket maintains a transversal distance D between the said two consecutive right—respectively left—frame rails belonging to two adjacent subsections and further includes at least one mounting unit on which at least one vehicular operational part is attached.

Abstract: In a method of making a subframe of a motor vehicle profile elements made of hollow sections of steel are placed in a casting tool. Subsequently, aluminum material is filled into the casting tool to casting around the profile elements so as to form plural cast nodes on the profile elements in spaced-apart relationship.