Abstract: A kit that permits the conversion of a standard two-seat cart into a four-seat cart, with all passengers facing forward. The kit comprises an extension body member having two seats mounted thereon. An extension frame structure includes a pair of horizontally-extending, parallel beams, which frame structure and beams are mounted to the bottom surface of the extension body member. The beams are spaced apart a predetermined distance so that they can respectively abut the frame of a standard two-seat cart. The body portion is designed with wheel wells to accommodate the rear wheels of the cart.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for reinforcing the rear end of a vehicle having a ladder-type frame. The device includes a first bar that is adapted to be secured between the left side rail and right suspension attachment of the vehicle frame and a second bar adapted to be secured between the right side rail and left suspension attachment such that the first and second bars are mounted to the frame in a crosswise fashion with respect to each other between the side rails. The device is mounted adjacent the rear of the vehicle frame whereby torsional stiffness and rigidity can be added to the rear of the frame and lateral deflection of the suspension attachments that occurs during aggressive driving is sharply minimized.

Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pair of spaced-apart and longitudinally-extending main members. At least two cross members extend between and are attached to the main members. Each one of at least a pair of hangers is attached to and depends from a respective one of the main members for suspending an axle/suspension system from the frame. A force distribution assembly is attached to the main members and the hangers and includes a component that deforms or shears in an extreme event. The force distribution assembly extends perpendicularly between the main members and interrupts the transmission of forces encountered by the axle/suspension system that move through each one of the hangers to its respective main member, and redirects at least a portion of such forces across said force distribution assembly and into the other one of the main members.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes first and second generally parallel chassis rails. At least one of the first and second chassis rails has a first portion defining an internal cavity and at least a second portion defining an enclosed passageway extending along the first portion and within the internal cavity. The at least one of the first and second chassis rails is configured to be coupled to a first component and to provide a routing within the passageway between the first component and a second component.

Abstract: A rear structure of a gaseous fuel vehicle in this invention includes right and left rear frame members, and a support frame mounted to the right and left rear frame members, on which support frame a gaseous fuel tank is mounted. Each of the right and left rear frame members is constituted by a curved member which includes a curved portion curving upward, and a front linear portion and a rear linear portion which are lower than the highest portion of the curved portion. The support frame is attached to the front linear portions and the rear linear portions. The front linear portions are attached to the rear end of a vehicle frame to provide a low floor in a passenger compartment. A load applied to the rear ends of the right and left rear frame members is dispersed into the right and left rear frame members and the support frame, and transmitted to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A leaf spring bracket is fixed to an outer surface of a vertical wall of a side member in a vehicle transverse direction by use of rivets penetrating the vertical wall. A gusset which couples an end of a cross member in the vehicle transverse direction with the side member has a vertical plate and upper and lower horizontal plates. The vertical plate is fixed to the vertical wall of the side member. The upper and lower horizontal plates extend inward in the vehicle transverse direction from upper and lower ends of the vertical plate, respectively, and are fixed to upper and lower walls of the cross member, respectively. The vertical plate has ribs protruding inward in the vehicle transverse direction. The ribs form and define recessed parts in an outer surface of the vertical plate in the vehicle transverse direction. Parts of the rivets, which project from an inner surface of the vertical wall in the vehicle transverse direction, are housed in the recessed parts.

Abstract: A modular type motor-driven vehicle includes a front half module, a rear half module and a retainer unit. The front half module includes a front vehicle frame, a front vehicle body shell disposed fixedly on the front vehicle frame, and a seat disposed fixedly on the front vehicle body shell. The rear half module includes a rear vehicle frame, a rear vehicle body shell disposed fixedly on the rear vehicle frame, and a driving unit disposed between the rear vehicle frame and the rear vehicle body shell. The retainer unit includes an engaging member connected fixedly to the front half module, a handle unit disposed on the rear half module, a hook member biased to engage the engaging member so as to retain the front half module on the rear half module. The handle unit is operable so as to disengage the hook member from the engaging member.

Abstract: A frame structure is provided in which a sub-frame is fixed to a rear portion of a vehicle body frame, and serves as a suspension-supporting portion of the vehicle body frame. In the sub-frame, a rear member extends between a sub-frame upper pipe and a sub-frame lower pipe. The rear member includes a rear upper arm supporting portion and a rear lower arm supporting portion, for supporting proximal ends of an upper arm and a lower arm of a rear suspension. The frame structure hereof improves accuracy and rigidity of the suspension-supporting portion of the vehicle body frame, and provides a simplified structure as compared to conventional frame structures.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a motorized vehicle includes a vehicle body frame with an upper frame, a lower basket frame integrally attached to and extending downwardly from the upper frame, and an auxiliary frame which is separate from and operatively attached to the vehicle body frame. The upper frame includes a head pipe, a tubular main frame section attached to the head pipe, a pair of seat rails extending rearwardly in a divergent fashion from the main frame section, and a rear crossbar interconnecting the seat rails at rear portions thereof. The lower basket frame comprises left and right down tubes extending downwardly in a divergent fashion from the head pipe, a pair of left and right lower pipes extending rearwardly from lower ends of the respective down tubes, and a pair of medial frame sections extending between rear ends of the lower pipes and the seat rails. The auxiliary frame has a width substantially equal to a distance between the left and right lower pipes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a torsion attenuator for a vehicle frame having first and second longitudinal frame rails extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. A torsion attenuator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes first and second brackets coupled to the first and second frame rails, respectively. The torsion attenuator further includes a cable coupled at a first end to the first bracket, and coupled at a second end to the second bracket. A torsion attenuator in accordance with the present invention provides that the torsional loads are distributed to the frame rail system, rather than to the individual rails. Such a torsion attenuator may be especially advantageous in suspension systems that employ air springs.

Abstract: The module is extended to extend the body (10) of said vehicle by being fastened thereto. It is also designed to support rear doors (14) and a rear bumper. It comprises a frame of plastics material (24) including fastener means for fastening to the body and fastener means (28) to the doors (14). It further comprises extenders (26) for extending side rails (20) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hearse assembly includes a support frame that has a substantially rectangular shape and has a forward end and rearward end. A tricycle frame includes a motor and has a back portion and a front portion. The back portion is integrally coupled to the forward end. A steering column and wheel combination is coupled to the front portion. A first axle is mounted on the support frame and is positioned nearer the forward end. A first differential is mechanically coupled to the first axle. A first drive shaft mechanically couples the motor to the first differential. A second axle is mounted the support frame and is positioned nearer the rearward end. The first and second axles each have a pair of free ends each having a wheel attached thereto. A housing is mounted the support frame. A door is positioned in the housing for selectively opening or closing the housing.

Abstract: A suspension lift mechanism is described for use with sport utility vehicles. Such sport utility vehicles have a pair of frame rails which have a plurality of suspension attachments positioned thereon. The elements of a suspension system are usually mounted on said suspension attachments. The suspension lift mechanism includes a pair of rear brackets consisting of a rear frame extension which has an upper surface adapted to mate with the lower surface of the frame rail. The rear frame extension has a plurality of suspension attachments positioned thereon and is mounted to a frame rail. A pair of front brackets consists of a front frame extension which has an upper surface of the front frame extension adapted to mate with the lower surface of the frame rail. The front frame extension has a plurality of suspension attachments positioned thereon and is mounted to the frame rail.

Abstract: A chassis of modular construction for commercial vehicles has a front vehicle subframe and a rear vehicle subframe connected thereto, an individual wheel suspension having a spring and/or shock-absorber strut and also an upper transverse link and a lower transverse link formed on the front vehicle subframe on each side of the vehicle. The front vehicle subframe is composed of two side consoles assigned in each case to one side of the vehicle, an upper crossmember connecting the two side consoles to each other at the top and a lower crossmember connecting the two side consoles to each other at the bottom. Each side console is connected to the rear vehicle subframe. One of the upper transverse links is mounted on each side console and one of the spring and/or shock-absorber struts is supported thereon. The two lower transverse links are mounted on the lower crossmember.

Abstract: A construction machine where a load acting on a vehicle body during an operation is transferred to ensure the strength of the vehicle body, thereby improving reliability including welding reliability. In the construction machine, at least one of the height differences between an upper face or a lower face of the center frame at a joining portion between the center frame and the connecting member and an upper face or a lower face of a center joining portion of the connecting member is set respectively at a dimension that is approximately equal to or less than the thickness of an upper face plate or a lower face plate of the center frame.

Abstract: A construction machine where an operating load is transferred to a location having good rigidity, thereby ensuring the strength of a vehicle body and increasing the load-withstanding strength in relation to running loads. The frame of the lower traveling body of the construction machine comprising a hollow center frame having an upper plate with an attachment ring, a lower plate, and side plates that surrounding sides of the frame and that jut out from the attachment ring, and reinforcing ribs which connect the upper plate to the lower plate in the interior of the center frame beneath the attachment ring.

Abstract: A joint between two or more structural members in a vehicular body and frame assembly facilitates the application of a coating of a material thereto after assembly of the joint. The first and second structural members have respective outer surfaces provided thereon. A spacer is provided either as a portion of a reinforcement member disposed within the first structural member or integrally with the first structural member. The first structural member is connected to the second structural member with the spacer therebetween so as to define a joint defining a gap between the outer surfaces of the first and second structural members. Lastly, a coating of a material is applied to the outer surfaces of the first and second structural members.

Abstract: A utility vehicle that has a bogey beam suspension for the front steered wheels is also provided with all wheel drive by mounting a drive shaft within the bogey beam so that power can be furnished to the front axle. For a six wheel vehicle the middle axle is mounted on the rear of the bogey beam and driven from the rear drive axle by a universal drive assembly. In the four wheel version in which a resilient member is attached between the vehicle and the rear of the bogey beam, the rear drive axle is interconnected with the rear of the front wheel drive shaft by a universal drive assembly.

Abstract: A load handler with a modular frame and the manufacture and assembly of the frame and loader and components that may be used therein. A frame is provided that has a low pivot point for a boom. The frame has left and right side rails, and front and rear cross rails, each having a closed cross-section construction. The side rails and cross rails are modular and the cross rails of a selected size are configured to fit a plurality of sizes of side rails, such that the same size cross rails may be used to construct a variety sizes and capabilities of load handling vehicles in a flow type manufacturing process. A structural beam is provided having plates interconnected along their lengths to form the beam having a box-shaped closed cross-section having a perimeter generally along the widths of the plates and forming a beam cavity within the perimeter.

Abstract: A chassis for a recreational vehicle having an open lattice structure includes a pair of central longitudinal support units, each including a pair of vertically spaced bearing members that are interconnected to provide vertical rigidity. A pair of side longitudinal support units extend parallel to the central longitudinal support units and also include a pair of vertically spaced bearing members interconnected to provide vertical rigidity. The central longitudinal support unit includes a further lower bottom member positioned at the same vertical distance as the lower side longitudinal support bearing member. Interconnecting members provide both vertical and horizontal rigidity so that a stable chassis platform is provided without requiring additional structural support and strength from any hull built thereon.

Abstract: In a vehicle frame, a console frame structure is assembled to a chassis or main frame structure using a flap retainer. The chassis includes a bracket having a slot with a forward closed end and a rear open end. The console frame structure includes a post that is inserted into the slot for assembly. A flap retainer is attached to the bracket adjacent the slot and includes a fixed portion attached near the closed end and a free portion adjacent the open end. The flap retainer defines an opening sized and shaped for receiving the post. During assembly, the flap retainer flexes so that the free portion is spaced apart from the open end of the slot to allow the post to be inserted. The flap retainer returns to a retaining position to capture the post within the opening of the flap retainer. In the event of a vehicle impact, the flap retainer secures the post to prevent the console frame structure from becoming dislodged.

Abstract: A frame for a tracked skid steer loader machine or multi-terrain loader machine is provided having a structural design that enables the loader machine to be modularly assembled using a variety of pre-assembled components, namely a lower frame assembly, an upper frame assembly and an undercarriage. The lower frame assembly includes a pair of recessed channels formed on a base portion of the lower frame assembly and extending the width of the lower frame assembly. The undercarriage includes right and left track assemblies connected by a pair of crossmembers. Each recessed channel is engagingly associated with a respective crossmember of the undercarriage, thereby allowing for the modular assembly of a loader machine when the recessed channels of the lower frame assembly are mounted over the crossmembers of the undercarriage. An upper frame assembly may be mounted on the lower frame assembly before or after the lower frame assembly is mounted onto the undercarriage.

Abstract: In a frame for an over the highway or off-highway truck or tractor, the frame includes a first and second frame rail and a composite cross-member comprising a first sheet, a second sheet and a core material sheet positioned between the first and second face sheet. The first and second face sheets being made of metal and plastic and the core material being made of any one of wood, plastic, honey-comb, foam and nomex. The first sheet, second sheet and core material sheet are all bonded together to form a cross-member. The cross-member is then mounted to frame rails to construct a truck or tractor frame.

Abstract: An undercarriage for a vehicle including at least two longitudinal beams, at least one transverse beam and at least one wheel axle. The height of the foremost part of the longitudinal beams has a reduction in height that defines a swan-neck. The longitudinal beams are made of a composite material including a thermoplastic synthetic material with reinforcing fibers. The height of the foremost part of the longitudinal beams is reduced by means of plastic deformation.

Abstract: A vehicle body and frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a plurality of transverse cross members extending therebetween. The cross member is a multiple piece structure, including a central portion having a pair of end portions secured thereto. The central portion of the cross member is preferably formed from a first metallic material, while the end portions are preferably both formed from a second metallic material. The end portions of the cross member are preferably formed from the same metallic material as the respective side rails to which they are secured. The end portions of the cross member can be secured to the ends of the central portion by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding. Similarly, the cross member can be secured to the side rails by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding or by conventional welding. The end portions of the cross member can extend either partially or completely through the respective side rails.

Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises a pre-assembled front module (1) including a support structure (2); a propulsion unit (14); a steerable front wheel assembly (17); an intermediate support structure (20) for housing and supporting a windscreen; a planar load-bearing floor structure (30); a pre-assembled intermediate module (40) including a firewall (41), instrument panel (42), steering column (43, 44) and a control pedal assembly (45); a rear pre-assembled module (50) including a support frame (51), at least one pair of rear wheels (55); an annular rear structure (60); and two side structures (70).

Abstract: A frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a forward module and a rearward module. The forward module comprises a pair of forward side rail portions, which are interconnected by a cross portion. The forward side rail portions are angularly disposed with respect to one another such that they have an increasing distance therebetween as they extend rearwardly. Rearward ends of the forward side rail portions are connected to associated forward ends of the rearward side rail portions. At least one of the forward and rearward side rail portions has a notch formed therein permitting an end portion thereof to be bent laterally to permit interface with the associated side rail portion connected thereto. The end portion is then bent back and is welded to the associated side rail portion connected thereto.

Abstract: A module includes a reservoir having at least three chambers for storing compressed air for a vehicle air supply system, and a mounting assembly for supporting the reservoir on the vehicle. The chambers are separate from each other internally. The reservoir includes external connections, such as air lines or piping, for interconnecting the three chambers. The mounting assembly includes a bracket having a support surface. A bracket liner is received on the bracket between the support surface and the outer side surface of the reservoir. The reservoir may also include a purge chamber and an air dryer, as one unit, supported on the vehicle by the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A frame for the drive unit of an industrial truck, particularly a stacker lift truck which, inter alia, serves as a carrier of a lifting device and/or travel drive. The frame having a forward-facing apron formed in the shape of a bow from a cut-to-size flat sheet metal piece and a one-piece rear wall formed from a cut-to-size flat sheet metal piece connected to the apron as a carrier unit for attachment and installation parts in the drive unit, which is chamfered and, as a result, has an upper portion and lateral portions which also define visible surface portions of the casing for the drive unit.

Abstract: A conversion apparatus for attachment to a vehicle is provided. The conversion apparatus may include a frame having a mounting assembly adapted to releasably couple the conversion apparatus to the vehicle, and a first extension and a second extension, where each extension laterally extends from the mounting assembly on opposing sides of the vehicle. The frame further includes a first support member extending from the first extension to form a first pocket between the vehicle and the first support member, and a second support member extending from the second extension to form a second pocket between the vehicle and the second support member.

Abstract: A tractor frame comprises a pair of left and right cranked side frame elements disposed in parallel. Each of the cranked side frame elements includes a web portion at a longitudinally intermediate portion of the cranked side frame elements, a front level portion extended forward from the web portion, and a rear level portion extended backward from the web portion so that a top of the rear level portion is lower than a top of the front level portion. A footboard is provided on the top of the rear level portion.

Abstract: A lightweight vehicle frame capable of bearing significant loads is provided. The vehicle frame includes first and second rail members extending parallel to one another and at least one cross-member extending between the first and second rail members. At least one of these members includes adjacent apertures in a side wall. One of the apertures is larger in size proximate one edge of the side wall than an opposite edge of the side wall. The other aperture is complementary in shape and is larger in size proximate the opposite edge of the side wall than the one edge of the side wall. The resulting structure reduces the weight of the vehicle frame, yet maintains significant load-bearing capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a road or rail vehicle comprised of a lightweight perimeter frame with panel-like elements, which define a floor, a roof, side walls, and front and rear end elements. In this design the panels are made from high-strength materials wherein the panels are the primary structural elements and the perimeter frame is used primarily as a means of attaching the panels. However, the perimeter chassis is reinforced with heavier sections in certain areas to distribute concentrated forces and impact loads into the structural panels from the vehicle suspension, powertrain, doors, seating, and major access panels or hatches. The body/chassis structure is configured with front and rear chassis subcomponents to which all suspension, steering, engine, and powertrain elements are mounted, in a manner to allow the entire sub-assemblies at the front and rear of the vehicle to be easily installed and removed from the chassis structure.

Abstract: A body structure of a forklift truck is provided, with which no dead space is formed in a cross member while securing the constructional strength of the cross member, an increase in length of the truck body due to the space needed in the prior art to locate the exhaust muffler can be evaded resulting in a compact forklift truck, and winding-up of dust on the ground caused when the radiator cooling air flows to the underside of the truck body is prevented without an increase in manufacturing cost. The structure of the vehicle body having a cross member fixed to the inside faces of a pair of left and right side frames is characterized in that the cross member is composed of a vertical plate and a horizontal plate fixed to the vertical plate at a substantially right angle to form a crooked member having the general shape of an inversed letter “L” with an axle support member fixed the lower end of the vertical plate.

Abstract: A mounting frame unit attached to a tractor body for enabling working implements such as a front loader and a backhoe to be attached to the tractor body. The mounting frame unit includes a pair of right and left main frames extending longitudinally of the tractor body, and connecting frames for connecting the main frames as spaced from each other. A lower mounting unit is disposed in a rearward section of each of the main frames for connection to a rear axle case forming part of the tractor body. An upper mounting unit for connection to the rear axle case is disposed on a bridge member that bridges upper positions of an upwardly opening cutout formed in the rearward section.

Abstract: A foldable electric powered child riding vehicle includes a front module pivotally connected to a rear module. In a riding configuration, the modules are secured together in a stretched (i.e., deployed) position. An electric drive of the vehicle may be enabled only after the modules have been secured in the stretched position. In a storage/transportation configuration, the modules are disengaged and rotationally folded.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a braking system, an energy conversion system, a steering system and a suspension system wherein each system is operably connected to at least one of a plurality of wheels. The systems are packaged substantially within a substantially flat vehicle frame to provide a substantially flat chassis. The flatness of the chassis increases available passenger space in any attached vehicle body and facilitates compatibility between the chassis and bodies of varying configurations.

Abstract: This drive assembly is suitable for a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car of the sportscar type, and comprises an internal-combustion engine, a clutch and a transmission which form a constructional unit. The drive assembly is fastened by means of several bearings on a carrying structure of a vehicle body of the passenger car. For an advantageous installation of the drive assembly, a first bearing interacting with a first bearing receiving device of the carrying structure is provided approximately in a longitudinal center plane of the passenger car on a free side of the internal-combustion engine, in which case, a second bearing and a third bearing are mounted outside the longitudinal center plane in the area of a free end of the transmission, which hold second and third bearing receiving devices of the carrying structure in position.

Abstract: A pound or number sign shaped (#-shaped) die cast sub-frame includes first and second horizontal members and first and second vertical members. The sub-frame has four arm mounting portions provided at four corners thereof, respectively. The arm mounting portion is a die cast part obtained near a communication portion of a runner formed in a die casting machine. Generally triangular bulged portions are formed at junction portions where the first horizontal member meets the first and second vertical members. Each junction portion has increased width. The junction portion is a die cast obtained within a cavity of increased width of the die casting machine. The bulged portion is pierced to provide a hole. The bulged portion having the hole formed therein is to be mounted to a small vehicle component.

Abstract: A structural frame for a vehicle chassis includes transversely-oriented unitary structural members interconnecting at least three longitudinally-oriented elongated members. The use of unitary structural members and elongated members provides flexibility in assembling structural frames of differing configurations. Correspondingly, a method of assembling structural frames having transversely-oriented unitary structural members interconnecting at least three longitudinally-oriented elongated members is provided.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type having an extensible arm, the maximum reach of the arm for a given work machine is limited by such factors as the vehicle's weight, body size and engine placement. The present invention provides for a work machine arrangement in which a work machine has an engine cooling apparatus mounted to the work machine body such that the engine cooling apparatus's longitudinal axis is oriented substantially parallel to the arm longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A metallic product has a metallic curved hollow member having a hollow cross section which has a thin wall portion and a thick wall portion which is thicker than the thin wall portion. The metallic curved hollow member is produced by bending a metallic straight hollow member produced by extrusion of aluminum material which is one of aluminum and aluminum alloy. Another metallic product has a metallic curved hollow member having a hollow cross section which has a cross-shaped portion. The metallic curved hollow member is produced by bending a metallic straight hollow member produced by extrusion of aluminum material which is one of aluminum and aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame assembly. A drive assembly depends from the frame assembly and abuts the terrain. An engine powers the drive assembly. The engine includes an output shaft. A transmiss0n assembly transfers power of the engine to the drive assembly. The transmission assembly includes a transfer shaft driven by the output shaft. The frame assembly has a frame member disposed rearward of the engine. The frame member unitarily forms side sections, a rear section and a bottom section. The transfer shaft transversely extends between the side sections and is journaled by the side sections. The frame member supports the engine in front of the transfer shaft.

Abstract: In a frame for an over the highway or off-highway truck or tractor, the frame includes a first and second frame rail and a composite cross-member comprising a first sheet, a second sheet and a core material sheet positioned between the first and second face sheet. The first and second face sheets being made of metal and plastic and the core material being made of any one of wood, plastic, honey-comb, foam and nomex. The first sheet, second sheet and core material sheet are all bonded together to form a cross-member. The cross-member is then mounted to frame rails to construct a truck or tractor frame.

Abstract: Various body configurations capitalize upon the interchangeability of vehicle bodies on a flat rolling chassis. The ability to interchange vehicle bodies and exchange modular interior components enables substantial freedom and variation in the types of automobile, trucks, heavy equipment, machinery, RV bodies, etc. that can be interchanged on a rolling chassis. Various seating arrangements may be provided as well as enhanced space utilization, and different types of interior and exterior environments, aesthetics and functionality, including sound, lighting, and other technology enhancements may be provided on a body. Methods and structures facilitate the exchange of modular body components, such as via a removable body floor.

Abstract: A chassis for a commercial vehicle, in particular a lorry, having a front module which has, on each side of the vehicle, a longitudinal member part and having an axle module which is fastened to the outside of the longitudinal member parts on each side of the vehicle in each case in a first coupling zone of the longitudinal member parts. The axle module has, on each side of the vehicle, an individual wheel suspension. Each of two lower A-frame arms are mounted with its second limb in a second coupling zone of the respective longitudinal member part. Both the first coupling zones and the second coupling zones are designed for at least two coupling configurations. The coupling can figuration differ from one another with regard to the vertical ground clearance of the longitudinal member parts.

Abstract: A miniaturized four wheel vehicle includes a forwardly located compartment for transporting articles. Robust side mounted footrests, in combination with a forwardly canted steering handlebar urges a driver to lean into a turn to enhance stability during turns. The motor and related heavy components are mounted low on the frame to maintain the center of gravity close to the ground. A drive train of cog wheels and cog belt ensure corresponding rotation of the motor and rear axle to maintain affirmative control over forward and rearward movement. If an electric motor is used, soft start circuitry prevents abrupt starts. By mounting the front and rear axles at different heights relative to the frame, the frame will cant forwardly downwardly for better control and maneuverability.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame including a base portion and a removable portion that both bear operating loads of the motorcycle. The removable portion and base portion are fastened together at a joint comprising a first end cap having a protrusion, a second end cap having a recess, and a fastener having a fastener axis and extending through the first and second end caps. The protrusion and the recess are characterized by angled walls oriented at an acute angle with respect to the fastener axis. The angled wall engagement of the end caps ensures that substantially all shear loads in the joint are born by the end caps and not by the fastener. The motorcycle footpeg position can be changed by replacing the removable portion with a second removable portion having footpeg mounting structure at a different location than the removable portion.

Abstract: A front body structure is provided to disperse an impact load to a floor framework member through a rear end of a subframe effectively. The subframe 11 includes a left side frame 12L, a right side frame 12R and a rear frame 13. Each of the side frames 12L, 12R includes a forked part 14 having an inside branch part 14a pointing to a vehicle's inside in a width direction of the vehicle along a first route A and an outside branch part 14b pointing to a vehicle's outside in the width direction along a second route B. In operation, if an impact load F due to an offset front collision is applied on the side frame 12 in concentration, then the load F is divided into a load component Fa to be transmitted to the other side frame 12L through the inside branch part 14a and the rear frame 13 along the first route A and another load component Fb to be transmitted to the floor framework member 8 through the outside branch part 14b along the second route B.

Abstract: In a body structure for a motor vehicle made of assembled members spaced partition plates are arranged in the member. A working opening is formed between consecutive partition plates, and after the connection of adjacent members, the working opening can be closed by way of a cover plate, whereby a reinforced stability range is formed in the area of the member connection.