Abstract: A method for determining stability of a vehicle having a load suspended from the vehicle is provided. The method can include obtaining measurements from a plurality of sensors positioned on the vehicle, obtaining a measurement from a vehicle accelerometer operative to determine an inclination of the vehicle, determining a position of the load suspended from the vehicle, determining a slung load of the load suspended from the vehicle, using the determined slung load and the determined position of the load suspended from the vehicle, determining tipping moments acting on the vehicle, determining righting moments acting on the vehicle and determining a tipping stability based on the determined tipping moments and determined righting moments.

Abstract: A universal assembly platform for lightweight vehicles including a main vehicle chassis structure, a floorboard disposed over a top of the main vehicle chassis structure. The floorboard defines a floor surface of a lightweight vehicle that is subsequently assembled utilizing the universal assembly platform. The platform additionally includes at least one energy cell reservoir disposed below the floorboard. The at least one energy cell reservoir is structured and operable to retain at least one prime mover energy cell that will provide electrical energy to power an electric motor of the lightweight vehicle subsequently assembled utilizing the universal assembly platform.

Abstract: A battery pack is placed on a battery frame. The battery frame has a lateral frame which extends in a lateral direction. A connection bracket for connecting the battery frame and a floor of a vehicle is joined to an end of the lateral frame. With the joining of the end of the lateral frame with the connection bracket, a crank shape is formed in the lateral direction. A reinforcement plate functioning as a brace is placed at a corner portion of the crank shape.

Abstract: This fuel cell vehicle comprises a DC-DC converter constituted of a power input portion, reactors, and switching circuit sections. Connecting portions of the power input portion to the reactors and connecting portions of the reactors to the switching circuit sections in the DC-DC converter are all arranged side by side along a forward-backward direction of the vehicle, and arranged in this state on the side of one side surface of the DC-DC converter on one of the right side and left side of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subframe for the vehicle chassis of motor vehicles, which subframe has at least one cavity usable as a pressure accumulator and has a cross member (1) which is connected, at the two end faces (27, 28) thereof, to a node element (3, 4). Bearing elements (10 to 12) and/or further frame elements are attached to the node elements (3, 4). The cross member (1) is formed as a continuous rib-reinforced component or extruded part (15) and forms for the pressure accumulator a pressure-resistant cavity which is closed off by the node elements (3, 4) at the end faces.

Abstract: A vehicle body reinforcement unit includes a reinforcement member disposed between a pair of frame portions of a vehicle body and including a pair of displacement members that is displaced relative to each other in association with a relative displacement of the pair of frame portions, the reinforcement member including a damping mechanism that applies a damping force to a relative operation of the pair of displacement members.

Abstract: A battery pack mounting structure for electric cars in which a pair of rear side members having a front portion, a rear portion, and a rising portion are arranged at both vehicle-widthwise side portions, intermediate portions of the respective rear side members are coupled to each other by a cross member, and a battery pack is mounted on a vehicle body by a sub-frame that is coupled to the respective rear side members and the cross member, wherein the cross member is arranged at a position below a bent portion that connects the rising portion and the rear portion of each of the rear side members, the sub-frame includes a ring-like support frame that extends in a horizontal direction and surrounds an outer periphery of the battery pack, and a front side portion and both vehicle-widthwise side portions of the support frame are respectively coupled to the cross member and the rear portions of the respective rear side members by coupling portions.

Abstract: A conversion kit for converting an ATV into a low profile, vehicle with a driver cage and roll bar. The conversion kit includes a sub-frame assembly made of lightweight tubular material. During assembly, the ATV's front suspension, handlebars, front wheels, front shocks, and hand and foot controls are disconnected from the ATV. The sub-frame assembly is longitudinally aligned and connected to the A-Arm mounting brackets on the ATV's main frame assembly. The sub-frame assembly includes a protective cage frame and a roll bar. The ATV's front suspension and A-arms are re-connected to A-arm mounting brackets attached to the front section of the sub-frame assembly. The sub-frame assembly includes foots pedals and receives the ATV's handlebars with the hand controls. The kit includes a cable and wire harness sets and a seat belt assembly. It may also include an optional seat, mirrors, wheel extension adaptors, a foot shield and a rear wing.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure is provided with a vehicle body member, a charger, a structural support member. The charger includes an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The lower end portion of the charger is supported on the vehicle body member. The structural support member extends in a widthwise direction of the vehicle body structure in a position rearward of the upper end portion of the charger and adjacent the upper end portion of the charger.

Abstract: There is provided a functional panel that can be joined and disassembled with ease by solving problems with a functional panel including electrical conductors integrally molded therewith, causing occurrence of cracking on the surface thereof, or cracking of a molded unit around the periphery of the electrical conductor, thereby rendering the electrical conductor susceptible to a break when a flexural load, an impact load, and so forth, acts on the functional panel. The functional panel comprises a main body of a panel member, an electrical conductor coated with a semi-cured resin having heat resistance and insulation properties, and a reinforcing fiber having a continuous filament, for fixing the electrical conductor to the main body of the panel member to thereby provide enhancement, and the functional panel is formed by exposing one end, and the other end of the electrical conductor from respective end faces of the panel member formed by integral molding.

Abstract: A support of an axle transmission in the rear region of a passenger vehicle on a rear axle carrier and on the floor panel structure of the vehicle body in a further connecting point with the interposition of elastic supports is provided. On the output side, the transmission is supported on the sole transverse member of the rear axle carrier, which includes two longitudinal members, and on the input side the transmission is fixed to the floor panel structure via a serial connection of two elastic supports with a mass body arranged therebetween. The transmission may be fixed to two connecting points on the floor panel structure, the connecting points lying next to each other substantially in the transverse direction. Two such serial connections of elastic supports may be provided with a common mass body with a weight ranging from 3 to 7 kilograms.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a seat oriented in a passenger compartment forward of a storage compartment. The seat has a seat back that is pivotally connected to a body of the vehicle. The seat back is pivotable between a seating position and a storage position. A battery is disposed within the storage compartment. A tray is removably connected to the vehicle body in either one of a first and a second position. The tray is elevated from the battery within the storage compartment in the first position. The tray is connected to the vehicle body such that it is contiguous with and forward of the battery in the second position. A flat load floor is formed by the top surface of a housing of the battery together with the tray.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with an elongate compressed air tank, a chassis assembled with the tank oriented longitudinally in the chassis where the tank is a load-bearing structural chassis member, wheels connected to the chassis, and a powertrain driven by the compressed air and operably connected to one of the wheels. A chassis for a pneumatic vehicle is provided with an elongate compressed air tank, a first series of side support members connected laterally to the air tank, a second series of side support members connected laterally to the air tank, a first side panel connected to the first series of side support members, a second side panel connected to the second series of side support members, wheels connected to the side panels, and a powertrain driven by the air in the compressed air tank and connected to one of the wheels.

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: An extendable frame work vehicle offering enhanced versatility, safety and effectiveness. The vehicle includes an adjustable frame with front and rear portions that extend or retract with respect to each other. The front portion is supported by a first pair of wheels and said rear portion is supported by a second pair of wheels. Each wheel is independently driven and steered. The vehicle also includes an engine mounted on the rear portion of the frame. Incorporated into the vehicle is an electro-hydraulic assembly which enables extension and retraction of the adjustable frame. The assembly includes a sensor-responsive microprocessor controller, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic drive motor and at least one valve network.

Abstract: An air-cushioned vehicle or hovercraft includes a three-dimensional frame comprising a latticework of tubular members. A pressure plate is coupled to the underside of the frame and includes at least one aperture therein and a skirt attached adjacent a periphery thereof. At least one lifting fan is positioned relative to the at least one aperture to generate a current of air therethrough. The frame may be configured to generate a visual indication of damage thereto. Methods of making and air-cushion vehicle are disclosed. Methods of using an air-cushion vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle is provided, and includes a single upper frame element having left and right upper spars that each have a downward-extending portion. Left and right lower spars are connected to the upper spars. Left and right rear spars are connected to the left lower spar and the right lower spar, with a second end connected to a rear section of the single upper frame element. A rear suspension sub-frame is coupled to the rear spars, with a wheel rotatably coupled thereto, and a front suspension assembly is coupled to the upper spars, with a left and a right wheel rotatably coupled thereto. A seat is coupled to the rear suspension sub-frame, with the seat located so that when an operator is straddling the seat, a perineum of the operator is located below a plane defined by an upper-most point of each of the three wheels.

Abstract: A vehicular canister attachment structure which dispenses with a drain tube, is readily installed, and is low in cost. A canister attached to a bottom or side surface of a floor frame and a cross-member forming part of a vehicle body has an air communication part, which is inserted into the floor frame.

Abstract: A reinforcing member for vehicles comprises a pair of fixed parts fastened on spaced-apart portions of a vehicle body, and a bar body for connecting the respective fixed parts. A rotation allowing mechanism is provided on at least one of the fixed parts in order to allow the bar body to rotate with respect to the vehicle body. Therefore, the respective two portions of the vehicle body, on which the fixed parts are fastened respectively, are allowed to have angle variations to each other without changing the space between the two portions of the vehicle body. Consequently, the rigidity of the entire vehicle body can be improved without the degradation in the drivability and the ride comfortableness of the vehicle.

Abstract: A chassis frame (10) uses channels as right and left side rails (12, 14). A lower “clam” (22) has a horizontal bottom wall (26L) that bridges the side rails and is disposed against bottom flanges (20R, 20L) of the side rail channels and vertical side flanges (28L, 30L) that extend from opposite sides of the bottom wall upward and against a face of a respective one of vertical walls (16R, 16L) of the channels that is exterior to the interior of the respective channel. An upper “clam” (24) is a mirror image of the lower “clam” and fits over the side rails. Spacer structure (30, 31, 38A, 38B, 40A, 40B) is disposed between and in abutment with the side rail channels and between and in abutment with the “clams” in inwardly spaced relation to the side rail channels. Fasteners (48, 50, 56, 62) fasten various parts together to complete the cross member that is formed by the “clams” and the spacer structure.

Abstract: A rear vehicle structure has an electrical system unit, two side members, two extension parts, two cross members, a rear seat and a cover. The electrical system unit includes first and second electrical system units. Each extension part extends rearwardly from one of the rearward ends of one of the side members. The cross members are located above rear suspension members of the vehicle. The electrical system unit is fixedly attached to a top of at least one of the cross members. The rear seat is installed forward of the first electrical system unit. The second electrical system unit is located along a rearward surface of the rear seat. The cover is installed rearward of the second electrical system unit and has an upright panel that is oriented vertically to provide an enclosed space between a rearward surface of the second electrical system unit and the cover.

Abstract: A vehicle body reinforcement device comprises an elongated shape with its middle portion comprising a hydraulic damper that produces a damping force against longitudinal deformation. Two vehicle body reinforcement devices may be mounted in a longitudinal manner to a vehicle body frame with a lateral space being defined between the two devices. Both ends of each of the vehicle body reinforcement devices can be removably attached from outside of the vehicle to positions that are exposed outside of the passenger compartment and below the vehicle body.

Abstract: An extended section is provided on a head of a mounting bolt used to mount attached components, such as a front suspension member, a rear suspension member, and a rear stability brace, to a floor panel of a monocoque body. The extended section extends along the axis of the mounting bolt in a direction opposite to a threaded section. A male screw is formed on the extended section. Mount brackets of the vehicle body vibration damping apparatus can be mounted to the male screw.

Abstract: An extendable frame work vehicle offering enhanced versatility, safety and effectiveness. The vehicle includes an adjustable frame with front and rear portions that extend or retract with respect to each other. The front portion is supported by a first pair of wheels and said rear portion is supported by a second pair of wheels. Each wheel is independently driven and steered. The vehicle also includes an engine mounted on the rear portion of the frame. Incorporated into the vehicle is an electro-hydraulic assembly which enables extension and retraction of the adjustable frame. The assembly includes a sensor-responsive microprocessor controller, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic drive motor and at least one valve network.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes an exhaust device connected to an engine unit, and the exhaust device includes: a plurality of first exhaust pipes forwardly extending from an exhaust port which opens in the front of the engine unit; a joint portion for joining the first exhaust pipes; a second exhaust pipe connected to a downstream side of the joint portion and passing below an oil pan disposed in a lower portion of the engine unit; and an exhaust expansion chamber connected to a downstream portion of the second exhaust pipe. A cowling of such a motorcycle includes: a front cowling covering the engine unit and the exhaust device from lower and side portions thereof; and a rear cowling partially covering a rider's seat. The front cowling is formed with an air-exhaust opening at a bottom surface of a rear end thereof positioned to a front lower surface of the exhaust expansion chamber.

Abstract: Rear vehicle structure for housing one or more electrical system unit(s) in the rear of a vehicle, in which side members are provided proximate to a rear suspension of the vehicle, at least one side member on either side of the vehicle. Extension parts extend rearwardly from respective rearward ends of the side members, a forward cross member is located substantially at a forward end of the side members and above the rear suspension members, and a rearward cross member is located substantially at a rearward end of the side members and above the rear suspension members. The electrical system unit is fixedly attached to the top of at least one of the forward cross member or the rearward cross member.

Abstract: A rear vehicle structure has an electrical system unit, two side members, two extension parts, two cross members, a rear seat and a cover. The electrical system unit includes first and second electrical system units. Each extension part extends rearwardly from one of the rearward ends of one of the side members. The cross members are located above rear suspension members of the vehicle. The electrical system unit is fixedly attached to a top of at least one of the cross members. The rear seat is installed forward of the first electrical system unit. The second electrical system unit is located along a rearward surface of the rear seat. The cover is installed rearward of the second electrical system unit and has an upright panel that is oriented vertically to provide an enclosed space between a rearward surface of the second electrical system unit and the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oscillating undercarriage, in particular for a drilling device, comprising a chassis, two undercarriage units which are arranged laterally on the chassis and supported in a pivotable manner, two oscillating cylinders for pivoting the undercarriage units relative to the chassis, with an oscillating cylinder being assigned to each undercarriage unit, and hydraulic lines which are arranged on the oscillating cylinders for actuation of the oscillating cylinders, wherein the hydraulic lines of the two oscillating cylinders are connected to one another in order to pivot the undercarriage units in opposite directions.

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 structural member for use in a vehicle body and frame assembly includes an internal air tank for supplying pressurized air to an auxiliary device, such as an active suspension for the vehicle. The internal air tank may be generally cup-shaped, including a closed end portion, a plurality of side portions, and an outwardly extending flange portion that extends about an open end portion. The flange portion is secured to a first portion of the closed channel structural member to define an air-tight chamber. The chamber is adapted to selectively receive and store a quantity of a pressurized fluid therein, and further to selectively discharge such pressurized fluid to an auxiliary device. An opening can be formed through the structural member to facilitate fluid communication with the chamber. Alternately, the internal air tank may include a flexible bladder defining an air-tight chamber.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a chassis part for connection and force transmission between a vehicle chassis of at least one wheel, consisting of fiber-reinforced plastics or plastic composite systems, preferably for a passenger car or utility vehicle. The present invention is characterized in that at least one means for measuring forces acting on the chassis parts is integrated in the plastic portions of the chassis parts.

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 frame of a boat trailer includes longitudinal support beams that extend from a tongue. The support beams are C-shaped in cross section and have a generally hollow interior. Each one of the support beams includes a front wall with a slot formed therethrough; the slot runs the length of the support beam and provides access to the hollow interior. Electrical wiring and hydraulic brake fluid lines are disposed in the interior of the support beams for protection from the elements, road debris, and other hazards. Each of the support beams is removably coupled to side panel such that the side panel covers the slot formed in the support beam.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an airbag disposed in an area of a roof frame of a vehicle body which includes an “A” pillar, a “B” pillar, and a “C/D” pillar. A connecting tube is coupled to the airbag and extends in the area of the roof frame from the “A” pillar to the “C/D” pillar to conduct pressure gas from a pressure gas source to the airbag. The connecting tube is so configured as to provide stiffening for increasing a lateral rigidity of the roof frame and is firmly secured at least to the “A” pillar and the “C/D” pillar.

Abstract: A particular automotive assembly includes a brake line, a plastic clip and a second object. The brake line is a polyamide coated tube. The plastic clip has a tube receiver portion and a connector extension extending from the tube receiver portion. The polyamide coated tube is clipped in the tube receiver portion, and the tube receiver portion further is ultrasonically welded to the tube receiver portion. The connector extension facilitates connection of the plastic clip to another member. The second object is operatively attached to the connector extension of the plastic clip, the second object being one of an automotive frame member and an anti-lock brakes (ABS) wire.

Abstract: An accumulator is provided for a vehicle air system including a vehicle frame. A wheel end is spaced from the frame for supporting the vehicle frame on a roadway. A suspension assembly includes a suspension structure. The suspension structure may be a portion of an axle, a stabilizer bar, a control arm, or other suspension components. The suspension structure is interposed between the frame and the wheel end and is movable relative to the vehicle frame in response to the wheel end receiving inputs from the roadway. A fluid chamber forms the accumulator and is defined by a portion of the suspension structure for storing pressurized air. Preferably a valve is disposed within the fluid chamber to protect the valve from the environment. For light vehicle applications where a conventional air pump may be cost prohibitive, a mechanical pump may be connected between the vehicle frame and the suspension assembly.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a chassis part for connection and force transmission between a vehicle chassis of at least one wheel, consisting of fiber-reinforced plastics or plastic composite systems, preferably for a passenger car or utility vehicle.

Abstract: An over the highway heavy duty vehicle in the form of a selected one of a truck and a tractor is disclosed. The vehicle has a frame rail having a through aperture. A conductive solder ring is bonded to the rail and surrounds the aperture. A fastener extends through the aperture to secure an electrical connector in electrically conductive engagement with the ring. A ground cable is connected to the connector. A process for forming the ring is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile chassis for vehicle body interchangeability has a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system packaged in a rolling platform. The system is connected to a powertrain cooling loop for waste heat circulation and to an electric air conditioning compressor for cooling. Supplemental heating elements are utilized for additional heating loads. Airflow from the HVAC system flows into the vehicle body through single or multiple passthroughs from the rolling platform. The air is then distributed through a ducting system in the vehicle body. The ducting system utilizes floor structure, seat structure, body pillars, or other designed forms so that the airflow is positioned and directed as desired.

Abstract: An over the highway heavy duty vehicle in the form of a selected one of a truck and a tractor is disclosed. The vehicle has a frame rail having a through aperture. A conductive solder ring is bonded to the rail and surrounds the aperture. A fastener extends through the aperture to secure an electrical connector in electrically conductive engagement with the ring. A ground cable is connected to the connector. A process for forming the ring is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering wheel (22) of a vehicle (10) comprises a first steering column part (32), a second steering column part (34), and supporting structure (46) supporting the first steering column part and the vehicle steering wheel for movement relative to the second steering column part. An energy absorbing device (20) is interposed between the first steering column part (32) and the second steering column part (34) for resisting movement of the first part relative to the second part. The energy absorbing device (20) comprises a fluid (50) having a viscosity which varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The energy absorbing device (20) also comprises at least one orifice (76) through which the fluid (50) flows upon movement of the first part (32) relative to the second part (34).

Abstract: A motor-vehicle, particularly an electrically-powered car of small size, has a supporting structure in the form of a reticular framework (2) of light alloy. The framework (2) includes two side structures (3) each formed by extruded profile elements (4) which are welded to joining knot elements (5) which have been obtained by casting. The side structures (3) are connected to each other by cross members (6, 7, 8, 9) which also are formed by extruded profile elements having their ends connected to the side structures (3) by mechanical coupling means, such as screws.

Abstract: A racing go-cart vehicle includes a chassis having a top surface, a bottom surface, and front, rear and mid portions; a pair of steerable front wheels and a pair of rear wheels having at least one drive wheel and supporting the chassis; and a body-shell cover attached to the chassis. The racing go-cart vehicle also includes a steering wheel having buttons thereon for push-button shifting; a tie rod operatively connected to the front wheels; a steering column connecting the steering wheel and the tie rod; and a universal joint assembly for articulating the steering column. The racing go-cart vehicle further includes a braking system having a bias control member and an equalizer control assembly attached to the front and rear wheels; the wheels each having an adjustable suspension assembly connected thereto; an engine mounted on the mid portion of the chassis; a transmission system assembly adapted to transfer the output of the engine to the rear drive wheels.

Abstract: A capacitorized chassis, frame, or structure for use by an electric entity made up of sectionalized, interchangeable capacitors that conform to a size, shape and weight of that entity. Connected capacitors have a long, positive plate folded into multiple, involuted flat layers that are superimposed on both sides with pressurized argon gas, a dielectric and a long negative plate folded with similar layers and also superimposed with pressurized argon gas.

Abstract: A fire truck having a flat bed includes a conveyor system for loading a number of interchangeable firefighting modules onto the bed. The conveyor system comprises a frame carrying a number of rollers or casters which allow the units to be easily slid on and off the bed. A pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the roller frame to engage or disengage the flat bottoms of the firefighting modules. Among the various modules disclosed are a hose module having fold-down chutes which lay the hose out alongside the truck as the truck moves ahead, and a tank module, which is coupled by quick-connect hoses to the intake and discharge lines of a pump carried in the truck bed. The intake and discharge lines of the pump may double as chassis rails for the truck. Also disclosed is a ladder carrier device which pivots downwardly and rearwardly to let the ladder slide down under its own weight after a sufficient length of the ladder has been pulled.

Abstract: For the skeletal chassis of very-lengthily longitudinally extending motor-home roadway vehicles, the chassis' major and pre-eminent weight-bearing capability has traditionally been furnished by two or more lengthily longitudinally extending, parallel structural members. Departing from such prior art, the very-lengthily longitudinally extending skeletal chassis herein utilizes a single, longitudinally elongate central-axis tubular member as the major and pre-eminent weight-bearing structural member. Such reliance upon a single only central-axial structural member has numerous advantages for motor-home vehicles including, inter alia, providing a torsionally rigid underlying chassis therefor, capability for accommodating longitudinally consecutive and sidewardly-open storage compartments therealong, and for providing therealong a conduit for power and utility lines.

Abstract: A frame structure for a working vehicle having crawler running devices includes main frames extending longitudinally along right and left sides of a vehicle body. The crawler running devices have track frames extending below and along the main frames, respectively. An oil tank is disposed between the main frames for rigidly interconnecting forward positions of the main frames and rigidly interconnecting the track frames. The frame structure includes an engine supporting frame for supporting an engine rearwardly of the oil tank. The engine supporting frame is connected to the oil tank through a reinforcing beam, and is curved downwardly with an intermediate portion thereof lying substantially level with the bottom of the oil tank.

Abstract: A movable die support cart with a frame structure supported by spaced axles consisting of continuous beams extending parallel to the axles and continuous plate members extending normal to the beams and beneath the beams. Each plate member is configured with an upwardly curved arch between its end portions. The beams and plate members are attached together by welds to define an upwardly convex die support surface in the unloaded condition and a flatter surface in the loaded condition.

Abstract: A chassis frame crossbeam assembly for a four wheel drive motor vehicle comprising a lower crossmember and an upper bridge member fixed thereon. The crossmember intermediate portion being downwardly depressed formed with a thinned valley section. The bridge member having a hollow-section including an intermediate bifurcated portion in the form of fore and aft upwardly arched branch sections with end extensions welded on either side of the crossmember thinned valley section. The vertically opposed bridge member branch sections and crossmember depression combine to define a through passage for a longitudinal drive shaft for driving the rear wheels. The bridge member branch sections define a free open channel therebetween adapted to receive a transverse tube portion of the steering assembly therethrough arranged with its principal axis orthogonal to the principal axis of the subjacent longitudinal drive shaft.

Abstract: In a cargo-carrying vehicle having a power unit, a first cargo-carrying unit releasably affixed to the power unit, the first cargo-carrying unit not being pivotal on the power unit, and a second cargo-carrying unit releasably pivotally connected to the first cargo-carrying unit, wherein the improvement comprises:said power unit including a frame;said first cargo-carrying unit including a chassis;a fifth wheel rigidly affixed flush within said frame;a kingpin affixed to the underside of said first cargo-carrying unit for engagement with said fifth wheel;a coupling unit rigidly affixed to the frame at the rearmost end of the power unit;a coupling unit rigidly affixed to said chassis;whereby joining said coupling units and engagement of said kingpin with said fifth wheel affixes the first cargo-carrying unit on the power unit.