Abstract: Reinforcement assemblies and associated methods are provided for reinforcing a battery pack of an electrified vehicle. An exemplary battery pack may include a battery internal component (e.g., a battery array), an enclosure assembly for housing the battery internal component, and a reinforcement assembly secured to the enclosure assembly. The reinforcement assembly may include a beam and a bracket secured to the beam. The reinforcement assembly may be positioned at expected high impact load locations of the enclosure assembly and is configured for absorbing and transferring energy during vehicle impact loading events, thereby minimizing transfer of the impact loads inside the battery pack where relatively sensitive battery internal components are housed.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a brace assembly that extends from a passenger side frame rail of a vehicle to a driver side frame rail of the vehicle, and at least one electrified vehicle powertrain module supported by the brace assembly.

Abstract: A method (100) of manufacturing a clamping strap (10) configured to hold and support a hanging object (20) against a structure (21), which is to carry the hanging object, and a clamping strap obtainable by said method; said method comprising providing (101) an extruded elongated aluminium profile having an initial material thickness (T0) and an initial cross-sectional area (A0), said profile having a longitudinal direction, which coincides with the extrusion direction of the profile; forming the profile in a bending step (102) into a shape comprising a first end attachment portion (1a), a second end attachment portion (1b), and an intermediate portion (2) located between said first and second end attachment portions (1a; 1b) in a longitudinal direction of the profile (11), said intermediate portion (2) being configured to at least partially encircle the hanging object (20) when mounted to the structure (21); said method including forming said profile by means of locally thinning the profile in a longitudinal

Abstract: A siderail member for a subframe assembly of a vehicle, including: an elongate body, wherein the elongate body includes a hollow extruded structure including an inboard wall, an outboard wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and one or more internal walls. Optionally, the bottom wall has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the top wall. Optionally, the outboard wall has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the inboard wall. Optionally, the one or more internal walls include a top internal wall and a bottom internal wall forming a plurality of horizontally-disposed cells within an interior of the elongate body. The bottom internal wall has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the top internal wall. The hollow extruded structure is manufactured from an aluminum material. Optionally, the top wall of the hollow extruded structure defines a flexure recess.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a power storage device includes: a power storage device including a power storage stack and a housing case; a floor member; and a rear bracket. The housing case includes a lower case having a rear wall, and an upper case. The floor member is provided with an attachment portion for attaching the rear bracket. The rear bracket includes a front end portion and a rear end portion that is attached to the attachment portion. The power storage stack is disposed inside the housing case to provide a gap between the power storage stack and the rear wall. The front end portion of the rear bracket is fixed to the rear wall to be located between an upper surface and a lower surface of the power storage stack in an up-down direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chassis arrangement for an electrified heavy vehicle, the chassis arrangement comprising a chassis frame with at least one rail extending in a longitudinal direction of the chassis arrangement; at least one battery module for propulsion of the heavy vehicle; and a battery module support arrangement including a rail attachment part attached to the rail, and a battery module attachment part attached to the battery module, the battery module attachment part being releasably connected to the rail attachment part by a stub connection extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chassis arrangement.

Abstract: A body of an electric vehicle may include: a floor panel; a rocker; a first floor crossmember protruding from a first surface of the floor panel and joined to the rocker; a body component protruding from the first surface and extending rearward from the first floor crossmember so as to shift upward toward a rear end of the electric vehicle; a battery case located below the floor panel; a battery case reinforcement extending along a side edge of the battery case, located below the rocker, and extending from a position frontward of the first crossmember to a position rearward of the first crossmember; a first fastening member fastening the battery case reinforcement to the rocker in a range frontward of the first floor crossmember; and a second fastening member fastening the battery case reinforcement to the rocker in a range rearward of the first floor crossmember.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure of an electric vehicle is provided, including a floor panel and a battery pack anti-collision structure. A battery pack and a motor are disposed below the floor panel, and the motor is located behind the battery pack. The battery pack anti-collision structure is disposed between the battery pack and the motor, and is configured to prevent the motor from crashing into the battery pack when a rear collision occurs to the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting passengers. The vehicle comprises a chassis including a front axle, a rear axle, and a frame that includes a front section that supports the front axle and a rear section that supports the rear axle. The vehicle further comprises a drop frame insert located between the front section of the frame and the rear section of the frame. A top surface of the drop frame insert is positioned lower than a top surface of the frame, and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the drop frame insert is generally coplanar with a bottom surface of the frame.

Abstract: Battery enclosure arrangements for a vehicular battery system. The arrangements, capable of impact resistance include plurality of battery cells and a plurality of kinetic energy absorbing elements. The arrangements further include a frame configured to encase the plurality of the kinetic energy absorbing elements and the battery cells. In some arrangements the frame and/or the kinetic energy absorbing elements can be made of topologically interlocked materials.

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 travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area having a front seating section and a rear seating section.

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: An underbody for an electric vehicle configured as an electric vehicle lower body includes a multiply divided battery mounting portion and an underbody portion. The multiply divided battery mounting portion enables multiply divided and selective mounting of batteries, and forms a portion of the underbody. The underbody portion is connected to the battery mounting portion and forms another portion of the underbody.

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: The multifunction utility cart is a compact versatile self-propelled vehicle adapted particularly for use by security and/or emergency medical personnel. The cart includes an extendable wheelbase and rear body portion for the carriage of additional personnel and/or one or more injured persons on board, yet forms a very compact vehicle when the wheelbase and bodywork are retracted. A stretcher may be deployed from one side of the cart when extended, the extended rearward portion providing for the carriage of additional personnel or a wheelchair due to a drop-down floor at the rear of the cart. Additional storage space is provided in a forward trunk and one rear fender opposite the stretcher storage area for the carriage of a fire extinguisher, medical supplies, and/or other equipment. The standing operator station may be selectively elevated to provide the operator with a better view in crowded environments.

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 travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

Abstract: A first embodiment includes a utility terrain vehicle having four or more wheels, a frame held above the ground by the wheels, and a liquid storage tank. The liquid storage tank is attached to the frame to create a low center of gravity for the utility terrain 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: 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 modular vehicle floor system is provided that has a floor pan with integrated storage compartments. A floor is defined by a deck and compartment lids that overlie the floor pan and can provide a waterproof seal for the storage compartments. The deck and compartment lids together define a substantially flat surface that is covered by a vehicle carpet. The deck can include basket-like liners extending downwardly therefrom that nest within the storage compartments and define the inner surface(s) of usable spaces within the storage compartments. The deck includes a raceway system with one or more troughs or ports that house lengths of vehicle wiring, under the deck surface. The deck can further include flanges and/or tabs for serving as mounting substrates, against which sills and other hard trim components are mounted, allowing trim components to be mounted to the deck and not mounted directly to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

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 floorboard assembly for vehicle, comprising a front floorboard (2) and a middle floorboard (6) that are connected in a fixed manner or formed integrally, wherein, the front floorboard (2) is in ridge shape, roughly flat at both sides and raised in the middle, the raised part in the middle defines a cavity which is suitable for accommodating a battery for vehicle. In the floorboard assembly for vehicle provided in the present invention, the middle channel part of the front floorboard (2) is raised, and a high capacity battery can be placed in the cavity defined by the raised part in the middle; in that way, the space utilization ratio for floorboard is higher, the battery pack can be installed and maintained conveniently, and the gravity center of the vehicle is stable.

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: The trailer chassis includes a plurality of frame members forming a substantially rectangular box frame. The rectangular box frame includes a central, elongate main sub-frame integral with a pair of spaced outboard frame rail sections where wheel wells are formed. The central main sub-frame is devoid of cross members to provide unhindered storage space. Select sections of the rectangular box frame are covered with rigid plating to strengthen the torsional rigidity of the trailer chassis. The front section of the rectangular box frame includes a raised platform with a hitch frame integral thereto for installing a hitch. The trailer chassis is detachably mounted to the trailer in order to permit separate shipment of the trailer chassis in a shipping container.

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: An electric vehicle has a first bracket (23) that supports a battery unit (10)-side end of a power unit (16) and extends in a width direction of the vehicle. The first bracket (23) is coupled to a vehicle body through a first coupling section (26) formed in one end of the first bracket (23) and a second coupling section (26) formed in the other end, and the power unit (16) is coupled to the first bracket (23) through at least two inner coupling sections (24) that are located more inside than the first and second coupling sections (26) as considered in the width direction of the vehicle. A first fragile portion (48) is formed between the first coupling section (26) and the inner coupling section (24) closest to the first coupling section (26), and between the second coupling section (26) and the inner coupling section (24) closest to the second coupling section (26).

Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes front and rear wheel assemblies, a frame supported on the front and rear wheel assemblies, and an operator compartment supported on the frame and having operator controls. The frame includes a central, tubular frame member having a front end portion and a rear end portion. An engine is supported on the frame for providing power to the front and rear wheel assemblies. A cooling assembly mounted above the engine. An attachment arm is attached to the front portion of the frame and a rear interface mount is rigidly attached to the rear portion of the frame.

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 three-wheeled vehicle includes a main frame assembly having a steering head disposed on a front portion of the main frame assembly, a front fork assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably supported by the front fork assembly, a rear frame coupled to a rear portion of the main frame assembly, a rear axle assembly coupled to at least one of the main frame assembly and the rear frame, a pair of rear wheels rotatably supported by the rear axle assembly, an engine-transmission assembly supported by the main frame assembly and positioned between the front wheel and the pair of rear wheels, and a body including a first mounting portion directly mounted to the main frame assembly, and a second mounting portion directly mounted to the rear frame.

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: The invention provides a loader work machine with improved front visibility and improved aesthetic appearance. The loader work machine includes a self-propelled machine body, a work device having a boom, a boom cylinder, and a side frame for vertically pivotally supporting base portions of the boom and the boom cylinder, and a frame unit for attaching the work device to the self-propelled machine body. The frame unit has a support platform projecting laterally outward from the self-propelled machine body and a main frame mounted erect on the support platform for supporting and connecting a lower portion of the side frame. An accumulator is connected to the boom cylinder for absorbing shock occurring during a vertical pivotal movement of the work device and this accumulator is attached to the frame unit.

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 four-wheeled utility vehicle including an engine unit mounted in the utility vehicle; and a vehicle body frame including a frame member that is disposed in the vicinity of the engine unit and is partially movable relative to the engine unit.

Abstract: Provided is a saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle capable of increasing a tank capacity of a fuel tank and reducing moment acting on a fixing position of a fuel pump formed in the fuel tank. The saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle includes a fuel tank located above the head cover of the engine, and a fuel pump disposed in the fuel tank. The lower surface portion of the fuel tank includes, at a more forward position than the head cover, a deep bottom portion situated at a lowest position in the lower surface portion. The upper surface portion of the fuel tank includes, at a more rearward position than the deep bottom portion, an inclined portion formed to extend rearward and obliquely downward. An upper end of the fuel pump is fixed to the inclined portion, and the fuel pump is arranged to extend forward and obliquely downward from the inclined portion toward the deep bottom portion.

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 method of mounting a battery box (10) on a frame rail (12). Fasteners and elements (36, 38; or 54, 56) provide spaced apart, axially tapered outer surfaces (46; 62) proximate a vertical side of the rail with the tapers narrowing toward the side of the rail. The box has tabs (28) having downwardly open throats (30). The box is hung on the rail by positioning the box so as to place each tab over a respective element (38 or 56) on the fastener (36 or 54) with the tab throat aligned with the element, and then lowering the box to cause the elements to enter the tab throats and the throats to come to rest on the elements so that at least some of the weight of the box is borne by the rail through the throats resting on the elements. With the throats resting on the elements, the tapered outer surfaces present axial interference to the tabs beyond the tabs relative to the rail. After the box has been hung, the box is fastened to the rail by additional fasteners.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a dual purpose spring holder mounting bracket pivotally receives a rear suspension spring arm and also receives a tensioning member extending to a forwardly positioned mounting bracket.

Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

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 hybrid-electric powered vehicle includes a chassis defining a battery module compartment and a battery module insertable into the battery module compartment. The hybrid-electric powered vehicle includes provisions for recharging a battery module compartment of the hybrid-electric powered vehicle when the electric drive system is operated. The battery module may further be charged by external sources while the battery module is disposed within the chassis, removed from the chassis, and by internal sources when the hybrid-electric powered vehicle is decelerating. In a second embodiment, the hybrid-electric powered vehicle further includes an on-board battery compartment, and a control system that regulates the distribution of power from the electrical power sources to the electric motor.

Abstract: A tank for containing compressed air for supplying the air to one or more pneumatically-operated components, devices, or systems of a heavy-duty vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or straight truck, also serves as part of the structure of the frame or subframe of the vehicle. The frame or subframe includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending main members. One or more of the tanks also serve as interconnecting cross members of the frame or subframe structure. Each tank/cross member generally extends between and is perpendicular to the main members and is secured to the main members and/or suspension hangers and/or the air springs to form a rigid, integrated frame or subframe structure having reduced weight, yet which is capable of reacting the loads imparted to the structure by the axle/suspension system during operation of the vehicle.