Abstract: Disclosed is a front axle support for a motor vehicle having support members, which comprise holders for mounting wheel guidance members, and a transverse structure, which forms a housing of a steering gear, wherein the support members are connected to the transverse structure by weld joints. In a first teaching, the front axle support according to the invention is characterized in that the support members are in the form of longitudinal supports, a portion of each longitudinal support being formed from sheet metal shells welded together, and in that the transverse structure is in the form of a transverse support and is formed from a steering gear housing made of steel.

Abstract: A frame assembly for an off-road vehicle including a left frame rail and a right frame rail that are identical to each other, a front frame module that includes at least one left toot and at least one right foot, an occupant frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, a rear frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, and a plurality of identical adapters mounting the components to the left and right frame rails.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a structural member configured to support a vehicle body and a subframe member configured to support at least one of a vehicle suspension and an engine. The structural member includes a cavity and the subframe member includes a support section and an extension that extends transversely from the support section. The extension is received in the cavity to connect the subframe member with the structural member.

Abstract: Improved trailers (e.g., semi-trailers) are disclosed. The trailers may include a floor having a top surface and a bottom surface, where the top surface is adapted to transport a payload, and an elongated shell connected to the bottom surface of the floor, where the elongated shell defines a portion of a substantially closed torsion-resistant chamber of the trailer. The trailers may have a torsion resistance that is substantially higher than conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity. The trailers may weigh substantially less than conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity. The trailers may realize a bending resistance that is at least equivalent to the bending resistance of conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chassis frame assembly structure for an electrical vehicle, wherein welding assembly units are formed by attachment and welding at respective portions in each of which channel-shaped frames made of aluminum and each configured to have a hollow structure are coupled. The chassis frame assembly structure includes a plurality of fastening holes formed at proper interval close to the welding assembly unit of the chassis frames; reinforcement members each configured to have a channel shape, surround the periphery of the welding assembly unit of the chassis frame, and have a plurality of assembly holes, corresponding to the respective fastening holes, formed at proper intervals in one face of the reinforcement member; and fastening members assembled with the assembly holes and the fastening holes, wherein the reinforcement member is positioned at the outside of the chassis frame.

Abstract: A vehicle frame having at least one elongated truss. The truss is elongated and generally triangular in cross sectional shape. Consequently, the truss includes three side walls. Each of the side walls is constructed from a sheet material, such as sheet metal.

Abstract: A frame assembly for an off-road vehicle including a left frame rail and a right frame rail that are identical to each other, a front frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, an occupant frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, a rear frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, and a plurality of identical adapters mounting the components to the left and right frame rails.

Abstract: A utility vehicle (1) comprising a carrier frame (3) mounted above a transaxle (2) is provided. The carrier frame (3) comprises a first carrier frame section (30) and a second carrier frame section (40). A height level of the first carrier frame section (30) differs from a height level of the second carrier frame section (40).

Abstract: A chassis frame includes: a pair of suspension frames on a front side and a rear side, which are formed by a metal material; and a center frame formed by a fiber reinforced plastic material, with the suspension frames on the front and on the rear side respectively connected to a front-side and a rear-side end thereof, wherein: the suspension frames include side members extending in a front/rear direction, a cross-member connecting the side members and a suspension mounting portion; the center frame includes side members with a hollow section, and a cross-member connecting the side members; and a front-side and a rear-side end of the side members at the center frame are used as connecting portions where side members of the suspension frames are inserted through the two ends, and the side member of the center frame is fastened to the side members of suspension frames with fastening members.

Abstract: A trailer frame including an axle section having two spaced longitudinal frame members connected by at least one cross member, the longitudinal frame members each having a first end and a second end; a rear section attachable to the axle section; and a dimple assemble joining the axle section to the rear section, the dimple assembly including a dimple pattern formed on each frame member of the axle assembly, the dimple pattern on the axle assembly defining a first dimple axis, and a dimple pattern formed on one end of the rear section and nestable within the dimple pattern formed on the axle section, the dimple pattern on the rear section defining a second dimple axis offset relative to the first dimple axis to create a camber between the axle section and the rear section when the first dimple is nested within the second dimple pattern.

Abstract: A structural joint in a truck tractor frame includes a first frame member having an interface plate permanently mounted thereon, the interface plate having an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions, which may be grooves and ridges. A second frame member has an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions complementary to the plurality of protrusions and depressions of the interface surface of the interface plate. The second frame member is mounted to the first frame member with the interface surfaces in contact, with a plurality of releasable fasteners fastening the second frame member to the interface plate, wherein, the contoured interface surfaces interengage to resist linear and torsional shear forces.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a first frame member and a separate second frame member having an end portion connected to an end portion of the first frame member. A frame patch is interposed between and connected to the respective end portions of the first and second frame members. The frame patch together with the respective end portions of the first and second frame members defines a tri-layer patch configured to divide an input load applied longitudinally to the vehicle frame assembly into multiple force vectors which distribute the input load across a wide area of the vehicle frame assembly.

Abstract: A frame for recreational vehicles having a pair of oppositely spaced longitudinal frame members, having notches completely therethrough. The longitudinal frame members have a foam core in direct contact with a woven fiber fabric on an exterior of the longitudinal frame members with fabric flaps extending therefrom. The frame has a plurality of transverse stringers having a foam core in direct contact with a woven fiber fabric on an exterior of stringers that rest in notches of the longitudinal members. The stringers are complementary to the notches in the longitudinal members and the stringers have fabric flaps that extend along their length on opposite sides. The stringers extend completely through the longitudinal frame members. The flaps on the longitudinal frame members and the stringers are in overlapping contact. A deck having a layer of fabric covers the stringers, the flaps, and the longitudinal frame members and is impregnated with resin.

Abstract: Provided are a pair of left and right upper frames extending in a longitudinal direction; a mount frame supporting a transmission case below the upper frames; and vertical frames connecting the upper frames and the mount frame. Rear suspension arms are supported on the vertical frames. The vertical frames are configured to have upper members connected to the upper frames and lower members connected to the mount frame. The upper and lower members are separably connected.

Abstract: A chassis frame has a right side rail and a left side rail running lengthwise of the frame opposite each other and joined together by at least one crossmember. A rectangular tube overlies, and has underlying support by, the top wall of the respective side rail. A right uniting member runs lengthwise of the frame for uniting the right rectangular tube and the right side rail in assembly, and a left uniting member runs lengthwise of the frame for uniting the left rectangular tube and the left side rail in assembly. Each uniting member has a horizontal flange overlying and joined to the respective rectangular tube, and a vertical flange extending downward from the respective horizontal flange and joined to the respective side rail.

Abstract: A composite bar for the chassis of a vehicle; the composite bar consists of at least two extruded elements which are internally hollow and are butt jointed at a junction area; each extruded element has a trapezoidal cross section having a major base, a minor base parallel and opposite to the major base, and two side walls; a first end of a first extruded element arranged in the junction area has no major base; and a second end of a second extruded element arranged in the junction area is interference fitted into the first end through the missing major base.

Abstract: The vehicle body frame is configured in a manner that an upper tension pipe is removed from a first cross portion and a second cross portion. When mounting the engine in the vehicle body frame, the vehicle mounted component that is relatively heavy can be lowered into the vehicle body frame from above by removing the upper tension pipe. The vehicle body frame simplifies the removal and installation of the vehicle-mounted components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a front spring bracket (18) for a truck, wherein said bracket can be attached to the front end of a vehicle frame (10) and comprises a side part (20) associated with a respective longitudinal frame carrier (12, 14) of the vehicle frame (10), which are connected to each other by way of at least one cross-member (22), wherein at least parts (20) of the front spring bracket (18) are configured as aluminum castings.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a half-cradle for use in a vehicle frame, comprising a cast end member formed from a first material and first and second tubular cross-member stubs extending from the cast end member. The first and second tubular cross-member stubs are made from a second material. Each of the stubs has an end buried in the cast end member, wherein the buried end is uncapped. Each of the tubular cross-member stubs has an interior that is configured to sealingly receive a core for use in preventing the filling of the stub with molten first material during casting of the cast end member.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody made from two side members and two end cross members connected to each other with a carbody connection that can be disconnected such that the side members and end cross members can be individually transported between job sites and reassembled at a new job site. Preferably the two side members are interchangeable with each other when making the carbody, and the two end cross members are also interchangeable with each other. Further, each of the side members and end cross members preferably has a section of a roller path and section of a ring gear attached to them while being transported and assembled.

Abstract: Modular human powered recumbent vehicle has a variable configuration and size. It comprises a group of standardized modules—fast attachable parts connected together by set of cross tubes (4) of variable length. It has three basic modules: middle (1), left (2) and right (3); each module has several modifications. One or more additional modules, like child seat (17), shopping basket (18), additional pedal (15) or electric (16) drive, also can be attached for performing a specific task. Vehicle can be transformed to a powered or unpowered trailer of variable configuration. It can be folded for storage and disassembled for transportation.

Abstract: A frame longitudinal beam structure for chassis frames of utility vehicles, in particular for trucks and/or buses, has at least one frame longitudinal beam of modular construction extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction when in the mounted state. The beam has a base profile extending over substantially the entire length of the frame longitudinal beam and having a plate-shaped central web which, as viewed in cross section, extends between opposite frame longitudinal beam regions, such as between upper and lower flanges. The central web is substantially rectilinear along the longitudinal extent of the base profile. Supplemental profiles formed by separate components are attached to the central web in areal abutment. A plurality of supplemental profiles are attached to the central web such that, in the direction of extent of the longitudinal beam, at least two frame longitudinal beam regions of different profile cross section are formed.

Abstract: A wheelable loadbearing and leveraging frame apparatus amenable to receipt of attachments and consisting of first and second elongated members conjoined by way of anterior and medial cross members each with a plurality of horizontally inclined through holes therein and a posterior cross member with a plurality of vertically inclined through holes therein, and with each elongated member having a pair of horizontally inclined transverse through holes located therein and a plurality of vertically inclined through holes located therein.

Abstract: A method of shortening an end of a well car includes removing a plurality of parts that would inhibit the shortening process; cutting a shear plate and a set of side sill angles at a location on the well side of the end assembly; detaching the end assembly from a main body of the well car; on each side of the main body: cutting the top tube at a location above a monument plate that is just beyond a reinforcement plate attached to the monument plate; cutting through a weld between the monument and reinforcement plates and a side sheet; cutting through the side sheet generally at the attachment location of the monument and reinforcement plates; and cutting the shear plate of the main body with a contoured cut such that the remaining shear plate has a contoured pattern substantially matching the cut shear plate under the removed end assembly.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a subframe, a collar assembly with a collar member and a mounting pin, and a main frame with a saddle. The main frame has a contact side that faces toward the collar assembly and the saddle is located on the contact side. The subframe is connected to the main frame with a bolt that extends from the subframe and into a bore in the mounting pin. The mounting pin is in contact with the saddle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a front axle support for a motor vehicle having support members, which comprise holders for mounting wheel guidance members, and a transverse structure, which forms a housing of a steering gear, wherein the support members are connected to the transverse structure by weld joints. In a first teaching, the front axle support according to the invention is characterised in that the support members are in the form of longitudinal supports, a portion of each longitudinal support being formed from sheet metal shells welded together, and in that the transverse structure is in the form of a transverse support and is formed from a steering gear housing made of steel.

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

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

Abstract: Described herein is a frame for a motor vehicle having a first body and a second body, which are rigidly connected to one another in such a way that they can be taken apart; the first body has a first connection bar set in a transverse direction, and the second body has a second connection bar set in a transverse direction, which is set parallel to, faces, and is in direct contact with the first connection bar and is bolted to the first connection bar itself by means of a number of bolts arranged vertically.

Abstract: A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.

Abstract: A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.

Abstract: A longitudinal beam, which is provided for a chassis of a motor vehicle, has a curved section of a tubular member part horizontal reinforcement element. The reinforcement element is directly associated with the highest body of a lower horizontal limb of the tubular member part and is connected to an upper horizontal limb of the tubular member part. This draws the curved section in a crash of the vehicle a high degree of stability.

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

Abstract: Heavy equipment trailer and deck extension. The trailer has an elongated main deck with longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides thereof, and ground engaging wheels toward the rear of the main deck. The extension has longitudinally extending frame members aligned with the frame members of the main deck, and coupling pins extend between the frame members of the main deck and the extension in load supporting relationship, with lock pins preventing longitudinal separation of the main deck and the extension. C-shaped channel members extend along the upper, lower, and outer sides of the extension, past the coupling pins, and along upper, lower, and outer side portions of the frame members of the main deck to hold the frame members in alignment and prevent sagging under load conditions.

Abstract: A flatbed trailer comprising front and rear flatbed trailer sections and a method of operation is provided. In one embodiment, a first support assembly is configured to lift the front flatbed trailer section relative to the rear flatbed trailer section, and second support assembly is configured to lift the rear flatbed trailer section relative to the front flatbed trailer section. Roller wheels may provide rolling engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and slide members may provide sliding engagement between the front and rear flatbed trailer sections.

Abstract: A robotic platform for autonomous automotive vehicle development. The platform includes a frame having a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the frame. A motor mechanism is associated with at least one of the wheels and the motor mechanism is responsive to drive signals to rotatably drive its associated wheel. At least one sensor is mounted to the vehicle which provides an output signal representative of a parameter relevant to the position of the robotic platform. A programmable control circuit is programmed to generate drive signals in response to the sensor output(s) to simulate the operation of an automotive vehicle for vehicle development.

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 flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly, system and method includes a vehicle frame assembly having a variable length longitudinal frame component. The longitudinal frame component is formed at a first length when used on a first vehicle type and formed at a second length when used on a second vehicle type.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a chassis module, a front module, and a body, front module, body, and chassis module, At least one first and one second set of cooperating fastenings are provided for fastening the front module on the chassis module and/or the body. The cooperating fastenings of the first set define an axis about which the front module can be pivoted relative to the chassis module into a stop position in which it is held by the fastening means of the second set.

Abstract: A vehicle (100) is disclosed. The vehicle may include a base portion (104) and a modular portion (112). The base portion may be a four wheel vehicle having an operator area (114) with seating for at least two occupants in a side-by-side arrangement. The modular portion may be coupled to the base portion resulting in a six wheel vehicle. The wheels (102) of the modular portion may be powered by an engine (500) of the base portion.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a subframe, a collar assembly with a collar member and a mounting pin, and a main frame with a saddle. The main frame has a contact side that faces toward the collar assembly and the saddle is located on the contact side. The subframe is connected to the main frame with a bolt that extends from the subframe and into a bore in the mounting pin. The mounting pin is in contact with the saddle.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame structure includes, in a front frame assembly, a front suspension supporting section having paired right and left cushion top end supporting parts, paired right and left upper arm supporting parts, paired right and left upper arm supporting parts, paired right and left lower arm supporting parts, and paired right and left lower arm supporting parts. In the vehicle body frame structure, the front frame assembly has a configuration which is vertically bisected chiefly into an upper front frame and a lower front frame. The upper front frame includes the right and left cushion top end supporting parts. The lower front frame includes the right and left upper arm supporting parts, the right and left upper arm supporting parts, the right and left lower arm supporting parts, and the right and left lower arm supporting parts.

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

Abstract: A rear frame for a motor vehicle has a profile part manufactured from cast metal. The profile part has two legs, which are connected to one another via a cover element, and an attachment element. In this way, the rear frame has a particularly high stability and may be manufactured particularly cost-effectively.

Abstract: A structural joint in a truck tractor frame includes a first frame member having an interface plate permanently mounted thereon, the interface plate having an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions, which may be grooves and ridges. A second frame member has an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions complementary to the plurality of protrusions and depressions of the interface surface of the interface plate. The second frame member is mounted to the first frame member with the interface surfaces in contact, with a plurality of releasable fasteners fastening the second frame member to the interface plate, wherein, the contoured interface surfaces interengage to resist linear and torsional shear forces.

Abstract: An assembly support has a supporting element which is connected to the vehicle body and has an upper shell with a connected closing plate, and reinforcing bars are arranged in the region of fastening openings between the upper shell and the closing plate. A bridge support is connected to the supporting element, the bridge support is held with free limb ends in bearing eyes of the supporting element, and a bearing spindle for a transmission bearing being arranged between the bearing eyes.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle has a structure that ensures a sufficient clearance between a shock absorber and a front rod of an upper arm supporting front wheels, and also achieves satisfactory frame strength. The body frame of the saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle includes a lower frame extending below an engine to the rear of the vehicle. The body frame includes a front frame which is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and located above the lower frame. In the front frame, pairs of arm-supporting portions which are spaced away from each other in a front-rear direction and support the front rods and a rear rods of the upper arms, and shock-absorber-supporting portions which are situated above the arm-supporting portions and support upper ends of the shock absorbers, are provided. The front frame has, at a forefront of the front frame, an extending portion extending obliquely upward and rearward from a lower end of the extending portion connected to the lower frame.

Abstract: A light weight beam, a truck frame utilizing a light weight beam, and a method of assembling a truck frame, each include a composite box beam.

Abstract: A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.