Assembled From Prefabricated Connectable Sections Patents (Class 280/785)
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Patent number: 7216911Abstract: The module is extended to extend the body (10) of said vehicle by being fastened thereto. It is also designed to support rear doors (14) and a rear bumper. It comprises a frame of plastics material (24) including fastener means for fastening to the body and fastener means (28) to the doors (14). It further comprises extenders (26) for extending side rails (20) of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Gérald Andre, Dominique Delavalle
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Patent number: 7210706Abstract: A suspension lift mechanism is described for use with sport utility vehicles. Such sport utility vehicles have a pair of frame rails which have a plurality of suspension attachments positioned thereon. The elements of a suspension system are usually mounted on said suspension attachments. The suspension lift mechanism includes a pair of rear brackets consisting of a rear frame extension which has an upper surface adapted to mate with the lower surface of the frame rail. The rear frame extension has a plurality of suspension attachments positioned thereon and is mounted to a frame rail. A pair of front brackets consists of a front frame extension which has an upper surface of the front frame extension adapted to mate with the lower surface of the frame rail. The front frame extension has a plurality of suspension attachments positioned thereon and is mounted to the frame rail.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: John E. Auston, Jr.
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Patent number: 7175204Abstract: A hydroformable frame element is formed from the combination of at least two elements. The at least two elements are designed with a partially overlapping region, with an annular space defined within the overlapping region. The annular space is filled with adhesive, which is then cured to bond the at least two elements together. The adhesive bond is designed to withstand the stresses caused by the hydroforming operation and to retain its strength so that the hydroformed article is then usable as a vehicular frame element.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, General Motors CorporationInventors: Kent S. Tarbutton, Joseph M. Lendway, IV
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Patent number: 7175203Abstract: In a vehicle frame, a console frame structure is assembled to a chassis or main frame structure using a flap retainer. The chassis includes a bracket having a slot with a forward closed end and a rear open end. The console frame structure includes a post that is inserted into the slot for assembly. A flap retainer is attached to the bracket adjacent the slot and includes a fixed portion attached near the closed end and a free portion adjacent the open end. The flap retainer defines an opening sized and shaped for receiving the post. During assembly, the flap retainer flexes so that the free portion is spaced apart from the open end of the slot to allow the post to be inserted. The flap retainer returns to a retaining position to capture the post within the opening of the flap retainer. In the event of a vehicle impact, the flap retainer secures the post to prevent the console frame structure from becoming dislodged.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Charles Joseph Scheib
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Patent number: 7156421Abstract: In a frame for an over the highway or off-highway truck or tractor, the frame includes a first and second frame rail and a composite cross-member comprising a first sheet, a second sheet and a core material sheet positioned between the first and second face sheet. The first and second face sheets being made of metal and plastic and the core material being made of any one of wood, plastic, honey-comb, foam and nomex. The first sheet, second sheet and core material sheet are all bonded together to form a cross-member. The cross-member is then mounted to frame rails to construct a truck or tractor frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.Inventors: Arthur N. Fowler, John R. Moodie, Wayne Beck
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Patent number: 7144040Abstract: A vehicle body and frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a plurality of transverse cross members extending therebetween. The cross member is a multiple piece structure, including a central portion having a pair of end portions secured thereto. The central portion of the cross member is preferably formed from a first metallic material, while the end portions are preferably both formed from a second metallic material. The end portions of the cross member are preferably formed from the same metallic material as the respective side rails to which they are secured. The end portions of the cross member can be secured to the ends of the central portion by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding. Similarly, the cross member can be secured to the side rails by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding or by conventional welding. The end portions of the cross member can extend either partially or completely through the respective side rails.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Mark W. Kiehl, Robert D. Durand
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Patent number: 7140640Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises a pre-assembled front module (1) including a support structure (2); a propulsion unit (14); a steerable front wheel assembly (17); an intermediate support structure (20) for housing and supporting a windscreen; a planar load-bearing floor structure (30); a pre-assembled intermediate module (40) including a firewall (41), instrument panel (42), steering column (43, 44) and a control pedal assembly (45); a rear pre-assembled module (50) including a support frame (51), at least one pair of rear wheels (55); an annular rear structure (60); and two side structures (70).Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.Inventors: Pier Giorgio Tronville, Giorgio Cornacchia
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Patent number: 7121586Abstract: A frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a forward module and a rearward module. The forward module comprises a pair of forward side rail portions, which are interconnected by a cross portion. The forward side rail portions are angularly disposed with respect to one another such that they have an increasing distance therebetween as they extend rearwardly. Rearward ends of the forward side rail portions are connected to associated forward ends of the rearward side rail portions. At least one of the forward and rearward side rail portions has a notch formed therein permitting an end portion thereof to be bent laterally to permit interface with the associated side rail portion connected thereto. The end portion is then bent back and is welded to the associated side rail portion connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventor: John T. McNally
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Patent number: 7108315Abstract: A frame assembly for a container trailer includes a longitudinal component having a plurality of locating constructions. The frame assembly also includes a plurality of cross-members, each of which includes a locating construction for mating with a locating construction of the longitudinal component. The locating constructions of the cross-members and the locating constructions of the longitudinal component are located, sized and arranged so that a locating construction of each cross-member may be mated with a locating construction of the longitudinal component to position the cross-members with respect to the longitudinal component.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Travis S. McCloud
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Patent number: 7059441Abstract: A mount frame includes a first frame unit having a first rear frame portion which is provided with an anchoring member and a gripped member. A second frame unit has a second front frame portion provided with a seat post, an anchored member which is disposed to be journalled on the anchoring member about a rotational axis. Thus, the second frame unit is rotatable relative to the axis to facilitate assembly of the first rear frame portion and the second front frame portion. A gripping member is disposed on the second front frame portion to confront the gripped member. A tightening unit is disposed to push the gripping member to abut tightly against the gripped member.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co. Ltd.Inventor: Jui-Tien Chen
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Patent number: 7014007Abstract: A body structure of a forklift truck is provided, with which no dead space is formed in a cross member while securing the constructional strength of the cross member, an increase in length of the truck body due to the space needed in the prior art to locate the exhaust muffler can be evaded resulting in a compact forklift truck, and winding-up of dust on the ground caused when the radiator cooling air flows to the underside of the truck body is prevented without an increase in manufacturing cost. The structure of the vehicle body having a cross member fixed to the inside faces of a pair of left and right side frames is characterized in that the cross member is composed of a vertical plate and a horizontal plate fixed to the vertical plate at a substantially right angle to form a crooked member having the general shape of an inversed letter “L” with an axle support member fixed the lower end of the vertical plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshihide Iwamoto
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Patent number: 6920721Abstract: Off-site factory built structure employs a chassis including two interior longitudinal beam members joined at their ends to a perimeter structure. A floor system is integrated within the chassis perimeter. A ledger member is fixed to the inner surface of each longitudinal perimeter member so that a top surface lies in a plane coincident with top surfaces of the interior longitudinal beams. Lateral members are coupled to the tops of the interior longitudinal beams and to the top of the ledger members. The lateral members include secondary stiffening members such as C-channel members, metal Z-channel members, or other metal members of similar structural capacity, spaced apart from each other by a maximum distance S, related to the width of the floor system W, by the equation: S 12?½W.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Adv-Tech Building Systems, LLCInventors: Evor F. Johns, James E. Rose, Skyler J. Epperson, Marc H. Pulver, Kenneth A. Long
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Patent number: 6905137Abstract: In a frame for an over the highway or off-highway truck or tractor, the frame includes a first and second frame rail and a composite cross-member comprising a first sheet, a second sheet and a core material sheet positioned between the first and second face sheet. The first and second face sheets being made of metal and plastic and the core material being made of any one of wood, plastic, honey-comb, foam and nomex. The first sheet, second sheet and core material sheet are all bonded together to form a cross-member. The cross-member is then mounted to frame rails to construct a truck or tractor frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.Inventors: Arthur N. Fowler, John R. Moodie, Wayne Beck
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Patent number: 6896084Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a main frame, and a rear frame detachably mounted on the main frame. The main frame includes a transverse bar and an upright bar. The rear frame includes a crossbar detachably mounted on the transverse bar of the main frame, and a shock-absorber detachably mounted on the upright bar of the main frame. Thus, the rear frame is mounted on and detached from the main frame easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user assembling and dismantling the rear frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventor: Chiu Hsiang Lo
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Patent number: 6871875Abstract: A supporting structure of a commercial vehicle, e.g., a lorry, includes an axle support element, a front element and a longitudinal member element. The axle support element has, on each side of the vehicle, an axle-support side part which has a front attachment end, for the fastening of a longitudinal member of the front element, and a rear attachment end, for the fastening of a longitudinal member of the longitudinal member element. The attachment ends of the axle-support side part are configured in such a manner that the longitudinal members may be fixed on along the respective attachment end at a plurality of points which differ from one another with regard to the vertical level, based on an underlying surface on which the vehicle is standing.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Karl-Heinz Grimm, Georg Stefan Hagemann
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Patent number: 6866295Abstract: A suspension and steering subassembly for a heavy truck is provided including a subframe. The subframe includes first and second side members extending substantially in the direction of vehicle travel and first and second cross members extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel. The first and second cross members are integral with the first and second side members such that the subframe is a unitary member. The first and second side members and the first and second cross members are further configured to receive first and second lower suspension control arms, first and second upper suspension control arms, and a portion of the steering linkage for the vehicle. The subframe may further be configured to receive a steering gear and one or more strut rods to provide fore/aft support to the subframe.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: James F. Ziech, Michael L. Zebolsky
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Patent number: 6846018Abstract: A motorcycle frame including a base portion and a removable portion that both bear operating loads of the motorcycle. The removable portion and base portion are fastened together at a joint comprising a first end cap having a protrusion, a second end cap having a recess, and a fastener having a fastener axis and extending through the first and second end caps. The protrusion and the recess are characterized by angled walls oriented at an acute angle with respect to the fastener axis. The angled wall engagement of the end caps ensures that substantially all shear loads in the joint are born by the end caps and not by the fastener. The motorcycle footpeg position can be changed by replacing the removable portion with a second removable portion having footpeg mounting structure at a different location than the removable portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Dennert, R. Bruce Dennert, Paul Lohr, Michael W. Hamann
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Patent number: 6820900Abstract: The invention relates to a rear axle arrangement for a heavy vehicle, e.g. a freight vehicle. The vehicle incorporates a number of wheels which bear the vehicle and an elongate chassis element which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The rear axle arrangement incorporates at least one separate rear axle unit which includes a loadbearing frame structure and two of said wheels. The frame structure extends between a first end region and a second end region in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the first end region of the frame structure is designed to be connected to the elongate chassis element. In addition, the two wheels are suspended on the frame structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Scania CV AB (PUBL)Inventors: Ake Bergstrom, Pär Wallin, Michael Linden, Fredrik Modahl, Anders Gustavsson, Geoffrey Davidson
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Patent number: 6783157Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the body (240) of a vehicle (12) which has a front, rear and opposite sides and which has steerable wheels. The apparatus comprises a lower part (22) having structure (40, 48) for fixed attachment at each of the opposite sides of the vehicle. A first steering control arm (150) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at one side of the vehicle. A second steering control arm (160) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at an opposite side of the vehicle. An upper part (24) is connected with the lower part (22). A rack and pinion steering mechanism (10) includes a rack bar (180) movable axially in opposite directions to effect steering movement of the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The steering mechanism (10) includes a chamber (80) through which the rack bar (180) extends. The chamber is defined by surfaces of the upper and lower parts (22, 24).Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Zugang Huang, Stephen J. Green
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Patent number: 6783158Abstract: A vehicle including a body frame (20) commonly used on a two-wheeled automotive vehicle (10), a three-wheeled automotive vehicle (140), and a four-wheeled automotive vehicle (200). A head pipe (23) is formed on a front frame (22) of the body frame. The head pipe has an adjustment mechanism (60) for adjusting a position and an angle of a center line (A1) of a steering shaft (42) relative to a center line (C1) of the head pipe. A rear frame (24) of the body frame has rear walls formed with pluralities of rear mount portions (27) to allow rear units (91, 171, 265) of different kinds for the two-, three- and four-wheeled automotive vehicles to be selectively mounted.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsuo Nakagawa, Takashi Ozeki, Seiichi Kurohori, Shinji Takayanagi, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki Horii, Takuya Tagami
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Publication number: 20040155449Abstract: A fuel tank mount structure (24), to be placed in a lower area of a floor formed in a vehicle body, is provided including a rear suspension member (13) disposed rearward of the fuel tank and having a front edge portion formed with a front suspension cross member (27) formed in a configuration contoured along a rear profile of the fuel tank (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2004Publication date: August 12, 2004Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Tadayoshi Hashimura
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Publication number: 20040140659Abstract: A suspension cross member has a bulkhead interposed between an upper member plate and a lower member plate in such a manner as to extend longitudinally rearward from a disconnection initiating point on a forward arm side along an inner side of the upper member plate and an inner side of the lower member plate. The bulkhead is jointed to the upper member plate and the lower member plate, respectively, at least in the disconnection initiating point.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Shinji Kato, Shigeki Hama
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Patent number: 6749039Abstract: A modular go-kart assembly includes an acceleration assembly cooperatively working with a braking assembly for powering and stopping the go-kart assembly. The go-kart assembly further includes a central body, a front drive assembly, a rear drive assembly, and a protective cage assembly, each of which are modular for easy construction and disassembly. The go-kart assembly includes a motor having multiple power take off shafts to provide simple connections to an acceleration assembly and a braking assembly. Both the acceleration assembly and the braking assembly are controlled by one control pedal, so as to provide a safety measure for the operator, which is typically a child.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Inventor: Ric Uphaus
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Patent number: 6742808Abstract: An integrally cast aluminum subframe for a vehicle suspension system has increased stiffness for an overall vehicle frame while minimizing the thickness of the main aluminum casting by using tension/compression struts to resist flexing. Various strut attachments are shown that simplify manufacturing and lower the cost. The invention results in further improvement of weight reduction while simultaneously achieving a desired amount of stiffness.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.Inventor: Werner E. Kosak
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Patent number: 6733021Abstract: A subframe for a vehicle with an improved mounting arrangement is provided. The subframe includes a first member extending transverse to the longitudinal frame rails on a vehicle frame and is mounted to the frame at a first mounting point between the frame rails. The subframe further includes second and third members that extend from either side of the first member to support suspension control arms, spring/shock units, and a steering linkage. The second and third members are coupled to the frame rails at second and third mounting points. The three mounting points form a generally triangular mounting arrangement that enables greater deflection of the frame rails. Rubber isolators may be used at the mounting points to further increase frame rail deflection and reduce vibration. Further, the second and third members form spring seats for the spring/shock units at locations outboard of the frame rails thereby moving spring reaction points outboard of the vehicle frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: James Ziech, Michael L. Zebolsky
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Patent number: 6702058Abstract: A vehicle such as straddle type suitable for running on a rough has a front wheel, which is steered, disposed in front of a vehicle body frame and a rear wheel disposed to the rear side thereof. Such vehicle is provided with a vehicle body frame structure which comprises a front frame unit, a center frame unit, and a rear frame unit. These front and center and rear frame units are first assembled individually as a unit and then coupled together integrally as a vehicle body frame structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keiichiro Ishii, Takuji Nozue, Hiroto Yao, Eizo Aoki, Naoyuki Hamada, Tomoyuki Mizuno, Hirofumi Takeda
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Publication number: 20040036266Abstract: The modular frame for transportation vehicles with depressed flatbed comprises a front wheel assembly with a steering wheel assembly, a rear wheel assembly with a fixed wheel assembly, a protruding front structure, a protruding rear structure and a central structure between the wheel assemblies. The aforesaid structures can be connected in a removable and non-removable way to said wheel assemblies upon assembly with the same type of attachment, eventually also using a disconnectable connection on the protruding rear structure of the bus frame and non-removable permanent connections on the other attachments between the wheel assemblies and the respective frame structure. In addition, the frame structure consists of central beams, lateral box-type beams and intermediate and end ribs. In the wheel assembly attachment area, the frame structure is equipped with flanges that can be coupled with similar flanges on the wheel assembly to which it must be permanently connected in a non-removable way.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Gian Paolo Tardini
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Patent number: 6681489Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly including a pair of side bars, interconnecting crossbars and connecting brackets, all formed from channel sections, is manufactured using a flexible roll former that eliminates the need to use hard tooling. The shorter frame assembly components, including the crossbars and brackets, are formed as multi-piece gang members. The components are hole-punched with numerically controlled piercing equipment, resulting in accurate hole alignment for assembly. For components not requiring offsetting, the component sidebars and bracket and crossbar gang members are preferably heat treated before hole-punching.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Inventor: Sean M. Fleming
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Patent number: 6679523Abstract: A sub-frame structure of a motor vehicle includes a pair of side frame sections and a cross member section. The pair of side frame sections extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at prescribed lateral spacing and include laterally inward bends in each section. The cross member section connects front ends of the side frame sections. The cross member section and end portions of the side frame sections connected to the cross member section are integrally formed of a deformed tube member. The remaining portions of the frame member sections including said bends are formed of a closed section member fabricated by joining a plurality of members at flanges.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Tadanobu Yamamoto, Susumu Sano, Tadashi Yoshimura
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Patent number: 6665935Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle chassis and a vehicle chassis that is formed in modules with couplers for connecting extruded beams. The method includes extruding a plurality of beams and a plurality of couplers that are loosely assembled together to a fixture having locating pins that are received in pockets formed on the couplers and securing the beams and couplers together to form a chassis. The chassis includes a center chassis module to which the fire wall bulkhead and passenger compartment are secured, a drive train and front suspension module to which the engine transmission and front suspension are attached, a rear suspension module to which the rear suspension and gas tank are secured, and front and rear crush modules including the front and rear bumper assemblies, respectively. Couplers used in forming the chassis include a central portion having an outer wall and a plurality of inner walls extending inwardly from the outer wall to the pocket.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Inventor: Daniel E. Panoz
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Publication number: 20030227164Abstract: A method for manufacturing an automotive frame assembly (10) includes an inner rail (12) having an exterior side (26) and an interior side (30). First, the exterior side (26) of the inner rail (12) has fixedly attached thereto at least one flange (24) extending from a cross member (20). At least one two-sided fastener (28) is operatively applied to the exterior side (26) and the interior side (30) of the inner rail (12) so as to fixedly attach the flange (24) to the inner rail (12). Thereafter, the interior side (30) of the inner rail (12) has fixedly attached thereto at least one lip (32) extending from an outer rail (12″). Likewise, at least one two-sided fastener (28) is operatively applied to the exterior side (26) and the interior side (30) of the inner rail so as to fixedly attach the lip (32) to the inner rail (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sean Young, Henry J. Cornille, Joseph Porcari, Michael William Danyo
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Patent number: 6648351Abstract: An integrally cast aluminum subframe for a vehicle suspension system has control arm connections that avoid high stress in the connections. Mounting studs may be an integral part of the subframe casting or may be subsequently joined to the subframe. Bushings of the articulations of the control arms are joined to the mounting studs from one side only, so that the flexing of the connection that was present in the prior art clevis connection is avoided. Consequently, the articulation is retained between a head of the mounting bolt and the mounting stud.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.Inventor: Werner E. Kosak
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Patent number: 6571664Abstract: A link rod for supportably suspending a structural member from a vehicle frame includes a one-piece body press-formed from a metal plate material. The one-piece body defines a main rod section having a bent portion at one end thereof forming a first attachment section which lies on a plane arranged crosswise to a plate plane of the main rod section, and a second attachment section attachment section extending contiguously to an opposite end of the main rod section co-directionally with the plate plane. Reinforcing flanges formed at lateral edges of the main rod section. The reinforcing flanges include extension edges disposed at the bend portion and extending at least from the one end of the main rod toward the first attachment section, the extension edges being bent outwardly from top edge portions of the reinforcing flanges in a direction crosswise to a remainder thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Tadano, Hiroaki Takahashi, Akihiko Kato
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Patent number: 6547281Abstract: A suspension support member is mounted on a vehicle body to support a coil spring and a shock absorber forming a suspension, and is formed of a cast article including a spring seat for the coil spring and a pivot support section for the shock absorber, which are disposed independently from each other. Thus, the suspension support member is provided which ensures that the supported positions of the coil spring and the shock absorber in the suspension can be determined simply with a good accuracy, and which has a high rigidity and moreover, enables the generation of noises to be inhibited remarkably.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shuichiro Iwatsuki
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Publication number: 20030047930Abstract: The front fork of a motorcycle is carried by a steering spindle mounted for angular rotation about the axis of the steering spindle in the steering head member of a motorcycle frame. The steering spindle is rotatable in bearing assemblies at opposite ends of the steering head member of the motorcycle frame, and provision is made for adjustment of the steering head angle by the inclusion in at least one of these bearing assemblies of an eccentric member. The eccentric member is arranged for assembly alternatively in either of two diametrically opposed angular orientations to position the axis of steering spindle in a corresponding one of two angular positions in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the motorcycle frame. A series of eccentric members of different eccentricity may be provided so that a wide range of steering head angle adjustment may be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Mitsuo Nakagawa, Takashi Ozeki, Seiichi Kurohori, Shinji Takayanagi, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki Horii, Takuya Tagami
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Patent number: 6511096Abstract: A subframe for a motor vehicle, particularly for a rear axle of a motor vehicle, includes of a chassis frame which can be fastened to the vehicle body and which comprises at least cross members which are connected with side members. Bearings for suspension links are provided on the side members, and a transmission assembly is disposed in the chassis frame between the side members and the cross members. The side member structure of each side comprises in each case two members which are arranged above one another and which have a through-opening for axle shafts of the transmission assembly between one another and converge approximately at the end side and are connected with the cross members. By way of a three-point bearing, the transmission assembly is connected with the cross members and the side members, and the axle shafts of the assembly extend through the through-opening toward the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventors: Reinhard Kunert, Wilhelm Frasch
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Publication number: 20030001377Abstract: A vehicle such as straddle type suitable for running on a rough has a front wheel, which is steered, disposed in front of a vehicle body frame and a rear wheel disposed to the rear side thereof. Such vehicle is provided with a vehicle body frame structure which comprises a front frame unit, a center frame unit, and a rear frame unit. These front and center and rear frame units are first assembled individually as a unit and then coupled together integrally as a vehicle body frame structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: SUZUKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Keiichiro Ishii, Takuji Nozue, Hiroto Yao, Eizo Aoki, Naoyuki Hamada, Tomoyuki Mizuno, Hirofumi Takeda
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Publication number: 20020190516Abstract: A structural chassis or body part, in particular axle support, includes at least two steel components having different strengths, with one of the components being heat-treated. The components have different strengths, whereby the heat-treated component can have a yield strength of about 900 MPa. The components may each be made of separate parts, with the separate parts as well as the components themselves being joined together, for example by welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Applicant: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Thomas Henksmeier, Christian Theissing
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Patent number: 6494472Abstract: There is provided a suspension frame construction capable of increasing rigidity when a braking load, a lateral load, or an engine mounting load is applied to a suspension frame. In the suspension frame construction comprising an upper plate and a lower plate joined to each other to form the suspension frame; and front- and rear-side suspension lower arm support portions provided at both ends, right and left, of the suspension frame, the rear-side suspension lower arm support portion is formed by opposing the upper plate 8 and the lower plate 9 to each other at a fixed distance and a rear-side arm portion 10b of a suspension lower arm 101, 102 is pivotally supported between the opposed portion of the upper plate 8 and the lower plate 9, and a reinforcing wall portion 9f for connecting the upper plate 8 and the lower plate 9 to each other is provided on the proximal end side of the pivotally supporting portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Tomoyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 6470990Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle chassis and a vehicle chassis that is formed in modules with couplers for connecting extruded beams. The method includes extruding a plurality of beams and a plurality of couplers that are loosely assembled together to a fixture having locating pins that are received in pockets formed on the couplers and securing the beams and couplers together to form a chassis. The chassis includes a center chassis module to which the fire wall bulkhead and passenger compartment are secured, a drive train and front suspension module to which the engine transmission and front suspension are attached, a rear suspension module to which the rear suspension and gas tank are secured, and front and rear crush modules including the front and rear bumper assemblies, respectively. Couplers used in forming the chassis include a central portion having an outer wall and a plurality of inner walls extending inwardly from the outer wall to the pocket.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Inventor: Daniel E. Panoz
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Patent number: 6452288Abstract: In order to sense an object or a person in the interior of a vehicle, a laser emits a laser pulse. The laser pulse which is reflected at an object or a person is registered and evaluated. The energy content of a following laser pulse is determined based on a characteristic variable of the reflected laser pulse such as its power or its energy content.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Christoph Roth, Alexander Waldmann, Reinhard Hamperl, Thomas Stierle, Reinhard Roesl, Gerhard Mader
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Patent number: 6428046Abstract: A frame assembly is provided for a vehicle. The frame assembly includes a pair of frame rails and a subframe disposed between the frame rails. The subframe includes a unitary, generally U-shaped cradle including a front cross member and a pair of side members extending from the front cross member. A pair of front attachment members extend from a front portion of the cradle and attach to the frame rails. A pair of rear attachment members extend from a rear portion of the cradle and attach to the frame rails.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1997Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: The Budd CompanyInventors: Bruce Kocer, Scott Spicuzza, Walter A. Snyder
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Patent number: 6409216Abstract: There is provided a suspension frame construction capable of increasing rigidity when a braking load, a lateral load, or an engine mounting load is applied to a suspension frame. In a suspension frame construction comprising an upper plate and a lower plate joined to each other to form a suspension frame; and front- and rear-side suspension arm support portions provided at both ends, right and left, of the suspension frame, the lower plate 9 is made up of a pair of side plates 111 and 112 each provided with a support portion for supporting at least a rear-side arm of a suspension arm 101, 102 and a center plate 12 for connecting the side plates 111 and 112 to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Tomoyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 6408515Abstract: A method for manufacturing an engine cradle for use with a vehicular body and frame assembly includes the initial step of selecting desired materials for each of four hollow members that will be secured together to form the engine cradle. The selected materials can include metallic materials, such as steel, aluminum, magnesium, and non-metallic materials, such as fiber and other composites, or any combination thereof. The selected materials are formed into desired shapes using any known method, such as by hydroforming. Then, portions of the four members are disposed in a telescoping relationship with one another, such as by providing protrusions on some of the components and disposing the ends of the other components in a telescoping relationship with such protrusions. Lastly, the telescoping portions of the members are secured together using any securement method, including laser, MIG, or electromagnetic pulse welding techniques and adhesive bonding.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: Robert D. Durand
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Patent number: 6398262Abstract: A modular sub-frame comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate shock absorbing member. The upper portion is a steel fabrication for mounting to the chassis and the lower portion is a light-weight metal, e.g., aluminum, casting or castings for mounting to the steering components, whereby these two portions are separated by a vibration-dampening bushing. The lower portion of the modular sub-frame may be formed as a one-piece cast member or a multi-piece casting design where the casting members are jointed by bolts or other fastening means. In the multi-piece casting design, the front and rear bulkhead castings are the same identical part as are the top longitudinal members to provide interchangeability among the various components. By splitting the sub-frame into two parts, the top part can be isolated from the bottom part to reduce noise transmission from the sub-frame to the chassis, while maintaining the necessary rigid positioning of the suspension control arms and steering system.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: James F. Ziech, Paul Robert Pollock
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Patent number: 6336517Abstract: The present invention provides a chart chassis composed of a front and a rear cart frameworks bridged together, while the releasing and assembling mechanism comprises a handle bar, a turnable member and a joint assembly. By pulling the handle bar to turn the turnable member outwards, and separating the joint assembly from the turnable member thereby performing instant detachment of the cart chassis.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Merits Health Products Co., Ltd.Inventor: Larry M. Cheng
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Patent number: 6299210Abstract: A multi-piece siderail is fabricated for use as a truck frame which has potential cost and weight reductions while also providing superior weight loading characteristics. Each section of the multi-piece siderail includes a webbed portion having longitudinal ribs that form alternating protruding and recessed sections. An upper and a lower flange are provided on each section and each flange is formed with a stepped, lipped configuration. The unique structure of each section provides increased rigidity and support to that section and also allows for a nesting arrangement between each of the three components. Furthermore, this structure provides multiple attachment zones throughout the frame—two zones on each flange and three zones on the front and rear section webs and five zones on the center section web. Each of these attachment zones are surrounded by a work hardened corner to provide reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: R. J. Tower CorporationInventors: Phillip C. Ruehl, Pete Szesterniak
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Patent number: 6293364Abstract: A lower frame assembly for use in a skid steer loader machine has front and rear end portions. A front wall is positioned at the front end portion of the lower frame assembly and is connected between a pair of side rails. Each of a pair of spaced transmissions housings with front and rear end portions is connected at the front end portion to the front wall and extends rearwardly along a respective side rail. A fuel tank is connected at the rear end portion of the transmission housings and extends between the side rails so that the fuel tank is integral with the lower frame assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.Inventors: Robert S. Anderson, Mirza Q. Baig, Jeffrey A. Deneve, Brian R. Dershem, Hasan Kabir, Rodney D. McLamb, Huan T. Nguyen, Kevin E. Pielmeier, James H. Siwicke
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Patent number: 6286868Abstract: The present invention relates to vehicle frame rails, preferably of steel, which are formed with a web section which is not of a constant thickness. Preferably, the frame rail is formed by roll forming to produce the variable thickness, although other techniques, such as machining, could be used.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Freightliner LLCInventor: Michael von Mayenburg
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Patent number: 6276477Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a component car system and method for making the same and more particularly to a novel system of car components adapted to enable persons to build a new car having the appearance of a classic or antique car such as a “Tucker”.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Ida AutomotiveInventor: Robert Ida