Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface.

Abstract: A high-performance, light-duty, utility trailer that is pulled by a tow vehicle utilizing a two point coupling to the tow vehicle and a swiveling axle assembly. This novel design includes a tilting hitch assembly attached to the trailer frame and swiveling casters attached to the rear corners of the trailer frame, creating a three point “landing gear” for easy installation onto the tow vehicle and providing good un-hitched mobility allowing the trailer owner to easily move the trailer out-of-the-way when stored between each use. A wheel swiveling assembly that can be configured to provide steering geometry capable of being customized to accommodate driving habits and road conditions. A two point hitch assembly that allows the removal of adaptors when not in use for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly (32) for mounting a drive axle assembly (38) to a vehicle backbone frame (36) includes a suspension body (18) having a receiving cavity (19) for receiving the backbone frame, and a plurality of frame members (4, 5, 9, 10) disposed generally transversely to the suspension body. The plurality of frame members (4, 5, 9, 10) are pivotally attached to the suspension body (18) at an upper end (44) of the frame members. The transaxle assembly (32) also includes a receiving structure (12) that receives the plurality of frame members at a lower end (45) of the frame members (4, 5, 9, 10). The receiving structure (12) has a receiving hole (13) that is generally parallel with the backbone frame for receiving the drive axle assembly (38). A cylinder (6, 7) extends between the suspension body (18) and the receiving structure (12).

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly and related method for motor vehicles includes a base and a support positioned adjacent to the base at a connection area. At least one nail is inserted into the support and the base of the connection area, which rigidly connects the support with the base without any pre-formed fastener holes.

Abstract: A truck for towing a trailer includes a vehicle frame spine, a pair of suspension assemblies extending from either side of the vehicle frame spine and each supports a drive assembly at an end distal to the vehicle frame spine. Extensible struts are positioned between the vehicle frame spine and the drive assemblies allowing selection of vehicle drive height from a driving surface. A fifth wheel assembly is supported from the vehicle frame spine located above the drive assemblies. The fifth wheel assembly includes a fifth wheel and a fifth wheel lift which varies spacing of the fifth wheel from the vehicle frame spine. Control system selects strut extension based on a selected vehicle drive height and operates the lift assembly to counteract changes in vehicle drive height and maintain a constant fifth wheel drive height relative to the driving surface.

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 twistable connecting structure for linking two wheeled assemblies (such as foot platforms) of a personal transportation device. This connecting structure has flexible elongated members linking the wheeled assemblies, and rigid support members bridging the gap between the elongated members. This configuration enables the connecting structure to twist without bending.

Abstract: A light weight trailer for carrying elongated goods, especially for carrying at least two rotor blades of a wind energy system, having a front support frame; a rear support frame, with said front support frame and said rear support frame being adapted for supporting an elongated good; and a beam connecting said front support frame with said rear support frame, wherein said beam consists substantially of a light weight material. Further, a telescopic beam for a light weight trailer for carrying elongated goods and a method of constructing a light weight trailer are provided.

Abstract: A wheeled terrain board upon which a rider stands to traverse a terrain surface includes a deck mounted to a frame, a pair of trucks disposed at opposing ends of the frame, and a pair of wheels supported by each of the trucks. The length of the frame is adjustable to allow the terrain board to be adapted to various terrain surfaces and riding styles. The frame includes a central portion and front and rear end portions. Sliding at least one of the front and rear end portions relative to the central portion adjusts the length of the terrain board, and may be used to adjust the position of the deck relative to the trucks. Locking mechanisms may be disposed between the central portion and the front and rear end portions to secure the frame in any one of a plurality of lengths. The adjustable length frame may be used with any commercially available deck, truck, and wheels, which gives the rider more flexibility in configuring the terrain board to a particular riding style or terrain surface.

Abstract: An embodiment of a body for a vehicle includes a plurality of interconnected, formed panels including a rear suspension mounting portion, a bulkhead, a floor pan and a front suspension mounting portion. The body further includes a unitary tubular support member extending from the front suspension mounting portion to the bulkhead. At least a portion of the support member is positioned above the floor pan.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis that incorporates the engine structure, transaxle structure and a backbone structure provided as a unitary structure onto which other components of a vehicle, such as suspension, steering, body and crash absorbers may be attached. The backbone structure is a closed tubular structure in which a relatively rigid drive shaft can be supported for rotational power delivery between the engine and the transaxle. Several variations of the basic chassis embodiment are disclosed to accommodate rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, four wheel drive, as well as internal combustion, electrical and hybrid powered vehicles.

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

Abstract: A trailer for all terrain vehicles and/or snowmobiles for transporting injured persons from remote locations. Trailer has a frame of tubing, a main axle, spring and shock suspension, flotation type tires, IV pole with multiple mounting locations, carrier area for injured personnel transport, and accessory tube for attaching miscellaneous accessories.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an improved doorbeam having increased impact strength and reduced weight. The doorbeam is formed from a continuous metal web having opposing lateral edges and a varying thickness therebetween. The stock is rolled into a tubular configuration, and the lateral edges are welded together. The resultant beam provides extra reinforcing material where needed to provide a balance between weight and strength.

Abstract: A networkable engine-generator control system for use with mobile generators mounted on a frame with ground engaging wheels enabling air transport. Each control system consists of a microprocessor based controller and associated field inputs and outputs. Each processor also includes asynchronous communications allowing it to poll external devices from one port and communicate over a network out of another port. Each onboard generator is operated based on runtime hours and system load. The controller monitors engine and generator parameters and makes this information available to an operator using an external monitoring software package. Local operation of each generator is also available on the trailer itself. When operated in conjunction with other systems any one of the controllers may be made the master. The other controllers then automatically are polled by the master. The master coordinates generator operations on all networked systems. The frame utilizing a spine truss and outer frame.

Abstract: A frame for an ATV comprises a support module with a central opening defining an engine receiving space. The support module includes a first frame member and a second frame member with at least one cross member extending between the first and second frame members. At least a portion of the support module, which includes one of the frame members and the at least one cross member, consists essentially of a single beam. The single beam may be considered a modular central beam of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a four-wheel drive vehicle which on account of its constructive composition has very good off-road characteristics, in addition to which the vehicle can be adapted to a number of transport requirements and can act as a tool carrier. The vehicle is substantially frameless in the traditional sense with a front and rear rigid differential axle mounted on a beam or frame extending centrally in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, where at least one of the axles can rotate about the vehicle's longitudinal axis, while at the same time both of the vehicle's axles are each steered in the opposite direction to each other about their axes perpendicularly to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fiber reinforced suspension member having an integral pivot opening. The suspension member includes a first portion, a second portion and a central portion disposed in between the first portion and the second portion. The suspension member in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is formed of fibers that extend longitudinally from the first portion to the central portion and curve around the central portion such that an opening is defined in the central portion. The fibers forming the suspension member typically comprise an upper fiber layer and a lower fiber layer. The upper fiber layer and the lower fiber layer interface in the first portion and the second portion and are separated in the central portion. The upper layer fiber and the lower layer fiber are reinforced around the opening by stitching reinforcing fibers through the thickness of the suspension member.

Abstract: An integral frame structure for vehicles that includes a telescopically extending tubular member with rear and front support assemblies mounted perpendicularly to the ends. Transverse cross members are perpendicularly mounted to the longitudinally extending tubular member. The tubular member has a relatively large diameter with respect to the transverse cross members that are kept in perpendicular position with respect to the tubular member defining a plane below the longitudinal upper portion of the tubular member. A load is supported by the front and rear support assemblies as well as the cross assemblies. The load is also supported by the upper longitudinal portion of the tubular member, specially, the portion adjacent to the rear portion. The structure is easily assembled and capable of being stored in a volumetrically efficient manner.

Abstract: Several embodiments of small vehicles having a relatively narrow body frame assembly supporting front and rear wheels at its ends through suspension systems. A single seat is carried by an upwardly extending rearward portion of the body frame assembly. The body frame assembly is narrow so that a person can stand beside the seat and lower himself into it without having to climb into the vehicle. Various battery arrangements are disclosed all of which have the batteries disposed so that they are inserted and removed in a generally horizontal direction to minimize the degree of lifting required for replacement and insertion.

Abstract: A frame is disposed between an engine and a transmission casing and is made of three sheet metal parts; an engine mounting part, a transmitting shaft covering part and a transmission casing mounting part. The transmitting shaft covering part consists of two laterally or vertically separable halves which join each other to form a barrel. One end of each half is fixed to the engine mounting part, while the other end is fixed to the transmission casing mounting part. Reinforcing members are disposed below a transmitting shaft housed in the transmitting shaft covering part. An expanded portion is disposed at the other end of the transmitting shaft covering part. An opening edge of the expanded portion is fixed to the transmission casing mounting part.

Abstract: An ultra-light road vehicle, particularly an electrically powered one, wherein the weight of the basic construction is minimized so that the vehicle may be powered by batteries while having a standard degree of autonomy for the class of vehicles in question, and the space requirement of the vehicle is reduced for easier parking. For this purpose, the vehicle comprises a chassis (9) with a central hollow beam (12) consisting of an extruded profile section made of a lightweight material and forming a housing for batteries (52) and a driving engine (28), a body (8) consisting of a separate sealed hollow assembly mounted on the chassis, and two steerable wheels (17, 18) at the front and a drive wheel (15) at the back connected to the chassis via suspensions. The rear wheel (15) is mounted on pivotable arms (27) so that the vehicle can be converted from a normal position to a shortened position in which the wheel base is reduced.

Abstract: A work machine includes a first chassis having a longitudinally extending spine with front and rear axles and wheels, and a second chassis having a base with an engine module and an operator's cab. The operator's cab and engine module are spaced apart to form a gap therebetween, with the gap adapted to accommodate the spine of the first chassis for assembling the first and second chassis together. In view of the modular construction, the second chassis can be attached to a number of different first chassis to provide versatility.

Abstract: A telescopic tractor frame comprised of two interconnected cylindrical frame members which allow the frame to extend a contract and to pivot horizontally along the frame's axis. The frame may be extended to carry large loads or contracted to increase maneuverability. The frame may also be extended and contracted repeatedly to extricate the tractor from muddy or boggy soil.

Abstract: A frame for an agricultural trailer vehicle has a single centrally extending longitudinal support having a hollow box-shaped construction. The longitudinal support has a width and a height which is greater than the width. The longitudinal support has a cross-section with a profile which changes over its length so that a maximum profile of its cross-section is provided in the region of a wheel axle.

Abstract: A thin gooseneck assembly is provided for use in the chassis of a semi-trailer intended for hauling freight containers. The gooseneck assembly is formed by a fabricated tube extending longitudinally to define substantially the entire length of the gooseneck. The fabricated tube includes a lower plate having a pair of upstanding side defining flanges. A rearward portion of the lower plate includes a pair of longitudinal slots for receiving in fixed relation the web of a longitudinal beam which extends from the gooseneck to the rearward end of the semi-trailer. The top flange of each longitudinal beam is fixed to an upper surface of the lower plate so that a lower surface of each top flange is in surface-to-surface contact with the lower plate upper surface. An upper plate is positioned parallel to the lower plate and fixed to upper portions of the side-defining flanges. A kingpin for coupling the chassis to a tractor fifth wheel projects downward through the lower plate of the fabricated tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a chassis for a truck trailer which can be manufactured for less cost, and can be lighter, for the same strength, as a conventional twin I-beam trailer as used in fifth wheel logging truck applications. The chassis of the invention has an elongated beam member having a generally horizontal top wall, a pair of laterally spaced apart side wall portions with upper margin portions which are inclined inwardly and upwardly to merge continuously with the top wall portion. Lower margin portions of the side wall portions have flanges which have inner edges spaced apart to accommodate service conduits, and other components. A plurality of transversely extending bunk means are spaced apart longitudinally along the beam member at respective stations. The inwards inclination of the upper margin portions reduces chances of a loading grapple fouling with edges of the beam member when loading and unloading logs from the trailer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable length vehicle chassis having front and rear reach beams and a center beam, and in which the center beam is telescopically slidable into the reach beams and one reach beam is telescopically slidable into the other reach beam to attain minimum length adjustments of the chassis. One of the reach beams also includes a longitudinal slot extending substantially over its length to permit fractional length adjustments over a wide variety of lengths between maximum and minimum chassis lengths.

Abstract: A chassis frame in a rider-controlled working vehicle comprises a front frame member having a substantially channel-shaped cross section opening downwardly, a central frame in the form of a tubular body having a substantially rectangular cross section, and a rear frame member having a substantially channel-shaped cross section opening upwardly, the front, central, and rear frame members having confronting ends joined in interfitting relation. A front wheel differential is housed in the front frame member, and an engine is supported on the front frame member by rubber mounts. A power output shaft operatively coupled to the engine is disposed in the front frame member and has a front end positioned within a front end of the front frame member so as not to project forwardly therefrom. A cover plate is detachably attached to the front frame member below the power output shaft.

Abstract: In a propulsion unit for the driven axles of an electrically-powered rail vehicle, the torque of an electric propulsion motor is transmitted to the respective driven axle by way of a torque transmitting mechanism including gears and couplings. A common housing in the form of a hollow beam is used to enclose the propulsion motor, a bearing system, and a transmission. Cut-outs are provided in the sides of the housing to allow space for the driven axles. In order to increase the flexural and torsional stiffness of the propulsion unit, the hollow beam includes an annular end surface through which the propulsion motor and torque transmitting apparatus are inserted. The hollow beam not only forms a common housing or the propulsion components, but is a very stiff support element that reduces vibration and improves the running behavior of the propulsion unit.

Abstract: A hurdle hauler for hauling hurdles of the type used in track meets includes an elongated beam supported by wheels with pairs of vertically extending stanchions affixed to the beam. Each pair of stanchions includes supports to support a hurdle and the distances between the stanchions of each pair is greater than the distance between the adjacent stanchions of adjacent pairs of stanchions. The supports on the stanchions to support a hurdle include upwardly extending arms on opposite sides of each stanchion.

Abstract: A main frame for a vehicle constructed from a minimum number of parts is disclosed herein. The frame includes a pair of spaced elongated rectangular flat plates that have opposite edges and opposite ends interconnected by reinforcing plates and have aligned openings intermediate opposite ends thereof. Further reinforcing plates are located between the elongated flat plates and surround each of the openings and the various plates are arranged so that localized stress concentration areas are substantially eliminated.