Abstract: A vehicle body side structure is provided where an exhaust apparatus is located on the vehicle-width-direction outer side relative to a side sill without widening the vehicle. Embodiments include an internal combustion engine equipped on the front side of a partition wall defining a front edge of a vehicle cabin space, an exhaust apparatus through which exhaust gas exhausted from the internal combustion engine passes, and a side sill extending along the vehicle front-rear direction on the side of a floor forming a floor surface of the vehicle cabin space. The side sill has a recess having a cross section recessed toward the vehicle-width-direction inner side from the vehicle-width-direction outer side in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the vehicle front-rear direction and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and an exhaust system member provided in the exhaust apparatus is disposed at the recess.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a first frame rail and a second frame rail spaced from each other. The vehicle frame includes a cross-member extending from the first frame rail to the second frame rail. A battery enclosure extends from the first frame rail to the second frame rail. The battery enclosure includes a first side member and a second side member. The first side member is connected to and deformable relative to the first frame rail. The second side member is connected to and deformable relative to the second frame rail. The battery enclosure includes a reinforcement connected to the first side member, the second side member, and the cross-member.

Abstract: A front lower suspension connection for a space frame comprises a U-shaped base and upper suspension control arm support sections on the U-shaped base. The U-shaped base can have a cross-beam section and suspension column support beam sections positioned at opposite ends of the cross-beam section, where each suspension column support beam section may include lower suspension control arm pivot joint supports located at opposite ends of the suspension column support beam sections. Each upper suspension control arm support section can have a first support column and a second support column spaced from the first support column, where the first support column may include a first upper suspension control arm pivot joint support, and the second support column may include a second upper suspension control arm pivot joint support and a front mounting surface. A rear mounting may be provided on a rear surface of the front lower suspension connection.

Abstract: A chassis portion, for a vehicle chassis, including a chassis rail 33b, a cross member 35a, a suspension hanger 51 integral, fastened or fastenable to the cross member, and an arrangement for clamping, a portion of the chassis rail, between a portion of the hanger and a portion of the cross member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assembling an automotive tray assembly. The method involves capping at least one edge of a load-bearing tray to provide a safe edge and/or aesthetically pleasing finish. Preferably, the method involves using fasteners, including bolts or rivets for example, without the need for welding.

Abstract: A vehicle frame having a calibrated frame stiffness gradient is provided by fixedly attaching a series of cladding plates to an external surface of a tubular member of the frame, with the series of cladding plates including at least one immediately preceding cladding plate and one successive cladding plate. The cladding plates have thicknesses and peripheral shapes that are cooperatively configured to provide the desired stiffness gradient in the frame member. A trailing raised bead extending from the last cladding plate in the series along the surface of the frame member provides a further means for achieving the desired stiffness gradient.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is disclosed for coupling a composite floor of a cargo vehicle to a chassis of the cargo vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile battery protection structure includes a middle channel; two protection components symmetrically disposed on the left and right of the middle channel. Each of the protection components includes a vehicle door sill, a seat beam assembly, a floor panel, and a longitudinal beam. One end of the seat beam assembly is attached to the upper part of the vehicle door sill, and the other end of the seat beam assembly attached to the upper side of the middle channel. One end of the floor panel is attached to the lower part of the vehicle door sill, and the other end of the floor panel is attached to the bottom side of the middle channel. The longitudinal beam is located under the floor panel, and longitudinally extending through the vehicle body. A car battery pack disposed under the middle channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle for transporting passengers can include a chassis, a support member, and a labyrinthine girder. The support member can be rigidly engaged to and project from the chassis. The labyrinthine girder can include a coupling platform that is coupled to the support member. The labyrinthine girder can form a partial enclosure that surrounds a portion of the frame rail. An offset distance can be disposed between the labyrinthine girder and the frame rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crossmember, in particular the rear crossmember of a motor vehicle, for a multi-link suspension of the wheel, characterised in that the crossmember has a respective receiving arrangement for the drive of each of the wheels.

Abstract: A chassis frame (1) including connection members (13) each configured by a pipe that is connected to a vehicle body frame. Each connection member (13) is provided with an attachment part (2) at an end of the pipe. The attachment part (2) includes a flat attachment face (21) formed by flatly crashing an end of the pipe to form the overlapped portion where a plate of the pipe is overlapped. The flat attachment face (21) is provided on a center in left and right direction of the overlapped portion. A shape of the end of the pipe is a substantially gate shape in its cross section. The attachment part (2) further includes longitudinal ribs (22) bending from the flat attachment face (21) to both left and right sides of the overlapped portion.

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: The steering hanger beam extending in a width direction of a vehicle and connected to left and right vehicle-body members, is provided with: a main member which supports a steering device; a pair of front and rear transverse beam portions connected to the main member in the width direction of the vehicle so as to be offset from an axis of the main member to front and rear; and an opening which is formed between the pair of front and rear transverse beam portions so as to penetrate in substantially a vertical direction.

Abstract: A transport frame includes a plurality of polymer beams interconnected to form the frame with a first group of the polymer beams intersecting and extending through a second group of the polymer beams. The first group of the polymer beams is secured to the second group of polymer beams by an adhesive at their respective intersections. At least one of the polymer beams provides a non-conductive raceway for routing electrical wires or cables through the frame.

Abstract: A high-rigidity, light-weight bottom structure for a vehicle body is disclosed. The structure comprises a rectangular framework and an X-shaped frame member positioned inside the rectangular framework. The framework in the vicinity of an area where front wheels or rear wheels are provided is formed by a triangular frame part.

Abstract: Support structure for mounting on a frame of a vehicle to support an object, which comprises an object-supporting part that is adapted to be mounted on a first side of the vehicle frame. It also comprises a mating part that is adapted to be mounted on a second side of the vehicle frame. Either the object-supporting part or the mating part or both comprise at least one pin that is adapted to pass through at least one opening in the vehicle frame and abut against the mating part and/or object-supporting part. The at least one pin is adapted to accommodate any one of a plurality of vehicle frames of different thickness or any part of a vehicle frame of non-uniform thickness between the object-supporting part and the mating part.

Abstract: A motor vehicle frame includes a pair of longitudinal frame members. A cross member is provided to maintain the frame members in a spaced apart condition. The cross member has a first end configured to mount to a first one of the longitudinal frame members and a second end configured to engage a steering gear housing. The second end sandwiches steering gear housing as the second end is fastened to a second one of the frame members.

Abstract: A hanger beam assembly is formed from aluminum and includes first and second support brackets, a main beam hanger, a driver beam, a main beam, a main beam support, and a main beam support mounting bracket. The driver beam extends between the first support bracket and the main beam hanger. The main beam extends between the main beam hanger and the second support bracket. The main beam support bracket is secured to a vehicle floor, and the main beam support is secured between the main beam hanger and the main beam support mounting bracket. The resulting hanger beam assembly is light-weight and provides a desired natural frequency at the associated steering wheel.

Abstract: A leaf spring bracket is fixed to an outer surface of a vertical wall of a side member in a vehicle transverse direction by use of rivets penetrating the vertical wall. A gusset which couples an end of a cross member in the vehicle transverse direction with the side member has a vertical plate and upper and lower horizontal plates. The vertical plate is fixed to the vertical wall of the side member. The upper and lower horizontal plates extend inward in the vehicle transverse direction from upper and lower ends of the vertical plate, respectively, and are fixed to upper and lower walls of the cross member, respectively. The vertical plate has ribs protruding inward in the vehicle transverse direction. The ribs form and define recessed parts in an outer surface of the vertical plate in the vehicle transverse direction. Parts of the rivets, which project from an inner surface of the vertical wall in the vehicle transverse direction, are housed in the recessed parts.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tubular crossmember for a vehicle frame having spaced apart rails. The crossmember includes an “X” shaped member and two elongated members. Ends of legs of the “X” shaped member are constrained to ends of the elongated members. The two elongated members are parallel and are spaced apart by the “X” shaped member. The tubular crossmember is adapted to be connected to rails to construct a vehicle frame.

Abstract: An engine or radiator mounting sub-system comprised generally of an engine or radiator frame cross piece that is assembled to the engine or radiator off of the assembly line of a mobile vehicle. The off-line assembly allows the engine mounts to be preloaded prior to assembly. The engine or radiator and frame cross piece module may be lowered into the chassis on an assembly line for final fastener engagement that comes through the side or top of the frame rails. In one embodiment, the frame cross piece has an end bracket on each end that allows the lowering in of the engine or radiator into exact forward and aft placement on the respective frame rails. There may be frame rail brackets that have ‘L’ shaped ends. Where these ‘L’ brackets are used, the length of the frame cross piece including the ‘L’ brackets out to the outer vertical face will closely approximate the width between the rails.

Abstract: A floor frame structural support assembly having a plurality of substantially parallel, longitudinal support members or beams, each of the support members having an inside-directed and an outside-directed wall surface, the inside-directed wall surfaces of the support members being substantially parallel. Disposed between the support members and affixed to the inside-directed surface thereof so as to prevent the inside surfaces from moving from their substantially parallel relationship during handling, transportation, and deployment, is a plurality of substantially rigid, bend-resistive, compression-resistive cross members. Affixed to the outside surfaces of the respective longitudinal support members so as to be substantially collinear with the axis of a respective cross member is a plurality of outriggers. The floor frame structural support assembly may include additional structure such as floor joists, marriage wall beams, exterior wall beams and wall portions which are affixed thereto.

Abstract: A flatbed trailer design that unitizes the three main components of a trailer bed, the main rails, the cross members and the floor, to create a lightweight and stronger trailer. The trailer design comprises two main rails having dual webs and a plurality of shouldered cross members. These dual web main rails and shouldered cross members have top flanges that are formed by the upper plane of the flooring members. In addition, intermediate flooring supports are used between cross members. A flooring/cross member design for box-type (e.g., van) trailers, box-type bodies or even container bodies, whose top flanges of the cross members are formed by the upper plane of the flooring and whose flooring supports are intermediate, exhibiting a combined lower height. This result provides more interior space for these type of trailers while maintaining, or even reducing, the size of the cross member.

Abstract: Known self-supporting body shells provide a floor area in the vehicle center which is formed by an engine transmission support, on which floor area the transmission case is fastened which is connected with the engine. A passenger car body shell is provided with connection arms constructed as profile pieces in the area between the side members and the engine transmission support. The connection arms are tension and pressure cross members. In the event of a crash, a deformation of the vehicle body is prevented in this area as well as a rotation of the engine and of the transmission which otherwise leads to an undesirable deformation of the vehicle body in the driver's and front passenger's area.

Abstract: A joint between a side rail and a cross member in a vehicle body and frame assembly provides for direct positive positioning of the side rails relative to the ends of the cross members to expedite the manufacturing process. The side rail is generally C-shaped in cross section, including a generally vertically extending web portion having upper and lower flange portions extending therefrom. The upper flange portion is formed having a longitudinally extending, generally U-shaped recess, while the lower flange portion is formed having a longitudinally, extending generally inverted U-shaped recess. The cross member includes an upper cross member having an end portion composed of a flange portion that terminates in a generally U-shaped protrusion. The flange portion of the upper cross member extends across the upper surface of the upper flange portion of the side rail, while the U-shaped protrusion is received in the U-shaped recess.

Abstract: An Improved Bucket Stand is disclosed. The stand includes a base and at least one receptacle extending generally vertically, provided for the storage of elongate items. The preferred stand includes clamp means for attaching to the bucket or pail, and in other embodiments, a wheel or castor on its bottom to provide the bucket with mobility. The stand might also include the ability to insert elongate tubes into one of the previously-mentioned receptacles in order to permit the stand assembly to be collapsible for storage. Finally, the stand also may include a generally circular base, and still further include an embodiment wherein a plurality of peripheral receptacles be formed in the base for further storage utility.

Abstract: A hand cart for transporting two cylinders, one with oxygen and the other with a liquified fuel gas, used in welding or metal cutting is provided with a firewall divider between the cylinders to protect the oxygen cylinders from a risk of rising cylinder pressure due to heat comprising a flue supported above the cart platform in order to allow cool air to be drawn in at the bottom as how air rises should leaking fuel on the gas side become ignited.

Abstract: A potted plant dolly having a base surrounded by a molding that is raised from the surface of the base and which is filled with a silicon or other moisture proof barrier to define a cavity surrounded by the molding and partially defined by the upper surface of the base. The cavity can be filled partially with tiles which are adhesively attached to the base and then grouted in to form a concave water retaining cavity, the perimeter being defined by the molding. The base is supported on a rotary stand assembly or a wheeled chassis assembly.

Abstract: A flatbed trailer design that unitizes the three main components of a trailer bed, the main rails, the cross members and the floor, to create a lightweight and stronger trailer. The trailer design comprises two main rails having dual webs and a plurality of shouldered cross members. These dual web main rails and shouldered cross members have top flanges that are formed by the upper plane of the flooring members. In addition, intermediate flooring supports are used between cross members. A flooring/cross member design for box-type (e.g., van) trailers, box-type bodies or even container bodies, whose top flanges of the cross members are formed by the upper plane of the flooring and whose flooring supports are intermediate, exhibiting a combined lower height. This result provides more interior space for these type of trailers while maintaining, or even reducing, the size of the cross member.

Abstract: A bucket transporter is provided including a dolly frame with a central base and at least one axle coupled to the base and extending outwardly therefrom and a pair of wheels rotatably coupled to ends of the axle. Further included is a dolly post coupled to the central base and extending upwardly therefrom. A bottom support including a circular ring is pivotally coupled to the central base of the dolly frame such that the bottom support is adapted to only swivel between a lowered orientation with the circular ring situated within a horizontal plane and a raised orientation with the circular ring situated within a vertical plane.

Abstract: A new carrier device for holding a container, such as a propane gas tank. The inventive device includes a back member having top and bottom ends and a pair of sides extending between the top and bottom ends of the back member. The bottom end of the back member has a plurality of ground engaging members. Each of the sides of the back member has a pair of spaced apart belt slots and the back surface of the back member has a handle slot. The back end of are base member is pivotally coupled to the back member. The rear end of a top member is coupled to the back member with the forward end of the top member outwardly extending from the front surface of the back member. The forward end of the top member has a holding bracket which is downwardly extended from the lower face of the top member.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, movable apparatus (henceforth dolly-truck) for conveying objects, such as, for example, a five-gallon cylindrical industrial bucket is described. The dolly-truck includes a one-piece, molded plastic base having caster wheels and truck wheels. The caster wheels are mounted on a lower surface of the base and provide short distance rolling movement capability in the upright position. Connected to the base are two truck support arms which support an axle with two truck wheels. The truck wheels provide a hand truck capability for negotiating stairs, bypassing obstacles and an omnidirectional capability in conveyance of objects. Centered on the base is a retaining wall for receiving and holding objects. Connected to, and integrated into the retaining wall is an adjustable handle for conveying the dolly-truck by hand. The handle can be used to move the dolly-truck on the caster wheels as a conventional dolly, or alternatively on the truck wheels as a conventional hand truck.

Abstract: A rolling truck consisting of a metal container on whose bottom are provided castors and at least one brake gear, where the bottom has a contact area between the castors on the opposite sides for placing the rolling truck on a conveyor belt. A transponder is arranged on the bottom of the rolling truck, and the transponder is mounted on a plastic spacer at a distance from the bottom of the rolling truck, and outside the contact area of the bottom of the rolling truck. This reduces the distance between the transponder and the floor where the antenna of an RF reader is installed, and thus reduces the size and power required for the transponder.

Abstract: A carrier for a work box or tub includes a support ring made from opposed connected braces with telescopic handle attached at one end and wheels attached at the opposite end of the support ring.

Abstract: A carrier or cart for holding and transporting two or more containers, in particular, garbage/trash cans or bins. The cart is designed for easy maneuverability to facilitate storage and simultaneous transport of multiple containers.

Abstract: A water dispenser for dispensing bottled water with the water bottle installed into the bottom portion of a dispenser cabinet with the water bottle's open end up, thereby eliminating the need to lift the water bottle to the top of the cabinet and the need to invert the bottle so that its open end points down.

Abstract: A refuse container constructed of a rigid plastic material comprises a walled storage bin having substantially vertical walls extending upwardly from a bottom wall. The refuse container includes a wheel-bearing axle mounted to the lower rear portion of the storage bin and at least one wheel mounted to a front portion of the storage bin. To prevent downward deflection of the storage bin bottom wall, the refuse container also includes a brace disposed beneath the bottom wall which mounts to the rear axle and the front portion of the storage bin to reinforce the bottom wall.

Abstract: A handtruck for transporting and supporting in a generally horizontal position liquid dispensing drums, the handtruck having a secondary containment means to retain any spills or leakage, the secondary containment means having one or more expandable containment means connected in fluid communication, such that a large volume of liquid will force the expandable containment means into the expanded state, thereby greatly increasing the liquid retention capacity of the device.

Abstract: A wheeled trolley having a resilient engaging wall for retaining a standard wheeled trolley having a resilient engaging wall for retaining a standard sized bucket containing a load. The trolley includes a set of wheels to permit easy movement over a surface. The bottom of the bucket is disposed between the wheels to provide a low center of gravity to ensure stability. The bucket is retained by a resilient engaging wall such that the trolley is lifted along with the bucket for moving up and down stairs. An adapter is located on the trolley for interchangeably receiving a handle. The handle may alternatively serve as a handle, or an extension of a handle for a tool associated with the use of the trolley.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow has special compartments for containing individual circular buckets that may be loaded with different bulk materials, either liquid or solid. Materials can be segregated into different buckets and transported together in a single trip of the wheelbarrow. Each bucket can be removed separately from the wheelbarrow, such that it is not necessary to dump or discharge the entire contents of the wheelbarrow in one dumping operation. The individual buckets can in some cases be more easily manipulated for precisely pouring the contents, as compared to the manipulation possible when discharging material from a wheelbarrow.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cart for draining oil and other liquids from a vehicle. The cart has a wheeled support which carries a funnel shaped receiver. The funnel can be moved upward to near a vehicle while a funnel guide can be moved downward into an opening in a closed container. Oil or other liquids are therefore prevented from splattering or splashing, thereby protecting the enviroment.

Abstract: A container (10) and dolly (14) assembly, comprising a container having a planar rearward side (18) and a lid (12) that is pivotally coupled to one of the container handles (34) and pivots thereabout into a vertical orientation against the container (10). Retention flanges (45, 80) of the container (10) and the lid (12), respectively, overlap to lock the lid in the open position. A dolly (14) is provided having upwardly directed tine members (118, 122) that engage container flanges (58, 60) as the container is lowered upon the dolly to latch the container and dolly together. A pivotal foot pedal (38) is disclosed, operable to laterally move one dolly tine member (122) and thereby facilitate disengagement of both container flanges (58, 60) from the dolly tine members (118, 120).

Abstract: A drum containment dolly for liquid waste containment drums. The drum containment dolly has a containment vessel having a volume that is greater than the volume of the containment drum carried by the dolly. As such, should a leak form in the drum, the dolly fully retains all the liquid waste leaked from the liquid waste containment drum. Specifically, the drum containment dolly has a polygonal base, a plurality of side panels attached to the base to form the containment vessel, and means for moving the drum containment dolly. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a plurality of wheels are attached to a hexagonal base and the liquid waste containment drum is positioned vertically relative to the hexagonal base.

Abstract: A water cart for suspension of a water bucket for use in concrete finishing work employs an elongated open frame oriented substantially horizontally relative to a ground support surface and which extends in a substantially horizontal direction away from a wheel axle at one end toward a handle affixed at an opposite end. A bucket or container is pivotally suspended between the wheel axle and handle from the upper free ends of a generally U-shaped bracket that also serves as a ground support for the cart. Tool supports disposed at the wheel end of the open frame, which are generally cylindrical and adapted to receive and support long-handled work tools. The bucket's intermediate placement on the frame and pivotal suspension from the bracket allow the bucket to remain in a generally upright position, even when the cart is rested on an inclined surface, thus preventing tipping and spillage.

Abstract: A carrier including a platform body for supporting a refuse container having a base, first and second side walls and a generally tapered front wall; and including interlocking members which assist in securing together the carrier and a like carrier, wherein the interlocking members may be separated in response to pressure on a foot pedal secured to the carrier.

Abstract: A full perimeter vehicle frame is described having two siderails and at least one cross member having a zigzag shape which allows it to be easily removable from the siderails. The removable cross member can be square or tubular in cross section and is configured having a first end and a second end which are parallel, but offset from each other and a central portion which extends at an angle between the first end and the second end. The siderails each have an aperture which extends through the siderail from an inner side to an outer side of each siderail. One of the apertures is located at an axial position on a siderail which is offset from the other aperture located on the other siderail. These two apertures are offset the same axial distance as the amount of distance the first and second ends of the cross member are offset from one another.

Abstract: A cross member for use in a motor vehicle having a frame with right and left rails and a rack and pinion steering gear assembly is disclosed. The cross member includes a center portion disposed between the right and left rails and being operative to support a rack and pinion steering gear. The cross member further includes right and left arm portions projecting upwards from the center portion and terminating at first and second ends, respectively. The first and second ends attach to the right and left rails of the motor vehicle frame. The cross member further includes right and left steering gear apertures disposed in the right and left arm portions. The rack and pinion steering gear assembly operatively passes through the apertures, thereby providing maximum free length of the right and left rails and minimum front overhang.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising a chassis having flexural strength but being torsionable, on which a non-torsionable assembly is arranged above an intermediate frame, the assembly comprising a central tube at its lower side extending in the center of the vehicle, the tube being connected to the intermediate frame at several locations by means of bearings. Such a truck is especially characterized in that the intermediate frame is formed having flexural strength but being torsionable and in that a single three-point bearing is provided between it and the central tube, which comprises a rear, in axial direction fixed, pivot bearing as well as two lateral slide bearings at a transverse beam of the central tube, said pivot bearings having spherical bearing surfaces to which horizontal supports are associated at the intermediate frame.