Abstract: A structural assembly for a recreational vehicle includes a first structural frame member and a second structural frame member with a side wall having a slot for receiving the side wall of the first structural frame member through a notch formed in the side wall and upper wall of the first structural frame member. The upper wall of the second structural frame member is located in the notch when the second structural frame member is engaged with the side wall of the first structural frame member with the slot.

Abstract: A housing for an energy store is arranged on the floor of a vehicle body. The housing has a cover, a bottom, and a peripheral frame. Fastening components are provided on a side transverse section of the frame that is at the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction, on which fastening components the front ends of two stiffening braces extending in the shape of a V are arranged.

Abstract: A crane support system includes two spaced apart longitudinal members couplable with a vehicle frame. Two spaced apart groups of tubes are coupled with and extend between the longitudinal members and outboard relative to one member to define an outboard subassembly portion. A tower frame is mounted atop the outboard subassembly portion. A first brace extends angularly between the groups of tubes, the brace extending from a one of the groups forward relative to the vehicle frame toward the other group aft relative to the vehicle frame and toward the tower frame. A horizontal arm extends transversely beneath the outboard subassembly portion. A vertical support has a top end coupled with the arm and a bottom end couplable with an outrigger. A second brace extends angularly between the vertical support and the arm for transferring bending moment and/or shear from the cantilever to the outrigger via the vertical support.

Abstract: A chassis frame including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a top plate having a first thickness, a bottom plate, and a plurality of side plates extending from the top plate to the bottom plate. The second section includes a top plate having a second thickness, a bottom plate, and a plurality of side plates extending from the top plate to the bottom plate. The first section and the second section are joined at least one transition joint. Each transition joint includes a protrusion configured to engage a pocket. Each pocket is defined by angular edges of the top and bottom plates of the first section. Each protrusion defined by angular edges of the top and bottom plates of the second section.

Abstract: A method for the joining of hollow profiles made from high-strength steel, in particular to form a motor vehicle frame, the hollow profiles being connected to one another, nonpositively and positively against being pulled out, by pinching (crimping) in a connection zone, one end of at least one of the hollow profiles having a connection zone for pinching which is soft at least during forming. This soft connection zone may be hardened during pinching if at least one of the profiles to be joined is made from hardenable steel and is brought to austenizing temperature before pinching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a twelve-cornered strengthening member comprises: modeling a vehicle assembly including a strengthening member having a twelve-cornered cross section; parameterizing a geometry of the strengthening member with a plurality of control parameters; defining a design of experiment using the plurality of control parameters; modeling a vehicle using the vehicle assembly; simulating a frontal impact event with the vehicle; generating a response surface based on the frontal impact event; and determining a set of optimized control parameters for the strengthening member based on the response surface.

Abstract: A modular electric scooter frame structure comprises a front frame, a rear frame and a plurality of pivotal elements. The front frame includes at least one first transverse bar and a plurality of front side bars each includes a plurality of first through holes on a lateral side and a female pivot portion at one end. The rear frame includes at least one second transverse bar and a plurality of rear side bars each includes a plurality of second through holes on a lateral side and a male pivot portion at one end. The first and second transverse bars respectively have two struts to wedge in the first and second through holes for fastening. Each pivotal element runs through a first pivotal hole of the female pivot portion and a second pivotal hole of the male pivot portion to fasten the front and rear frames together.

Abstract: A chassis for an electric vehicle comprises: a base frame, a front frame, a rear frame, two side frames, four suspension devices and four wheels. The front frame and the rear frame have the front arc-shaped tube and the arc-shaped rear tube fixed to the base frame, the arc-shaped tubes can not only reduce the number of tubes required but also increase the area of thrust force as compared to the straight tubes. Besides, the arc of the arc-shaped tubes avoids a connection point of an acute angle. Moreover, the height is larger than the width, which will produce less torque on the base frame as compared to that if the height is smaller than the width, thus preventing the torque acted on the base frame from damaging the connection points and improving the structural strength of the chassis at the connection points.

Abstract: An aluminum tubular beam is assembled to a steel box frame rail with a steel sleeve. The sleeve is connected by a crimp joint or by a hem flange to the tubular beam. The steel sleeve may be effectively welded to the steel box frame rail to which it is assembled. An adhesive may be provided between the sleeve and the beam.

Abstract: An aluminum tubular beam is assembled to a steel box frame rail with a steel sleeve. The sleeve is connected by a crimp joint or by a hem flange to the tubular beam. The steel sleeve may be effectively welded to the steel box frame rail to which it is assembled. An adhesive may be provided between the sleeve and the beam.

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 utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame including a main frame including a floor member and a pair of right and left side members and a sub-frame for reinforcing the main frame, each of the side members includes a side pipe element, a first pillar pipe element, a second pillar pipe element and a third pillar pipe element, the sub-frame includes a first cross member provided between and coupled to second pillar pipe elements, one end portion of the first cross member is detachably coupled to one of the second pillar pipe elements and an opposite end portion of the first cross member is detachably attached to the other second pillar pipe element.

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

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments of a vehicle chassis with frame rails having a dropped center section. According to one embodiment, a motor vehicle chassis includes a forward frame rail section and a rear frame rail section that is spaced apart from the forward frame rail section. The chassis also includes a center frame rail section that is parallel to both the forward and rear frame rail sections and extends at least partially between the forward and rear frame rail sections. A forward portion of the center frame rail section can be positioned below a rear section of the forward frame rail section to form a forward overlapping section. The forward overlapping section can define a first open space between the two sections. Similarly, a rear portion of the center frame rail section is positioned below a front section of the rear frame rail section to form a rear overlapping section. The rear overlapping section can define a second open space between the two sections.

Abstract: A motor vehicle frame having parallel frame rails and at least one cross member constructed from a tube. The tube is sealed at its opposite ends by first and second mounting plates to provide a sealed, closed space for the storage of fluids. The mounting plates directly abut the frame rails for attachment of the cross member to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A sport trailer including a center load supporting rail, wheels, mounting assemblies for the wheels, and a stowable towing tongue, the wheel mounting assemblies include a shock absorber connected to each wheel and to a bifurcated strut that extends outward from the center rail. Upper and lower dual swing arms pivot and extend from the center rail to a mounting bracket attached to the wheels. The upper swing arms are shorter than the lower swing arms to achieve negative camber. The towing tongue is removably received within an inner channel of the center rail and telescopes relative to the center rail to achieve different length configurations of the trailer. A rear tongue is removably received within the center rail inner channel at the back end of the trailer. The rear tongue telescopes relative to the center rail and includes a taillight assembly.

Abstract: A trailer having a pair of closed, rectangular frame rails; a plurality of round pipe cross members, each cross member extending completely through each rectangular frame rail; and a plurality of axle suspension supports mounted on each rectangular frame rail.

Abstract: A wheelchair frame assembly comprises a frame member having a first leg adapted to support a seat and a second leg configured to support a caster wheel. An axle mounting assembly connects an axle tube to the frame member. The axle mounting assembly includes an axle tube mount, a frame mount, and a spacer. The spacer is configured to alter the distance between the frame member and the axle tube and transfer longitudinal forces between the axle tube mount and the frame mount.

Abstract: A reinforcement member is used to join directly two hydroformed tubular members in an automotive vehicle. The reinforcement member is formed with two spaced triangular plates joined to an orthogonal doubler plate in an integral configuration, providing mating surfaces for connection to orthogonally joined tubular members. The parallel triangular plates improve the joints vertical bending stiffness because the parallel plates provide an increased footprint at the joint. The parallel plates also enhance the lateral bending performance of the joint by locking relative movement of the two tubular members at the joint. The vertical doubler plate increases the thickness of the cross tubular member at the joint to allow a lighter gage tubular member to be utilized. The reinforcement member can be joined by MIG welding techniques on one side or on opposite sides of the cross tubular member for welding to the primary frame member.

Abstract: A rear vehicle body structure includes left and right auxiliary members each connected at the front end to the underside of the respective left or right front floor frame and connected at the rear end to the respective left or right rear-suspension mounting section. Each of the left and right auxiliary members is generally in the form of a circular-section pipe and has a pipe section of a circular sectional shape and a flattened section formed on a front end portion of the pipe section. The flattened section has an upper surface portion flattened downwardly and has a lower surface portion having a central region flattened concavely upwardly along the axis of the auxiliary member.

Abstract: A square shaped sub-frame for a vehicle manufactured from an especially designed aluminium profile (1). The profile comprises a first and a second channel (11, 13) separated by an intervening channel (12). Said first and second channels (11, 13) are separated in localized areas by removing wall material from the intervening channel (12). Then, the profile (1) is bent into a U-shaped or square, closed frame, said second channel (13) defining a load carrying frame. The first channel (11) is machined into mounting brackets for control arms etc.

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 reinforced motorcycle frame that is structurally strong and has a light and compact structure. The reinforced motorcycle frame has a head tube, at least two main beams, multiple transverse rods, at least one support beam, at least two mounting struts and at least two reinforcing struts. The main beams and at least one support beams are connected to and extend down from the head tube. The transverse rods are mounted between and strengthen the main beams. The mounting struts connect the at least one support beam to the main beams. The reinforcing struts connect the at least one support beam to the main beams to further strengthen the reinforced motorcycle frame.

Abstract: The present apparatus and method relates to improvements in stiffening elements within a vehicle body structure at a sub-frame attachment point. In a first embodiment of the improved apparatus and method, a long mounting pin is used in combination with a generally planar shear bulkhead. The pin fits partially into a channel within the shear bulkhead. The pin is welded, near its bottom, to a sub-frame mounting bracket. The long mounting pin extends to the upper part of the vehicle frame and is also welded thereto. The shear bulkhead abuts a generally middle section of the mounting pin and two additional welds are placed securing the mounting pin to the shear bulkhead.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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 metallic product has a metallic curved hollow member having a hollow cross section which has a thin wall portion and a thick wall portion which is thicker than the thin wall portion. The metallic curved hollow member is produced by bending a metallic straight hollow member produced by extrusion of aluminum material which is one of aluminum and aluminum alloy. Another metallic product has a metallic curved hollow member having a hollow cross section which has a cross-shaped portion. The metallic curved hollow member is produced by bending a metallic straight hollow member produced by extrusion of aluminum material which is one of aluminum and aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having a hollow structural member is provided with an opening at an end. A cavity extends from the opening and is defined by interior walls. The hollow structural member may be an axle or a portion of a frame. A bulkhead is arranged in the cavity transverse to the interior walls and spaced from the opening. The bulkhead substantially extends between and connects the interior walls, preferably at a right angle. The chassis component, such as an air spring or a member clamped to the hollow structural member with a U-bolt, is supported exteriorly on the hollow structural member. The chassis component generates a force and the bulkhead provides a counterforce to maintain the structural integrity of the hollow structural member. In this manner, the hollow structural member is relatively thin to save weight and cost and is better able to withstand bending and torsional forces without the use of specialized brackets.

Abstract: A body frame structure for a four-wheeled buggy which is constructed by separately preparing the front sub-assembly and the rear sub-assembly and fastening the rear sub-assembly to the front sub-assembly. The front sub-assembly is composed of a pair of sub-assembly parts each of which is formed as an approximate loop shape including a main frame, a front down frame, a lower frame, and a center frame. Rear ends of the main frames are welded to upper ends of the center frames via a cross pipe. Brackets are provided on upper portions of the center frames in such a manner as to extend upwardly therefrom. Upper fastening portions provided at front ends of seat rails constituting part of the rear sub-assembly are fastened to mounting holes formed in the brackets. Stays are provided on lower portions of the center frames, and lower fastening portions provided at front ends of right and left back stays are fastened to the stays.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A mounting bracket secures a steering gear or other ancillary device to a closed channel structural member, such as a hydroformed side rail in a vehicle frame assembly. The side rail has a relatively large opening formed through one of the walls thereof. A mounting bracket is provided for supporting the ancillary device on the side rail. The mounting bracket includes a generally flat web having upper and lower flanges extending therefrom. Between the two flanges, a reinforcing structure is provided. The reinforcing structure can include one or more spacers that extend laterally from the web. Each of the spacers may have a generally cylindrical bore formed therethrough. When assembled to the side rail, the upper and lower flanges of the mounting bracket respectively abut upper and lower walls of the side rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to the front section of a railway car comprising a motor transverse beam (2) which is horizontally arranged and vertical to the railway car axis (1). Both front section ends are firmly connected to the longitudinal supports located on the sides of a railway car (1), said supports being parallel to the railway car axis (1). The longitudinal supports (10) extend along the railway car axis (1) as diagonal longitudinal supports (3) from the motor transverse beam (2) toward the buffer elements (4). The longitudinal support ends which are situated opposite the motor transverse beam (2) are firmly connected to said buffer elements (4). A coupling support (6) is arranged in the middle of the motor transverse beam (2). Supports (5) which diagonally extend forward are firmly connected to said coupling support and the buffer elements (4). This results in forming a more compact nose of the inventive front section.

Abstract: A connecting structure for a vehicle for providing strength while achieving a light weight formation for the vehicle body. The connecting structure connects a sub-constituting member to a main constituting member. The main constituting member is formed in an inverse U-shaped section. A reinforcing pin extends along a connecting direction of the sub-constituting member and is provided to penetrate the main constituting member in a vicinity of the sub-constituting member. A connecting member is superposed on the main constituting member, the sub-constituting member, and the reinforcing pin, and is provided at the connecting portion for connecting the main constituting member and sub-constituting member. The connecting member is integrated to the main constituting member, the sub-constituting member and the reinforcing pin respectively by welding. Both end portions of the reinforcing pin are integrated to the main constituting member by welding.

Abstract: Reinforcement (30) for reinforcing a vehicle frame structure (10), having a triangular shape in cross section, including one section (20) in parallel to a side frame member (11), and the other section (21) being attached to a lower section of the side frame member (11). The present invention prevents interference with pipes passing in a lateral direction of the vehicle frame (10) and the exhaust system components. Further, the reinforcement (30) of the invention has a large section modulus, thereby effectively reinforcing the vehicle frame (10).

Abstract: There is provided a construction for suspension system mounting portions of the body of a vehicle characterized in that a closed cross-sectional portion (19) extending in a transverse direction of the body of the vehicle is formed with a plurality of sheet materials (a front dash panel 1 and a dash panel lower cross member 7) which are each pressed into shapes, that an extruded beam member (a reinforcement beam 17) is caused to extend into the interior of the closed cross-sectional portion, die-cast suspension arm brackets (6) are welded to an external surface of the closed cross-sectional portion with a part thereof (protruding portions 15a, 15b) being caused to protrude into the interior of the closed cross-sectional portion, and that the beam member is welded to the protruding portions. This can provide high rigidity without involving the complexity in shaping the respective members constituting the closed cross-sectional portion.

Abstract: A construction for mounting a subframe 1 to a vehicle body 5 includes a hollow collar 2 inserted into a pipe P constructing the subframe, the pipe being provided with an insertion hole 1a at a certain position along its thickness direction; a pair of substantially U-shaped brackets 3, 3 fixed to the pipe in such a manner that the hollow collar inserted through the insertion hole is held between the brackets; and a bolt 4 connecting the subframe to the vehicle body. The subframe may be mounted to the vehicle body at inclined angles. The brackets are mounted on the pipe such that a base portion 3a of each bracket is parallel in side view to a subframe mounting surface 5a of the vehicle body and allows the insertion of the bolt. The brackets are then fixed to the pipe at its side projecting portions 3b, 3b. One bracket adjacent to the vehicle body has a mounting surface 3d which allows surface contact with the subframe mounting surface of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A front end assembly for a motor vehicle is provided including a U-shaped cross-car support member capable of being spot welded to a pair of cowl members and a pair of rail members. The U-shaped cross-car support member preferably comprises a hydroformed tube having a lower section disposed laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a pair of upwardly projecting side sections extending essentially orthogonal to the lower section, and a pair of outwardly projecting end sections extending essentially orthogonal to the upright sections so as to be nearly parallel to the lower section. A cowl bracket is connected to each of the end sections and is spot welded to each of the cowl members. Similarly, a rail bracket is connected to each of the side sections and is spot welded to each of the rails. Advantageously, the ability to spot weld the cowl and rail brackets enables the U-shaped support member to be installed within the front end assembly in a high speed automated process.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar apparatus for use in a suspension of a motor vehicle includes a hollow tubular member (22) having first and second arms (24,26) disposed at opposite ends of a center section (28). The center section is adapted to be rotatably attached to a chassis and the first and second arms are adapted to attach to first and second wheel suspensions, respectively. A first radial protrusion (38) is circumferentially formed on an outer surface of the hollow tubular member and extends radially outward from the outer surface to a first predetermined height sufficient to retain the stabilizer bar under lateral loading. Additionally, a stress dispersing formation is (46) formed on an inner surface of the hollow tubular member opposite the first radial protrusion so as to disperse stress that would otherwise concentrate in the hollow tubular member adjacent to the first radial protrusion.

Abstract: A wheel suspension attachment assembly for use in combination with a vehicle having several cooperating structural frame members 28, 30 and including several members 20-26 which selectively, respectively, and movably perforate and protrude from the members 28, 30 and which selectively and movably receive a unique one of the control arms 48, 49 of one of several wheel assemblies 50-56 and which cooperatively and stiffly attach the several wheel assemblies 50-56 to the structural frame members 28,30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a vehicle frame member having a shock absorbing mounting portion constructed and arranged to be mounted to a structural component within a motor vehicle. The method comprises hydroforming a tubular blank within a hydroforming die by supplying pressurized fluid to the hollow interior of the blank. A drawfornming member is moved inwardly with respect to the cavity of the hydroforming die while the fluid is pressurized so that the drawforming member deforms a portion of the tubular wall inwardly to form a recessed portion having an annular side wall portion and a bottom wall portion. The formed tubular blank is then removed from the hydroforming die and a mounting structure is disposed inside the recessed portion and the blank and mounting structure are then disposed within an injection molding die. Molten shock absorbing material is injected into the recessed portion so that the molten material surrounds the mounting structure.

Abstract: An integral tubular metal cradle (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising tubular central portion (2) with two arms (5, 6 or 7,8) extending from each end (3,4) thereof and having a substantially open, semi-tubular cross-section, the arms being at a dihedral angle of less than 180.degree. at the point of connection to the central portion (2). The arms (5,6,7,8) provide a connection both to the vehicle bodywork and to either a front wheel wishbone or the rear axle of the vehicle. A method for making the integral tubular metal cradle is also provided.

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 wheeled dispenser for dispensing wire from spools. The dispenser has a rectangular frame, three stationary vertical posts, and two rotatable vertical posts each located between two stationary posts. Each rotatable post has a plurality of laterally projecting rods for supporting spools. The rotatable post can be rotated to a first position such that the rods are accessible for loading spools, and rotated to a second position wherein each rod can latch to an adjacent stationary post, with the spools held parallel so that they all pay out wire in one direction. The dispenser has wheels and a handle which can incline relative to the frame. A pin arranged to close a clevis secures the handle in a substantially upright position relative to the frame. The frame has upright stanchions bearing receptacles disposed to enable bars to span two stanchions and be held in the receptacles in a horizontal position, so that additional spools can be carried.

Abstract: A drive shaft utility cart, for supporting, storing, and transporting a drive shaft, comprising a pair of bases and a pair of vertical end supports which each extend upward from one of the bases. A primary cross bar extends between the vertical end supports, and a secondary cross bar extends between the vertical end supports, parallel to the primary cross bar. A pair of end cradles are located immediately above the vertical end supports. A middle cradle is located midway between the vertical end supports. A middle vertical support extends between the primary cross bar and secondary cross bar immediately below the middle cradle. The bases each have four perpendicular members which extend horizontally in substantially the same plane. The perpendicular members meet at a center point, and each have an end point fully opposite from the center point. The vertical supports extend vertically upward from the center point.

Abstract: A four-wheeled multipurpose handtruck is especially adapted to transport a cylindrical object such as a beer keg. A cradle-like frame nests the beer keg and a metal collar secures the keg to the frame. The handtruck employs a curved frame construction which enhances leverage when loading or unloading a keg. Movable rear wheels allow the handtruck to assume a four-wheeled horizontal transport position or the rear wheels may be collapsed for standard two-wheeled transport.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite front suspension control arm shaft for motor vehicles includes connecting two tubular longitudinal control arms to a transverse sectional member, wherein a connection portion adapted to the cross-sectional configuration of the ends of the transverse sectional member is produced at each longitudinal control arm, and wherein the ends of the transverse sectional member are positioned in an assembly position relative to the connection portions and are secured by welding thereto.

Abstract: A collapsible hand truck providing self stowage for components of the hand truck upon disassembly, comprising a hinged double shell foldable between a closed position defining a tube like enclosure and an open position providing a frame for the hand truck.

Abstract: An oval-track racing go-kart chassis includes two longitudinally extending tubular side members having a first cross-sectional diameter of 1.25 inches and three transversely extending tubular members having a second cross-sectional diameter of 1.125 inches, the transversely extending members connecting the longitudinally extending members together to form the chassis.