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: 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 frame including a pair of rear frame rails having a front bracket and a rear bracket. A leaf spring is connected at a front end to each front bracket and at a rear end to each rear bracket, with the leaf spring having a longitudinal direction between the front bracket and the rear bracket. The longitudinal direction of the leaf spring is non-parallel to the rear frame rails. Each rear frame rail includes a notch extending between the outside face of the rear frame rails and the bottom face of the rear frame rails. The notch allows the leaf spring to rise to a level above the bottom face of the rear frame rails during jounce. The frame also includes an axle perpendicular to the leaf spring. A pair of shock absorbers are connected to the axle and an outside face of the rear frame rails.

Abstract: A multi-section support rail has a first section with an outer circumferential wall, a parallel inner circumferential wall and a transverse web extending longitudinally therealong, a second section hollow tubular section with an outer circumferential wall and a parallel inner circumferential wall. The outer circumferential walls are substantially identical dimensionally. The sections are joined at mating surfaces. The joined sections are pre-bent at the second section and then hydroformed to a final desired shape. The transverse web retains the extruded dimensions throughout the hydroforming process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a vehicle body and frame assembly including a pair of side rails, each of which is formed from a single closed channel structural member that extends the entire length of the vehicle body and frame assembly and is deformed into a desired shape by hydroforming. The first step in the process is to provide a length of stock material, preferably a tubular metallic workpiece, having a predetermined length. The tubular workpiece is then typically pre-bent by a conventional tube bending apparatus to have some or all of the bends in the side rails to be formed. The bends initially formed in the workpiece during this pre-bending step usually do not have the exact angles and shapes which result in the final product. Rather, this initial pre-bending operation is performed to facilitate the insertion of the workpiece within a die cavity defined by cooperating die sections of a hydroforming die.

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: 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: A ladder type of vehicular body and frame assembly includes a pair of side rails, each of which is formed from three separate members, namely, a front closed channel structural member, a center open channel structural member, and a rear closed channel structural member. The closed channel structural members may be formed having a generally rectangular cross sectional shape, while the open channel structural members may be formed having a generally C-shaped cross sectional shape. The rear ends of the front closed channel structural members are connected to the front ends of the center open channel structural members at respective joints, such as by welding, riveting, bolting, adhesives, magnetic pulse welding, and the like. Similarly, the rear ends of the center open channel structural members are connected to the front ends of the rear closed channel structural members at respective joints, such as by welding, riveting, bolting, adhesives, magnetic pulse welding, and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for mounting to a vehicle chassis includes a subframe which includes two tubular members. Each tubular member has a rear chassis mount and front chassis mount. The tubular member mounts are constructed and arranged to mount to a leaf spring mounting perch on the vehicle chassis. The tubular members are connected by a plurality of cross braces which in turn are connected to a plurality of intermediate tubes. A differential mount connects to a cross brace which is connected to a tubular member. An upper control arm mount and a lower control arm mount connect to intermediate tubes which are connected to a cross brace which in turn is connected to another cross brace. This all connects to at least one tubular member. A self-contained suspension assembly mounts to the subframe at various places. For example, a differential mounts to the subframe at the differential mount and a pair of half-axle shafts connect to the differential.

Abstract: A vehicle frame part in the shape of a hollow profile is disclosed, with a hollow profile made of light metal being expanded by high internal pressure deformation. A sleeve made of a material with a greater ductility than the light metal, especially a steel material, is slid onto the hollow profile. The sleeve is located on the hollow profile in such fashion that a predetermined area of the hollow profile is covered that is to be deformed during subsequent expansion with a high degree of deformation that exceeds the expandability of the light metal. The hollow profile is expanded by expansion by high internal pressure within this predetermined area to a degree beyond the bursting limit, whereupon the sleeve alone is expanded, subjected directly to high internal pressure at the burst point in the final shaped hollow profile, until the final shape of the part is reached in the area that is covered by the sleeve that is held at both ends in a press fit against the hollow profile.

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: 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: A vehicle frame has side rails which support the suspension system and body of the vehicle. The side rails have a rectangular cross-section with the end sections thereof having predetermined wall thicknesses and rectangular size, and a center section having a thinner wall thickness and a larger height dimension of the rectangular cross-section. A transition section connects respective end sections with the center section. The transition section has rectangular cross-sections and wall thickness at the respective junctures which matches the adjoining section.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a suspension arm that is constructed and arranged to elastically absorb transverse and longitudinal forces transferred from the wheels of a vehicle to the supporting structure. The supporting structure comprises two hollow rear axle supports, each formed by a high interior pressure metal forming process. The rear axle supports each have a variable cross-sectional shape and are connected to one another. Fastening devices are attached at opposite ends of each of the two hollow rear axle supports and are adapted for fastening the support structure to a vehicle.

Abstract: A frame construction includes at least one nodal connection element and several tube-shaped frame elements connected thereto. The frame elements and the nodal connection elements are manufactured by hydraulic internal high pressure forming and are joined via plug-type connections. Each nodal connection element has at least two connections for adjoining frame elements. The nodal connection element consists of at least two internal-high-pressure-formed tube-shaped hollow bodies in a nested configuration. The hollow bodies are made of different materials, and have different cuts in the area of the connections--viewed in the longitudinal direction of the respective connection, allowing connection with frame elements made of corresponding different materials. In the area of each connection, one of the two hollow bodies, in addition to being connected in a plug-type connection with the adjoining frame elements made of the same material, is connected by an additional connection.

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: The engine mount system for racing karts includes two separate spaced mounts, each of which is secured on two spaced support rails of the kart's chassis frame. Each of the mounts includes arcuate portions in a lower surface thereof which are configured to fit around a portion of the spaced rails. Retainer portions connect to a bottom surface of each mount and secure the mounts to the rails. One mount includes two upright connecting members which extend upwardly from an upper surface of a base portion of the mount, the connecting members being offset somewhat from the centerline of the mount. The other mount includes a U-shaped connecting member which extends from an upper surface of the base portion of the mount, the U-shaped member also being offset from the centerline of the base portion. The U-shaped member and the spaced connecting members both include openings therethrough which permit connection of those members to the engine.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a side rail formed from a first side rail member including an end portion having a closed cross sectional shape and a second side rail member including an end portion having an open cross sectional shape. The cross sectional shapes of the end portions of the first and second side rail members may be formed having either a rectilinear, circular, or other cross sectional shape. Preferably, the end portions of the first and second side rail members are formed having complementary cross sectional shapes. To form a joint between the first and second side rail members, the end portions thereof are arranged in a telescoping relationship. Then, the end portions are secured together, such as by welding. If desired, one or more notches may be formed in one of the side rail members to facilitate the welding process and to provide additional welding junctions between the first and second side rail sections.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a perimeter frame including laterally spaced right and left side rails of tubular construction and front and rear bumper rails of tubular construction extending between the side rails. A structural tunnel extends longitudinally of the vehicle midway between the side rails and has front and rear ends. The structural tunnel includes an inverted U-shaped channel having vertically depending the first and second legs, and a close-out plate which extends horizontally between the legs. First and second front shear walls extend forwardly and diagonally from the first and second legs at the front of the tunnel to the respective right and left side rails of the perimeter frame. Similarly, first and second rear shear walls extend generally rearward and diagonally from the first and second legs at the rear end of the tunnel to the respective left and right side rails of the perimeter frame.

Abstract: A combined engine cradle and cross member structure for use with a vehicular body and frame assembly is lighter in weight than known structures. The engine cradle is formed from tubular stock material using mechanical bending and hydroforming techniques to have a generally U-shaped configuration including a central portion having a pair of leg portions extending therefrom. The cross member is also formed from tubular stock material using hydroforming techniques and has a pair of end portions. The end portions of the tubular cross member are secured to the leg portions of the tubular cradle to form the combined engine cradle and cross member structure. To accomplish this, the end portions of the tubular cross member may have notches formed therein which receive the leg portions of the engine cradle therein. The end portions of the cross member may be secured to the leg portions of the engine cradle in any conventional manner, such as by welding.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a pair of spaced side frame members, a front cross frame member and a rear cross frame member. The front cross frame member is connected with front ends of the side frame members. The rear cross frame member extends between rear ends of the side frame members. The frame members are formed from tubular metal blanks by a hydroforming process in which each blank has fluid pressure provided internally thereto and thereby radially expanded so that the frame members have a peripheral configuration modified with respect to an original peripheral configuration of the associated blanks.

Abstract: A pair of front and rear arm brackets for supporting swing arms extend between and are integrally joined to a pair of laterally spaced lower frames, and a steering bracket for supporting a steering shaft is disposed between the front and rear arm brackets and between the lower frames, and is integrally joined to the front and rear arm brackets and the lower frames. The front and rear arm brackets and the steering bracket are assembled and welded together into a lower component before being joined to the lower frames.

Abstract: A modular chassis for a front engine-rear drive motor vehicle is described which comprises as structural components a front structural member comprising the engine and attachment points for front suspension members is attached rigidly and detachably to a middle structural member comprising a tube and the middle structural member is attached rigidly and detachably to a rear structural member comprising a transmission and attachment points for rear suspension members wherein the middle structural member is longitudinally disposed on the center line of the vehicle between the front structural member and the rear structural member and supports the majority of the torsional, lateral and longitudinal loads created between the front and rear structural members and the front and rear structural members support the torsional, lateral and longitudinal loads created between each and the middle structural member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle or machinery (1) having a chassis (2) provided with ground engaging members (3) mounted on at least one transverse chassis member (4) and laterally spaced apart longitudinal chassis members (5). Each of the longitudinal chassis members (5) includes a plurality of modular elements (6) fastened together end-to-end (13, 14), which modular elements (6) are substantially hollow for housing therein moving parts (8) of the vehicle or machinery. The modular elements have access openings (18) for accessing the moving parts (8) in the interior (16) of the hollow modular elements (6), and closure panels (19) provided therefor. The present invention also extends to a modular chassis member (5) and a modular chassis element (6).

Abstract: A frame structure for a saddle-seat vehicle supports a plurality of wheels, with at least one of the wheels being steerable, and with at least one of the wheels being driven by a power unit. The frame structure includes a main frame member. The main frame member has a generally cylindrical cross-section and is formed as a one-piece continuous tubular member. The main frame member includes a left portion, a right portion, and a curved front portion interconnecting the left portion with the right portion. The curved front portion is located above and forwardly of the power unit. A heat plate is located between the left portion and the right portion, and rearwardly of the curved front portion. The heat plate includes a plurality of lip portions which overlay the left portion, the right portion, and the curved front portion of the main frame member. The lip portion includes a pair of elastic bushings which are located between the lip portion and the left and right portions of the main frame member.

Abstract: A frame apparatus, and process for constructing same, for use in the construction of various vehicles. The apparatus comprises one or more frame members, each fabricated from a single longitudinal extrusion, and one or more cross-members. The frame members include a predetermined number of regions softened through a localized heating process. The softened regions are bent to varying radii in predetermined directions relative to the profile of a specific frame configuration and then allowed to harden back toward their pre-softened hardness.

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.

Abstract: A four wheeled vehicle has a tubular frame assembly, a front body cover detachably connected to the frame assembly, and a front bumper detachably connected to the frame assembly. The front bumper is of tubular construction and has a pair of spaced-apart side members extending through openings in the front body cover. The front body cover is configured so that water flowing across it will be directed downwardly and discharged away from the seat of the vehicle and away from an induction system air inlet that is disposed beneath the seat.

Abstract: A space frame apparatus, and process for constructing same, for use in the construction of various vehicles. The apparatus comprises one or more continuous outer frame members, each fabricated from a single longitudinal extrusion, and one or more cross-members. The extrusions include a predetermined number of slots for operable acceptance of the ends of the corresponding cross-members, as well as a predetermined number of regions softened through a localized heat induction process. The softened regions are bent to varying radii in predetermined directions relative to the profile of a specific vehicle configuration and then allowed to harden back toward their pre-softened hardness. The ends of the cross-members are also softened through a localized heat induction process, and then deformed so as to create a collar and flange portion operably positioned on opposite sides of each respective slot for securely maintaining the cross-members to the one or more continuous outer frame members.

Abstract: A bearer joint for a vehicle bodywork, and in particular a longitudinal front bearer joint, and a method for placing a aluminum bearer member on the bearer joint in the vehicle bodywork. The bearer joint comprises a cast aluminum connector for joining together a first forward bearer member and a second rearward bearer member. The connector includes a tubular aluminum recess or socket for receiving the rearward end of the first aluminum bearer member which is fixed thereto by a transverse weld seam at the front receiving edge of the socket. A plurality of offset thickened regions with through holes are provided to the periphery of the socket. To replace a damaged front bearer member, the weld is cut and the damaged front bearer is withdrawn from the socket. A repair kit is provided which includes a replacement front bearer member and a platelike insert sized to fit within an end of the replacement bearer member.

Abstract: A large truck with compliant longitudinal frame members is disclosed. The truck has a pair of rear wheel hubs which are independently mounted on the frame members so that the hubs and their tires will rotate about the longitudinal axis of the frame members to accommodate uneven terrain and minimize the forces applied to the individual tires. This also minimizes bending loads on the main frame, rear axles and rear wheel support systems.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a motor vehicle, in particular, a motor vehicle having an electric motor, comprising a chassis having at least three wheels, with the side walls of the bottom part of the chassis containing the seats being formed of cross-connected hollow elements and the upper part of the chassis being formed as a hatch to be opened at least partly. To essentially reduce the front-sided in-flow drag, in the practice of the invention, the hollow elements are formed of two tubular supports open at the front and rear ends. All cross-sections of the supports, between the openings of identical cross-section, correspond to the cross-sections of the openings. The cumulative cross-sections of the two supports correspond at least to half the cross-sectional size of the bottom part of the chassis.

Abstract: An improved structure for a child-driven electric car which can be safely remotely controlled. A propulsion mechanism driven by a motor is disposed at the rear of the electric car, and a base board is welded under the rear end of the car frame for mounting a seat. An arch base is disposed under a central portion of the car frame. Pedals on the car have a starting switch and a brake switch step, while an operating switch control box is located on a central portion of the car frame. The child can easily drive the car, while the adults can use the remote controller to control the safety controller on the electric car for controlling the moving direction of the electric car so as to prevent the electric car from going into any dangerous area and thus avoid injury of the child.

Abstract: A process for producing a chassis for vehicles, which includes the steps of fabricating a single frame element of aluminum alloy, the frame element having an upper beam, a lower beam and a web portion connecting between the two beams, removing some of the web portion to a desired length, pulling the upper beam and lower beam of the web vacant portion in opposite directions so that the web vacant portion becomes an expanded opening, bending the frame element in accordance with the size and shape of the body of a vehicle to be placed on the chassis, and welding the terminating ends of the frame element to form an endless frame.

Abstract: A small snowmobile embodying a light weight welded up tubular frame assembly that has a generally open configuration for facilitating servicing and which is the nevertheless extremely robust.

Abstract: A vehicle frame for a four wheeled buggy having a steering wheel operated by a driver seated, comprises a main frame having a narrower front portion, a support frame for supporting a steering apparatus, a flat floor support portion, a pair of step frames, a seat frame, an engine supporting frame, an oblique frame supporting the engine supporting frame, and an accommodating space for accommodating a driving apparatus.

Abstract: A light-weight vehicle frame structure formed by plural tubular structural members which each have a tubular body and a flange integral with the tubular body and extending along the entire length thereof and outwardly of the tubular body, and a plate connected to the flanges of one or more of tubular structural members to reinforce and join them. The tubular body may be round, square or any other shape and the flange may extend radially or tangentially in various embodiments. The plate is bent, cut and formed for the edges to be coplanar with the flanges to which they are attached.

Abstract: A four-wheel human powered vehicle including a frame for supporting the operator of the cycle in a substantially recumbent position, rear wheels mounted on the sides of the frame, two arms mounted on the frame and extending forwardly and outwardly therefrom, and each mounting a front wheel, steering means connected to the front wheels and controllable by the operator, and a crank boom extending forwardly from the frame and supporting a crank mounting foot pedals, and a drive attached thereto for transferring the power to one of the rear wheels.

Abstract: A four-wheel vehicle having an upper frame, a lower frame and a pipe frame connecting the upper and lower frames at the forward end of the vehicle. A steering shaft extends from a steering handle through the pipe frame to steering linkages for controlling the front wheels.

Abstract: A front and rear wheel drive vehicle having straddle-type seating. A power train is located beneath the seat and between the footpegs of the vehicle. The engine employs parallel output shafts located on either side of the crankshaft to drive power transmission means to the front and rear axles. A speed change mechanism is contained within the engine case along with the output shafts and includes a first transmission shaft between the crankshaft and one of the output shafts. In one embodiment, the cylinder block of the engine is illustrated as being inclined toward the speed change transmission such that the cylinder block, cylinder head and head cover do not extend laterally outwardly beyond the engine case. To employ both output shafts, sprockets are arranged on each shaft with a coupling chain. The orientation of the output shafts provides for a narrower engine profile.

Abstract: A vehicle frame construction in a buggy with a riding saddle, includes a main frame extending longitudinally along a central axis of the buggy, the main frame having front and rear ends, and a pair of down tubes disposed one on each side of the main frame and having one ends fixed to sides of the front end of the main frame and opposite ends fixed to sides of the rear end of the main frame. Each of the down tubes is composed of a downwardly directed portion extending downwardly from the front end of the main frame and in a forward direction of the buggy, a horizontal portion extending substantially horizontally from the downwardly directed portion in a rearward direction of the buggy, and an upwardly directed portion extending substantially vertically upwardly from the horizontal portion to the rear end of the main frame.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle of the type wherein the rider straddles the vehicle. The frame includes an upper frame structure which extends outwardly and downwardly to widely-based supports for the front axle while maintaining a narrow profile at the upper portion thereof. The lower frame structure extends rearwardly from a front axle support structure inwardly of the upper frame structure. As the upper frame structure converges, the lower frame structure extends laterally outwardly of the upper frame structure. Broad support for the front axle is provided by the upper frame structure while broad support for the engine and footpegs is provided by the lower frame structure.

Abstract: A bale rack comprises an elongate horizontal frame mounted on wheels for movement along the ground, and a pair of bale supports extending along opposite sides of the frame. The bale supports are pivotable relative to the frame between a raised position, in which the bale supports serve to retain bales on the frame, and a load release position, in which the bale supports are downwardly and laterally inclined from the frame to allow a bale to roll from the frame to the ground. Latch mechanisms are provided for releasably retaining the bale supports in the raised positions, and counterweights are provided for urging the bale supports from the lowered positions to the raised positions, thus avoiding the use of springs, hydraulic devices or other relatively complicated mechanisms for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting chassis for a working machine, having a central frame provided, on each side of its longitudinal middle plane, with an indentation, whose general concavity is transversely directed opposite the middle plane, and which is delimited by two transverse arms, each one including a substantially vertical cross-plate, and, further having two longitudinal side-members placed on either sides of the middle plane, substantially parallel thereto, the ends of the arms defining an indentation which constitutes the areas where the central frame is secured by welding to the corresponding side-member, each arm being secured to the side-member essentially by welding the outermost edge of the cross-plate of this arm to the side-member, and the invention finding an application in the production of a hydraulic bucket loader with strong chassis.

Abstract: A cavity forming structural support assembly for a chassis element of an internal combustion engine incorporates an elongated member made of metal or fiber reinforced plastic material having a peripheral wall with a plurality of internal longitudinally extending wall portions defining a longitudinally extending cavity and further including a plurality of secondary longitudinal cavities at least partially surrounding the primary cavities. The elongated member is capped by a material different than that of the elongated member to form a respective end thereof and to include transverse walls forming cavities within the elongated member and enclosing the secondary longitudinal cavities. The respective caps include a portion extending inside the walls of the hollow section chamber and in pressing engagement therewith. A support member extends transversely into the primary cavity and is connected to the inner wall portion of the cap.

Abstract: Relates to a lightweight electric battery powered motor vehicle which is divisible into separable front, middle and rear sections. The front section includes a pair of steerable road engaging wheels, the middle section includes a seating compartment for two or three persons, and the rear section includes a single road engaging drive wheel driven by an electric motor and support for batteries and controls therefor. The basic supporting structure of the vehicle is served by a double set of longitudinally extending main frame members each preferably of tubular cross-section and extending through the middle section and into the front and rear sections of the vehicle. The front and rear sections of the vehicle include sleeve-like appurtenances which telescopingly fit over the terminal ends of the tubular frame members thereby enabling the front and rear sections to be easily slid off for repairs or replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle frame comprising at least two closed, planar, continuously non-concave, at least generally oval, centrally open structural members positioned transversely to the axis of a vehicle, inclined towards each other, and joined into a triangular truss. Additional whole or partial structural members of this type may be added to increase the length of the vehicles in cellular fashion.