Abstract: Light-weight beam assembly and truck trailer using the same are disclosed herein. The light-weight beam assembly is a beam being a single unitary continuous piece comprising at least two cutouts cut through, at least one vertically extending supporting member and a plurality of reinforcement members. Two beams may be connected by a plurality of transversal members for use in a truck trailer.

Abstract: A cross member structure of a vehicle body includes a floor panel (2) provided below a vehicle interior in the vehicle body (10); side sills (3) that are provided on both sides of the floor panel (2) in a vehicle width direction and extend in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body (10); a cross member (4) that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the side sills (3) to each other; and a reinforcement (5) that is provided between the cross member (4) and the floor panel (2) and extends in the vehicle width direction, wherein the cross member (4) includes a curved portion (41) that is curved to at least one side in a vertical direction of the vehicle body (10) outward from the reinforcement (5) in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid structure comprising a first component having a base and an upstanding wall extending from the base, the first component having an interior enclosed between the upstanding wall and the base, and a thermoplastic second component moulded to the first component, the second component comprising a reinforcing portion for structurally reinforcing the first component, the reinforcing portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the first component and located in the interior of the first component, the thermoplastic second component further comprising a locking portion that extends adjacently over at least part of an exterior of the first component, wherein the reinforcing portion and the locking portion are integrally formed, thus interlocking the first component in the thermoplastic second component. The invention relates as well to a method for manufacturing such a hybrid structure, and to a vehicle comprising such a hybrid structure.

Abstract: A chassis for a vehicle includes a frame having a first end and an opposing second end. The frame includes a first frame rail defining a first channel, a second frame rail defining a second channel and that is spaced from the first frame rail, and a cross member assembly coupled to the first end of the frame and extending between the first frame rail and the second frame rail. The cross member assembly includes a first end plate positioned within and releasably received by the first channel of the first frame rail, a second end plate positioned within and releasably received by the second channel of the second frame rail, and a cross member extending between the first end plate and the second end plate.

Abstract: A frame extension for a vehicle having a pair of frame rails and a connecting cross member includes a vertical main plate having an inner face attached to an outer face of a frame rail; a vertical forward plate parallel to the vertical main plate and offset from the vertical main plate such that when the frame extension is installed, the vertical forward plate is located outwardly of the vertical main plate; a horizontal main flange abutting an outer face of the vertical main plate and abutting an outer face of the vertical forward plate; and a vertical spacer member connecting the outer face of the vertical main plate to an inner face of the vertical forward plate. The inner face of the vertical main plate is attached to the cross member. The vertical spacer member is approximately aligned with or forward of a front face of the cross member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for production of a supporting member with an at least partially closed cross-section, having at least a first metal shell and a second metal shell which are connected together at least in portions in the longitudinal direction. The method includes a provision of at least a first and a second metal blank. At least a first and a second metal shell are produced from the respective first and second metal blanks. The first and second metal shells each have at least one floor with two protruding uprights spaced apart from each other and integrally connected to the floor. The first and second metal shells are positioned such that the uprights of the metal shells come into overlapping contact.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of longitudinal frame rails and a bed above the frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed aluminum cross-members contact the bed and are disposed between the bed and the frame rails for additional support of the bed. Extruded aluminum spacers are disposed between and in contact with the one of the cross members and one of the frame rails. A crush tube is spin-welded to the spacer and contacts the underside of the bed for additional support to inhibit downward relative movement of the bed. The crush tube is formed with a longitudinal hole extending therethough to receive a fastener that extends from above the truck bed, through the crush tube hole, through the cross-member and spacer, and into the frame rail.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a floor member reinforcing member extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction within a closed cross-section portion that is formed by a floor member and a floor panel. The floor member reinforcing member intersects a second floor cross member as seen in plan view. Namely, a portion, that is reinforced by the floor member reinforcing member, of the floor member extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction so as to include a portion, that intersects the second floor cross member, of the floor member. Further, occurrence of bending due to collision load at the portion, that is reinforced by the floor member reinforcing member, of the floor member is suppressed. The reinforced portion of the floor member is displaced toward a vehicle obliquely upper front side following displacement of the second floor cross member toward a vehicle obliquely upper front side.

Abstract: A suspension frame structure comprises a suspension frame and a reinforcement. The reinforcement has a support portion that extends in the up-down direction within the suspension frame and connects an upper wall and a lower wall of the suspension frame to each other, a front upright wall that extends outward in the vehicle-width direction and further to the front side of a vehicle from a side face of the support portion and is joined to at least one of the upper wall and the lower wall of the suspension frame, and a rear upright wall that extends outward in the vehicle-width direction and further to the rear side of the vehicle from the side face of the support portion and is joined to at least one of the upper wall and the lower wall of the suspension frame. The front upright wall and the rear upright wall form an L-shape.

Abstract: A longitudinal frame for the chassis structure of a motor vehicle is provided. The frame includes at least two longitudinal sections, which are joined together to form a shared longitudinal structure by having the longitudinal sections at least partially overlap each other in an overlap region. One of the longitudinal sections of the frame has a side panel, which in the overlap region exhibits a connecting section for attachment to a floor panel, and the other longitudinal section exhibits a counter-panel in the overlap region that at least partially abuts against the side panel. The abutment of the counter-panel against the side panel remains outside of the connecting section. The frame includes at least one longitudinal structure, and the longitudinal structure and at least one of the longitudinal sections together extend over a longitudinal section of the longitudinal frame.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a center tunnel assembly which may include a series of truss structures.

Abstract: One variation may include a vehicle center tunnel which may include an enclosed exhaust system.

Abstract: A platform trailer includes a neck reinforcement structure located in the neck region. The neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the first beam that is oriented toward the second beam, and a second beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the second beam that is oriented toward the first beam. A plurality of internal cross members extend between and interconnect the first and second beam reinforcement structures. A fifth wheel plate is fixedly secured to and that extends between both the first and second beams. A kingpin is connected to the fifth wheel plate and is adapted to be engaged by an associated tractor fifth wheel. The neck reinforcement structure allows for use of aluminum alloy beams with a reduced height in the neck region of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis for motor homes, busses and similar vehicles is provided. In an embodiment, the chassis includes anti-camber to counteract the bending action provided by the engine being mounted rear ward of the rear axle(s) of the vehicle such that the rear axle(s) act as a fulcrum causing crowning of the chassis. Further, embodiments of the invention utilize through the frame construction for lateral support members to increase storage space of a basement region and to increase strength of the welded joints of the various structural members.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis in the form of a trough is ‘V shaped and encloses the vehicle driveline and is resistant to ballistic and blast damage. The chassis has a removable body attached by longitudinal pivot pins. A torsion bar suspension is pivoted on the axis of the torsion bar.

Abstract: A frame structure absorbs energy from frontal impacts and extends under a front portion of the body frame. The frame structure includes a rear sub-frame located below and in front of a pair of side frame under-members, and an inverter protection brace extending between the front sub-frame and the rear sub-frame. Loading from the inverter protection brace travels through the rear sub-frame to A-point bolt connections located on the pair of front frame side members. The rear sub-frame moves rearward and deforms at the A-point bolt connections. The load through the A-point bolt connections changes the deformation mode of the frame front side members between the A-point bolt connections and B-point bolt connections. At least one of the pair of side frame under-members buckles rearward of the B-point bolt connection located on the pair of side frame under-members for energy absorption during the frontal impact.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a first frame member and a separate second frame member having an end portion connected to an end portion of the first frame member. A frame patch is interposed between and connected to the respective end portions of the first and second frame members. The frame patch together with the respective end portions of the first and second frame members defines a tri-layer patch configured to divide an input load applied longitudinally to the vehicle frame assembly into multiple force vectors which distribute the input load across a wide area of the vehicle frame assembly.

Abstract: A chassis frame has a right side rail and a left side rail running lengthwise of the frame opposite each other and joined together by at least one crossmember. A rectangular tube overlies, and has underlying support by, the top wall of the respective side rail. A right uniting member runs lengthwise of the frame for uniting the right rectangular tube and the right side rail in assembly, and a left uniting member runs lengthwise of the frame for uniting the left rectangular tube and the left side rail in assembly. Each uniting member has a horizontal flange overlying and joined to the respective rectangular tube, and a vertical flange extending downward from the respective horizontal flange and joined to the respective side rail.

Abstract: Hot-rolled high-strength steel elongated structural members and method of making same are disclosed by hot-rolling high-strength steel having a specific chemical composition to provide the members of desired geometrical configuration including a thin web with opposed thicker flanges extending therefrom to increase the load bearing capacity of the members.

Abstract: One embodiment of a beam structure may include a first side panel and a second side panel spaced apart from the first side panel. An intermediate panel extends from an intermediate portion of the first side panel to an intermediate portion of the second side panel. Further, the beam structure may include an end panel extending from an end portion of the first side panel to an end portion of the second side panel. The end panel may be spaced apart from the intermediate panel for configuring an enclosed channel bounded by the first and second side panels, the intermediate panel, and the end panel.

Abstract: A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together.

Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises at least one front ground engaging member; at least one rear ground engaging member; and a frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The frame includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a channel member extending in the longitudinal direction between the front and rear portions. The vehicle further comprises a floor board coupled to the channel member and a powertrain assembly having a drive shaft operably coupled to at least one of the front ground engaging member and the rear ground engaging member. Additionally, the vehicle comprises a plurality of transport lines configured to transport at least one of a fluid and an electrical connection between the front portion and the rear portion of the frame. The channel member is positioned intermediate the drive shaft and the transport lines and is configured to support the transport lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for the modular frame of a heavy load transport vehicle, characterised in that it comprises, at one end thereof, a junction surface having an oblique bearing surface extending between two parallel planar surfaces inclined relative to the previous one. The invention also relates to a method for mounting such modules. The invention relates to a frame that comprises at least two such modules in which the junction surfaces together define an assembly with an oblique scarf joint, an unabutting scarf joint or key joint. The invention also relates to a harbour vehicle comprising at least one such frame and at least one such module.

Abstract: A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together.

Abstract: Heavy equipment trailer and deck extension. The trailer has an elongated main deck with longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides thereof, and ground engaging wheels toward the rear of the main deck. The extension has longitudinally extending frame members aligned with the frame members of the main deck, and coupling pins extend between the frame members of the main deck and the extension in load supporting relationship, with lock pins preventing longitudinal separation of the main deck and the extension. C-shaped channel members extend along the upper, lower, and outer sides of the extension, past the coupling pins, and along upper, lower, and outer side portions of the frame members of the main deck to hold the frame members in alignment and prevent sagging under load conditions.

Abstract: A rear axle/suspension module (18) is associated with a chassis frame (10) in a way that facilitates installation and removal to provide more efficient assembly plant operations with fewer parts and less floor space. Also provided is a method of re-equipping a truck that has one particular model of drive axle and suspension module with a different model.

Abstract: Provided is a front structure of a vehicle 1, and the front structure includes a pair of side frames 2 and a first cross member 31. The pair of side frames 2 are disposed respectively on both sides of the vehicle in a vehicle-width direction and extend in a front-to-rear direction. The first cross member extends in the vehicle-width direction, and connects front-end portions 25 of the pair of side frames 2. Each of the front-end portions 25 of the side frames 2 includes a protruding portion 26 that extends frontwards integrally thereof beyond the first cross member 31. In the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle 1, the protruding portions 26 absorb the produced energy, so that the amount of deformation of portions respectively of the side frames 2 located at rear sides of the front-end portions 25 can be reduced.

Abstract: A rear frame for a motor vehicle has a profile part manufactured from cast metal. The profile part has two legs, which are connected to one another via a cover element, and an attachment element. In this way, the rear frame has a particularly high stability and may be manufactured particularly cost-effectively.

Abstract: A light weight beam, a truck frame utilizing a light weight beam, and a method of assembling a truck frame, each include a composite box beam.

Abstract: A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together.

Abstract: A vehicle frame includes first and second lower rails and first and second upper rails operatively interconnected. Cross members horizontally interconnect the lower rails and the upper rails, and stanchions vertically interconnect the upper rails and the lower rails. The frame provides improved stiffness and strength at a reduced mass compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Rigidity of a frame of a working vehicle is improved by a simple structure and production costs are reduced by reducing the number of parts of a working vehicle. Pipes 66 are provided on both left and right sides at the center in the front-rear direction of a side frame 62, and each pipe 66 has a rectangular cross-section and penetrates an intermediate partition in the front-rear direction from a mast section 64 up to a transmission section. Tie-down holes are formed in a front face plate 61 to which the front end of a frame 9 is connected, and a plate 64b connected to a side frame 62 is provided at the bottom surface of each mast section 64 protruding outward from the side frame 62. Tanks installed on the working vehicle are suspended from the plate bodies 64b, and a lift arm installation boss provided at each mast section 64 is supported at both ends. A U-shaped reinforcement member 81 connects the upper surface of mast partition plate of a mast section 64 and left and right bosses.

Abstract: A rear axle/suspension module (18) is associated with a chassis frame (10) in a way that facilitates installation and removal to provide more efficient assembly plant operations with fewer parts and less floor space. Also provided is a method of re-equipping a truck that has one particular model of drive axle and suspension module with a different model.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chassis for a high mobility vehicle, the vehicle defining a longitudinal axis, the chassis comprising a tubular transmission member generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and extending from a foremost axle to a rearmost axle and thus defining a transmission axis at least one structural member the tubular transmission member being connected to the at least one structural member wherein the chassis comprises at least one foremost attachment means whereby recovery means may attach to the chassis, the attachment means being arranged with one of the structural members such that recovery loads are transmitted through the said one of the structural members.

Abstract: In a method of making a structural or chassis component for a motor vehicle, a blank is provided with at least one material supply in an outer region at a distance to the outer edge to serve as material reserve. The blank is placed in a press tool for shaping the blank into a structural or chassis component by displacing the material supply in a direction of the outer edge and pressing the outer region of the blank against a buttress of the press tool to thereby form the outer region in a recess of the press tool to produce bead.

Abstract: A rear suspension cross member mounting structure includes a rear floor side member with a 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and a 2WD rear cross member mounting hole, and a reinforcement bracket with a slot corresponding to both the 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and the 2WD rear cross member mounting hole. The structure may further include a bolt, passing through the reinforcement bracket and the rear floor side member to attach the rear cross member to the structure. The bolt may pass sequentially through the reinforcement bracket, the rear floor side member, and the rear cross member, and then engage with a nut provided below the rear cross member.

Abstract: A variable thickness member for a vehicle includes a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion extending from the first portion having a second thickness. The first thickness is different from the second thickness and the first thickness and the second thickness are integral, unitary, and one piece.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with at least one front axis and at least one rear axis, one vehicle frame and at least one loading box or loading surface which can be raised or lowered in a vertical direction by way of lifting devices, in addition to a loading ramp located in the rear area of the vehicle. At least one loading box or loading surface is arranged behind at least one rear axis such that it forms an inner loading ramp (9). At least one opening surface is arranged in a lateral (16) and rear position (20) on the vehicle frame and used to release loading openings for loading or emptying.

Abstract: A structural member for a vehicle has a slot extending into one structural wall thereof, for receiving and holding a bolt, wherein said structural member including said slot has been formed by extrusion. The slot extends the length of the structural member for slidably receiving the head of one or more bolts wherein the land area of each bolt head extends beyond the slot opening to overlay the wall area carrying the slot. Each bolt carries at least two flat faces below its head wherein the juxtaposed edges of the slot carrying wall retains, i.e., refrains, the bolt from rotating. The slot includes an interior wall or sidewalls continuous with the slotted structural wall. The structural member may include an I-beam, a rectangular tube, a C-channel and the like. Corners are radiuses and right angles are avoided to reduce or remove stress risers.

Abstract: The vehicle frame rail in one form has front, middle and rear portions which are seamlessly joined together to form a unitary one-piece monolithic frame rail. The frame rail may be straight with an upper surface of an upper flange of the frame rail being planar. At the transition regions of this form of frame rail form, the lower flange converges toward the upper flange at a transition between the front and middle portion and diverges from the upper flange at a transition from the middle portion to the rear portion. The upper flange of the frame rail may converge toward the lower flange along a rearmost section of the frame rail.

Abstract: A movable subframe or slider box for tractor-trailers includes a pair of elongated, longitudinally-extending, spaced-apart, parallel main members, and a plurality of cross members which extend between and are attached to the main members to form a rigid slider box structure. The slider box includes a retractable pin mechanism for selectively positioning the slider box beneath the trailer. The slider box supports one or more axle/suspension systems which in turn support the vehicle wheels and tires. The slider box is free of hangers for pivotally mounting beams of the axle/suspension systems on the slider box. The beams instead are pivotally mounted directly on the main members. Each main member has an inverted generally U-shaped configuration which forms a channel, so that a bushing assembly end of each beam nests within the channel of its respective main member and is pivotally attached thereto.

Abstract: A movable subframe for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending main members. At least two cross members extend between and are attached to the main members, and a retractable pin mechanism selectively positions the subframe beneath a body of a trailer of the tractor-trailer. The retractable pin mechanism includes only two pins, with each pin being located generally centrally along a length of a respective one of the main members of the subframe. Each pin is extendable through an opening formed in its respective main member and a selected one of a plurality of openings formed in a body rail of the trailer, so that when the pins are in an extended or locked position, the retractable pin mechanism provides generally central support for the subframe and for an axle/suspension system which depends from the subframe.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes first and second generally parallel chassis rails. At least one of the first and second chassis rails has a first portion defining an internal cavity and at least a second portion defining an enclosed passageway extending along the first portion and within the internal cavity. The at least one of the first and second chassis rails is configured to be coupled to a first component and to provide a routing within the passageway between the first component and a second component.

Abstract: The aluminum trailer frame and trailer includes aluminum side rails with bowed forward sections which converge on an aluminum trailer tongue beam. A plurality of aluminum cross members are laterally mounted to opposing side rails. Each cross member has a generally C-shaped cross section with an embedded, generally C-shaped bolt head channel near the mid-section of the C-shaped cross member. The channel has opposing tabs which trap a bolt head and the channel extends the length of the cross members. Two bunk rail beams or other accessory supports or beam supports are mounted on the cross members via bolts having bolt heads that are slidably disposed in the bolt head channels. Accessories are movably mounted on the cross members by bolts in bolt head channels.

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 mounting frame unit attached to a tractor body for enabling working implements such as a front loader and a backhoe to be attached to the tractor body. The mounting frame unit includes a pair of right and left main frames extending longitudinally of the tractor body, and connecting frames for connecting the main frames as spaced from each other. A lower mounting unit is disposed in a rearward section of each of the main frames for connection to a rear axle case forming part of the tractor body. An upper mounting unit for connection to the rear axle case is disposed on a bridge member that bridges upper positions of an upwardly opening cutout formed in the rearward section.

Abstract: In a body structure for a motor vehicle made of assembled members spaced partition plates are arranged in the member. A working opening is formed between consecutive partition plates, and after the connection of adjacent members, the working opening can be closed by way of a cover plate, whereby a reinforced stability range is formed in the area of the member connection.

Abstract: In a vehicle frame having a first and second frame member extending along the vehicle and disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other, a sub-frame device for supporting a pick-up box. The sub-frame device is secured to the frame of the vehicle. An elongate first longitudinal member has a first and a second end, the first member being disposed adjacent to and extending parallel relative to the first frame member. An elongate second longitudinal member having a first and a second extremity, is disposed adjacent to and extends parallel relative to the second frame member. The longitudinal members are disposed such that the frame members are disposed between the longitudinal members. A plurality of cross members extend between the longitudinal members. A first and second resilient support are disposed between the longitudinal members for resiliently supporting the sub-frame device relative to the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A closed channel structural member, such as a side rail or a cross member, for use in such a vehicle body and frame assembly that includes an internal reinforcing structure to increase the strength and rigidity thereof. The side rail can be generally rectangular in cross sectional shape, including first and second side rail sections having generally C-shaped cross sectional shapes. The reinforcing structure can be generally hat-shaped or W-shaped in cross sectional shape, including a central reinforcing portion extending between a pair of base portions. The central reinforcing portion can either be laterally spaced apart from or directly abut a central web portion of one of the side rail sections. The base portions can be generally L-shaped in cross sectional shape, including legs that terminate adjacent to the ends of the other of the side rail sections to facilitate the assembly process. A pair of such reinforcing structures can be disposed within the side rail and abut one another in end-to-end fashion.

Abstract: There is provided a hook mounting structure that comprises a vehicle body structural member having a bottom part and two side parts that extend upward from both side edges of the bottom part to be joined to a lower surface of a floor; a tow hook mounted on a lower surface of the bottom part of the vehicle body structural member; and a reinforce having a bottom part joined to the bottom part of the vehicle body structural member and two side parts joined respectively to the two side parts of the vehicle body structural member, at least one of the side parts and the bottom part of the reinforce being connected to each other via a continuous part extending diagonally therebetween.