Abstract: A bumper mounting assembly comprises a support member mountable to a vehicle front and a bumper-carrying member hingedly mounted to the support member to be movable between an upright position and a lowered position. A primary actuator is secured to the support member and the bumper-carrying member and can apply braking force against movement of the bumper-carrying member from the upright position to the lowered position and can preferably move the bumper-carrying member from the lowered position to the upright position. One of the bumper-carrying member and the support member carries a detent and the other carries a movable latch and a latch actuator for moving the latch between an engagement position and a disengagement position, with the latch biased into the engagement position so that the latch can selectively retain the bumper-carrying member in the upright position. A system to maintain pressure in a spare tire is also described.

Abstract: A vehicular bus having a roof reinforcement structure having a plurality of hubs and angularly spaced reinforcement channel members extending radially outward from each hub. The vehicular bus further includes and improved destination sign and advertising panel members positioned in the interior of the bus and extending down the sides of a bus visible through the side windows.

Abstract: A double deck bus having an overall height of twelve feet six inches or less configured to provide the maximum number of passenger seats and wherein the passenger aisle of the lower deck is offset the passenger aisle of the upper deck. The aisle of the upper deck is a channel which depends generally downward from the floor of the upper deck which allows at least seventy-five inches of clearance between the bottom of the upper aisle and the bus roof. The aisle of the lower deck is positioned along one side of the bus such that the upper aisle and lower aisle are offset thereby providing the maximum amount of head room for passengers traversing either aisle. Approximately eighty passenger seats can be provided in the bus due to this orientation without exceeding the preferred height, width or length restrictions which makes the bus acceptable for commuter purposes in and round large cities with tunnel and bridge size restrictions.

Abstract: Bus cabin structures including improved configurations of floors, passenger aisles and steps, interior roofs or ceilings, and door frames.

Abstract: A bus side wall construction includes a skeletal member formed by a plurality of metallic members welded together and a plurality of window assemblies. The metallic members include a longitudinal roof member, a longitudinal lower member, a longitudinal upper member and a longitudinal waist member disposed between the longitudinal upper and lower members. Spaced vertical tubular members extend from the longitudinal waist member. Cross orientated tubular truss members extend between the longitudinal waist member and the longitudinal lower member. The window assemblies are positioned above the longitudinal waist member and supported by the vertical tubular members. An outer and inner skin covers the skeletal member from the longitudinal waist member and the longitudinal lower member. Insulation members are secured between the inner and outer skins.

Abstract: A bus construction has a front entry door assembly with adjacent front and rear panels, wherein the rear panel is wider than the front panel so that the front panel does not block the driver's view to the side rear view mirror when the door is in the open position. The front entry door assembly is disposed in the front portion of the sidewall of the bus that is inwardly tapered to provide easy access into the interior of the bus through the opened panels by a wheel-chair bound passenger. A destination sign is configured in a support spaced from the front windshield to eliminate frost or moisture condensation on the destination sign when the bus is in use. Panels are also provided along the upper edges of the sidewalls of the bus for providing sequential displays advertising. The advertising presentation is protected and viewed through the upper portions of the glass of the sidewall window assemblies.

Abstract: A mass transit vehicle includes one or a combination of the following: floor portions that are angled for creating an incline of a floor of the buss; a door or entranceway that is angle relative to a fore-aft axis of the vehicle; and/or an entranceway that opens a relatively low height relative to the ground.

Abstract: A vehicular bus having a roof reinforcement structure having a plurality of hubs and angularly spaced reinforcement channel members extending radially outward from each hub. The vehicular bus further includes and improved destination sign and advertising panel members positioned in the interior of the bus and extending down the sides of a bus visible through the side windows.

Abstract: A method for constructing a bus, wherein a module associated with the front end of the bus is separately constructed and assembled to the shell after interior components of the bus have been installed. The shell of the bus can be fabricated at a first work station. The shell can be made transversely or laterally with respect to the longitudinal access of the bus to one or more work stations. At the subsequent work stations, interior components of the bus can be moved through the open ends of the bus. After the majority of the interior components have been installed with respect to the bus, the module supporting the windshield and bumper can be installed with respect to the shell. The module can also support the dashboard and steering column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle chassis having a lower level, an intermediate level, and two lateral sides subject to static and dynamic loads. At least one lateral side comprises a reinforcing truss mounted between the lower and intermediate levels for supporting the static and dynamic loads. The truss includes an upper longitudinal beam mounted at the intermediate level of the chassis; a lower longitudinal beam mounted at the lower level, spaced from and parallel to the upper longitudinal beam; and at least two connecting members extending perpendicularly between the upper and lower longitudinal beams. The connecting members cooperate with the upper and lower beams to define at least one bay having an outline substantially in registry with the outline of the at least one storage compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a load carrying framework and a body mounted on the framework. The framework has a board frame, a window frame for windscreen, a pair of upper balks and a pair of upper window balks along both sides of the vehicle and supported at least by door pillars. The window frame has a one piece U shaped member arranged between the board frame and the pair of upper balks, and an upper cross member connected to prongs of the U-shape member, the under part of the U-shape member being fastened to the board frame and an intermediate part of both prongs of the U-shape member being fastened to a waist plate fixed on the board frame.

Abstract: A bus body is constructed from a combination of standard body modules selected from a plurality of standard types of modules. The standard body modules generally fit in more than one location longitudinally along the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle, comprising a vertical face, a curved top flange extending in a first direction, and a straight bottom flange extending in the first direction. Preferably, the roof bow is monolithic with a plurality of apertures in the vertical face that provide clearance for ductwork, wiring, etc. Additionally, the roof bow may comprise horizontally and vertically-extending indented embossments, and rolled embossments about the apertures. Side flanges may additionally extend in the first direction and attach to side walls of the vehicle via an angled connector.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a pleat or corrugation of a bellows of a connection between two hinge-linked vehicles or vehicle sections e.g., of an articulated bus, the corrugation or pleat in the corner zone of the bellows being comprised, for the purpose of increasing the expansion of the bellows in the corner zone, of a pleat or corrugation insert unit having a plurality of pleats or corrugations, with said pleat or corrugation insert unit (20) tapering in the region of the upper end thereof toward the vertex (11) of the pleat (10) or corrugation where it is connected to said pleat or corrugation.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle door assembly including two entrances. Both entrances are surrounded by a frame assembly for mounting on the vehicle. One of the entrances is at about the height of the vehicle floor, while the other is lower than the vehicle floor and opens into a stairwell that leads up and into the vehicle. The floor-level door may be suitable for use with an appliance for assisting passengers to enter the vehicle, such as a lift or a ramp. The door assembly includes doors for closing the entrances. The door assembly may be mass-produced as a modular component and mounted on a conventional vehicle that has been specially modified to accept the door assembly.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a swing arm which pivots about a pivot axis. A hub assembly, hub gear box and input gear box are mounted to an independently pivoting swing arm. The pivot axis is located closer to the ground than a rotational axis defined by the hub assemblies and the input gear box. A coupling extends from the input gear box to receive an input driveline from a drive source such as vehicle engine. The coupling is located proximate the pivot axis to minimize relative movement during articulation of the swing arm. An axle housing extends between the input gear box and an opposite hub gear box to support a drive shaft and serves as a torsion bar.

Abstract: A vehicle has a cab, a cabin, and a carrier upon a chassis. The cab has a front, sides, a roof, a windshield, an engine, a seat, and driver doors. Behind the cab, the cabin transports passengers. The cabin has walls, a roof, benches, and doors at each bench. Behind the cabin, the carrier transports luggage. The carrier has compartments, hatches, handles, and a fuel tank. The chassis has front wheels, a transaxle, and tandem rear wheels. The chassis supports the cab, the cabin and the carrier, whereby the vehicle has a low ground clearance for passenger ingress and egress.

Abstract: A public transit vehicle has a vehicle body having a roof defining an interior ceiling surface, two side walls each extending longitudinally of the vehicle including an upper side wall portion connecting to the roof and a row of windows underneath the upper portion, a central aisle and two rows of seats each on a respective side of the aisle and along the side wall at the windows. Each window comprises an outer pan attached into the window opening in the frame and a pane structure pivotally mounted in the pan. The pan is formed by four sides each of which is integrally defined by a web bridging the width of the frame, an exterior flange projecting outwardly and an interior flange projecting inwardly with the pan held in place by adhesive between the exterior surface of the frame and the exterior flange and between the web and the corresponding surface of the frame. The pan is thus imperforate to prevent moisture penetration.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a pleat or corrugation of a bellows of a connection between two hinge-linked vehicles or vehicle sections e.g., of an articulated bus, the corrugation or pleat in the corner zone of the bellows being comprised, for the purpose of increasing the expansion of the bellows in the corner zone, of a pleat or corrugation insert unit having a plurality of pleats or corrugations, with said pleat or corrugation insert unit (20) tapering in the region of the upper end thereof toward the vertex (11) of the pleat (10) or corrugation where it is connected to said pleat or corrugation.

Abstract: A framework of a vehicle superstructure, in particular for rail or road bound vehicles for passenger transport, having a side-wall structure containing an inner side facing the interior of the vehicle superstructure and an outer side facing outwards and longitudinal sections (1) and vertical sections (101) forming cross-like connecting places, whereby at one, several or all cross-like connecting places made between longitudinal sections (1) and vertical sections (101), the longitudinal section (1) is continuous and crosses behind the vertical section (101) on the inside at least in part and is releasably attached to the vertical section (101). For the purpose of releasable connection of the longitudinal section (1) to the vertical section (101), the longitudinal section (1) contains at least one undercut longitudinal groove (2) which runs in the longitudinal direction and crosses behind the vertical section (101).

Abstract: A mass transit vehicle includes a frame structure that provides an efficient and economical approach to providing a low floor bus. The inventive frame includes a stiff roof panel and a stiff floor panel. A plurality of generally vertical pillars extend between the roof and floor panels. A unique bracket arrangement is disclosed for connecting the pillars to the panels. Side panels are secured to the pillars and carry the shear stresses on the frame. A unique seating assembly that can be advantageously incorporated into the vehicle taking advantage of the load distributing features of the inventive frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: An extruded vehicle frame part having one or more channels along its length which face inwardly into the vehicle in use, and for connection of interior finishing pieces thereto is described. The frame parts are preferably aluminium or plastic, and the vehicle can be a bus. The present invention provides a simple method of conjoining the interior finishing pieces of a vehicle such as a bus to the frame structure. The present invention obviates the need for additional bolts or glue which traditional fitting require. The present invention also avoids the need for holes or apertures be created in the frame parts to receive e.g. bolts.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle door assembly including two entrances. Both entrances are surrounded by a frame assembly for mounting on the vehicle. One of the entrances is at about the height of the vehicle floor, while the other is lower than the vehicle floor and opens into a stairwell that leads up and into the vehicle. The floor-level door may be suitable for use with an appliance for assisting passengers to enter the vehicle, such as a lift or a ramp. The door assembly includes doors for closing the entrances. The door assembly may be mass-produced as a modular component and mounted on a conventional vehicle that has been specially modified to accept the door assembly.

Abstract: A mass transit vehicle includes a frame structure that provides an efficient and economical approach to providing a low floor bus. The inventive frame includes a stiff roof panel and a stiff floor panel. A plurality of generally vertical pillars extend between the roof and floor panels. A unique bracket arrangement is disclosed for connecting the pillars to the panels. Side panels are secured to the pillars and carry the shear stresses on the frame. A unique seating assembly that can be advantageously incorporated into the vehicle taking advantage of the load distributing features of the inventive frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle frame system structure having one or more wholly or substantially vertical pillars, and one or more wholly or substantially horizontal inter-connected struts, wherein the bottom section of at least one of the vertical pillars is separable from the remaining section of that pillar is described. By having separable bottom sections, the bottom sections of such pillars, which are the sections of pillars which are most commonly damaged and need repair, can be quickly and easily replaced. The need for major surgery to the whole frame structure is therefore avoided.

Abstract: A bus body comprising opposite side walls, a rear wall and a roof including inner and outer fiberglass wall members which define a space therebetween. The space between the inner and outer wall members is filled with a polypropylene honeycomb material. In a modified version of the bus body, the polypropylene honeycomb material is only positioned between the inner and outer wall members in those areas which may be subjected to moisture.

Abstract: A roof and mounting structure and a school or commercial bus vehicle provide improved leakage protection to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The roof is an integral unitized roof structure that reduces or eliminates the opportunity for leakage by replacing rivets with adhesive or adhesive tape as the joining force between the roof skin and supporting structure and by decreasing the number of potential leakage points by decreasing the number of parts making up the roof from many overlapping panels to what is effectively a single sheet. This single unitized roof may actually be comprised of two strips of metal welded together or crimped together along a seam.

Abstract: A shelf for bus wherein shelf brackets are fitted into first and second rails to enable the shelf brackets to be uniformly intervened therebetween, thereby allowing shelf plates to be identical in length thereof thus, reducing production cost. A lens is rotably and slidably opened and closed relative to a shelf plate, enabling easy replacement of the lens and lamp. The shelf includes a first rail extensively secured lengthwise to a roof frame of the bus, a second rail securely installed at a side panel of a bus interior in the same length as that of the first rail, a shelf bracket formed at both ends thereof with a first and a second fitting part and secured at the first and second rails for sliding while fitted into the first and the second rails, and a shelf plate fixed at an upper surface of the shelf bracket.

Abstract: In order to increase the robustness and reliability of the vehicle, reduce the time taken to manufacture it, to enable certain stages of such manufacture to be performed by robots, and to be able easily to adapt the appearance of the vehicle on demand, the body is of hybrid structure comprising an aluminum or aluminum alloy “frame assembly”, an aluminum or aluminum alloy “roof assembly”, and two “fitted-out face assemblies” of composite material each fixed both to the frame assembly and to the roof assembly. The invention is particularly suitable for manufacturing cars for trains.

Abstract: A roof and mounting structure and a school or commercial bus vehicle provide improved leakage protection to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The roof is an integral unitized roof structure that reduces or eliminates the opportunity for leakage by replacing rivets with adhesive or adhesive tape as the joining force between the roof skin and supporting structure and by decreasing the number of potential leakage points by decreasing the number of parts making up the roof from many overlapping panels to what is effectively a single sheet. This single unitized roof may actually be comprised of two strips of metal welded together or crimped together along a seam.

Abstract: A public transit vehicle has a vehicle body having a roof defining an interior ceiling surface, two side walls each extending longitudinally of the vehicle including an upper side wall portion connecting to the roof and a row of windows underneath the upper portion, a central aisle and two rows of seats each on a respective side of the aisle and along the side wall at the windows. Stanchions for supporting passengers while standing are shaped so that they curve upwardly and outwardly of the aisle to a wider spacing at the ceiling than at the seats. Between two stanchion mounting rails is provided a central ceiling panel dropped from the roof to define an air supply duct longitudinally along the aisle above the passengers. This is supplied with ventilation air by a roof mounted system and communicates by individual sub-ducts with a series of fans in the side walls.

Abstract: A public transit vehicle has a vehicle body having a roof defining an interior ceiling surface, two side walls each extending longitudinally of the vehicle including an upper side wall portion connecting to the roof and a row of windows underneath the upper portion, a central aisle and two rows of seats each on a respective side of the aisle and along the side wall at the windows. The roof and floor are formed from a welded frame structure over which is applied a molded panel formed in single panel structure and bonded to the frame structure. The panel is formed by molding a sandwich using a thermosetting resin through top and bottom fiber reinforced sheets and a honeycomb layer of resin impregnated paper and foam between the sheets. The floor panel is shaped so that its thickness varies and its top and bottom surfaces deviate from an otherwise planar structure to incline downwardly at a door way and to incline upwardly to clear structural elements.

Abstract: A CNG fuel tank system is provided for mounting on the roof of a bus. The system includes a support frame mounted on the roof of the bus. The support frame includes at least one longitudinal frame wall extending generally parallel to the length of the bus. Each tank cylinder has associated therewith first and second saddles which are attached to one side of one of the frame walls. Each saddle has a base oriented vertically and engaging in the first frame wall. Each saddle includes an arcuate recess spacing sideways from this frame wall. Each tank cylinder is received in the arcuate recesses of the saddles associated therewith. Each saddle has associated therewith first and second strap assemblies which extend around the tank cylinder to secure the tank cylinder to the saddles and thus to the support frame. Preferably, a set of four parallel tanks are mounted in the fashion described on two parallel longitudinal frame walls. There is one tank hung in a cantilever mode off either side of each frame wall.

Abstract: A public transit vehicle has a vehicle body having a roof defining an interior ceiling surface, two side walls each extending longitudinally of the vehicle including an upper side wall portion connecting to the roof and a row of windows underneath the upper portion, a central aisle and two rows of seats each on a respective side of the aisle and along the side wall at the windows. Each window comprises an outer pan attached into the window opening in the frame and a pane structure pivotally mounted in the pan. The pan is formed by four sides each of which is integrally defined by a web bridging the width of the frame, an exterior flange projecting outwardly and an interior flange projecting inwardly with the pan held in place by adhesive between the exterior surface of the frame and the exterior flange and between the web and the corresponding surface of the frame. The pan is thus imperforate to prevent moisture penetration.

Abstract: A vehicle having a passenger area and a freight area to transport passengers and freight, including an intermodal container. The vehicle is supported by a truck frame connected to a coach spine in a three-dimensional region so that forces from a load on the freight area are distributed over the three-dimensional region and into the passenger area. The vehicle preferably also includes a retractable axle to increase the vehicle's freight hauling capacity. An engine under the rear portion of the freight area is preferably disposed between a forward region defined by a ground clearance height and a vehicle height and a rearward region defined by the departure angle and the vehicle height. The vehicle's suspension system ensures a comfortable ride for passengers under various loading conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bus frame having a center space frame capable of minimizing bending deformation at the portion where a center frame and a rear frame are connected to each other with first and second plates, thereby reducing any possible deformations in the entire bus frame. The bus frame according to the present invention includes a center space frame which comprises a center frame formed by a plurality of cross bars, reinforcing bars, and side bars disposed to a space, a plurality of plates connected to the reinforcing bars and side bars, and a reinforcing frame part constructed at a portion where the reinforcing bars and the plates are interconnected to reinforce a structural stiffness. The reinforcing frame part comprises a plurality of horizontal and vertical reinforcing beams to connect a plurality of reinforcing bars to each other, and the horizontal reinforcing beams are connected each other by an accessory vertical reinforcing beam.

Abstract: A vehicle having a passenger area and a freight area to transport passengers and freight, including an intermodal container. The vehicle is supported by a truck frame connected to a coach spine in a three-dimensional region so that forces from a load on the freight area are distributed over the three-dimensional region and into the passenger area. The vehicle preferably also includes a retractable axle to increase the vehicle's freight hauling capacity. An engine under the rear portion of the freight area is preferably disposed between a forward region defined by a ground clearance height and a vehicle height and a rearward region defined by the departure angle and the vehicle height. The vehicle's suspension system ensures a comfortable ride for passengers under various loading conditions.

Abstract: A window construction for vehicles such as motor coaches is disclosed which includes a window panel that overlaps on the exterior of the vehicle body at least one of the edge portions defining the window opening. In particular, the window includes a window panel which is mounted to the vehicle body and on the exterior thereof at least partly covers the edges of the vehicle body which define the window opening, especially the window jams. Mounting the window panel flush with an exterior surface of the vehicle body facilitates insulation and sealing of the window and allows placement of draft seals between the exterior surface of the vehicle body and the panel so that they do not protrude into the window opening. The hardware used to fasten the window panel to the vehicle body is affixed to the panel in a marginal portion which extends beyond the window opening so that the hardware does not protrude substantially into the window opening and into the field of view.

Abstract: A load-carrying structure for a vehicle body, the structure extending radially to the longitudinal axis of the body and being suitable for being associated with structural elements parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the load-carrying structure constituting a flat frame member and including at least one flat strip, wherein the structural elements are suitable for being inserted in said frame member by a mechanism of notches for receiving them. The device also relates to a segment of body structure and to a vehicle body including such structures.

Abstract: A public transit vehicle has a vehicle body having a roof defining an interior ceiling surface, two side walls each extending longitudinally of the vehicle including an upper side wall portion connecting to the roof and a row of windows underneath the upper portion, a central aisle and two rows of seats each on a respective side of the aisle and along the side wall at the windows. The floor includes a bottom frame including two side rails. Each side wall includes a plurality of longitudinally space vertical posts attached at the bottom to the side rail. A metal shear plate with wave form stiffening is welded between each pair of posts and at its bottom edge to the side rail and extends upwardly to a top edge spaced downwardly from the windows and acts as an impact plate to prevent penetration.

Abstract: A vehicle having a passenger area and a freight area to transport passengers and freight, including an intermodal container. The vehicle is supported by a truck frame connected to a coach spine in a three-dimensional region so that forces from a load on the freight area are distributed over the three-dimensional region and into the passenger area. The vehicle preferably also includes a retractable axle to increase the vehicle's freight hauling capacity. An engine under the rear portion of the freight area is preferably disposed between a forward region defined by a ground clearance height and a vehicle height and a rearward region defined by the departure angle and the vehicle height. The vehicle's suspension system ensures a comfortable ride for passengers under various loading conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle construction includes a body with a base, a roof, two longitudinal walls joining the base and the roof and at least four wheels connected to the base, which base, roof and longitudinal walls comprise sandwich panels which are jointed to one another at their longitudinal edges. The thickness of the sandwich panel forming the base is of the same order of magnitude as the thickness of the roof or sandwich panel forming a longitudinal wall and the sandwich panels of base, roof and longitudinal walls form a bending- and torsion-resistant tube.

Abstract: On a car body with a car body framework 1, for ease of assembly and effective utilization of space, in the vicinity of the side wall structure of each body framework field 7, a partial side wall element 8 is inserted that projects into the space between the corresponding frames 6.

Abstract: A vehicle and luggage box assembly (40) includes a vehicle (42) and a luggage box (44). The luggage box (44) includes an open-ended chamber (61) with a flange (62) that extends perimetrically around an open end (49). A perimetrical chamber (66) is molded inside the flange (62). A perimetrical groove (68) is cut through the flange (62) and into the perimetrical chamber (66), thereby forming a perimetrical T-slot (70). A resilient gasket (72) is inserted perimetrically into the perimetrical T-slot (70), and a door (48) of the vehicle (42) closes against the resilient gasket (72). The molding process forms two separate chambers (66 and 94) in a single mold (100) by constructing a throat opening (122) with a dimension (120) that results in bridging across the throat opening (122), and that thereby results in the perimetrical chamber (66) being isolated from the closed chamber (94). Subsequently, removal of a web (92) transforms the closed chamber (94) into the open-ended chamber (61).

Abstract: An escape door system is described which is useful on a school bus (e.g. as a rear escape door). The system includes a hinged door which is releasably attached along one side edge to a wall of the bus. A latch which is accessible on the outside of the bus enables the door to be separated or removed from the wall of the bus in an emergency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beam made of metal intended to be included as a construction element in a coachwork body for buses, trams and similar vehicles in order to be connected, in the coachwork body, to other profiled elements (16, 26, 56) which extend at right angles to said beam (1, 2). What is characteristic of the beam is that it has in profile a closed cavity (3, 43, 83) in one corner of the profile, that at least four legs (11-14, 51-54) extend out in pairs in different directions from the closed cavity, and that the legs in each pair are mutually parallel. The invention also relates to the coachwork in which the beam is included as a part.

Abstract: A vehicle, in particular road or railway vehicle such as tour bus or the like having a skeleton frame comprising side-wall parts containing vertical sections and joining these panel-like floor and roof elements, a roof beam being provided on both sides of the roof element--is such that the structural roof beam is in the form of channel section that is open downwards, and, forming a roof space which opens on the upwards facing side, is fitted to the downwards facing end of the inner flange of the roof beam. Further, both roof beam flanges are joined by transverse rods or plates which are spaced apart from each other and are attached at one end to the downward facing end of the inner roof beam. Vertical sections or columns of the side-wall part are situated opposite holding rails which are attached to the inner channel flange of the roof beam.

Abstract: An improved vehicle chassis for motor homes and busses is provided. According to the invention, the chassis has a front frame chassis subcomponent, a rear chassis subcomponent and a center floor rail system. Each subcomponent has contained within it the appropriate subcomponents associated with the chassis; the front subcomponent, for example, has a suspension unit and steering apparatus while the rear subcomponent has transmission, motor and suspension.The front and rear frame chassis subcomponents have longitudinally extending frame rails which connect to one another via a plurality of longitudinally extending floor rails and perpendicular steel plates found in the center floor rail system.The inventive device integrates the chassis and superstructure. Incorporating the superstructure into the chassis lowers vehicle height, and therefore, the center of gravity. This results in better handling and ride characteristics for the finished vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rail or road vehicle including a chassis and a roof, said chassis and said roof both being structural elements, each of which forms a single unit only, the two elements defining a right side plane and a left side plane; wherein at least one structural frame is disposed in each of said side planes, and is secured at its bottom to said chassis and at its top to said roof, and wherein said frames are the only self-supporting face structures of said vehicle.

Abstract: A motor coach designed generally for highway travel has a passenger compartment between sides of the coach and forwardly of the rear wall of the coach and defined above a raised floor of the coach. Underneath the floor is provided an engine compartment behind the rear wheels of the coach and luggage compartment forward of the rear wheels. A lavatory compartment is located at the junction between the rear wall and one side wall and immediately forwardly of the lavatory compartment is provided a floor area on which the rear seats at that side of the coach can be moved forwardly to a stored position to form an open area of the coach aligned with a wheel chair lift mounted in the engine compartment and arranged to lift a passenger from the ground onto the floor of the coach into the area forwardly of the lavatory compartment.