Modular Patents (Class 296/193.04)
  • Patent number: 11845504
    Abstract: An invented all electric powered multi-modular vehicle system consists of a driving module and different types of non-driving vehicle modules, such as enhanced capacity module for more passengers, sports utility module, a truck-bed module, a recreational vehicle module, four-wheel-drive module and cargo truck module etc. When given a command the vehicle modules shall be automatically configured into one vehicle or detached back to individual vehicle modules as commanded. The entire coupling and configuration and decoupling and deconfiguration may be operated with a wireless user device. The modular vehicle system offers users with different options over capacities and functions, as well as cost-saving and more efficient vehicle utilization rate. Vehicle owners may buy a particular set of modules while rent or lease or exchange other non-driving modules via vehicle rental service or a media network connecting owners of the modular vehicles when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventors: Alfred X. Xin, Sherry X. Sun
  • Patent number: 11577789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle component, comprising a thermoplastic part; a metal insert having an anchoring portion, a peripheral portion, and a first insert surface and an opposite second insert surface, wherein the first surface is overmolded by the thermoplastic part, a thermoplastic rib overmolded on a second surface of the metal insert the rib extending from the second surface and being at least partly adjacent to the thermoplastic part; and a strut component attached to the metal insert at the anchoring portion on the first surface of tire metal insert. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such a vehicle component, wherein the vehicle is one of a railway vehicle, a marine vehicle, a road vehicle, or an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Davy Wilhelmus Anna Brands, Ilona Maria Francois Grond-Soons
  • Patent number: 11572020
    Abstract: A passenger compartment storage assembly includes a storage structure, a first storage box and a box retaining structure. The storage structure is fixed to a floor of a passenger compartment of a vehicle and having a storage compartment defined therein. The first storage box has a predetermined overall shape. The box retaining structure is configured and dimensioned to releasably retain the first storage box. The storage compartment is dimensioned and configured to receive the first storage box and the box retaining structure within the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: David Smolik, Neil Francus
  • Patent number: 11505265
    Abstract: A multipurpose vehicle system with interchangeable operational components and power supplies is operational in multiple operational modes. The operational modes include: a personal transport vehicle mode, a service vehicle mode, and a commercial vehicle mode. The vehicle system has a dimensionally adjustable chassis module. The chassis module has the capacity to detachably attach to multiple exterior, interior, motor, and transmission components. The chassis module supports a cabin module and a rear module that enables formation of different iterations of vehicles. The vehicle system provides multiple different and interchangeable power supplies, like a rechargeable battery and a hydrogen tank. The power supplies are interchangeable. The used components can be recycled and interchanged with new components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Edward Lee
  • Patent number: 11465480
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes: a chassis including a chassis body and chassis modular units; at least one driving unit arranged in at least one of the chassis modular units, and configured to provide a driving force to at least a pair of wheels; and suspension systems. The chassis body is of an elongate shape in a first direction of the vehicle. A cockpit is arranged in the chassis body. The chassis modular units are connected to the chassis body in series in the first direction, and arranged at first and second ends of the chassis body in the first direction. Each chassis modular unit is connected to a corresponding pair of wheels through a corresponding suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Pu Jin
  • Patent number: 11400848
    Abstract: A dump body comprising a front wall, a canopy extending from the front wall in a first direction, and a bottom wall extending from the front wall in a second direction different from the first direction. The front wall, the canopy, and the bottom wall can form an interface configured to receive at least one pair of side walls. The bottom wall can have a convex shape in a transverse direction of the dump body and/or a longitudinal direction of the dump body. The bottom wall can be inclined according to one or more distinct angles from a front edge of the bottom wall to a rear edge of the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel J. Arul
  • Patent number: 11370344
    Abstract: A tilting truck bed includes a bed body configured to load materials, lifting supports, shock absorber supports and a shock-absorbing pad assembly. The bed body includes a first bottom plate, a front plate, a tail plate, a left side plate, and a right side plate that are welded to upper edges of the first bottom plate. The lifting supports are symmetrically mounted on the tail plate and hinged to the frame to realize the tipping of the bed body. The shock absorber supports are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the front part of the first bottom plate, wherein the shock absorber support includes a shock absorber support main body and a gap adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: XUZHOU XCMG MINING MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daoming Wang, Jieshan Zhang, Hongyi Qin, Kuipu Qiao, Zhiming Tang
  • Patent number: 11312424
    Abstract: A vehicle load-bearing structure includes a cell made of composite materials and composed of a plurality of components joined to each other by at least one joining system to form a single structure; the cell is made up of a number n of components between 3 and 8, that is 3<n<8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Automobili Lamborghini S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefan Klaus Nothdurfter, Andrea Aguggiaro, Karsten Schuffenhauer
  • Patent number: 11263366
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein concern improving an interior design of a vehicle under development. One embodiment presents an electronic survey to ridesharing customers from a plurality of ridesharing trips in a rideshare vehicle having a reconfigurable interior that is configured in accordance with a proposed interior design for the vehicle under development, the electronic survey pertaining to one or more features of the proposed interior design, and collects and stores, in a computer memory, responses to the electronic survey for the plurality of ridesharing trips. The proposed interior design is modified based, at least in part, on the responses to the electronic survey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Prashant Tiwari
  • Patent number: 11254372
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a base portion and a modular portion. The base portion may be a four wheel vehicle having an operator area with seating for at least two occupants in a side-by-side arrangement. The modular portion may be coupled to the base portion resulting in a six wheel vehicle. The wheels of the modular portion may be powered by an engine of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leonard, Richard Raymond Maki, Eric Bjerketvedt, Michael D. Schneider, Bradley Robert Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell
  • Patent number: 10683037
    Abstract: A side body structure of a vehicle includes a hinge pillar reinforced by a reinforcement having a side surface and a front surface extending inward in the vehicle width direction from the front end of the side surface. The reinforcement is provided with upper and lower gussets for reinforcing a pair of upper and lower hinge mounting portions, respectively, for a side door. The reinforcement has a first bead portion on the side surface between the upper and lower gussets, and has a second bead portion at an edge portion that is a boundary portion between the side surface and the front surface. The second bead portion extends in an up-down direction and is recessed inward at the edge portion continuously from the side surface to the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Iyoshi, Takeshi Nakamura, Koji Yoshitake
  • Patent number: 10633021
    Abstract: A modular chassis is provided for an off-road vehicle to improve assembly, servicing, and repairing of a drivetrain of the off-road vehicle. The modular chassis includes a chassis to support components of the off-road vehicle. A front frame module couples with a front of the chassis, and a rear frame module couples with a rear of the chassis. The front frame module supports lower suspension arms of the off-road vehicle by way of inboard bushing joints. The front frame module supports at least a steering gear and a front differential of the off-road vehicle. The rear frame module is a tube-frame structure that supports components of the off-road vehicle. A lower portion of the rear frame module extends rearward and acutely upward to a top frame member that couples with upper side portions of the chassis. Several cross-members impart structural integrity to the rear frame module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Robby Gordon
  • Patent number: 9944160
    Abstract: A vehicle floor structure comprises a floor panel made from fiber reinforced resin; a pair of framework members made of metal, the pair of framework members extend in a vehicle front-rear direction with the floor panel interposed at vehicle width direction inner sides of the pair of framework members, and both end portions in a vehicle width direction of the floor panel are joined to the pair of framework members; and a cross member made of metal, and the cross member extends in the vehicle width direction, both end portions in the vehicle width direction of the cross member are joined to the pair of framework members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Nakamura, Toshihiro Goto
  • Patent number: 9945407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system composed of a sill panel and a fastening clip for fastening the sill panel to a body part of a vehicle, wherein the sill panel has a latching hook, and wherein the fastening clip has a latching receptacle for receiving the latching hook and holding means for retention on the body part, wherein the latching receptacle also has an elastic holding arm which, with the latching hook of the sill panel received in the latching receptacle, exerts, on account of its spring preloading, a holding force on the latching hook which counteracts a release of the sill panel from the fastening clip, wherein, for demounting purposes, the sill panel can be released from the fastening clip by exerting a tensile force which counteracts the holding force of the elastic holding arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Manuel Huebner
  • Patent number: 9925927
    Abstract: A console box includes a console body including a pair of right and left side-walls, a storage container accommodated in the console body, a lid part openably placed in contact with upper edge parts of the console body, and an inwardly-bent part formed on the upper edge part of each side-wall of the console body, the inwardly-bent part being overlapped with the corresponding side-wall in an inside-and-outside direction so as to form a space part between the inwardly-bent part and the corresponding side-wall. The console box further includes an outwardly-bent part and a space-inserted part that are formed near an upper edge part of the storage container, and a rupture expected part provided at the outwardly-bent part, the rupture expected part being configured to be broken when an emergency load is applied to the lid part from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiaki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 9598022
    Abstract: A center console assembly is provided. That center console assembly includes a storage compartment and a cooperating cover as well as a cup holder outside of the storage compartment. In addition, the center console assembly includes a console tray including a first mounting element and a second mounting element. The first mounting element secures the console tray in a first position within the storage compartment while the second mounting element secures the console tray in a second position in the cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maria Fernanda Medina Luna, Omar Mendoza Vera
  • Patent number: 9505445
    Abstract: Provided is a carrier for a vehicle of which a replacement cost is minimized at the time of collision of the vehicle at a low speed by configuring head lamp mounting parts of the carrier in which head lamps are to be mounted in a separable form and allowing the head lamp mounting parts to be coupled through both ends of a bumper beam coupled to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Sung-Wook Park, Won Sub So, Ok Ryul Min
  • Patent number: 9499206
    Abstract: In a vehicle to which a vehicle rear structure is applied, a rear roof-side inner of a roof-side inner is joined to a front roof-side inner of the roof-side inner at locations of first joins, of an overlap flange. Configuration is thereby such that strength is high at the overlap flange of the roof-side inner. Moreover, the rear roof-side inner is joined to both the front roof-side inner and the upper support at the location of a second join of the overlap flange. This enables upthrust load from a rear suspension to be effectively transmitted to the overlap flange, and distributed to the front roof-side inner and the rear roof-side inner. This enables rigidity of the roof-side inner to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Chitoshi Sugano
  • Patent number: 9352794
    Abstract: A method for assembling motor vehicles in which a drive train, chassis and floor module are pre-assembled and then connected to a shell of the motor vehicle. The floor module is pre-assembled in a first pre-assembly process and the drive train and the chassis are pre-assembled in a second pre-assembly process. The floor module, the drive train and the chassis are combined and then connected to the shell of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Christoph Grevener, Uwe Habisreitinger, Andreas Krevet, Matthias Mueller, Thomas Stark, Konrad Wirth, Michael Zuern
  • Patent number: 9254877
    Abstract: The invention is a modular vehicle that is intended for a variety of operations including both military and civilian operations. The vehicle addresses the issue of performing special purpose tasks that the vehicle is asked to do. Such tasks can be accomplished by configuring the vehicle as an ambulance, as a fire-fighting vehicle, as a communications van, as a command and control vehicle, etc. Thus, the vehicle is readily adapted using standardized and customized modules that are readily attached to a standardized platform that includes an appropriate interconnection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 9248869
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle and a method of assembling the vehicle are disclosed. The assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel includes a first edge and the second panel includes a second edge generally aligning with the first edge of the first panel. The assembly also includes a bracket attached to one of the first and second panels. The assembly further includes a coupler engaging the bracket. The coupler includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is movable with respect to one of the first and second panels as the proximal end portion is secured to the other one of the first and second panels such that one of the first and second edges moves toward the other one of the first and second edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dragos N. Neculau, Ronald R. Zientak
  • Patent number: 9205873
    Abstract: This provides a vehicle body structure including: a lower panel made of resin, which has a lower wall that forms a lower portion of a floor portion, an outer front wall that is placed to extend from a vehicle body front end of the lower wall to an upper direction of a vehicle body, and an outer back wall that is placed to extend from a vehicle body backside end of the lower wall to the upper direction of the vehicle body; and an upper panel made of resin, which has upper walls that form an upper portion of the floor portion opposite to the lower wall, an inner front wall that is placed to extend from the vehicle body front ends of the upper walls to the upper direction of the vehicle body and joined to the outer front wall and consequently forms a closed cross-section shape that extends in a vehicle width direction while including both of left and right ends at an upper portion of the outer front wall, and an inner back wall that is placed to extend from the vehicle body backside ends of the upper walls to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sho Maeda, Yoshitaka Sotoyama, Koki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8977441
    Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of ground engaging elements and an operator control station supported on a frame. A work tool is pivotably attached to the frame using a lift arm assembly and a tilt linkage. At least one device measures a quantity associated with at least one of the lift arm assembly, the tilt linkage, and the work tool. An electronic controller, in communication with an operator display and the at least one device. The electronic controller is configured to store an operator selected orientation of the work tool, calculate a current orientation of the work tool based on the quantity, and calculate a deviation of the current orientation from the operator selected orientation. A visual representation of the deviation is displayed on the operator display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Joseph Edward Forcash, Christopher Lee Mays, Steven Conrad Budde
  • Patent number: 8967699
    Abstract: A structural blast tunnel for a military vehicle includes a frame member that includes an elongated curved portion having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The structural blast tunnel also includes a first mounting interface coupled to the first end and extending along the longitudinal axis of the frame member. The first mounting interface is configured to receive one of a front sub-frame and a standard frame of a vehicle. The structural blast tunnel finally includes a second mounting interface coupled to the second end and extending along the longitudinal axis of the frame member. The second mounting interface is configured to receive one of a rear sub-frame and a standard frame of a vehicle, and the frame member forms a structurally rigid section configured to direct blast energy outwards towards the first and second end. The structural blast tunnel may also include a secondary shield that increases the blast performance of this system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Micah C. Richmond, Kristopher J. Krueger, David J Pelko
  • Patent number: 8870272
    Abstract: A floor module for a motor vehicle having a floor trough, which has, in the area of at least two side edges, at least one contact surface in each case for supporting the floor trough on a support structure component of a motor vehicle body and at least one formfitting device shaped onto the floor trough, by which the floor trough is at least temporarily fastenable on the support structure component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Fabian De Luca
  • Patent number: 8844906
    Abstract: A vehicle lifting system comprising a mechanism fixedly disposed within a center pillar at the side of a vehicle, for extending out of the pillar and exerting a downward force onto the surface on which the vehicle is positioned. When the force is exerted on the surface, the side of the vehicle is lifted above the surface. A control device is utilized for selectively extending the mechanism out of the pillar and retracting the mechanism back into the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Moshe Idan
  • Publication number: 20140284966
    Abstract: A front end module for a motor vehicle includes a tubular cross-member and injection molded components made from plastic, which are injected onto the cross-member. At least two of the injection molded components are connected to each other via the cross-member and separately connected to the cross-member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Maier, Stefan Kehres, Jochen Roesch
  • Patent number: 8819998
    Abstract: A door module for a sliding door of a vehicle is disclosed. The door module includes two closing modules. When in a first installation position, the first closing module does not protrude beyond a first outer edge of the door module. When in a first functional position, the first closing module protrudes beyond the first outer edge of the door module. While the second closing module is in a second installation position, it does not protrude beyond a second outer edge of the door module; however, when in a second functional position, the second closing module protrudes beyond the second outer edge of the door module and the first and second outer edges are spatially separated from each other. Finally, at least an actuating rod, comprised of plastic, transmits an actuating force from the first closing module to the second closing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Boecker
  • Patent number: 8820820
    Abstract: A rear floor module is arranged between two rear frame rails of a vehicle body running essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The floor module includes, but is not limited to a floor tray essentially extending flatly between the frame rails and at least one integrated cross member, which is configured for separately connection with the frame rails for transmitting mechanical forces, and which is provided with a connecting structure to which at least one component of a vehicle chassis can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Fabian De Luca
  • Patent number: 8733826
    Abstract: A conversion system that converts a four-door style vehicle into a pick-up style vehicle. The conversion system converts the four-door style vehicle into a pick-up style vehicle when rear doors of the vehicle are removed and replaced by inner and outer side panels that form a side panel assembly for the bed of the vehicle. Additional features of the conversion system include a bed floor assembly, a bulkhead assembly, and a roof assembly that isolate the cabin of the vehicle from the newly formed bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Keith D Montone, Steven T Houtman, Anthony D Cavallo, Pietro Gorlier, James P Sassorossi
  • Patent number: 8727426
    Abstract: An expandable vehicle system includes a drivable vehicle having a first propulsion system, a first set of wheels, and a first body supported by the first set of wheels. The first body at least substantially encloses and defines a first interior compartment. An extension unit has a second body and at least one wheel supporting the second body. The second body at least partially defines a second interior compartment. The first body is configured with a first attachment interface and the second body is configured with a second attachment interface. The first and second attachment interfaces are cooperatively configured to attach to one another such that the drivable vehicle is mechanically-coupled to the extension unit to form an expanded vehicle drivable by the drivable vehicle and with the first interior compartment contiguous with the second interior compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Vitale, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Roland J. Menassa
  • Patent number: 8714632
    Abstract: A modular vehicle includes a base body having a frame, driver compartment, chassis, motor and wheels, a removable modular component adapted to be locked and unlocked therefrom, and locks that fasten the removable modular component within the base body. The removable modular component provides added structural rigidity to the frame when installed, and can comprise at least 20 percent of the overall volume and at least 20 percent of the overall weight of the entire vehicle. Locks permit the modular component to be removed and replaced with another removable modular component when said locks are unlocked. Various modular components can be directed toward medical, weapons, fire equipment, rescue equipment, hunting supplies, reconnaissance, command center, outback vehicle, or a survival camper. A triangular truss support system provides increased support and protection for the underside of the vehicle, such as for when the vehicle runs over an IED or other destructive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Darco Trust
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8662227
    Abstract: A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hal-Tech Limited
    Inventor: Donald R. Halliday
  • Patent number: 8641133
    Abstract: A high-strength-per-unit-weight spaceframe-like vehicle has a front subassembly, a core frame and a rear subassembly configured to be bolted together, forming a spaceframe core platform. A roof structure assembly of formed, extruded or stamped components is bolted to the spaceframe core platform in a common plane and height. Closure panels common to a vehicle family style are provided, and non-load bearing colored panels defines the vehicle body color. A vehicle assembly method includes bolting together a plurality of subassemblies, bolting a roof structure assembly to the core platform, installing at a plant closure panels common to a vehicle family style, and thereafter installing a series of non-structural colored panels defining the vehicle body color and having only aesthetic and aerodynamic functionalities as the last assembly step in the plant or optionally at the point of sale or the other location outside the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Scaringe, Celyn Morgan Evans, Christopher Wilson Auerbach, Brian James Gase, Adrian N. A. Elliott, Seth Robert Moczydlowski
  • Patent number: 8608236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front module for a motor vehicle, wherein the front module is in one piece and is composed exclusively of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Kunststoffe Automobilsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Pascal Joly-Pottuz, Raphael Mary
  • Patent number: 8596713
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a fender panel of a vehicle, including a single-type bracket may have a horizontal assembly surface at an upper end portion thereof, and an assembly end having a fender panel assembly aperture at a lower end portion thereof extending from the horizontal assembly surface toward a front side of the vehicle, wherein the assembly end of the single-type bracket may be mounted on a front end portion of a fender panel located between a front end module and a bumper cover, and wherein the horizontal assembly surface may be fixed to a lower end portion of a fender apron upper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Ill Lee
  • Publication number: 20130241236
    Abstract: An expandable vehicle system includes a drivable vehicle having a first propulsion system, a first set of wheels, and a first body supported by the first set of wheels. The first body at least substantially encloses and defines a first interior compartment. An extension unit has a second body and at least one wheel supporting the second body. The second body at least partially defines a second interior compartment. The first body is configured with a first attachment interface and the second body is configured with a second attachment interface. The first and second attachment interfaces are cooperatively configured to attach to one another such that the drivable vehicle is mechanically-coupled to the extension unit to form an expanded vehicle drivable by the drivable vehicle and with the first interior compartment contiguous with the second interior compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Vitale, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Roland J. Menassa
  • Publication number: 20130241237
    Abstract: A modular vehicle frame structure assembly, which combines a monocoque cabin structure with separately attachable space frame structures, is disclosed. The modular vehicle body assembly includes a monocoque cabin structure, a front frame section and a rear frame section, wherein the front and rear frame sections secure separately to the respective front and rear sections of the cabin structure and extend longitudinally therefrom forming a modular vehicle body with the cabin structure. The modular vehicle frame assembly is useful in the construction of light weight, low-profile military vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: NAVISTAR DEFENSE ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventors: John Dziuba, Brian Enck, William Griese
  • Patent number: 8506005
    Abstract: A trailer floor assembly includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails supporting a plurality of self-mating transverse panels. The plurality of transverse panels includes extruded aluminum panels interspersed with roll-formed steel panels at locations where extra strength is desired (e.g., king pin, landing dollies, and rear door). The extruded panels include T-shaped slots in a bottom wall thereof to allow the extruded panels to be fastened to the side rails by fasteners engaging the bottom wall of the panel but not the top wall the panel. The assembly eliminates transverse cross-beams used to support longitudinal panels in the prior art, and thereby provides improved aerodynamics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Samuel, Son & Co., Limited
    Inventors: Richard M. Balaz, William A. Willsher, Emad Fakhry Habib Assaad
  • Patent number: 8491044
    Abstract: A system for storing cargo or other items within a vehicle enclosure having a plurality of walls is disclosed. In one aspect, the system for storing cargo comprises a plurality of support posts. In an additional aspect, each support post defines a plurality of U-shaped receiving channels. In a further aspect, the support posts can be selectively secured within the vehicle enclosure. In one aspect, the system comprises means for retaining the cargo within the vehicle enclosure. In an additional aspect, the means for retaining the cargo within the enclosure can be attached to the receiving channels of the support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Morgan Olson Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Burnham, Frank A. Fabiano, Phillip M. Ownbey
  • Patent number: 8430196
    Abstract: An armored land vehicle comprising a first hull portion and an engine compartment which form a central chassis (CC) adapted to receive second hull portions on both sides and the rear of the CC. The CC and hull portions have generally V-shaped undersides with slanted, upwardly extending sides to create multiple blast venting paths to deflect blast energy away from the vehicle occupants. These blast paths comprise one or more blast vents through the vehicle for further reducing occupant exposure to blast energy. The engine compartment and front and rear tractive units can comprise an open framework, allowing significant under vehicle blast venting between the hull portions, through the engine compartment, and around the hull portions, thereby increasing survivability of the crew. The hull portions can be designed to rotate and/or be frangible to increase the blast-venting through the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hal-Tech Limited
    Inventor: Donald R. Halliday
  • Patent number: 8424912
    Abstract: A composite bar for the chassis of a vehicle; the composite bar consists of at least two extruded elements which are internally hollow and are butt jointed at a junction area; each extruded element has a trapezoidal cross section having a major base, a minor base parallel and opposite to the major base, and two side walls; a first end of a first extruded element arranged in the junction area has no major base; and a second end of a second extruded element arranged in the junction area is interference fitted into the first end through the missing major base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
  • Patent number: 8414067
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle comprising body shell composite panels and a method of joining body shell composite panels of a mobile vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Bailey Caravans Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas George Howard, Andrew Grant Linklater
  • Patent number: 8347997
    Abstract: A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hal-Tech Limited
    Inventor: Donald R. Halliday
  • Patent number: 8348073
    Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody made from two side members and two end cross members connected to each other with a carbody connection that can be disconnected such that the side members and end cross members can be individually transported between job sites and reassembled at a new job site. Preferably the two side members are interchangeable with each other when making the carbody, and the two end cross members are also interchangeable with each other. Further, each of the side members and end cross members preferably has a section of a roller path and section of a ring gear attached to them while being transported and assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Bronson E. Foust, David J. Pech
  • Patent number: 8336953
    Abstract: A mount is provided for fastening a motor vehicle module on a motor vehicle, having a fastening section, using which the module is fastenable on the motor vehicle, and having a support section angled therefrom, in order to place the module thereon. The support section has a receptacle, into which a pin of the module is insertable in the vertical direction (z), the pin being longitudinally displaceable in the receptacle in a predetermined direction (x) in the inserted state, the fastening section having a receptacle, into which a tab of the module can be introduced upon a movement in the cited direction (x), and having a cantilever, which is implemented to produce a positive connection with a safeguard block associated with the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thilo-Stefan Greb
  • Publication number: 20120319430
    Abstract: A modular vehicle includes a base body having a frame, driver compartment, chassis, motor and wheels, a removable modular component adapted to be locked and unlocked therefrom, and locks that fasten the removable modular component within the base body. The removable modular component provides added structural rigidity to the frame when installed, and can comprise at least 20 percent of the overall volume and at least 20 percent of the overall weight of the entire vehicle. Locks permit the modular component to be removed and replaced with another removable modular component when said locks are unlocked. Various modular components can be directed toward medical, weapons, fire equipment, rescue equipment, hunting supplies, reconnaissance, command center, outback vehicle, or a survival camper. A triangular truss support system provides increased support and protection for the underside of the vehicle, such as for when the vehicle runs over an IED or other destructive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: DARCO TRUST
    Inventor: Nicholas J. CHAPMAN
  • Publication number: 20120306236
    Abstract: A truck body includes two opposing side wall panels, a roof panel, and a floor panel, at least two joints of which are connected by hinges. A first hinge connects one of the side panels to the roof panel. A second hinge connects a second one of the side panels to the floor panel. Thus, the two sides, roof and floor may form an open-ended rectangular box when assembled, but they may lie flat when disassembled. The hinges may include one or more rotating hinges, slip hinges or other types of hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Reading Truck Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Skipper, John Karl Howley, Christopher E. Braungard, Mark W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8322768
    Abstract: A vehicle console having side panels that can be shortened to different lengths for shortening the console. Molded side rails are optionally fitted to upper connection portions of the side panels and can be shortened to match the different shorter lengths of the side panels. A plurality of face plates are provided for mounting equipment on the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8317257
    Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis supporting an air tank. The second sub-assembly has part of the vehicle body and is bonded to the first-sub-assembly using a structural adhesive. Another pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis, air tank, part of the vehicle body, a pair of B-pillars, and a pair of rear rails. The second sub-assembly has a part of the vehicle body, a pair of A-pillars, and a pair of roof rails. A vehicle seat is provided with a seat base and upright seat back providing a seating area. A bladder located in the central region of the seating area inflates to provide two bucket seats, and deflates to provide a bench seat. The vehicle seat also has inflatable inserts to provide cushioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Deakin University
    Inventors: Bernard Frank Rolfe, Timothy Ian De Souza, Gregory Ryan Pitts, Stuart James McFarlane Hanafin, Steven Lewis Anthony Agius, Benjamin Paul Adamson, Michael Pio Gordon Pereira, Timothy John Black, Christopher James Hurren, Noel Egan Miller