Abstract: An open-top vehicle rear cross car beam body support arrangement for an open-top vehicle having a passenger compartment defined in part by a front floor pan ending in an elevated rear floor pan together with right and left rear inner wheelhouse panels. The beam arrangement includes forming each wheelhouse panel upper inboard portion with a recessed step defining opposed upstanding riser portions each having a lower edge terminating in an inboard extending tread portion. An upper horizontal gusset panel of the beam is welded to upper portions of spaced apart front and rear downstanding gusset panels, while lower flanges of the front and rear gusset panels are welded to the rear floor pan forming a closed section cross beam. The outboard ends of the upper gusset panel terminate in connector portions, each formed with an upstanding shroud having a top panel defined by fore and aft downstanding side walls together with an inboard wall.

Abstract: A multipurpose wheel well apparatus is provided for a wheel well in a quarter panel of a motor vehicle which consists of a structure for protecting the wheel well from stone, salt and moisture damage. A mechanism is provided for securing the protecting structure within the wheel well of the motor vehicle, so that the wheel well will resist impacts, stress and corrosion. A second mechanism is provided for supplying light and radiant heat to the wheel well for the purpose of assisting a motorist in changing a flat tire and for the purpose of melting ice and snow in the wheel well and in the tire treads of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel lining with a structure made of a polymer, mounted at a distance from wheel, self-supporting, and impermeable to air. The lining is double-walled and incorporates at least two chambers. The walls of the chambers the facing the wheel are provided with at least one opening each to form Helmholtz resonators.

Abstract: A clip and bracket fastening arrangement for attaching a free end portion of a plastic facia fender panel member support wall to a subjacent rail of an automotive vehicle frame enabling controlled distortion free thermal expansion and contraction of the support wall relative to the metal frame. An attaching arrangement elongated retaining clip is fixed to the outboard surface of the support wall and the bracket adjustably mounted on the frame. The retaining clip, stamped from sheet metal, comprises an elongated web defining a clearance slot with the support wall. The bracket is double-L shaped defining a vertical head plate provided with a lower inboard extending base plate and an upper outboard extending step flange. The bracket is captured in a clearance slot defined by the clip web portion offset a predetermined dimension from the support wall outboard facing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the bodywork of a passenger car having an electronics housing formed integral therewith. The bodywork includes an A post, a front suspension strut mount disposed in front of and more towards the longitudinal center of the vehicle than the A post, and a front fender brace. According to the invention, a front suspension strut bearer connects the front suspension strut mount to a middle portion of the A post at about the height of the apron wall. A generally triangular pocket-like space is formed by the curved outward suspension strut bearer, the front fender brace, and the underlying wheel arch. According to the invention, the walls of this pocket-like space form a housing well suitable for use as an electronics housing. The housing walls are firmly secured to the adjacent parts of the bodywork.

Abstract: A clip and bracket retainer arrangement for attaching a plastic panel to the subjacent frame of an automotive vehicle enabling controlled distortion free thermal expansion and contraction of the plastic panel relative to the frame. The attaching arrangement includes a retaining clip fixed on an outboard surface of a panel support wall and an L-sectioned bracket comprising a vertical head plate and a horizontal base plate mounted to the frame. The retaining clip, having a U-shape in horizontal cross section, comprises an elongated web formed with foot portion at each end of the clip web. The pair of foot portions extend out of the plane of the web for engagement with the support wall outboard surface defining an elongated slotted clearance therewith.

Abstract: A rear body structure of a vehicle including right and left rear suspension towers, each jutting upward and sideways into a compartment so as to form a housing for supporting a rear suspension, has a gusset panel which extends transversely in the compartment between the rear suspension towers and is secured to a floor and the right and left rear suspension towers, a first panel and a second panel secured, respectively, to the right and left suspension towers from the front and the back and the gusset panel. These gusset panel and the first and second panels extend transversely in the compartment between the right and left rear suspension towers so as to provide a closed cross sectional hollow structure between and above the right and left rear suspension towers.

Abstract: An improved one-piece plastic bracket for supporting a sealer block of heat expandable reinforcement material on the substructure of a vehicle. The sealer block is adapted, upon being heated during an assembly line operation, to form a closed cell foam stiffener bridging a tolerance varying space between the substructure and an exterior panel. The one-piece bracket provides an initial function of readily supporting the sealer block in a snap-action manner on the vehicle substructure. Additionally, the bracket is operative to precisely guide the heat activated sealer into a predetermined foamed-in-place configuration wherein it sealingly bonds to both the substructure and the opposed inner surface of the panel.

Abstract: A fender flare removably secured to a vehicle fender. The flare has an upper edge abutting the fender surface and an intermediate bowed configuration terminating in a flange that underlies an inturned flange of the fender. The flanges are secured together and the upper edge of the flare is fitted with a bonding strip that bonds the full length of the edge to the fender surface. The bonding strip is characterized in having a sufficient thickness to prevent rubbing of the flare edge against the fender, seals the juncture against leaking of contaminants into the cavity defined by the flare, and securely adheres the upper edge of the flare to the fender surface.

Abstract: A plastic fender is stiffly and immovably attached to the body of a motor vehicle. The fender includes an attachment flange and a washer to be positioned between the fender attachment flange and a screw head. The washer includes at least one spherical cup-shaped impression that is pressed into the fender, resulting in positive locking which prevents movement of the fender. Stiff attachment can also be provided by a steel rail embedded in the attachment flange or steel rails attached to the sides of the attachment flange or by embedding the flange in a relatively stiff retaining part.

Abstract: A polymeric liner is arranged for replacement into a wheel well portion of a vehicle for replacement of an original shell lost due to damage and rust. The unitary shell construction permits ease of mounting of the shell structure within an associated vehicle, with the shell having an outer wall formed in a spaced parallel relationship relative to an inner wall, and the outer wall including an outer wall semi-circular recess having a flange orthogonally mounted to the outer wall projecting exteriorly of the shell for ease of mounting to an existing vehicle. The inner wall includes an inner wall recess for accommodating suspension components of an associated vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel-opening extension molding is disclosed for use on vehicle fenders which have a door or other removable or movable body part in close proximity to the wheel opening. Vehicle extension moldings, such as wide fender flares or the like, cannot be installed on some vehicles because they will interfere with the opening and closing of vehicle doors. The present invention provides a multiple-piece vehicular body extension for attachment to both the fender and door, and to other vehicle body parts, to present the appearance of a single-piece wide flare or fender extension. A first part of the extension molding is shaped to fit against the fender along the margin of the wheel opening. A notch or cut-out is formed in the extension molding to accommodate the opening and closing of the vehicle door. A second extension molding, having an outer face contoured to appear as an extension on the door of the first molding, is attached to the door.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automobile which offers air resistance and lift which are lower than those for a conventional automobile, yet which is hardly changed in its external appearance. The reducing means includes over each front wheel 19 an air passage 4 formed as a hollow 1 made by recessing a body panel located above the wheel, the air passage 4 having an air inlet 2 at its front and an air outlet 3 at its rear. Air current flows smoothly through the hollow 1 located above the front wheel to the air outlet 3 which is on the same level at or located at a higher position than the air inlet 2, thereby reducing air resistance and lift to levels which are lower than those for the conventional automobile. In one aspect of the invention, the air passage 4 is covered by a bonnet 16, other outer shell portions, and a pivotally secured reverse lift plate 5 or a reverse lift member 12 is included.

Abstract: An improved mill and drill pad fastener is described which uses a base and a polymeric pad which is less susceptible to cracking when a torque is applied such as is generated when a self-tapping screw is used. The improved fastener eliminates the need for a metal-reinforcing band around the polymeric pad component by the geometric design of the base, which also eliminates the ability of the pad to twist or to be pulled from the base. Additionally, a completely polymeric mill and drill pad fastener is described.

Abstract: A fender guard associated with and protecting the fenders mounted on a utility type trailer or similar vehicle. The fender guard includes a plurality of generally parallel, laterally spaced rails or frame members that overlie the upper surface of a fender with downwardly and outwardly inclined end portions forming a continuation of the rails or frame members having an attaching bracket at the lower end thereof for mounting on the trailer frame or other rigid component of the trailer. The rails or frame members which overlie the fender are also connected to the fender to provide protection for the fender from heavy objects coming into contact with the fender and also provides a surface on which a person can stand when performing various functions associated with loading and unloading a trailer. The fender guard saves the fenders from damage due to individuals standing on the fenders or hitting the fenders with various loads, equipment and the like.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting the front fender for an agricultural tractor wherein the support structure includes an arcuate mounting bracket connected to the front wheel to be pivotally moveable therewith, an arcuate support bracket detachably connected to the mounting bracket and slidable over top thereof, and a stanchion interconnecting the support bracket and the fender to locate the fender adjacent the circumference of the front tire. The mounting bracket is provided with a plurality of slotted openings alignable with holes in the support bracket to permit fasteners to extend therethrough for detachably connecting the support bracket to the mounting bracket. Both the mounting bracket and support bracket have a center of curvature coinciding with the axis of rotation of the corresponding tire such that a slidable movement of the support bracket over the surface of the mounting bracket can adjustably position the fender around the circumference of the corresponding tire.

Abstract: A work vehicle configuration has the engine directly over the front axle, the cooling system radiator far enough forward to allow even large tires to turn into the volume defined between the radiator and the engine, and a tall but very narrow transmission forward of the operator enclosure. This allows the vehicle to be provided with a wasp-waist, significantly improving visibility. This also allows a recessed area in the vehicle body adjacent to the front tires, allowing a sharper turning radius and improved maneuverability. This placement of the transmission frees space under the operator enclosure, allowing use of a significantly larger fuel tank. Finally, the placement of the main vehicle components away from the front tires and out from under the operator enclosure allows improved access and serviceability for the tractor.

Abstract: An improved mounting system for securely attaching a piece of arcuate trim around a vehicle fender is disclosed herein. Such vehicle fenders have an inner edge that terminates in an upwardly directed flange, while the vehicle trim has a mounting flange nestable over the fender flange which further includes a plurality of elongated slots. The mounting system comprises a U-shaped strip of resiliently deformable metal whose opposing sides define a U-shaped recess for receiving the upwardly directed flange of the fender, as well as a fastener assembly for fastening the mounting flange of the trim to the clamping member that includes a threaded stud, one end of which is connected to a first side of the U-shaped strip of metal forming the clamping member. When the free end of the stud is inserted through one of the slots in the trim, and a nut is threadedly engaged to the stud, the mounting flange of the trim is secured to the clamping member.

Abstract: A vehicle rear suspension mounting structure for mounting, to a vehicle body, the other end of a rear suspension. The rear suspension includes a suspension link, one end of which is coupled to a wheel support member for rotatably supporting a vehicle wheel and which extends substantially in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The mounting structure has a vehicle body coupling end formed on the other end of the suspension link, a link bracket for supporting the vehicle body coupling end, and a joint member for joining the link bracket to a rear quarter panel constituting a rear wheel house portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automobile which offers air resistance and lift which are lower than those for a conventional automobile, yet which is hardly changed in its external appearance. The reducing means includes over each front wheel 19 an air passage 4 formed as a hollow 1 made by recessing a body panel located above the wheel, the air passage 4 having an air inlet 2 at its front and an air outlet 3 at its rear. Air current flows smoothly through the hollow 1 located above the front wheel to the air outlet 3 which is on the same level at or located at a higher position than the air inlet 2, thereby reducing air resistance and lift to levels which are lower than those for the conventional automobile. In one aspect of the invention, the air passage 4 is covered by a bonnet 16, other outer shell portions, and a pivotally secured reverse lift plate 5 or a reverse lift member 12 is included.

Abstract: A front body structure of a vehicle includes a side frame and a front wheel apron reinforcement, both extending in a lengthwise direction from front to rear of the vehicle. A suspension tower is secured between the side frame and front wheel apron reinforcement for supporting a suspension. A front wheel housing is also secured between the side frame and front wheel apron reinforcement for receiving therein a front wheel. Front and rear side wheel aprons extend in the lengthwise direction, constitute the front wheel housing, and are located on front and rear sides of the suspension tower, respectively. A junction member is provided between and secured to the suspension tower and each wheel apron to form a hollow frame section adjacent to the suspension tower. Bracket holders for holding brackets to support a front suspension arm and connect them to the front body structure are provided and are divided into two parts. Each part is integrally formed with one of the wheel aprons or one of the junction members.

Abstract: A unified frame/body assembly is provided for a vehicle, such as a tow tractor. The reinforced center core of the tractor has a pair of longitudinal box-like body sections. Each body section includes a box beam with an integral extension panel. Substantially planar fenders structurally bridge between and connect the body sections to a wing at each end of a bumper member. The extension panel, fender and wing of the bumper form a substantially rigid quarter panel providing support for the vehicle through the suspension means of the vehicle. A pair of cantilever arms mount the suspension, preferably leaf springs, by attachment to the box beams with the distal end of the springs being connected to a mounting plate extending along the bottom of the bumper member.

Abstract: Viscoelastic plastics materials having a dynamic elasticity modulus of 10.sup.7 to 10.sup.10 Nm.sup.-2 and a loss factor of at least 5 are used for the manufacture of motor vehicle parts, such as wheel housing parts, instrument panels, and door panels, in order to reduce interior noise.

Abstract: A cargo box for a truck having side panels formed with wing section which extend forwardly in close proximity to the side portions of the cab to conceal the gap between the front of the cargo box and the rear of the cab. Each of the side panels are formed of a relatively flexible material so as to allow the wing sections to contact the cab without causing any damage when the truck frame is subjected to twisting while traversing rough terrain.

Abstract: A boat trailer having a frame, wheel unit, an adjustably mounted winch unit including a keel engaging member, an elongated second keel engaging member pivotally mounted on the frame rearwardly of the winch unit and self-centering to engage a longitudinal length of the keel, a pair of fender units each of which is reversibly mountable on either side of the frame for protecting a wheel, a pair of unitary post load guide brackets slidably engaged with the rear of the frame members and each supporting both a post guide and a rear taillight, a cross member pivotally and longitudinally adjustably mounted at each end to a frame member, and a pair of bunks and a pair of aligned, resiliently mounted roller units interchangeably mounted on said cross member for providing an automatic, full line engagement of either the bunks or the roller units with the bottom of the hull, when loaded, in combination with the second keel engaging member, forming a self-adjusting three point support of the boat hull.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved arrangement for attaching a plastic panel and metal mounting strip sub-assembly to an automotive body metal substructure enabling controlled distortion free thermal expansion and contraction of the plastic panel relative to the mounting strip. The attaching arrangement comprises a metal spacing washer having a tubular sleeve portion formed with an integral frusto-conical spring flange. The washer sleeve portion free end extends through an elongated slot in the mounting strip and an aligned circular opening in the panel. A blind breakstem rivet is inserted through the washer bore and upon being set applies a predetermined axial clamping force biasing the washer flange into contact with the mounting strip. The rivet head undersurface may be provided with an annular locking ring adapted to engage the plastic panel out surface.

Abstract: A rear body structure of an automotive vehicle includes a roof side rail disposed at an upper end of the body structure and extends longitudinally in a vehicle body. A belt line reinforcement is located downward of and extending substantially parallel with the roof side rail. A center pillar structure extends in up and down directions and is attached to the roof side rail at an upper end and to the belt line reinforcement intermediate of the upper end and a lower end of the center pillar structure. A rear pillar structure extending in the up and down directions is located rearward of the center pillar structure and attached to the roof side rail at an upper end and to the belt line reinforcement intermediate of the upper end and to a lower end of the rear pillar structure.

Abstract: Utility vehicles having four wheels, one or more seats, a steering column and a forward mounting power unit. The devices are shown to be either two of four wheel drive. Extending from behind the rear wheels to a position behind the steering column, a flat floor provides substantial storage area. When two seats are employed, the driver seat is displaced to one side of the vehicle and racks extend fore-and-aft in the same plane. The passenger's seat back may be lowered to further define that plane. The engine is mounted directly between the front wheels for compactness and protection.

Abstract: A front body structure for an automobile body having a front wheel apron constituting a side wall of an engine room and supporting a suspension comprises a front frame extending in a lengthwise direction of the front body and connected to a lower portion of the front wheel apron. The front wheel apron is provided with side extension laterially overhanging therefrom and extending in the lengthwise direction between which an intermediate space is formed. A stiffener is disposed in the intermediate space and secured to the side extensions and has a rigidity higher than the front wheel apron. The front wheel apron is accompanied with a reinforcement which extends a the lengthwise direction of the front body over the upper portion of the front wheel apron and is connected to the side extension and the stiffener to form a closed cross-section in cooperation therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: A front body construction of a vehicle includes a lengthwise front side frame welded to the lower periphery of each of left and right wheel houses in the form of a substantially quatered spherical segment. Inner and outer extension frames different in length extend from the front side frame and are laterally spaced apart from each other. To the outer extension frame an apron frame welded to an outer edge of the wheel house is welded at its lower end. A frontal impact force is received by the inner and outer extension frames, specifically by the longer one at first and, then, by the shorter one when a buckling or crushing is caused in the longer one due to frontal impact force.

Abstract: A vehicle rear body structure including a rear side panel assembly comprising a rear inner panel made of a steel sheet and a rear fender made of a plastic material. The rear inner panel is formed at a lower portion with a tire house section. A tire house reinforcement of a closed cross section is formed along the tire house section and contiguous with a belt line reinforcement of a closed cross section formed along an upper edge portion of the rear inner panel. The tire house reinforcement and the belt line reinforcement are also contiguous with a center pillar structure of a closed cross section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: A front body for a four wheeled vehicle operated by a driver in a sitting posture includes a flat upper portion having an inverted U-shaped cross-section and inclined toward the front end thereof, the upper portion being mounted on the upper portion of a steering device supporting frame mounted on the front portion of an underframe-shaped main frame, an inner portion or a floor having an L-shaped cross-section as viewed from the side thereof and a rearwardly open U-shaped horizontal cross-section, the inner portion or floor being disposed behind and below the upper portion and connected to the steering device supporting frame and a floor plate for a driver's seat, side panels connected to flanges provided on two side edges of the inner portion or floor, rubber covers having an inverted L-shaped transverse cross-section, the rubber covers being disposed below the two sides of the upper portion and connected to the lower ends of two side plates of the upper portion, and fender flaps each of which has an inwardl

Abstract: The vehicle of the "Jeep" type is arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner in particular with respect to a transverse median plane and comprises, on a chassis formed by side members and cross members (1), (2) which are respectively symmetrical and each formed by two semi-side members or two semi-cross members which are identical, two symmetrical longitudinal body elements (6) interconnected by a transverse element (8). The structure has surfaces (6c) for receiving and supporting a superposed identical vehicle.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an arrangement of a canister-used emission control system in a motor vehicle. The canister is received in a recess which is defined by a panel member of a tire wheel housing of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flair molding arrangement for a vehicle wheel opening wherein the molding is formed of plastic with a generally right angled L-shaped section defining inner and outer legs. A plurality of spring metal clips are formed with inner and outer arms oriented at a predetermined interior acute angle. The molding outer leg hidden surface has an inwardly facing channel formed along its free edge for receiving each clip outer arm therein. The molding inner leg hidden surface has a plurality of raised lugs formed therealong adapted to lockingly capture an associated clip inner arm whereby a lug through-bore is aligned with a hole in the clip inner arm.

Abstract: A four wheeled buggy operated by a driver in a sitting posture. A steering apparatus is supported by a support frame structure mounted on a longitudinal front end portion of an elongated main frame structure. The support frame structure has a pair of opposite sides positioned between a pair of front wheels, and a pair of extension frames located respectively above the front wheels. A front body has a front inner member fixedly mounted behind the front wheels. A pair of flexible plate-like members formed of elastic material form respectively a pair of front fenders associated respectively with the front wheels. Each plate-like member is bent into a generally inverted L-shape having top and side panel sections detachably mounted respectively to the corresponding extension frame and the corresponding side of the support frame structure. Rear edge portions of the respective top and side panel sections of each plate-like member are detachably mounted to the front inner member of the front body.

Abstract: A small vehicle equipped with a disk brake system whereina wheel cover for a wheel of said small vehicle includesa first pair of left and right annular first covers, this first pairhaving a plurality of air exhaust ports arranged in a peripheral direction,being fixed to walls of a wheel rim to which a wheel spoke section is connected, andextending generally toward the axis of the axle of this wheel; anda second pair of left and right second covers, this second pairhaving air intake ports capable of receiving air while the wheel is rotating,being connected with wheel supporting means, and covering, in cooperation with the first covers, both sides of the wheel, including brake caliper means associated therewith, and forming inner chamber housing portions of this wheel.

Abstract: A wheel housing lining for motor vehicles comprises a shell of plastic material adapted approximately to the contour of the wheel housing and secured thereto. The plastic material forming the shell is a needled plastic-fiber fleece material (7/6) which is adapted from sheet material by warm working to the contour of the wheel housing (2) and is secured in the wheel housing (2) by adhesion (8), gripping, screws or the like.

Abstract: A vehicle body front structure including a wheel apron extending forward from a hinge pillar and having a front end connected with the radiator shroud. A wheel apron reinforcement structure comprises an inner panel member and an outer panel member. The inner panel member extends between the hinge pillar and the radiator shroud and connected to the wheel apron. The outer panel member is connected to the inner member to form a structure of closed cross-section which extends from the hinge pillar to a position rearward the radiator shroud. The structure of closed cross-section has a height which increases toward rearward. The hinge pillar is of a closed cross-section and provided with reinforcement ribs which bridge the space in the hinge pillar at a heightwise position where the wheel apron reinforcement is connected to the hinge pillar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for extending the fenders on a vehicle body equpipped with a trim detail gripping round an edge of the body at the wheel housing opening.Modification to the wheel suspension of a motor vehicle can require increasing the width of the vehicle at the wheels, which requires an increase of the body width. Fitting fender extenders to the body by means of welding or screwing results in considerable operations on the body, the original rust protection of which is thus deteriorated.The present invention has the object of increasing the body width of a vehicle by fitting fender extenders and/or similar body members. Fitting is readily performed and requires no operations to be made on the body itself.

Abstract: A shield for mounting on an automobile body for protecting the frame and other parts thereof including a main shield portion, front and rear edge portions on the main shield portion, a top edge portion on the main shield portion, fasteners for connecting the edge portions to the automobile body, and a lower concave edge portion for placement in spaced relationship to the brake structure of the automobile.

Abstract: A car body, more especially for an electric vehicle, is proposed as an integrated metal and plastics material component which includes a shell-like body formed from a highly impact-resistant plastics material and provided with an integrated metal chassis, such a body being suitable for the mounting thereon of interchangeable attachment assemblies which are designed in accordance with the intended use of the vehicle. In such an arrangement, the body has a continuous closed base, apart from an opening in its front region; the metal chassis has a means whereby the body may be secured to a front wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A construction of a mudguard of a movable fender portion in a motor vehicle.The motor vehicle is provided therein with a side door hinge mechanism utilizing a quadric crank chain comprising: a front rotary link interconnecting two points which are disposed at the front side of a vehicle body and a side door in the motor vehicle as rotary shafts out of four points including two points disposed on the vehicle body and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and two points disposed on the side door and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the side door; a rear rotary link interconnecting two points disposed at the rear sides as rotary shafts; a portion between the two points on the vehicle body; and a portion between the two points on the side door.

Abstract: A reinforced support member structure for a front part of a motor vehicle is described which, in a wall of the wheel housing of the motor vehicle body, has an opening for cooling air. This wall of the wheel housing is delimited by an upper and a lower side bearer member, in which case the members are connected with a floor, a transverse wall as well as a front bearer cross member. They form a spatial frame system at which a wheel guiding member, in particular a lower wishbone, is held in a supported manner. The lower side bearer member of the floor, in the corner area of the opening for cooling air, is supplemented by a reinforcing unit which connects to the transverse wall and the wall of the wheel housing. It includes support sections that are combined into a structural unit, said support sections forming a U-profile-shaped rigid swinging arm receiving means.

Abstract: An automobile rear body structure including a rear fender panel extending substantially longitudinally along each side of the body structure, a rear end panel extending substantially transversely along a rear end portion of the body structure, a rear floor panel, a tire house assembly comprising a tire house outer panel having an arcuately curved portion and a tire house inner panel having an arcuately curved portion which is welded to the arcuately curved portion of the tire house outer panel. The tire house outer panel has a side portion welded to the rear fender panel and provided with a rearwardly extended portion which is welded to the rear end panel. The tire house inner panel has a lower portion welded to the rear floor panel and is provided at a rear portion with a substantially vertical wall which has a rear end welded to the rear end panel to provide a rigid structure.A closed cross section section structure extends from the tire house to the rear end panel to provide increased rigidity.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a vehicle door comprising a first arm and a second arm extending between the door section and the vehicle body for supporting the door section during opening and closing thereof. The first arm includes a first shaft for pivotally mounting the door section to the vehicle body and a second shaft for pivotally mounting the door section on the end of the first arm opposite the first shaft. The first shaft is mounted along the vehicle body and is positioned beneath a rearward section of a fixed fender portion. An attaching element rotatably mounts a movable fender portion on the first shaft for rotation with the first arm. The movable fender is adjacent to and substantially beneath the fixed fender portion when the door section is closed. The movable fender also includes an extension projecting forward of the first shaft, the extension defining a path of movement about the first shaft during opening and closing of the door section.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a vehicle door including a support arm and a control arm, both which are pivotably connected between a mounting surface along the vehicle body and the door. The support arm is typically mounted forward of the control arm along the vehicle body. The door includes an end surface extending between an exterior and an interior of the door adjacent the mounting surface of the vehicle body. The end surface has a lower vertical section measuring a predetermined length and an upper inclined section. The mounting surface is aligned with the vertical section. The support arm extends along a substantial portion of the predetermined length of the vertical section of the door. The support arm is mounted to the mounting surface of the vehicle body by a first shaft and a second shaft pivotally mounts the door along the end surface thereof to the opposite end of the support arm.

Abstract: A low floored trailer has a base frame welded to wheel arches and flooring formed over the major part of corrugated sheet welded to the base frame and overlaid with wood, between the wheel arches i.e. above the wheel axles, the floor is formed by a flat plate. Upright corrugated walls are also welded to the base frame. The axles are supported by springs carried by cross beams in the wheel arches to that the load carried by the trailer is transmitted through the springs to the base frame in the vicinity of the wheel arches and into the upright walls. Because of the lowness of the floor a larger than usual internal height is obtained, which is important especially where the overall height of the trailer is restricted by regulations.