Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pail of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated, and longitudinally-extending main members. At least a pair of transverse cross members extend between and are attached to the main members, and each one of at least a pair of hangers is attached to and depends from a respective one of the main members and/or the cross members. A component is disposed between each one of the hangers and its respective main member, or alternatively is incorporated into the hangers, for absorbing the energy that is created by an extreme event during vehicle operation, to reduce the possibility of damage to the main members and/or the cross members caused by movement of at least one of the hangers during the extreme event.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments generally relate to a device for reinforcing an automotive roof assembly. Some embodiments include a stiffening member for attaching to a cross member of an automotive roof assembly. The stiffening member may have a plurality of supports for providing additional stiffness in longitudinal, lateral, and/or vertical directions. Some embodiments relate to methods of making and/or using the device.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle body which constitutes a coaxial two-wheel vehicle including two wheels coaxially arranged. The vehicle body includes: a parallel linkage that includes horizontal links and vertical links and is rotatable in a left-and-right direction of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle; and step plates respectively provided to upper end portions of the vertical links. A load of a passenger riding on the left and right step plates acts on the parallel linkage at a position inside or outside of a line which passes through a ground contact point of one of the wheels respectively mounted to the vertical links and which is in parallel with the vertical links.

Abstract: A side member for a vehicle is formed by an extruded profile as well as a closed profile which are both constructed as open profiles with an approximately L-shaped cross-section. On the interior side of the extruded profile, a hollow chamber is situated which is removed in sections along the longitudinal course of the side member in order to achieve a targeted compression behavior (folding) of the side member in the event of an impact of the vehicle. Bushes for receiving the chassis components are inserted in the extruded profile. Like the partial weakening of the hollow chamber, the insertion of bushes takes place before the closing of the side member by connecting the profiles.

Abstract: In a vehicular body structure, left and right front pillars are provided closer to the longitudinal centerline of a vehicle than left and right corner sections of a compartment of the vehicle. First corner window (26) provided adjacent to one of the left and right front pillars (13) which is more remote from a driver's seat (24) has a greater opening area than a second corner window (25) provided adjacent to the other of the left and right pillars (11) which is closer to the driver's seat.

Abstract: An inner gusset plate is connected, in each case in the region of the C pillar, to a roof frame cross-member, to a lateral roof frame member and to a rear sealing channel cheek of a motor vehicle or of a rear part of a motor vehicle. The inner gusset plate is arranged opposite a further, outer, connected gusset plate. The two gusset plates form a pillar profile and are connected to a wheel box of the body structure. The inner gusset plate is supported via adjoining inner brackets on a longitudinal member of the vehicle, which longitudinal member is adjoined by two cross-members in the vehicle floor, which cross-members are arranged in the region of the supporting base of the inner bracket on the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A method of constructing vehicle frames of varying lengths from a flexible modular architecture is provided. The method comprises: providing substantially identical front and rear modules, and providing middle modules with constant-section longitudinal rails that are formable to a variety of desired lengths. The components are selected by trimming or forming a first middle module to a first longitudinal length and selecting one each of the substantially identical front and rear modules. A first frame, having a first frame length, is then assembled from the formed first middle module and substantially identical front and rear modules. After forming another middle module to a second length; a second frame, having a different frame length, may then be assembled from the second formed middle module and a second pair of substantially identical front and rear modules. An assembly for constructing frames of varying lengths from a flexible modular architecture is also provided.

Abstract: A metal automobile frame including a number of extruded, constant-section linear bars welded to one another at structural nodes defined by connecting bodies with pockets for housing the linear bars. A pierced linear bar includes a number of tabs, each of which is located inside the pierced linear bar, extends perpendicularly from a side of the pierced linear bar, and is sized so as not to interfere with the opening in the pierced linear bar.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods of forming a structural component of a transportation vehicle and preferably an automotive vehicle. The invention includes a hybrid structure, preferably formed of two or more components that are bonded together with an adhesive to form a structural component that is lighter in weight than that of traditional components formed out of metal. The hybrid component is also substantially free of an over-molding process. Advantageously, one or more snap-fits or the like may be used to position and maintain spatial relationship of the two or more components during assembly, and compression and curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis assembly includes a frame assembly having a plurality of frame members connected together, a drivetrain, a suspension system, and an exhaust system. The connection of the frame members provides a low-profile configuration for reduced step height and a kick-up portion to allow ascent of steeper inclines. The frame further includes an exhaust pipe supported within a frame member and two castings bolted to removable wheel arches. The exhaust pipe has a circular cross-section that changes to a rectangular cross-section near the back of the chassis assembly.

Abstract: Vehicle body structure is provided that includes a generally upright frame pillar, such as a b-pillar having an inner pillar member and an outer pillar member outboard of and connected to the inner pillar member. The frame pillar defines a cavity. A load-bearing linking bracket at least partially laterally spans a portion of the cavity. The linking bracket has a surface generally inclined from an outboard side to an inboard side of the frame pillar. The linking bracket is configured to at least partially absorb a substantially lateral impact force and, via the inclined surface, to provide a moment of force that at least partially counteracts an opposing moment of force provided by the frame pillar due to the impact force.

Abstract: A chassis includes a cover unit, a base unit which includes a bottom panel and a cover panel fixed to the bottom panel, a through hole defined in the cover panel, and a latch mechanism assembly. The latch mechanism assembly includes a hook protruding from the cover unit, an operating apparatus mounted to the bottom panel, a supporting member mounted to the bottom panel, a latch member resiliently mounted to the supporting member, and a connecting pole connecting the latch member to the operating apparatus. The hook is capable of extending through the through hole of the cover panel. The latch member includes a latch portion capable of securing the hook. The latch member is capable of engaging the hook when the hook is located within the through hole, and the operating apparatus is capable of retracting the connecting pole and thus causing the latch member to disengage the hook.

Abstract: A fender protector structure of a vehicle, includes a body structure including a body panel and a fender panel, the body structure defining a wheel well, a fender protector means connected to the body structure for covering an outer periphery of the wheel well, and a means for reinforcing the fender protector extending from the body panel to the fender panel, wherein the means for reinforcing includes a means for fixing the fender protector to the body panel.

Abstract: A structural joint configuration is used in an automotive body structure in which a transverse roof cross member has a convoluted formed shape that must be connected to the longitudinally extending tubular roof side rail. A two-piece clam shell bracket forms the joint apparatus. A lower piece formed in a shape to mate to and receive the transverse roof cross member is welded to the underside of the tubular roof side rail while projecting a formed receiver to engage the transverse roof cross member. An upper piece clamps over top of the transverse roof cross member and is welded to the top portion of the tubular roof side rail. The joint apparatus can be secured to the transverse roof cross member and to the roof side rail by either welding or by adhesives to provide a reinforcement at the joint between the two structural members.

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

Abstract: A structural support for a bolt collar in an automotive vehicle main structural support is provided and includes a rear wall having a rounded portion, a pair of side walls extending substantially perpendicular from the rear wall and a base extending from a lower portion of the rear wall and from a lower portion of the rounded portion in a direction opposite to that of the pair of side walls. The rounded portion extends outwardly from the rear wall in the same direction as the base in an arc-like fashion and forms a recess on an inside surface of the rear wall. Further, the rounded portion extends approximately halfway up the rear wall from the base.

Abstract: A cabin apparatus for a work vehicle provided with rear axle cases, comprising: a cabin frame including; a top frame; a bottom frame; a pair of left and right front braces, one set of ends of the front braces being connected to the top frame, and the other set of ends being connected to the bottom frame; a pair of left and right rear braces, one set of ends of the rear braces being connected to the top frame, and the other set of ends being connected to the bottom frame; a pair of left and right mounting braces, the mounting braces extending downward from the rear part of the bottom frame; and a pair of left and right mounting plates, the mounting plates being provided respectively to the bottom ends of the pair of left and right mounting braces and protruding outward to the left and right; wherein the pair of left and right mounting plates is fixedly mounted to the respective left and right rear axle cases in order to support the rear part of the cabin frame on a vehicle body of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for routing electrical conductors through a vehicle body having first and second body panels with panel edges attached together. The method includes placing a bead of adhesive along the edge of the first body panel; placing the electrical conductor along the edge of the first body panel; placing an edge of a second body panel onto the bead of adhesive; and curing the adhesive so that the edges of the body panels are adhered together by an adhesive joint and the electrical conductor is embedded between the body panels within the adhesive joint.

Abstract: A rear body panel for a golf car includes a seat support portion and a bag well portion disposed rearward from the seat support portion. The rear body panel also includes a pair of wheel wells disposed on opposite sides of the bag well portion. The seat support portion includes a discontinuous recessed flange, a lower end trim edge, and at least one tab for limiting movement of the rear body panel on the golf car. Stiffening ribs are also included adjacent the wheel wells, and hand hold apertures are further included. The bag well portion includes a front wall portion, a pair of outwardly sloped side walls, and a floor portion with an impact absorption feature.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame structure having two closed cross sections is disclosed. Each of the closed cross sections is isolated in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body frame by barriers and structural foam fillers. The barriers are spot welded to the front and back of a reinforcement panel of the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a hollow tubular member to a cast member. The cast member has a hollow socket cavity. A body of uncured adhesive is positioned in either the hollow socket of the cast member or the hollow interior of the hollow tubular member. The hollow tubular member is inserted in the hollow cavity. The adhesive is forced to flow into the space between the outside of the tubular member and the socket of the cast member, and the adhesive is then cured.

Abstract: A vehicle body reinforcement device comprises an elongated shape with its middle portion comprising a hydraulic damper that produces a damping force against longitudinal deformation. Two vehicle body reinforcement devices may be mounted in a longitudinal manner to a vehicle body frame with a lateral space being defined between the two devices. Both ends of each of the vehicle body reinforcement devices can be removably attached from outside of the vehicle to positions that are exposed outside of the passenger compartment and below the vehicle body.

Abstract: A frame deformation control apparatus to be used for a frame being constructed of a plurality of sub-frames, the frame deformation control apparatus has a joint unit connecting adjoining sub-frames, the joint unit allows the adjoining sub-frames to turn around the joint unit, a detector measuring a bending moment to be added to the joint unit, and a brake unit restricting the turn around the joint unit of the adjoining sub-frames.

Abstract: A utility vehicle (100) with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. The ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features enhance the utility of the vehicle.

Abstract: A metal frame made up of a plurality of linear bars, which have a constant cross section, are obtained by extrusion, and are joined to one another by means of welding at structural nodes defined by jointing bodies provided with pockets for housing the linear bars. The jointing bodies have box type structures and are made up of the union of respective a load-bearing element, which is obtained by extrusion and has a given direction of extrusion, with a pair of plane closing metal sheets, which are set perpendicular to the direction of extrusion and are welded to the load-bearing element on opposite sides of the load-bearing element. The load-bearing element may also be formed by the lateral union of a number of simple elements, each of the simple elements being obtained directly via extrusion and having a given direction of extrusion parallel to the direction of extrusion of the other simple elements, and wherein the simple elements are joined to one another laterally by mechanical slots.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a flexible linear member such as an electrical harness and a tensioned guide such as a wire rope to which the electrical harness is attached. This provides a well supported, direct, and secure routing that eliminates the need for extensive bracketry. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a plurality of different chassis of industrial trucks, the following steps being provided in accordance with the invention: a) provision of a plurality of identical or different chassis base frames (10-1; 10-2; 10-3), b) provision of different chassis counterweights (30-1; 30-2), which are prepared for the installation of a steering device (34), which is associated with the respective chassis counterweight (30-1; 30-2), from a group of different steering devices or are in each case already provided with such a steering device, c) selection of a chassis base frame (10-1; 10-2; 10-3) and of the chassis counterweight (30-1; 30-2) to be connected to the chassis base frame to form a chassis according to a desired chassis for an industrial truck (50-1; 50-2; 52-1; 52-2), d) assembly of the selected chassis base frame (10-1; 10-2; 10-3) with the selected chassis counterweight (30-1; 30-2) to form the chassis of the industrial truck (50-1; 50-2; 52-1; 52-2),

Abstract: A subframe for a utility vehicle, which is fitted on a chassis frame of the vehicle includes angle profiles which, in the assembled state, form a stable subframe. A plurality of diagonal crosses which are composed of an upper partial cross and a lower partial cross can be arranged between the longitudinal members.

Abstract: A sub-frame structure, which mounts a fuel cell thereon and is supported by a vehicle body, the sub-frame structure including: front and rear cross members which support front and rear ends of the fuel cell on upper surfaces thereof and extend in a vehicle width direction; an intermediate cross member that is provided between the front and rear cross members and extends in the vehicle width direction; and a pair of side members that connects the front and rear cross members and the intermediate cross member and extends along side surfaces of the fuel cell, wherein a space having a predetermined size is formed between (a) a portion of the intermediate cross member, which is provided between the pair of side members, and (b) a lower surface of the fuel cell.

Abstract: The vehicle body structure is suitable for use in two-door automobiles. The strength of a rearward part of the vehicle body is increased to reliably suppress the deformation of the vehicle body in a possible collision from behind the vehicle. The vehicle body structure includes: a rear wheel house arranged to the rear of a center pillar; and a reinforcement member directly connecting a front part in front of the top portion of the rear wheel house with the center pillar, the front part being inclusive of the top portion of the rear wheel house.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved retention sealing strip (10) that improves the ease of assembly, and reduces manufacturing costs. The sealing strip (10) includes a retention section (28) having an upper hub (50), a first retention leg (54) positioned forward of the upper hub (50), a second retention leg (62) rearward (e.g., positioned at an inner-side of a vehicle cabin) of the first retention leg (54), an upper recess (52) positioned rearward of the upper hub (50), and a lower recess (58) positioned between the first and second retention legs (54, 62 respectively). The sealing strip (10) also includes a sealing section (30) integrally formed with the retention section (28).

Abstract: A self propelled conveyance is disclosed having an extendable frame. A floor pan is attached to the inner perimeter of the extendable frame and a driver's seat is disposed on a front to back center line of the floor pan. A pair of front wheels are attached to the extendable frame. The front wheels extend beyond the outer perimeter of the frame. A rear wheel assembly is one or two individual wheels separated by a short distance. Like the front wheels, the rear wheel assemble extends beyond the outer perimeter of the frame. Passenger seats are disposed behind the driver seat and each of the passenger seats are offset from the center line of the conveyance. Because the wheels extend beyond the perimeter of the frame, they act as active collision shock absorbers in collisions.

Abstract: Provided is an improved automotive vehicle body structure which is light in weight but demonstrates an improved mechanical strength at the time of a frontal collision. A pair of front side frames (4) extend in a fore-and-aft direction in a mutually spaced relationship in a front part of a vehicle body, and a pair of floor frames (6) having forward ends joined to rear ends of the corresponding front side frames, respectively, and extending in the fore-and-aft direction. A front cross member (13) is provided with a pair of lateral ends that are joined to inboard sides of the rear end portions of the corresponding front side frames, and is given with an arch shape such that a fore-and-aft dimension of the front cross member diminishes from each side end thereof toward a middle part thereof. A middle cross member (14) is placed some distance behind the front cross member and extends across the floor frames.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile door structure supported on an automobile body and adapted to be engaged with and disengaged from said automobile body through a door latch, which comprises an outer segment 2, and an inner segment 6, 8 disposed on the side of an automobile cabin relative to the outer segment 2 and provided with the door latch. The inner segment includes enhancement means 50 for enhancing an acoustic conversion efficiency of a vibration having a specific low frequency among vibrations of the door latch generated during door closing. The automobile door structure of the present invention can enhance a low-frequency sound capable of giving the impression of dignity on an occupant.

Abstract: A bearing structure of a motor vehicle has at least two opposite node elements. Each of the node elements has at least one longitudinal beam segment and one transverse beam connection. A transverse beam joins the transverse beam connections to each other. A profiled transverse beam segment emerges from each transverse beam connection. The transverse beam segments are joined together by a glue connection in an overlap segment, and at least one open beam profile is set thereon to form the transverse beam.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for protection against an impact with at least one energy absorption body, which is arranged behind an interior car body component means for transferring a force (F) in effect during an impact from an exterior car body component through an opening of the interior car body component to the energy absorption body.

Abstract: An attachment mount apparatus connects a subframe component to the lower frame midrail structure for an automotive vehicle that is formed from a pair of tubular members manufactured through a hydroforming process. The two tubular members are formed with a pair of opposing semi-cylindrical depressions to receive a cylindrical mounting member internally of the frame structure. One of the semi-cylindrical depressions and the corresponding outer wall of the tubular member are pierced to receive the cylindrical mount and a mounting plate. The opposing semi-cylindrical depression serves as a stop to locate the cylindrical mount along the centerline of the frame structure. The mounting plate spans the entire frame structure and is supported on four wall thicknesses to provide a stable mount structure for subframe components. The cylindrical mounting member is threaded to receive a fastener for the mounting of the subframe member.

Abstract: In a frame structure of a vehicle that includes a flywheel housing, an intermediate housing and a transmission case that are connected to each other along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle to constitute a vehicle frame, the intermediate housing has a hollow shape with a first end and a second end located along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the first end having an abutting surface against which the second end of the flywheel housing abuts, a support surface located radially inwardly of the abutting surface so as to support the forward/rearward movement switching unit, and an opening surrounded by the support surface, the opening serving as a first-end opening of the intermediate housing along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The abutting surface and the support surface along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle are located so that at least a portion of the forward/rearward movement switching unit is accommodated within the flywheel housing.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame structure includes, in a front frame assembly, a front suspension supporting section having paired right and left cushion top end supporting parts, paired right and left upper arm supporting parts, paired right and left upper arm supporting parts, paired right and left lower arm supporting parts, and paired right and left lower arm supporting parts. In the vehicle body frame structure, the front frame assembly has a configuration which is vertically bisected chiefly into an upper front frame and a lower front frame. The upper front frame includes the right and left cushion top end supporting parts. The lower front frame includes the right and left upper arm supporting parts, the right and left upper arm supporting parts, the right and left lower arm supporting parts, and the right and left lower arm supporting parts.

Abstract: A long range and safer, steerable vehicle body for carrying at least one passenger and which body rides on at least two wheels and is constructed from ultra-lightweight materials, such as magnesium frame with polyolefin body panels. The frame is constructed from extruded tubings, joined with aid of end fittings, adhesive and body-bound pins, which eliminates expensive welding. The body panels have double walls, or a honeycomb sandwich construction. The vehicle body may carry an advanced, non-polluting hybrid propulsion system and may ride on pressure-airless tires.

Abstract: A body framework construction, includes: a rear seat cross member, extending in a transverse direction of a vehicle, in a rear part of a body in a lower part of a passenger compartment; a dash cross member upper, extending in the transverse direction, in a front part of the passenger compartment; and a backbone, configured into a thin, long shape having a closed cross section, and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A front end portion of the backbone is connected to the dash cross member upper via a gusset, and a rear end portion of the backbone is joined to the rear seat cross member. The gusset is deformed more easily than the backbone relative to a force from a front.

Abstract: A human powered vehicle of the pedal-driven type having four wheels, a composite monocoque chassis, four wheel independent suspension, and seat for supporting one or more occupant/driver/riders in a generally supine position, and an aerodynamic chassis enclosure with a transparent canopy which is openable for entry and egress of the rider. The preferred embodiment for a single rider has two steerable wheels located forward of the rider, and two fixed drive wheels positioned behind the rider. The drive wheel is equipped with a multi-sprocket gearing arrangement, and a large pedal-equipped sprocket wheel is mounted in a position slightly forward and above the common axis of the front wheels for the rider's feet. A single drive chain extends from the drive sprocket to the sprocket cluster and passes under/over idler rollers which direct the chain beneath the rider.

Abstract: An FRP panel for an automobile, comprising a panel element to which a difference in rigidity and/or a difference in strength is provided between a first FRP layer on a first surface side and a second FRP layer on a second surface side on the opposite side of the first surface. The FRP panel for the automobile having a crushable structure suitable for absorbing impact can be realized, and the impact on a pedestrian in collision can be suppressed by properly absorbing the impact to protect the pedestrian.

Abstract: Vehicle body frame includes a main frame section that is made of light metal and extends in a band shape from a front end portion to a rear end portion of the vehicle body frame to thereby form a compression wall portion, and a sub-frame section that is made of steel and fixedly mounted along the band-shaped main frame section. The sub-frame section forms a hollow structure in conjunction with the main frame section and forms a tension wall portion. The main frame section has a greater thickness than the sub-frame section.

Abstract: An inner fender structure having a set of pockets. Each member of the set of pockets has an opening. The openings of the adjacent pockets are disposed along different sides of the inner fender structure.

Abstract: A vehicle body component having a body portion and male and female dovetail portions. The male and female dovetail portions have substantially trapezoidal cross sections.

Abstract: A system for discharging exhaust air from a radiator in a straddle type vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle) is provided that can discharge heated air from the radiator to the outside of the vehicle in an efficient manner. The system comprises a radiator that can be positioned farther forward than an engine in the straddle type vehicle. A front cowl at least partially covers the front portion of the vehicle, including the radiator and engine. The front cowl comprises at least one vent passage for receiving outside air and directing such air rearward and at least one discharge port for discharging exhaust air from the radiator. Because of a pressure difference occurring due to high-speed air current flowing along the at least one vent passage, the heated exhaust air can be positively discharged from the radiator through the at least one discharge port.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a cross-vehicle reinforcement beam inside another structural member. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement system in a convertible roof vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive body structure member is formed through a hydroforming manufacturing process that incorporates an angularly oriented mounting face for the attachment of a pre-assembled modular component. The mounting face can be formed to recess into the surrounding structure of the structure member or to project outwardly therefrom. The mounting face is oriented obliquely to both the horizontal and vertical faces of the structure member to permit the insertion of fasteners into the mounting face at an angle that facilitates the mounting of the pre-assembled component. The assembly of the component to the structure member can be accomplished by a tool without interference with the component.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a hull coupled to a chassis where the hull is formed by coupling pre-formed panels together using two piece channel members, and/or the chassis is formed by mechanically coupling pre-formed segments together. In some instances, the two piece channel members will interconnect substantially perpendicular panels such as by coupling wall panels to a floor panel, to a ceiling panel, and to adjacent wall panels. Such a vehicle can be quickly assembled from space efficient pre-formed pieces by lower skilled assemblers than are typically required in manufacturing a recreational vehicle.