Under Frame Patents (Class 296/204)
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Patent number: 8517423Abstract: A frame assembly for an off-road vehicle including a left frame rail and a right frame rail that are identical to each other, a front frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, an occupant frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, a rear frame module that includes at least one left foot and at least one right foot, and a plurality of identical adapters mounting the components to the left and right frame rails.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Club Car, LLCInventors: Steven P. Huston, Roy L. Woodard
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Patent number: 8517459Abstract: A body structure of a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a floor panel, that has an inner side directed toward the motor vehicle interior and an outer side directed toward the motor vehicle exterior, and also includes, but is not limited to a seat mounting for securing a motor vehicle seat. To reduce driving noise and air resistance, it is provided that on the outer side thereof, the floor panel is free from corrugations or stiffening structures running predominantly in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. A motor vehicle is also provided having a corresponding body structure and a method is provided for the manufacture thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Stanislaw Klimek, Andreas Stern
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Patent number: 8511711Abstract: A utility vehicle (1) comprising a carrier frame (3) mounted above a transaxle (2) is provided. The carrier frame (3) comprises a first carrier frame section (30) and a second carrier frame section (40). A height level of the first carrier frame section (30) differs from a height level of the second carrier frame section (40).Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: AGCO GmbHInventor: Robert Honzek
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Patent number: 8506006Abstract: A frame for use in a construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator, in which a circle member (18) for mounting a swing circle to a center frame is secured. An outer curved portion (21A) with a recessed groove shape is provided over the entire circumference in a vertically intermediate portion of the outer peripheral surface of the circle member, and an inner curved portion (21B) with a recessed groove shape is provided over the entire circumference in a vertically intermediate portion of the inner peripheral surface of the circle member to thereby make it possible to render small the plate thickness (t) of the hourglass-shaped thin-walled portion (21) located in the vertically intermediate portion relative to the plate thickness (T) of upper and lower thick-walled portions (19, 20) located on both vertical end sides of the circle member. Consequently, the weight of the circle member can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Watanabe, Yoshio Namai
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Publication number: 20130200656Abstract: An underbody panel assembly and related method of manufacture is provided. The underbody panel assembly includes an underbody panel coupled to a thermal shield including a plurality of expansion joints. The expansion joints are adapted to accommodate a lengthening or shortening of the thermal shield in response to a corresponding lengthening or shortening of the underbody panel. The related method includes providing an underbody panel, providing a thermal shield including a plurality of expansion joints, and joining the thermal shield to the underbody panel at intervals. The thermal shield can be joined to the underbody panel using a plurality of welds, with each weld being proximate a separate expansion joint. The resulting underbody panel assembly can withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles along a vehicle exhaust, muffler or catalytic converter, while also reducing aerodynamic drag at high vehicle speeds, contributing to an overall increase in vehicle fuel efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: CORVAC COMPOSITES, LLCInventors: Dennis Shimmell, James M. Palmer
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Patent number: 8500191Abstract: A frangible vehicle sub-frame joint between a sub-frame and compartment pan. The sub-frame defines a clearance area forward of a collar. In a collision event, the collar is separated into a breakaway portion and a portion that is retained by the sub-frame. The breakaway portion breaks into a clearance area defined in front of the frame joint when the sub-frame is subjected to a front end impact.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Jamel E. Belwafa, Christopher Stephen O'Connor, Thierry Guimberteau, Saeed David Barbat
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Patent number: 8491048Abstract: A vehicle body structure which is subject to a small deformation amount at the time of offset collision and a large deformation amount at the time of full-wrap collision. A floor panel includes a groove which extends from a flat portion to a lower dash panel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and an upper floor member having an approximate U-shaped cross-section is accommodated inside the groove, so that a closed cross-section is formed. The upper floor member and the flat portion of the floor panel are connected to each other by being respectively welded to brackets. A floor cross member extending in the width direction of the vehicle is fixed to the flat portion across the groove.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeo Mori
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Publication number: 20130181486Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis includes two side rail members covered at the front by two lateral floor reinforcements, a rear central cross member and a transverse reinforcement which is welded to the two lateral floor reinforcements, and a floor having a seat-cushion support part. The chassis further includes a rear raiser welded to the rear central cross member and two lateral raisers welded respectively to each of the two lateral floor reinforcements. The seat-cushion support part of the floor is welded to the two lateral raisers, to the rear raiser and to the transverse reinforcement, so as to create a space for an energy reservoir under the seat-cushion support part of the floor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.Inventors: Pascal Tabuteau, Thomas Mauduit, Olivier Bisror
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Patent number: 8485591Abstract: A front structure of a vehicle body includes left and right front side frames, a dashboard lower panel, and left and right floor frame. The dashboard lower panel has a rear surface with a cross member provided thereon, and a lower part inclined downwardly rearwardly of the vehicle body. Front end of each of the left and right floor frames extends forwardly upwardly along the lower part of the dashboard lower panel and is joined by an adapter to a rear end of a respective one of the left and right front side frames. The adapter is joined to the cross member with the dashboard lower panel sandwiched therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Kihara, Shigeto Yasuhara
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Publication number: 20130175829Abstract: An underbody for an electric vehicle configured as an electric vehicle lower body includes a multiply divided battery mounting portion and an underbody portion. The multiply divided battery mounting portion enables multiply divided and selective mounting of batteries, and forms a portion of the underbody. The underbody portion is connected to the battery mounting portion and forms another portion of the underbody.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2011Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: POSCOInventors: Jae-Hyun Kim, Hong-Woo Lee, Hyoun-Young Lee, Yeon-Sik Kang
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Publication number: 20130154310Abstract: A chassis structure for a motor vehicle includes a forged base body of light metal and a reinforcement body made of fiber material. The base body and the reinforcement body are bought into forced engagement by an adhesive layer, wherein the base body has at least one first region which is plastically deformed and partially encompasses the reinforcement body by a form fit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: HANS-JÜRGEN NEUMANN, HANS-JOACHIM HORENKAMP, STEPHAN MEYER, WOLFRAM LINNIG
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Publication number: 20130154218Abstract: The present invention provides a dolly for transporting objects and a frame assembly for said dolly. The dolly includes an engagement member made of formable material and having an engaging side shaped for receiving carriers and a back side opposite to the engaging side, a load-bearing frame, to which a plurality of wheels are mounted, and an abutment between the frame and the engagement member for fastening the engagement member to the frame, whereby a single type of load-bearing frame is applicable to a variety of engagement members.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: K. HARTWALL OY ABInventor: Markku Tiilikainen
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Patent number: 8459399Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure of a fuel cell system capable of inhibiting a related device from colliding with the fuel cell when a crash impact is applied from the vehicle front while inhibiting the increase in the vehicle weight. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, and a related device electrically connected to the fuel cell and disposed adjacent to the, wherein related device has an inclined part on a side of a forward direction of a vehicle. When a crash impact is applied to the vehicle from the forward direction side, the moving direction of the related device is changed to a direction (for example, downward) that is not parallel to the forward direction. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the related device from advancing directly toward and damaging the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiko Ohashi
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Publication number: 20130140853Abstract: A chassis structure for a motor vehicle includes an extruded base member made of light metal and a reinforcing member made of steel to reinforce the base member. The base member has two walls which are spaced from one another by a distance, with the reinforcing member connecting free ends of the walls. The reinforcing member and the base member are joined to one another using electromagnetic pulse welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventor: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
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Patent number: 8449022Abstract: A reinforced vehicle structure includes a vehicle floor, a reinforcement member, an accessory attachment member and a plurality of mounting structures. The vehicle floor has an underbody floor surface facing an underbody of the vehicle and an interior floor surface facing an interior of the vehicle. The reinforcement member is mounted to the underbody floor surface. The accessory attachment member is mounted to the interior floor surface. The plurality of mounting structures is spaced along the reinforcement member and extends through the vehicle floor to couple the accessory attachment member to the reinforcement member.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Pencak, Matthew Mollick, Robert Blanchard, Dan Hustyi
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Patent number: 8449024Abstract: A car frame having a central body, which defines the passenger compartment of the car and is defined by a number of metal parts welded to one another. A monolithic front body is bolted to the central body and is made of composite material fibre using RTM technology. A monolithic floor panel is also connected to the central body and is made of composite material fibre using RTM technology.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Veronica Pietroni
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Publication number: 20130127209Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus (3) is installed below a floor supported by both side members (11, 12) of a vehicle to recover heat from exhaust gas passing through an exhaust pipe (1) of an internal combustion engine. Assistance members (15, 16), which extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, are provided between the both side members (11, 12) of the vehicle. The exhaust heat recovery apparatus (3) is installed close to one of the assistance members (15, 16).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takato ISHIHATA, Mamoru YASHIMA, Yoshihiro KAMIYA
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Publication number: 20130118823Abstract: A cross member of a motor vehicle body is provided. The cross member is designed for forming a load-transmitting connection between two side members of the body and can be structurally connected to these. The cross member includes at least one floor portion that is depressed relative to a marginal rim, which together with at least one side wall adjoining thereon forms at least one stowage space for receiving items.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
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Patent number: 8439148Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an engine attached to the vehicle body frame, and a power transmission unit for transmitting output from the engine to a wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle body frame includes a plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket which is integrally connected to front end portions of main frame sections extending in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle at a lower portion of the vehicle body frame, and also is integrally connected to lower end sides of front frame sections vertically extending at a front portion of the vehicle body frame. The plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket includes suspension arm-supporting portions formed integrally therewith. The lightweight vehicle body frame reduces total weight of the vehicle and, at the same time, enhances assembling accuracy thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Hajime Uchiyama
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Patent number: 8439430Abstract: In a vehicle body structure, a frontal crash performance is improved by establishing a transmission path of a frontal crash load by a floor frame (28) without increasing the weight of the vehicle body, manufacturing cost or the number of welding spots. The floor frame (28) is attached to a lower surface of a floor panel (12), and extends from a rear end of a front side frame (20) from a longitudinally intermediate part of the floor panel. A rear part of the floor panel is formed with a side bead (34) extending in a fore and aft direction in alignment with the floor frame. The rear end of the floor frame is connected to the front end of the side bead via a slope section (32) of the floor panel, and the rear end of the side bead is connected to a middle cross member (18) extending laterally along the rear edge of the floor panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiko Sato, Masaaki Ukita, Yoshiyuki Toba
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Publication number: 20130113238Abstract: A longitudinal frame for the chassis structure of a motor vehicle is provided. The frame includes at least two longitudinal sections, which are joined together to form a shared longitudinal structure by having the longitudinal sections at least partially overlap each other in an overlap region. One of the longitudinal sections of the frame has a side panel, which in the overlap region exhibits a connecting section for attachment to a floor panel, and the other longitudinal section exhibits a counter-panel in the overlap region that at least partially abuts against the side panel. The abutment of the counter-panel against the side panel remains outside of the connecting section. The frame includes at least one longitudinal structure, and the longitudinal structure and at least one of the longitudinal sections together extend over a longitudinal section of the longitudinal frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
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Publication number: 20130088049Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a multi-cell motor compartment rail system is provided for a vehicle. The system comprises an inner rail member and an outer rail member. Partition members couple to the inner rail member and outer rail member and are configured to form multiple cells within the engine compartment rail system when the inner rail member and outer rail member are coupled together. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a method for forming a multi-cell motor compartment rail is also provided. The method comprises coupling a first partition member to an inner rail member of an engine compartment rail system and coupling a second partition member to an outer rail member of an engine compartment rail system. Next, the inner rail member and the outer rail member are coupled together to form the multi-cell motor compartment rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Dmitriy V. MAZUR, Bhushan W. DANDEKAR, Clare V. GUTOWSKI, Puneeth D. HONNEGOWDA
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Publication number: 20130082483Abstract: A vehicle frame having at least one elongated truss. The truss is elongated and generally triangular in cross sectional shape. Consequently, the truss includes three side walls. Each of the side walls is constructed from a sheet material, such as sheet metal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventor: Herb Adams
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Patent number: 8408566Abstract: A subframe for a front axle of a motor vehicle is arranged on the floor side of the vehicle structure and is connected to a front axle transverse beam and to the vehicle body. The subframe substantially contains two longitudinal beams which are arranged in a divergent fashion in relation to one another and which are connected at the rear end—as viewed in relation to the direction of travel—to a plate-shaped stiffening element. The latter is held together with the longitudinal beams on a central tunnel of the vehicle structure by fastening devices, with it being possible for the free front ends of the longitudinal beams to be fastened to the front axle transverse beam by further fastening devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heiko Teichmann, Dennis Tegelkamp
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Publication number: 20130076077Abstract: A structure for reinforcing a vehicle body panel that constructs a vehicle body, including a keyhole-shaped embossed portion formed by combination of a circular embossed portion and an elongated embossed portion extending from an outer circumference of the circular embossed portion in a radially outward direction of the circular embossed portion. The keyhole-shaped embossed portion is formed to project from one side of the vehicle body panel in a thickness direction of the vehicle body panel toward the other side thereof in the thickness direction thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: Yasurou Hirooka
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Patent number: 8398138Abstract: A body part of a front frame of a motor vehicle has a structural component of plastic arranged in a frame part. The structural component is connected with a cage nut through material connection. Via the cage nut a front axle is screwed to the body part. A carrying part for holding the cage nut is welded to the frame part for this purpose and connected to the structural component via over molding.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Udo Mildner, Jürgen Hulbert, Lothar Teske, Lutz Uhlenbruch
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Patent number: 8388049Abstract: An undercarriage assembly and related method for motor vehicles includes a base and a support positioned adjacent to the base at a connection area. At least one nail is inserted into the support and the base of the connection area, which rigidly connects the support with the base without any pre-formed fastener holes.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Felix Ferlemann, Wolfram Linnig, Hans-Jürgen Neumann, Rolf Siekaup
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Publication number: 20130049407Abstract: Provided is a vehicle body structure including: a front frame member disposed in a front part of a vehicle body; a rear frame member disposed in a rear part of the vehicle body; and paired left and right middle frame members disposed on outer sides, in a vehicle width direction, of the vehicle body, respectively, and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction between the front and rear frame members. Each middle frame member includes: a side sill disposed on an outer side in the vehicle width direction; and a center side member disposed inward, in the vehicle width direction, of the side sill and coupling the front and rear frame members. The center side member extends to shift farther outward in the vehicle width direction as it gets closer to rear of the vehicle. The center side member is set larger in strength than the side sill.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Yusuke KAGEYAMA
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Patent number: 8382199Abstract: A side rail for vehicles has a tensile strength in excess of 1400 MPa and has one end (16) projecting from the safety cage of the vehicle and adapted to carry a bumper. The end projecting from the safety cage has lower strength with a yield point of less than 1000 MPa over a length of at least 0.4 m. It has an outer portion with a length of at least 0.2 m and a tensile strength below 800 MPa and an inner portion with a higher tensile strength than the outer portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Gestamp Hardtech ABInventor: Hans Bodin
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Patent number: 8366170Abstract: A heat shield having a body portion formed from a non-woven material and having an internal side and an external side. First and second heat patches are disposed on the internal side of the body portion. A first channel is disposed between the first and second heat patches and a second channel is disposed under the first and second heat patches. A convex air drafting portion is disposed on a rearward side of said vehicular heat shield.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: David Brian Glickman
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Patent number: 8366150Abstract: A reinforcement tube assembly for a fastener in a vehicle body structure is provided. The reinforcement tube assembly includes a reinforcement tube and a locator. The locator is affixed to the reinforcement tube. The reinforcement tube is operatively configured to receive a fastener and is operatively configured be installed at least partially within a vehicle body structure. The locator includes at least two mounting surfaces operatively configured to engage with a vehicle body structure. The locator includes at least two mounting surfaces operatively configured to engage with the vehicle body structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: David Alan Parsons, Yiqun Liu
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Publication number: 20130026796Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing vehicle frame assemblies. Some of the disclosed methods include forming a key and receptor arrangement between an interconnecting member, having a first material composition, and a cross-member, having a second material composition; attaching the interconnecting member and cross-member via the key and receptor arrangement at one location; inserting the interconnecting member and cross-member in a side rail; and welding the interconnecting member to the side rail at another location.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: David Anthony Wagner, Michael M. Azzouz, Ari Garo Caliskan, Sunil K. Kasaragod, Xiaoming Chen, John Edward Huber, Yuksel Gur, Parameswararao Pothuraju, Jeffery Wallace
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Publication number: 20130026797Abstract: A vehicle underfloor structure includes under covers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that cover an underside of a vehicle, and drain members (D) provided in the under covers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7). The drain members (D) each include: a front inclined wall (21) provided with a water drain opening (33, 34, 42, 43, 44, 72, 74); and a rear inclined wall (22). A recess is formed in each under cover in a front-back direction of the vehicle in such a manner that a first interior angle (?1) formed by the front inclined wall is larger than a second interior angle (?2) formed by the rear inclined wall and a length of the front inclined wall is different from a length of the rear inclined wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: Takeshi Onodera, Yasutsune Terashima
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Patent number: 8342600Abstract: A central floor part of a floor assembly of a vehicle body is formed as a unipartite cast part which is delimited at the outer side of the body by in each case one sill profile. Alternatively the unipartite cast part can be two cast parts connected to each other by a vehicle tunnel disposed between the inner sides of the two cast parts.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Harald Biersack
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Patent number: 8336679Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle can include a brake actuator, an equalizer operably connected to the actuator, and two brake wires that are each connected to the equalizer and extend to first and second brake assemblies. The first and second brake wires can extend in a first direction extending from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The first brake wire can cross over the second brake wire at least once and possibly twice, each time in a direction transverse to the first direction. Additionally, the first and second brake wires can each include a cover that protects a respective wire. The covers can be in contact with each other at the crossover point for the wires to minimize noise, friction and to improve operating ability and durability of the brake wires. The various features, such as the cross-over configuration, the contacting wires, and/or the covers, also make it possible to minimize the space requirements for the wires in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joseph Aaron Mears, Hiroki Ishikawa, Kevin Scott Katerberg
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Publication number: 20120319433Abstract: A frame structure is provided for the underbody of a self-supporting motor vehicle bodywork. The frame structure includes, but not included with an elongate tunnel and two sillboards parallel hereto. The sillboards are disposed on both sides of the tunnel. The frame structure also includes, but is not limited to a dashboard cowl with closing plate, which is connected directly to both sillboards and the tunnel, a wheel housing with a downwardly open main structural arc, the ends whereof are connected to the underbody, and on its side facing the underbody (e.g., the vehicle inner side) the main structural arc has a damper receptacle in its upper area, from which a supporting strut connected to the underbody projects downward.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronny BUFE, Stefan GLOGER, Jens HARTMANN, Matthias SCHLELEIN, Matthias SEYFRIED, Ralph STENGER, Dirk STREHL, Joachim KÖHR, Heinz-Günter LANG, Hans-Joachim PATSCHICKE
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Publication number: 20120306238Abstract: An attachment bracket in a vehicle for providing integrated support for one or more security features required by law enforcement agencies. The attachment bracket includes a first part including a horizontal cross member extending across the top of a rear panel of the vehicle body. The structure further includes a second part, connected to the first part, which includes two or more intersecting cross members. The second part is mechanically coupled to the vehicle body inside the vehicle cabin below the second row passenger seat. The structure also includes a third part, connected to the second part, which includes one or more arcuate tubular members extending along the vehicle floor panel from the second part towards the first row of seats. The third part is open at the end towards the first row passenger seats.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: DJAMAL EDDINE MIDOUN, STEPHEN THOMAS KOZAK, ERIKA LOW, BHIMARADDI VENKARADDI ALAVANDI, SHEKAR PRABHAKAR ERASALA, ROBERT SHARP, WANJUN LEI
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Patent number: 8322750Abstract: One embodiment of a beam structure may include a first side panel and a second side panel spaced apart from the first side panel. An intermediate panel extends from an intermediate portion of the first side panel to an intermediate portion of the second side panel. Further, the beam structure may include an end panel extending from an end portion of the first side panel to an end portion of the second side panel. The end panel may be spaced apart from the intermediate panel for configuring an enclosed channel bounded by the first and second side panels, the intermediate panel, and the end panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: EZ Loader Custom Boat Trailers, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Crow, Gary L. Potter
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Patent number: 8317257Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Deakin UniversityInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20120286543Abstract: A subframe for a vehicle satisfies durability and crash performance of a rear mounting portion during vehicle crash. The subframe may include an upper reinforcement and a lower reinforcement, which are spaced apart from each other and assembled to the subframe, and a rear mounting bracket connected to a chassis via a mounting bolt, wherein the lower reinforcement includes a bolt pushing-inducing trim line connected to a bolt hole and the upper reinforcement includes a pair of deformation-inducing holes formed on both front and rear of a pipe nut such that the mounting bolt is separated from an initial position and the upper reinforcement is deformed when an impact load is applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sang Ill Lee
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Patent number: 8308193Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a subframe, a collar assembly with a collar member and a mounting pin, and a main frame with a saddle. The main frame has a contact side that faces toward the collar assembly and the saddle is located on the contact side. The subframe is connected to the main frame with a bolt that extends from the subframe and into a bore in the mounting pin. The mounting pin is in contact with the saddle.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Matthew R. Lux, Eric J. Boettcher, Robb L. Augustine, Martyn L. Morrish
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Patent number: 8297690Abstract: A motor vehicle body has at least two sills running laterally in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An auxiliary frame is provided in a region of a front axle and at least one strut is provided, the strut running between the auxiliary frame of the front axle and one of the two lateral sills. This makes it possible in particular to increase the natural frequency of a vehicle front end by structurally simple and also cost-effective measures.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventors: Siegfried Walter, Matthias Herntier, Roberto Oggianu, Volker Brunner
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Publication number: 20120267918Abstract: A vehicle lower structure is equipped with a brace. The brace is configured to include an extension portion that extends in a vehicle width direction, and link portions that are provided at both ends of the extension portion respectively and have a generally V shape in a bottom view in such a manner as to be convex forward or rearward with respect to a vehicle body. The vehicle lower structure also has a body portion that is fastened to mounting portions, which are provided on both sides of a lower portion of a vehicle respectively, by the link portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masaya Murata
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Patent number: 8292357Abstract: A reinforced closed section assembly is provided wherein the assembly includes a closed section member defining a first hole on a first side and a second hole on a second side opposite the first side. The reinforced closed section assembly further includes a reinforcement member disposed within the first and second holes of the closed section member.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Ari Garo Caliskan, Michael M. Azzouz
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Patent number: 8287035Abstract: A frame structure is provided for the underbody of a self-supporting motor vehicle bodywork. The frame structure includes, but not included with an elongate tunnel and two sillboards parallel hereto. The sillboards are disposed on both sides of the tunnel. The frame structure also includes, but is not limited to a dashboard cowl with closing plate, which is connected directly to both sillboards and the tunnel, a wheel housing with a downwardly open main structural arc, the ends whereof are connected to the underbody, and on its side facing the underbody (e.g., the vehicle inner side) the main structural arc has a damper receptacle in its upper area, from which a supporting strut connected to the underbody projects downward.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronny Bufe, Stefan Gloger, Jens Hartmann, Matthias Schlelein, Matthias Seyfried, Ralph Stenger, Dirk Strehl, Joachim Köhr, Heinz-Günter Lang, Hans-Joachim Patschicke
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Patent number: 8276981Abstract: A frame arrangement for a vehicle comprises a first frame element extending a substantially lengthwise direction of a vehicle, a fastening element having sidewalls and operably coupled to the first frame element and configured to hold an axle guide, a second frame element extending substantially at right angles to the first frame element fastened to the fastening element such that the second frame element surrounds at least some region of the fastening element, and wherein the second frame element is substantially U-shaped and includes at least a pair of fastening segments forming legs of the U-shaped fastening segment.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: SAF-Holland GmbHInventor: Hubert Koschinat
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Patent number: 8276980Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly, system and method includes a vehicle frame assembly having a variable length longitudinal frame component. The longitudinal frame component is formed at a first length when used on a first vehicle type and formed at a second length when used on a second vehicle type.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eric Boettcher, Robb Augustine
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Patent number: 8276982Abstract: Described herein is a frame for a motor vehicle having a first body and a second body, which are rigidly connected to one another in such a way that they can be taken apart; the first body has a first connection bar set in a transverse direction, and the second body has a second connection bar set in a transverse direction, which is set parallel to, faces, and is in direct contact with the first connection bar and is bolted to the first connection bar itself by means of a number of bolts arranged vertically.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
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Patent number: 8272682Abstract: A chassis of a vehicle, the chassis is provided with a pair of door sills arranged longitudinally under the door zone and each having a through hole, and a pair of central pillars, each of which raises perpendicularly and vertically from a door sill, is made of one piece, is inserted in an interlocking way in the through hole of a window sill and is welded to the window sill at the through hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Studio Torta S.p.A.Inventor: Franco Cimatti
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Patent number: 8251424Abstract: A structural arrangement of a motor vehicle, of a type including a cabin and a loading bed, between which a substantially vertical partition extends, of a type including a cabin floor that extends at a first height, and a loading floor of the bed that extends at a second height that differs from the first height of the cabin floor, and of a type including a hollow body that stiffens the structure and extends substantially vertically between the first height of the cabin floor and the second height of the loading floor. The hollow body includes two substantially vertical structural elements, and the first structural element is formed by the lower portion of the partition.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Sylvain Parfut, Pierre Cailleaux