Under Frame Patents (Class 296/204)
  • Patent number: 8517423
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Club Car, LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Huston, Roy L. Woodard
  • Patent number: 8517459
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stanislaw Klimek, Andreas Stern
  • Patent number: 8511711
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Honzek
  • Patent number: 8506006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Watanabe, Yoshio Namai
  • Publication number: 20130200656
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: CORVAC COMPOSITES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Shimmell, James M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8500191
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Jamel E. Belwafa, Christopher Stephen O'Connor, Thierry Guimberteau, Saeed David Barbat
  • Patent number: 8491048
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeo Mori
  • Publication number: 20130181486
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Pascal Tabuteau, Thomas Mauduit, Olivier Bisror
  • Patent number: 8485591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Kihara, Shigeto Yasuhara
  • Publication number: 20130175829
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: POSCO
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Kim, Hong-Woo Lee, Hyoun-Young Lee, Yeon-Sik Kang
  • Publication number: 20130154310
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: HANS-JÜRGEN NEUMANN, HANS-JOACHIM HORENKAMP, STEPHAN MEYER, WOLFRAM LINNIG
  • Publication number: 20130154218
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: K. HARTWALL OY AB
    Inventor: Markku Tiilikainen
  • Patent number: 8459399
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20130140853
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
  • Patent number: 8449022
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Pencak, Matthew Mollick, Robert Blanchard, Dan Hustyi
  • Patent number: 8449024
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Veronica Pietroni
  • Publication number: 20130127209
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takato ISHIHATA, Mamoru YASHIMA, Yoshihiro KAMIYA
  • Publication number: 20130118823
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Patent number: 8439148
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Hajime Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 8439430
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sato, Masaaki Ukita, Yoshiyuki Toba
  • Publication number: 20130113238
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130088049
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dmitriy V. MAZUR, Bhushan W. DANDEKAR, Clare V. GUTOWSKI, Puneeth D. HONNEGOWDA
  • Publication number: 20130082483
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Herb Adams
  • Patent number: 8408566
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heiko Teichmann, Dennis Tegelkamp
  • Publication number: 20130076077
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Yasurou Hirooka
  • Patent number: 8398138
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Jürgen Hulbert, Lothar Teske, Lutz Uhlenbruch
  • Patent number: 8388049
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Ferlemann, Wolfram Linnig, Hans-Jürgen Neumann, Rolf Siekaup
  • Publication number: 20130049407
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Yusuke KAGEYAMA
  • Patent number: 8382199
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Gestamp Hardtech AB
    Inventor: Hans Bodin
  • Patent number: 8366170
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Brian Glickman
  • Patent number: 8366150
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: David Alan Parsons, Yiqun Liu
  • Publication number: 20130026796
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: David Anthony Wagner, Michael M. Azzouz, Ari Garo Caliskan, Sunil K. Kasaragod, Xiaoming Chen, John Edward Huber, Yuksel Gur, Parameswararao Pothuraju, Jeffery Wallace
  • Publication number: 20130026797
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Takeshi Onodera, Yasutsune Terashima
  • Patent number: 8342600
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Biersack
  • Patent number: 8336679
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Aaron Mears, Hiroki Ishikawa, Kevin Scott Katerberg
  • Publication number: 20120319433
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ronny BUFE, Stefan GLOGER, Jens HARTMANN, Matthias SCHLELEIN, Matthias SEYFRIED, Ralph STENGER, Dirk STREHL, Joachim KÖHR, Heinz-Günter LANG, Hans-Joachim PATSCHICKE
  • Publication number: 20120306238
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: DJAMAL EDDINE MIDOUN, STEPHEN THOMAS KOZAK, ERIKA LOW, BHIMARADDI VENKARADDI ALAVANDI, SHEKAR PRABHAKAR ERASALA, ROBERT SHARP, WANJUN LEI
  • Patent number: 8322750
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: EZ Loader Custom Boat Trailers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Crow, Gary L. Potter
  • Patent number: 8317257
    Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis supporting an air tank. The second sub-assembly has part of the vehicle body and is bonded to the first-sub-assembly using a structural adhesive. Another pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis, air tank, part of the vehicle body, a pair of B-pillars, and a pair of rear rails. The second sub-assembly has a part of the vehicle body, a pair of A-pillars, and a pair of roof rails. A vehicle seat is provided with a seat base and upright seat back providing a seating area. A bladder located in the central region of the seating area inflates to provide two bucket seats, and deflates to provide a bench seat. The vehicle seat also has inflatable inserts to provide cushioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Deakin University
    Inventors: Bernard Frank Rolfe, Timothy Ian De Souza, Gregory Ryan Pitts, Stuart James McFarlane Hanafin, Steven Lewis Anthony Agius, Benjamin Paul Adamson, Michael Pio Gordon Pereira, Timothy John Black, Christopher James Hurren, Noel Egan Miller
  • Publication number: 20120286543
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Ill Lee
  • Patent number: 8308193
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Lux, Eric J. Boettcher, Robb L. Augustine, Martyn L. Morrish
  • Patent number: 8297690
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Walter, Matthias Herntier, Roberto Oggianu, Volker Brunner
  • Publication number: 20120267918
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaya Murata
  • Patent number: 8292357
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Ari Garo Caliskan, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Patent number: 8287035
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ronny Bufe, Stefan Gloger, Jens Hartmann, Matthias Schlelein, Matthias Seyfried, Ralph Stenger, Dirk Strehl, Joachim Köhr, Heinz-Günter Lang, Hans-Joachim Patschicke
  • Patent number: 8276981
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: SAF-Holland GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Koschinat
  • Patent number: 8276980
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Boettcher, Robb Augustine
  • Patent number: 8276982
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
  • Patent number: 8272682
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Studio Torta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Cimatti
  • Patent number: 8251424
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Sylvain Parfut, Pierre Cailleaux