Under Frame Patents (Class 296/204)
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Publication number: 20080277972Abstract: An undercarriage skid plate consisting of a structural frame, heavy-duty rollers, mounting brackets, quick disconnect attachment means, and impact isolation mounts, primarily for use on off-road vehicles. The roller skid plate frame houses an array of heavy duty rollers with axes of rotation the same as the wheels of the vehicle. Mounting brackets are directly attached to the vehicle frame with appropriate fasteners. The skid plate frame is secured to the brackets with quick-disconnect fasteners inserted through impact absorbing bushings. The roller skid plate provides protection to vehicle undercarriage components while also reducing the amount of frictional drag generated when a vehicle encounters an off-road hazard. The quick disconnect mounts allow for easy removal of the skid plate for such purposes as to service the vehicle. The isolation mounts reduce the force conducted through vehicle's frame when impact with an off-road hazard is made.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventor: Ronald William Bonofiglio, JR.
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Publication number: 20080265626Abstract: In a method of making a subframe of a motor vehicle profile elements made of hollow sections of steel are placed in a casting tool. Subsequently, aluminum material is filled into the casting tool to casting around the profile elements so as to form plural cast nodes on the profile elements in spaced-apart relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Jochen Dorr, Michael Wibbeke
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Patent number: 7441830Abstract: A lower frame midrail structure for an automotive vehicle is formed from a pair of tubular members manufactured through a hydroforming process. The two tubular members are welded together in a longitudinally extending portion to provide support for the mounting structure of a bumper assembly. The joinder of the two tubular members creates a lower frame midrail cross-section that has a generally vertical internal web to strengthen and stiffen the midrail structure. The two tubular members laterally diverge from one another in a divergent zone in which the laterally spaced tubular members provide a stable interior and exterior support for a shock tower support member to be welded to the top of the tubular members. The hydroforming process can form openings in the sidewalls of the tubular members to permit passage of cross frame members to enhance the welding of the cross frame members to the midrail structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ari Caliskan, Dean Gericke
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Patent number: 7441831Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ari Caliskan, Dean Gericke
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Publication number: 20080258506Abstract: A vehicle floor structure including a floor panel which includes: a plurality of arc beads which are provided on a surface of the floor panel so as to be arranged in parallel with each other and to extend from a side sill inner toward a middle cross member while being bent; and a bracket which is provided in the vicinity of the side sill inner for fixing an auto part, wherein: at least one of the beads in the vicinity of the side sill inner is diverged and connected to the beads at a farther side with respect to the side sill inner; the bracket is fixed so as to cover the bead in the vicinity of the side sill inner; and a farther end portion of the bracket with respect to the side sill inner is fixed so as to straddle the diverged beads.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yasuhisa Egawa, Shigeto Yasuhara
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Publication number: 20080252104Abstract: A vehicle body rear structure, which includes: rear frames disposed on both side of a rear portion of a vehicle; a rear floor cross member bridged between the rear frames and jointed to each of the rear frames; a middle floor cross member which is disposed ahead of the rear floor cross member to extend in a vehicle width direction; and a stiffening panel covering a lower side of a fuel tank which is disposed in a space surrounded by the each of the rear frames, the rear floor cross member, and the middle floor cross member, wherein the stiffening panel comprises an upper plate, a lower plate, and a connecting member which connects the upper plate and the lower plate; and wherein the stiffening panel has a thickness which transmits a load upon a rear-end collision to a framework member ahead of the stiffening panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshizumi Yamaguchi, Satoru Kawabe, Takumi Tsuyuzaki
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Patent number: 7434871Abstract: There is provided a lower vehicle body structure, in which a floor panel is provided between a pair of side sills extending longitudinally, a tunnel portion extending longitudinally is provided at a central portion of the floor panel, and a seat is provided between the side sill and tunnel portion, wherein there are provided a seat support member outer to support the seat, which extends longitudinally inside the side sill, and a plurality of cross members extending in the vehicle width direction with a specified distance therebetween longitudinally, outside end portions of which are connected to the seat support member outer and inside end portions of which are connected to the tunnel portion. Accordingly, both layout of the seat and sufficient vehicle body rigidity against a vehicle side crash can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takashi Mizuma, Naomune Moriyama
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Patent number: 7431383Abstract: A construction machine includes a lower traveling body on which an upper rotating body is rotatably disposed. The rotating body includes an upper frame provided with a bottom plate and a supporter acting as a perpendicular member. The bottom plate has an attachment hole extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. The supporter is welded substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate while one end of the supporter is engaged with the attachment hole. Accordingly, the supporter can be easily fixed to the bottom plate while maintaining the perpendicularity and a proper height setting of the supporter.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naohiro Katayama, Takayuki Okunishi
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Publication number: 20080238152Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a cross member extending across a lateral direction of a vehicle, wherein the cross member is coupled to a vehicle body component and a reinforcing member installed to the cross member wherein the reinforcing member is spaced apart from a coupling portion of the cross member and the vehicle body component. A method to reinforce a cross member of a vehicle body includes installing at least one reinforcing member along the cross member and locating at least one edge of the at least one reinforcing member a selected distance from at least one coupling portion between the cross member and a vehicle body component.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masashi Konishi, Hidekazu Saitou
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Publication number: 20080231085Abstract: A motor vehicle, especially a cabriolet vehicle, with a motor vehicle chassis is provided to whose underbody area at least two reinforcing struts are allocated, each of which trends from a chassis attachment with a component in the direction of a vertical longitudinal mid-plane. A connection support is provided free under the underbody and with a distance to it, at which support two of these struts are held in close distance to each other with respect to the vehicle transverse direction, as well as two further struts, which from there extend away, in each case, with a component in the direction of the vertical longitudinal mid-plane, wherein the connection support is angled about at least one axis extending transverse to the vehicle between the mountings for the two struts and the mountings for the two further struts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2005Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBHInventors: Franz Westing, Andreas Bente, Vinzenz Partmann
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Publication number: 20080217962Abstract: A method of configuring a rack-mountable chassis is provided. The method includes measuring a length and width of a card module slot of the chassis, a first opening width of a first rack for housing the chassis, and a second opening width of a second rack for housing the chassis, where the first opening width is greater than the second opening width. The method also includes verifying whether the first opening width is sufficiently wide to allow enough clearance between at least one side of the chassis and the first rack when the chassis is disposed in the first rack, to allow for the adequate cooling of housed components. If the first opening width is sufficiently wide, a dimension of at least one parameter related to the configuration of the chassis is determined so that the second opening width is a multiple of a total chassis width of the chassis. A chassis configured according to the method is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: TELLABS OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Mark E. Boduch, Kimon Papakos, Scott A. Blakemore, David J. Womac
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Publication number: 20080211265Abstract: A three piece belly-band crossmember is provided which may be installed as a single assembly and from which the center subassembly may be removed after installation, allowing access to the vehicle powertrain. The crossmember maintains integral strength as a result of a tab and slot arrangement and overlapping frame mounting holes between its three subassemblies. It may be provided with a suspension component mounting point. 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Ryan S. Rochester, John D. Fehring, James H. Merriman
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Publication number: 20080203767Abstract: A structural support bracket for a rear cargo pan of a vehicle includes a forward end that is secured to a rear cross member and a rearward end that is secured to the rear cargo pan adjacent a center portion thereof so as to support the rear cargo pan against deflection during use. The forward end of the support bracket is secured to both a downwardly directed surface and a rearwardly directed surface of the rear cross member. The structural support bracket reduces deflection of the cargo pan and reduces generation of impact boom noises otherwise caused thereby.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Jared Cox, Patrick Ellison, Robb Augustine
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Publication number: 20080187395Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element (1), in particular for connecting two parts (2, 3) in a chassis, which fastening element has a central axle (4) on which at least two support elements (5, 6, 7, 8) of damping material are arranged at an axial distance from one another. In order to achieve an improved performance of the vehicle which has the chassis, the invention provides that at least one of the support elements (5, 6, 7, 8) is composed of at least two different components (9, 10) and/or of different materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: MVS EUROPE GMBHInventor: Alexander Goerg
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Patent number: 7404594Abstract: A vehicle support structure is provided with a floor impact restriction device coupled between a structural floor member of a vehicle floor and a vehicle suspension member supporting the vehicle floor. The floor impact restriction device basically has a suspension attachment member and a floor attachment member. The suspension attachment member has a suspension mounting portion fixedly attached to the vehicle suspension member and a first connecting portion rigidly coupled to the suspension mounting portion. The floor attachment member has a floor mounting portion fixedly attached to the structural floor member and a second connecting portion rigidly coupled to the floor mounting portion. The first and second connecting portions are interlinked together with a limited range of non-contacting movement between the first and second connecting portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: David Coakley
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Publication number: 20080174151Abstract: A fastener comprises two engagement springs on opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an elongated rib. The elongated ribs may have a substantially rectangular shape, or any suitable shape, and they may protrude away from the opposite side of the fastener. Additionally, the elongated ribs may have same or different slopes at each end of the ribs. According to one embodiment, the elongated rib increases the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio when the engagement springs do not have the elongated rib.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Daniel James Dickenson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Paul Lester Clements
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Patent number: 7401849Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a pair of spaced frame rails and at least one cross member connecting the frame rails. A tower structure is on one of the spaced frame rails for supporting a floor of a load-carrying bed spaced above the frame rails.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kerry S. McClure, Yaniv Rock, Nick A. Massaro, David M. Edwards, Robb L. Augustine
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Publication number: 20080169686Abstract: A vehicle having an engine support structure. A cradle for supporting an engine is provided that has first and second apertures that are spaced apart from each other and receive a frame rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
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Publication number: 20080143150Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a frame comprising a mechanically actuated braking assembly operably coupled with at least one of the wheels and being operable between braking and non-braking conditions, a handle coupled to the braking assembly and being mounted to the frame for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis between first and second positions in each of which the braking assembly is in the braking condition, and an actuating mechanism responsive to movement of the handle from either of the first and second positions for actuating the braking assembly into the non-braking condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, Daniel Guptail
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Publication number: 20080136217Abstract: A heat-insulating underbody structure comprises a heat shield (2) mounted on the vehicle underbody (1) at a distance. The space thereby defined is in principle open in order to generate a heat-insulating air layer between the heat shield and the vehicle underbody. The underbody structure is characterized in that it is provided with flow-impeding means (4, 5, 6, 7) which prevent the air from circulating between the heat shield (2) and the vehicle underbody (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Hermann De Ciutiis
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Publication number: 20080122265Abstract: A cross member, in particular a cockpit cross member, for a motor vehicle, is connectable at both ends to a vehicle body and supportable in a central area via a supporting element on a longitudinal transmission tunnel of the vehicle. The cross member has at least two cross member elements which are joined together at the end in a central area of the cross member via a connecting member. The connecting member allows compensation of tolerance in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The cross member is connected to the supporting element via the connecting member, the connection between the connecting member and the supporting element allowing compensation of tolerance in the z direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Steffen Meier
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Patent number: 7377578Abstract: A main beam support mounting bracket formed from aluminum for a vehicle. The main beam support mounting bracket has a first lateral end that is mechanically secured to a main beam support and a second lateral end that is mechanically secured to a center support. A bottom wall of the main beam support mounting bracket includes slotted mounting openings for receipt of fasteners for attachment to a floor tunnel of a vehicle floor and frame cross-member. The fasteners threadingly engage weld-nuts on the frame cross-member. The bottom wall includes first, second, and third planar surfaces that interact with first, second, and third surfaces of the floor tunnel in the vehicle. Further, the main beam support mounting bracket provides for lateral attachment with the main beam support and the center support.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Patrick Ellison, Matthew Wolfe, Eric Boettcher, Masahiro Ishikawa, Takashi Nakano
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Patent number: 7374219Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement member with a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed on the carrier member.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.Inventor: Eric Brennecke
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Publication number: 20080093893Abstract: A crash support assembly is provided in the tunnel region of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has at least one exhaust tract guided through a tunnel of the vehicle and seat cross members are disposed to the side of the tunnel. A crash support is held on the exhaust tract and is disposed such that it swings freely between the seat cross members. A crash support of this type permits the vehicle to be optimized with regard to the conditions of a pole crash with a low outlay on production and assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Marcos Garcia Garcia, Jurgen Metzler, Claus-Dieter Unfried, Jan Hogenmuller, Roland-Gerhard Stromsky
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Patent number: 7347490Abstract: In a vehicle floor structure, a subsidiary frame is provided between a front frame and a seat frame and at a position higher than a lower frame, for supporting thereon a floor section. Step support frame is provided laterally outwardly of the lower frame, for supporting thereon a boarding step so that the floor section is located at a level higher than the boarding step. Vehicle body frame structure includes, for each of left and ride side sections of the vehicle, a straight vertical frame to which are mounted the respective ones ends of an upper arm, lower arm and cushion unit, and respective mounting sections for the upper arm, lower arm and cushion unit can be provided in linear alignment with one another in the straight vertical frame along the length thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Kobayashi, Toshiyuki Suzuki, Masahiro Inoue, Kazushiro Inoue, Hiroaki Kase, Yuji Hayashi
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Patent number: 7340832Abstract: A method of fabricating a motorhome, wherein the motorhome comprises a chassis, a vehicle frame, and a coach body. In one embodiment, the method begins by prefabricating the frame by joining a plurality of parallel elongate members with cross-tie members. The frame is prefabricated separate from the chassis, and in one embodiment, the frame is prefabricated upside down such that the underside of the frame is accessible for attachment of a plurality of bulkheads. Then, the frame is rotated upright and positioned atop the chassis. In one embodiment, the rails of the chassis lie inside a channel defined by the plurality of bulkheads. Next, additional bulkheads are joined to the frame and chassis to further interconnect the frame and chassis. Preferably, the additional bulkheads comprise an opening such that the additional bulkheads can surround the chassis on all sides. Finally, the coach body is assembled on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.Inventor: Johnnie Crean
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Patent number: 7322640Abstract: A hydroformed and roll-formed cross sill assembly for a vehicle and method of making same includes a pair of hydroformed tubular side members. The hydroformed and roll-formed cross sill assembly also includes a roll-formed beam member disposed between the tubular side members and at least one weld to secure the beam member to each of the tubular side members.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Chi-Mou Ni, Charles J. Bruggemann
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Patent number: 7306281Abstract: A structure for mounting a vehicle seat includes: a side sill extending in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body on a side of the vehicle body; a cross member extending in a width direction of the vehicle body; a floor frame substantially extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body, with an end portion curved and joined to the side sill, and thus bridging the side sill and the cross member; a seat-mounting bracket joined to the floor frame; and a seat fixed at least to the seat-mounting bracket. With this structure, the seat can be securely fixed to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Kobayashi, Shigeto Yasuhara
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Patent number: 7287797Abstract: An automotive vehicle is constructed having a metal framework and a body made of interconnected plastic components including a floor module. The framework has elongated longitudinal and transverse structural members of uniform cross sectional configuration. The underside of the floor module has downwardly directed troughs positioned and configured to engage the elongated structural members. Resilient bushing material is disposed between the engaged troughs and structural members, and is compressively held in place by U-shaped brackets which urge the structural members into the corresponding troughs. By virtue of such construction, the framework and body are integrated in a manner which minimizes stresses that would otherwise be conveyed to the body from the framework.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Inventor: Gregorio M. Belloso
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Patent number: 7281756Abstract: Provided is an automotive rear body structure which can effectively increase the torsional and bending rigidity of a rear part of the automotive body. A damper stiffener 21 is attached to an outer wall of each wheel house inner 15a so as to jointly define a closed cross section. A floor cross member 22 is attached to the outer walls of floor frames 14 and a rear floor panel 6 so as to jointly define a closed cross section. Each damper stiffener 21 extends to such an extent that its lower end overlaps with the upper end of the corresponding floor frame 14 and is spot welded to the corresponding wheel house inner 15a along with the floor cross member 22. Thereby, a closed cross section frame 23 having ridge lines 1 and 1? continually extending from the bottom wall of the trunk room 13 to each side wall thereof firmly connects the right and left wheel houses 15 and the rear floor panel 6 to the floor frames 14.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Fukushi, Mikio Shibaoka, Kenji Ohkura
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Patent number: 7281755Abstract: A vehicle support structure is provided with a floor impact restriction device coupled between a structural floor member of a vehicle floor and a vehicle suspension member supporting the vehicle floor. The floor impact restriction device basically has a suspension attachment member and a floor attachment member. The suspension attachment member has a suspension mounting portion fixedly attached to the vehicle suspension member and a first connecting portion rigidly coupled to the suspension mounting portion. The floor attachment member has a floor mounting portion fixedly attached to the structural floor member and a second connecting portion rigidly coupled to the floor mounting portion. The first and second connecting portions are interlinked together with a limited range of non-contacting movement between the first and second connecting portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: David Coakley
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Patent number: 7281597Abstract: A shield (20) for an automotive vehicle (10) is provided to lessen the impact force to a foreign body by absorbing energy or converting energy from the foreign body with the shield (20). The shield (20) has a ramped surface (22), an inner surface (24), and a periphery (26) delineating the inner surface (24) from the ramped surface (22). The inner surface (24) is further refined into an upper area (28) and a lower area (30), where a ridge (32) extends from the inner surface (24) portioning the upper area (28) from the lower area (30). At least one rib (34) is connected to the ridge (32) and extends from the inner surface (24), whereby the ridge (32) or the rib (34) may absorb energy or divert direct contact into sliding contact when the ramped surface (22) is impacted by a foreign body reducing the impact force upon the foreign body. Also, a method of using a shield (20) in an automotive vehicle 10 is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Pellillo, Wei Wang, Kumar Mahadevan, Jiamaw Doong
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Patent number: 7275785Abstract: 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 cylindricalal 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ari Caliskan, Dean Gericke
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Patent number: 7273247Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure for vehicles, made from a longitudinal member (1) comprising at least two interconnected hollow sections (10, 11). One of the hollow sections continues in the direction of the bumper (5). In the case of a crash with low-speed impact, there is a targeted deformation of the single hollow section (10c), which makes it possible to carry out repairs economically. In the case of a higher-speed impact, the more rigid support structure of the double hollow section for protecting passengers comes into play. Since in this design the impact absorber, which is usually arranged between the longitudinal member and the bumper, can be done without, there is also a reduction in the number of components required, and thus in the overall weight.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Stahl AGInventors: Axel Grueneklee, Lothar Patberg, Dariush Philipp
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Patent number: 7270366Abstract: The present invention is a floor panel structure of a car body that can reduce noise within the automobile cabin. The present invention is a car body floor panel structure wherein the floor of an automobile has a floor panel connected to car body frame members, and also a predetermined mode of vibration is generated to suppress the generation of acoustic emission from the floor panel. The floor panel vibration mode adjusting structure has rectangular rigidity adjusting areas that are formed by causing the floor panel to protrude upward or downward in order to generate 2×1 mode or 2×2 mode vibration in the floor panel in a frequency band that nearly matches the tire cavity resonance frequency.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Takanobu Kamura, Akinori Utsunomiya, Tsuyoshi Sugihara, Masaru Chikita
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Patent number: 7270369Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile underbody structure, wherein a pair of laterally-spaced floor frames 10 are disposed to extend longitudinally in such a manner as to interpose a tunnel region 6 of a front floor portion 2 therebetween and joined to a bottom surface of the front floor portion 2, and a cross member 15, 16 is disposed to extend laterally so as to connect each side-sill 7 and the tunnel region 6 and joined to a top surface of the front floor portion 2. Each of the floor frames 10 is gradually inclined laterally inward toward the rear end thereof so as to be obliquely disposed relative to the cross member 15, 16 in top plan view. A rearward displacement of the floor frames 10 during a head-on collision exerts a compressive force on a region of the cross member 15, 16 located on the laterally outward side relative to each of the floor frames 10, and a tensile force on a region of the cross member 15, 16 located on the laterally inward side relative to each of the floor frames 10.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Fumio Okana, Noritaka Sakiyama, Yukiichirou Shimada, Shigeyuki Mori
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Patent number: 7264305Abstract: A deck assembly for use with a transporter vehicle is provided. The deck assembly comprises a deck portion formed of a first material and a sub-structure formed of a second material. The deck assembly further comprises an interface plate formed disposed between the deck portion and sub-structure to facilitate coupling the deck portion to the sub-structure and/or to compensate for differences in thermal expansion that may exist between the deck portion and the sub-structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Jerr-Dan CorporationInventor: Sanjeev Kuriakose
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Patent number: 7252326Abstract: A vehicle underbody structure including: a front floor panel; a rear floor panel having a portion raised above the front floor panel; side sills; tunnel members extending along a floor tunnel; and a reinforcing plate. The rear floor panel is provided with suspension mounting members to which a rear suspension frame are mounted. The reinforcing plate extends to the suspension mounting members, the side sills, and the tunnel members.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Wada
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Patent number: 7243984Abstract: In a floor panel structure of a vehicle body in which a floor of an automotive vehicle is formed by a floor panel coupled to a plurality of frame members extending in substantially longitudinal and width directions of the vehicle, there are provided a panel area formed by being enclosed at least by the frame members, a heavy-weight area located at a substantially central portion of the panel area, and a peripheral area located substantially around the heavy-weight area, wherein the heavy-weight area is configured so as to be heavier than the peripheral area. Accordingly, the vibration energy transmitted from the frame members to the floor panel can be reduced and thereby the acoustic emission generated from the floor panel can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Tsuyoshi Sugihara, Seiichi Nakabayashi, Shigefumi Hirabayashi
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Patent number: 7237833Abstract: A gusset includes a floor attachment end, a side wall attachment end and an intermediate section. The floor attachment end is fixed to a reinforced floor portion of a vehicle. The side wall attachment end is fixed to a vehicle side wall structure at a point spaced apart from a side wall structure of the vehicle. The intermediate section has a generally U-shaped transverse cross section formed from generally upwardly oriented first and second gusset portions interconnected at upper ends by a top gusset portion. The reinforcement member is disposed within the gusset at a location between the floor and side wall attachment ends of the gusset. The reinforcement member interconnects the first and second gusset portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Moll
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Patent number: 7226121Abstract: A rail assembly for a vehicle includes a rail member extending longitudinally. The rail assembly also includes an insert disposed within and extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the rail member and having at least one curved section to provide load carrying capacity in the rail member.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Bhushan W. Dandekar, Dmitriy V. Mazur, Matthew B. Rombach
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Patent number: 7216924Abstract: An automotive vehicle comprises a frame having a pair of side rails interconnected by a plurality of cross members. A rocker panel substantially parallel to and spaced from each side rail creates a gap. An energy transfer member seats within the gap for transferring energy between the rocker panel and the side rail in a side impact event. The energy transfer member is sufficiently stronger than the side rail such that impact energy deforms the rocker panel and travels through the energy transfer member to deform the side rail prior to any deformation of the energy transfer member, thereby maintaining the gap to reduce side structure intrusion into an occupant compartment. An accelerometer mounted within the vehicle inboard of the side rails senses vehicle frame acceleration, and activates a vehicle airbag system as necessary.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Haoming Li, Bryan J. Gilpin
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Patent number: 7213873Abstract: An automobile front-part structure is provided in which an impact-absorbing member can absorb the impact energy that is given by a bump, whatever bump it is, such as an offset collision and a pole bump.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Shin Murata, Shinichi Konuma, Masanobu Hanazaki
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Patent number: 7204519Abstract: A construction machine where an operating load is transferred to a location having good rigidity, thereby ensuring the strength of a vehicle body and increasing the load-withstanding strength in relation to running loads. The frame of the lower traveling body of the construction machine comprising a hollow center frame having an upper plate with an attachment ring, a lower plate, and side plates that surrounding sides of the frame and that jut out from the attachment ring, and reinforcing ribs which connect the upper plate to the lower plate in the interior of the center frame beneath the attachment ring.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Zenoah Co., Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiteru Kubo, Kenichi Shimizu, Shinichi Senba, Kouhei Urase, Takaharu Nishimura
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Patent number: 7204518Abstract: A construction machine where a load acting on a vehicle body during an operation is transferred to ensure the strength of the vehicle body, thereby improving reliability including welding reliability. In the construction machine, at least one of the height differences between an upper face or a lower face of the center frame at a joining portion between the center frame and the connecting member and an upper face or a lower face of a center joining portion of the connecting member is set respectively at a dimension that is approximately equal to or less than the thickness of an upper face plate or a lower face plate of the center frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Zenoah Co., Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiteru Kubo, Shinichi Senba, Jun Noguchi, Kouhei Urase, Takaharu Nishimura
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Patent number: 7204547Abstract: Disclosed is an underbody structure for an automobile, which comprises a pair of laterally-spaced floor frames 10 disposed to extend longitudinally in such a manner as to interpose a tunnel region 6 therebetween and joined to a bottom surface of a front floor portion 2. Each of the floor frames 10 has a rear end located in the vicinity of a rear kick-up portion 3 extending upward from a rear end of the front floor portion 2. The rear kick-up portion 3 and each rear end region of the floor frames 10 are connected to one another from the exterior side of the automobile through an end gusset 45 (47, 48). The end gusset 45 (47, 48) may be designed to define a closed section in cooperation with the rear kick-up portion 3, or to extend laterally outward so as to be connected to a front end region of a rear frame 17. The underbody structure of the present invention can prevent or suppress a rearward movement of each rear end of the floor frames during a head-on collision.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Fumio Okana, Noritaka Sakiyama, Yukiichirou Shimada, Shigeyuki Mori
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Patent number: 7192081Abstract: A vehicle frame in which the transversal beams are linked to the longitudinal rails by means of a plurality of clamps joined by a high efficiency adherent substance.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Metalsa Servicios S. De R.L.Inventors: Abraham Tijerina, Hector Ramirez, Humberto Molina, Pedro Silva, David Bees, Jonathan Wortley, Stuart McAndrew
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Patent number: 7192071Abstract: The invention relates to a bulkhead that can realize not only manufacture as lightweight and inexpensive as possible but also less the waste produced from material, while keeping sufficient structural strength and rigidity thereof. The bulkhead 1 for raising strength and rigidity of a vehicular frame member 2 comprises: a partition face 11 having an outer shape contoured to a sectional shape of the vehicular frame member 2; connecting wings 12, 13, 13 projected and folded at individual sides of the partition face 11 except an open edge 111, and forming a peripheral wall section 16 having a C-shape by linking vicinities of folded edges 121, 131, 131; and a bead 14 formed on the partition face 11 near the open edge 111 in that it is denting in same direction of the folded connecting wings 12, 13, 13, and extending in parallel to the open edge 111.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Watanabe, Toru Inoue
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Patent number: 7188893Abstract: A front part structure of a vehicle body for efficiently absorbing collision energy acting from the front of the vehicle body is provided. The front part structure of the vehicle body includes right and left front side members extending longitudinally of the vehicle body within an engine compartment separated by a dashboard. A crossmember is attached to the dashboard and extended between the right and left front side members. A floor tunnel extending longitudinally of the vehicle body is joined to a rear end portion of an extension of the crossmember. Collision energy acting from the front of the vehicle body is transmitted from the front side members to the crossmember, and then is transmitted through the extension of the crossmember to the floor tunnel and dispersed throughout the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kosuke Akasaka
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Patent number: 7178861Abstract: A vehicle body structure in which a hollow-section crossmember is attached to rear end portions of right and left center frame members is provided. Right and left extension members extending rearward are joined to the rear end portions of the right and left center frame members. The crossmember is joined to the tops of the right and left extension members. Right and left reinforcing plates are provided in a hollow space of the crossmember at portions at which the extension members are joined to the crossmember. The right and left reinforcing plates are supported on the right and left extension members, whereby the crossmember is firmly supported on the rear end portions of the center frame members and is increased in rigidity.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirotomo Yamada, Takahiro Uesaka