Abstract: A modular vehicle includes a base body having a frame, driver compartment, chassis, motor and wheels, a removable modular component adapted to be locked and unlocked therefrom, and locks that fasten the removable modular component within the base body. The removable modular component provides added structural rigidity to the frame when installed, and can comprise at least 20 percent of the overall volume and at least 20 percent of the overall weight of the entire vehicle. Locks permit the modular component to be removed and replaced with another removable modular component when said locks are unlocked. Various modular components can be directed toward medical, weapons, fire equipment, rescue equipment, hunting supplies, reconnaissance, command center, outback vehicle, or a survival camper. A triangular truss support system provides increased support and protection for the underside of the vehicle, such as for when the vehicle runs over an IED or other destructive device.

Abstract: A protecting structure to protect a user of a vehicle having two or more wheels extends substantially as an arch above and around a zone intended to receive the user. The protecting structure is connected with a chassis of the vehicle by fixing elements.

Abstract: A connective system for connecting a first body to a second body having an aperture, is provided. The system includes a pin connected with the first body. The pin has a detent surface. A retainer ring having a snap fit engagement with the pin detent surface is provided. The retainer ring also has a locking arm for entry into the aperture of the second body with snap fit engagement with a surface of the second body thereby retaining the second body with said first body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a junction structure for connecting two profiles(1, 2), especially in a vehicle support frame. The first profile (1) has at least two planar, parallel sides and the second profile (2) comprises two parallel, opposite girders (3, 4) and at least one strip (5, 6) connecting the girders (3, 4). The girders (3, 4), with their lateral ends, project relative to the strip (5, 6), the projections forming paired, parallel flanges (31, 41, 32, 42). The junction structure is characterized in that the first profile (1) at the location of connection, is provided with a recess (7) into which the second profile (2) is inserted on the front side in such a manner that the parallel sides of the opposite ends (8, 9) of the first profile limiting the recess (7) rest in a form fit against the insides (31a, 41a, 32a, 42a) of the opposite flanges (31, 41, 32, 42) of the second profile (2) and are connected thereto.

Abstract: A tubular beam assembly having a tubular member with first and second spaced apart sides and an internal portion. The first side has an insertion opening and a first fastener receiving opening that open into each other. The second side has a second fastener receiving opening and a shoulder defining opening that open into each other. A reinforcement sleeve includes a fastener receiving sleeve portion and a protrusion that supports the reinforcement sleeve in a fastener receiving position within the internal portion of the tubular member. The protrusion is supported by one or both of the insertion opening and the shoulder defining opening. The fastener receiving sleeve portion is aligned with the first and second fastener receiving openings when the reinforcement sleeve is in the fastener receiving position.

Abstract: A strengthening member for an automotive vehicle comprises a twelve-cornered cross section including sides and corners creating internal angles and external angles. Each internal angle ranges from about 100° to about 110° and each external angle ranges from about 105° to about 130°.

Abstract: A four-wheeled utility vehicle including an engine unit mounted in the utility vehicle; and a vehicle body frame including a frame member that is disposed in the vicinity of the engine unit and is partially movable relative to the engine unit.

Abstract: The vehicle frame for a work vehicle includes a cabin frame that is assembled into a substantially box form. A base frame is welded to the cabin frame. The cabin frame includes left and right side frames, each of which is formed into a loop. The cabin member includes a plurality of cross members for connecting the left and right side frames. Each of the side frames is formed with a single one-piece pipe material having a first end and a second end with the first end connected to the second end such that a tangential direction extending along a region of the first end coincides with a tangential direction extending along a region of the second end. The pipe material has an irregular shape having a recess formed along the entire length between the first end and the second end of the pipe material.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing member for impact protection of a vehicle made from a work piece including a hollow profile provided with walls and an inner space. At least a part of at least one wall of the profile is cut in such a way that it forms a lip. The lip is bent away from the wall thereby forming at least one additional reinforcing wall. A method for reinforcing an impact-absorbing member used in a vehicle includes making a cut in at least one section of a wall of a work piece thereby forming at least one lip, which is bent away from the wall thereby forming at least one additional reinforcing wall.

Abstract: A body side rail construction for an automotive vehicle is formed in a dual cell configuration. A reversed C-shaped channel is welded to the closed section of the conventional roof side rail member to enable the body side rail member to be a smaller section that is less susceptible to buckling as the body side rail member transfers load to the front and rear corner pillars. The C-shaped cross-sectional configuration presents advantages for manufacturing as it can be shaped to provide the attaching brackets and horns for mounting the front header, roof bow, and rear header members to the body side rail without the addition of individual end items to serve this function. From a shipping density standpoint, this design gives maximum structure while maintaining good rack density that enables relatively straight parts to be nested together while still providing the increased section strength required for enhanced roof performance.

Abstract: A longitudinal beam, which is provided for a chassis of a motor vehicle, has a curved section of a tubular member part horizontal reinforcement element. The reinforcement element is directly associated with the highest body of a lower horizontal limb of the tubular member part and is connected to an upper horizontal limb of the tubular member part. This draws the curved section in a crash of the vehicle a high degree of stability.

Abstract: A one-piece shotgun is configured to absorb impact energy when a front of the vehicle is impacted. The shotgun comprises an upper portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having an end configured to connect to a hinge pillar; and a Z-trigger formed by two indentations and being located adjacent the upper portion end. The indentations of the Z-trigger are located on an outer side and an inner side of the shotgun to cause substantially lateral bending when sufficient force is applied to the shotgun.

Abstract: A vehicle structure arrangement includes a pressurizable reinforcement element that may be arranged interiorly a beam, such as an A-pillar to reinforce the beam. The reinforcement element may be a tubular element having a flexible wall portion, The tubular element may be adapted to be self-stiffened when in a pressurized active state. In the pressurized state, the material and dimension of the tubular element wall portion are adapted to withstand actual stresses along longitudinal direction of the wall portion. The reinforcement element may be activated by a pre-crash unit.

Abstract: A device for positioning and locking a duct (20) in a hollow body (10), the hollow body (10) includes a passage for sliding the duct (20) into the body (10) and a plate (13) for fixing the body (10) and forming a limit stop for the duct (20). The inventive device includes a projecting element (22) on the end of the duct (20) that is intended to be applied against the plate (13), a slot (15) in the plate (13) having an essentially complementary shape to that of the projecting element (22) and members for locking the projecting element (22) in the slot (15). The invention is suitable for motor vehicle dashboard crossmember beams.

Abstract: A front structure for a vehicle is provided with a vehicle body frame, a front cover covering a front portion of the vehicle body frame, a left-right pair of light units supported on the front cover, a carry pipe supported at the front end of the vehicle body frame, and a grille disposed on the front side of the carry pipe. The carry pipe is provided with a vertical-direction extension portion and a left-right direction extension portion. The grille covers the vertical-direction extension portion from the front side while exposing at least a part of the left-right direction extension portion. Each of the light units has a front extension wall portion overlapping with a flange portion of the grille.

Abstract: A cab for a construction machine is provided which is cost effective, good in strength as a cab, usable in narrow sites where an obstacle exists, and good in front visibility and design. The cab for a construction machine has left front, left rear, right front and right rear pillars 12, 13, 14, 15 which vertically extend. The left rear and right rear pillars 13, 15 are made of a pipe material, and the rear part of the cab has greater rigidity than the front part of the cab. The left front and right front pillars 12, 14 are respectively constituted by at least two press-molded parts which are respectively formed into a specified shape by press molding.

Abstract: A square shaped sub-frame for a vehicle manufactured from an especially designed aluminium profile (1). The profile comprises a first and a second channel (11, 13) separated by an intervening channel (12). Said first and second channels (11, 13) are separated in localized areas by removing wall material from the intervening channel (12). Then, the profile (1) is bent into a U-shaped or square, closed frame, said second channel (13) defining a load carrying frame. The first channel (11) is machined into mounting brackets for control arms etc.

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

Abstract: An active stabilizer bar system includes an impeller slidably encased in a housing which separates the housing into a sealed first cavity and a second cavity. On forced application of fluid through at least one of the ports, the impeller is axially moved along the housing which rotates at least one rotor with respect to the housing to vary the forces applied by the stabilizer bar on the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a rear axle cross member, from which two diagonal struts project forward in a V-shape, which diagonal struts are connected with their front end in each case to a vehicle longitudinal member. Here, it is important that an annular, closed stiffening structure is provided behind the rear axle cross member as viewed in the direction of travel. The stiffening structure is supported with its front end on the rear axle cross member and with its rear end, via struts which project rearward in a V-shape, on rear vehicle longitudinal members.

Abstract: A body frame of a saddle-ride type vehicle for preventing an increase in the number of parts for supporting a radiator and ensuring a required heat dissipating performance of the radiator. A body frame includes a pair of right and left main pipes extending substantially in the back-and-forth direction of a vehicle with a pair of right and left lower pipes disposed under the main pipes and extending substantially in the back-and-forth direction of the vehicle. A pair of right and left down-pipes are disposed vertically in a bridgewise manner between the main pipes and the lower pipes with rear reinforcing pipes extending rearwardly and obliquely downwardly, respectively, from intermediate positions of the down-pipes and connected at lower ends thereof to the lower pipes. First reinforcing members are provided for supporting an upper portion of a radiator. Second reinforcing members are provided for supporting a lower portion of the radiator.

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

Abstract: A three-dimensional joint structure of a support frame for vehicles can include two hollow profiles, of which the first hollow profile has at least one planar side and is cut through around its circumference except for a web lying in this planar side and is bent around this web. The second hollow profile has at least two planar sides that press against the ends of the first hollow profile resulting from the cutting and bending. The two hollow profiles are integrally joined to one another at the edge region of the ends.

Abstract: A structural joint configuration is formed in an automotive frame in which the frame members are bent into an angular orientation and joined together to form a structural joint in the automotive frame in which loads imposed on any of the frame members forming the joint will be transferred to and shared with the other frame members in the joint. The structural joint can be configured with as many legs as needed to conform to the number of frame members entering the joint. The frame members can be formed with any cross-sectional shape and from any conventional material or combination of materials. Joining the frame members at the structural joint can be accomplished by welding or by applying adhesives. Load distribution through the frame members forming the structural joint enables the joint to withstand an application of high loads without major cracks or bending at the structural joint.

Abstract: A striker reinforcement plate is configured for installation into the interior of a closed section, hydroformed tubular automotive frame member. The striker reinforcement plate is formed with an enlarged mounting tab at one end and a weld tab at the opposing end. The striker reinforcement plate is inserted through a slot formed into the wall of the tubular frame member, against which the enlarged mounting tab prevents the striker reinforcement plate from falling through the slot, and the weld tab is inserted through a special formed opening to receive the weld tab. The weld tab can then be welded to the exterior surface of the tubular frame member, which combined with the enlarged mounting tab secured against the slot holds the striker reinforcement plate in place for final assembly of the striker. The striker can then be bolted to the reinforcement plate and be positionally adjusted in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A cross-shaped chassis frame (1) formed by abutting and connecting the end parts of side members (12) to the outer face of a front end cross member (11), wherein the side members (12) are formed of hollow pipes, the end parts of the side members (12) are gradually expanded to form joined parts (20) expanded in flare skirt shape, and the outer edges of the joined parts (20) are allowed to abut on and welded to the outer face of the front end cross member (11), whereby the side members (12) can be jointed to the outer face of the front end cross member (11).

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

Abstract: An industrial truck driver protection roof has a frame with front-end and rear-end vertical load-bearing struts (T1-T4) that are located at a distance from each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle, and horizontal roof trusses (D1-D13) that are located in the roof area. The frame has two prefabricated assemblies (I, II) that are configured so that they can be connected to each other. Each assembly (I and II) includes two load-bearing struts (T1, T2 and T3, T4) and at least one roof truss (D1, D2, D3 and D4, D5, D6, respectively) that connects the load-bearing struts (T1, T2 and T3, T4, respectively) to each other.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: With this construction machine, a lateral load applied to a right rear pillar of a cabin in construction machine rollover or the like is transmitted to a left rear pillar via a load-transmitting beam which is inclined downwardly to the right, and is received by a vertical rib of a center section constituting an upper frame. In addition, a short-column auxiliary pillar is provided in front of the right rear pillar and is connected to the right rear pillar with a connector so as to support the lateral load.

Abstract: A module for a frame for a motor vehicle and a method of forming a frame assembly with a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending central side rail structures includes, in one embodiment, using a pair of tubular hydroformed side rail members and a laterally extending connecting structure connected between the pair of side rail members to secure the pair of side rail members in laterally spaced, fixed relation to one another. Each first portion of the pair of side rail members extending longitudinally and each second portion of the pair of side rail members extending laterally relative to the respective first portion and each second portion having an end being constructed and arranged to form a joint with a portion of a respective central side rail structure such that the end of each of the pair of side rail members extends generally laterally through a side of the respective central side rail structure.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a vehicle frame from hydro-formed tubular metal components. Each hydro-formed component has a surface feature that is complementary to a surface feature on an adjacent component. The complementary surface features allow the hydro-formed components to be interlocked together. The components are permanently joined by a plurality of welds. A front hoop, a rear hoop and right and left side hoops may be assembled and joined together to form the passenger compartment portion of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A rear support pillar is configured by combining plural plate members extending in the longitudinal direction of the support pillar to define a closed section. An end face of one of plate members adjacent to each other in the closed section is abutted against an inner surface of the other plate member and in this state the abutted portion of the plate members is fillet-welded throughout the overall length of each plate member.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a body frame and a pair of brackets connected to the main frame. The all terrain vehicle also includes an air intake shroud, a pair of headlights, and an engine cooling apparatus, each of which is mounted directly to the pair of brackets.

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

Abstract: A hydroformed tubular frame member includes an internal bulkhead member that is formed during the hydroforming process during which the frame member is manufacture from tubular stock material. The internal bulkhead is cut from one face by piercing three sides of a weld access opening with the die in which the tubular frame member is formed during the hydroforming process. The bulkhead member is then bent along the fourth side of the weld access opening and shaped into a folded configuration that includes a vertical portion spanning the distance between the opposing faces of the frame member, and a horizontal portion to facilitate welding to the opposing face. The provision of the internal bulkhead member increases stiffness in the tubular frame member and reduces the matchboxing effect associated with hydroformed tubular frame members. The frame member with internal bulkhead is particularly advantageous in manufacturing an automotive frame.

Abstract: A vehicle frame structure provides a large protected cavity. Lateral energy management zones absorb impact energy on the sides of the protected cavity, and forward and rearward energy management zones absorb impact energy forward and rearward of the protected cavity. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is characterized by dual load paths along the protected cavity and by graduated front and rear energy management zones.

Abstract: A structural member of a motor vehicle, e.g., a “B” pillar, comprises a reinforcing member having an elongate core of ultra high strength steel and a casing of aluminum alloy, the casing having a constant section profile with a closed section cavity. The core is encased within the casing and the core and the casing bonded together by co-drawing the core and the casing through a die. The casing has a pair of spaced flanges which connect the reinforcing member to aluminum alloy pressings to form the structural member. The reinforcing member has considerable yield strength from the use of the ultra high strength steel in the core while the flanges, being of aluminum alloy, are readily joined by self-piercing rivets.

Abstract: A drip molding supported by a pillar at a corner of the front or back of a vehicle, for draining waterdrops entering a side edge of a front or back windowpane. The drip molding has a base attached to the pillar; a part for sealing a gap between the base and the side edge; and a lip part extending from the base to the front surface of the windowpane to form a drainage path between the lip part and the windowpane. On the outside of the lip part, a bent surface is arranged so as to form an arc bending toward the front surface of the windowpane, and an inner face of the lip part is formed in a manner such that the larger a distance from the head toward the root of this part, the larger the distance between this inner face and the front surface of the windowpane.

Abstract: A one-piece B-pillar having a front flange and a rear flange formed on an upper portion of the B-pillar. The front and rear flanges extend forwardly and rearwardly from a trapezoidal section of the B-pillar. An inner concave portion is provided in a lower portion of the B-pillar. The one-piece B-pillar is secured to the outer and upper surfaces of a roof rail and to the outer surface of a rocker to provide side impact strength. The B-pillar is hydroformed in one-piece to provide superior strength for roof crush performance. The tubular portion of the B-pillar is partially collapsed to form a trapezoidal section in the upper portion of the B-pillar.

Abstract: A module for a frame for a motor vehicle with a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending central side rail structures. The module including a pair of tubular hydroformed side rail members and a laterally extending connecting structure connected between the pair of side rail members to secure the pair of side rail members in laterally spaced, fixed relation to one another. Each first portion of the pair of side rail members extending longitudinally and each second portion of the pair of side rail members extending laterally relative to the respective first portion and each second portion having an end being constructed and arranged to form a joint with a portion of a respective central side rail structure such that the end of each of the pair of side rail members extends generally laterally through a side of the respective central side rail structure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hollow structural member (30) for a vehicle is provided with a unitary energy absorbing end portion (34) having a reduced wall thickness (T2), for deforming and absorbing the force of an impact, and a site for initiating such deformation. The initiation site preferably comprises a taper of the end section. A method for forming the structural members includes the steps of reducing the wall thickness of the member end section and subsequent tapering of the end section.

Abstract: A rear door that is provided in an openable and closable manner at a vehicle body rear portion, the rear door having: a frame portion that forms along an external edge of the rear door, a door windshield panel that is provided in the frame portion, and a lateral beam that spans between both lower end corner portions of the windshield panel, wherein at coupling portions of the frame portion and the lateral beam, the frame portion and the lateral beam each have a closed sectional structure, and the closed sections of the frame portion and the lateral beam are continuous.

Abstract: A method for assembling vehicular structural frames employing elongated members and connectors interconnecting the elongated members increases flexibility in assembling chassis frames and body frames. The method includes assembling a first vehicle structural frame according to a first design, and assembling a second vehicle structural frame according to a second design. The second design is derived from the first design by replacing elongated members of the first design with differently-dimensioned elongated members, or by changing the quantity of elongated members, to result in a second structural frame configuration different from the first structural frame configuration.

Abstract: A process for spot-welding hydroformed members allows at least one hydroformed member to be positioned with an end butted against a lateral side of the second hydroformed member. A structural shell member sandwiches the joint around the two hydroformed members to provide a surface to which each of the hydroformed members can be spot-welded. The U-shaped structural support receives the lateral side of one hydroformed member in the bight portion thereof and has arms that are positioned against the perpendicularly positioned second hydroformed member. Each of the hydroformed members are formed with access openings therein to allow spot-welding electrodes to be positioned against an appropriate wall of the hydroformed member and the adjacent portion of the U-shaped structural shell member. The joint is rigidly formed by spot-welding each of the hydroformed members to the structural support. The process is particularly adapted for utilization in the manufacture of automotive frames.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tubular front end structure for use with a unitized automotive frame. The tubular front end structure includes a pair of upper frame rail members that are welded to the A-pillar at vertically spaced positions. A first upper rail member provides support for the fender and bends downwardly and forwardly to support tubular upper and lower radiator supports. The other upper rail member connects to the other upper rail member and bends downwardly to connect with the lower frame rail at an intermediate position to provide support for the shock tower. The lower frame rail is formed with an “S-bend” to correspond to the shape of the unitized automotive frame and includes a bracket attached thereto at the S-bend to increase the section properties of the lower frame rail as required to maintain the section properties of the replaced frame structure.