Abstract: A vehicle body (1) having a central cell (2) made of composite materials; a front auxiliary frame (3) anchored to the front end of the central cell (2); and a rear auxiliary frame (4) anchored to the rear end of the central cell (2); the front auxiliary frame (3) and the rear auxiliary frame (4) dissipated by the vehicle in the event of collision, without directly involving the central cell (2).

Abstract: A utility vehicle having a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body so as to cover rows of seats is provided. Typically, the assembly includes a main frame extended in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately over the rows of seats, and an intermediate frame extended substantially arcuately and laterally across the vehicle body between the seat rows to support the main frame.

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: A structural assembly for a vehicle and method of making same includes a hydroformed tubular member extending axially, a reinforcement disposed within and generally perpendicular to an axis of the tubular member, and at least one securement to secure the reinforcement to the tubular member.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body includes a generally tubular, hydroformed cowl with integral mounting flanges which are welded to an engine compartment structural member and a cowlside member. The cowl may be hydroformed from several different preforms having both symmetrical and asymmetrical geometric characteristics.

Abstract: A continuous, hydroformed tubular member includes a horizontal member having a first end and a second end. A first vertical member has a first lower end coupled to the first end of the horizontal member. The first vertical member also has a first upper pillar-free end to form a first pillar configured to form a terminal end of an upwardly-open rear bed of a motor vehicle. A second vertical member has a second lower end coupled to the second end of the horizontal member. The second vertical member also has a second upper pillar-free end to form a second pillar configured to form the terminal end of the upwardly-open rear bed of a motor vehicle. The horizontal member, the first vertical member, and the second vertical member together form a one-piece, unitary U-shaped member.

Abstract: Front upper members and front side members located laterally inward of the front upper members are joined with connecting members of pipe form. A first end portion of each connecting member extends through the front side member and is welded to both sides of the side member. The joint has high rigidity. When impact energy acts on either front upper member, the energy is transmitted to the front side member via the connecting member, and the front side member and the front upper member plastically deform.

Abstract: A shock tower support structure utilizes a hydroformed tubular member that extends horizontally along the upper vehicle frame rail and wraps around the front edge and upper portion of the shock tower assembly to join into the lower vehicle frame rail. The shock tower support member is welded to the upper vehicle frame and also to the lower vehicle frame. The loading of the spot welds is in shear to provide improved stiffness in the support of the vehicle shock tower assembly. The support structure also provides increased crash resistance for front impacts into the vehicle. The front apron in conventional shock tower supports can be replaced by a plastic panel that has associated components pre-assembled thereon to be installed into the vehicle as a module.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: A vehicle support structure for supporting engine compartment accessories such as a battery. The support structure includes a first tubular frame member having a transversely extending portion and a longitudinally extending portion that partially encompass an accessory tray. A second tubular frame member disposed at least in part adjacent to the first tubular frame member and having a transversely extending base support portion that extends below the accessory tray. The accessory tray is secured to the first tubular frame member and overlies the base support portion of the second tubular frame member. The structure reduces the weight and number of parts required to support accessories.

Abstract: Adjustable fastening element intended to be fitted to an end region of a transverse member of a vehicle chassis. The fastening element takes the form of a U-section element with a web portion of preferably uniform width and with mutually parallel flanges protruding from opposite side edges of this web portion. Each flange has running through it at least one oblong slitlike aperture, or has running through it two or more mutually aligned holes, for a fastening element, particularly a fastening bolt or fastening screw, whereby the fastening element can be fixed to the transverse member. The fastening element can be fitted straddling the end region of the transverse member, in one of various different positions relative to the end region of the member, with the flanges of the fastening element abutting against opposite side surfaces of the transverse member.

Abstract: A structural assembly for a vehicle includes a structural member extending longitudinally. The structural assembly also includes an insert disposed within and extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the structural member and having at least one corrugation to act as a crush initiator during an axial impact on the structural assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle front pillar construction has a hollow member formed integrally to have a closed cross section, having a front supporting a windshield and a pair of sides whose width direction coincides with a direction which follows the line of sight of a driver, a door seal mounted on the side of the hollow member which is situated spaced away from the front and an outer member mounted on the front of the hollow member in such a manner as to cover the hollow member from the door seal to the windshield.

Abstract: A vehicle body and frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a plurality of transverse cross members extending therebetween. The cross member is a multiple piece structure, including a central portion having a pair of end portions secured thereto. The central portion of the cross member is preferably formed from a first metallic material, while the end portions are preferably both formed from a second metallic material. The end portions of the cross member are preferably formed from the same metallic material as the respective side rails to which they are secured. The end portions of the cross member can be secured to the ends of the central portion by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding. Similarly, the cross member can be secured to the side rails by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding or by conventional welding. The end portions of the cross member can extend either partially or completely through the respective side rails.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle chassis having a lower level, an intermediate level, and two lateral sides subject to static and dynamic loads. At least one lateral side comprises a reinforcing truss mounted between the lower and intermediate levels for supporting the static and dynamic loads. The truss includes an upper longitudinal beam mounted at the intermediate level of the chassis; a lower longitudinal beam mounted at the lower level, spaced from and parallel to the upper longitudinal beam; and at least two connecting members extending perpendicularly between the upper and lower longitudinal beams. The connecting members cooperate with the upper and lower beams to define at least one bay having an outline substantially in registry with the outline of the at least one storage compartment.

Abstract: A sound insulation device for mounting in a tubular part, in particular a motor vehicle bodywork part, the device comprising a partitioning insert, a cord of a composition that is thermally expandable so as to form a foam, said cord being fitted to the periphery of the insert, retaining means for holding the cord on the insert prior to expansion of the cord, and means for encouraging the cord to expand towards the inside wall of the tubular part, wherein the cord is formed by being extruded in rectilinear manner without any particular shaping, and wherein the cord retaining means are integrally molded with the partitioning insert and also serve to shape the extruded cord around the periphery of the partitioning insert.

Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a load carrying framework and a body mounted on the framework. The framework has a board frame, a window frame for windscreen, a pair of upper balks and a pair of upper window balks along both sides of the vehicle and supported at least by door pillars. The window frame has a one piece U shaped member arranged between the board frame and the pair of upper balks, and an upper cross member connected to prongs of the U-shape member, the under part of the U-shape member being fastened to the board frame and an intermediate part of both prongs of the U-shape member being fastened to a waist plate fixed on the board frame.

Abstract: A front end assembly for a vehicle includes a U-shaped tubular structure, a body portion having a pair of laterally-spaced, longitudinally extending cowl sides, and, a pair of laterally-spaced A-pillar structures. The U-shaped tubular structure is secured to each A-pillar and each cowl side at longitudinally-spaced apart locations. The laterally-spaced connection points provide improved rigidity and reduce distortion.

Abstract: A vehicular space frame assembly includes a plurality of structural components that are secured together to define an enclosed three-dimensional space. A plurality of body closure panels, such as a pair of door closure panels, a front windshield closure panel, a rear windshield closure panel, and a floor pan closure panel, are mounted on the structural components. Each of the body closure panels is a generally flat panel having one or more open spaces provided therein to support other components of the vehicular body on the space frame assembly. The body closure panels may have respective recesses formed therein that receive portions of the associated structural components therein. The recesses may be sized and shaped to receive the receive these portions in a snap fit relationship. One or more gaskets or other conventional sealing devices may be disposed between each of the body closure panels and the associated structural components of the vehicular space frame assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a road or rail vehicle comprised of a lightweight perimeter frame with panel-like elements, which define a floor, a roof, side walls, and front and rear end elements. In this design the panels are made from high-strength materials wherein the panels are the primary structural elements and the perimeter frame is used primarily as a means of attaching the panels. However, the perimeter chassis is reinforced with heavier sections in certain areas to distribute concentrated forces and impact loads into the structural panels from the vehicle suspension, powertrain, doors, seating, and major access panels or hatches. The body/chassis structure is configured with front and rear chassis subcomponents to which all suspension, steering, engine, and powertrain elements are mounted, in a manner to allow the entire sub-assemblies at the front and rear of the vehicle to be easily installed and removed from the chassis structure.

Abstract: A mounting frame unit attached to a tractor body for enabling working implements such as a front loader and a backhoe to be attached to the tractor body. The mounting frame unit includes a pair of right and left main frames extending longitudinally of the tractor body, and connecting frames for connecting the main frames as spaced from each other. A lower mounting unit is disposed in a rearward section of each of the main frames for connection to a rear axle case forming part of the tractor body. An upper mounting unit for connection to the rear axle case is disposed on a bridge member that bridges upper positions of an upwardly opening cutout formed in the rearward section.

Abstract: A vehicle body end structure has a longitudinal frame member connected to a transverse frame member by curved parts to disperse the load when the vehicle undergoes an end (rear or front) collision. In particular, wedge-shaped open spaces exist between the interior surfaces of the transverse frame member and the corresponding wall surfaces of the curved parts that face the interior surfaces. Consequently, when the vehicle undergoes an end collision, the inward collapsing of the transverse frame member causes the curved parts to gradually undergo bending deformation while being folded over such that the curved parts touch against the transverse frame member. Deformation control structures are provided on the curved parts to prevent localized stress concentration from occurring and enable the curved parts to deform in a stable manner. Thus, the curved parts are prevented from undergoing acute bending and the input load is absorbed more efficiently.

Abstract: A structure is provided which is suitable for a passenger vehicle, containing a passenger cell with a windshield frame. For optimization of this structure with regard to advantageous manufacture and purposeful stability, panel structure and windshield frame consist of high-strength non-metallic material, e.g. fiber reinforced plastic, and are structurally joined.

Abstract: An extremely light weight one-piece “thin-skin” molded RV body that can be manufactured without a heavy steel chassis frame, and which construction method minimizes costly hand labor . . . while lending itself to automated assembly line manufacturing processes as used in the automotive and sport boat industries. Aspects include a variable-height suspension system to decrease frontal area when towed, and which raises the body for use of slideouts; a streamlined storage nose cap that reduces air turbulence to increase fuel economy of the tow vehicle; pivoting road wheels to eliminate tire scrub on multiple axles; steerable wheels for backing in restricted areas; adjustable tongue weight sliding suspension; and a pivoting nose wheel to minimize tongue weight on the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A front vehicle body structure is configured to transmit and disperse loads imparted from a front of the vehicle body to a wider portion of the vehicle body for improving the energy absorption efficiency. A generally rectangular or C-shaped frame-like structural body is formed by a pair of upper front pillar portions, an upper cross dash portion and either the front roof rail or a pair of side roof rails. Forward-protruding box-cross-section parts are connected to the bottom end parts of the upper front pillar portions and the rear ends of hood ledge members. Lower front pillar portions are connected to the upper front pillar portions, the box-cross-section parts, the upper cross dash portion, and the side sills. The upper cross dash portion is arranged on the axes of the upper front pillar portions as seen in a side elevational view.

Abstract: A sod cutter (10) is disclosed including a frame (12) formed by welding the free edges of mount, frame and end plates (46a, 46b 46c) bent relative to one of two side plates (46) to the corresponding edges of the other side plate (48). An axle assembly (160) is pivotal relative to the frame (12) by a depth adjustment lever (198) between a working position where wheels (16) carried by the axle assembly (160) engage tubular members (168) slideably and nonrotatably received on a drive shaft (166) and a transport position where the wheels (16) are spaced from the tubular members (168). A U-shaped handlebar (210) is positionable between an operating position for grasping during operation and a storage position for lifting and handling. A U-shaped control (212) is pivotably mounted in front of and above the U-shaped handlebar (210) for actuating the throttle of the engine (18).

Abstract: A hollow beam for incorporation in an automotive vehicle frame is useful as a transmission cross member extending between side rails of the automotive vehicle frame. The hollow beam has first and second U-shaped channels, each comprising a base wall and a pair of side walls extending transversely from the base wall. The channel members are made of a thermosetting polyester which is reinforced with glass fibers. The side walls of the second channel are received within the sidewalls of the first channel and adhered thereto with epoxy to form a rigid, relatively light weight beam. The beam has figure-8 shaped aluminum inserts proximate the ends thereof for attaching the beam to the side rails of the automotive vehicle frame.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly comprises a hydroformed vertical member (e.g., b-pillar), a hydroformed longitudinal member (e.g., roof rail), and a cross member with a transition flange wrapping above or below the longitudinal member. The transition flange provides rounded corners to enhance the door seal feature. In the preferred embodiment, the transition flange may be integrally formed as part of a stamped cross member or may be a separately formed transition bracket member attached to the cross member.

Abstract: A space frame for a truck cab, the space frame having a pair of hydroformed, longitudinally extending inner side rail members, a laterally extending and hydroformed connecting member extending between the inner side rail members and extending laterally beyond each of the inner side rail members. The connecting member being constructed and arranged to hold the pair of inner side rail members in laterally spaced relation to one another. The space frame also having a U-shaped and hydroformed first upper cross member having a pair of leg portions forming rear pillar structures and a transverse bight portion. Each of the rear pillar structures being connected to and extending upwardly from the connecting member, and the pair of inner side rail members being positioned between and spaced from the pair of leg portions.

Abstract: A vehicle body front section structure is provided with longitudinal frame members that are connected by curved parts to the back surface of a widthwise frame member to disperse the load when the vehicle undergoes a front collision. In particular, wedge-shaped open spaces exist between the back surface of the widthwise frame member and the wall surface of the curved part of each longitudinal frame member that faces the back surface. Consequently, when the vehicle undergoes a front collision, the rearward collapsing of the widthwise frame member causes the curved part to gradually undergo bending deformation while being folded over in such a manner that the wall surface thereof that faces the back surface touches against the back surface.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the structural reinforcement having one or more extensions on its external surface which control and direct the direction in which the adhesive material expands to bond the reinforcing member to the internal surface of the hollow member, some of the extensions also provide improved reinforcement.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure of the present invention includes a side-frame disposed to extend along one direction, a side sill disposed to extend in the one direction alongside the side-frame on the outside thereof, a cross member disposed to extend in a direction in which the cross member intersects with the side-frame and which is joined to a side portion of the side-frame to form a vehicle body together with the side-frame, and a gusset provided between the side-frame and the side sill on a longitudinal extension of the cross member, which extends in a smaller cross section than that of the cross member from a joint portion where the cross member is joined to the side-frame until the gusset comes into abutment with the side sill while passing through the side-frame and which is formed as an integral part of the cross member.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing an automobile structure includes: providing an elongated hollow automotive frame structure; providing an elongated carrier having a longitudinal axis; applying a reinforcing medium to the carrier for forming a sleeve wherein the reinforcing medium is a heat activated expandable material; and inserting the sleeve in the hollow frame structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an improved doorbeam having increased impact strength and reduced weight. The doorbeam is formed from a continuous metal web having opposing lateral edges and a varying thickness therebetween. The stock is rolled into a tubular configuration, and the lateral edges are welded together. The resultant beam provides extra reinforcing material where needed to provide a balance between weight and strength.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the rigid reinforcing member sufficient to bond the reinforcing member to at least two nonparallel internal surfaces of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention describes a hollow structural body such as an automotive unibody or frame rail that is reinforced with a reinforcing material such as a polyurethane foam by inserting into a portion of the structural body a bulkhead-containing insert, which, in combination with the structural body at the place of insertion, creates a containment region for the reinforcing material. Uncured reinforcing material can then be added to the containment region and cured. The present invention solves a problem in the art by providing structural reinforcement to be easily and precisely placed within the structural body to provide, for example, enhanced crash resistance or improvements in acoustical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collision energy absorbing structure of a vehicle capable of relieving impact by using a tubular pipe member having equally-sized rectangular cross section and equal plate thickness and including no inside ribs and by adding a suitable trigger, and being easily manufactured at a low cost. By forming a cutout portion on the left side of the front end portion of the collision energy absorbing structure, the deformation starting portion is provided. The cutout portion is formed at parts of three flat plate portions comprised of one of the four flat plate portions and corresponding opposite portions thereof. The general portion, which follows the deformation starting portion, is tubular with rectangular cross section and has a closed cross-section structure.

Abstract: A void filling device which facilitates insertion of a void filling material into a tubular component and hold of the void filling material therewithin. The device comprises a holder for void filling material which is designed to retain the void filling material to fill a void space by expanding with heat and is of a different material from the void filling material so as to be elastically deformed and inserted into the void space. When the cross-sectional configuration of the void space of the tubular component is a rectangle, the holder is formed into a plate-like configuration which is longer than the diagonal line of the rectangle and is adapted to be insertable into the void space by bending the same arcuately.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing localized deflection in the body of a body-on-frame vehicle are provided through use of a vehicle body having a localized portion thereof that deflects locally and contacts the frame, for resisting further localized deflection of the localized area of the body when the operating load is applied to the localized area of the body. The localized area of the body forms a localized gap between the frame and the localized area of the body, when the body is mounted on the frame in a spaced relationship thereto, that closes and allows the localized area of the body to contact the frame. The apparatus exceeds the requirements of FMVSS 225 for limiting maximum allowable deflection under simulated operating loads applied through a test fixture anchored to child restraint seat anchor points of a seating structure attached to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle front-end body structure, includes: front side members provided along a left side and a right side of a front portion of a vehicle body, a front deck cross member provided between side walls of the vehicle body, including joint portions for joining the front deck cross member to the side walls; and a connecting member made up of a pipe material including end portions and a middle portion disposed between the end portions. The end portions are joined to the vicinities of the joint portions respectively. The middle portion is joined to the front side members respectively.

Abstract: A passenger car is configured with a dashboard installed between a front of the car and a passenger compartment. At least two front longitudinal beams are installed at a distance from each other and are connected to this dashboard, lateral exterior frontwalls, a floor and upright A-columns. In the area of the dashboard, a support structure is provided by means of which the front longitudinal beams are connected to the upright A-columns, the frontwalls, the dashboard and the center tunnel as power transmitters. A support structure with an increased energy absorption potential that can be produced at low costs, and which is provided in the area of the dashboard, is created so that the support structure is realized as a rigid tubular frame which is installed on the dashboard facing the passenger compartment, whereby the tubular frame is connected with at least the dashboard, the A-columns and the subjacent frontwalls.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members.

Abstract: A space frame for an motor vehicle having hydroformed upper and lower longitudinal members and hydroformed cross-members. Each upper longitudinal member is connected to a corresponding lower longitudinal member in the front and at the rear of the frame by members formed of stamped sheet metal. The stamped components can form part of the front and rear wheel wells. The use of stamped members to connect hydroformed members can permit the use of hydroformed members in motor vehicles with minimum amounts of space for frame members.

Abstract: A space frame for a truck cab, the space frame having a pair of hydroformed, longitudinally extending inner side rail members, a laterally extending and hydroformed connecting member extending between the inner side rail members and extending laterally beyond each of the inner side rail members. The connecting member being constructed and arranged to hold the pair of inner side rail members in laterally spaced relation to one another. The space frame also having a U-shaped and hydroformed first upper cross member having a pair of leg portions forming rear pillar structures and a transverse bight portion. Each of the rear pillar structures being connected to and extending upwardly from the connecting member, and the pair of inner side rail members being positioned between and spaced from the pair of leg portions.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame is such that hollow frame members 40 such as side frames extending longitudinally along a vehicle body are provided thereon. Two inner partition plates 42, 43 are integrally formed in the interior of each of the hollow frame member in such a manner that the two inner partition plates extend in a longitudinal direction of the frame member and are close to each other along plate surfaces 42a, 43a thereof, so that a central space portion 44 defined by the two inner partition plates therebetween is formed in the interior of the hollow frame member, whereby side plates 41 constituting the hollow frame member can be dissociated at portions of the side plates which face the central space portion by virtue of a buckling load.

Abstract: A front vehicle frame structure is configured to distribute an impact load imparted from the front of the vehicle to front side members and side frames. The front vehicle frame structure includes a pair of front side members and a pair of side frames coupled together by a center cross frame. Each of the front side members and corresponding one of the side frames are coupled together at locations that are closer to the vehicle front and that are closer to the vehicle rear than the center cross frame with respect to the front to rear direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the rigid reinforcing member sufficient to bond the reinforcing member to at least two nonparallel internal surfaces of the structure.