Abstract: A vehicular fastening structure for fastening a cabin 4 and a chassis frame 6 of a vehicle includes: a mounting bracket 18 provided on one of the cabin 4 and the chassis frame 6; a fastened member 27 provided on the other thereof; a fastening member 26 attached fixedly to the fastened member 27; and a shock absorbing member 39 disposed between the mounting bracket 18 and the fastened member 27, wherein the fastened member 27 is provided with a fixed attachment portion to which the fastening member 26 is fixedly attached and a guiding portion for guiding the fastening member 26 to the fixed attachment portion, and a support portion 32L for supporting the fastening member 26 by coming into contact with the fastening member 26 when the vehicle crashes such that the fastening member 26 deforms in accordance with an impact load input into the chassis frame 6 is provided on a base end portion of the guiding portion.

Abstract: A vibration isolator device securing a nonmetal panel to a metal frame of a work vehicle includes a metal member affixed to a surface of the nonmetal panel, the metal member facing the metal frame. An isolator mount plate is secured to the frame in a manner permitting a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the frame in each of two directions. A vibration isolator is positioned between the metal member and the frame. A region of the isolator mount plate is configured to receive and maintain vibration isolation between the region of the isolator mount plate and the metal member, the region of the isolator mount plate providing a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the metal member in a third direction.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a support structure formed of a chassis frame and a vehicle body. The chassis frame and vehicle body are bolted together by four bolt locations in the area of upper supports of the spring struts of the front and rear axle. The chassis frame and vehicle body are also glued to each other along segments of the support structure thereof extending parallel to each other, wherein adhesive surfaces are located in the area between the front and rear bolt locations. The adhesive in the middle area of the motor vehicle ensures a large surface area for force application from the chassis frame into the vehicle body and vice versa, which is supplemented by the bolt locations outside of the adhesive joint.

Abstract: A coupling between a reinforcing rib component and an underbelly component of a vehicle is provided. The coupling comprises a tooth projecting from a first of the components through a second of the components, an aperture formed in the second component and receiving therethrough the tooth, and one or more coupling elements attached to the tooth and bearing against the second component. The tooth urges the coupling elements toward the second component, thereby increasing the contact pressure between the components.

Abstract: A reinforced frame structure for a vehicle is provided. The frame structure includes a frame portion having a first portion and a pair of wall portions extending therefrom. A first reinforcement is rigidly coupled to the wall portions, and the first portion, the wall portions, and first reinforcement combine to define an enclosure.

Abstract: A wheel loader includes a rear frame having left and right plate-shaped main beams. A reinforcing bracket is provided at an upper position substantially in a middle of a front-and-rear direction of the rear frame, and the reinforcing bracket bridges between the main beams. A substantially middle position of the rear frame exhibits a closed-section structure that includes the reinforcing bracket. The closed-section structure at the main beams specifically includes an axle support, a reinforcing plate, a reinforcing rib and the reinforcing bracket in the order from a lower side to an upper side.

Abstract: A structure for a vehicle may include first and second spaced-apart members, first and second internally-threaded members, a module, first and second connecting members, and first and second fasteners. The first and second internally-threaded members may be connected to the first and second members, respectively. The module is positioned between the first and second members for a predetermined alignment relative thereto. The first and second connecting members include an outer surface having external threads and an inner surface having internal threads. The outer surface may engage a corresponding one of the internally-threaded members. The external and internal threads have opposite thread-handedness. The first and second fasteners engage the internal threads of the first and second connecting members, respectively. The first and second fasteners may move the first and second connecting members toward the module to clamp the module relative to the first and second members and maintain alignment therebetween.

Abstract: A shock mount device for a container includes a variable spring rate assembly coupled to a shock retainer. The variable spring rate assembly is removable from the shock retainer without removing equipment from the container. The variable spring rate assembly includes a replaceable core that may be exchanged with a replaceable core having either a larger or smaller durometer depending on a weight-to-load ration of equipment in the container. Removing and replacing the replaceable core may include removing and replacing the entire variable spring rate assembly.

Abstract: Mounting apparatus (10) for mounting a cab (12) to a chassis (14) on a utility vehicle at one of a plurality of mounting points. The mounting apparatus comprise a first member (15) being associated with the cab and a second member (16) being associated with the chassis. The members (15, 16) each have a mutually cooperating major surface which supports a portion of the weight of the cab (12). The weight is supported over a majority of the major surface thus avoiding localized stresses. The members further include engaging projections (25, 16) disposed on their major surfaces which can be engaged to restrict relative movement in a plane substantially parallel to the major surfaces. The members can be attached to the chassis (14) and the cab (12) at an early stage in the assembly, thereby allowing a saving in time and thus assembly costs.

Abstract: The present invention is a moveable connector for connecting two components on a vehicle. The connector has a body portion, and a first end formed as part of the body portion. The connector is movable about at least one axis located at the first end of the body portion. The connector is also connected to a first vehicle component, such as a carrier, using the first end of the body portion. There is also a second end formed as part of the body portion. The second end is operable for being connected to a second vehicle component, such as a fender. During assembly, the first vehicle component is positioned relative to the second vehicle component, and the connector is pivoted about the axis to allow the second end of the body portion to be connected to the second vehicle component.

Abstract: A vehicle having a driver control region, such as a drive cab, and a specialized frame extending rearward from the driver control region and having a rear module body which can be easily exchanged on the specialized frame. The specialized frame has two rails, each with an incline or slope segment, and the rear module body has two open bottom frame channels, which conform to the rails and the inclines or slope segments thereof. When lowered onto the specialized frame, interaction between the specialized frame and frame channels creates a forward push resulting in a desired position of the rear module body rearward of driver control region. Optionally, the specialized frame may be provided by adaptors attached to a regular vehicle frame to provide a slope segment or incline. The vehicle may be based on a truck, such as a chassis-cab or upon an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV). A plurality of specialized rear module bodies may include box, closed container, or passenger oriented configurations.

Abstract: A pair of side frames extends longitudinally away from each other in a vehicle width direction, which includes a closed cross section formed by an outer panel having a U-shaped cross section with its vehicle's inward side opening and an inner panel having a U-shaped cross section with its vehicle's outward side opening. A cab-mount bracket is provided on a vehicle-outward side of a front portion of the side frame to support a cabin. The cab-mount bracket includes an upper portion which is joined to a side face of a side portion of the outer panel and extends in an outward direction, and a lower portion which includes an extension portion extending in a vehicle inward direction beyond the side face of the outer panel and be joined to a lower face of a bottom portion of the inner panel.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and a boss attached to the base. The boss has two or more ratchets. According to one embodiment, one end of the boss is attached to the base and the other end has the two or more ratchets. Alternatively, either or both ends may have the two or more ratchets. A magnetic fastener has a hole with suitable shape and diameter to adjustably fasten with at least one of the ratchets and adjustably fasten the magnetic fastener. An umbrella is positioned between the base and the magnetic fastener. The umbrella is operative to flex or compress appropriately to permit the magnetic fastener to engage at least one of the two or more ratchets. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. door frame, chassis or roof. The boss may optionally be welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella.

Abstract: A body mount included at least one clip, at least one plate and a sleeve. The clip may include a generally cylindrical body having a central aperture therethrough. The clip may further include at least one set of inwardly extending prongs. The clip may further include at least one set of outwardly extending prongs. The sleeve may have opposed openings capable of engaging a first clip and a second clip between their respective plates.

Abstract: A stopper for a cylindrical elastic mount includes a concave portion which is formed at each of a plurality of locations on a circumference of a cylindrical portion of a stopper fitting, the concave portion being concaved in a radially inward direction to partially enlarge a width of an outward flange so as to provide a large width portion on an enlarged width portion of the outward flange of a first rubber portion. The stopper further includes a plurality of second rubber portions each of which is fixedly disposed only between adjacent concave portions in a circumferential direction of a bottom portion and protruding higher than the first rubber portion. The first and each of the plurality of the second rubber portions are separated by a groove-shaped gap that is provided so as to continuously extend around each of the plurality of second rubber portions.

Abstract: Using multiple hook-type anchor bolts the user can quickly mount and remove a protective plate on or under vehicles by hooking onto the frame and/or parts of the body of the vehicle. Hook-type anchor bolt mounting avoids costly, labor-intensive, complex, and risky drilling into the body and/or frame of the vehicle as required by conventional mounting process requiring bolt holes to be drilled into the frame and/or body of the vehicle and secured by bolts. With this new method of mounting a protective plate the user can mount or remove a protective plate in a few minutes instead of taking 2 hours or more. This new method also avoids the need to disassemble parts of the vehicle to drill the mounting holes in remote locations on the frame and/or body of the vehicle.

Abstract: Mounting apparatus (10) for mounting a cab (12) to a chassis (14) on a utility vehicle at one of a plurality of mounting points. The mounting apparatus comprise a first member (15) being associated with the cab and a second member (16) being associated with the chassis. The members (15, 16) each have a mutually cooperating major surface which supports a portion of the weight of the cab (12). The weight is supported over a majority of the major surface thus avoiding localised stresses. The members further include engagement means (25, 16) disposed on their major surfaces which can be engaged to restrict relative movement in a plane substantially parallel to the major surfaces. The members can be attached to the chassis (14) and the cab (12) at an early stage in the assembly, thereby allowing a saving in time and thus assembly costs.

Abstract: A cab stopper device 32 is provided between a bracket 23 on a machine frame of a work machine and a cab 25. The cab stopper device 32 restricts relative movement of the cab 25 with respect to the machine frame in the vertical direction. Two through holes 43, 44 are formed in a floor plate 27 of the cab 25. A stopper 48 of the cab stopper device 32 is inserted in the through holes 43, 44 from above. An engaging portion 48a is formed at the lower end of the stopper 48 that projects from the through holes 43, 44 downward of the floor plate 27. The engaging portion 48a is arranged to be engageable with a restricting groove 42 formed in the bracket 23. In this state, a securing portion 48b at the upper end of the stopper 48 is secured to the floor plate 27.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and an umbrella positioned on the base. A boss is attached to the umbrella and extends outwardly from the umbrella and away from the base. The magnetic fastener has a hole with a diameter to receive the boss. The boss is welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella. An optional carrier is attached to the base to provide additional height for suitable applications. The umbrella is positioned on the base or is attached to the carrier and positioned opposite the base. The boss is attached to the magnetic fastener such that the umbrella flexes to permit the magnetic fastener to pivot about the boss. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. roof.

Abstract: A cabin mounting structure is applied to construction machinery in which a cabin for riding a driver is mounted on a vehicle body, the cabin mounting structure including: an up and down directional vibration damping unit for damping up and down directional vibration of the cabin, the up and down directional vibration damping unit being mounted between the cabin and the vehicle body; and a front and rear directional vibration damping unit for damping front and rear directional vibration of the cabin, the front and rear directional vibration damping unit 3 being mounted between the cabin and the vehicle body, wherein the cabin is connected to the vehicle body to be relatively movable in a front and rear direction.

Abstract: A passenger car configured as a convertible, with an underbody, which has a middle tunnel, and with a cockpit carrier, on which a steering column carrying a steering handwheel is mounted. Driving comfort can be increased if the cockpit carrier is attached solely to the middle tunnel fixedly in three directions perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement is provided for attaching together a first and a second structure of a vehicle having a longitudinal extension and a transversal extension together forming a horizontal plane. The arrangement includes a first attachment member adapted to be attached to the first structure and a second attachment member adapted to be attached to the second structure. At least one of the first and second attachment members includes a first attachment panel. The first attachment member further includes a first and a second connection portion. A vehicle including such an arrangement and a method of attaching a first and a second vehicle structure utilizing such an attachment arrangement are also provided.

Abstract: A travel trailer having exterior unitary lower and upper shells, an interior lower shell defining a pre-molded floor and side walls with a seating area, a cabinet for refrigerator and stove top, an opposing bench, a bathroom sink, and defining an aisle centrally therebetween; a shower pan attached to a side wall; an interior upper shell defining a pre-molded ceiling, side walls, and storage areas; a wall defining a door to a bathroom portion; and a wheeled chassis connected to the exterior lower shell with an extending tongue for attaching to a trailer hitch of a motor.

Abstract: The invention discloses a connecting plate and a van-type vehicle having the connecting plate. The connecting plate is used to connect the carriage and the frame of the van-type vehicle. The connecting plate has a generally gooseneck shape and comprises a wing plate coupling portion for coupling to a lower surface of an upper wing plate of a frame main longitudinal beam on exterior side, a fastener assembling portion for connecting to one end of the wing plate coupling portion, a carriage bottom coupling portion for coupling to a bottom surface of the carriage, and a connecting portion for a slant connection between the fastener assembling portion and the carriage bottom coupling portion. The fastener assembling portion has first through holes formed passing through from top to bottom therein. The carriage bottom coupling portion has second through holes formed passing through from top to bottom therein.

Abstract: A vehicle with a cabin comprises a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels; a cabin bracket supported by the vehicle body; an elastic member for supporting the cabin, disposed between the cabin and the cabin bracket; and a weight member attached to a plate-shaped member of the cabin.

Abstract: A vehicle with a cabin comprising: a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels; a cabin bracket supported by the vehicle body; and an elastic member disposed between the cabin bracket and the cabin, wherein the cabin bracket comprises: a fixed member fixed to the vehicle body, a higher rigidity portion extended to the outward side of the body from the fixed member, and a lower rigidity portion that is extended to the outward side from the end portion of the outward side of the higher rigidity portion, and that is lower in rigidity in the vertical direction than the higher rigidity portion; and a vibration suppressing weight disposed at the end portion in the outward direction of the cabin bracket.

Abstract: A seatbelt anchor assembly for a motor vehicle seatbelt restraint system. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a separate ferrule component. The anchor forms an engagement for the seatbelt and has an extending plate end. The ferrule component is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle through various means such as cable or direct mechanical fastener attachment. The ferrule forms a U-shaped cross-section which engages with the anchor and interlocks with it. In one embodiment, a retaining clip is provided enabling the anchor and ferrule components to be assembled without tools. A pair of holes is provided to enable final connection to be provided through a threaded fastener. Features are provided to prevent to make it apparent that the components are improperly assembled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body mount. The body mount that may include at least one clip, at least one plate and a sleeve. The clip may include a generally cylindrical body having a central aperture therethrough. The clip may further include at least one set of inwardly extending prongs. The clip may further include at least one set of outwardly extending prongs. The sleeve may have opposed openings capable of engaging a first clip and a second clip between their respective plates.

Abstract: A fairing assembly 100 is demountably coupled to a vehicle and includes a first and second support structure 112 and 122 fixedly secured to the vehicle. The fairing assembly 100 further includes a first support member 136 having first end coupled to the first support structure 112 and a second end coupled to the second support structure 122. A first elastic compression member 170 is positioned between the first end of the first support member 136 and the first support structure 112, and a second elastic compression member 170 is positioned between the second end of the first support member 136 and the second support structure 122. The first and second elastic compression members 170 impart opposing forces on the first support member 136 to position the first support member relative to the first and second support structures 112 and 122.

Abstract: A coupling between a reinforcing rib component and an underbelly component of a vehicle is provided. The coupling comprises a tooth projecting from a first of the components through a second of the components, an aperture formed in the second s component and receiving therethrough the tooth, and one or more coupling elements attached to the tooth and bearing against the second component. The tooth urges the coupling elements toward the second component, thereby increasing the contact pressure between the components.

Abstract: A chassis skirt mounting assembly (110) for a vehicle having a tank (14) and a chassis skirt (16) includes a tank strap bracket (120) attached to the tank, the tank strap bracket having a first adjustment slot (130) with a first length dimension. An adjustment bracket (122) is attached to the chassis skirt (16) and has a second adjustment slot (138) with a second length dimension oriented generally 90-degrees offset from the first length dimension of the first adjustment slot (130). A double-sided stud (140) is disposed through the first adjustment slot (130) and the second adjustment slot (138) to allow the independent adjustment of the double-sided stud with respect to the first adjustment slot from the adjustment of the double-sided stud with respect to the second adjustment slot.

Abstract: A mount for a machine includes a mounting member having an insertion portion and a shoulder portion. During assembly, the insertion portion is swaged into an opening in the frame. A mating member attached to a machine structure is seated on the shoulder portion, and a cap may be attached to the shoulder portion such that the mating member is disposed between the cap and the shoulder portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle bodywork has a floor assembly with an upwardly convex and downwardly open longitudinal center tunnel and two side sills parallel thereto. Floor elements are disposed between the longitudinal center tunnel and the side sills. A driver side and a passenger side are each provided with at least one front and one rear seat crossmember, seen in the direction of travel. The seat cross-members extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle and rest on the associated floor elements. It is important that the driver side and/or passenger side seat cross-members are each connected to each other in their upper regions via a plate-like thrust element.

Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with at least one front axis and at least one rear axis, one vehicle frame and at least one loading box or loading surface which can be raised or lowered in a vertical direction by way of lifting devices, in addition to a loading ramp located in the rear area of the vehicle. At least one loading box or loading surface is arranged behind at least one rear axis such that it forms an inner loading ramp (9). At least one opening surface is arranged in a lateral (16) and rear position (20) on the vehicle frame and used to release loading openings for loading or emptying.

Abstract: A body mount assembly for reducing vibration between a vehicle body and a frame. The body mount includes a hydraulic radial bushing including an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve coaxial with the inner sleeve and having a hydraulic damping system disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. A bottom retainer is positioned below a first end of the hydraulic radial bushing. An upper retainer is positioned above a second end of the hydraulic radial bushing. A flange bracket includes an axial sleeve portion coaxially surrounding the radial bushing and a plate portion extending from an end of the axial sleeve portion and including mounting apertures adapted for mounting the flange bracket to the vehicle frame. A vertical isolator is disposed between the upper retainer and the flange bracket.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for connecting a cab to a machine supporting frame. A sub-frame is secured to the machine supporting frame and is configured to tilt relative to the machine supporting frame. A plurality of vibration damping mechanisms is configured to at least partially inhibit transmission of shocks and vibrations between the sub-frame and the cab. A plurality of dead stop mechanisms is configured to limit movement between the sub-frame and the cab. A rigid connection between the machine supporting frame and the sub-frame is configured to be selectively disconnected. A pivot connection between the machine supporting frame and the sub-frame is configured to permit the sub-frame and the cab to be tilted relative to the machine supporting frame upon disconnection of the rigid connection.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is utility vehicles, in particular for military purposes, with a chassis and a cab (1) arranged on its frame (4) so that it can be tilted, and guarded in certain places by affixed armour plating (88). The inventive cab (1) is composed of a front module (5) and a rear module (6), whereby the front module (5) exhibits a front wall (7), two side walls (8, 9), a rear wall (10), a floor (11) and a roof (12), and forms a cabin for the driver and co-driver. The rear module (6), by comparison, exhibits a bearer frame (17) enclosed at least in part by walls (13, 14, 16), and forms a hood-like protective and stowage space for the power aggregate and other vehicle parts and accessories. Furthermore, the rear module (6) is attached to the rear of the front module (5) and supported by it, and may also be released. The rear armouring of the cab (1) is implemented by armour plating (88) fitted between its front module (5) and rear module (6).

Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A reinforcement plate for a floor pan of a front foot well of an automotive vehicle. The reinforcement plate has impact resistant surfaces for reinforcing the floor pan against impacts in two and preferably three different directions.

Abstract: A vibration isolator including at least one bearing element or assembly providing a contact interface along which structural elements connected together by the vibration isolator are allowed to substantially freely move within a limited range one relative to the other, with the effect of isolating the respective structural elements from vibrations or vibratory movements of the other structurally element, particular those vibratory movements directed or oriented at least generally along or parallel to the contact interface, with particular effect for isolating low frequency vibratory movements.

Abstract: A body mount assembly for reducing vibration between a vehicle body and a frame includes a radial isolator bushing including an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve coaxial with the inner sleeve and having an elastomeric isolation member disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. A bottom retainer is positioned below a first end of the radial isolator bushing. An upper retainer is positioned above a second end of the radial isolator bushing. A flange bracket includes an axial sleeve portion coaxially surrounding the radial isolator bushing and a plate portion extending from an end of the axial sleeve portion and including mounting apertures adapted for mounting the flange bracket to the vehicle frame. A vertical isolator is disposed between the upper retainer and the flange bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle with a cabin comprising: a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels; a cabin bracket supported by the vehicle body; and an elastic member disposed between the cabin bracket and the cabin, wherein the cabin bracket comprises: a fixed member fixed to the vehicle body, a higher rigidity portion extended to the outward side of the body from the fixed member, and a lower rigidity portion that is extended to the outward side from the end portion of the outward side of the higher rigidity portion, and that is lower in rigidity in the vertical direction than the higher rigidity portion; and a vibration suppressing weight disposed at the end portion in the outward direction of the cabin bracket.

Abstract: To provide a cab supporting structure capable of supplying a protection function with a simple configuration by using an attenuation mechanism commonly used for a controlled vehicle for protecting the cab or an operator from high impact force acting on the cab while absorbing vibration and shock on the cab in a normal condition when a construction machine falls down. The cab supporting structure is provided with an attenuation mechanism elastically supporting a cab against a frame. A regulation member, only when certain displacement is generated in the cabin the extension direction of the attenuation mechanism, regulating this displacement is provided separately from this attenuation mechanism. The regulation member regulates the displacement of the cab before a stroke end of the attenuation mechanism. Upon arranging a work equipment on the frame, the regulation member is provided at least at the opposite side of the work equipment.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for operably coupling a vehicle cab to a vehicle. The system includes a damping mount configured to at least partially inhibit transmission of shocks and vibrations from the vehicle to the vehicle cab. The system further includes a mounting stud configured to operably couple the damping mount to one of the vehicle and the vehicle cab. The system further includes at least one stop member configured to limit at least one of load on the mounting stud and separation of the vehicle cab from the vehicle. The system further includes at least one fastener configured to operably couple the at least one stop member and the damping mount to the other of the vehicle and the vehicle cab.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle observation apparatus for reducing the risk of injury to law enforcement persons during vehicle stops. The invention is also a vehicle equipped with the vehicle observation apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus may include a mast being mountable to and deployable from a law enforcement vehicle, means for two-way communication and observation secured about one end of the mast, means for operating the mast, and means for operating the means for two-way communication and observation. The mast may be telescopic and adapted to be placed in at least a first position and a second position, or may be non-telescopic and in an extended position when in use. The apparatus may also include means for adjusting positioning of the mast, a mast rotator, and an articulated joint interfaced with said mast and said means for two-way communication and observation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A golf car (10) or utility vehicle having a composite body (58). In some aspects of the invention, the golf car or utility vehicle has a composite body assembly that includes a front clam shell assembly (62) and a rear shell-like body (64). In other aspects, the golf car or utility vehicle includes a composite body assembly having a periphery (118) and one or more decorative body panels (106, 108), the decorative body panels being recessed inwardly relative to the composite body assembly periphery to prevent impacts to the panels.