Abstract: An embodiment vehicle body coupling structure of a vehicle that includes an underbody and an upper body coupled to the underbody includes a front back beam assembly provided on a front side of the underbody, a first mounting part provided on a front side member of the upper body and coupled with the front back beam assembly, and a first body coupling part provided on the front back beam assembly and engaged with the first mounting part.

Abstract: Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of “modules” that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.

Abstract: A crush-tube assembly for securing a truck bed to a frame of a vehicle. The crush-tube assembly includes a first hole defined by the truck bed, a crush-tube defining an inner diameter, a cross-member defining a second hole, and a frame defining a third hole. A bolt extends through the first hole, the crush-tube, the second hole, and third hole. The inner diameter is smaller than the second hole and maintains pressure around a periphery of the second hole. The pressure applied by the bolt around the hole in the cross-member prevents abrasion of the e-coat previously applied to the cross-member and thereby reduces the potential for corrosion of the cross-member.

Abstract: A work platform for use in performing maintenance while supported on an overhead crane. The work platform is particularly useful for performing maintenance on an overhead cranes located in areas where normal lifting equipment and/or scaffolding cannot easily access the overhead crane. However, the work platform is also useful for performing maintenance on equipment and/or structures in the vicinity of overhead cranes, and on overhead cranes located in areas without accessibility problems. The work platform is hoisted for placement on the support structure of the overhead crane by hoist apparatus of the overhead crane. When positioned, the work platform may be fully supported on the support structure of the overhead crane.

Abstract: An industrial cart has an accessory mounted thereon. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the cart and accessory together. The locking mechanism can be disengaged to remove the accessory from the cart.

Abstract: A cab frame mounting system is disclosed. The cab frame mounting system includes a cab mount to mount to a cab and a frame mount to mount to a frame. The cab frame mounting system includes a pin configured to couple the cab mount and the frame mount. The pin defines a pin axis. Further, the cab mount includes a bracket. The bracket has an upright member having an opening formed therein to receive the pin. The frame mount includes a mounting head. The mounting head includes a base structure. The cab mount also includes a protruding head having an opening formed therein to receive the pin. The bracket of the cab mount includes a flange portion extending from the upright member. The bracket is coupled to the base structure of the mounting head with removable mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A lid lock structure for a saddle type vehicle that can achieve a reduction in the weight of a vehicle body cover while a lock member is attached to a vehicle body cover side. The lid lock structure for a saddle type vehicle includes a lock member capable of locking a lid in a closed state that is fixed to an upper inner cover and placed on upper frames below the upper inner cover.

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: An enhanced mobility device is disclosed. The device has an enclosure defining an interior and an exterior and having a floor defining an opening therein. At least one access opening allows passage between the exterior and interior. A plurality of clamps attach to the interior of the enclosure. The access opening is sized to allow passage of a personal mobility device from the exterior to the interior where the mobility device may be secured to the enclosure for transport by the plurality of clamps.

Abstract: A Rapid Deployment Modular Carrier (RDMC) that incorporates a unique locking system and auxiliary control systems for the loading, transportation, and unloading of Rapid Deployment Modules (RDM's). The locking system has a hinging powered arm, linear driven pin, and rotating locking clip. The auxiliary systems has an electronic control panel that manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking system. The control panel also manages the suspension components of the RDMC, adjusting ride height and handling characteristics as needed.

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: An improved device for attaching a truck top or appliance fitted with an angle on its base, which rests on a profile attached to the top of the side walls of the vehicle bed and standby parts for coupling to accessories to be used, thus making possible the installation and removal thereof.

Abstract: A detachable body for a motorcycle trike has a rigid trunk section with an interior volume, the body being configured for location between rear wheel assemblies of the trike. A door adjacent the volume is operable to allow access to the volume. At least two attachment features provide for releasably attaching the body to a frame of the trike, the attachment features being operable without the use of tools for attaching and detaching the body from the frame.

Abstract: A Rapid Deployment Modular Carrier (RDMC) that incorporates a unique locking system and auxiliary control systems for the loading, transportation, and unloading of Rapid Deployment Modules (RDM's). The locking system has a hinging powered arm, linear driven pin, and rotating locking clip. The auxiliary systems has an electronic control panel that manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking system. The control panel also manages the suspension components of the RDMC, adjusting ride height and handling characteristics as needed.

Abstract: A Rapid Deployment Modular Carrier (RDMC) that incorporates a unique locking system and auxiliary control systems for the loading, transportation, and unloading of Rapid Deployment Modules (RDM's). The locking system has a hinging powered arm, linear driven pin, and rotating locking clip. The auxiliary systems has an electronic control panel that manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking system. The control panel also manages the suspension components of the RDMC, adjusting ride height and handling characteristics as needed.

Abstract: A vehicle having a driving cab and specialized frame extending rearward from the driving cab and a rear module body which can be easily exchanged on the specialized frame. The specialized frame has two rails, each with an incline, and the rear module body has two open bottom frame channels, which conform to the rails and the inclines. When lowered onto the specialized frame, interaction between the specialized frame and frame channels creates a forward push resulting in a tight fit of the rear module body to the rear of the driving cab. Sliding lock jack assemblies fasten the rear module body to the specialized frame and deploy to unfasten and then lift the rear module body free of the specialized frame. The slide lock jack assemblies conceal in compartments while fastening and rotate 90 degrees to lift.

Abstract: A collar system for a connecting the cab of a vehicle to the cargo bed cover or similar boxed attachment, the vehicle mounting collar including a webbed collar frame designed to mount to a standard driver's compartment or cab, without modification to the vehicle. The collar and attachment method are extremely flexible and accommodates any vehicle tolerance variation. The collar mounts to the rear flange on the cab of the vehicle, and the bulkhead of the collar has slots to receive shell of the cargo bed cover. Shell bolts within the bulkhead slots allow the shell to be adjustably repositionable on the bulkhead of the collar by slippage of the shell bolts within the bulkhead slots.

Abstract: A Rapid Deployment Modular Carrier (RDMC) that incorporates a unique locking system and auxiliary control systems for the loading, transportation, and unloading of Rapid Deployment Modules (RDM's). The locking system has a hinging powered arm, linear driven pin, and rotating locking clip. The auxiliary systems has an electronic control panel that manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking system. The control panel also manages the suspension components of the RDMC, adjusting ride height and handling characteristics as needed.

Abstract: An occupant safety cage (1, FIG. 1) for a transportation vehicle (e.g., a car, truck, etc.) that is separable from but tethered to the vehicle's mainframe and/or remaining portions of the vehicle, is attached by means of stretch and deform cushion mounts (2, FIG. 2) and/or stretch and tear strap mounts (3, FIG. 3) and/or extendable tether cable mounts (4, FIG. 4) and allows the occupant safety cage (1) to separate in any and all relative directions and remains tethered at a safe distance by a controlled design intent of said mounts from the sacrificial areas of the vehicle in stages of implementation (see FIGS. 5 and 6) as resulting from the forces and/or inertia level(s) from thereof as caused by a high-speed collision at the front and/or rear and/or sides of the vehicle as shown in the drawings (see FIGS. 7A and 7B).

Abstract: Interchangeable Rear Modular Body Vehicle. This invention would have a driving cab containing everything needed to drive a vehicle, an engine, at least four wheels and a gas tank. The rear of the driving cab behind the driver and passenger doors would be open to the back allowing many different rear body configurations to be attached to the driving cab. This invention with the frame and rear body designs would allow for fast and easy attachment and removal of rear modular bodies. This includes four sliding lock jacks which will be attached to the Rear Module Bodies that will allow these bodies to be removed and or attached to the frame. Jacks will manually deploy from compartments in the rear module bodies by pulling out and disconnecting the rear module body from frame then rotating 90 degrees allowing jacks to lift body off of frame. Jacks will be electrically powered with a control switch located in one of the compartments.

Abstract: A utility trailer convertible between an open bed configuration and a cargo box configuration includes an open-bed trailer and a removable cargo box. The bed of the trailer includes multiple full-length, parallel, longitudinal grooves. Adjacent each groove is a rail that is elevated slightly above the elevation of the bed. The rails function both as deck protectors and friction reducers for the cargo box that is designed for a slide-in, non-interference fit between the walls of the trailer. The cargo box-has a sheathing covered frame with a door at the rear end thereof. Multiple anchors that align with the grooves, are attached to the underside of the cargo box frame. When properly positioned on the trailer, the anchors are removably securable to the bed. Multiple jacks can be used to elevate the cargo box and slide the trailer from beneath the cargo box.

Abstract: A multipurpose recreational assembly comprises a first module having a top side and a bottom side, a first pair of channel members each having a first side and a second side, a first pair of guide members, and a second module having a top side and a bottom side. The first pair of channel members is mounted to and extends longitudinally along the top side of the first module. The first pair of guide members is attached to the bottom side of the second module, and couples with the first pair of channel members. A plurality of rollers may be positioned between the first side and the second side of the first pair of channel members to allow the first pair of guide members to roll along a longitudinal length of the first pair of channel members.

Abstract: A portable, retractable, and removable enclosure is installed on a lightweight open vehicle such as an all terrain vehicle (ATV). Guide track sections are mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle to define longitudinal guides. The enclosure includes a pair of rails that engage the guides. The enclosure can be moved between a forward position and a rearward position by moving the rails along a track defined by the guides. In the forward position, the enclosure is positioned over the vehicle and forms a cab. In the rearward position, a forward portion of the enclosure is positioned over the vehicle and a rearward position extends behind the vehicle to form an enclosure for hunting, camping, or fishing.

Abstract: A vehicle development process is characterized by enhanced market responsiveness by decoupling the development of the chassis from the development of vehicle bodies. The chassis and bodies are provided with a common, standardized interface system so that a single chassis design or a family of chassis designs may receive any of a variety of different body types thereon. Accordingly, the chassis are designed to enable the bodies to be designed and produced independently. The bodies are designed and manufactured all over the world to meet different consumer desires. Designers are able to redesign vehicle bodies without re-engineering the entire vehicle. The freedom to design, develop and distribute vehicle bodies more quickly with greater design freedom enables the manufacturer to be more responsive to local, regional and global market needs.

Abstract: A vehicle-body supporting apparatus is provided between a vehicle body of a vehicle and a wheel to support the vehicle body. The vehicle-body supporting apparatus includes an air chamber that is filled with a gaseous matter, a vibration input unit that inputs at least one of vibration from the vehicle body and vibration from the wheel to the air chamber by reciprocating relative to the air chamber, a fluid path that the gaseous matter in the air chamber passes through, and a fluid-path opening/closing unit that is attached to the fluid path to open/close the fluid path at predetermined frequency corresponding to a frequency of reciprocation of the vibration input unit relative to the air chamber.

Abstract: A isolation unit for a snowmobile connects to the forward frame members of the snowmobile and provides a plurality of receptacles and mounting points for receiving and securing various front-end components to the snowmobile. The isolation unit not only facilitates assembly and maintenance of the snowmobile but also protects and isolates vibration-sensitive components from the vibrations of the engine. The isolation unit is molded from plastic to accommodate a variety of components, including a hood, a console, a headlight, an ignition coil, fuel tank vent pipe, stepper motor, a km/MPH converter, an electrical wire harness, an electronic control unit, an exhaust pipe temperature sensor wires, a fuse box, an engine reverse buzzer, and a capacitor.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing vehicle reconfigurability. The method includes maintaining an inventory containing vehicle body pods each having a substantially identical interface at which each of the body pods is connectable to a chassis such that the body pods are interchangeable on the chassis. The body pods include at least one body pod characterized by a first body pod style and at least one body pod characterized by a second body pod style. The method also includes granting possession to a customer of a vehicle body pod from the inventory independent of a chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering system, suspension system, braking system, and energy conversion system, wherein at least one of these systems is reprogrammable such that the vehicle's ride, response, or handling is selectively variable. The systems may be programmed automatically when a body is mated to a chassis to provide the desired performance characteristics. The invention enables increased vehicle functionality for vehicle users, retailers and manufacturers.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is controlled remotely using a drive-by-wire system and a propulsion system, such as fuel cell technology. The remote control feature takes advantage of drive-by-wire technology in that the control signals used in powering, driving and controlling a chassis are electrical as opposed to mechanical signals. In this manner, the electrical impulses are used to remotely control the vehicle, which enables remote movement of the chassis during manufacturing, assembly, and shipping, as well as parking and docking and undocking of the chassis with a corresponding body.

Abstract: A chassis subassembly module having a portion of a chassis structural frame and vehicular componentry facilitates the assembly of a chassis having systems responsive to non-mechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface. A method of employing chassis subassembly modules to assemble chassis is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A quick plastic formed (QPF) engineered body floorpan includes formations thereon to provide structural integrity to support body components and acts as an assembly aid. The body floorpan is formed from a single aluminum alloy sheet.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle includes at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A quick plastic formed (QPF) rigid sheet (belly pan) includes cavities formed therein to facilitate attachment of various components of the energy conversion system, energy storage system, braking system, steering system, etc.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for releasable engagement with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: A combination apparatus for vehicles with or without an open bed comprising an elevated viewing perch or observation stand with a seat, a luggage/personnel carrier/kayak carrier, a pontoon boat, a fishing platform, and a farm plow. The viewing perch can be mounted on an open bed vehicle such as ATV's, trucks or the like vehicles and have a ladder-type frame on rear wheels. The frame can be used as a utility trailer for hauling equipment, game or an injured person, and readily converted to an elevated position and used as a viewing or hunting stand. The apparatus can be raised to the elevated position by hand or by a winch, can serve as a tent shelter with bunk-type cots placed inside, and can be wired for lighting, energized by the vehicle's battery.

Abstract: A system for anchoring and/or positioning a camper within a bed of a truck. The system comprising an anchoring assembly, a positioning assembly, and tie-down means for interconnecting the camper with said anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly is attached to the bed of the truck and includes a mounting bracket, guide plate, stabilizing bar, and support bracket. The mounting bracket is configured to be mountable to the bed of the truck. The guide plate is connected to the mounting bracket and is configured to receive the stabilizing bar therein. The stabilizing bar is configured to connect two or more guide plates. A support bracket is attached to a load bearing member of the truck below the bed of the truck. A positioning assembly is also mounted in the bed of the truck. The positioning assembly is configured to guide the camper within the bed of the truck, while preventing lateral movement of the camper during movement of the truck. A tie-down assembly interconnects the camper with the anchor assembly.

Abstract: A separate type of body and frame assembly includes a frame portion and a body portion. The frame portion includes a pair of side rails, each of which has a plurality of openings formed therethrough. A plurality of cross members extend between side rails and are secured thereto. Each of the cross members has first and second ends that extend through the openings formed through the side rails. Each of the first and second ends of the cross members is formed integrally and unitarily with the cross member and has a body mount structure, such as an aperture, formed therein or otherwise provided thereon. The ends of the cross members are initially inserted through the openings formed through the side rails. Then, such ends of the cross members are secured to the side rails, such as by electromagnetic pulse welding, to form the frame portion.

Abstract: The invention is a utility trailer incorporating a flatbed trailer combined with a detachable stock trailer shell, a removable center divider and a removable fabric roof cover, allowing use of the trailer as an open flat bed, an open stock trailer with one or two stalls, or a covered stock trailer.

Abstract: A body mount bushing connects the structural components of a frame portion of a vehicular body and frame assembly together and provides a mounting support for connecting a body portion of the assembly to the frame portion. Each of the body mount bushings includes a hollow cylindrical bushing portion having one or more V-shaped projections extending therefrom. An end of a first structural component and an end of a second structural component can be formed having respective recesses, within with the projections of the body mount bushing extend. The structural components may be secured to the projections of the body mount bushing by welding, riveting, bolting, and the like. The body mount bushings also provide a mounting support for connecting the body portion to the frame portion. To accomplish this, the bushing portions of the body mount bushings are sized to receive and support respective body mounts provided on the body portion of the vehicular body and frame assembly.

Abstract: A method of and structure for quickly changing beds upon a truck frame by pivoting tracks to the rear of the truck frame. The front of empty tracks are raised. A bed with the front propped up is pulled upon the tilted rails. The front is secured from moving upward. Skirts on the rails prevent side ways movement by the bed which is pinned to the rails at the rear. To remove the bed, the front of the rails are raised to permit the bed to slid down onto props at front.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an accessory to the chassis of a vehicle includes an accessory mounting frame which includes a first base plate and a second base plate, and a pair of clamping mechanisms for mounting the base plates of the mounting frame to the horizontal portions of a pair of longitudinal frame components of the chassis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each clamping mechanism includes an elongated clamp block having a first end and a second end, and a fastener that is adapted to fasten the clamp block to the base plate. The first end of each clamp block is adapted to engage a surface of the horizontal portion of a longitudinal frame component, while the second end is adapted to engage the base plate while the base plate also engages a surface of the horizontal portion of the longitudinal frame component that is not engaged by the first end of the clamp block.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a truck box is provided for use with snowmobiles and the like. The apparatus includes a pair of mounting elements arranged to mount on the respective tailgate mounts of the truck box in place of the tailgate of the truck so that no modification to the truck bed is required upon installation. A shaft is supported on the pair of mounting elements for rotation about an axis laterally across the back end of the truck box and includes a sprocket coupled for rotation therewith. A frame arranged to support a snowmobile and the like thereon is supported on the shaft to extend transversely thereto and has a rack mounted on a bottom side thereof for engaging the sprocket.

Abstract: A system for dumping material from a dump box in a pickup truck where the dump box first rolls slightly to the rear so as to clear a bumper or other structure on the rear of the vehicle. Then the dump box lifts via hydraulic side mounted pistons.

Abstract: A frame mounting structure for frame body automotive vehicle constructed in such a way a chassis frame and a body frame are doubly coupled up and down at a coupling region therebetween such that structural strength at the body is reinforced and less influence by inertia is applied due to improved structural strength when the vehicle is running, thereby making it unnecessary to use plugs for concealing the through hole on the floor panel, shortening the assembly process, and reducing the manufacturing cost according to reduced number of necessary parts, the structure comprising: a chassis frame arranged lengthwise; a body frame assembled by way of screw coupling while an upper bush and a lower bush are mounted on the chassis frame; a double coupling member fitted and fixed through the upper bush and the lower bush; and coupling means fitted at an upper side of the double coupling member to be coupled to the double coupling member and fixed at the body frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a truck with a fifth wheel to carry a device, such as a sander. A mounting structure is provided having a pair of spaced-apart brackets, each of which includes a pair of mounting plates secured to opposing end portions of a girder. A pair of bars are secured between the girders to form a substantially rectangular frame that extends around and above the fifth wheel. Upper surfaces of the bars are disposed above the fifth wheel. The device is supported on the upper surfaces of the mounting structure, above the fifth wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely locking and unlocking a door on a transportable container, the container sized and configured to ride atop a vehicle, includes latch means mountable to the container for locking shut and unlocking the container door relative the container, linkage means mountable to the container, connected with the latch means and being for actuating the latch means, and drive means mountable to the vehicle and being for driving the linkage means, the drive means being operable remotely by a driver of the vehicle.