Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, and an auxiliary panel. The closure panel is movably coupled to the body. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position such that the closure panel selectively covers the access aperture. The auxiliary panel is removably coupled to the closure panel. The auxiliary panel is movable between an engaged state and a disengaged state relative to the closure panel. The auxiliary panel travels with the closure panel when the auxiliary panel is in the engaged state. The disengaged state of the auxiliary panel corresponds with a use position of the auxiliary panel.

Abstract: A battery box for a motor vehicle for receiving battery cells has a structural frame with at least two structural components joined to one another at the end face. Each structural component has at least one profile segment that is partially hollow and has a substantially L-shaped cross section. A reinforcement element for absorbing collision energy in the event of a collision is arranged within at least one of the profile segments. The reinforcement element is a molded part having a plurality of open cells, which are arranged adjacent to one another and with their longitudinal extent substantially parallel to one another. When the battery box is mounted in the motor vehicle, the open cells are oriented with their longitudinal extent substantially parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pressure vessel mounting structure includes: a manifold including a discharge gas passage branching from a general passage via which a container body communicates with a valve; a fusible plug valve configured to close the discharge gas passage and to, when the fusible plug valve is melted, open the discharge gas passage such that the high-pressure gas is discharged; a case including a bottom face portion covering the container body and the manifold from below in the vehicle up-down direction, the case including a bead placed near the fusible plug valve, the bead being formed by protruding a part of the bottom face portion upward in the vehicle up-down direction; and a communicating opening via which a space under a floor of a vehicle communicates with the fusible plug valve, the communicating opening being formed in a part of the bead, the part facing the fusible plug valve.

Abstract: A high-pressure vessel mounting structure includes: a plurality of high-pressure vessels arranged on the upper surface of a bottom wall in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body with a vehicle width direction as an axial direction; a plurality of load transmission members each provided between the high-pressure vessels on the bottom wall and extending along the axial direction; a connection member that connects one axial end of each of the high-pressure vessels; and a support member that supports the other axial end of each of the high-pressure vessels, and the support member can move relatively inward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the high-pressure vessel when a load is input from outside in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a vehicle chassis comprising a base plate having an upper and lower surface and a plurality of edges; an external support structure with a flange portion on a lower surface thereof and disposed on an upper surface of the base plate to circumscribe the base plate edges; a battery tray with a flange portion extending from an upper surface thereof is disposed on an upper surface of the base plate. The battery tray includes a plurality of raised surface features on the upper surface outlining individual cells, each cell configured to receive at least one battery. A lid is disposed on the flange of the battery tray with the external support structure disposed below the battery tray flange, and extending around the battery tray edges.

Abstract: A fixing system for a spare wheel for a motor vehicle of the type is provided with a housing for said spare wheel, said fixing system comprising a first element with a first threaded end, which can be fixed to a bottom wall of said housing, also comprising a clamping nut and a metal fixing screw which comprises a threaded shaft and is coupled with said clamping nut in order to constrain said spare wheel inside said housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping vibration in a vehicle structure via a mass of a spare wheel includes a bar. The bar has a first end elastically coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the first end is arranged for vertical movement relative to the vehicle structure. The bar also has a second end pivotably coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the second end is arranged to facilitate the vertical movement of the first end. The bar additionally includes an arrangement for mounting a spare wheel, wherein damping of vibration in the vehicle structure is provided when the spare wheel is mounted on the bar.

Abstract: Battery tray (1) for vehicle (50) comprising a closed frame (10), a floor (4) and a roof (6), wherein the frame (10), the floor (4) and the roof (6) define a housing (8) adapted to receive batteries, and the frame (10) comprises a profile (10a) having a substantially constant cross section. The profile (10a) comprises an internal wall (12a) delimiting the housing (8) and an external wall (14a) opposite the internal wall (12a), the internal wall (12a) and the external wall (14a) being spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A device for absorbing shocks of a liftable and lowerable object such as a spare tire includes a first hoisting cable having a hoist-side end and an object-side end and a hollow cylinder encompassing a folded or coiled length of the first hoisting cable near the object end inside the cylinder. Lower and upper ferrules at the lower and upper ends of the cylinder are held in position by a second auxiliary cable having two ends, each end attached to one of the ferrules, the second auxiliary cable having a smaller tearing strength than the first hoisting cable.

Abstract: A tank module is provided for a motor vehicle comprises at least two fuel tanks and a carrier body having concave flanks formed of sheet material and arranged between the fuel tanks and facing the fuel tanks.

Abstract: A tank holding mechanism holds a gas tank that has a cylindrical portion and hemispherical-shaped domical portions formed on respective sides of the cylindrical portion. The tank holding mechanism includes: a tank accommodating portion that contacts a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion of the gas tank; tank end-side members provided near respective ends of the gas tank; a tank band that pushes the gas tank against the tank accommodating portion; and band securing portions that secure end portions of the tank band to the respective tank end-side members. The tank band is routed from one of the domical portions through the cylindrical portion to the other domical portion. The tank band extends along a diagonal line of the gas tank over an outer face of the cylindrical portion, conforms to the outer face of the cylindrical portion, and conforms to hemispherical outer faces of both of the domical portions.

Abstract: An article holder for a wheelbarrow includes at least one holding member and at least one strap member. Each of the at least one holding member includes a body member, an attaching member, a plurality of hollow compartments and a support member. The body member may be removably attached to a sidewall of the container of the wheelbarrow via the attaching member. The plurality of hollow compartments is disposed on the body member for receiving articles therein. The support member is disposed on the body member for supporting to the body member on the container. Further, each of the at least one strap member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is capable of being attached to a holding member of the at least one holding member. The second end portion is capable of securing the holding member to the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: The invention comprises a combination storage unit and step for a pickup truck, comprising: a) a body, containing an interior cavity for storage of items; b) one or more doors providing access to the interior of the storage body; c) one or more step assemblies mounted to the storage body and located adjacent to one or more of the doors; d) one or more brackets to secure the storage body to the undercarriage body mounts of the pickup truck, wherein the storage unit is mounted in a location between the front axle and rear axle of the pickup truck on one of the driver side and passenger side.

Abstract: To make it possible to easily remove intended onboard tools and to make it possible to mount a sufficient amount of loads. With respect to a vehicle, right-and-left front wheels are rotatively mounted on a body frame. A front cover covers the body frame. The front cover is integrally formed with right-and-left fender sections to cover the right-and-left front wheels. A front carrier is disposed over the front cover for mounting loads thereon. A tool storage section is provided under the front carrier so as to store onboard tools.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The fuel storage system can be installed as a modular unit in the vehicle. The fuel storage system is pivotable relative to the vehicle to allow easy accessibility to the storage tanks without requiring the storage tanks to be unmounted from the vehicle. The fuel storage system also provides protection for the storage tanks through the use of shielding and energy absorbing material.

Abstract: An arrangement for storing a spare tire includes a cable coupled to the spare tire. A winch device is disposed between the motor vehicle and the cable and is operative for raising and lowering the tire in response to actuation thereof. A spring device is coupled between the bottom surface of the motor vehicle and the spare tire. The spring device is operative for positioning the spare tire in an accessible position when the spare tire is being lowered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removal aid for a spare wheel of a motor vehicle having at least one strap which, at one end, is fastened to a vehicle body section, extends from there under the spare wheel and beyond it and can be braced at the other end with another vehicle body section, a spare wheel receiving device being slidably constructed with respect to the strap.

Abstract: A storage rack assembly is adapted to be clamped between the two horizontally-spaced longitudinally-extending I-beams of a flat bed trailer, comprising a pair of tray-like end sections each including a pair of parallel horizontally-spaced side walls, a plurality of transverse members that are connected between the side walls to define a lower first storage chamber, and an upper rack device defining a second storage device connected between the upper edges of the side walls at a first end of the end section, the end sections being collinearly arranged with their other ends adjacent each other and connected together on opposite sides of a transverse divider wall.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting accessories such as external container packages and splash reducing wheel cover skirts on trailers having a body including a floor which is supported on the exterior by longitudinally spaced apart transversely extending I-beams, the mounting system including fixed L-shaped latches for engaging the web and the lower flange at one side of an I-beam and moveable latch members for engaging the web and lower flange at the other side. The moveable latch members are carried by a slide plate on the lower surface of which is secured a rack, the rack being in mesh with a pinion gear. The pinion gear is rotatably mounted within the accessory and may be rotated manually from the exterior of the accessory to move the moveable latches into clamping engagement or to release such engagement.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo pod for use with helicopters, the pod having a container slidably engaged with a mounting assembly mounted to the underside of the helicopter fuselage. The mounting assembly includes a plate having a pair of side rails sized and shaped to engage channels formed in the sidewalls of the container. The sidewalls and backwalls circumscribe an open top of the container to provide unobstructed access to the entire length of the container. Thus, the aircraft cargo pod of the present invention facilitates easy installation and removal and provides unobstructed access to the interior to facilitate loading and unloading of long and bulky items, such as golf clubs, skis, long-handled tools and the like.

Abstract: A lightweight stowable carrier for a tire of an automotive vehicle such as a truck or trailer comprises a plurality of straps, preferably formed of woven webbing. In a first embodiment, one set of straps has ratchet buckles for securing the tire to the carrier in encircling relationship. Another set of load-bearing straps is provided with cam buckles for length adjustment and hooks for securement to the underbody of a vehicle. All of the straps cross one another and are stitched at a common centerpoint. In a second embodiment, three separate straps are attached to the tire at points spaced around its circumference. Hooks attached to first ends of the straps are passed around the tire and through coupling links attached to opposite ends to form choker loops around the tire. Two of the straps are of fixed length and the third strap is adjustable in length.

Abstract: A fuel tank protective cage and mounting device for a vehicle such as school bus including a shelf section that is welded to front and rear sections and to right and left longitudinally extending members to provide a protective cage that is a totally welded structure. The right and left longitudinally extending members protect the fuel tank from puncture by the edges of the lower flange of the frame rails and also adds considerable strength and rigidity to the protective cage and mounting device. The protective cage is secured to the outer vertical surfaces of the frame rails and the fuel tank is located between the frame rails and secured to the cage.

Abstract: A water tank assembly for mounting between a motor vehicle frame member and the lower portion of a body panel along a side of the vehicle. The assembly includes, typically, a plastic cylindrical tank and at least two straps having an adjustable length and J-bolts at the ends for securing the tank to the typically channel section frame member. Saddle members are provided to fill the space between the tank and frame member. Preferably, shallow strap-receiving grooves are provided around the tank to hold the straps in position. A valved fill/dispense tube is provided near the lower tank side through which the tank is filled and which dispenses water as needed. An overflow device, typically a sprinkler system "bubbler" is provided at the top of the tank. The tank fill/dispense tube is readily accessible just below the vehicle body side while the tank is out of sight behind the side panel.

Abstract: A telescopically-expandable horizontal brace that has two ends adapted for secure coupling to the hanger brackets of a conventional wheelchair. Because of its telescopic construction, the brace collapses when the wheelchair is folded shut, thus permitting its normal utilization and storage without removal of the brace. Utility openings and hooks are provided along the length of the brace for attaching bodily-fluid discharge containers and other utility items thereto.

Abstract: A load carrier for transporting bulky articles on vehicles, having two beams connected by a cross-strut, the cross-strut being able to secure a load to be carried, has holding tubes that are securable to a rear of a vehicle and extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The beams are insertable into the holding tubes, and have angled ends. The beams are displaceable by a defined amount in the longitudinal direction in the holding tubes between a rest position in which the beams are under the vehicle and a use position in which the beams project beyond the rear of the vehicle. The beams are fixable in the rest and use positions and mounted so as to each be pivotable about the axis of one of the holding tubes into one of two different end positions. The angled ends of the beams are swivellably articulated on the cross-strut. The beams project beyond the rear of the vehicle and are swivelled upwards with their angled ends when in the use position.