A center upper frame connection for a space frame can comprise a center boss; a rearward mounting surface facing rearward; a rearward angular center upper frame tube connection boss oriented downward and rearward; a vertical center upper frame tube connection boss oriented downward; a forward angular center upper frame tube connection boss oriented forward and downward; and a forward angular mounting surface facing forward and upward. The rearward mounting surface can fixedly attach a center upper horizontal frame connection, the rearward angular center upper frame tube connection boss can fixedly attach a first elongate support structure, the vertical center upper frame tube connection boss can fixedly attach a second elongate support structure, the forward angular center upper frame tube connection boss can fixedly attach to a third elongate support structure, and the forward angular mounting surface can fixedly attach a center upper frame nodal connection.

A method and apparatus for transporting a payload carrying device is disclosed. The method comprises providing at least one payload carrying device, a vehicle for transporting the at least one payload carrying device, a connection device for connecting the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device, at least one sensor device for capturing information regarding the vehicle's surrounding environment, and a control unit for operating the connection device autonomously to connect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device where, once connected, the weight of the at least one payload carrying device rests directly on the floor and the vehicle autonomously transports the at least one payload carrying device to a desired location, and operating the connection device autonomously to disconnect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device at the desired location where the at least one payload carrying device is immobilized.

A method and apparatus for transporting a payload carrying device is disclosed. The method comprises providing at least one payload carrying device, a vehicle for transporting the at least one payload carrying device, a connection device for connecting the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device, at least one sensor device for capturing information regarding the vehicle's surrounding environment, and a control unit for operating the connection device autonomously to connect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device where, once connected, the weight of the at least one payload carrying device rests directly on the floor and the vehicle autonomously transports the at least one payload carrying device to a desired location, and operating the connection device autonomously to disconnect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device at the desired location where the at least one payload carrying device is immobilized.

Disclosed is a reinforcing member for improving durability of a structure which receives an external force. The reinforcing member includes a reinforcing portion for improving the durability of the structure and a restricting portion which is fixed, in position, to the structure while restricting a shift in position of the reinforcing portion such that the reinforcing portion is located in a predetermined position on the basis of the structure.

Disclosed is a reinforcing member for improving durability of a structure which receives an external force. The reinforcing member includes a reinforcing portion for improving the durability of the structure and a restricting portion which is fixed, in position, to the structure while restricting a shift in position of the reinforcing portion such that the reinforcing portion is located in a predetermined position on the basis of the structure.

A composite structure of a cargo body and a method of making the same are disclosed. The composite structure includes at least one anchor embedded between fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) layers. The embedded anchor includes a porous veil of nonwoven fibers in a polymer-rich matrix. Accessories may be coupled to the composite structure by anchoring mechanical fasteners into the embedded anchor.

A composite structure of a cargo body and a method of making the same are disclosed. The composite structure includes at least one anchor embedded between fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) layers. The embedded anchor includes a porous veil of nonwoven fibers in a polymer-rich matrix. Accessories may be coupled to the composite structure by anchoring mechanical fasteners into the embedded anchor.

A pickup truck includes a cab having a rear wall and a rear window positioned in the rear wall. An airflow duct extends along a portion of the cab. The airflow duct has an inlet and an outlet and defines an airflow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet. The outlet is positioned rearwardly of the cab and within a space defined by a first horizontal plane extending through an edge of the rear window and a second horizontal plane spaced apart a predetermined distance from the first horizontal plane in a direction away from the rear window.

A pickup truck includes a cab having a rear wall and a rear window positioned in the rear wall. An airflow duct extends along a portion of the cab. The airflow duct has an inlet and an outlet and defines an airflow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet. The outlet is positioned rearwardly of the cab and within a space defined by a first horizontal plane extending through an edge of the rear window and a second horizontal plane spaced apart a predetermined distance from the first horizontal plane in a direction away from the rear window.

The invention relates to an emergency vehicle (1) designed as a heavy truck, comprising a vehicle body (2) having an underbody assembly (9), a roof assembly (10) and at least one longitudinal wall (11, 12). Furthermore, a central longitudinal beam (8) is provided that is disposed in a manner extending in vehicle longitudinal direction. The central longitudinal beam (8) is joined directly and securely to the vehicle body (2), wherein it forms an integral constituent of the underbody assembly (9) of the vehicle body (2).