An apparatus and method for improving the safety and performance of an automobile in crash events is disclosed. The safety device includes first and second crash pad regions and a connecting member region disposed between the first and second crash pad regions. At least a portion of the connecting member region is arranged to move in one of an upward and downward direction at the initial moment of a crash to absorb crash energy. The safety device is arranged to collapse on itself upon continuation of the crash. In some embodiments, the safety device collapses in a horizontal direction upon continuation of the crash.

A vehicle frame component for limiting the movement of the wheel of the vehicle toward the cab of a cab on frame vehicle including a base member welded to openings in the frame side rail and extending outwardly and located proximal the wheel structure. In one embodiment the vehicle frame component is located forward of the wheel and includes a tire puncture device to deflate the tire during an offset front impact and in a second embodiment the vehicle frame component is located rearward of the wheel. The vehicle frame component has particular utility during an offset front impact where the offset is less than approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the vehicle.

A variable air hole covering flap device is provided and selectively opens or closes an air hole formed in a wheel deflector or a wheel cover to allow air to be introduced toward a brake. The air hole is opened only when brake cooling of a vehicle is more necessary than aerodynamic performance of the vehicle to properly control the aerodynamic performance and the brake cooling performance of the vehicle as necessary.

Disclosed is a vehicle including a frame, a vehicle body, a motor connected to the frame, left and right suspensions, left and right wheels operatively connected to the left and right suspensions, each wheel having a rim and a tire mounted on the rim, both wheels being outside the vehicle body, and left and right fenders. Each fender includes an arcuate outer wall adapted for extending over at least a portion of an upper part of the tire of its corresponding wheel and a side wall having an outer portion extending from an edge of the outer wall, the outer portion covering at least a portion of a sidewall of the tire on a vehicle facing side, and an inner portion extending from the outer portion, the inner portion covering at least a portion of the rim of its corresponding wheel on the vehicle facing side.

A track work vehicle includes a track system. The track system includes a drive wheel supported by an axle housing that drives a continuous ground-engaging track, a saddle assembly that guides the track about the drive wheel and an undercarriage frame that supports one or more idler wheels that guide the track along a ground surface. The track work vehicle includes a fender assembly that includes at least one fender coupled to the track system to overlap a portion of the track.

A trailer fender including at least one integrally formed, recessed storage well. The storage well may include a lockable cover. The cover may include a smooth or textured surface having a high coefficient of friction.

A frontal safety guard which functions to prevent objects lying in the path of a vehicle, such as a school bus, from entering beneath the vehicle for safety purposes includes a central guard portion hingedly connected to the bumper such that the central guard portion can pivot, against a biasing force, relative to the bumper, and side extensions hingedly interconnected to and extending laterally from opposing end portions of the central guard portion such that the side extensions can pivot in unison with the central guard portion relative to the bumper and also individually pivot relative to both the bumper and the central guard portion.

An apparatus and method for improving the safety and performance of an automobile in crash events is disclosed. The apparatus includes a front crash pad, rear crash pad, and a connection beam. Both crash pads and the connection beam are coupled to an automobile in such fashion as to absorb and dissipate energy by converting kinetic energy into strain energy.

Disclosed is a vehicle including a frame, a vehicle body, a motor connected to the frame, left and right suspensions, left and right wheels operatively connected to the left and right suspensions, each wheel having a rim and a tire mounted on the rim, both wheels being outside the vehicle body, and left and right fenders. Each fender includes an arcuate outer wall adapted for extending over at least a portion of an upper part of the tire of its corresponding wheel and a side wall having an outer portion extending from an edge of the outer wall, the outer portion covering at least a portion of a sidewall of the tire on a vehicle facing side, and an inner portion extending from the outer portion, the inner portion covering at least a portion of the rim of its corresponding wheel on the vehicle facing side.

A vehicle frame component for limiting the movement of the wheel of the vehicle toward the cab of a cab on frame vehicle including a base member welded to openings in the frame side rail and extending outwardly and located proximal the wheel structure. In one embodiment the vehicle frame component is located forward of the wheel and includes a tire puncture device to deflate the tire during an offset front impact and in a second embodiment the vehicle frame component is located rearward of the wheel. The vehicle frame component has particular utility during an offset front impact where the offset is less than approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the vehicle.