Patent classifications
B62D21/183
Canopy for lightweight vehicle
A golf car canopy extension panel that is connectable to a canopy main panel, wherein the extension panel comprises a first extension longitudinal water channel that is fluidly connectable to a first main longitudinal water channel main panel, and a second extension longitudinal water channel that is fluidly connectable to a second main longitudinal water channel of the main panel, wherein the first and second extension longitudinal water channels each comprise a termination end structured and operable to direct water to exit the respective extension longitudinal water channel at an end of a sidewall of the respective extension longitudinal water channel.
Vehicle chassis
We disclose a chassis for a vehicle, comprising an interconnected framework comprising a plurality of tubular sections, and at least one sheet bonded to the framework, wherein the tubular sections are of a non-ferrous metallic composition. The non-ferrous tubular sections have a very thin wall; generally, these sections are made by extrusion, which currently allows for wall thicknesses no thinner than about 2.5 mm. We prefer the wall thickness to be about this level, and ideally no greater than 3 mm. Such a thin-walled tube would usually imply a lower resistance to buckling, but as part of the structural element defined above, we have found that the tube does not buckle and in fact has an impact response that is superior to other alternatives. We therefore prefer that the tubular sections have a profile for which the ratio of the minimum area moment of inertia of its cross section to the square of the unsupported length of the section is less than 2 mm.sup.2. Another way of expressing this approach is to consider the aspect ratio of the tubular section, i.e. the ratio of its length to its wall thickness. Sections with a high aspect ratio will be more prone to buckling. Given the low elastic modulus of Aluminium, a low aspect ratio has been preferred, but according to the present invention a higher aspect ratio of more than about 100 or 150 is feasible.
Side-by-side vehicle
The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces.
SIDE-BY-SIDE ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE
A side by side vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame having frame tubes extending from a front to a rear. A vehicle seat frame is positioned in a mid portion of the frame, and positions a seat frame at a raised position relative to the frame tubes. A powertrain is positioned rearward of the vehicle seat frame and is coupled to the vehicle frame. Side by side seats are supported by the seat frame; and one or more storage units are positioned under the side by side seats. The side by side vehicle also has a rear suspension comprising at least one rear alignment arm coupled to each side of a rear of the vehicle frame, where the alignment arms are coupled to the vehicle frame at front and rear connection points. A distance between the front connection points is greater than a distance between the rear connection points, and at least a portion of the powertrain is positioned between the front connection points of the alignment arms.
UTILITY VEHICLE COWL ASSEMBLY
The present disclosure provides a utility vehicle front body cowl assembly. The cowl assembly generally comprises a front body cowl and a cargo rack disposed within a reservoir of the front body cowl. More particularly, the front body cowl is connectable to at least a portion of a utility vehicle chassis forward of a passenger compartment dash console of the vehicle, and comprises a pair of opposing shoulders and a rack reservoir or recess provided between the shoulders. The cargo rack is disposed within the reservoir/recess such that the cargo rack and any gear disposed with cargo rack create little or no impedance to a line-of-sight an operator of the vehicle 10. Accordingly, the front cowl assembly provides good visibility and a substantially unimpeded field-of-view for the vehicle operator.
METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING VEHICLES OF A FAMILY OF VEHICLES AND CORRESPONDING VEHICLES
A vehicle has a frame including a front frame module defining at least in part a cockpit, and a rear frame module having a cargo bed support structure. The vehicle has a rear seat row or a cargo bed support structure extension disposed rearwardly of a front seat row. A wheelbase length measured between centers of front and rear wheels of the vehicle is approximately the same regardless of which of the rear seat row and the cargo bed support structure extension is disposed rearwardly of the front seat row. A longitudinal cargo pivot distance measured between the center of the front wheels and a cargo bed pivot axis is approximately the same regardless of which of the rear seat row and the cargo bed support structure extension is disposed rearwardly of the front seat row. A method of assembling a vehicle of a family of vehicles is also contemplated.
Vehicle including vibration reducer
A vehicle includes a frame supported by a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels; a seat supported by the frame; an engine disposed behind the seat; a mounting support provided between the engine and the frame, at a lower position that is lower than a center of the engine in an up-down direction; and a vibration reducing member provided between the engine and the frame, at a higher position that is higher than the center of the engine in the up-down direction. The vibration reducing member includes a torque rod extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a crank shaft when the vehicle is viewed in a plan view; and a rubber damper provided at each end of the torque rod.
VEHICLE
A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a hydraulic system. The vehicle may include a sway bar. The sway bar may be positioned rearward of a hydraulic pump of the hydraulic system. A console having a first hydraulic input may be provided in an operator area of the vehicle.
ELECTRIC RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A electric vehicle including a plurality of ground engaging members, a frame assembly supported by the plurality of ground engaging members, the frame assembly including a front frame assembly, a middle frame assembly, and a rear frame assembly, a seating area supported by the middle frame assembly, electric powertrain components supported by the frame assembly to provide power to at least one ground engaging member, and a shrouding assembly.
GROUND VEHICLE WITH FLIGHT CAPABILITY AND REINFORCED AIRFOIL
Ground vehicles that may include flight capability are described. In some examples, a vehicle frame may include a main support and at least two auxiliary supports, with the main support disposed substantially along the centerline of the vehicle, and the at least two auxiliary supports extending upward and outward from the main support. In some examples, vehicles may include an inflatable airfoil, such as a ram air parachute, that includes stiffeners on or about a leading edge of the airfoil. In some examples, vehicles may include a front wheelbase attached to the main support and/or auxiliary supports, a rear wheelbase attached to the main support and/or auxiliary supports, a ground steering mechanism connected to the front wheelbase and/or the rear wheelbase, a motor connected to a propeller, and a propeller shroud at least partially encircling the propeller.