CA2048723C - Utility vehicle - Google Patents
Utility vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2048723C CA2048723C CA002048723A CA2048723A CA2048723C CA 2048723 C CA2048723 C CA 2048723C CA 002048723 A CA002048723 A CA 002048723A CA 2048723 A CA2048723 A CA 2048723A CA 2048723 C CA2048723 C CA 2048723C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- section
- hoops
- roof
- sections
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000012384 transportation and delivery Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D61/00—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern
- B62D61/06—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with only three wheels
- B62D61/08—Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with only three wheels with single front wheel
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A small, three wheeled utility vehicle has a front steering wheel and two rear drive wheels driven by an automotive engine and transaxle unit. The vehicle has a frame composed of tubular steel parts welded together to provide a complete cage around the passenger compartment and an engine and cargo area behind the passenger compartment. The body of the vehicle is composed of body panels mounted within the tubular frame.
Description
' ~0~.~~'~~~
~°_Y VEHICLE
The present invention relates to motorized vehicles and more particularly to a small utility vehicle that is especially suited for short-run, mufti stop urban use.
BACKGRO ND
In a heavy traffic urban environment, it is often desirable to have a small, highly maneuverable vehicle for such uses as monitoring parking, short-run or frequent stop deliveries, parcel services, and so on. Some of the requirements for such a vehicles are:
1. Acceptability under the legal requirements for road vehicles ("streetlegal").
~°_Y VEHICLE
The present invention relates to motorized vehicles and more particularly to a small utility vehicle that is especially suited for short-run, mufti stop urban use.
BACKGRO ND
In a heavy traffic urban environment, it is often desirable to have a small, highly maneuverable vehicle for such uses as monitoring parking, short-run or frequent stop deliveries, parcel services, and so on. Some of the requirements for such a vehicles are:
1. Acceptability under the legal requirements for road vehicles ("streetlegal").
2. Short turning radius for high maneuverability.
3~ Easy access, preferably step in and step out for frequent entry and exit.
4. Ability of the operator to mark tires and deliver tickets from inside the vehicle.
In addition, there are the usual considerations of cost, reliability and safety.
MARY
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle frame for a three-wheeled street vehicle, having a front end and a rear end, comprising:
two upright, laterally-spaced polygonal hoops, each having a bottom section, a lower front section leading upwards from a front end of the bottom section, an upper front section sloping upwardly and iearwardiy from the lower front section, a top section extending rearwardIy from the upper front section and positioned above the bottom section, an upper rear section exuding downwardly from the rear 9o-s~aoA
2~~8~~~
end of the top section and a lower rear section extending upwardly from the rear end of the bottom section;
a plurality of laterally-oriented cross members joining the hoops and including:
floor members joining the hoops adjacent the bottom section thereof to provide a substantially flat floor frame;
roof members joining the hoops adjacent the top sections thereof to provide a substantially flat roof frame, a front member joining the upper front sections of the hoops, and rear members joining the upper rear sections of the hoops and joining the lower rear sections of the hoops;
rear frame means comprising members extending rearwardly from the hoops and at least one laterally-extending member adjacent the rear end of the frame;
two upright front door posts extending across the respective hoops adjacent the front ends of the bottom sections; and two rear door posts extending across the respective hoops at positions spaced rearwardly from the front door posts;
each hoop enclosing a door opening that is unobstructed between the floor frame and the roof frame and between the door posts.
The three-wheel fornnat is particularly useful in a vehicle of the type in question since it provides for high maneuverability, minimal intrusion of the wheels into the passenger compartment and a relatively simple, proven suspension and steering system for the single front wheel.
2~~~;~~
In preferred embodiments, each of the frame hoops is made of a single tube. 'Che hoops are placed on opposite sides of the vehicles and are linked by the cross members which are also tubes to provide a frame that completely surrounds the passenger compartment and supports the remaining components of the vehicle, including the body panels, wheels, engine and so on. The two-hoop format allows the use of large door openings on each side of the vehicle, extending from floor to roof without obstruction. This is of importance in a vehicle of this sort since the operator can be expected to enter and leave the vehicle with some frequency. In essence, the large door system allows the operator to step in and step out of the vehicle much as can be done with a much larger step van type of vehicle.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle for street use having a front end and a rear end, and comprising:
a frame comprising two upright, laterally-spaced hoops, each with a roof section, a floor section beneath the roof section, a front section sloping downwardly to the front from the roof section and a rear section extending downwardly from the roof section;
a plurality of laterally-oriented frame members joining the hoops to form a space frame with spaced roof and floor frame sections;
a plurality of panels mounted on the inside of the frame and including:
a roof panel secured to and closing the roof frame section;
a floor panel secured to and closing the floor frame section;
a windshield secured toy the frame between the front sections of the hoops;
~~~~d~~
front body panel means secured to the frame between the hoops and extending from the windshield to the floor panel; and back panel means secured to the rear section of the frame below and to the rear of the roof panel; and a cargo container supported by the frame below and to the rear of the back panel.
The external frame is lightweight and very strong. The frame provides a complete roll cage for the passenger compartment. It is inexpensive to construct and provides a complete support structure for simple body panels that are mounted on the inside.
The frame based on the side hoops also provides sufficient internal space to accommodate a conventional automotive engine and transaxle assembly with a mid-engine layout in a narrow, e.g., four foot wide, vehicle. With an internal space frame or a chassis, the available space in a vehicle of comparable width is insufficient to accommodate this type of layout. Vin.: oongeqoa~, ~:p~ior art vehicles for the same purpose have been either modified motorcycles or vehicles constructed with a fore and aft engine orientation using a diffe~at ~ar:axle drive and drive shaft system.
two main disadvantages with that type of engine layout are a significantly increased wheel base and increased vehicles weight. Thewlanger w~el base significantly reduces the maneuverability of the vehicle by increasing the minimum turning radius.
The small wid;h iswitseif~of advamage as it allows the operator to sit in a centre position in the cab with equal access to both doors, both for egress from the vehicle and for tire marking and ticket delivery purposes.
The external frame:;providesoomplete toll-over protection as an added benefit.
2~~~~ ~ ~~
_$_ Another advantage of the external frame concept is the ability to use modular, individually-mounted body panels secured to the frame. This body construction is extremely convenient for assembly and maintenance purposes.
The "cage" concept provides sufficient structural rigidity along with sufficient space at the front that a large front wheel and a motorcycle type telescoping fork suspension may be used.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
Figure 1 is an isometric representation of a vehicle according to the presentinvention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the vehicle;
Figure 3 is a side view of the vehicle; and Figure 4 is an isometric view of the vehicle frame.
Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a vehicle 10 having an external frame 12 composed of tubular steel components. The vehicle is supported on a front sxxering wheel 14 and two rear drive wheels 16.
The frame encompasses a passenger compartment 17 at the front of the vehicle. This is defined by two vertically arranged side hoops 18, each made from a single tube bent to provide a number of linear sections. These include a top section 20, and a top front section 22 leading from the top section down to a front bend 24 at the front end of the vehicle. A bottom front section 26 leads from the bend 24 downwardly and rearwardly to a horizontal bottom section 28. At the rear end of the top section 20 is a top rear section 30.that slopes downwardly and to the rear. At the 2~~8'~~~
rear end of the bottom section 28 is a bottom rear section that slopes upwardly and to the rear.
The two side hoops are joined by a top front cross member 34, joining the hoops where the top and top front sections 20 and 22 meet. A top rear cross member 36 joins the hoops where the tops and top rear sections 20 and 30 meet.
A
front cross member 38 joins the two hoops slightly above the front bends 24. A
bottom front cross member 40 joins the hoops where the bottom front and bottom sections 26 and 28 meet. A bottom rear cross member 42 joins the hoops where the bottom and bottom rear sections 28 and 32 meet. The ends of the hoops are joined by rear cross members 44 and 45.
Parallelling the lower parts of the hoops 18 are two center support tubes 46. These extend from the front cross member 38 to the rear cross member 45, paral-lel to the lower sections of the hoops.
A vertical front door post 47 joins the frame sections 22 and 26 on each side.
A vertical rear door post 48 is mounted on each side of the frame and extends between the top and bottom sections 20 and 28 of the associated hoop.
At the rear end of the vehicle on each side are two parallel, frame members 50 and 52. These extend rearwardly from the door posts and are connected to the ends of the hoop sections 30 and 32 at the back of the vehicle. The upper members 50 turn downwards across the ends of the members 52 and then bend laterally to a common member 53 across the back of the vehicle.
All of the components of the frame are made from tubular steel bent as necessary and welded together. This provides a lightweight and very strong frame structure. The frame surrounds the passenger compartment 17 and a rear engine and _7_ cargo compartment 55.
Between the side hoops 18 and the adjacent center tubes 46, above the front bends 24, are headlights 54. Below bends 24, between members 46 is a recess 55 that accommodates the front wheel 14 which is carried on a motorcycle type front fork 15. The remainder of the front of the vehicle is enclosed with front body panels 56 secured to the side hoops 18 and the center tubes 46. Between the front cross member 38 and the top front cross member 34 is a windshield panel 58, secured to the frame components.
On each side of the vehicle ahead of the door post 47 is a short, fixed side panel 60. Between the door posts 47 and 48 is a door opening 62 that may be closed by a removable door 63. The door in the illustrated embodiment pivots outwardly about hinges on the door post 48 so that it can lie along side the frame to the rear of the door post. The door ran be latched in this position to provide for repeated entry and exit from the vehicle at frequent intervals. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) the doar slides from the closed position to an open position at the rear of the door post 48. The upper part of the door includes a window pane 64.
To the rear of the door post 48, and above the upper horizontal member 50 is a small window 66. A back panel in the form of a rear window 68 fills the space between the side hoops 18, the rear cross member 44 and the top rear cross member 36.
The body of the vehicle is completed with a roof panel 67, a floor panel 69; side panels 70, a rear parxel 72 and a rear deck 74 forming a box-like housing at the rear.
All of the body panels of the vehicle ale mounted within the frame, so that the exterior dimensions of the vehicle are limited by the frame. This provides _g_ maximum usable space inside a vehicle of small exterior size.
The power plant 76 for the vehicle is a conventional, off the shelf engine-transaxle unit for a small automobile. The currently used unit is a 1.3 litre automotive engine transaxle assembly from KIA Motors of Korea. Units of this sort are generally mounted in the front of an automobile to drive the front, steerable wheels of an automobile. In the present instance, the complete drive unit can fit directly into the space immediately behind the passenger compartment. The unit preferably has an automatic transmission to minimize the effort required of the driver in heavy traffic, frequent stop service.
The resulting vehicle is a small, highly maneuverable, lightweight vehicle ideal for local deliveries, parking monitoring and mail services.
Because the frame is made of tubular steel it is lightweight and very strong. It provides a complete roll cage for the passenger compartment. Because the frame is external, a small vehicle, approximately four feet in overall width, can accommodate an automotive engine and transaxle unit. The mounting of the body panels, including a floor, is extremely simple.
While one embodiment of the present invention has been described in foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is to be considered limited solely by the appended claims.
In addition, there are the usual considerations of cost, reliability and safety.
MARY
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle frame for a three-wheeled street vehicle, having a front end and a rear end, comprising:
two upright, laterally-spaced polygonal hoops, each having a bottom section, a lower front section leading upwards from a front end of the bottom section, an upper front section sloping upwardly and iearwardiy from the lower front section, a top section extending rearwardIy from the upper front section and positioned above the bottom section, an upper rear section exuding downwardly from the rear 9o-s~aoA
2~~8~~~
end of the top section and a lower rear section extending upwardly from the rear end of the bottom section;
a plurality of laterally-oriented cross members joining the hoops and including:
floor members joining the hoops adjacent the bottom section thereof to provide a substantially flat floor frame;
roof members joining the hoops adjacent the top sections thereof to provide a substantially flat roof frame, a front member joining the upper front sections of the hoops, and rear members joining the upper rear sections of the hoops and joining the lower rear sections of the hoops;
rear frame means comprising members extending rearwardly from the hoops and at least one laterally-extending member adjacent the rear end of the frame;
two upright front door posts extending across the respective hoops adjacent the front ends of the bottom sections; and two rear door posts extending across the respective hoops at positions spaced rearwardly from the front door posts;
each hoop enclosing a door opening that is unobstructed between the floor frame and the roof frame and between the door posts.
The three-wheel fornnat is particularly useful in a vehicle of the type in question since it provides for high maneuverability, minimal intrusion of the wheels into the passenger compartment and a relatively simple, proven suspension and steering system for the single front wheel.
2~~~;~~
In preferred embodiments, each of the frame hoops is made of a single tube. 'Che hoops are placed on opposite sides of the vehicles and are linked by the cross members which are also tubes to provide a frame that completely surrounds the passenger compartment and supports the remaining components of the vehicle, including the body panels, wheels, engine and so on. The two-hoop format allows the use of large door openings on each side of the vehicle, extending from floor to roof without obstruction. This is of importance in a vehicle of this sort since the operator can be expected to enter and leave the vehicle with some frequency. In essence, the large door system allows the operator to step in and step out of the vehicle much as can be done with a much larger step van type of vehicle.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle for street use having a front end and a rear end, and comprising:
a frame comprising two upright, laterally-spaced hoops, each with a roof section, a floor section beneath the roof section, a front section sloping downwardly to the front from the roof section and a rear section extending downwardly from the roof section;
a plurality of laterally-oriented frame members joining the hoops to form a space frame with spaced roof and floor frame sections;
a plurality of panels mounted on the inside of the frame and including:
a roof panel secured to and closing the roof frame section;
a floor panel secured to and closing the floor frame section;
a windshield secured toy the frame between the front sections of the hoops;
~~~~d~~
front body panel means secured to the frame between the hoops and extending from the windshield to the floor panel; and back panel means secured to the rear section of the frame below and to the rear of the roof panel; and a cargo container supported by the frame below and to the rear of the back panel.
The external frame is lightweight and very strong. The frame provides a complete roll cage for the passenger compartment. It is inexpensive to construct and provides a complete support structure for simple body panels that are mounted on the inside.
The frame based on the side hoops also provides sufficient internal space to accommodate a conventional automotive engine and transaxle assembly with a mid-engine layout in a narrow, e.g., four foot wide, vehicle. With an internal space frame or a chassis, the available space in a vehicle of comparable width is insufficient to accommodate this type of layout. Vin.: oongeqoa~, ~:p~ior art vehicles for the same purpose have been either modified motorcycles or vehicles constructed with a fore and aft engine orientation using a diffe~at ~ar:axle drive and drive shaft system.
two main disadvantages with that type of engine layout are a significantly increased wheel base and increased vehicles weight. Thewlanger w~el base significantly reduces the maneuverability of the vehicle by increasing the minimum turning radius.
The small wid;h iswitseif~of advamage as it allows the operator to sit in a centre position in the cab with equal access to both doors, both for egress from the vehicle and for tire marking and ticket delivery purposes.
The external frame:;providesoomplete toll-over protection as an added benefit.
2~~~~ ~ ~~
_$_ Another advantage of the external frame concept is the ability to use modular, individually-mounted body panels secured to the frame. This body construction is extremely convenient for assembly and maintenance purposes.
The "cage" concept provides sufficient structural rigidity along with sufficient space at the front that a large front wheel and a motorcycle type telescoping fork suspension may be used.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
Figure 1 is an isometric representation of a vehicle according to the presentinvention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the vehicle;
Figure 3 is a side view of the vehicle; and Figure 4 is an isometric view of the vehicle frame.
Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a vehicle 10 having an external frame 12 composed of tubular steel components. The vehicle is supported on a front sxxering wheel 14 and two rear drive wheels 16.
The frame encompasses a passenger compartment 17 at the front of the vehicle. This is defined by two vertically arranged side hoops 18, each made from a single tube bent to provide a number of linear sections. These include a top section 20, and a top front section 22 leading from the top section down to a front bend 24 at the front end of the vehicle. A bottom front section 26 leads from the bend 24 downwardly and rearwardly to a horizontal bottom section 28. At the rear end of the top section 20 is a top rear section 30.that slopes downwardly and to the rear. At the 2~~8'~~~
rear end of the bottom section 28 is a bottom rear section that slopes upwardly and to the rear.
The two side hoops are joined by a top front cross member 34, joining the hoops where the top and top front sections 20 and 22 meet. A top rear cross member 36 joins the hoops where the tops and top rear sections 20 and 30 meet.
A
front cross member 38 joins the two hoops slightly above the front bends 24. A
bottom front cross member 40 joins the hoops where the bottom front and bottom sections 26 and 28 meet. A bottom rear cross member 42 joins the hoops where the bottom and bottom rear sections 28 and 32 meet. The ends of the hoops are joined by rear cross members 44 and 45.
Parallelling the lower parts of the hoops 18 are two center support tubes 46. These extend from the front cross member 38 to the rear cross member 45, paral-lel to the lower sections of the hoops.
A vertical front door post 47 joins the frame sections 22 and 26 on each side.
A vertical rear door post 48 is mounted on each side of the frame and extends between the top and bottom sections 20 and 28 of the associated hoop.
At the rear end of the vehicle on each side are two parallel, frame members 50 and 52. These extend rearwardly from the door posts and are connected to the ends of the hoop sections 30 and 32 at the back of the vehicle. The upper members 50 turn downwards across the ends of the members 52 and then bend laterally to a common member 53 across the back of the vehicle.
All of the components of the frame are made from tubular steel bent as necessary and welded together. This provides a lightweight and very strong frame structure. The frame surrounds the passenger compartment 17 and a rear engine and _7_ cargo compartment 55.
Between the side hoops 18 and the adjacent center tubes 46, above the front bends 24, are headlights 54. Below bends 24, between members 46 is a recess 55 that accommodates the front wheel 14 which is carried on a motorcycle type front fork 15. The remainder of the front of the vehicle is enclosed with front body panels 56 secured to the side hoops 18 and the center tubes 46. Between the front cross member 38 and the top front cross member 34 is a windshield panel 58, secured to the frame components.
On each side of the vehicle ahead of the door post 47 is a short, fixed side panel 60. Between the door posts 47 and 48 is a door opening 62 that may be closed by a removable door 63. The door in the illustrated embodiment pivots outwardly about hinges on the door post 48 so that it can lie along side the frame to the rear of the door post. The door ran be latched in this position to provide for repeated entry and exit from the vehicle at frequent intervals. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) the doar slides from the closed position to an open position at the rear of the door post 48. The upper part of the door includes a window pane 64.
To the rear of the door post 48, and above the upper horizontal member 50 is a small window 66. A back panel in the form of a rear window 68 fills the space between the side hoops 18, the rear cross member 44 and the top rear cross member 36.
The body of the vehicle is completed with a roof panel 67, a floor panel 69; side panels 70, a rear parxel 72 and a rear deck 74 forming a box-like housing at the rear.
All of the body panels of the vehicle ale mounted within the frame, so that the exterior dimensions of the vehicle are limited by the frame. This provides _g_ maximum usable space inside a vehicle of small exterior size.
The power plant 76 for the vehicle is a conventional, off the shelf engine-transaxle unit for a small automobile. The currently used unit is a 1.3 litre automotive engine transaxle assembly from KIA Motors of Korea. Units of this sort are generally mounted in the front of an automobile to drive the front, steerable wheels of an automobile. In the present instance, the complete drive unit can fit directly into the space immediately behind the passenger compartment. The unit preferably has an automatic transmission to minimize the effort required of the driver in heavy traffic, frequent stop service.
The resulting vehicle is a small, highly maneuverable, lightweight vehicle ideal for local deliveries, parking monitoring and mail services.
Because the frame is made of tubular steel it is lightweight and very strong. It provides a complete roll cage for the passenger compartment. Because the frame is external, a small vehicle, approximately four feet in overall width, can accommodate an automotive engine and transaxle unit. The mounting of the body panels, including a floor, is extremely simple.
While one embodiment of the present invention has been described in foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is to be considered limited solely by the appended claims.
Claims
1. ~A vehicle frame for a three-wheeled street vehicle, having a front end and a rear end, comprising:
two upright, laterally-spaced polygonal hoops, each having a bottom section, a lower front section leading upwards from a front end of the bottom section, an upper front section sloping upwardly and rearwardly from the lower front section, a top section extending rearwardly from the upper front section and positioned above the bottom section, an upper rear section extending downwardly from the rear end of the top section and a lower rear section extending upwardly from the rear end of the bottom section;
a plurality of laterally-oriented cross members joining the hoops and including:
floor members joining the hoops adjacent the bottom section thereof to provide a substantially flat floor frame;
roof members joining the hoops adjacent the top sections thereof to provide a substantially flat roof frame, a front member joining the upper front sections of the hoops, and rear members joining the upper rear sections of the hoops and joining the lower rear sections of the hoops;
rear frame means comprising members extending rearwardly from the hoops and at least one laterally-extending member adjacent the rear end of the frame;
two upright front door posts extending across the respective hoops adjacent the front ends of the bottom sections; and two rear door posts extending across the respective hoops at positions spaced rearwardly from the front door posts;
each hoop enclosing a door opening that is unobstructed between the floor frame and the roof frame and between the door posts.
(2) ~A frame according to Claim 1 wherein the rear frame means comprise side frame members extending rearwardly from the rear door posts and a lateral rear member joining the side frame members.
(3) ~A frame according to Claim 2 wherein the side frame members comprise two vertically-spaced members on each side of the frame, connected to the respective upper rear and lower rear sections of the hoops.
(4) ~A frame according to Claim 1 including support members extending from the front member to the rear member joining the lower rear sections of the hoop and shaped to conform with the lower front section, bottom section and lower rear section of each hoop.
(5) ~A frame according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 where each hoop comprises a single tube.
(6) ~A frame according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein each hoop comprises a single tube and each cross member comprises a tube.
(7) ~A vehicle for street use having a front end and a rear end, and comprising:
a frame comprising two upright, laterally-spaced hoops, each with a roof section, a floor section beneath the roof section, a front section sloping downwardly to the front from the roof section and a rear section extending downwardly from the roof section;
a plurality of laterally-oriented frame members joining the hoops to form a space frame with spaced roof and floor frame sections;
a plurality of panels mounted on the inside of the frame and including:
a roof panel secured to and closing the roof frame section;
a floor panel secured to and closing the floor frame section;
a windshield secured to the frame between the front sections of the hoops;
front body panel means secured to the frame between the hoops and extending from the windshield to the floor panel; and back panel means secured to the rear section of the frame below and to the rear of the roof panel; and a cargo container supported by the frame below and to the rear of the back panel.
(8) ~A vehicle according to Claim 7 wherein the rear panel means comprises a window.
(9)~A vehicle according to Claim 8 including door openings extending between the roof and floor sections of the frame hoops, door panels and means mounting the door panels on the frame for movement from closed positions extending across and closing the respective door openings and open positions spaced from the door openings.
two upright, laterally-spaced polygonal hoops, each having a bottom section, a lower front section leading upwards from a front end of the bottom section, an upper front section sloping upwardly and rearwardly from the lower front section, a top section extending rearwardly from the upper front section and positioned above the bottom section, an upper rear section extending downwardly from the rear end of the top section and a lower rear section extending upwardly from the rear end of the bottom section;
a plurality of laterally-oriented cross members joining the hoops and including:
floor members joining the hoops adjacent the bottom section thereof to provide a substantially flat floor frame;
roof members joining the hoops adjacent the top sections thereof to provide a substantially flat roof frame, a front member joining the upper front sections of the hoops, and rear members joining the upper rear sections of the hoops and joining the lower rear sections of the hoops;
rear frame means comprising members extending rearwardly from the hoops and at least one laterally-extending member adjacent the rear end of the frame;
two upright front door posts extending across the respective hoops adjacent the front ends of the bottom sections; and two rear door posts extending across the respective hoops at positions spaced rearwardly from the front door posts;
each hoop enclosing a door opening that is unobstructed between the floor frame and the roof frame and between the door posts.
(2) ~A frame according to Claim 1 wherein the rear frame means comprise side frame members extending rearwardly from the rear door posts and a lateral rear member joining the side frame members.
(3) ~A frame according to Claim 2 wherein the side frame members comprise two vertically-spaced members on each side of the frame, connected to the respective upper rear and lower rear sections of the hoops.
(4) ~A frame according to Claim 1 including support members extending from the front member to the rear member joining the lower rear sections of the hoop and shaped to conform with the lower front section, bottom section and lower rear section of each hoop.
(5) ~A frame according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 where each hoop comprises a single tube.
(6) ~A frame according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein each hoop comprises a single tube and each cross member comprises a tube.
(7) ~A vehicle for street use having a front end and a rear end, and comprising:
a frame comprising two upright, laterally-spaced hoops, each with a roof section, a floor section beneath the roof section, a front section sloping downwardly to the front from the roof section and a rear section extending downwardly from the roof section;
a plurality of laterally-oriented frame members joining the hoops to form a space frame with spaced roof and floor frame sections;
a plurality of panels mounted on the inside of the frame and including:
a roof panel secured to and closing the roof frame section;
a floor panel secured to and closing the floor frame section;
a windshield secured to the frame between the front sections of the hoops;
front body panel means secured to the frame between the hoops and extending from the windshield to the floor panel; and back panel means secured to the rear section of the frame below and to the rear of the roof panel; and a cargo container supported by the frame below and to the rear of the back panel.
(8) ~A vehicle according to Claim 7 wherein the rear panel means comprises a window.
(9)~A vehicle according to Claim 8 including door openings extending between the roof and floor sections of the frame hoops, door panels and means mounting the door panels on the frame for movement from closed positions extending across and closing the respective door openings and open positions spaced from the door openings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002048723A CA2048723C (en) | 1991-08-08 | 1991-08-08 | Utility vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002048723A CA2048723C (en) | 1991-08-08 | 1991-08-08 | Utility vehicle |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2048723A1 CA2048723A1 (en) | 1993-02-09 |
| CA2048723C true CA2048723C (en) | 2002-05-14 |
Family
ID=4148147
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002048723A Expired - Fee Related CA2048723C (en) | 1991-08-08 | 1991-08-08 | Utility vehicle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2048723C (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-08-08 CA CA002048723A patent/CA2048723C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2048723A1 (en) | 1993-02-09 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |