GB670274A - Improvements in or relating to motor vehicle body construction - Google Patents

Abstract

670,274. Vehicle bodies; luggage &c. compartments for motor vehicles. SHAW, A. G. May 1, 1950 [March 2, 1949], No. 5697/49. Classes 108(i) and 103(ii) [Also in Group XXV] A combined bonnet and wing structure for covering the front or rear end portion of a motor vehicle chassis is constructed as a single unit 10 hinged at its front to the front end, or at its rear to the rear end of the chassis on an horizontal transversely disposed axis so as to be swingable vertically about the axis with reference to the chassis between a normal closed position, Fig. 1, and an open position, Fig. 3. In a rear engined vehicle a front end cover unit may also be provided to cover the front wheels &c. to form a luggage compartment. The unit 10 is in the form of a shell and is constructed of a framework 17 of welded metal tubes covered by metal panelling folded and riveted or welded to the framework. In a front engined vehicle the unit incorporates inner mudguards 18, and mudguard valances 19 which lie between the engine 12 and the wheels 16. The bonnet portion 11 may be opened independently of the unit for access to the engine. The unit is connected by a separate hinge pin 23 to each frame member 20, Fig. 4, but the hinge pins are removable so that the unit may be completely detached'from the chassis. When in the open position the unit tends to fall forwardly of the vehicle but is supported by a telescopic hook-ended stay 25, which stay may be stowed across the bulkhead 26 when not in use. The unit may, however, be supported in open position by a ground stay, or by a counterbalancing spring holding the unit against a limit stop. Spring-loaded fastening 38 on the unit (see Group XXV) automatically co-operate with spring plates 29 on the chassis as the unit is closed, the fastenings being released by a Bowden cable from the dashboard so that the unit 10 cannot be released from outside the vehicle. The flaps of the bonnet portion 11 are also provided with suitable catches. The unit also incorporates head lamps 45, the lamp leads 46 being carried around the hinges, or plugged in to a junction box &c. for easy disconnection. Fig. 9, (not shown) illustrates the invention as applied to a sports car in which the unit 10a incorporates the scuttle and windscreen of the vehicle. In this embodiment, however, the mudguard valances 19a are fixed to the chassis frame.