Vehicle structure

US5238267A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Deere & Company · US

Inventors

• Wayne R. Hutchison · Mayville, US
• Jon M. Patterson · Wauwatosa, US
• Eugene Gary Hayes · Beaver Dam, US
• Daniel A. Sebben · Hartford, US
• Richard D. Teal · Horicon, US
• Steven C. Wasson · Midland, US
• David R. Daniel · Midland, US
• Mansour Mirdamadi · Midland, US
• Earl T. Moore · Midland, US
• Luis Lorenzo · Plymouth, US
• Robert J. Cleereman · Midland, US
• Michael J. Coffey · Midland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 14, 1991
• Grant date: Aug 24, 1993
• Expiry date: Jun 14, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D49/06
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A plastic monocoque body useful with small vehicles, such as lawn and garden tractors. A lower fiberglass reinforced plastic frame member is bonded to two upper body members to form a monocoque body. The assembly incorporates attaching, pivot and support structures for the engine, transaxle and drive wheels, steerable front wheels, steering mechanism, clutch and brake pedals and control linkages, shift and throttle controls and linkages, adjustable mower deck, adjustable seat and battery. Through utilizing the net shape manufacturing process, no metal skeleton is required, thereby reducing the expense and complexity of manufacture, assembly and paint operations.