U.S. patent application number 11/894274 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for composite body for a golf car and utility vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Club Car, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven R. Bataille, Douglas T. Crow, David R. Hardy, Gary L. Lewis, Paul E. Morgan, Peter A. Mulgrew, Duane E. Newman, Gerald C. Skelton, Geoff D. Stewart, Michael L. Welsh.
Application Number | 20070289792 11/894274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32825188 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070289792 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bataille; Steven R. ; et
al. |
December 20, 2007 |
Composite body for a golf car and utility vehicle
Abstract
A golf car or utility vehicle having a composite body. In some
aspects of the invention, the golf car or utility vehicle has a
composite body assembly that includes a front clam shell assembly
and a rear shell-like body. In other aspects, the golf car or
utility vehicle includes a composite body assembly having a
periphery and one or more decorative body panels, the decorative
body panels being recessed inwardly relative to the composite body
assembly periphery to prevent impacts to the panels.
Inventors: |
Bataille; Steven R.;
(Edgefield, SC) ; Crow; Douglas T.; (Martinez,
GA) ; Hardy; David R.; (Hephzibah, GA) ;
Lewis; Gary L.; (Evans, GA) ; Morgan; Paul E.;
(Appling, GA) ; Mulgrew; Peter A.; (Oshkosh,
WI) ; Newman; Duane E.; (Evans, GA) ; Skelton;
Gerald C.; (Evans, GA) ; Stewart; Geoff D.;
(Evans, GA) ; Welsh; Michael L.; (Evans,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
Suite 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Club Car, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32825188 |
Appl. No.: |
11/894274 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10543182 |
Feb 17, 2006 |
7258395 |
|
|
PCT/US04/01760 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
|
|
|
11894274 |
Aug 20, 2007 |
|
|
|
60442192 |
Jan 24, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/89.17 ;
180/311; 180/312 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 58/21 20190201;
B60L 50/66 20190201; Y02T 10/7072 20130101; B60L 2200/22 20130101;
Y02T 10/70 20130101; B60L 50/62 20190201; B62D 31/003 20130101;
Y02T 10/62 20130101; B62D 29/043 20130101; B62D 21/183
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/089.17 ;
180/311; 180/312 |
International
Class: |
B62D 39/00 20060101
B62D039/00 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A golf car, comprising: a high-strength molded composite body
assembly, formed from at least one molded fiber-reinforced polymer
panel, the composite body assembly having a periphery; a plurality
of wheels supporting the body for movement along the ground; and at
least one decorative body panel disposed on the composite body
assembly, the body panel being recessed inwardly relative to the
periphery of the composite body assembly such that the body
assembly extends outwardly of the decorative body panel so as to
prevent impact with the body panel.
18. The golf car as set forth in claim 17, further comprising a
frame to which the wheels and the composite body assembly are
attached, the frame including two longitudinally extending,
laterally spaced-apart rails and at least one crossbeam extending
laterally between and connecting the two frame rails.
19-20. (canceled)
21. The golf car as set forth in claim 18, wherein the frame
further includes a dashboard support bar connected with the two
rails and configured to support a dashboard of the golf car.
22. The golf car as set forth in claim 17, wherein the composite
body assembly is formed of at least one compression molded
panel.
23. The golf car as set forth in claim 17, wherein the composite
body assembly includes a front body section, the front body section
including at least two molded fiber-reinforced polymer panels
connected together so as to form a clam shell assembly, and a rear
body section formed of a fiber-reinforced polymer.
24. The golf car as set forth in claim 23, wherein the clam shell
assembly and the rear composite body are each independently
attachable to a frame.
25-30. (canceled)
31. The golf car as set forth in claim 17, wherein the decorative
body panels are formed of a high-gloss polymer.
32-41. (canceled)
42. A method for manufacturing a vehicle comprising the steps of:
providing a frame; connecting two molded fiber-reinforced polymer
panels to form a clam shell assembly; mounting the clam shell
assembly to a front portion of the frame; mounting a rear body
section to a rear portion of the frame, the rear body section being
formed of a fiber-reinforced polymer, the clam shell assembly, the
rear body section and the frame forming a substantially rigid
high-strength frame and body assembly; and connecting at least one
decorative body panel to the frame and body assembly, wherein the
at least one decorative body panel is are recessed inward relative
to a periphery of the frame and body assembly such that the frame
and body assembly protects the decorative body panel from
damage.
43-61. (canceled)
62. The golf car as set forth in claim 17, wherein: the composite
body assembly includes a front body section and a rear body
section, the rear body section including a shell with an open lower
end, the shell at least partially bounding an interior chamber; and
the at least one decorative panel includes a rear decorative panel
disposed about a portion of the rear body section of the composite
body assembly.
63. The golf car as set forth in claim 62 further comprising a
motor and associated drive system components connected with the
frame and at least partially disposed within the interior chamber
of the rear body section.
64. The golf car as set forth in claim 17 wherein: the composite
body assembly includes a rear body section having an upper portion
and a lower portion each having a periphery, the periphery of the
upper portion being recessed inwardly relative to the lower
portion; the at least one decorative body panel includes a rear
decorative body panel configured to fit about portions of the upper
portion of the rear body section.
65. The golf car as set forth in claim 64 wherein the lower portion
of the rear body section is visible when the rear decorative body
panel is disposed on the composite body assembly.
66. The golf car as set forth in claim 64 wherein the rear
decorative body panel includes a front wall section and two
sidewall sections, the decorative body panel enclosing the upper
portion of the composite body rear section such that the rear body
section upper portion is disposed generally between the front wall
section and two side wall sections.
67. The golf car as set forth in claim 64 further comprising one of
a battery and a fuel supply, the rear decorative body panel
enclosing the one of the battery and the fuel supply.
68. The golf car as set forth in claim 17 wherein the composite
body assembly includes front and rear body sections and the at
least one decorative body panel includes a front decorative body
panel connected with the composite body front section.
69. The golf car as set forth in claim 68 wherein the composite
body assembly includes a brow connected with the front body section
and a fascia connected with and extending forwardly from the brow,
the front decorative body panel being mounted to the brow.
70. The golf car as set forth in claim 69 wherein the front
decorative body panel is rounded to match and cover the underlying
brow.
71. A golf car comprising: a high-strength molded composite body
assembly formed from at least one molded fiber-reinforced polymer
panel, the composite body assembly including a front body section
with a periphery and a rear body section with a periphery; a front
decorative body panel disposed on the front body section of the
composite body assembly, the front decorative body panel being
recessed inwardly relative to the periphery of the front body
section such that a portion of the front body section extends
outwardly of the front decorative body panel so as to prevent
impact with the front decorative panel; and a rear decorative body
panel disposed on the rear body section of the composite body
assembly, the rear decorative body panel being recessed inwardly
relative to the periphery of the rear body section such that the
rear body section extends outwardly of the rear decorative body
panel so as to prevent impact with the rear decorative panel.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/543,182, filed Feb. 17, 2006, which was the National Stage
of International Application No. PCT/US04/01760, filed Jan. 23,
2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.
No. 60/442,192, filed Jan. 24, 2003, the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to golf cars and utility vehicles, and
more particularly, to the bodies of such golf cars or utility
vehicles.
[0003] Vehicles, such as golf cars and utility vehicles, typically
include a frame, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the
frame and a body mounted to the frame. The body basically functions
to cover or enclose vehicle components such as a motor, drive
system components, a power source (e.g., batteries or a fuel tank),
axle assemblies, etc. Generally, the bodies of such vehicles are
formed of numerous panels or similar structural members attached to
the frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, the present invention is a golf car
comprising a frame and a composite body assembly mounted on the
frame and configured to increase rigidity of the frame. The
composite body assembly includes a front body section and a rear
body section. The front body section includes at least two molded
panels connected together so as to form a clam shell assembly, the
molded panels each being formed of a fiber-reinforced polymer. The
rear body section is formed of a molded fiber-reinforced polymer.
In another aspect, the present invention is a utility vehicle
comprising the above-described elements of the golf car.
[0005] In a further aspect, the present invention is a golf car
comprising a high-strength molded composite body assembly formed
from at least one molded fiber-reinforced polymer panel and having
a periphery. A plurality of wheels support the body for movement
along the ground. Further, at least one decorative body panel is
connected with the composite body assembly. The decorative body
panel is recessed inwardly relative to the periphery of the
composite body assembly such that the composite body assembly
extends outwardly of the decorative body panel to prevent impact
with the panel.
[0006] In yet another aspect, the present invention is a method for
manufacturing a vehicle comprising the steps of: providing a frame,
connecting two molded fiber-reinforced polymer panels to form a
clam shell assembly, mounting the clam shell assembly to a front
portion of the frame, and mounting a rear body section to a rear
portion of the frame. The rear composite body is formed from
fiber-reinforced polymer and the clam shell assembly, the rear body
section and the frame forming a substantially rigid high-strength
frame and body assembly.
[0007] In an even further aspect, the present invention is also a
golf car comprising a frame and a composite body assembly mounted
to the frame and configured to increase rigidity of the frame. The
body assembly includes a front body section and a rear body
section. The front body section includes upper and lower panels
connected together so as to form a generally box-like frame.
Further, the rear body section includes a shell having an open
lower end and at least partially bounding an interior chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention is further described with reference to
the accompanying drawings, which show an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. However, it should be noted that the
invention as disclosed in the accompanying drawings is illustrated
by way of example only. The various elements and combinations of
elements described below and illustrated in the drawings can be
arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which
are still within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0009] In the drawings, wherein like reference numeral indicate
like parts:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf car or utility
vehicle embodying the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf car shown in FIG. 1
showing the frame assembly including a frame and rear body
supports;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the golf car frame shown in
FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the golf car shown in
FIG. 1 illustrating a composite body assembly and frame
assembly;
[0014] FIG. 5 is rear perspective view of the golf car frame,
showing an internal combustion engine and related components
connected with the frame;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the golf car composite
body assembly;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of two molded panels joined
together to form a clam shell assembly;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the clam shell assembly
illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the composite body
assembly;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the composite body
assembly;
[0020] FIG. 11 is front perspective view of the composite body
assembly, a brow and a fascia of the golf car;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the composite body
assembly, brow and fascia shown in FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the composite body assembly,
brow and fascia shown in FIGS. 11-12;
[0023] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a front decorative body panel
of the golf car;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the composite body assembly
and decorative body panels of the golf car shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of the composite body
assembly and rear decorative body panel shown in FIG. 15; and
[0026] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the composite body
assembly and front decorative body panel shown in FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like
numbers are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is
shown in FIGS. 1-17 a presently preferred embodiment of a vehicle
10, preferably a golf car 10 or a utility vehicle 10. The vehicle
10 includes a frame assembly or frame 12 (FIG. 2), a body 14, front
wheels 16a and rear wheels 16b. The vehicle 10 preferably further
includes a canopy 17, canopy supports 18, a seat 19, a seatback 21,
armrests 22, a steering wheel 23, a floorboard panel 24, side
panels 26, a structural accessory mount (SAM) 25 including golf bag
support ties 27, and a front bumper 28.
[0028] The frame assembly or frame 12, best shown in FIG. 2,
provides support and structural stability to the vehicle 10. The
frame 12 also provides impact resistance to certain areas of the
vehicle 10, as discussed below. The frame 12, as shown in FIG. 2,
includes two includes two longitudinally-extending, laterally
spaced-apart rails 31 and at least one crossbeam 34 extending
between and connecting the two rails 31. Preferably, the frame 12
also includes a dashboard support bar 32 connected with the rails
31, a rear frame structure 36 and rear body supports 38.
[0029] The two elongated frame rails 31, best shown in FIG. 3,
extend generally longitudinally with respect to the vehicle 10 and
are spaced apart a transverse distance X such that each frame rail
31 extends along and supports outer side portions of the vehicle
10. The frame rails 31 curve inwardly toward the front 10a of the
vehicle 10, thereby decreasing the distance between the two frame
rails 31 at the front of the vehicle to a transverse distance Y and
providing space outwardly of the forward portions of the frame
rails for the front wheels 16a (FIG. 2). The forward projecting
ends 31a of the frame rails 31 provide support for a steering and
suspension assembly 33 (FIG. 2). The steering and suspension
assembly 33 is a unitary modular assembly mounted to the forward
projecting ends 31a of the frame rails 31, and the front wheels 16a
are then mounted to the steering and suspension assembly 33.
Rearward projecting ends 31b of the frame rails 31 are spaced the
transverse distance X apart and are upwardly curved to provide
space for the rear wheels 16b (FIG. 2). As best shown in FIG. 3, a
pair of support brackets 39 and two pairs of mounting brackets 41a,
41b are attached (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) to rear portions of
the frame rails 31 to provide attachment surfaces and/or support
for other vehicle components. More specifically, the support
brackets 39 are laterally spaced-apart and are each fixed to an
upper curved portion of the rear projecting end 31b of a separate
one of the two frame rails 31. The support brackets 39 each provide
generally flat attachment surface for securing one of the two rear
body supports 38 to the frame 12. Further, a first pair of mounting
brackets 41a each extend downwardly a central portion of a separate
one of the frame rails 31 and a pair of rear mounting brackets 41b
extend downwardly from the rear ends 31b of the frame rails 31. The
mounting brackets 41a, 41b are configured to connect a pair of leaf
springs 42 to the frame 12, as described below.
[0030] A support structure 37 (FIG. 3) for providing structural
support to the dashboard support bar 32 is fixedly attached to the
inwardly curved portions of the forward projecting ends 31a of the
frame rails 31. The support structure 37 includes two generally
triangular side wall sections 37a that are bolted or otherwise
fixed to the inwardly curved portions of the frame rails 31 and a
generally rectangular central wall section 37b that spans the
transverse distance Y between the forward projecting ends 31a to
centrally join inward facing edges of the triangular plates 37a.
The support structure 37 primarily functions both to provide
structural support to the dashboard support bar 32, and thus also
to the steering column 70 connected thereto as discussed below, and
to join together the forward projecting ends 31a of the frame rails
31. Preferably, the support structure 37 is of one-piece
construction, with the three wall sections 37a and 37b being
integrally formed, but may alternatively be formed of separate
pieces connected together by any appropriate means (e.g., welding,
rivets, etc.).
[0031] The dashboard support bar 32, best shown in FIG. 3, is
disposed a vertical distance above the frame rails 31, supported by
the support structure 37. The dashboard support bar 32 is bolted or
otherwise fixed to the support structure 37. The dashboard support
bar 32 is generally U-shaped with a substantially horizontal
straight portion 32a extending transversely from one side of the
vehicle 10 to the other side and two curved portions 32b extending
downwardly relative to the straight portion 32a. As shown in FIG.
3, the curved portions 32b are curved substantially perpendicularly
relative to the straight portion 32a. Preferably, the dashboard
support bar 32 is formed from a tubular bar, but may be formed of a
solid bar or any other structural element.
[0032] The crossbeam 34, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, is
connected with each of the frame rails 31 by any appropriate means
(e.g., rivets, bolts, weldment material, etc.). The crossbeam 34 is
positioned substantially horizontally, is generally shaped like an
I-beam and extends substantially perpendicularly to the frame rails
31. The crossbeam 34 provides support to a central portion of the
vehicle 10 and serves to join a central portion of each frame rail
31 to a corresponding portion of the other rail 31. The crossbeam
34 extends the entire transverse distance X between the central
portion of the frame rails 31. The crossbeam 34 includes upper and
lower plate sections 34a, 34b, respectively, that each have
opposing ends which extend transversely over and are attached to an
upper and lower surfaces of the frame rails 31, respectively, so as
to connect the crossbeam 34 to the rails 31. The crossbeam upper
plate section 34a also functions as a locater or guide to assist in
correctly positioning sections of the vehicle body 14 onto the
frame 12, as described below.
[0033] The rear frame structure 36, as best illustrated FIG. 3, is
attached to the rearward projecting ends 31b of the frame rails 31
by any appropriate means (e.g., by threaded fasteners, welding,
etc.). The rear frame structure 36 has forward facing apertures 36a
that mate with the rearward projecting ends 31b of the frame rails
31. The rear frame structure 36 has a substantially rectangular
recessed portion 36b integrally formed with a rear curved portion
36c. The rear frame structure 36, particularly the rectangular
recessed portion 36b, serves as an attachment surface for various
vehicle components and sections of the vehicle body 14. The rear
frame structure 36 also provides impact resistance to the vehicle
10 in the incidence of a rear collision. The rear curved portion
36c includes a rearward-facing flat surface that extends a
transverse distance beyond each side of the recessed rectangular
portion 36a, thereby providing additional protection from
impact.
[0034] The rearward extending ends 31b of the frame rails 31
support a rear suspension assembly 40 which includes leaf springs
42, as shown in FIG. 2. The two pairs of mounting brackets 41a, 41b
provide attachment surfaces for the leaf springs 42, which extend
generally longitudinally with respect to the vehicle 10 from the
front brackets 41a located centrally on the frame rails 31 to the
rear brackets 41b located proximal the rear ends of the rails 31b.
The leaf springs 42 support a rear axle 44, and the rear axle 44
supports the rear wheels 16b, a motor 46 and associated motor
components. As such, the motor 46 and drive components, which may
include an electric motor 47a having a gearbox 47b (see FIG. 2) or
an internal combustion engine 48a with a transmission 48b (see FIG.
5), are located substantially centrally between the rearward
projecting ends 31b of the frame rails 31.
[0035] The rear body supports 38, as best shown in FIG. 2, are
secured to the rearward projecting ends 31b of the frame rails 31.
The rear body supports 38 extend longitudinally along an upwardly
curved portion of the frame rails 31 and vertically above the frame
rails 31 to provide additional height to the frame 12. The rear
body supports 38 each include generally parallel ribs 38a extending
from a curved surface 38b adjacent the curved portion of the frame
rails 31 to a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface 38c
disposed a vertical distance above the curved surface 38b and the
frame rails 31. The upper horizontal surface 38c and a rear,
generally vertical surface 38d each provide an attachment surface
for connecting other vehicle components and portions of the vehicle
body 14, as described below.
[0036] The dashboard support bar 32, the support structure 37, the
crossbeam 34, the rear frame structure 36, the rear body supports
38, the support brackets 39 and the mounting brackets 41a, 41b are
all connected with the frame rails 31, as described above, in any
conventional manner, such as by weldment material or welding,
threaded fasteners such as bolts or screws, by rivets, and/or by
any other appropriate means. The frame rails 31, dashboard support
bar 32 and crossbeam 34 may be extruded or formed from cut lengths
of commercially available tubes or bars, and may be formed of
aluminum, steel and/or another high strength metal or polymer. The
rear frame structure 36, the support structure 37, the rear body
supports 38 and the support brackets 39, and the mounting brackets
41a, 41b may each be fabricated of a molded polymeric material or
of a cast, stamped, forged, and/or machined metallic material. In a
preferred form of the invention, the frame rails 31 and crossbeam
34 are formed of extruded aluminum, the dashboard support bar 32
formed of extruded steel, the support structure 37 is formed of
steel, and the rear frame structure 36 and rear body supports 38
are formed of a compression-molded, fiber-reinforced polymer.
Specifically, the rear frame structure 36 is preferably formed of
30% glass fiber reinforced polypropylene homopolymer, and the rear
body supports 38 are preferably formed of a 30% glass filled,
chemically coupled impact polypropylene copolymer, POLFORT.RTM. FPP
1606 (available from A. Schulman, Inc.).
[0037] A composite body assembly 58 (FIGS. 4 and 6) is mounted to
the frame 12, and when connected with the frame 12, provides a high
strength frame and body assembly 35. The composite body assembly 58
is configured to increase the rigidity of the frame 12 so as to add
strength and rigidity to the vehicle 10. In addition, the composite
body assembly 58 and provides support and attachment surfaces for
many of the vehicle components, including a battery or fuel supply
bucket 66, support braces 68 for the SAM 25, and other components
as discussed below. In a preferred form of the present invention,
the composite body assembly 58 is formed of a 30% glass fiber
reinforced polypropylene copolymer.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the composite body assembly 58
includes a front body section 60a, preferably formed as a clam
shell assembly 62 (as described in greater detail below), and a
rear body section 60b that is preferably formed as a one-piece
housing or shell 64 (discussed below). The front clam shell
assembly 62 and the rear body shell 64 may be independently
attachable to the frame 12 and need not be connected together. The
clam shell assembly 62 provides support to front and central
portions of the vehicle 10. The front clam shell assembly 62 is a
generally box-like frame that curves upwardly toward the front of
the vehicle 10, as best shown in FIG. 4, to provide a pair of
laterally-spaced front wheel wells 71a for the front wheels 16a.
The clam shell assembly 62 extends generally longitudinally
rearwardly from a front edge 65, spaced vertically above the front
axle and steering and suspension assembly 33 when connected with
the frame 12, to a rear edge 67 that is generally proximal to the
support brackets 41a (FIG. 3) on the frame rails 31, and thus
located forwardly of the rear wheels 16b. Further, the clam shell
assembly 62 provides a dashboard 62a and a floorboard support 62b
of the vehicle 10.
[0039] More specifically, the dashboard 62a is integrally formed
with the floorboard support 62b via a substantially vertical
portion 62c of the clam shell assembly 62, and is disposed a
vertical distance above the floorboard 62b following the structure
set forth by the frame 12. Upper surfaces of both the dashboard 62a
and the floorboard support 62b are substantially horizontal and
extend transversely on each side of the vehicle 10 beyond the frame
12. The dashboard portion 62a of the clam shell assembly 62 is
attached to the dashboard support bar 32, and the floorboard
support portion 62b is supported by the crossbeam 34 and is
attached to the frame rails 31. The dashboard 62a further includes
slots and/or surfaces 62e for attaching a brow 102 to the front of
the vehicle 10 (FIGS. 11-15 and 17), which is described in detail
below. The floorboard support 62b includes a raised edge 62d that
extends vertically upwardly relative to the floorboard support 62b.
The raised edge 62d is curved to match a peripheral shape of the
battery or fuel supply bucket 66 to define a secure location for
the battery or fuel supply bucket 66. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6,
the clam shell assembly 62 is preferably attached to the frame
rails 31 and the dash support bar 32.
[0040] As mentioned above, the rear body section 60b includes a
generally shell-like body or shell 64 having an open lower end 57
and at least partially bounding an interior chamber 59. The rear
body shell 64 that extends longitudinally between a front edge 75
and a rear edge 77, the front edge being located adjacent the clam
shell rear edge 67 and the rear edge 77 being located behind the
rear wheels 16b when the body section is disposed on the frame 12.
The rear body shell 64 curves upwardly, following the structure of
the frame rails 31, to provide a pair of laterally-spaced wheel
wells 71b for the rear wheels 16b. The rear body shell 64 has an
upper portion 64a and a lower portion 64b, each having a periphery.
The periphery of the upper portion 64a is recessed inwardly
relative to that of the lower portion 64b. As shown in FIGS. 4 and
6, the rear body shell 64 is bolted or otherwise fixed to the rear
body supports 38 and the rear frame structure 36. The upper portion
64a further defines an upper, substantially horizontal attachment
surface 80 for attaching the SAM support braces 68 to the vehicle
10.
[0041] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the clam shell assembly 62 in
greater detail. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the clam shell assembly
62 includes an upper panel 61 and a lower panel 63. FIG. 6
illustrates the clam shell assembly 62 with the upper and lower
panels 61 and 63 joined together. In a preferred form of the
invention, the upper and lower panels 61 and 63 are vibrationally
welded together to form the clam shell assembly 62. As shown in
FIG. 7, the clam shell assembly 62 provides clearance openings and
attachment surfaces for several vehicle components, including a
first clearance aperture 74a for the steering column assembly 70, a
second aperture 76a and attachment surface 76b for a modular pedal
group assembly (not shown) and a third aperture 78a and attachment
surface 78b for the battery or fuel supply bucket 66. The dashboard
portion 62a of the clam shell assembly 62 is primarily formed from
the upper panel 61. The dashboard portion 62a includes
upwardly-opening molded storage compartments 79 for passenger
accessories and personal items, including storage space for
wallets, purses, gym bags, car keys, and the like. The storage
compartments 79 are integrally molded into the dashboard portion
62a of the clam shell assembly 62, and more particularly, are
molded into a front, upper portion of the upper panel 61.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the front clam shell
assembly 62. As illustrated in FIG. 8, two panels 61, 63 formed of
fiber-reinforced polymer are molded (e.g., compression molded) to
form a series of longitudinally extending channels 63a with respect
to the vehicle 10, such that when they are joined together, the
joined panels 61, 63 form a plurality of longitudinal cavities
between the panels 61, 63. The longitudinal cavities define open
air spaces between the panels 61, 63, and such cavities provide
strength and toughness to the clam shell assembly 62. The cavities
are preferably filled with air, but the cavities may instead be
filled with fluid or material to change the impact resistance,
strength and toughness of the clam shell assembly 62. For example,
the cavities may be filled with an impact absorbing or resilient
material.
[0043] The lower panel 63 further includes a plurality of flat
surfaces 69 that mate with opposed surfaces on the upper panel 61,
as shown in FIG. 8. As mentioned above, the lower panel 63 includes
a recessed portion with a support or attachment surface 76b for
housing an accelerator pedal and/or a brake pedal, preferably a
modular pedal group assembly including the pedals (not shown), such
that the front body section 60a is configured to support the one or
more pedals. The lower panel 63 further provides side supports 73
to the vehicle 10 to support and provide attachment surfaces for
the side panels 26 (FIG. 1). The lower panel 63 also provides one
or more attachment surfaces 72 for mounting the entire clam shell
assembly 62 to the frame 12, and particularly, to the frame rails
31 and the dashboard support bar 32. Alternatively, the upper panel
61 may include one or more attachment surfaces for attaching the
clam shell assembly 62 to the frame 12 in addition to or instead of
the lower panel attachment surfaces 72.
[0044] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the rear body shell 64 disposed
adjacent to the front clam shell assembly 62 so as to form the
composite body assembly 58. As mentioned above, the front clam
shell assembly 62 and rear body shell 64 are preferably not
connected together prior to being mounted to the frame 12. The rear
body shell 64 is preferably formed of one-piece construction, i.e.,
a single or unitary, integral piece. The illustrated embodiment
shows the rear body shell 64 as a unitary compression-molded piece
comprised of fiber-reinforced polymer. In a preferred form of the
invention, the fiber-reinforced polymer is a fiberglass-reinforced
polypropylene.
[0045] When the rear body section 60b is disposed on the frame 12,
the shell 64 is positioned such that the rear axle 44, the motor 46
and associated drive system components, i.e., either electric motor
47a and gearbox 47b or IC engine 48a and transmission 48b, are at
least partially disposed within the interior chamber 59 of the rear
body section 60b. The rear body shell 64 also provides an
attachment surface 80 for the support braces 68 and SAM 25. The
rear body shell 64 may also provide a rear bumper 82 positioned to
absorb impact, as shown in FIG. 9. Further, the rear body shell 64,
as illustrated in FIG. 10, also includes a golf bag support or well
84, which is an integral recessed portion of the rear body shell
64, and has a base and one or more walls. The golf bag support or
well 84 may be used for housing, supporting and transporting golf
bags. The rear body shell 64 therefore has high strength and
structural stability for supporting the weight of two or more golf
bags and high impact resistance to serve as the rear bumper 82 in
the event of a rear collision. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the rear
body shell 64 also includes an access opening 86 positioned to
facilitate access to the motor 46 and/or drive components 48 (FIGS.
2 and 4) for maintenance and repair, and a removable panel 87
configured to obstruct (i.e., cover) the access opening 86 when
disposed on the rear body section 60b.
[0046] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate a brow 102 and a fascia 104
bolted or otherwise fixedly mounted to a front portion of the
vehicle 10. The brow 102 is preferably formed of an injection
molded, fiber-reinforced, polymer and secured to the upper panel 61
of the clam shell assembly 62. In a preferred form of the
invention, the brow 102 is constructed of a 20% CaCO.sub.3-filled,
UV stable polypropylene copolymer, POLYFORT.RTM. FPP 3708U
(available from A. Schulman, Inc.). The brow 102 includes a
plurality of spaced apart, substantially parallel ribs 102a that
extend from an uppermost arch 102b to a lowermost arch 102c, the
ribs 102a defining therebetween a series of channels 102d. A front
decorative body panel 106 (FIGS. 14, 15 and 17) is formed to fit
over the brow 102 to provide aesthetic appeal to the vehicle 10.
The channels 102d define cavities formed between the front
decorative body panel 106 and the brow 102. Similar to the cavities
defined between the upper and lower panels 61, 63 of the clam shell
assembly 62 described above, these cavities may be open air spaces
or may alternatively be filled with fluid or material, such as a
resilient, impact-absorbing material. The cavities therefore
provide structural support to the front 10a of the vehicle 10.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the fascia 104 is bolted or
otherwise fixed to the brow 102 and extends forwardly from the brow
102. The fascia 104 has a curved shape with one relatively straight
portion 104a and two curved portions 104b that extend rearward
relative to the straight portion 104a and curve substantially
perpendicularly to the straight portion 104a. The fascia resembles
a typical vehicle bumper and extends transversely, spanning the
width of the front of the vehicle 10. Referring particularly to
FIG. 13, the fascia 104 includes a plurality of slots 104d
engageable by tabs 106a of the body panel 106, as discussed below,
and the curved portions 104b include tabs 104c that mate with the
opposing slots 62e in the clam shell assembly 62. The fascia 104
has a periphery 105, and the front decorative body panel 106 (FIGS.
14, 15 and 17) is recessed inwardly from the periphery 105 so as to
be protected by the fascia 104 from damage. However, the fascia 104
need not be constructed of a high impact resistant material because
one or more additional bumpers, such as bumper 28 shown in FIG. 1,
may be disposed beneath the fascia 104 and in front of the steering
and suspension assembly 33 to offer additional protection to the
vehicle 10 in the event of a head-on collision.
[0048] FIG. 13 shows a close-up of the assembly of the brow 102 to
the dashboard 62a and assembly of the fascia 104 to the brow 102
and clam shell assembly 62. Specifically, the brow 102 and fascia
104 are attachable to the upper panel 61 of the clam shell assembly
62. As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the brow 102 also serves as a
covering and/or splash guard for the dashboard 62a, thereby
providing coverage and protection for items stowed in the storage
compartments 79.
[0049] Decorative body panels 106 and 108 are added to the vehicle
10 both to provide an aesthetically-pleasing exterior and to
enclose certain vehicle components, as discussed below. The
decorative body panels 106 and 108 are preferably each formed of a
single, molded panel. In a preferred form of the invention, the
decorative body panels 106 and 108 are constructed of super-gloss
molding alloy from the SURLYN.RTM. REFLECTION series (e.g.,
SURSG201), available from DuPont Company.
[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 14, 15 and 17, the front decorative
body panel 106 is rounded to match and cover the underlying
structure of the brow 102. The front decorative body panel may
include a company logo or vehicle identifier 107, as shown in FIGS.
14, 15 and 17. FIG. 14 illustrates the assembly of the front
decorative body panel 106 to the brow 102. The front decorative
body panel 106 includes a plurality of spaced apart tabs 106a that
extend downwardly from a bottom edge of the front decorative body
panel 106. The tabs 106a are engageable with the slots 104d of the
fascia 104 and slots 62f formed in the dashboard 62a of clam shell
assembly 62. The front decorative body panel 106 is assembled by
aligning and inserting the tabs 106a into corresponding slots 104d
or 62f, and securing the front decorative body panel 106 to the
brow 102 by bolting or otherwise securing an arch 103 over an upper
edge of the front decorative body panel 106 to the brow 102 and/or
clam shell assembly 62.
[0051] The rear decorative body panel 108 is illustrated in FIGS.
15 and 16. The rear decorative body panel 108 is a single panel,
i.e., of one-piece construction, and basically includes a front
wall section 109, two sidewall sections 110A, 110B, and a
transverse member or bar 111. The transverse bar 111 is spaced
rearwardly of the front wall section 109 and extends between and
connects the sidewall sections 110A, 110B, such that the panel 108
has a substantially rigid structure. Preferably, the rear body
panel 108 is constructed of a injection-molded, high gloss polymer,
but may alternatively be compression-molded or otherwise formed and
constructed of any other appropriate materials.
[0052] Further, the rear decorative body panel 108 has an outer
periphery 118 and is adapted to fit onto a rear portion of the clam
shell assembly 62 and the rear body section lower portion 64b. When
disposed on the shell assembly 62 and rear body shell 64, the body
panel 108 is disposed about or encloses the battery or fuel supply
bucket 66 and the rear composite body upper portion 64a (FIGS. 9
and 10). As such, the rear body panel 58 forms part of the
structure of the composite body assembly 58, as opposed to being
solely or primarily a decorative component. The rear decorative
body panel 108 includes openings 112 and 113 designed to fit about
portions of the battery or fuel supply bucket 66 and the rear
composite body upper portion 64a, respectively, the transverse bar
111 defining and separating the two openings 112 and 113.
[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 15 and 16, the lower portion 64b
of the rear body shell 64 is visible when the rear decorative body
panel 108 is disposed on the remainder of the composite body
assembly 58. The rear composite body lower portion 64b has a
periphery 114 that extends or is spaced outwardly on all sides
relative to the periphery 118 of the rear decorative body panel
108, so as to protect the rear panel 108 from impact, abrasions or
other undesired contact. In other words, as the decorative body
panel 108 is inwardly recessed from the rear composite body lower
portion 64b, another vehicle or an obstacle (e.g., a tree, a fence
post, etc.) will first contact the rear body section 60b during a
collision, such that impact with the body panel 108 is
substantially prevented.
* * * * *