Lower vehicle body structure and method of use therefor
First Claim
1. A lower body structure comprising:
- a plurality of structural elements mounted with respect to one another in a predetermined spatial relationship and partially forming a vehicle body having an interior space that extends upward from a lower extent of the interior space, the plurality of structural elements sufficiently configured and positioned to receive a load at a point higher than the lower extent of the interior space from an impact to the vehicle body, thereby protecting the spatial integrity of the interior space;
wherein the partially formed vehicle body is configured to operatively connect to a vehicle chassis having a structural frame, a steering system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, a braking system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, and an energy conversion system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A lower vehicle body structure for a vehicle body defining an interior space includes structural elements that extend higher than the lower extent of the interior space. The structural elements protect the spatial integrity of the interior space by being sufficiently configured and positioned to receive a load at a point higher than the lower extent of the interior space from an impact to the vehicle body. The vehicle body is configured to be matable with a chassis having systems that are responsive to nonmechanical control signals. A method for advantageously using pre-engineered lower body structures as a common base for bodies of varying styles, types, and configurations is also provided.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A lower body structure comprising:
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a plurality of structural elements mounted with respect to one another in a predetermined spatial relationship and partially forming a vehicle body having an interior space that extends upward from a lower extent of the interior space, the plurality of structural elements sufficiently configured and positioned to receive a load at a point higher than the lower extent of the interior space from an impact to the vehicle body, thereby protecting the spatial integrity of the interior space;
wherein the partially formed vehicle body is configured to operatively connect to a vehicle chassis having a structural frame, a steering system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, a braking system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, and an energy conversion system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A vehicle body defining an interior space extending upward from a lower extent of the interior space, the vehicle body comprising:
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a lower body structure having a plurality of structural elements mounted with respect to one another and positioned between an exterior exposed body surface and an interior exposed body surface, the plurality of structural elements sufficiently configured and positioned to receive a load at a point higher than the lower extent of the interior space from an impact to the vehicle body, thereby protecting the spatial integrity of the interior space; and
an upper body structure operatively connected to the lower body structure;
wherein the lower body structure is configured to operatively connect to a vehicle chassis having a structural frame, a steering system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, a braking system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, and an energy conversion system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of assembling vehicle bodies, the method comprising:
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assembling a first vehicle body having a first lower body structure and a first upper body structure operatively connected to the first lower body structure, the first vehicle body defining a first interior space extending upward from a lower extent, the first lower body structure including a first plurality of structural elements sufficiently configured and positioned to receive a load at a point higher than the lower extent of the first interior space from an impact to the first vehicle body, thereby protecting the spatial integrity of the first interior space;
wherein the first vehicle body is matable with a vehicle chassis having a structural frame, a steering system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, a braking system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, and an energy conversion system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A vehicle comprising:
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a vehicle chassis having a structural frame, a steering system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, a braking system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame, and an energy conversion system responsive to nonmechanical control signals and operatively connected to the structural frame;
a vehicle body operatively connected to the vehicle chassis and defining an interior space extending upward from a lower extent of the interior space, the vehicle body having a lower body structure having a plurality of structural elements mounted with respect to one another and positioned between an exterior exposed body surface and an interior exposed body surface, the plurality of structural elements sufficiently configured and positioned to receive a load at a point higher than the lower extent of the interior space from an impact load to the vehicle body so that the interior space maintains spatial integrity; and
an upper body structure having segments operatively connected to respective ones of the plurality of structural elements.
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Specification