Engine and transaxle mounting and suspension system for a vehicle
First Claim
1. An engine support member for supporting an engine and transaxle of a gasoline-engine-powered vehicle, said support comprising:
- a. a base panel including means for receiving and mounting a gasoline engine;
b. a first end panel extending transversely from a first end of the base panel in a first direction, the end panel including mounting means for receiving and mounting a transaxle adapted to be operatively connected with the engine;
c. a second end panel extending transversely from a second end of the base panel substantially in the first direction and spaced from the first end panel, the second end panel including mounting means for receiving and mounting a vibration-isolating mount for connection with a vehicle frame.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A carrier member for carrying the drive train components of a small, off-road, gasoline-powered vehicle. The carrier is a sheet metal structure having a base panel for carrying a small engine, a rear panel for carrying a transaxle that includes axle shafts extending to the rear drive wheels, and a front panel for receiving a front mount adapted to engage the vehicle frame at a transverse frame cross member. The carrier and associated drive train components constitute a unitized drive train assembly that is suspended from the frame by a pair of leaf springs or a pair of coil springs. Optionally, a torsion bar can be provided to minimize roll of the vehicle during turns. One embodiment of the suspension system includes a Watts link arrangement for minimizing side-to-side movement of the drive train assembly, and a ball-type front mount for connection of the drive train assembly with the vehicle frame in a manner to minimize transfer to the frame of vibrations and torque from the drive train assembly.
78 Citations
26 Claims
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1. An engine support member for supporting an engine and transaxle of a gasoline-engine-powered vehicle, said support comprising:
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a. a base panel including means for receiving and mounting a gasoline engine; b. a first end panel extending transversely from a first end of the base panel in a first direction, the end panel including mounting means for receiving and mounting a transaxle adapted to be operatively connected with the engine; c. a second end panel extending transversely from a second end of the base panel substantially in the first direction and spaced from the first end panel, the second end panel including mounting means for receiving and mounting a vibration-isolating mount for connection with a vehicle frame. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A vehicle drive train suspension for supporting an engine and transaxle relative to a vehicle frame comprising:
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a. an engine and interconnected transaxle each connected with and carried on a drive train support member, the support member including a base panel having means for receiving and mounting a gasoline engine, a first end panel extending transversely from a first end of the base panel in a first direction, the end panel including mounting means for receiving and mounting a transaxle adapted to be operatively connected with the engine, a second end panel extending transversely from a second end of the base panel substantially in the first direction and spaced from the first end panel, the second end panel including mounting means for receiving and mounting a vibration-isolating mount for connection with a vehicle frame connection; and b. spring means extending between the vehicle frame and the transaxle for resiliently suspending the engine and transaxle from the vehicle frame. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification