摘要 |
A personal conveyance is herein disclosed wherein a space frame or roll cage of an integral passenger and engine compartment is fabricated from at least two (2), preferably elliptical, roll bars that are directly or indirectly associated with a floor pan. In each case, at least one (1) roll bar is integral with and supportive of the perimeter of the floor pan and preferable permanently bonded (e.g. welded) thereto. A second, (and possible multiple roll bars), is then arranged inboard of said horizontal roll bar, in a linear array along the length of the vehicle, and at an inclined angle relative to the plane of the floor pan. The horizontal roll bar is affixed to the inclined roll bar at each point of intersection or coincidence thereof, so as to form an essential unitary structure or roll cage sufficient to accommodate both passenger and power plant compartments. This roll cage or X-O-Skeleton(TM)-like structure is further modified on the inboard surface of the passenger and power plant compartments to receive and retain fasteners that are associated with body panels and windscreen/windows. The complimentary fasteners and fittings on such panels and inboard surfaces of the roll bars permit wind and water tight enclosure of the passenger and engine compartments defined by such roll cage or X-O-Skeleton(TM).
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