초록 ▼

Multiple embodiments are disclosed which display modularity for accomplishing multiple modes of operation for a utility vehicle. The utility vehicle (100) may include a rear cargo platform (450), a plurality of connection points (460) disposed in matrix and adapted to couple an item to the rear carg

Multiple embodiments are disclosed which display modularity for accomplishing multiple modes of operation for a utility vehicle. The utility vehicle (100) may include a rear cargo platform (450), a plurality of connection points (460) disposed in matrix and adapted to couple an item to the rear cargo platform, and three or more couplings (490) for adding a subsection (470) in a non-pivotable manner or pivotably coupling the rear cargo platform. The vehicle may be a four-wheeled vehicle that coverts to a six-wheeled vehicle by the addition of the subsection. The utility vehicle may include a subsection cargo platform which may be coupled to the rear cargo platform and may pivot rearward. The utility vehicle may include couplings for adding a second subsection.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A utility vehicle comprising: a main frame;a plurality of ground engaging members supporting said main frame above the ground;an engine supported by said main frame and providing power to said utility vehicle;a rear cargo platform supported by said main frame;at least one connector having a gripp

1. A utility vehicle comprising: a main frame;a plurality of ground engaging members supporting said main frame above the ground;an engine supported by said main frame and providing power to said utility vehicle;a rear cargo platform supported by said main frame;at least one connector having a gripping member; anda plurality of connection points located on said rear cargo platform adjacent a top surface thereof and disposed in a matrix, said plurality of connection points adapted to removably couple one or more connectors adapted to secure an item to said rear cargo platform, at least some of said connection points define an item location and orientation, and said matrix is configured to couple the item in more than one location or in more than one orientation, wherein said at least one connector gripping member has a locked and an unlocked position with the connection point. 2. A utility vehicle as in claim 1, wherein said item is coupled to said rear cargo platform by at least two said connection points. 3. A utility vehicle as in claim 1, wherein at least one said connector is an expansion retainer. 4. A utility vehicle as in claim 1, wherein said connection points are apertures adapted to receive said connectors. 5. A utility vehicle as in claim 4, further comprising a rail, said rail including a slot and two or more connectors adapted to secure said rail to two or more said apertures, and said slot comprising a cross-section having a narrow portion disposed on top of a wide portion and being adapted to slidably receive one or more connectors to secure an item to said rear cargo platform. 6. A utility vehicle as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of connection points are disposed in one or more slots comprising a cross-section having a narrow portion disposed on top of a wide portion and being adapted to slidably receive one or more said connectors. 7. A utility vehicle as in claim 1, wherein said cross-section further includes a portion on top of said narrow portion that is wider than said narrow portion. 8. A utility vehicle as in claim 1, further comprising at least one aperture disposed in one said one or more slots, said aperture being adapted to receive one or more said connectors and to enable said one or more said connectors to slide in said slot. 9. A utility vehicle as in claim 1, wherein said slots are integrated in said rear cargo platform. 10. A utility vehicle as in claim 1, wherein said main frame comprises at least three couplings adapted to detachably couple said main frame to a modular subsection or to said cargo platform, and said couplings are spaced apart to substantially prevent said modular subsection from pivoting relative to said main frame when said modular subsection is coupled to said main frame. 11. A utility vehicle as in claim 10, wherein said rear cargo platform extends substantially over the area said subsection would occupy if it were coupled to said main frame. 12. A utility vehicle as in claim 10, further comprising a subsection cargo platform, wherein said subsection cargo platform is pivotably coupled to said rear cargo platform and is adapted to pivot forward until it lays on top of said rear cargo platform. 13. A utility vehicle as in claim 10, further comprising said subsection cargo platform, wherein said subsection cargo platform is pivotably coupled to at least two of said couplings of said main frame and is adapted to pivot forward until it lays on top of said rear cargo platform. 14. A utility vehicle as in claim 10, further comprising a support frame including two longitudinal members, two or more cross-members, and two couplings, wherein said support frame is coupled to said rear cargo platform. 15. A utility vehicle as in claim 14, wherein said support frame is pivotably coupled to two of said at least three couplings of said main frame. 16. A utility vehicle as in claim 10, further comprising a modular subsection adapted to detachably couple to said main frame, said modular subsection comprising: a subsection frame;two or more ground engaging members supporting said subsection frame above the ground; andat least three subsection front couplings adapted to detachably couple to said at least three couplings of said main frame. 17. A utility vehicle as in claim 16, further comprising a plurality of connection points located on said subsection cargo platform and disposed in a matrix, said plurality of connection points adapted to removably couple one or more connectors adapted to secure an item to said subsection cargo platform. 18. A utility vehicle as in claim 16, further including at least three subsection rear couplings for detachably coupling a second subsection, said rear couplings being spaced apart to substantially prevent said modular subsection from pivoting relative to said second subsection. 19. A utility vehicle as in claim 16, further comprising a support frame, wherein said support frame is coupled to said subsection cargo platform and is pivotably coupled to two of said at least three subsection rear couplings. 20. A utility vehicle as in claim 19, wherein said subsection cargo platform is coupled to said rear cargo platform. 21. A utility vehicle comprising: a main frame;a plurality of ground engaging members supporting said main frame above the ground;an engine supported by said main frame and providing power to said utility vehicle;a rear cargo platform supported by said main frame; anda plurality of connection points located on said rear cargo platform and disposed in a matrix; andan accessory having accessory connection points arranged to cooperate with at least a portion of the rear cargo platform connection points to mount the accessory to the rear cargo platform, the accessory selected from the group consisting of a seat, a foot pedestal, and a gun mount. 22. A utility vehicle as in claim 21, wherein said accessory is coupled to said rear cargo platform by at least two said connection points which define an accessory location and orientation. 23. A utility vehicle as in claim 22, wherein said matrix is configured to couple said accessory in more than one location or in more than one orientation. 24. A utility vehicle as in claim 21, wherein said rear cargo platform connection points are apertures. 25. A utility vehicle as in claim 24, wherein said accessory connection points are expansion retainers. 26. A utility vehicle as in claim 21, wherein said seat is a bench seat which can be mounted either longitudinally or transversely. 27. A utility vehicle as in claim 21, wherein said plurality of rear cargo platform connection points is defined by longitudinally extending slots on the rear cargo platform. 28. A utility vehicle as in claim 3, wherein the expansion retainer includes a handle and a grommet operably coupled to the handle, whereby when said handle is in a closed position, said grommet expands to retain said connector within said connection point, and when said grommet is in an open position, said grommet contracts such that said connector is moveable along said connection point. 29. A utility vehicle as in claim 1, further comprising an item to be removably coupled to the rear cargo platform. 30. A utility vehicle as in claim 29, wherein the item is selected from the group consisting of a seat, a foot pedestal, and a gun mount.