Multipurpose vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose vehicle comprising: a frame having a longitudinal centerline, the frame including at least two longitudinally extending frame members, including a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member having a first upper surface and a height-reducing section below the first upper surface, the second frame member having a second upper surface and a mounting portion raised relative to the second upper surface; a ground engagement member supporting the frame; a powertrain coupled to the frame; a driveshaft coupled between the powertrain and at least some of the ground engagement members; and a driveshaft bearing support member supporting the driveshaft along its length, the driveshaft bearing support member including a flange surrounding at least a portion of the driveshaft bearing support member, and the flange including a first flange engagement point coupled to the height-reducing section and a second flange engagement point coupled to the mounting portion, such that a line drawn through the first and second flange engagement points defines a line angled relative to a horizontal axis.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on April 1, 2019, with application number 201910256895.8 and invention title "Multi-purpose Vehicle". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to multipurpose vehicles, and more specifically to multipurpose vehicles having a front passenger compartment and a rear passenger compartment. Background Technology

[0003] Multipurpose vehicles for operation in rugged terrain are known, for example, see U.S. Patent 9,650,078. Multipurpose vehicles configured with front seats for an operator and up to two passengers and rear seats for up to three additional passengers are also known, see generally U.S. Patent 9,789,909. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first embodiment, a multi-purpose vehicle includes: a longitudinally extending frame having a longitudinal centerline, the frame including a front frame portion and a rear frame portion; a ground-mounted member supporting the frame; a cab including a front seating section, a rear seating section, and a center panel located in front of the rear seating section and separating the front seating section from the rear seating section; and an HVAC duct extending below the front seating section, passing through the front seating section, and connecting to the center panel to deliver treated air to the rear seating area.

[0005] In another embodiment, a multi-purpose vehicle includes: a frame having a longitudinal centerline, the frame including at least two longitudinally extending frame members, the frame including a first frame member having a first upper surface and a height-reducing section below the first upper surface, the frame including a second frame member having a second upper surface and a mounting portion raised relative to the second upper surface; a ground engagement member supporting the frame; a powertrain coupled to the frame; a driveshaft coupled between the powertrain and at least some of the ground engagement members; and a driveshaft bearing support member supporting the driveshaft along its length, wherein the bearing support member includes a flange surrounding at least a portion of the bearing support member, and the flange includes a first flange connection point coupled to the height-reducing section and a second flange connection point coupled to the mounting portion, such that a line drawn through the first flange connection point and the second flange connection point defines a line angled relative to a horizontal axis.

[0006] In another embodiment, a multi-purpose vehicle includes: a longitudinally extending frame having a longitudinal centerline, the frame including a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, the frame also including an upwardly extending front pillar portion, an upwardly extending rear pillar portion and an upwardly extending center pillar portion, wherein the center pillar portion extends rearward as it ascends; a ground-jointing member supporting the frame; a cab including a front seating section generally longitudinally positioned between the front pillar portion and the center pillar portion and including a front floor, and a rear seating section generally longitudinally positioned between the center pillar portion and the rear pillar portion and including a rear floor; and a panel portion enclosing each of the center pillar portions, wherein a foremost position is defined in the panel portion adjacent to the rear floor, and the foremost position is angled rearward and upward.

[0007] In another embodiment, a multi-purpose vehicle includes: a longitudinally extending frame having a longitudinal centerline, the frame including a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, the frame also including an upwardly extending front pillar portion, an upwardly extending rear pillar portion and an upwardly extending center pillar portion; a ground-jointing member supporting the frame; a cab including a front seating section generally longitudinally positioned between the front pillar portion and the center pillar portion and including a front floor, and a rear seating section generally longitudinally positioned between the center pillar portion and the rear pillar portion and including a rear floor; a panel portion enclosing each center pillar portion; and a front door and at least one hinge for each door, the hinge being connected to the center pillar portion via a lateral outer surface of the panel portion. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a left frontal perspective perspective view of the vehicle disclosed in this publication;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a right rear-view perspective view of the vehicle disclosed in this publication;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The left-side view of the vehicle;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The right-side view of the vehicle;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top-down view of the vehicle;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front view of the vehicle;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 1Rear view of the vehicle;

[0015] Figure 8 It is used for Figure 1 A left frontal perspective stereoscopic view of the vehicle's frame;

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The right rear-view stereoscopic view of the frame;

[0017] Figure 10 This is a left front perspective perspective view showing the components used in the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system;

[0018] Figure 11 The right rear perspective view of the various components of the HVAC system is shown.

[0019] Figure 12 A right front perspective perspective view of the HVAC system is shown, in which the system hoses are partially cut open;

[0020] Figure 13 This is an enlarged view of the engine-driven air conditioning compressor in an HVAC system;

[0021] Figure 14 A right rear-view perspective view of the operator's compartment is shown, which illustrates the treated air ventilation system for rear passengers;

[0022] Figure 15 This is a lower rear perspective view showing the ductwork used to deliver treated air to rear passengers;

[0023] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 An enlarged view of the thin-walled pipe shown;

[0024] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 An exploded view of the pipeline;

[0025] Figure 18 It shows Figure 1 A front-right perspective view of the drive shaft of the vehicle's transmission system.

[0026] Figure 19 The drive shaft and load-bearing support components are shown as disassembled from the frame;

[0027] Figure 20 The HVAC hoses connected to the frame are shown;

[0028] Figure 21 A left front perspective perspective view of the cab frame of this vehicle is shown;

[0029] Figure 22 It shows Figure 21 A right rear-view perspective view of the cab frame;

[0030] Figure 23 It shows Figure 21 and Figure 22 The driver's door shown is connected to the upper right corner of the cab frame;

[0031] Figure 24 This shows the disassembly from the cab frame with the driver's door removed. Figure 23 The hinge;

[0032] Figure 25 The lower hinge of the driver's door is shown;

[0033] Figure 26 The driver's door hinge is shown away from the disintegration of the cab frame;

[0034] Figure 27 The storage compartment located under the seat on the right side of the vehicle is shown;

[0035] Figure 28 An exploded view of the vehicle's side panel is shown;

[0036] Figure 29 A right rear-view perspective perspective view of the passenger entrance for the rear seating area is shown;

[0037] Figure 30 An enlarged view of the vehicle frame is shown, illustrating the structure that allows rear passengers to enter; and

[0038] Figure 31 The image shows the occupants in the rear seats, where legroom has been increased and the area for entry has been expanded. Detailed Implementation

[0039] First refer to Figures 1 to 7 The multi-purpose vehicle is generally shown as 2, and the multi-purpose vehicle includes a frame 4 ( Figure 2 ), a front ground engagement member 6 defined by tire 8 and rim 10, and a rear ground engagement member 12 defined by tire 14 and rim 16. Figure 1The multi-purpose vehicle shown is generally referred to as a "crew" type multi-purpose vehicle, which has a front operator and passenger area 20 and a rear passenger area 22. Vehicle 2 includes a front portion 30 with a canopy 32 and side panels 34. The roof 34 can be configured as a vehicle cover attached to a vehicle cab frame 36 as known in the art. The vehicle includes a side panel 40 located between the front door 42 and the rear door 44, and a rear panel 46 located behind the door 44. Door 42 is attached to the vehicle via upper hinges 50 and lower hinges 52, while door 44 is attached to the vehicle via hinges 54 and 56. Vehicle 2 may also include a rear body area 60, which may include a multi-purpose bed 62 configured as a tilting body. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the best view, vehicle 2 also includes a powertrain 70, as further described herein.

[0040] Now refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The frame 4 will be described in more detail below. As shown, the frame 4 is defined by a longitudinally extending frame tube 70 that extends from the front of the frame to the rear of the frame, where the frame tube 70 extends outward to define a section 72. The frame 70 is coupled to an outer tube 74 that extends rearward from the front end of the tube 70. A tube 76 extends parallel to the tube 74 and includes vertical portions or pillars indicated by 78 and 80. The frame 4 defines a front frame portion 82 and a rear frame portion 86, the front frame portion 82 including a front suspension mounting portion indicated by 84, and the rear frame portion 86 defining a rear suspension mounting portion indicated by 88. The frame 4 includes a front seat mounting portion 90 and a rear seat mounting portion 92. The frame 4 also includes vertical portions or pillars 94 extending upward from the frame tube 74. The cab frame mounting portions are defined by a front cab frame mounting portion 100, a middle cab frame mounting portion 102, and a rear cab frame mounting portion 104. A drive bearing support mounting portion 110 is defined in the longitudinally extending frame tube 70 adjacent to the seat portion 90, as further described herein.

[0041] Now refer to Figures 10 to 13The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 120 will be described in more detail below. As shown, the HVAC system 120 includes a compressor 122 driven by an engine 124 in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Patent 9,738,134, the subject of which is incorporated herein by reference. The compressor 122 is used to compress the refrigerant for the air conditioning section of the HVAC system 120, as known in the art. The HVAC system 120 also includes a condenser 130, which corresponds to an HVAC unit 132 located within the operator compartment 20, as further described herein. A heater core 134 and an evaporator 136 are located in the HVAC unit 132. Although the radiator 140 is not part of the HVAC system itself, it is mounted behind the condenser 130, wherein both the condenser 130 and the radiator 140 are located at the front of the vehicle and mounted in the front section 82 ( Figure 8 The air passing through the condenser 130 and radiator 140 is incorporated into the condenser 130 and radiator 140 for cooling purposes.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 This will describe the refrigerant's routing in detail. Fitting 150 for hose 152 ( Figure 13 ) is connected to compressor 122, compressor 122 compresses the refrigerant through accessory 154 ( Figure 12 The refrigerant is supplied to condenser 130. The refrigerant is cooled by the condenser and travels downwards within condenser 130. Hose 156 ( Figure 12 The refrigerant is supplied from the condenser 130 to the evaporator 136, and then the hose 158 returns the refrigerant to the compressor 122, as shown. Figure 13 As shown in the diagram. This is a continuous refrigeration cycle in which air is processed within HVAC unit 132 and supplied to various output ducts indicated by 160, 162, and 164. Figure 10 The treated air is then passed through pipe outlets 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178 and 180. Figure 12 ) delivery. It should be understood that pipes 160, 162, and 164 are used for the antechamber 20. Rear piping assembly 184 ( Figure 10 Connect to the rear pipe 186 ( Figure 11 The rear conduit 186 extends outward from the HVAC unit 132 and connects to the low-profile conduit 188, which in turn connects to the Y-connector 190. Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is then connected to the rear conduit 192, as described in more detail herein.

[0043] The heating section of the HVAC system utilizes heat obtained from the engine coolant. The engine coolant is supplied by a water pump 200 (…). Figure 11 Water is pumped from radiator 140 via hose 202. Pump 200 pumps water upwards through engine 124, whereupon the heated water exits via hose 206. The heated water returns to radiator 140 via hose 206. Figure 10 As shown in the optimal diagram. The heated water used for the heater core 134 is supplied from the engine 124 through hose 216 (…). Figure 13 The water is obtained by entering the thermostatic valve 218 and then the hose 220. If the water is not sufficiently heated for the heater core 136, it returns to the engine through the hose 222. The hose 220 leads into the heater core 134, such as... Figure 12 As shown in the optimal configuration. Heat is extracted from the water and used for heating purposes in HVAC unit 132. Water exits the heater core at hose 226. Figure 12 ), wherein hose 226 is connected to hose 202 at fitting 228 ( Figure 11 The water then returns to the engine.

[0044] The structure of the HVAC system 120 described above will be given, and its application in vehicle 2 will be described. First, refer to... Figure 14 HVAC unit 132 is shown as being installed in the front of the vehicle, with hose 186 extending into aisle portion 240. Aisle portion 240 extends rearward to base 242, which covers front seat frame 90. Figure 8 The rear ventilation unit 244 is connected to the rear wall 246 of the base 242 and protrudes rearward from the base 242 and into the rear passenger compartment 22. Figure 1 Connected. For example... Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown in the optimal configuration, the rear duct assembly 184 includes a hose 186, a thin duct 188, a hose 189, a Y-shaped splitter 190, and a duct 192. The duct 192 delivers treated air to the rear chamber 22 via a ventilation element 244.

[0045] like Figure 17 As shown, the thin pipe 188 includes mounting lugs 250 for mounting the pipe 188 on the lower side of the passageway 240, as... Figure 15 As shown in the optimal configuration. Due to the thin profile of the pipe 188, the passageway 240 can be kept at a minimum height, thereby maximizing the front area of ​​the chamber 20, such as the area in front of the occupants' feet. Figure 17As shown, the thin pipe 188 has a central width 260 and a height 262. In the illustrated embodiment, dimension 260 = 150 mm (5.9 inches) and dimension 262 = 22 mm (0.866 inches), such that the width-to-height ratio (260 / 262) = 6.8, but this ratio can be in the range of 5 to 10.

[0046] Now refer to Figures 18 to 20 This will describe the modified drivetrain, which allows for a compact encapsulation of the aforementioned HVAC hoses. First, refer to... Figure 18 The diagram shows a driveshaft 270, which has a front driveshaft portion 272 that powers the front wheels 6 and a rear driveshaft portion 274 that powers the rear wheels 12. A central driveshaft portion 276 extends between driveshaft portions 272 and 274 and is supported by load-bearing supports—namely, a front support support 280 and a rear support support 282.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 19 Frame 4 is redesigned such that one frame tube 70 is provided with an upper surface 286, in which a height-reducing section 288 is defined, the height-reducing section 288 being defined by a recess within frame member 70 as shown. Another frame member 70 provides an upper surface 290, which includes a mounting portion 292 raised relative to the upper surface 290. Mounting portion 292 is defined by a bracket having a mounting surface, indicated by 294, parallel to the surface 295 defined by recess 288. As described herein, recess 288 and bracket 292 each include threaded openings 296 and 298.

[0048] Still refer to Figure 19 The transmission bearing support member 280 includes an outer flange 300, which includes a first flange portion 300a that is received abutting against a surface 295 of a recess 288 and a second flange portion 300b received on a surface 294. The flange 300 includes an opening 306 aligned with a threaded opening 296 and an opening 308 aligned with a threaded opening 298. Fasteners 310 are received through openings 306 and 308 and are threadedly received in the threaded openings 296 and 298, respectively. Figure 19 As shown, flange portions 300a and 300b are rotated relative to the horizontal axis, and due to the notch 288, the entire flange portion 300a is lower than the top surface 286. Figure 18 This is in the front aisle section 240 ( Figure 14 It provides increased volume for installing HVAC hoses.

[0049] More specifically, and referring to Figure 20HVAC hoses 152, 158, 202, 206, and 220 are shown bundled together by a clamp 320, which is then coupled to an upright post 322, which is attached to the side of a longitudinal frame tube 70 including a notch 288. This allows the support carrier 280 to be coupled to the frame tube 70, but allows the hose bundle to be positioned close to the upper surface 286, thereby providing a thin enclosure within the passageway 240.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 21 and Figure 22 The cab frame 36 will be described in more detail below. As shown, the cab frame 36 includes a front pillar 330, a central pillar 332, and a rear pillar 334. The front pillar 330 includes a joined longitudinal section 336 and a transverse section 338 extending between the longitudinal sections 336. A T-shaped connector 340 connects to the rear end of the section 336, the upper end of the pillar 332, and the front end of the longitudinal section 332. An angled connector 344 connects to the rear end of the section 342 and the upper end of the pillar 334. The transverse portion 348 extends between the connectors 344. The cab frame 36 is connected to the front connector 100 ( Figure 8 The front connector 350 is installed to the connector 102. Figure 8 The intermediate connector 352 and the connector 104 are mounted to it. Figure 8 The rear connector 354 is installed to the frame 4.

[0051] like Figure 24 As shown, the T-shaped connector 340 includes two recesses 360 and 362 that receive the fastener 364 into the connector 366 attached to the top of the post 332. The connector 340 also includes an opening 372 for the hinge half 374 of the hinge 50. Figure 24 The threaded boss 370 is aligned with the hinge half 374, which includes a plate portion 380 connected to a T-joint 340; and a lateral portion 382 on the doors 42, 44. Figure 23 It has a cylindrical portion 384 at its external location; and a vertical column 386. (e.g.) Figure 23 As shown, the mating hinge portion 390 includes a plate portion 392 connected to the door 42 by a fastener 394 and a cylindrical portion 396 positioned on a post 386. This allows the door 42 and the hinge portion 390 to rotate relative to the hinge portion 374.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26 The hinge 52 will be described in more detail. For example... Figure 26As best shown, the side panel 40 includes an upper panel portion 40a and a lower panel portion 40b. Side panels 40a and 40b cover an upright post 80, wherein the post 80 includes a mounting bracket 400 connected to the post 80. Panel portion 40a includes a slot indicated by 402, which provides access to the bracket 400 and a threaded opening 404. Hinge 52 includes a first portion 410 having a flange 412 having an opening 414 aligned with the threaded opening 404. Hinge portion 410 includes a cylindrical portion 416 for receiving a fastener 418 passing through a cylindrical portion 416. Hinge 52 also includes a hinge portion 420 including a hinge arm 422 for retaining to a door 42, the hinge arm 422 having a slot 424 for receiving a fastener 426 passing through a slot 424. Cylindrical portion 428 and cylindrical portion 416 are vertically aligned to receive fastener 418 passing through cylindrical portion 428 and to receive mating threaded fastener 430 to connect hinge portions 410 and 420 together. Fastener 436 is received through opening 414, through slot 402, through sealing washer 440 and threadedly engaged with threaded opening 404. This combination provides a sealed interconnection between hinge 52 and side panel 40.

[0053] Now refer to Figure 27 The front operator compartment 20 and the rear passenger compartment 22 are shown, with doors 42 and 44 removed respectively, and the rear base 440 is shown positioned on the rear seat frame 92. Figure 8 The vehicle includes a front long bench seat 442 positioned on a base 242 and a rear passenger long bench seat 444 positioned above a base 440. The long bench seats 442 and 444 cantilever from their respective bases 242 and 440 to create a storage space 450 located beneath the seats 442 and 444 and extending rearward from the front panel 34 to the rear panel 452. To support the long bench seat 442... Figure 27 In the cantilever position, a bracket 456 is installed on the frame 4. Figure 8 The bracket 456 includes a support 458 for receiving the lower part of the bench seat 444. Similarly, the frame 4 includes a bracket 460. Figure 8 The bracket 460 has a support 462 for receiving the lower part of the long bench 444.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 28The vehicle body side panels are shown in an exploded view, revealing the front panel 34, the middle panel 40, and the rear panel 46. As shown, panel 40 includes a front trim portion 470 having a forward-facing connector portion 472 received in a mating concave portion 474. Similarly, the rear panel 46 includes a trim portion 476 having a forward-facing connector, indicated by 478, received in a concave connector 480. It should be understood that when the vehicle uses a single seat, the middle panel 40 is not used, and the front panel 34 and rear panel 46 are joined together via the forward connector 478 and the concave connector 474.

[0055] Now refer to Figures 29 to 31 This will describe the enlarged footwell area for rear passengers. For example... Figure 29 As shown in the best view, the rear panel 246 includes a recessed area 490, thereby as Figure 31 As shown, additional space is provided for the occupant's feet. An improved ingress is provided, wherein the column 80 is positioned at a rearward angle relative to the frame tube 76 by front supports 492 and rear supports 494 that support the column 80. Figure 30 ) extension. Since the column 80 extends rearward, the side panel portion 40b can be profiled to match the column 80 and includes the rear panel portion 500, which overlaps with the rear support 494 to provide a triangular entry opening 502 ( Figure 31 The entrance opening 502 is positioned at the very front of the opening that allows passengers to enter the rear seating area 22.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose vehicle, comprising: A frame having a longitudinal centerline, the frame including at least two longitudinally extending frame members, the at least two longitudinally extending frame members including a first longitudinally extending frame member and a second longitudinally extending frame member, the first longitudinally extending frame member having a first upper surface and a height-reduced section below the first upper surface, the second longitudinally extending frame member having a second upper surface and a mounting portion raised relative to the second upper surface. A ground-mounted component that supports the frame; A powertrain system connected to the frame; A drive shaft, the drive shaft being connected between the power transmission system and at least some of the ground engagement members; and A drive bearing support member that supports the drive shaft along its length, wherein the drive bearing support member includes a flange surrounding at least a portion of the drive bearing support member, and the flange includes a first flange connection point connected to the height reduction section and a second flange connection point connected to the mounting portion, such that a line drawn through the first flange connection point and the second flange connection point defines a line at an angle relative to a horizontal axis.

2. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two longitudinally extending frame members include longitudinally extending frame tubes, and the height reduction section is a notch in the first longitudinally extending frame tube.

3. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The mounting portion is defined by a bracket connected to a second longitudinally extending frame tube.

4. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The first flange connection point and the second flange connection point are parallel to each other.

5. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The first flange connection point is connected to the height reduction section by a first fastener, and the second flange connection point is connected to the mounting portion by a second fastener different from the first fastener.

6. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The entire first flange connection point is located below the first upper surface of the first longitudinally extending frame member.

7. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The frame also includes a front seat mounting portion supported by at least one of the at least two longitudinally extending frame members.

8. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The transmission bearing support is positioned adjacent to the front seat mounting portion.

9. The multipurpose vehicle of claim 1, further comprising at least one HVAC hose extending along at least a portion of the driveshaft and connected to at least one of the first longitudinally extending frame member and the second longitudinally extending frame member.

10. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one HVAC hose is connected to the first longitudinally extending frame member, and the first longitudinally extending frame member includes an HVAC connector positioned adjacent to the first flange connection point.

11. A multi-purpose vehicle, comprising: The frame includes a first longitudinally extending frame tube and a second longitudinally extending frame tube, the first longitudinally extending frame tube having a first upper surface and the second longitudinally extending frame tube having a second upper surface. The front seat mounting portion is supported by the frame; A ground-mounted component that supports the frame; A powertrain system connected to the frame; A drive shaft, the drive shaft being connected between the power transmission system and at least some of the ground engagement members; and A drive bearing support member is connected to the drive shaft, wherein the drive bearing support member includes a flange positioned around a portion of the drive bearing support member, the flange including a first flange connection point and a second flange connection point, the first flange connection point being connected to a first longitudinally extending frame tube at a position below a first upper surface, and the second flange connection point being connected to a second longitudinally extending frame tube, wherein the drive bearing support member is positioned adjacent to the front seat mounting portion.

12. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The first longitudinally extending frame tube includes a notch positioned at a lower height relative to the first upper surface, and the second longitudinally extending frame tube includes a bracket positioned at an elevated height relative to the second upper surface.

13. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The first flange connection point is connected to the recess, and the second flange connection point is connected to the bracket, such that when the flange is connected to the recess and the bracket, the flange is at an angle relative to the horizontal axis.

14. A multi-purpose vehicle, comprising: The frame includes a first longitudinally extending frame member and a second longitudinally extending frame member, the first longitudinally extending frame member having a first upper surface and the second longitudinally extending frame member having a second upper surface. A ground-mounted component that supports the frame; A powertrain system connected to the frame; A drive shaft, which is connected between the power transmission system and at least some of the ground engagement components; A transmission bearing support member, the transmission bearing support member being connected to the transmission shaft, wherein the transmission bearing support member includes a flange, the flange including a first flange connection point connecting to a first longitudinally extending frame member and a second flange connection point connecting to a second longitudinally extending frame member; and At least one HVAC hose, said at least one HVAC hose being connected to the first longitudinally extending frame member, The at least one HVAC hose is connected to a first portion of the first longitudinally extending frame member, and the first flange connection point is connected to a second portion of the first longitudinally extending frame member.

15. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The first longitudinally extending frame member includes a notch positioned at a lower height relative to the first upper surface, and the second longitudinally extending frame member includes a bracket positioned at an elevated height relative to the second upper surface.

16. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 15, wherein, The first flange connection point is connected to the recess, and the second flange connection point is connected to the bracket, such that when the flange is connected to the recess and the bracket, the flange is at an angle relative to the horizontal axis.

17. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, At least one upright is positioned at the first portion of the first longitudinally extending frame member, and the at least one upright is configured to connect to the at least one HVAC hose.

18. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 17, wherein, The at least one column is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the first longitudinally extending frame member.

19. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 18, wherein, The column is located adjacent to a portion of the drive shaft.

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