Cargo bed and vehicle

A cargo bed includes a main body portion made of a material including a metal, and a pair of rear fenders made of a material including a resin and fixed to the main body portion. The main body portion includes a front wall portion extending in an up-down direction and a left-right direction, a bottom portion extending rearward from a lower edge region of the front wall portion, and a pair of side wall portions extending upward from two edge regions in the left-right direction of the bottom portion, and connected to two edge regions in the left-right direction of the front wall portion. The pair of rear fenders are fixed to the pair of side wall portions, respectively. Each of the pair of side wall portions includes a main side wall extending upward from the bottom portion, a first flange portion extending in the left-right direction, from an upper edge of the main side wall to an outside of the main body portion, and a second flange portion extending downward from an outside edge of the first flange portion. Each rear fender covers at least an entire lower edge of the second flange portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cargo bed and a vehicle, and more specifically to a cargo bed including a rear fender, and to a vehicle including the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, there is proposed a variety of off-road vehicles (e.g., Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs)). Generally in this type of vehicles, there is provided a cargo bed above a pair of rear wheels for hauling cargo.

Referring toFIG. 28, a cargo bed1includes a main body portion2, a pair of rear fenders3a,3b, and a tail gate4. Referring toFIG. 29, the main body portion2is made of a metal material, for example, and includes a bottom portion2a, a pair of side wall portions2b,2cand a front wall portion2d. The pair of rear fenders3a,3bare made of a resin material for example, and are attached to the pair of side wall portions2b,2c. The tail gate4is made of materials which include a metal and a resin, for example, and is openable/closeable, being attached to a rearward end region of the bottom portion2a.

Referring toFIG. 30andFIG. 31, the side wall portion2bhas a substantially L-shaped section. Specifically, the side wall portion2bhas a main side wall portion5awhich extends upward from a left edge of the bottom portion2a(seeFIG. 29), and a flange portion5bwhich extends leftward from an upper edge of the main side wall portion5a. The rear fender3ais attached to the flange portion5bso as to cover an upper surface of the flange portion5b. The rear fender3ais fixed to the flange portion5bwith a plurality of rivets5c, for example. Though not explained in further detail, the side wall portion2chas the same arrangement as the side wall portion2bwhereas the rear fender3bhas the same arrangement as the rear fender3a.

With these arrangements, the cargo bed sometimes has an attachment of various types which is attached thereto for a purpose of enhanced convenience of the cargo bed. For example, in the cargo bed1described thus far, an attachment6is provided on an upper surface of the rear fender3aas shown inFIG. 32. Then, a fastener7, for example, is inserted from above the attachment6through the attachment6, the rear fender3aand the flange portion5b. The attachment6is thus fixed to the cargo bed1.

In this case, however, the rear fender3awhich is made of a resin is located between the attachment6and the flange portion5b, so it is difficult to fix the attachment6strongly to the cargo bed1.

One idea to overcome this would be to cut off part of the rear fender3aas shown inFIG. 33, so as to expose an upper surface of the flange portion5b. In this case, it is possible to fix the attachment6directly to the flange portion5b, so it is possible to fix the attachment6strongly to the cargo bed1. However, cutting off part of the rear fender3aso as to expose the upper surface of the flange portion5bcan lead to a problem that there will be a gap8between an edge region of the flange portion5band the rear fender3a. In this case, the gap8can cause a nuisance such that muddy water, etc. splashed by a rear wheel (not illustrated) will find a way to come out of the rear fender3a, resulting in dirty outer surfaces of the rear fender3a.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a cargo bed to which an attachment can be fixed strongly and in which dirtiness of the rear fenders is significantly reduced or prevented, and provide a vehicle which includes the cargo bed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cargo bed includes a main body portion made of a material including a metal; and a pair of rear fenders made of a material including a resin and fixed to the main body portion. In this cargo bed, the main body portion includes a front wall portion extending in an up-down direction and a left-right direction; a bottom portion extending rearward from a lower edge region of the front wall portion; and a pair of side wall portions extending upward from two edge regions in the left-right direction of the bottom portion, and connected to two edge regions in the left-right direction of the front wall portion. The pair of rear fenders are fixed to the pair of side wall portions respectively. Each of the pair of side wall portions includes a main side wall extending upward from the bottom portion; a first flange portion extending in the left-right direction from an upper edge of the main side wall to an outside of the main body portion; and a second flange portion extending downward from an outside edge of the first flange portion. With this arrangement, each rear fender covers at least an entire lower edge of the second flange portion.

According to a cargo bed of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear fender may cover the entire upper surface of the first flange portion, for example. In this case, a portion of the rear fender will be cut out to expose the first flange portion, so that an attachment can be fixed directly to the exposed region of the first flange portion. This makes it possible to fix the attachment strongly to the cargo bed. In the case where the rear fender is arranged to cover the entire upper surface of the first flange portion, the rear fender may include a perforation or perforations, for example, for cutting out a predetermined region.

Also, according to the cargo bed of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second flange portion extends downward from the outer edge of the first flange portion, and the lower edge of the second flange portion is covered by the rear fender. Therefore, even if a portion of the rear fender is cut out in order to expose the first flange portion as described above, for example, the arrangement prevents a gap from being formed between the side wall portion (more specifically, the lower edge of the second flange portion) and the rear fender. Consequently, it is possible to prevent muddy water, etc. splashed by the rear wheel of the vehicle from finding a way to come out from between the main body portion and the rear fender. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent dirtiness on outer surfaces of the rear fender.

Preferably, each rear fender fixed to the side wall portion makes at least a portion of the first flange portion exposable. In this case, by exposing the first flange portion, the arrangement makes it possible to fix the attachment directly to the first flange portion.

Further preferably, each rear fender exposes at least a portion of the second flange portion. In this case, an attachment can also be fixed directly to the second flange portion. This improves versatility of the cargo bed.

Further, preferably, each second flange portion includes a first region extending downward from an outer edge of the first flange portion; and a second region extending obliquely downward from a lower edge of the first region toward an outside of the main body portion in the left-right direction. In this case, the second flange portion includes the second region which extends obliquely downward from a lower edge of the first region, such that it is possible to improve stiffness of the second flange portion. Since the second region is slanted obliquely downward, it is possible to form holes in the second region for fasteners by using a landed plunger mold, for example. In other words, it is possible to form the holes in the second region with a simple mold.

Preferably, each rear fender is fixed to the second region. In this case, since the outer surface of the second region faces obliquely upward, it is easy to attach fasteners to fix the rear fender to the second region. Also, in addition to the first flange portion, the first region of the second flange portion can be used to fix the attachment. This improves versatility of the cargo bed.

Further preferably, the main side wall and the second flange portion are spaced by a gap of approximately one inch, for example. In this case, a one-inch square piece of wood, which is easily available in the United States of America, can be fitted between the main side wall and the second flange portion. This provides easy improvement in the stiffness of the side wall portion.

Further, preferably, each rear fender covers a forward end region of the first flange portion, a rearward end region of the first flange portion, a forward end region of the second flange portion, and a rearward end region of the second flange portion. In this case, the rear fender provides protection to the forward end region and the rearward end region of the first flange portion, and the forward end region and the rearward end region of the second flange portion.

The cargo bed described thus far is suitably applicable to vehicles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It is noted that the terms front and rear, right and left, up and down as used to describe various preferred embodiments of the present invention are determined from the driver's position on a seat18aof a vehicle10, with the driver facing toward a steering wheel20.

Referring toFIG. 1throughFIG. 5, the vehicle10according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably is a four-wheel-drive recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV), and includes a pair of front wheels12, a pair of rear wheels14, a frame portion16, a seat unit18, a steering wheel20, a roll-over protection cage22, a shoulder bolster portion23and a cargo bed24. The frame portion16is supported by the pair of front wheels12and the pair of rear wheels14. Referring toFIG. 6, the frame portion16includes a main frame portion16asupported by the pair of front wheels12(seeFIG. 1) and the pair of rear wheels14(seeFIG. 1); and a seat frame portion16bsupported by the main frame portion16a. The seat unit18is supported by the seat frame portion16b.

Referring toFIG. 7, the main frame portion16aincludes a pair of side frame portions25a,25bextending in a fore-aft direction. The side frame portion25aand the side frame portion25bare parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The side frame portion25aand the side frame portion25bhave their respective forward ends connected to each other by a cross member26extending in a left-right direction (a width direction of the vehicle10).

From the cross member26, a pair of side frame portions28a,28bextend forward. In the width direction of the vehicle10, the side frame portions28a,28bare located father inward than the side frame portions25a,25b. The side frame portion28aand the side frame portion28bare parallel or substantially parallel to each other. A pair of support frame portions30a,30bextend upward from respective rearward regions of the side frame portions28a,28b.

Above the side frame portions28a,28b, a pair of side frame portions32a,32bextend forward from the support frame portions30a,30b. The side frame portion32aand the side frame portion32bare parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

The side frame portions28a,28bhave their forward end regions connected to respective forward end regions of the side frame portions32a,32bby a pair of support frame portions34a,34bextending in an up-down direction. The side frame portions28a,28bhave their rearward regions connected to respective rearward regions of the side frame portions32a,32bby a pair of support frame portions36a,36bextending in an up-down direction. The support frame portions36a,36bare at a more rearward position than the support frame portions34a,34b.

The side frame portions32a,32bhave their forward end regions connected to a pair of support frame portions38a,38b. The support frame portions38a,38bextend upward from the side frame portions32a,32b, and then obliquely in a rearward and upward direction. The support frame portions30a,30bhave their upper ends connected to respective rearward end regions of the support frame portions38a,38b. The support frame portions38a,38bhave their rear ends connected to a cross member40extending in a left-right direction.

From the cross member40, a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped frame portion42extends forward, below the support frame portions38a,38b. The U-shaped or substantially U-shaped frame portion42has two end regions connected to respective end regions of the cross member40. The U-shaped or substantially U-shaped frame portion42has an intermediate portion connected to the support frame portions38a,38b.

The side frame portion25aand the side frame portion25bhave their respective rearward end regions connected to each other by a cross member44extending in a left-right direction. From the cross member44, a pair of side frame portions46a,46bextend rearward. In the width direction of the vehicle10, the side frame portions46a,46bare located farther inward than the side frame portions25a,25b. The side frame portion46aand the side frame portion46bare parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

At a more forward position than the cross member44, a pair of support frame portions48a,48bextend obliquely in an upward and rearward direction from the pair of side frame portions25a,25b. At a higher position than the side frame portions46a,46b, a pair of side frame portions50a,50bextend in a fore-aft direction. The side frame portion50aand the side frame portion50bare parallel or substantially parallel to each other. In the width direction of the vehicle10, the side frame portions50a,50bare located farther outward than the side frame portions46a,46b. The side frame portions50a,50bhave their forward end regions connected to respective upper end regions of the support frame portions48a,48b. The support frame portions48a,48bhave their upper ends connected to a cross member52extending in a left-right direction.

Referring toFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the side frame portions46a,46band the side frame portions50a,50bare connected to each other by a pair of support frame portions54a,54bwhich extend in an up-down direction and a pair of support frame portions56a,56bwhich extend in an up-down direction. The support frame portions54a,54bare at a more forward position than the support frame portions56a,56b. The support frame portion54aand the support frame portion54bare connected to each other by a cross member55extending in a left-right direction. The support frame portion56aand the support frame portion56bare connected to each other by a cross member57extending in a left-right direction. The side frame portion50aand the side frame portion50bare connected to each other by a cross member58extending in a left-right direction. The cross member58is at a position which is more rearward than the support frame portions54a,54band more forward than the support frame portions56a,56b.

In the width direction of the vehicle10, there is provided a pair of L-shaped or substantially L-shaped support frame portions60a,60bon respective outer sides of the side frame portions25a,25b. The support frame portion60ais connected to the side frame portion25avia a plate frame portion62a, whereas the support frame portion60bis connected to the side frame portion25bvia a plate frame portion62b.

Referring toFIG. 7, the support frame portions60a,60bhave their upper regions connected to two end regions of the U-shaped or substantially U-shaped frame portion42via connecting members64a,64b. A pair of support frame portions66a,66bextend obliquely in an upward and rearward direction from rearward regions of the support frame portions60a,60b. The support frame portions66a,66bhave their substantially intermediate regions connected to two end regions of the cross member52.

A pair of support frame portions68a,68bextend upward from substantially intermediate regions of the side frame portions25a,25b. A pair of support frame portions70a,70bextend in a left-right direction, being supported by upper ends of the support frame portions68a,68b. The support frame portion70ahas an end region (left end region in the present preferred embodiment) connected to a forward end region of a support frame portion72awhich extends in a fore-aft direction, whereas the support frame portion70bhas an end region (right end region in the present embodiment) connected to a forward end region of a support frame portion72bwhich extends in a fore-aft direction.

The support frame portion72ahas a forward region connected to the support frame portion60aby a support frame portion74awhich extends in an up-down direction, whereas the support frame portion72bhas a forward region connected to the support frame portion60bby a support frame portion74bwhich extends in an up-down direction. The support frame portion72ahas a rearward region connected to the support frame portion66avia a connecting member76a, whereas the support frame portion72bhas a rearward region connected to the support frame portion66bvia a connecting member76b.

Behind the support frame portion70a, a support frame portion78ais arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the support frame portion70a, whereas behind the support frame portion70b, a support frame portion78bis arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the support frame portion70b. The support frame portion78ahas an end region (left end region in the present embodiment) connected to the support frame portion72a, whereas the support frame portion78bhas an end region (right end region in the present preferred embodiment) connected to the support frame portion72b.

A pair of support frame portions80a,80bextend forward from substantially intermediate regions of the support frame portions48a,48b. The support frame portions80a,80bhave their forward end regions connected to the support frame portions78a,78b.

Referring toFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the seat unit18is supported by the support frame portions70a,70b,78a,78bof the main frame portion16avia the seat frame portion16b. The seat unit18includes seats18a,18band18c, and headrest portions19a,19band10c(seeFIG. 3throughFIG. 5). Referring toFIG. 1, the steering wheel20is in front of the seat18aof the seat unit18. The seat unit18and the steering wheel20are within the roll-over protection cage22. The roll-over protection cage22is supported by the frame portion16.

Referring toFIG. 8, the roll-over protection cage22includes a pair of side cage members82,83extending in a fore-aft direction; a pair of roof members84a,84bextending in a left-right direction; and a cross member portion86extending in a left-right direction.

The side cage member82includes a main body portion82awhich has a shape of an inverted letter of U or a shape substantially of an inverted letter of U, in a side view; and a connecting portion82bat a rearward region of the main body portion82a. The connecting portion82bprotrudes inward (rightward in the present preferred embodiment) from the main body portion82ain the width direction of the vehicle10. The side cage member83includes a main body portion83awhich has a shape of an inverted letter of U or a shape substantially of an inverted letter of U, in a side view; and a connecting portion83bat a rearward region of the main body portion83a. The connecting portion83bprotrudes inward (leftward in the present preferred embodiment) from the main body portion83ain the width direction of the vehicle10.

The main body portions82a,83aare supported by the frame portion16. More specifically, the main body portion82ahas an end region (forward end region in the present preferred embodiment), which is connected to an upper end region of the support frame portion60a; and the main body portion82ahas another end region (rearward end region in the present embodiment), which is connected to an upper end region of the support frame portion66a. The main body portion82ais fixed to the support frame portions60a,66awith, e.g., fasteners (such as bolts and nuts). Likewise, the main body portion83ahas an end region (forward end region in the present preferred embodiment), which is connected to an upper end region of the support frame portion60b; and the main body portion83ahas another end region (rearward end region in the present preferred embodiment), which is connected to an upper end region of the support frame portion66b. The main body portion83ais fixed to the support frame portions60b,66bwith, e.g., fasteners (such as bolts and nuts).

The roof members84a,84bconnect an upper region of the side cage member82to an upper region of the side cage member83. The roof member84bis at a more rearward position than the roof member84a. The roof member84bis at a higher position than the seat unit18.

Referring toFIG. 3,FIG. 5andFIG. 8, the cross member portion86includes a support member88, a support member90and a support member92. The support member90is at an intermediate portion in the width direction of the vehicle10, the support member88connects the support member90and the side cage member82to each other, and the support member92connects the support member90and the side cage member83to each other.

Referring toFIG. 5, the support member88includes a main body portion88aextending in a left-right direction; a mounting portion88bfixed to an intermediate region of the main body portion88a; a connecting portion88cfixed to an end region (left end region in the present embodiment) of the main body portion88a; and a connecting portion88dfixed to another end region (right end region in the present embodiment) of the main body portion88a. The headrest portion19aof the seat unit18is attached to the mounting portion88b. The connecting portion88cis connected detachably from/attachably to the connecting portion82bof the side cage member82. Specifically, the connecting portion88cis connected to the connecting portion82bof the side cage member82with unillustrated fasteners (such as bolts and nuts) for example. The connecting portion88dis connected to a connecting portion90d, which will be described later, of the support member90with unillustrated fasteners (such as bolts and nuts).

Referring toFIG. 5andFIG. 8, the support member90includes a main body portion90awhich has a shape of an inverted letter of U or a shape substantially of an inverted letter of U, in a front view; a mounting portion90bplaced at an upper end region, i.e., an intermediate region, of the main body portion90a; and a mounting portion90cwhich extends obliquely upward from the main body portion90aon aside closer to the support member88when viewed from the mounting portion90b.

Referring toFIG. 5, the headrest portion19bof the seat unit18is attached to the mounting portion90b. To the mounting portion90c, a seat belt shoulder anchor (not illustrated) for the center seat18b, for example, is attached.

The support member90further includes a pair of connecting portions90d,90efixed to the main body portion90a. The connecting portion90dis on a side closer to the support member88than the mounting portion90cwhen viewed from the mounting portion90b, whereas the connecting portion90eis on a side closer to the support member92when viewed from the mounting portion90b. As has been described earlier, the connecting portion90dis connected to the connecting portion88dof the support member88. The connecting portion90eis connected to a connecting portion92d, which will be described later, of the support member92with unillustrated fasteners (such as bolts and nuts) for example.

Referring toFIG. 5, without going into detail, the support member90further includes a pair of connecting portions90f,90g(seeFIG. 6andFIG. 8) fixed to two end portions (lower end regions) of the main body portion90a. The main body portion90ahas these two end regions connected detachably from/attachably to the side frame portions50a,50bvia the pair of connecting portions90f,90g. Specifically, the pair of connecting portions90f,90gof the support member90are connected to the side frame portions50a,50b, with unillustrated fasteners (such as bolts and nuts), for example.

The support member92includes a main body portion92aextending in a left-right direction; a mounting portion92bfixed to an intermediate region of the main body portion92a; a connecting portion92cfixed to an end region (right end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the main body portion92a; and a connecting portion92dfixed to another end region (left end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the main body portion92a. To the mounting portion92b, a headrest portion19cof the seat unit18is attached. The connecting portion92cis connected detachably from/attachably to the connecting portion83bof the side cage member83. Specifically, the connecting portion92cis connected to the connecting portion83bof the side cage member83with unillustrated fasteners (such as bolts and nuts), for example. As has been described earlier, the connecting portion92dis connected to the connecting portion90eof the support member90.

Due to the arrangement described above, the cross member portion86is attached detachably from/attachably to the side frame portions50a,50bof the frame portion16and the side cage members82,83of the roll-over protection cage22.

Referring toFIG. 9throughFIG. 13, the vehicle10further includes a pair of suspension assemblies94a,94bwhich suspend the pair of front wheels12(seeFIG. 1); a rotation transmission portion96which transmits rotation from an engine178(seeFIG. 14) to be described later to the pair of front wheels12; a pair of suspension assemblies98a,98bwhich suspend the pair of rear wheels14(seeFIG. 1); a rotation transmission portion100which transmits rotation from the engine178to the pair of rear wheels14; and a rear stabilizer102which connects the suspension assemblies98a,98bto each other. The frame portion16(seeFIG. 1) is supported by the pair of front wheels12and the pair of rear wheels14via the suspension assemblies94a,94b,98a,98b. In the present preferred embodiment, the suspension assemblies94a,94b,98a,98bpreferably are double wishbone type suspension assemblies, for example.

Referring toFIG. 10andFIG. 11, the suspension assembly94aincludes an upper arm104, a lower arm106, a knuckle arm108and a shock absorber110. The upper arm104and the lower arm106are provided by A arms, for example.

Referring toFIG. 11, the upper arm104includes a rear arm portion112which includes a first end portion112a; a front arm portion114which includes a second end portion114aand is at a more forward position than the rear arm portion112; and a connecting portion115which connects the rear arm portion112and the front arm portion114to each other.

The first end portion112ais an end region (right end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the rear arm portion112, whereas the second end portion114ais an end region (right end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the front arm portion114. The connecting portion115connects another end region (left end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the rear arm portion112and another end region (left end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the front arm portion114to each other.

The lower arm106includes a rear arm portion116which includes a first end portion116a; a front arm portion118which includes a second end portion118aand is at a more forward position than the rear arm portion116; and a connecting portion120which connects the rear arm portion116and the front arm portion118to each other.

The first end portion116ais an end region (right end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the rear arm portion116, whereas the second end portion118ais an end region (right end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the front arm portion118. The connecting portion120connects another end region (left end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the rear arm portion116and another end region (left end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the front arm portion118to each other.

Referring toFIG. 9, the upper arm104is supported by the support frame portions34a,36apivotably in an up-down direction. More specifically, referring toFIG. 11, the first end portion112aof the rear arm portion112is pivotably supported at an upper end region of the support frame portion36a(seeFIG. 9), whereas the second end portion114aof the front arm portion114is pivotably supported at an upper end region of the support frame portion34a(seeFIG. 9).

Referring toFIG. 9, the lower arm106is supported by the support frame portions34a,36apivotably in an up-down direction at a lower position than the upper arm104. More specifically, referring toFIG. 11, the first end portion116aof the rear arm portion116is pivotably supported at a lower end region of the support frame portion36a(seeFIG. 9), whereas the second end portion118aof the front arm portion118is pivotably supported at a lower end region of the support frame portion34a(seeFIG. 9).

The connecting portion115of the upper arm104is connected to an upper end region of the knuckle arm108via a ball joint122, whereas the connecting portion120of the lower arm106is connected to a lower end region of the knuckle arm108via a ball joint124. Thus, the upper arm104and the lower arm106are pivotable in an up-down direction with respect to the knuckle arm108. Also, the knuckle arm108is pivotable in a fore-aft direction with respect to the upper arm104and the lower arm106.

The shock absorber110has a lower end region supported pivotably in a left-right direction by the upper arm104(the connecting portion115). Referring toFIG. 9, the shock absorber110has an upper end region supported pivotably in a left-right direction by the U-shaped or substantially U-shaped frame portion42via a support member126. Referring toFIG. 6, the support member126has a shape of an inverted letter of U in a side view, and is fixed to the U-shaped or substantially U-shaped frame portion42.

Referring toFIG. 10andFIG. 11, without going into detail, the suspension assembly94bis symmetrical to the suspension assembly94ain a left-right direction, and includes an upper arm128, a lower arm130, a knuckle arm132, and a shock absorber134. The knuckle arm132is connected to the upper arm128and the lower arm130via ball joints136,138.

The shock absorber134has a lower end region supported by the upper arm128pivotably in a left-right direction. Referring toFIG. 9, the shock absorber134has an upper end region supported pivotably in a left-right direction by the U-shaped or substantially U-shaped frame portion42via a support member140. Like the support member126, the support member140has a shape of an inverted letter of U in a side view, and is fixed to the U-shaped or substantially U-shaped frame portion42.

Referring toFIG. 10andFIG. 11, the rotation transmission portion96includes a differential device142, a pair of drive shafts144a,144b, a pair of constant-velocity joints146a,146b, and a pair of axles148a,148b. The differential device142is located between the suspension assembly94aand the suspension assembly94bin the width direction of the vehicle10. Without going into detail, the differential device142is supported by the main frame portion16a. The differential device142is connected to the engine178(seeFIG. 14) which will be described later, via a propeller shaft180(seeFIG. 14) which will be described later. The drive shafts144a,144bconnect the differential device142with the constant-velocity joints146a,146b. The constant-velocity joint146aand the axle148aare connected to each other and are supported rotatably by the knuckle arm108. The constant-velocity joint146band the axle148bare connected to each other and are supported rotatably by the knuckle arm132. The axle148asupports the left front wheel12(seeFIG. 1), whereas the axle148bsupports the right front wheel12(seeFIG. 1).

The suspension assemblies98a,98band the rotation transmission portion100can be provided by any of appropriate known components, so the suspension assemblies98a,98band the rotation transmission portion100will be described only briefly.

Referring toFIG. 10,FIG. 12andFIG. 13, the suspension assembly98aincludes an arm portion150and a shock absorber152. In the present preferred embodiment, the arm portion150includes an upper arm154, a lower arm156and a knuckle arm158. Referring toFIG. 9, the upper arm154is supported by the support frame portions54a,56apivotably in an up-down direction. The lower arm156is supported by the support frame portions54a,56apivotably in an up-down direction at a lower position than the upper arm154. More specifically, the upper arm154is supported at substantially intermediate regions in an up-down direction of the support frame portions54a,56a, whereas the lower arm156is supported by lower end regions of the support frame portions54a,56a. The shock absorber152connects the main frame portion16aand the arm portion150(lower arm156in the present embodiment) to each other. More specifically, the shock absorber152has an upper end region supported pivotably by an end region (left end region in the present embodiment) of the cross member58, whereas the shock absorber152has a lower end region supported pivotably by the lower arm156.

Referring toFIG. 10,FIG. 12andFIG. 13, the suspension assembly98bis symmetrical with the suspension assembly98ain a left-right direction, and includes an arm portion160and a shock absorber162. In the present preferred embodiment, the arm portion160includes an upper arm164, a lower arm166and a knuckle arm168. Referring toFIG. 9, the upper arm164is supported by the support frame portions54b,56bpivotably in an up-down direction. The lower arm166is supported by the support frame portions54b,56bpivotably in an up-down direction at a lower position than the upper arm164. More specifically, the upper arm164is supported at substantially intermediate regions in an up-down direction of the support frame portions54b,56b, whereas the lower arm166is supported by lower end regions of the support frame portions54b,56b. The shock absorber162connects the main frame portion16aand the arm portion160(lower arm166in the present preferred embodiment) to each other. More specifically, the shock absorber162has an upper end region supported pivotably by another end region (right end region in the present preferred embodiment) of the cross member58, whereas the shock absorber162has a lower end region supported pivotably by the lower arm166.

Referring toFIG. 10, the rear stabilizer102is at a more forward position than the shock absorbers152,162, and connects the arm portion150of the suspension assembly98aand the arm portion160of the suspension assembly98bto each other. In the present preferred embodiment, the rear stabilizer102connects the upper arm154and the upper arm164to each other. Specifically, referring also toFIG. 12andFIG. 13, the rear stabilizer102has an end region which is connected to a flange portion154aof the upper arm154via a connecting member103a, whereas the rear stabilizer102has another end region which is connected to a flange portion164aof the upper arm164via a connecting member103b. The rear stabilizer102is supported by the pair of support frame portions54a,54b. Specifically, the rear stabilizer102is fixed to substantially intermediate regions in an up-down direction of the support frame portions54a,54bby mounting members105a,105b.

Referring toFIG. 10,FIG. 12andFIG. 13, the rotation transmission portion100includes a differential device170, a pair of drive shafts172a,172b, a pair of constant-velocity joints174a,174b, and a pair of axles176a,176b. The differential device170is located between the suspension assembly98aand the suspension assembly98bin the width direction of the vehicle10. Without going into detail, the differential device170is supported by the main frame portion16a. The differential device170is connected to the engine178(seeFIG. 14) which will be described later, via a propeller shaft182(seeFIG. 14) which will be described later.

The drive shafts172a,172bextend in the width direction of the vehicle10, connecting the differential device170with the constant-velocity joints174a,174b. The constant-velocity joints174aand the axle176aare connected to each other and are supported rotatably by the knuckle arm158. The constant-velocity joints174band the axle176bare connected to each other and are supported rotatably by the knuckle arm168. The axle176asupports the left rear wheel14(seeFIG. 5), whereas the axle176bsupports the right rear wheel14(seeFIG. 5).

Referring toFIG. 14, the engine178is supported at a rearward region of the main frame portion16a. Referring toFIG. 7andFIG. 14, a majority of the engine178is located within a space surrounded by the side frame portions25a,25b, the side frame portions46a,46b, the support frame portions48a,48b, the side frame portions50a,50b, and the support frame portions54a,54b. The engine178is located at a position behind the seat unit18and below the cargo bed24, being slightly tilted rearward. In the present preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the engine178is at a more rearward position than the roll-over protection cage22.

Referring toFIG. 14, at a substantially intermediate region in the width direction of the vehicle10, the propeller shaft180extends forward from a lower end region of the engine178, whereas the propeller shaft182extends rearward from a lower end region of the engine178. Therefore, the propeller shaft182extends in a fore-aft direction in a more rearward region than the engine178.

The propeller shaft180is connected to the differential device142(seeFIG. 10), whereas the propeller shaft182is connected to the differential device170(seeFIG. 10). Referring toFIG. 11andFIG. 14, rotation from the engine178is transmitted by the propeller shaft180, the differential device142, the drive shafts144a,144b, the constant-velocity joints146a,146b, and the axles148a,148b, to the pair of front wheels12. Thus, the pair of front wheels12are rotated. Also, referring toFIG. 12throughFIG. 14, rotation from the engine178is transmitted by the propeller shaft182, the differential device170, the drive shafts172a,172b, the constant-velocity joints174a,174b, and the axles176a,176b, to the pair of rear wheels14. Thus, the pair of rear wheels14are rotated.

Referring toFIG. 14, the engine178includes a cylinder head178a, to which an air cleaner186is connected via an air intake tube184. The air cleaner186is at a position forward of the engine178. The air intake tube184is provided with a throttle body188. The cylinder head178ais connected to a muffler192via an exhaust pipe190. The muffler192is disposed on a left and rear side of the engine178, on a left side of the side frame portion50a. The muffler192is supported by the side frame portion50avia a support member194.

The vehicle10further includes a transfer mechanism (not illustrated) which transmits movements of the steering wheel20to the pair of front wheels12. The transfer mechanism can be provided by any appropriate one selected from known mechanisms such as a rack and pinion type transfer mechanism for example, and therefore will not be described herein.

Referring toFIG. 2,FIG. 6andFIG. 7, the pair of side frame portions50a,50bwhich extend in a fore-aft direction below the cargo bed24includes a pair of first supporting portions196a,196bwhich support a rear portion of the cargo bed24pivotably; and a pair of second supporting portions198a,198bwhich are at a more forward position than the pair of first supporting portions196a,196band support a forward portion of the cargo bed24.

Referring toFIG. 15throughFIG. 17, the cargo bed24includes a main body portion200, a pair of rear fenders202a,202band a tail gate204.

The main body portion200contains a metal, for example, as a material and is formed as an upward opening box. The main body portion200includes a front wall portion206, a bottom portion208and a pair of side wall portions210a,210b. The front wall portion206preferably is rectangular or substantially rectangular, extending in an up-down direction and in a left-right direction. The bottom portion208is preferably rectangular or substantially rectangular, extending rearward from a lower edge region of the front wall portion206. The pair of side wall portions210a,210bare rectangular or substantially rectangular, extending upward from respective edge regions of the bottom portion208in a left-right direction and connected to respective edge regions of the front wall portion206in the left-right direction.

Referring toFIG. 18andFIG. 19, the bottom portion208of the main body portion200has a lower surface with reinforcing portions212,214which extend in the width direction of the vehicle10. The reinforcing portions212,214are, for example, platy members each having a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped section, and disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel to each other at an interval in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle10. Specifically, the reinforcing portion212includes a protruding portion212aand mounting portions212bon two side of the protruding portion212a. The mounting portions212bare attached to the lower surface of the bottom portion208, whereas the protruding portion212aprotrudes downward from the mounting portions212b. Likewise, the reinforcing portion214includes a protruding portion214aand mounting portions214bon two side of the protruding portion214a. The mounting portions214bare attached to the lower surface of the bottom portion208, whereas the protruding portion214aprotrudes downward from the mounting portions214b. In the present preferred embodiment, the reinforcing portions212,214preferably are identical with each other.

The bottom portion208of the main body portion200has its lower surface provided with reinforcing portions216,218which are disposed at a right angle across the reinforcing portions212,214(in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle10). The reinforcing portions216,218are, for example, platy members each having a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped section, and disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel to each other at an interval in the width direction of the vehicle10. Specifically, the reinforcing portion216includes a protruding portion216aand mounting portions216bon two side of the protruding portion216a. The mounting portions216bare attached to the lower surface of the bottom portion208, whereas the protruding portion216aprotrudes downward from the mounting portions216b. Likewise, the reinforcing portion218includes a protruding portion218aand mounting portions218bon two sides of the protruding portion218a. The mounting portions218bare attached to the lower surface of the bottom portion208, whereas the protruding portion218aprotrudes downward from the mounting portions218b. In the present preferred embodiment, the reinforcing portions216,218are identical with each other.

The lower surface of the bottom portion208in the main body portion200has an intermediate region provided with platy reinforcing portion220which connects the reinforcing portions212,214,216and218to each other.

Also, flange portions222,224are attached respectively to the protruding portions216a,218aof the reinforcing portions216,218. Each of the flange portions222,224is connected to corresponding one of the first supporting portions196a,196bon the side frames50a,50bvia a connecting member226(seeFIG. 14). Thus, the cargo bed24is pivotable in an up-down direction around an axis defined by the connecting members. In other words, the cargo bed24is supported pivotably by the frame portion16, behind the roll-over protection cage22.

Referring toFIG. 20,FIG. 21andFIG. 24, the side wall portion210aincludes a main side wall228a, a first flange portion230aand a second flange portion232a. The main side wall228aextends upward from a left edge of the bottom portion208, whereas the main side wall228ahas a rearward end portion234areceding inward. The first flange portion230aextends in a left-right direction from an upper edge of the main side wall228a, to an outside of the main body portion200. The second flange portion232aextends downward from an outer edge of the first flange portion230a. Specifically, the second flange portion232aincludes a first region236aextending downward from an outer edge of the first flange portion230a, and a second region238aextending obliquely downward from a lower edge of the first region236atoward an outside in a left-right direction of the main body portion200. The second flange portion232ais not provided in a rearward end region of the side wall portion210a.

Therefore, as shown inFIG. 24, a portion of the side wall portion210awhere the main side wall228a, the first flange portion230aand the second flange portion232acontinue one after another has a longitudinal section which has a shape of an inverted letter of J or substantially of an inverted letter of J. The first flange portion230ahas its forward end region231aand rearward end region231bformed with a plurality (a total of four in the present embodiment) of holes242afor attaching fasteners240(seeFIG. 23) such as rivets made of resin, for example, whereas the second region238aof the second flange portion232ais formed with a plurality (a total of three in the present preferred embodiment) of holes244afor attaching fasteners240.

The side wall portion210bis symmetrical with the side wall portion210ain a left-right direction, so description therefor will be made only briefly. Referring toFIG. 25, like the side wall portion210a, the side wall portion210bincludes a main side wall228b, a first flange portion230band a second flange portion232b, and the main side wall228bhas a rearward end portion234breceding inward. The second flange portion232bincludes a first region236band a second region238b. The first flange portion230bhas its forward end region233aand rearward end region233bformed with a plurality of holes242bfor attaching fasteners240, whereas the second flange portion232bhas its second region238bformed with a plurality of holes244bfor attaching fasteners240.

Referring toFIG. 24, preferably, in the side wall portion210aa gap (inner width W) between the main side wall228aand the first region236aof the second flange portion232ais approximately one inch, for example, and the second region238ais slanted with respect to the main side wall228aby an angle θ of approximately 45 degrees, for example. The same applies to the side wall portion210b.

Referring toFIG. 15throughFIG. 17, the pair of rear fenders202a,202bis made of materials which contains a resin for example, and are attached to the pair of side wall portions210a,210b, respectively.

The rear fender202aincludes a fender main body246a, a fender forward portion248aand a fender rearward portion250a. The fender main body246aextends in a fore-aft direction. The fender forward portion248aextends inward from an upper edge of a forward end region of the fender main body246a. The fender rearward portion250aextends inward from an upper edge of a rearward end region of the fender main body246a. The fender forward portion248ahas a hole252afor attaching a fastener240; the fender rearward portion250ahas a plurality (three in the present preferred embodiment) of holes254afor attaching fasteners240. The fender main body246ahas a rearward end region provided with a tail light255a. In a side view, the rear fender202ahas a shape with a slightly downward cutout in a fore-aft direction between the fender forward portion248aand the fender rearward portion250a, with a plurality (three in the present preferred embodiment) of the mounting portions256aat positions corresponding to the second region238aof the second flange portion232a. The mounting portions256aare slanted correspondingly to the second region238a. In each of the mounting portions256aa hole258ais formed for attaching a fastener240.

The rear fender202adescribed thus far is attached to the side wall portion210aand covers at least an entire lower edge231cof the second flange portion232a. Referring toFIG. 16andFIG. 21, in the present preferred embodiment, the rear fender202acovers the entire lower edge231cof the second flange portion232a(second region238a), the forward end region231aof the first flange portion230a, the rearward end region231bof the first flange portion230a; the forward end region231dof the second flange portion232aand the rearward end region231eof the second flange portion232awhen attached to the side wall portion210a. Specifically, referring also toFIG. 22andFIG. 23, the rear fender202ais placed over the side wall portion210a, with the three mounting portions256aof the rear fender202ain alignment with the second region238aof the side wall portion210a. Under this state, a fastener240is attached through the hole in the rear fender202aand the corresponding hole in the side wall portion210a, to fix the rear fender202ato the side wall portion210a. As the rear fender202ais attached as described, an intermediate region of the first flange portion230a, and an intermediate region of the first region236ain the second flange portion232aare exposed.

The rear fender202bis symmetrical with the rear fender202ain a left-right direction, so description will be made only briefly. Referring toFIG. 25, like the rear fender202a, the rear fender202bincludes a fender main body246b, a fender forward portion248band a fender rearward portion250b. The fender forward portion248bhas a hole252bfor attaching a fastener240, whereas the fender rearward portion250bhas a plurality of holes254bfor attaching fasteners240. The fender main body246bhas a rearward end region provided with a tail light255b. Also, the rear fender202bhas a plurality of mounting portions256bat positions corresponding to the second region238b. Each mounting portion256bis formed with a hole258bfor attaching a fastener240.

The rear fender202bdescribed above is attached to the side wall portion210band covers at least an entire lower edge233cof the second flange portion232b. Referring toFIG. 25, in the present preferred embodiment, the rear fender202bcovers the entire lower edge233cof the second flange portion232b(second region238b), the forward end region233aof the first flange portion230b, the rearward end region233bof the first flange portion230b, the forward end region233dof the second flange portion232band the rearward end region233eof the second flange portion232bwhen attached to the side wall portion210b. The rear fender202bis attached to the side wall portion210bin the same fashion as the rear fender202ais attached to the side wall portion210a.

The side wall portions210a,210bof the main body portion200have lower regions of their rearward end portions provided with connecting members260a,260brespectively. The side wall portions210a,210bare connected to the tail gate204via the connecting members260a,260b. Thus, the tail gate204is openable/closable as it is attached to the rearward end regions of the pair of side wall portions210a,210b. The tail gate204is made of materials which include a metal and a resin, for example.

Referring toFIG. 26, at the side wall portion210aof the cargo bed24, an attachment264, for example, is attached. The attachment264is a mounting bracket having a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped section. In this case, the main side wall228aof the side wall portion210a, the first flange portion230a, and the first region236aof the second flange portion232ahave their respective inner surfaces provided with nuts266welded thereto. Under this state, the attachment264is placed on the side wall portion210afrom above and then, bolts268are threaded into the welded nuts266from both inner and outer sides of the side wall portion210ato hold the attachment264and the side wall portion210ain a pincer-like fashion. Thus, the attachment264is fixed to the side wall portion210a, i.e., to the cargo bed24. The attachment264can also be attached to the side wall portion210bin the same way.

Once the attachment264has been fixed to the cargo bed24, then it is possible to attach anything onto an upper surface of the attachment264. Specifically, any member which is desired to be attached should be provided with a bolt, and this bolt is threaded from the upper surface of the attachment264into the welded nut266welded onto the lower surface of the first flange portion230a. In this way, any member which is desired to be attached can be fixed to the upper surface of the attachment264.

According to the cargo bed24as described thus far, the second flange portion232aextends downward from the outer edge of the first flange portion230a, and the lower edge231cof the second flange portion232ais covered by the rear fender202a. This prevents a gap from being formed between the side wall portion210a(more specifically, the lower edge231cof the second flange portion232a) and the rear fender202a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent muddy water, etc., splashed by the rear wheel14of the vehicle10from finding a way to come out from between the main body portion200and the rear fender202a. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent dirtiness on outer surfaces of the rear fender202a.

By exposing the first flange portion230a, the arrangement makes it possible to fix the attachment264directly to the first flange portion230a.

By exposing the second flange portion232a, the arrangement makes it possible to fix the attachment264directly also to the second flange portion232a. This improves versatility of the cargo bed24.

The second flange portion232aincludes the second region238awhich extends obliquely downward from a lower edge of the first region236a, so that it becomes possible to improve stiffness of the second flange portion232a. Since the second region238ais slanted obliquely downward, formation of the holes244ain the second region238afor the fasteners240can be performed by using a landed plunger mold, for example. In other words, a simple mold can be used to form the holes244ain the second region238a.

Since the outer surface of the second region238afaces obliquely upward, it is easy to attach fasteners240for fixing the rear fender202ato the second region238a. Also, the first region236aof the second flange portion232acan be used to fix the attachment264, in addition to the first flange portion230a. This improves versatility of the cargo bed24.

Referring toFIG. 27, in the side wall portion210aof the cargo bed24as described thus far, a one-inch square piece of wood262, which is easily available in the United States of America, can be fitted between the main side wall228aand the first region236aof the second flange portion232a. This provides easy improvement of the stiffness of the side wall portion210a.

The rear fender202acovers the forward end region231aand the rearward end region231bof the first flange portion230a, and the forward end region231dand the rearward end region231eof the second flange portion232a, thus making it possible to protect the forward end region231aand the rearward end region231bof the first flange portion230a, and the forward end region231dand the rearward end region231eof the second flange portion232awith the rear fender202a.

The rear fender202band the side wall portion210balso provide the same advantages.

It should be noted here that the rear fenders may cover the entire upper surface of the first flange portion230a(230b), for example. In this case, a portion of the rear fender will be cut out to expose the first flange portion230a(230b), so that an attachment can be fixed directly to the exposed region of the first flange portion230a(230b). This makes it possible to fix the attachment strongly to the cargo bed24. In cases where the rear fender is made to cover the entire upper surface of the first flange portion230a(230b), the rear fender may include a perforation or perforations, for example, for cutting out a predetermined region.

Also, the rear fender may cover the entire upper surface of the second flange portion232a(232b). In this case, a portion of the rear fender will be cut out to expose the second flange portion232a(232b), so that an attachment can be fixed directly to the exposed region of the second flange portion232a(232b).

The attachment to be attached to the cargo bed24is not limited to the attachment264described above. Rather, various attachments can be used.

In the preferred embodiment described above, description was made for a case where the vehicle10includes a pair of rear wheels14, for example. However, the vehicle may have two or more pairs of rear wheels.

In the preferred embodiment described above, description was made for a case where the cargo bed24preferably is supported pivotably by the frame portion16, for example. However, the cargo bed may be fixed to the frame portion.