Abstract:
A three piece belly-band crossmember is provided which may be installed as a single assembly and from which the center subassembly may be removed after installation, allowing access to the vehicle powertrain. The crossmember maintains integral strength as a result of a tab and slot arrangement and overlapping frame mounting holes between its three subassemblies. It may be provided with a suspension component mounting point. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a crossmember assembly in a vehicle frame that has several functions, including but not limited to providing structure to the vehicle frame, providing a mounting point for the vehicle suspension, and providing mounting points for the vehicle cab. The crossmember is constructed in such a way that it may be installed as a single assembly during construction of the vehicle. If at a later time it is desired that the lower portion of the crossmember be removed in order to access major vehicle components, several pre-installed bolts may be removed, and several frangible tack-welds may be broken, allowing the lower portion to be removed while leaving the upper cab mount portions in place, such that it does not become necessary to remove the vehicle cab. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Vehicles for operation on the ground, particularly trucks and heavy vehicles, are commonly provided with a structural frame to which the body, powertrain, and running gear are mounted. This structural frame often comprises a set of frame rails that are connected by several crossmembers to form a ladder-type vehicle frame. Two or more axles are attached to suspension assemblies, which are in turn attached to various mounting points on this vehicle frame. An engine and transmission, together comprising the vehicle powertrain, are mounted between the rails upon elastic mounts, typically towards the front of the vehicle. A vehicle cab is also attached to the vehicle frame, often by means of elastic mounts. For each of the suspension mounting points, cab mounts, and engine and transmission mounts, suitable brackets must be used to attach the mounts to the frame. 
         [0003]    Because of the location of the engine and transmission, and because the structural frame must bear the loads generated by the front suspension, the weight of the engine and transmission, and often the vehicle cab in the same area, one or more special crossmembers are used to tie the frame rails together while providing clearance for the engine and transmission. These special crossmembers are sometimes referred to as horse-collars or belly-bands. 
         [0004]    It is advantageous to maximize the functionality of each subcomponent of a vehicle frame, in order to minimize weight and costs associated with manufacturing. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to use the belly-band crossmember for such purposes as providing a mounting point for suspension components or vehicle cab mounts. It is also advantageous to accommodate serviceability in the design of the vehicle, by making it possible to remove certain components without requiring extensive disassembly of the completed vehicle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A belly-band type crossmember assembly is provided incorporating a suspension mounting point and two front cab mounting points. The assembly is made from three manufactured sub-assemblies, the three manufactured sub-assemblies being a center portion and two end portions. The belly-band crossmember assembly is asymmetric, therefore one of the two end portions will be referred to as the left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly, and the other of the two end portions will be referred to as the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly. It will be appreciated, however, that the entire assembly may be symmetrically opposite while still being within the scope of the invention. 
         [0006]    The right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly is oriented generally vertically, and extends upwards from the point where it attaches to the vehicle frame to a point where it provides support for the vehicle cab right hand mount. The right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly also extends downwards from the point where it attaches to the vehicle frame to a point where it connects to the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly. The right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly is generally C-shaped in cross-section, opening outwards from the vehicle frame, except at the upper end, at which point it forms a closed section to receive the vehicle cab right hand mount. The right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly has flanges that extend inwardly at the lower end, in order to engage the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly. 
         [0007]    The left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly is again oriented generally vertically, extending upwards from the point where it attaches to the vehicle frame to a point where it provides support for the vehicle cab left hand mount. Unlike the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly, the left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly does not extend significantly downwards from the point where it attaches to the vehicle frame. Instead, the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly extends upward in order to connect to it, as will be subsequently described. The left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly is generally C-shaped in cross-section, similar to the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly. It also opens outwards from the vehicle frame, except at the upper end, at which point it also forms a closed section to receive the vehicle cab left hand mount. 
         [0008]    The center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly extends generally horizontally from the point where it engages the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly, and crosses beneath the vehicle frame. The center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly then extends vertically to connect to the left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly. The center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly may be provided with an angled transition section between its horizontal section and its vertical section, depending upon the need to clear other vehicle components. The center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly is generally C-shaped in cross-section, opening downwards and outwards from the vehicle frame. At or near the point where it engages the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly, the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly incorporates a suspension mounting point, preferably a mounting point for a Panhard rod. 
         [0009]    The right hand or second end portion, the left hand or first end portion, and the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly may alternately have cross-sections other than C-shaped. The right hand or second end portion, the left hand or first end portion, and the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly may also incorporate mounting points for other suspension, powertrain, body, or miscellaneous vehicle components at various locations. 
         [0010]    At the point where the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly engages the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly, several conventional fasteners are used to releasably secure the two portions together. In order to help the conventional fasteners withstand the forces generated by the Panhard rod, the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly is provided with a tab, which tab fits into a slot provided in the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly. In this way, the tab and slot provide redundant lateral strength to the belly-band crossmember assembly. 
         [0011]    At the point where the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly engages the left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly, only several frangible tack-welds are used to secure the two portions together until installation. However, several holes in the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly overlap several holes in the left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly. These holes are the lower several of a larger pattern of holes that are used in conjunction with conventional fasteners to attach the belly-band crossmember assembly to the vehicle frame. Once the conventional fasteners are used to attach the belly-band crossmember assembly to the vehicle frame, the frangible welds securing the center portion and the left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly together become redundant and unnecessary to the strength of the assembly. 
         [0012]    When the belly-band crossmember assembly is to be installed on the vehicle frame, the three portions of the assembly are already assembled. The center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly and the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly are secured together by conventional fasteners, as noted previously, and the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly and the left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly are secured together by only several frangible tack-welds, as noted previously. The belly-band crossmember assembly is attached to the vehicle frame using conventional fasteners. Thereafter, the Panhard rod is attached to its mounting point on the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly, and the vehicle cab mounts are attached to their mounting points on the left hand or first end portion and right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly, though not necessarily in the sequence set forth. Other suspension, powertrain, or body mount attachments may be attached at this time as well. 
         [0013]    If it becomes necessary to remove the center portion of the belly-band crossmember in order to access, remove, or service a vehicle component, it is possible to do so without removing the vehicle cab mounts, and therefore without removing or detaching the vehicle cab, to great advantage. In order to do so, first the Panhard rod or other suspension components are removed from their attachment points to the belly-band crossmember assembly. Then the conventional fasteners securing the center portion and the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember together are removed. Next, the lower several of the conventional fasteners attaching the belly-band crossmember assembly to the vehicle frame on the left hand side are removed. The upper conventional fasteners of the mounting pattern remain in place, allowing the left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember to remain in place, and therefore eliminating the necessity of detaching or removing the vehicle cab. 
         [0014]    Next, the center portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly is forcibly pulled downwards, disengaging the tab on the center portion from the slot on the right hand or second end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly. The center portion of the belly-band crossmember is then forced further downwards, hinging about the frangible tack-welds attaching it to the left hand or first end portion of the belly-band crossmember assembly. It may then be worked back and forth until cold-working causes the frangible tack-welds to break. If necessary, minor grinding or cutting of the welds may be utilized to encourage them to break. Except for the tack-welds, re-installation of the center portion of the belly-band crossmember is simply the reverse of the removal process. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    FIG.  1 —A left hand lower isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]    FIG.  2 —A right hand lower isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]    FIG.  3 —A front view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]    FIG.  4 —A rear view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]    FIG.  5 —A left view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]    FIG.  6 —A right view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]    FIG.  7 —A bottom view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]    FIG.  8 —A left hand isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]    FIG.  9 —A right hand isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]    FIG.  10 —A front view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]    FIG.  11 —A rear view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]    FIG.  12 —A left view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0027]    FIG.  13 —A right view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]    FIG.  14 —A top view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]    FIG.  15 —A bottom view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]    FIG.  16 —A left hand lower isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]    FIG.  17 —A right hand lower isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0032]    FIG.  18 —A right hand lower isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]    FIG.  19 —A left view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0034]    FIG.  20 —A left hand isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]      FIG. 1  shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  having a ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 . The chassis  75  is provided with an axle  102  and a suspension  103 , which suspension  103  is provided with, among other links and control rods, a Panhard rod  104 . The frame side-members  101  of the vehicle frame  100  are spaced apart and held in a parallel configuration by crossmembers, one of which is an embodiment of the instant invention, a belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is provided with a first end subassembly  300 , a second end subassembly  400 , and a center subassembly  500 . The first end subassembly  300  has a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  that terminates in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 . Similarly, the second end subassembly  400  has a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  (not visible) that also terminates in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  (not visible). The first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  and second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  (not visible) provide support for a cab  106  through cab mounts  107 . The center subassembly  500  has a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502 , and engages with the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and with the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . Prior to installation, the center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600 , and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  has a suspension mounting point  510 , to which the Panhard rod  104  is attached using Panhard rod mounting bolts  105 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is attached to the ladder-type vehicle frame  100  using belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  again shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  with ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 , as well as an axle  102 , a suspension  103  with a Panhard rod  104 , a cab  106  supported by cab mounts  107 , and an embodiment of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is again provided with a first end subassembly  300  (not visible) having a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  (not visible) that terminates in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible), a second end subassembly  400  having a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  that terminates in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , and a center subassembly  500  having a center subassembly horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly upwards extending section  502 . The first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible) and second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  provide support for the cab  106  through cab mounts  107 . The center subassembly  500  engages the first end subassembly  300  (not visible) at the point of engagement  507  (not visible), and engages the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with a suspension mounting point  510 , to which the Panhard rod  104  of the suspension  103  is attached using Panhard rod mounting bolts  105 . Prior to installation, the center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  (not visible) by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is attached to the ladder-type vehicle frame  100  using belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  again shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  with ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 , as well as an axle  102 , a suspension  103 , a cab  106  supported by cab mounts  107 , and an embodiment of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the space for the vehicle powertrain  108 , which the belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is made to accommodate. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  again shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  with ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 , as well as an axle  102 , a suspension  103  (only partially visible) with a Panhard rod  104 , a cab  106  supported by cab mounts  107 , and an embodiment of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is again provided with a first end subassembly  300  having a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  that terminates in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , a second end subassembly  400  having a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  that terminates in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , and a center subassembly  500  having a center subassembly horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly upwards extending section  502 . The first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  and second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  provide support for the cab  106  through cab mounts  107 . The center subassembly  500  engages the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and engages the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 .  FIG. 4  again illustrates the space for the vehicle powertrain  108 , which the belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is made to accommodate. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  again shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  with ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 , as well as an axle  102 , a suspension  103  with a Panhard rod  104 , a cab  106  supported by cab mounts  107 , and an embodiment of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is again provided with a first end subassembly  300  having a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  that terminates in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , a second end subassembly  400  (only partially visible) having a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  (not visible) that terminates in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  (not visible), and a center subassembly  500  having a center subassembly horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly upwards extending section  502 . The first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  and second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  (not visible) provide support for the cab  106  through cab mounts  107 . The center subassembly  500  engages the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and engages the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . Prior to installation, the center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600 , and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  (only partially visible) by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is attached to the ladder-type vehicle frame  100  using belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  again shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  with ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 , as well as an axle  102 , a suspension  103  with a Panhard rod  104 , a cab  106  supported by cab mounts  107 , and an embodiment of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is again provided with a first end subassembly  300  (not visible) having a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  (not visible) that terminates in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible), a second end subassembly  400  having a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  that terminates in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , and a center subassembly  500  (not visible) having a center subassembly horizontal section  501  (not visible) and a center subassembly upwards extending section  502  (not visible). The first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible) and second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  provide support for the cab  106  through cab mounts  107 . The center subassembly  500  (not visible) is provided with a suspension mounting point  510 , to which the Panhard rod  104  of the suspension  103  is attached using Panhard rod mounting bolts  105 . Prior to installation, the center subassembly  500  (not visible) is attached to the first end subassembly  300  (not visible) by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  (not visible) is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is attached to the ladder-type vehicle frame  100  using belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  again shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  with ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 , as well as an axle  102 , a suspension  103  with a Panhard rod  104 , a cab  106  supported by cab mounts  107  (not visible), and an embodiment of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is again provided with a first end subassembly  300 , a second end subassembly  400 , and a center subassembly  500 . The center subassembly  500  engages the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and engages the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with a suspension mounting point  510 , to which the Panhard rod  104  of the suspension  103  is attached using Panhard rod mounting bolts  105 . Prior to installation, the center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 .  FIG. 7  again illustrates the space for the vehicle powertrain  108 , which the belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is made to accommodate. 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  shows a belly-band crossmember assembly  200  having a first end subassembly  300 , a center subassembly  500 , and a second end subassembly  400 . The first end subassembly  300  has a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  terminating in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  having first end subassembly cab mounting holes  303 . The first end subassembly  300  also has first end subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  307  and first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306  (not visible). The second end subassembly  400  has a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  terminating in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  having second end subassembly cab mounting holes  404 . The second end subassembly  400  is further provided with second end subassembly frame mounting holes  407 . The center subassembly  500  has a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502 , and engages with the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and with the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The center subassembly  500  also has center subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  505  and center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504 . The center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504  overlap the first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306  (not visible). The first end subassembly  300  has a generally C shaped cross-section  304 , except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , where it has a closed section  305 . Similarly, the second end subassembly  400  has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . The center subassembly  500  has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . The center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600 , and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with tabs  509  and the second end subassembly  400  is provided with slots  409 , into which slots  409  the tabs  509  fit. The tabs  509  and slots  409  serve to reinforce the point of engagement  508  and pre-installed fasteners  601 , thereby increasing the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  again shows a belly-band crossmember assembly  200  having a first end subassembly  300  with a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  terminating in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  having first end subassembly cab mounting holes  303 , a center subassembly  500  with a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502 , and a second end subassembly  400  with a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  terminating in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  having second end subassembly cab mounting holes  404 . The center subassembly  500  again engages with the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and with the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The first end subassembly  300  has first end subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  307  and first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306 . The center subassembly  500  has center subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  505  and center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504  (not visible). The center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504  (not visible) overlap the first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306 . The second end subassembly  400  is also provided with second end subassembly frame mounting holes  407 . The first end subassembly  300  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  304 , except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , where it has a closed section  305 . The second end subassembly  400  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . The center subassembly  500  again has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . The center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with tabs  509  and the second end subassembly  400  is provided with slots  409 , into which slots  409  the tabs  509  fit. The tabs  509  and slots  409  serve to reinforce the point of engagement  508  and pre-installed fasteners  601 , thereby increasing the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The center subassembly  500  is further provided with a suspension mounting point  510  having suspension mounting holes  511 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 10  shows a belly-band crossmember assembly  200  having a first end subassembly  300  with a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  terminating in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  having first end subassembly cab mounting holes  303  (not visible), a center subassembly  500  with a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502 , and a second end subassembly  400  with a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  terminating in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  having second end subassembly cab mounting holes  404  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  again engages with the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and with the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The first end subassembly  300  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  304 , except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , where it has a closed section  305 . The second end subassembly  400  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . The center subassembly  500  again has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . The center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with tabs  509  and the second end subassembly  400  is provided with slots  409 , into which slots  409  the tabs  509  fit. The tabs  509  and slots  409  serve to reinforce the point of engagement  508  and pre-installed fasteners  601 , thereby increasing the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 11  shows a belly-band crossmember assembly  200  having a first end subassembly  300  with a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  terminating in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  having first end subassembly cab mounting holes  303  (not visible), a center subassembly  500  with a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502 , and a second end subassembly  400  with a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  terminating in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  having second end subassembly cab mounting holes  404  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  again engages with the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and with the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The first end subassembly  300  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  304 , except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , where it has a closed section  305 . The second end subassembly  400  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . The center subassembly  500  again has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . The center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with tabs  509  and the second end subassembly  400  is provided with slots  409 , into which slots  409  the tabs  509  fit. The tabs  509  and slots  409  serve to reinforce the point of engagement  508  and pre-installed fasteners  601 , thereby increasing the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 12  shows a belly-band crossmember assembly  200  having a first end subassembly  300  with a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  terminating in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  having first end subassembly cab mounting holes  303 , a center subassembly  500  with a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502 , and a second end subassembly  400  (only partially visible). The center subassembly  500  again engages with the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and with the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The first end subassembly  300  has first end subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  307  and first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  has center subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  505  and center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504 . The center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504  overlap the first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306 . The first end subassembly  300  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  304 , except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , where it has a closed section  305 . The center subassembly  500  again has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . The center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600 , and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  is further provided with a suspension mounting point  510  having suspension mounting holes  511 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 13  shows a belly-band crossmember assembly  200  having a first end subassembly  300  (not visible), a center subassembly  500  (not visible), and a second end subassembly  400  with a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  terminating in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  having second end subassembly cab mounting holes  404 . The second end subassembly  400  is further provided with second end subassembly frame mounting holes  407 . The second end subassembly  400  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . The center subassembly  500  (not visible) is attached to the first end subassembly  300  (not visible) by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  (not visible) is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  is further provided with a suspension mounting point  510  having suspension mounting holes  511 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 14  shows a belly-band crossmember assembly  200  having a first end subassembly  300  with a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  terminating in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  having first end subassembly cab mounting holes  303  (not visible), a center subassembly  500  with a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502  (not visible), and a second end subassembly  400  with a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  terminating in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  having second end subassembly cab mounting holes  404  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  again engages with the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and with the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The first end subassembly  300  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  304  (not visible), except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , where it has a closed section  305 . The second end subassembly  400  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  405  (not visible), except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . The center subassembly  500  again has a generally C shaped cross section  503  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 15  shows a belly-band crossmember assembly  200  having a first end subassembly  300  with a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  terminating in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible) having first end subassembly cab mounting holes  303  (not visible), a center subassembly  500  with a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502 , and a second end subassembly  400  with a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  terminating in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  (not visible) having second end subassembly cab mounting holes  404  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  again engages with the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and with the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The first end subassembly  300  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  304 , except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , where it has a closed section  305 . The second end subassembly  400  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . The center subassembly  500  again has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . The center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with tabs  509  and the second end subassembly  400  is provided with slots  409 , into which slots  409  the tabs  509  fit. The tabs  509  and slots  409  serve to reinforce the point of engagement  508  and pre-installed fasteners  601 , thereby increasing the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The center subassembly  500  is further provided with a suspension mounting point  510  having suspension mounting holes  511  (not visible). 
         [0050]      FIG. 16  shows an axle  102 , a suspension  103 , and an embodiment of the instant invention, a belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The suspension  103  is provided with, among other links and control rods, a Panhard rod  104 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is provided with a first end subassembly  300 , a second end subassembly  400 , and a center subassembly  500 . The first end subassembly  300  has a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  that terminates in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  having first end subassembly cab mounting holes  303 . The second end subassembly  400  has a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  that also terminates in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  having second end subassembly cab mounting holes  404 . The center subassembly  500  has a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502 , and engages with the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and with the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The first end subassembly  300  has first end subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  307  and first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  has center subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  505  and center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504 . The center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504  overlap the first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306  (not visible). The second end subassembly  400  is further provided with second end subassembly frame mounting holes  407 . The first end subassembly  300  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  304 , except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , where it has a closed section  305 . The second end subassembly  400  again has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . The center subassembly  500  again has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . Prior to installation, the center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600 , and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  has a suspension mounting point  510  and suspension mounting holes  511 , to which the Panhard rod  104  is attached using Panhard rod mounting bolts  105  (not shown). The center subassembly  500  is provided with tabs  509  and the second end subassembly  400  is provided with slots  409 , into which slots  409  the tabs  509  fit. The tabs  509  and slots  409  serve to reinforce the point of engagement  508  and pre-installed fasteners  601 , thereby increasing the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 17  again shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  with ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 , as well as an axle  102 , a suspension  103 , a cab  106  supported by cab mounts  107 , and an embodiment of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is again provided with a first end subassembly  300  (not visible) having a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  (not visible) that terminates in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible), a second end subassembly  400  having a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  that terminates in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , and a center subassembly  500  having a center subassembly horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly upwards extending section  502 . The second end subassembly  400  has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . Similarly, the first end subassembly  300  (not visible) has a generally C shaped cross-section  304  (not visible), except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible), where it has a closed section  305  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . The first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible) and second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  provide support for the cab  106  through cab mounts  107 . The center subassembly  500  engages the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  (not visible), and engages the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with a suspension mounting point  510  and suspension mounting holes  511 , to which the Panhard rod  104  (not shown) of the suspension  103  would be attached using Panhard rod mounting bolts  105  (not shown). The Panhard rod  104  in  FIG. 17  has been removed for clarity of illustration of the suspension mounting point  510  and point of engagement  508 . Prior to installation, the center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  (not visible) by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with tabs  509  and the second end subassembly  400  is provided with slots  409 , into which slots  409  the tabs  509  fit. The tabs  509  and slots  409  serve to reinforce the point of engagement  508  and pre-installed fasteners  601 , thereby increasing the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is attached to the ladder-type vehicle frame  100  using belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 18  again shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  with ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 , as well as an axle  102 , a suspension  103 , a cab  106  supported by cab mounts  107 , and an embodiment of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is again provided with a first end subassembly  300  (not visible) having a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  (not visible) that terminates in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible), a second end subassembly  400  having a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  that terminates in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , and a center subassembly  500  having a center subassembly horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly upwards extending section  502 . The second end subassembly  400  has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . Similarly, the first end subassembly  300  (not visible) has a generally C shaped cross-section  304  (not visible), except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible), where it has a closed section  305  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . The first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  (not visible) and second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  provide support for the cab  106  through cab mounts  107 . The center subassembly  500  engages the first end subassembly  300  (not visible) at the point of engagement  507  (not visible), and engages the second end subassembly  400  at the point of engagement  508 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with a suspension mounting point  510  and suspension mounting holes  511 , to which the Panhard rod  104  (not shown) of the suspension  103  would be attached using Panhard rod mounting bolts  105  (not shown). The Panhard rod  104  in  FIG. 17  has been removed for clarity of illustration of the suspension mounting point  510  and point of engagement  508 . Prior to installation, the center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  (not visible) by frangible tack-welds  600  (not visible), and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601 , which are not shown in  FIG. 18 , thereby showing the center subassembly pre-installed fastener holes  506  and second end subassembly pre-installed fastener holes  408 . The center subassembly  500  is provided with tabs  509  and the second end subassembly  400  is provided with slots  409 , into which slots  409  the tabs  509  fit. The tabs  509  and slots  409  serve to reinforce the point of engagement  508  and pre-installed fasteners  601 , thereby increasing the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is attached to the ladder-type vehicle frame  100  using belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 19  again shows a vehicle  50  having a chassis  75  with ladder-type vehicle frame  100  with frame side-members  101 , as well as an axle  102 , a suspension  103  with a Panhard rod  104 , a cab  106  supported by cab mounts  107 , and an embodiment of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The belly-band crossmember assembly  200  is again provided with a first end subassembly  300  having a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  that terminates in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , a second end subassembly  400  (only partially visible) having a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  (not visible) that terminates in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  (not visible), and a center subassembly  500  having a center subassembly horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly upwards extending section  502 . The first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  and second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  (not visible) provide support for the cab  106  through cab mounts  107 . The center subassembly  500  engages the first end subassembly  300  at the point of engagement  507  and engages the second end subassembly  400  (only partially visible) at the point of engagement  508 . The first end subassembly  300  has first end subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  307  and first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306  (not visible). The center subassembly  500  has center subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  505  and center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504 . The center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504  overlap the first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306 . Prior to installation, the center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600 , and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601  (not shown). Upon installation, the belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602  are installed in the center subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  505 , center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504  and first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306 , and first end subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  307 , thereby rendering the tack-welds  600  redundant to the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 20  shows a belly-band crossmember assembly  200  having a first end subassembly  300 , a center subassembly  500 , and a second end subassembly  400 . The first end subassembly  300  has a first end subassembly upwards extending section  301  terminating in a first end subassembly cab mounting point  302  having first end subassembly cab mounting holes  303 . The first end subassembly  300  also has first end subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  307  and first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306  (not visible). The second end subassembly  400  has a second end subassembly downwards extending section  402  and a second end subassembly upwards extending section  401  terminating in a second end subassembly cab mounting point  403  having second end subassembly cab mounting holes  404 . The second end subassembly  400  is further provided with second end subassembly frame mounting holes  407 . The center subassembly  500  has a center subassembly generally horizontal section  501  and a center subassembly generally upwards extending section  502 . The center subassembly  500  also has center subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  505  and center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504 . The center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504  overlap the first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306  (not visible). The first end subassembly  300  has a generally C shaped cross-section  304 , except near the first end subassembly cab mounting point  302 , where it has a closed section  305 . Similarly, the second end subassembly  400  has a generally C shaped cross-section  405 , except near the second end subassembly cab mounting point  403 , where it has a closed section  406 . The center subassembly  500  has a generally C shaped cross section  503 . The center subassembly  500  is attached to the first end subassembly  300  by frangible tack-welds  600 , and the center subassembly  500  is attached to the second end subassembly  400  by pre-installed fasteners  601  (not shown). The center subassembly  500  is provided with tabs  509  and the second end subassembly  400  is provided with slots  409 , into which slots  409  the tabs  509  fit. The tabs  509  and slots  409  serve to reinforce the point of engagement  508  and pre-installed fasteners  601  (not shown) that would be installed through the second end subassembly pre-installed fastener holes  408  and center subassembly pre-installed fastener holes  506 , thereby increasing the overall strength of the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 . The center subassembly  500  is further provided with a suspension mounting point  510  having suspension mounting holes  511 . The center subassembly  500  is shown with the pre-installed fasteners  601  removed and in the process of being separated from the first end subassembly  300 . This operation would occur with the belly-band crossmember assembly  200  attached to the frame  100  (not shown) of the vehicle  50  (not shown). All of the belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602  (not shown) would remain installed in the second end subassembly frame mounting holes  407 , thereby leaving the second end subassembly  400  attached to the frame  100  (not shown). The belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602  (not shown) would be removed from the center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504  and first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306 , as well as from the center subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  505 , leaving the belly-band crossmember assembly frame mounting fasteners  602  (not shown) installed in the first end subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  307 . The pre-installed fasteners  601  (not shown) would then be removed, and the center subassembly  500  pulled down and away from the frame  100  of the vehicle  50 . The center subassembly  500  would then be worked back and forth about the frangible tack-welds  600 , until they failed, thereby releasing the center subassembly  500  from the belly-band crossmember assembly  200 , and enabling access to vehicle components located within the space for the vehicle powertrain  108 . It may be necessary to encourage the frangible tack-welds  600  to fail by grinding them partially away prior to removing the center subassembly  500 . The center subassembly  500  may then be reinstalled using the frame mounting fasteners  606  (not shown) installed through the center subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  504 , first end subassembly overlapping frame mounting holes  306 , and center subassembly non-overlapping frame mounting holes  505 , and using the pre-installed fasteners  601  (not shown).