Patent Publication Number: US-7591503-B2

Title: All terrain vehicle having layered body panel configuration

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/833,885 filed Jul. 27, 2006 and hereby incorporates the same Provisional Application by reference. 
   The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/821,970, 11/821,964, 11/823,065, 11/821,909, 11/821,959, 11/821,922, 11/821,921 and 11/821,963, each filed on Jun. 26, 2007, and respectively entitled “Panel Assemblies, Vehicles, And Methods Of Manufacturing,” “All Terrain Vehicles And Fender Assemblies Therefor,” “All Terrain Vehicles Having Fender Assembly,” “All Terrain Vehicles Having Stay Assembly,” “All Terrain Vehicles Having Seat With Compression Surface,” “All Terrain Vehicles Having Midpoint Fastener And Methods,” “Vehicles Having Fastener Extending Into Apertures Of Respective Body Panels And Methods,” and “All Terrain Vehicles Having Swivel Clip And Methods.” The entirety of each of these U.S. Patent Applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to vehicles such as, for example, all terrain vehicles (“ATVs”), as well as methods for making vehicles. The present invention also relates to components and assemblies such as for use upon vehicles such as ATVs. 
   BACKGROUND 
   A conventional body for an ATV can be formed as a panel from a single piece of material, such as from plastic or fiberglass. Such an ATV body can include wheel fenders, side panels, a gas tank cover, and other features. As such, an ATV body can be quite large in size, making it difficult and expensive to effectively and efficiently manufacture. In particular, it can be difficult to manufacture such a large component from plastic (e.g., due to injection molding limitations), though plastic is often the material of choice for manufacturing a body for an ATV. 
   Also, since a conventional body for an ATV is often formed as a single component, any damage to the body during use of the ATV can require costly replacement parts as well as significant labor. Likewise, in order to service the engine or other components of the ATV, it may be necessary to remove the body which can be difficult and time consuming. 
   Manufacturers of ATVs must often stock different colors of bodies for a given ATV in order to provide a selection to customers. However, as conventional bodies for ATVs are relatively large, stocking different colors can be expensive and may require large volumes of warehouse space. 
   Wheel fenders on conventional ATVs are typically attached to the frame through use of stay structures. For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , a rear fender assembly  556  of a conventional ATV includes a rear fender panel  561  which is attached to a frame  541  of the ATV through use of a stay  557 . The stay  557  is formed from spring-type steel, and is attached to a leg  503  depending from a lower surface of the rear fender panel  561 . The rear fender panel  561  is also shown to be bolted directly to the frame  541  at an attachment location concealed by a seat  596 . The seat  596  is configured for supporting an operator of the ATV. The stay  557  helps an outer perimeter  563  of the rear fender panel  561  to resist vertical deflection, and accordingly provides at least some stiffness and rigidity to the rear fender panel  561  with respect to the frame  541 . However, as the stay is separate from the rear fender panel  561 , manufacturing and installation of the stay  557  can be time-consuming and expensive. Also, the stay  557  is aesthetically unattractive and can be prone to snagging upon debris. Because the supporting force of the stay is localized to the leg  503  of the rear fender panel  561 , damage to the leg  503  and/or other portions of the rear fender panel  561  can arise due to stresses from repeated vertical deflection of the outer perimeter  563  of the rear fender panel  561 . 
   A conventional ATV also includes mudguards  512  and  513  which can be supported with respect to a frame of the ATV through use of a stay assembly  520 , as shown in  FIG. 33 . The stay assembly  520  includes elongated metal wires  522  and  524  which are formed from spring-type steel. The elongated metal wires  522  and  524  are configured to attach the mudguard  512  to the ATV&#39;s frame. In particular, bolts  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  536  and corresponding swivel clips  529 ,  531 ,  533 , and  535  are provided to attach the elongated metal wires  522  and  524  to the mudguard  512 . An end  525  of the elongated metal wire  524  is bent to receive a bolt  568  to facilitate attachment of the end  525  to the ATV&#39;s frame. The opposite end of the elongated metal wire  524  is configured to slidably engage a frame-mounted footrest (not shown). An end  542  of the elongated metal wire  522  is bent to receive a bolt  543  to facilitate attachment of the end  542  to the footrest. The opposite end  540  of the elongated metal wire  522  is attachable to the mudguard  512  through use of the bolt  532  and swivel clip  531 . A similar arrangement of elongated metal wires, bolts, and swivel clips is shown for attachment of the mudguard  513  to the ATV&#39;s frame. Another elongated metal wire  526  is separate from the stay assembly  520  and extends between respective ends  527  and  528 . The end  527  attaches to a lower end of a left rear fender panel  558 , while the end  528  attaches to a lower end of a right rear fender panel  559 . The elongated metal wire  526  is also attached to the ATV&#39;s seat through use of brackets  538  and  539 . It can be seen in  FIG. 33  that the arrangement of elongated metal wires is complex, costly, unsightly, and time consuming to install. 
   Conventional ATVs are often manufactured in such a manner that an operator&#39;s seat is first attached to a fender assembly, and the fender assembly is subsequently attached to the ATV&#39;s frame. Attachment of the fender assembly to the ATV&#39;s frame can accordingly be complicated and time consuming, and access to components of the ATV underlying the seat and/or other portions of the ATV can be difficult. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with one embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a first wheel, a second wheel, a first fender panel, and a second fender panel. The first wheel and the second wheel are each supported with respect to the frame. The first fender panel is attached to the frame and extends at least partially over each of the first wheel and the second wheel. The second fender panel at least partially covers the first fender panel and extends at least partially over each of the first wheel and the second wheel. 
   In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a plurality of wheels supported with respect to the frame, a first panel, and a second panel. The first panel is attached to the frame and has a first top surface and a first bottom surface. A portion of the first top surface provides a decorative body surface for the all terrain vehicle. The first panel continuously extends from a left side of the all terrain vehicle to a right side of the all terrain vehicle and extends over at least two of the wheels. The first bottom surface is positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by said at least two of the wheels. The second panel is removably attached to the first panel and has a second top surface and a second bottom surface. At least a portion of the second top surface provides a decorative body surface for the all terrain vehicle. A portion of the second bottom surface is adjacent to at least a portion of the first top surface. Another portion of the second bottom surface is positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by at least one of the wheels. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a plurality of wheels supported with respect to the frame, a first fender panel, and a second fender panel. The first fender panel is attached to the frame and has a first top surface and a first bottom surface. The first bottom surface is positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by at least one of the wheels. The second fender panel is attached with respect to the first panel and has a second top surface and a second bottom surface. A portion of the second bottom surface is adjacent to at least a portion of the first top surface. Another portion of the second bottom surface is positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by said at least one of the wheels. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment, a panel assembly comprises a first panel, a T-nut, a second panel, and a bolt. The first panel defines an aperture. The T-nut comprises a base portion and a neck portion. The neck portion defines a threaded aperture. The second panel comprises a pocket which defines an opening extending through the second panel. The pocket is configured to receive the base portion of the T-nut in a snap-fit arrangement such that the neck portion of the T-nut extends into the opening. The bolt is configured for insertion into the aperture in the first panel and into the threaded aperture in the T-nut to facilitate attachment of the first panel to the second panel. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, a panel comprises a pocket. The pocket defines an opening extending through the panel. The pocket is configured to receive a base portion of a T-nut in a snap-fit arrangement such that a neck portion of the T-nut extends into the opening. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a first body panel, a T-nut, a second body panel, and a bolt. The first body panel defines an aperture. The T-nut comprises a base portion and a neck portion. The neck portion defines a threaded aperture. The second body panel comprises a pocket. The pocket defines an opening extending through the second body panel. The pocket is configured to receive the base portion of the T-nut in a snap-fit arrangement such that the neck portion of the T-nut extends into the opening. The bolt is configured for insertion into the aperture in the first body panel and into the threaded aperture in the T-nut to facilitate attachment of the first body panel to the second body panel. 
   In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a first plastic fender panel, a T-nut, a second plastic fender panel, and a bolt. The first plastic fender panel defines an aperture. The T-nut comprises a base portion and a neck portion. The neck portion defines a threaded aperture. The second plastic fender panel comprises a pocket. The pocket defines an opening extending through the second body panel. The pocket is configured to receive the base portion of the T-nut in a snap-fit arrangement such that the neck portion of the T-nut extends into the opening. The bolt is configured for insertion into the aperture in the first body panel and into the threaded aperture in the T-nut to facilitate attachment of the first body panel to the second body panel. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a vehicle comprises providing first and second body panels in at least a partially overlapping arrangement. The first body panel defines an aperture, the second body panel defines a pocket, and the pocket defines an opening extending through the second panel. A T-nut is inserted into the pocket in a snap-fit arrangement such that a neck portion of the T-nut extends into the opening in the second body panel. The first body panel is attached to the second body panel by inserting a bolt into the aperture in the first body panel and into a threaded aperture in the neck portion of the T-nut. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a wheel supported with respect to the frame, and a fender assembly. The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel and an upper fender panel. The upper fender panel at least partially overlaps the lower fender panel. A portion of the upper fender panel cooperates with a portion of the lower fender panel in a spaced relationship to define both an access opening and a channel. The channel at least partially overlies the wheel and is configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway from the access opening to a predetermined egress opening. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment, a fender assembly is provided for an all terrain vehicle. The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel and an upper fender panel. The upper fender panel is configured for attachment to the lower fender panel in a partially overlapping relationship such that a portion of the upper fender panel cooperates with a portion of the lower fender panel in a spaced relationship to define both an access opening and a channel. The channel is configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway from the access opening to a predetermined egress opening. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a left wheel supported with respect to the frame, a right wheel supported with respect to the frame, and a fender assembly. The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel and an upper fender panel. The upper fender panel at least partially overlaps the lower fender panel. A left portion of the upper fender panel cooperates with a left portion of the lower fender panel in a spaced relationship to define both a left access opening and a left channel. The left channel at least partially overlies the left wheel and is configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a left predetermined pathway from the left access opening to a predetermined egress opening. A right portion of the upper fender panel cooperates with a right portion of the lower fender panel in a spaced relationship to define both a right access opening and a right channel. The right channel at least partially overlies the right wheel and is configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a right predetermined pathway from the right access opening to a predetermined egress opening. 
   In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a wheel supported with respect to the frame, and a fender assembly. The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel and an upper fender panel. The lower fender panel has a first top surface and a first bottom surface and extends from a first inner end to a first outer end. The first inner end is attached to the frame. The first bottom surface is positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by the wheel. The upper fender panel has a second top surface and a second bottom surface and extends from a second inner end to a second outer end. The second inner end is attached to the frame. The upper fender panel is attached to the lower fender panel at an attachment location adjacent to at least one of the first outer end and the second outer end. The second bottom surface is positioned to receive contact from debris thrown by the wheel. Each of the lower fender panel and the upper fender panel extends at least partially over the wheel. The lower fender panel and the upper fender panel cooperate to facilitate resistance of the attachment location to vertical deflection. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a wheel supported with respect to the frame, and a fender assembly. The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel and an upper fender panel. The lower fender panel extends from a first inner end to a first outer end. The upper fender panel extends from a second inner end to a second outer end. The upper fender panel is attached to the lower fender panel at an attachment location adjacent to at least one of the first outer end and the second outer end. Each of the lower fender panel and the upper fender panel extends at least partially over the wheel. A portion of the upper fender panel cooperates with a portion of the lower fender panel in a spaced relationship to define both an access opening and a channel. The channel at least partially overlies the wheel and is disposed between the first inner end and the attachment location. The channel is configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway from the access opening to a predetermined egress opening. The lower fender panel and the upper fender panel cooperate to support the attachment location with respect to the frame to facilitate resistance of the attachment location to vertical deflection. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a left wheel supported with respect to the frame, a right wheel supported with respect to the frame, and a fender assembly. The fender assembly comprises a lower fender panel and an upper fender panel. The lower fender panel extends from a first inner end to a first outer end. The first inner end is attached to the frame. The upper fender panel extends from a second inner end to a second outer end. The second inner end is attached to the frame. The upper fender panel is attached to the lower fender panel at an attachment location adjacent to at least one of the first outer end and the second outer end. Each of the lower fender panel and the upper fender panel extends at least partially over each of the left wheel and the right wheel. The lower fender panel and the upper fender panel cooperate to support the attachment location to facilitate resistance of the attachment location to vertical deflection. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a rear wheel, a fender assembly, a footrest, a mudguard, and a stay assembly. The rear wheel is supported with respect to the frame. The fender assembly extends at least partially over the rear wheel. The stay assembly comprises a first elongated metal wire and a second elongated metal wire. Each of the first elongated metal wire and the second elongated metal wire are attached to each of the frame, the fender assembly, the footrest, and the mudguard. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a fender assembly, a mudguard, and an elongated metal wire attached to each of the frame, the fender assembly, and the mudguard. The elongated metal wire is configured to facilitate consistent spacing between the mudguard and the fender assembly. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a fender assembly, a mudguard, and a stay assembly attached to each of the frame, the fender assembly, and the mudguard. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a wheel, a fender assembly, and a seat. The wheel is supported with respect to the frame. The fender assembly extends at least partially over the wheel and comprises an inside edge portion. The seat comprises a compression surface and is configured for selective attachment to the frame. The compression surface is configured, upon attachment of the seat to the frame, to contact and sandwich the inside edge portion of the fender assembly between the compression surface and the frame. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a wheel, a fender assembly, and a seat. The wheel is supported with respect to the frame. The fender assembly comprises an upper fender panel and a lower fender panel which each extend at least partially over the wheel. The upper fender panel comprises an upper inside edge portion. The lower fender panel comprises a lower inside edge portion. The upper inside edge portion overlaps the lower inside edge portion. The seat comprises a compression surface and is configured for selective attachment to the frame. The compression surface is configured, upon attachment of the seat to the frame, to contact the upper inside edge portion and to sandwich both the upper inside edge portion and the lower inside edge portion between the compression surface and the frame. 
   In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a left wheel, a right wheel, a fender assembly, and a seat. Each of the left wheel and the right wheel are supported with respect to the frame. The fender assembly comprises a left upper fender panel, a left lower fender panel, a right upper fender panel, and a right lower fender panel. The left upper fender panel and the left lower fender panel each extend at least partially over the left wheel. The right upper fender panel and the right lower fender panel each extend at least partially over the right wheel. The left upper fender panel comprises a left upper inside edge portion. The left lower fender panel comprises a left lower inside edge portion. The left upper inside edge portion overlaps the left lower inside edge portion. The right upper fender panel comprises a right upper inside edge portion. The right lower fender panel comprises a right lower inside edge portion. The right upper inside edge portion overlaps the right lower inside edge portion. The seat comprises a left compression surface and a right compression surface and is configured for selective attachment to the frame. The seat is configured, upon attachment of the seat to the frame, such that the left compression surface contacts the left upper inside edge portion to sandwich both the left upper inside edge portion and the left lower inside edge portion between the left compression surface and the frame, and such that the right compression surface contacts the right upper inside edge portion to sandwich both the right upper inside edge portion and the right lower inside edge portion between the right compression surface and the frame. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a front fender assembly, a rear fender assembly, and a midpoint fastener. The frame extends from a forward end to a rearward end. The frame comprises a forward attachment structure disposed adjacent to the forward end, a rearward attachment structure disposed adjacent to the rearward end, and a midpoint attachment structure disposed about midway between the forward end and the rearward end. The front fender assembly is attached to each of the forward attachment structure and the midpoint attachment structure and extends at least partially over a front wheel. The rear fender assembly is attached to each of the midpoint attachment structure and the rearward attachment structure and extends at least partially over a rear wheel. The midpoint fastener is inserted into first aligning apertures defined by each of the front fender assembly, the rear fender assembly, and the midpoint attachment structure. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment, a method of assembling an all terrain vehicle comprising providing a frame extending from a forward end to a rearward end. The frame comprises a forward attachment structure disposed adjacent to the forward end, a rearward attachment structure disposed adjacent to the rearward end, and a midpoint attachment structure disposed about midway between the forward end and the rearward end. A front fender assembly is attached to each of the forward attachment structure and the midpoint attachment structure such that the front fender assembly is configured to extend at least partially over a front wheel. A rear fender assembly is attached to each of the midpoint attachment structure and the rearward attachment structure such that the rear fender assembly is configured to extend at least partially over a rear wheel. A midpoint fastener is inserted into first aligning apertures defined by each of the front fender assembly, the rear fender assembly, and the midpoint attachment structure. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a first body panel, a second body panel, a sleeve, a grommet, and a fastener. The frame defines a threaded aperture. The first body panel defines a first aperture. The second body panel defines a second aperture. The sleeve defines a longitudinally extending sleeve bore. The sleeve extends into the first aperture in the first body panel. The grommet has a grommet exterior surface and defines a grommet bore extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The grommet bore surrounds the sleeve. The grommet exterior surface defines an annular channel having a reduced diameter as compared to longitudinally adjacent annular portions of the grommet disposed upon opposite sides of the annular channel. One of the longitudinally adjacent annular portions defines the first end, while the other of the longitudinally adjacent annular portions defines the second end. The second aperture surrounds the annular channel such that a portion of the second body panel is retained within the annular channel. The first end contacts the first body panel adjacent to the first aperture. The fastener extends through the first aperture and the sleeve bore and into the threaded aperture in the frame. The fastener is configured to compress the grommet between the first body panel and the frame. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame, a first body panel, a second body panel, a fastener, and a grommet. The frame defines a threaded aperture. The first body panel defines a first aperture. The second body panel defines a second aperture. The first body panel at least partially overlaps the second body panel such that the first aperture aligns with the second aperture. The fastener extends into each of the first aperture, the second aperture, and the threaded aperture to facilitate attachment of the first body panel and the second body panel to the frame. The grommet surrounds a portion of the fastener. The grommet is disposed between the first body panel and the second body panel to prevent the first body panel from contacting the second body panel adjacent to the fastener. The grommet is disposed between the second body panel and the frame to prevent the second body panel from contacting the frame adjacent to the fastener. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of assembling a vehicle comprises overlapping respective first and second body panels such that a first aperture in the first body panel aligns with a second aperture in a second body panel. A grommet is disposed between a portion of the first body panel adjacent to the first aperture and a portion of the second body panel adjacent to the second aperture. The grommet is additionally disposed between a frame and a portion of the second body panel adjacent to the second aperture. The grommet defines a grommet bore. A sleeve is inserted through the grommet bore. The sleeve defines a sleeve bore which aligns with the first aperture and the second aperture. A fastener is inserted into the first aperture, the sleeve bore, and a threaded aperture in the frame to facilitate attachment of the first body panel and the second body panel to the frame. 
   In accordance with another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a body panel, an elongated metal wire, and a ribbon. The elongated metal wire is attached to the body panel and has a longitudinal portion. The ribbon extends from a first end to a second end. The ribbon at least partially surrounds the longitudinal portion of the elongated metal wire such that the first end overlaps the second end. The first end and the second end are attached to the frame such that the elongated metal wire is movably attached to the frame by the ribbon. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, an all terrain vehicle comprises a frame, a fender assembly, a mudguard, an elongated metal wire, and a swivel clip. The elongated metal wire has a longitudinal portion. The elongated metal wire is attached to the fender assembly and the mudguard on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion. The swivel clip comprises a retention portion and a mounting portion. The retention portion at least partially surrounds the longitudinal portion of the elongated metal wire. The mounting portion is attached to the frame such that the elongated metal wire is movably attached to the frame. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of attaching a body panel to a frame of an all terrain vehicle comprises attaching an elongated metal wire to a body panel. A ribbon is wrapped at least partially around a longitudinal portion of the elongated metal wire. Respective apertures are aligned in respective ends of the ribbon. A fastener is inserted through the respective apertures in the ribbon and into another aperture provided in the frame of the all terrain vehicle to facilitate movable attachment of the elongated metal wire with respect to the frame of the all terrain vehicle. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view depicting an ATV in accordance with one embodiment; 
       FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view depicting the ATV of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view depicting the frame, the lower front fender panel, and the lower rear fender panel of the ATV of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view depicting the components of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a front perspective view depicting the upper front fender panel and the upper rear fender panel of the ATV of  FIG. 1  in exploded association with the components of  FIGS. 3-4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view depicting the components of  FIG. 5  as assembled and in association with a bolt; 
       FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view depicting certain of the components of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view depicting the lower front fender panel and the lower rear fender panel of  FIG. 3  apart from the frame; 
       FIG. 9  is a top plan view depicting a rear portion of the ATV of  FIGS. 1-2 , wherein the seat has been removed for clarity of illustration; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view depicting a rear portion of the ATV of  FIGS. 1-2 , wherein the seat and other components have been removed for clarity of illustration; 
       FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view depicting a rear portion of the ATV of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines  12 - 12  in  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view depicting a fender assembly of a conventional ATV; 
       FIG. 14  is a top plan view depicting a portion of the rear fender assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a top perspective view depicting a portion of the lower rear fender panel apart from the other components of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view depicting the portion of the lower rear fender panel of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a top perspective view depicting the portion of the lower rear fender panel of  FIG. 15  in association with T-nuts; 
       FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view depicting the portion of the lower rear fender panel of  FIG. 16  in association with T-nuts and bolts; 
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines  19 - 19  in  FIG. 14 , wherein both of the bolts are depicted in elevation and one of the bolts is shown to be partially removed; 
       FIG. 20  is a side elevational view depicting selected components of the ATV of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a side elevational view depicting an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 20 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view depicting the components of  FIG. 20  in association with a portion of a frame; 
       FIG. 23  is a rear perspective view depicting the components of  FIG. 22  wherein the fuel tank cover has been removed for clarity of illustration; 
       FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines  24 - 24  in  FIG. 21 , wherein the bolt and the push pin are shown in elevation; 
       FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines  25 - 25  in  FIG. 21 , wherein the bolt is shown in elevation; 
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view depicting an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 10 , wherein a bolt and collar is shown to be removed; 
       FIG. 27  is a bottom perspective view of the seat removed from the ATV of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
       FIG. 28  is a side elevational view depicting the seat in association with the rear fender assembly and frame of the ATV of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view depicting selected components of the ATV of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
       FIG. 30  is a bottom plan view depicting the components of  FIG. 29 ; 
       FIG. 31  a perspective view depicting an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 29 ; 
       FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines  32 - 32  in  FIG. 31 , wherein the bolt is shown in elevation; 
       FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view depicting a conventional rear fender assembly, mudguards, and certain other components such as provided upon a conventional ATV; 
       FIG. 34  is a sectional view of a fastener arrangement involving two overlapping panels, wherein the bolt is depicted in elevation and in an untightened orientation; 
       FIG. 35  is a sectional view of the components of  FIG. 34 , wherein the bolt is depicted in elevation and in a tightened orientation; 
       FIG. 36  is a front perspective view depicting a frame, a lower front fender panel, and a lower rear fender panel of an ATV in accordance with another embodiment; 
       FIG. 36   a  is a rear perspective view depicting the components of  FIG. 36 ; 
       FIG. 37  is a front perspective view depicting an upper front fender panel and an upper rear fender panel in exploded association with the components of  FIGS. 36-36   a;    
       FIG. 38  is a front perspective view depicting the components of  FIG. 37  as assembled; and 
       FIG. 38   a  is a rear perspective view depicting certain of the components of  FIG. 38 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with the views and examples of  FIGS. 1-12 ,  14 - 32 ,  34 - 36 ,  36   a ,  37 - 38  and  38   a , wherein like numbers may indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views. Certain embodiments will be described herein with reference to an ATV. It will be appreciated that an ATV can comprise a saddle-type vehicle suitable for off-road, sport and/or utility use by a driver and perhaps one or more passengers. Although many of the examples provided herein relate to an ATV, it will be appreciated that certain embodiments may also have applicability to other types of vehicles such as, for example, automobiles, trucks, vans, personal watercraft, aircraft, motorcycles, boats, toys, and construction equipment, for example. 
   In one embodiment, such as that depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , for example, an ATV  40  can comprise four wheels supported with respect to a frame  41  of the ATV  40 . In particular, the ATV  40  is shown to comprise a left front wheel  42 , a right front wheel  43 , a left rear wheel  44  and a right rear wheel  45 . However, in alternative embodiments, an ATV can comprise a differing numbers of wheels. For example, an ATV might comprise a total of three wheels, wherein one wheel is a front wheel and the remaining two wheels are rear wheels. As another example, an ATV might comprise a total of five wheels, wherein one wheel is a front wheel and the remaining four wheels are rear wheels in a tandem axle configuration. In still another example, an ATV might comprise a total of six wheels, wherein two wheels are front wheels and the remaining four wheels are rear wheels in a tandem axle configuration. 
   Regardless of the number of wheels provided upon an ATV, the ATV can include a fender assembly. The fender assembly can be configured to prevent debris from being thrown from the ATV&#39;s wheels and upon an operator and/or passenger(s) of an ATV during travel of the ATV. Such debris might include, for example, dirt, brush, rocks, or moisture. In one embodiment, the fender assembly can be configured to provide at least some coverage of each wheel present upon the ATV. However, in another embodiment, the fender assembly might only provide at least some coverage of certain wheels present upon the ATV. In one embodiment such as, for example, in  FIGS. 1-2 , an ATV  40  is shown to comprise a front fender assembly  46  and a rear fender assembly  56 . The front fender assembly  46  is shown to be configured to prevent debris from being thrown from the left and right front wheels  42  and  43  and upon an operator and/or passenger(s) of the ATV  40  during travel of the ATV  40 . Likewise, the rear fender assembly  56  is shown to be configured to prevent debris from being thrown from the left and right rear wheels  44  and  45  and upon an operator and/or passenger(s) of the ATV  40  during travel of the ATV  40 . It will be appreciated that fender assemblies can be provided upon an ATV or other vehicle in any of a variety of other suitable configurations or arrangements. 
   The structure of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  of the ATV  40  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-12  and  14 - 32 . Referring now, collectively, to  FIGS. 1-12 , it can be seen that each of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  can comprise a layered arrangement involving fender panels which at least partially overlap one another. In particular, the front fender assembly  46  is shown to comprise a lower front fender panel  47  and an upper front fender panel  50  which together provide a fender for the left and right front wheels  42  and  43  of the ATV  40 . The lower front fender panel  47  is shown to comprise a left lower front fender portion  48  and a right lower front fender portion  49 . The lower front fender panel  47  can be attached to the frame  41  such that the left lower front fender portion  48  extends at least partially over the left front wheel  42 , and such that the right lower front fender portion  49  extends at least partially over the right front wheel  43 . The lower front fender panel  47  is shown to comprise a top surface  48   a  and a bottom surface  48   b . Portions of the top surface  48   a  corresponding with each of the left and right lower front fender portions  48  and  49  can provide a decorative body surface for the ATV  40 . It will be appreciated that decorative body surfaces are those body panel portions which are readily apparent to an onlooker of the ATV. It would be common for an operator to wash, wax, and perhaps even buff such surfaces to improve the aesthetic appearance of the ATV. Portions of the bottom surface  48   b  corresponding with each of the left and right lower front fender portions  48  and  49  are shown to be positioned for receiving contact from debris respectively thrown by the left front wheel  42  and the right front wheel  43 . 
   The upper front fender panel  50  is shown to at least partially cover the lower front fender panel  47  and to comprise a left upper front fender portion  51  and a right upper front fender portion  52 . The upper front fender panel  50  can be attached to the frame  41  and/or the lower front fender panel  47  such that the left upper front fender portion  51  extends at least partially over the left front wheel  42 , and such that the right upper front fender portion  52  extends at least partially over the right front wheel  43 . The upper front fender panel  50  is shown to comprise a top surface  51   a  and a bottom surface  51   b . At least part of the top surface  51   a  corresponding with each of the left and right upper front fender portions  51  and  52  can provide a decorative body surface for the ATV  40 . Portions of the bottom surface  51   b  corresponding with each of the left and right upper front fender portions  51  and  52  are shown to be positioned for receiving contact from debris respectively thrown by the left front wheel  42  and the right front wheel  43 . In this manner, it will be appreciated that both the lower and upper front fender panels  47  and  50  can each receive contact from debris thrown from the left and right front wheels  42  and  43 , and can also each serve as decorative body panels. 
   The lower and upper front fender panels  47  and  50  can be attached with respect to the remainder of the ATV  40  such that a portion of the bottom surface  51   b  of the upper front fender panel  50  is adjacent to at least a portion of the top surface  48   a  of the lower front fender panel  47 . In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface  51   b  of the upper front fender panel  50  contacts at least a portion of the top surface  48   a  of the lower front fender panel  47 . Also, the upper front fender panel  50  is shown to continuously extend from a left side of the ATV  40  to a right side of the ATV  40 . In certain other embodiments, one or both of the lower and upper front fender panels might or might not continuously extend from a left side of the ATV to a right side of the ATV. As shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, the lower front fender panel  47  can extend to an outer perimeter  53 , and a portion of the lower front fender panel  47  can extend beyond a portion of an outer perimeter  54  of the upper front fender panel  50 . In addition or alternatively, a different portion of the upper front fender panel might extend beyond a portion of an outer perimeter of the lower front fender panel. 
   In one embodiment, the lower and upper front fender panels  47  and  50  can be formed from similar materials (e.g., plastic), and might even have the same color. In other embodiments, the lower and upper front fender panels  47  and  50  can be formed from different materials (e.g., one from plastic and the other from steel), and/or to have different colors. The upper front fender panel  50  can be removably attached to the frame  41  and/or the lower front fender panel  47  so as to enable an operator to easily, quickly and inexpensively change the color profile of ATV  40  by simply replacing the upper front fender panel  50  and without replacing the lower front fender panel  47 . In addition, it will be appreciated that a layered body panel configuration as described herein can provide certain structural advantages, aesthetic advantages, and other advantages in manufacturing or servicing the ATV  40 , or otherwise, some of which are described herein. 
   The rear fender assembly  56  is shown to comprise a lower rear fender panel  57  and an upper rear fender panel  60  which together provide a fender for the left and right rear wheels  44  and  45  of the ATV  40 . The lower rear fender panel  57  is shown to comprise a left lower rear fender portion  58  and a right lower rear fender portion  59 . The lower rear fender panel  57  can be attached to the frame  41  such that the left lower rear fender portion  58  extends at least partially over the left rear wheel  44 , and such that the right lower rear fender portion  59  extends at least partially over the right rear wheel  45 . The lower rear fender panel  57  is shown to comprise a top surface  58   a  and a bottom surface  58   b . Portions of the top surface  58   a  corresponding with each of the left and right lower rear fender portions  58  and  59  can provide a decorative body surface for the ATV  40 . Portions of the bottom surface  58   b  corresponding with each of the left and right lower rear fender portions  58  and  59  are shown to be positioned for receiving contact from debris respectively thrown by the left rear wheel  44  and the right rear wheel  45 . 
   The upper rear fender panel  60  is shown to at least partially cover the lower rear fender panel  57  and to comprise a left upper rear fender portion  61  and a right upper rear fender portion  62 . The upper rear fender panel  60  can be attached to the frame  41  and/or the lower rear fender panel  57  such that the left upper rear fender portion  61  extends at least partially over the left rear wheel  44 , and such that the right upper rear fender portion  62  extends at least partially over the right rear wheel  45 . The upper rear fender panel  60  is shown to comprise a top surface  61   a  and a bottom surface  61   b . At least part of the top surface  61   a  corresponding with each of the left and right upper rear fender portions  61  and  62  can provide a decorative body surface for the ATV  40 . Portions of the bottom surface  61   b  corresponding with each of the left and right upper rear fender portions  61  and  62  are shown to be positioned for receiving contact from debris respectively thrown by the left rear wheel  44  and the right rear wheel  45 . In this manner, it will be appreciated that both the lower and upper rear fender panels  57  and  60  can each receive contact from debris from the left and right rear wheels  44  and  45 , and can also each serve as decorative body panels. 
   The lower and upper rear fender panels  57  and  60  can be attached with respect to the remainder of the ATV  40  such that a portion of the bottom surface  61   b  of the upper rear fender panel  60  is adjacent to at least a portion of the top surface  58   a  of the lower rear fender panel  57 . In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface  61   b  of the upper rear fender panel  60  contacts at least a portion of the top surface  58   a  of the lower rear fender panel  57 . Also, each of the lower and upper rear fender panels  57  and  60  are shown to continuously extend from a left side of the ATV  40  to a right side of the ATV  40 . In certain other embodiments, one or both of the lower and upper rear fender panels might not continuously extend from a left side of the ATV to a right side of the ATV. As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 12 , for example, the lower rear fender panel  57  can extend to an outer perimeter  63 , and a portion of the lower rear fender panel  57  can extend beyond a portion of an outer perimeter  64  of the upper rear fender panel  60 . In addition or alternatively, a different portion of the upper rear fender panel  60  might extend beyond a portion of the outer perimeter  63  of the lower rear fender panel  57 . 
   In one embodiment, the lower and upper rear fender panels  57  and  60  can be formed from similar materials (e.g., plastic), and might even have the same color. In other embodiments, the lower and upper rear fender panels  57  and  60  can be formed from different materials (e.g., one from plastic and the other from steel), and/or to have different colors. The upper rear fender panel  60  can be removably attached to the frame  41  and/or the lower rear fender panel  57  so as to enable an operator to easily, quickly and inexpensively change the color profile of ATV  40  by simply replacing the upper rear fender panel  60  and without replacing the lower rear fender panel  57 . 
   The front fender assembly  46  is shown to be provided separately from the rear fender assembly  56 . However in an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that at least part of a front fender assembly might be provided integrally (e.g., through a common molding process) with at least part of a rear fender assembly. For example, in one alternative embodiment, a lower front fender panel might be formed integrally with a lower rear fender panel (e.g., such that the panel may extend from a forward end of an ATV to a rearward end of the ATV). An upper front fender panel might additionally or alternatively be formed integrally with an upper rear fender panel (e.g., such that the panel may extend from a forward end of an ATV to a rearward end of the ATV). However, by facilitating provision of separate front and rear fender assemblies, it will be appreciated that manufacturability of the fender assemblies can be rendered more efficient and less costly such as, for example, by enabling use of smaller molding equipment. Also, while certain fender panels are described and/or depicted herein as extending at least partially over two respective wheels of an ATV, it will be appreciated that in certain circumstances, one or more fender panels can extend at least partially over only one wheel of an ATV, or alternatively over three or more respective wheels of an ATV. 
   It will be appreciated that a layered fender assembly in accordance with one embodiment, and such as described above with respect to the front fender assembly  46  and the rear fender assembly  56 , can exhibit sufficient strength and rigidity so as to eliminate need for certain or all of the elongated metal wire stays (e.g.,  557  in  FIG. 13  as described above) which are conventionally employed for supporting fender assemblies upon ATVs. As wire stays are cumbersome, difficult to install, prone to snagging, and expensive, it will be appreciated that a fender assembly in accordance with one embodiment can provide significant advantages by removing the need for certain or all supporting wire stays. For example, with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  5 , and  12 , it can be seen that the left lower rear fender portion  58  extends from an inner end  58   c  to an outer end  58   d . Likewise, the left upper rear fender portion  61  extends from an inner end  61   c  to an outer end  61   d . Each of the inner ends  58   c  and  61   c  are shown in  FIG. 12  to be attached to the frame  41  of the ATV  40 . In particular, the inner end  58   c  of the left lower rear fender portion  58  is shown in  FIG. 12  to contact the inner end  61   c  of the left upper rear fender portion  61 , and a bolt  122  is shown to pass through a collar  123  and into aligned apertures in each of the inner ends  58   c ,  61   c  and the frame  41 . However, the inner ends  58   c  and  61   c  can be directly or indirectly attached to the frame  41  of the ATV  40  in any of a variety of suitable alternative configurations which may or may not involve fasteners such as bolts. 
   In one embodiment, the left lower rear fender portion  58  is shown in  FIG. 12  to integrally comprise a leg  103  depending beneath the left lower rear fender portion  58  adjacent to the inner end  58   c . The leg  103  can be configured to laterally compress against the frame  41 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , such as for transmitting forces to the frame  41  arising from downward vertical deflection of the rear fender assembly  56  (e.g., such as if a heavy object were dropped upon the rear fender assembly  56 ). The leg  103  is shown to comprise a rubber bumper  104  which is configured to contact the frame  41 . 
   The left upper rear fender portion  61  can be attached to the left lower rear fender portion  58  at an attachment location  90 . While the attachment location  90  can be provided adjacent to at least one of the outer ends  58   d  and  61   d , it can be seen in that, in the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the attachment location  90  is adjacent to the outer end  61   d  of the left upper rear fender portion  61 , and that the outer end  58   d  of the left lower rear fender portion  58  defines at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the rear fender assembly  56 . In an alternative embodiment, the attachment location can be adjacent to the outer end of the left lower rear fender portion, and the outer end of the left upper rear fender portion can define at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the rear fender assembly. 
   The left upper rear fender portion  61  can be attached to the left lower rear fender portion  58  at the attachment location  90  in any of a variety of suitable configurations. One of these configurations is described in detail below in connection with  FIGS. 14-19 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 19 , for example, the left upper rear fender portion  61  contacts the left lower rear fender portion  58  at the attachment location  90 . 
   However, regardless of how the left upper rear fender portion  61  is attached to the left lower rear fender portion  58  at the attachment location  90 , it will be appreciated that the left upper rear fender portion  61  and the left lower rear fender portion  58  can cooperate to facilitate resistance of the attachment location  90  and/or an outer perimeter of the rear fender assembly  56  to vertical deflection (i.e., without the use of convention elongated metal wire stays such as  557  in  FIG. 13 ). By attaching the left upper rear fender portion  61  to the left lower rear fender portion  58  at the inner ends  58   c ,  61   c  and at the attachment location  90 , it will be appreciated that the portions of the left upper rear fender portion  61  and the left lower rear fender portion  58  spanning this distance enter a tension/compression relationship as a vertical load is applied to the left portion of the rear fender assembly  56 . This tension/compression relationship facilitates resistance to vertical deflection, and without the presence of elongated metal wire stays such as  557  in  FIG. 13 , as well as sufficient resilience to recover from such vertical deflection. It will be appreciated that a fender assembly can be subjected to vertical deflection such as when a heavy object falls upon the fender assembly, when an operator leans or sits upon the fender assembly, when excessive cargo is hauled upon the fender assembly, or when the vehicle collides, for example. 
   It will be appreciated that the right portion of the rear fender assembly  56  can be provided in an arrangement similar to that described above with respect to the left portion of the rear fender assembly  56  for avoiding the presence of one or more elongated metal wire stays as are conventionally employed to facilitate resistance of a fender assembly to vertical deflection. In particular, each of the right lower rear fender portion  59  and the right upper rear fender portion  62  can have respective inner ends and respective outer ends. The respective inner ends can be attached to the frame  41 , and the right lower rear fender portion  59  and the right upper rear fender portion  62  can be attached together at an attachment location  91  disposed adjacent to at least one of the respective outer ends (e.g., the outer end of the right upper rear fender portion  62  as shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
   Additionally, it will be appreciated that the front fender assembly  46  can be arranged similarly to the rear fender assembly  56  to avoid the presence of one or more elongated metal wire stays as are conventionally employed for resisting vertical deflection of a fender assembly. For example, each of the left lower front fender portion  48  and the left upper front fender portion  51  can have respective inner ends  48   c ,  51   c  and respective outer ends  48   d ,  51   d . The respective inner ends  48   c ,  51   c  can be attached to the frame  41  as described above with respect to the inner ends  58   c ,  61   c . The left lower front fender portion  48  and the left upper front fender portion  51  can be attached together at an attachment location  88  disposed adjacent to the outer end  51   d  of the left upper front fender portion  51 . 
   Likewise, each of the right lower front fender portion  49  and the right upper front fender portion  52  can be provided in a similar arrangement which avoids the presence of one or more elongated metal wire stays as are conventionally employed. In particular, each of the right lower front fender portion  49  and the right upper front fender portion  52  can have respective inner ends and respective outer ends. The respective inner ends can be attached to the frame  41 , and the right lower front fender portion  49  and the right upper front fender portion  52  can be attached together at an attachment location  89  disposed adjacent to at least one of the respective outer ends (e.g., the outer end of the right upper front fender portion  52  as shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
   One or more channels can be provided in the front fender assembly  46  and/or the rear fender assembly  56  to facilitate the passage of fluid along one or more predetermined pathways. Such fluid can include, for example, mud, air, and water. The channels can be configured to facilitate cleaning of mud from between overlapping fenders on the ATV  40 , and can also facilitate passage of air for cooling of components (e.g., radiator, transmission, engine, or electronics) of the ATV  40 , and can additionally provide aesthetic value. 
   In one embodiment, the rear fender assembly  56  can define two channels  73 ,  76 . In particular, the left upper rear fender portion  61  is shown to cooperate with the left lower rear fender portion  58  in a spaced relationship to define both an access opening  72  and the channel  73 . The access opening  72  is shown to be directed toward a forward end  106  of the ATV  40 . The channel  73  is shown to be partially defined by a depressed portion in the lower rear fender panel  57 . The channel  73  is shown to be disposed between the inner ends  58   c ,  61   c  and the attachment location  90  such that the left upper rear fender portion  61  is attached to the left lower rear fender portion  58  on opposite sides of the channel  73 . The channel  73  is shown to at least partially overlie the left rear wheel  44  and to be configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway  80  from the access opening  72  to predetermined egress openings  74  (see  FIGS. 9 and 11 ) and  77  (see  FIG. 9 ). The channel  73  can extend in a direction which is generally longitudinally oriented from the forward end  106  of the ATV  40  to a rearward end  107  of the ATV  40  such that the predetermined pathway  80  is so routed, as shown best in  FIG. 9 . However, it will be appreciated that a channel can be defined between overlapping body panels in any of a variety of other configurations. 
   Much as described above with respect to the access opening  72  and the channel  73 , the right upper rear fender portion  62  is shown to cooperate with the right lower rear fender portion  59  in a spaced relationship to define both an access opening  75  and the channel  76 . The channel  76  is shown to at least partially overlie the right rear wheel  45  and to be configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway  81  from the access opening  75  to the predetermined egress opening  74  (see  FIGS. 9 and 11 ) and to a predetermined egress opening  87  (see  FIG. 9 ). The channel  76  can extend in a direction which is generally longitudinally oriented from the forward end  106  of the ATV  40  to the rearward end  107  of the ATV  40  such that the predetermined pathway  81  is so routed, as shown best in  FIG. 9 . 
   The predetermined egress opening  74  is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11  to be directed downwardly and to be at least partially defined by the lower rear fender panel  57  at a location near a rearward end  107  of the ATV  40  and disposed midway between the left and right sides of the ATV  40 . The predetermined egress opening  74  might additionally or alternatively be at least partially defined by the upper rear fender panel  60 . In this configuration, it will be appreciated that a substantial portion of the fluid captured by the access openings  72 ,  75  and the channels  73 ,  76  can be directed through the predetermined egress opening  74  to a location behind the ATV  40 . Much or all of the remaining fluid (e.g., slower-moving fluid) captured by the access openings  72 ,  75  and the channels  73 ,  76  can be directed through the predetermined egress openings  77 ,  87  to a location beneath the ATV  40 . Inside portions of the lower and upper rear fender panels  57 ,  60  (e.g., adjacent to left lower and upper inside edge portions  84 ,  83  discussed below) can be raised or otherwise formed to prevent such fluid from accessing certain areas disposed beneath a seat  96  of the ATV  40  which might, for example, include an air intake box for the engine of the ATV  40 . However, it will be appreciated that one or more predetermined egress openings might be provided in any of a variety of alternative locations and arrangements (e.g., see the embodiment of  FIGS. 36 ,  36   a ,  37 ,  38 , and  38   a ). 
   As described above with respect to the rear fender assembly  56 , the front fender assembly  46  can define two channels  67 ,  70 . In particular, the left upper front fender portion  51  is shown to cooperate with the left lower front fender portion  48  in a spaced relationship to define both an access opening  66  and the channel  67 . The channel  67  is shown to at least partially overlie the left front wheel  42  and to be configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway  78  from the access opening  66  to a predetermined egress opening  68 . The channel  67  can extend in a direction which is generally longitudinally oriented from the forward end  106  of the ATV  40  to the rearward end  107  of the ATV  40  such that the predetermined pathway  78  is so routed. 
   As described above with respect to the access opening  66  and the channel  67 , the right upper front fender portion  52  is shown to cooperate with the right lower front fender portion  49  in a spaced relationship to define both an access opening  69  and the channel  70 . The channel  70  is shown to at least partially overlie the right front wheel  43  and to be configured to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway  79  from the access opening  69  to a predetermined egress opening  71  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The channel  70  can extend in a direction which is generally longitudinally oriented from the forward end  106  of the ATV  40  to the rearward end  107  of the ATV  40  such that the predetermined pathway  79  is so routed. 
   As previously indicated, the lower and upper rear fender panels  57 ,  60  can be attached to the frame  41  by passing fasteners (e.g., bolt  122  in  FIG. 12 ) through aligned apertures in inner ends (e.g.,  58   c ,  61   c ) of fender portions (e.g.,  58 ,  61 ) and into apertures (e.g., threaded apertures) in the frame  41 . In accordance with one embodiment, the lower and upper rear fender panels  57 ,  60  can be attached to the frame  41  prior to attachment of the seat  96  to the frame  41 . The seat  96  is shown in  FIG. 27  to include hooks  92  and  93  for respectively and selectively interfacing catches  94  and  95  which are attached to the frame  41 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . Through use of the hooks  92 ,  93  and catches  94 ,  95 , for example, the seat  96  can be configured for selective attachment to the frame  41 . When the seat  96  is not attached to the frame  41 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , it can be seen that the area beneath the seat can be accessible for servicing and cleaning, for example. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that an ability to conveniently remove and attach the seat in this manner can be advantageous. 
   The seat  96  is shown in  FIG. 27  to include a left bumper member  97  and a right bumper member  99  which each depend from a bottom surface of the seat  96 . The left bumper member  97  is shown to comprise a left compression surface  98 , and the right bumper member  99  is shown to comprise a right compression surface  100 . In one embodiment, each of the left and right compression surfaces  98 ,  100  comprise rubber. In another embodiment, each of the left and right bumper members  97 ,  99  are formed partially or completely from rubber. While one or more of the compression surfaces and/or bumper members might be provided integrally with other portions of the seat, it will be appreciated that they might alternatively be attached to other portions of the seat with adhesives, fasteners, interlocking mechanical structures, or the like. 
   When the seat  96  is attached to the frame  41 , as shown in  FIG. 28 , the left compression surface  98  is shown to contact a left upper inside edge portion  83  of the left upper rear fender portion  61  provided at the inner end  61   c  of the left upper rear fender portion  61 . The left upper inside edge portion  83  is shown to overlap and contact a left lower inside edge portion  84  of the left lower rear fender portion  58  provided at the inner end  58   c  of the left lower rear fender portion  58  (see also  FIG. 12 ). A portion of the left lower inside edge portion  84  which corresponds with the left compression surface  98  is shown in  FIG. 28  to contact the frame  41  as well as to contact a portion of the left upper inside edge portion  83  which corresponds with the left compression surface  98 . In this manner, upon attachment of the seat  96  to the frame  41  as shown in  FIG. 28 , the left bumper member  97  sandwiches both the left upper inside edge portion  83  and the left lower inside edge portion  84  between the left compression surface  98  and the frame  41 . Similarly, upon attachment of the seat  96  to the frame  41 , the right bumper member  99  sandwiches both a right upper inside edge portion  85  (see  FIG. 5 ) and a right lower inside edge portion  86  (see  FIG. 3 ) between the right compression surface  100  and the frame  41 . In doing so, and by assisting the aforementioned fasteners (e.g., bolt  122  in  FIG. 12 ), the left and right bumper members  97 ,  99  sandwich the respective edge portions  83 ,  84 ,  85 ,  86  of the respective fender portions  61 ,  58 ,  62 ,  59  to facilitate securement of the rear fender assembly  56  with respect to the frame  41 . The left and right bumper members  97 ,  99  can also serve to prevent vibration of the rear fender assembly  56  with respect to the frame  41 . 
   An attachment location of overlapping fender panels can be achieved in any of a variety of suitable configurations. One of those configurations will now be described with reference to the attachment location  90  and in connection with the views of  FIGS. 14-19 . It will be appreciated that the attachment location  91  (see  FIG. 10 ) can be provided in an arrangement similar to that described below with respect to the attachment location  90 . It will also be appreciated that the attachment locations  88  and  89  can also be provided in an arrangement similar to that described below with respect to the attachment location  90 , except that instead of two bolts (i.e.,  330 ,  380  shown in  FIG. 19 ) and pockets (i.e.,  312 ,  362  also shown in  FIG. 19 ) as are shown in connection with the attachment location  90 , each of the attachment locations  88  and  89  are shown to only comprise a single bolt (which would accordingly each involve only a single pocket). It will be appreciated, however, that an attachment location involving overlapping panels can involve any number of bolts and pockets. 
   In particular, at the attachment location  90 , bolts  330  and  380  are shown to pass through respective apertures  310  and  360  in the left upper rear fender portion  61 . The left upper rear fender portion  61  can comprise annular portions (e.g.,  358  in  FIG. 19 ) surrounding and interiorly defining each of the apertures  310  and  360 . The annular portions can be raised with respect to and/or have a greater thickness than portions of the left upper rear fender portion  61  exteriorly adjacent to the annular portions. The annular portions can be configured to contact respective compression surfaces (e.g.,  384  in  FIG. 19 ) of respective bolts (e.g.,  380  in  FIG. 19 ), and can be configured to mitigate creep effects in the left upper rear fender portion  61  resulting from tightening of the bolts (e.g.,  380 ). For example, referring to  FIG. 19 , when a pan head  382  of the bolt  380  is tightened until the compression surface  384  contacts a T-nut  370  (as shown with respect to the bolt  330  and a T-nut  320 ), the annular portion  358  is compressed, thus providing tension upon the connection between the bolt  380  and the T-nut  370 , but without resulting in any substantial deformation to the left upper rear fender panel portion  61  at areas other than beneath the compression surface  384  of the bolt  380 . Accordingly, due to the presence of these annular portions (e.g.,  358  in  FIG. 19 ), no significant aesthetic deformation is likely to result to the left upper rear fender portion  61  despite full tightening of the bolts  330 ,  380  (as shown with respect to the bolt  330  in  FIG. 19 ). 
   The left lower rear fender portion  58  is shown in  FIGS. 15-19  to comprise two pockets  312  and  362  at the attachment location  90 . Each of the pockets  312 ,  362  defines a respective opening  314 ,  364  extending through the left lower rear fender portion  58 . For clarity of disclosure, it is noted that while pockets corresponding to the respective attachment locations  88 ,  89 ,  90  and  91  are visible in  FIG. 8 , the pockets are not depicted in  FIGS. 3-5 , as overlapping fender panels might be attached without use of pockets (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 34-35 ). 
   For example, the pocket  312  is shown to be configured to receive a base portion  322  of the T-nut  320  in a snap-fit arrangement such that a neck portion  324  of the T-nut  320  extends into the opening. The pocket  362  can be similarly configured to receive the T-nut  370 . The neck portion (e.g.,  324 ) of each T-nut (e.g.,  320 ) can define a threaded aperture (e.g.,  326 ) such that a threaded end of a corresponding bolt (e.g.,  330 ) may be received by the neck portion when the neck portion extends through the opening (e.g.,  314 ). 
   The pocket  312  can comprise a perimeter  313  which is configured to receive the T-nut  320 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 . The perimeter  313  can include two beveled corners  317  and  318  but can be otherwise generally rectangular, as also shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 . The pocket  312  is shown to also include a wall  343  and two corner stops  315  and  316 . In particular, the wall  343  can extend from the perimeter  313  and can include notches  345  and  346  adjacent to each of the beveled corners  317  and  318 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 15-18 , the notches  345  and  346  can comprise apertures extending entirely through the left lower rear fender portion  58 . The beveled corners  317  and  318  and the notches  345  and  346  are shown to together define the corner stops  315  and  316 . 
   Once the T-nut  320  is inserted into the pocket  312 , the corner stops  315  and  316  can cooperate with the wall  343  and the aperture  310  to facilitate retention of the T-nut  320  in the snap-fit arrangement within the pocket  312 . In particular, once the T-nut  320  is inserted into the pocket  312 , interaction of the neck portion  324  with the aperture  310  and interaction of the base portion  322  with the wall  343  and the corner stops  315 ,  316  can prevent the T-nut from easily being removed from the pocket  312 . The pocket  362  can be configured similarly to the pocket  312  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 15-19 . 
   In order to facilitate attachment of the left upper rear fender portion  61  to the left lower rear fender portion  58  at the attachment location  90 , the T-nuts  320 ,  370  can be inserted into the respective pockets  312 ,  362  in a snap-fit arrangement as described above. The bolts  330 ,  380  can then be inserted into the respective apertures  310 ,  360  in the left upper rear fender portion  61  and into the threaded apertures (e.g.,  326 ) of the respective T-nuts  320 ,  370  disposed within the respective pockets  312 ,  362  of the left lower rear fender portion  58 . As described above, once the T-nuts  320 ,  370  are inserted into the respective pockets  312 ,  362 , removal of the T-nuts  320 ,  370  from the respective pockets  312 ,  362  may not be easily accomplished. Accordingly, there is typically no need to manually hold the T-nuts  320 ,  370  during insertion of the bolts  330 ,  380  into the respective threaded apertures (e.g.,  326 ) of the T-nuts  320 ,  370  because the pockets  312 ,  362  can be configured to provide this holding function. Because this configuration provides for automatic, hands-free retention of the T-nuts  320 ,  370 , the process of assembling the left lower rear fender portion  58  and the left upper rear fender portion  61  at the attachment location  90  is rendered quite simple. 
   It will be appreciated that overlapping panels might be attached (e.g., at an attachment location) through use of any of a variety of alternative fastener arrangements. For example, in one alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 34-35 , respective panels  657  and  660  (e.g., vehicular body panels such as fender panels) can be attached through use of a bolt  630 , a rubber boot  619 , and a nut  620  which defines a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded end of the bolt  630 . The rubber boot  619  can be inserted through an aperture in the panel  660 , and the panel  657  can be arranged such that an aperture in the panel  657  is aligned with the aperture in the panel  660 . The bolt  630  can then be threaded into the nut  620 , as shown in  FIG. 34 . When the bolt  630  is tightened, the nut  620  is drawn toward the panels  657 ,  660 , thus compressing and diametrically expanding the rubber boot  619 , and resultantly securing the panels  657 ,  660  together. 
   As body panels for an ATV are typically manufactured (e.g., molded) within certain tolerances, a body panel can be slightly larger or smaller than optimally desired, yet still fall within an acceptable tolerance limit. Accordingly, mounting apertures (e.g., for bolts) provided in body panels are often elongated to accommodate for tolerance variations. Variations in a body panel&#39;s dimensions within the tolerance range are often not visible to an onlooker of the vehicle. However, these variations can be noticeable, particularly when respective body panels meet at an irregular interface due to one or both of the body panels having dimensions approaching a tolerance limit. 
   One interface between respective body panels on the ATV  40  is shown to be provided near the center of the ATV  40  (i.e., at the midpoint fastener  118  shown in  FIG. 20 ) where the front fender assembly  46  meets the rear fender assembly  56 , as described below. Each of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  can be attached to the frame  41  of the ATV  40  at this interface. Since the location of this interface might be a common focal point of the ATV  40 , substantially no irregularity in this interface may be acceptable. As such, and in order that the ATV  40  may consistently display an image of quality and durability, it can be important that minimal variation/irregularity is provided between the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  at this interface. To the extent that either of the front and/or rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  approaches a tolerance limit, any variations can be accommodated by adjustable fastener arrangements (e.g., involving elongated apertures in the body panels) provided adjacent to respective forward and rearward ends  106 ,  107  of the ATV  40 , as described below. In this arrangement, because the interfaces between the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  and other parts of the ATV  40  disposed near the forward and rearward ends  106 ,  107  of the ATV  40  are not particularly prominent to onlookers of the ATV  40 , it is unlikely that any variation in tolerance of either of the front or rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  would be noticeable by an onlooker of the ATV  40 . 
   In particular, the frame  41  is shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, to extend from a forward end  108  to a rearward end  109 . The frame  41  is shown to comprise forward attachment structures (e.g.,  110  in  FIG. 6 ) disposed adjacent to the forward end  108  of the frame  41 . The frame  41  is also shown to comprise rearward attachment structures (e.g.,  111  in  FIG. 26 ) disposed adjacent to the rearward end  109  of the frame  41 . The frame  41  is additionally shown to comprise midpoint attachment structures (e.g.,  112  in  FIGS. 22-23 ) disposed about midway between the forward end  108  of the frame  41  and the rearward end  109  of the frame  41 . 
   The front fender assembly  46  is shown to be configured for attachment to each of the forward attachment structure  110  and the midpoint attachment structure  112 . The rear fender assembly  56  is shown to be configured for attachment to each of the midpoint attachment structure  112  and the rearward attachment structure  111 . As shown in  FIGS. 21 ,  24 , and  25 , and as described in further detail below, a midpoint fastener  118  (e.g., a threaded bolt) can be inserted into aligning apertures  113 ,  115 ,  116  respectively defined by the midpoint attachment structure  112  and by overlapping portions of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  (e.g., left lower front and rear fender portions  48  and  58 , respectively) to attach these overlapping portions to the midpoint attachment structure  112 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the aperture  113  in the midpoint attachment structure  112  comprises a threaded aperture which is configured to receive a threaded end of the midpoint fastener  118 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , for example, the aligning apertures  115  and  116  defined by the front fender assembly  46  and the rear fender assembly  56  are shown to be substantially round so as to allow little, if any, variability in terms of positioning of a forward end of the rear fender assembly  56  with respect to a rearward end of the front fender assembly  46 . In one embodiment, and with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 20 , the aligning apertures  115 ,  116 , and  113  and the midpoint fastener  118  can be disposed at a location vertically beneath a lowermost portion of the seat  96 , and at a location horizontally forward of a forwardmost portion of the seat  96 . However, it will be appreciated that these features might be located in any of a variety of suitable configurations and arrangements on a vehicle. 
   Also, while the midpoint fastener  118  is depicted for attachment of the front fender assembly  46  and the rear fender assembly  56  on the left side of the ATV  40 , it will be appreciated that another midpoint fastener might be provided for similarly attaching the front fender assembly  46  and the rear fender assembly  56  on the right side of the ATV  40 . In particular, the midpoint fastener can comprise a left midpoint fastener (e.g.,  118 ) and a right midpoint fastener which are correspondingly disposed upon opposite sides of the ATV  40 , wherein the left midpoint fastener (e.g.,  118 ) is inserted into the respective aligning apertures (e.g.,  115 ,  116 ,  113 ) defined by left portions of each of the front fender assembly (e.g.,  46 ), the rear fender assembly (e.g.,  56 ), and the midpoint attachment structure (e.g.,  112 ), and wherein the right midpoint fastener is inserted into respective aligning apertures defined by right portions of each of the front fender assembly (e.g.,  46 ), the rear fender assembly (e.g.,  56 ), and the midpoint attachment structure (e.g.,  112 ). 
   In this configuration, the interface between the forward end of the rear fender assembly  56  and the rearward end of the front fender assembly  46  can be substantially uniform or tight, and any variability in the dimensions of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  can be accounted for at respective forward and rearward ends  108 ,  109  of the frame  41 , at which locations the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  typically are not expected to tightly interface with other body components, and slight variations in fit (e.g., arising from irregularity during molding of the fender assemblies) are not likely to be noticeable. In order to provide this flexibility, the forward end of the front fender assembly  46  can be provided with elongated slotted apertures (e.g.,  114  in  FIG. 6 ), and the rearward end of the rear fender assembly  56  can be provided with elongated slotted apertures (e.g.,  117  in  FIG. 26 ). Fasteners (e.g., a bolt  121  in  FIG. 6 ) can pass through the elongated slotted apertures (e.g.,  114  in  FIG. 6 ) in the front fender assembly  46  and into threaded apertures in the forward attachment structure  110  of the frame  41 . Likewise, fasteners (e.g., a bolt  122  in  FIGS. 10 ,  12  and  26 ) can pass through the elongated slotted apertures (e.g.,  117  in  FIG. 26 ) in the rear fender assembly  56  and into threaded apertures (e.g.,  136  in  FIG. 26 ) in the rearward attachment structure  111  of the frame  41 . The midpoint fastener  118  accordingly provides a datum to facilitate a consistent interface between the front fender assembly  46  and the rear fender assembly  56  such that tolerance variability in at least one of the front fender assembly  46  and the rear fender assembly  56  results in variation in attachment to at least one of the forward attachment structure  110  and the rearward attachment structure  111  (instead of to the midpoint attachment structure  112 ). 
   The midpoint fasteners (e.g.,  118 ) can be provided in any of a variety of suitable configurations for attaching respective portions of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  to the frame  41 . For example, in one particular embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 21-25 , the midpoint fastener  118  is shown to comprise a bolt having a head  120  and a threaded end  119 . A grommet  216  is shown to surround a portion of the midpoint fastener  118 . The grommet  216  can be disposed between the front fender assembly  46  (e.g., the left lower front fender portion  48 ) and the rear fender assembly  56  (e.g., the left lower rear fender portion  58 ) to prevent the front fender assembly  46  from contacting the rear fender assembly  56  adjacent to the midpoint fastener  118 . By preventing such contact, the grommet  216  prevents abrasion to the respective front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  resulting from contact of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56 . The grommet  216  can also be disposed between each of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  and the frame  41  to prevent each of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  from contacting the frame  41 . In this configuration, heat from the frame  41  (e.g., initially radiated from the ATV&#39;s engine) is less likely to be conducted to the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56 , and warping and discoloration of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  can accordingly be prevented. Accordingly, in the fastening arrangement of  FIGS. 21-25 , portions of both the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  can be attached to common locations of the frame  41 , but without contacting each other or the frame  41 . 
   In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 22-25 , the grommet  216  can have an exterior surface  218  and can define a bore  220  extending longitudinally from a first end  222  to a second end  224 . The midpoint fastener  118  can pass through the bore  220 , as shown in  FIGS. 24-25 . The exterior surface  218  can define an annular channel  226  having a reduced diameter as compared to longitudinally adjacent annular portions  228 ,  230  of the grommet  216  disposed upon opposite sides of the annular channel  226 . One of the longitudinally adjacent annular portions (i.e.,  230 ) is shown to define the first end  222 , while the other of the longitudinally adjacent annular portions (i.e.,  228 ) is shown to define the second end  224 . The grommet  216  can be disposed, as in  FIGS. 22-25 , such that the aperture  115  in the front fender assembly  46  surrounds the annular channel  226 , and such that a portion of the front fender assembly  46  (e.g., a portion of the left lower front fender portion  48 ) is retained within the annular channel  226 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 22-25 , the first end  222  of the grommet  216  can contact the rear fender assembly  56  (e.g., a portion of the left lower rear fender portion  58 ) adjacent to the aperture  116  in the rear fender assembly  56 . Though the grommet  216  can comprise any of a variety of materials, in one embodiment, the grommet  216  can comprise a resilient material such as rubber. 
   In one embodiment, a sleeve  210  can be provided within the bore  220  of the grommet  216  such that the bore  220  surrounds the sleeve  210 . The sleeve  210  can define a longitudinally extending bore  212 . As shown in  FIGS. 24-25 , the midpoint fastener  118  can pass through the bore  212  in the sleeve  210  such that the sleeve  210  surrounds a portion of the midpoint fastener  118  and is disposed between the grommet  216  and the midpoint fastener  118 . In this embodiment, the midpoint fastener  118  is configured to compress the grommet  216  between the rear fender assembly  56  and the midpoint attachment structure  112  of the frame  41 . 
   The sleeve  210  can be positioned and configured so as to limit compression of the grommet  216  by the midpoint fastener  118 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 24-25 , the sleeve  210  can contact the midpoint attachment structure  112  of the frame  41  and can additionally extend into the aperture  116  in the rear fender assembly  56  for contacting the head  120  of the midpoint fastener  118  upon tightening of the midpoint fastener  118 . The head  120  can also contact the rear fender assembly  56  as shown in  FIGS. 24-25 . As also shown in  FIGS. 24-25 , the sleeve  210  can comprise a radially extended portion  214  for contacting and distributing force across a larger surface area of the midpoint attachment structure  112  of the frame  41 . In such circumstance, the second end  224  of the grommet  216  can contact the radially extended portion  214  such that the grommet  216  is compressed between the rear fender assembly  56  and the radially extended portion  214  of the sleeve  210 . Though the sleeve  210  can comprise any of a variety of materials, in one embodiment, the sleeve  210  can comprise metal such as stainless steel. In addition to limiting compression as described above, the sleeve  210  can also serve to help prevent transfer of heat from the frame  41  and/or midpoint fastener  118  to the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56 . It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the positions of the front and rear fender assemblies  46 ,  56  may be reversed with respect to the midpoint fastener  118 , the grommet  216  and/or the sleeve  210 . 
   A fuel tank cover  190  is shown in  FIGS. 20-22  to comprise a body panel which is disposed adjacent to the left lower rear fender portion  58  and the left lower front fender portion  48 . In one embodiment, the fuel tank cover can be integrally provided by the upper front fender panel  50 . However, in another embodiment, the fuel tank cover can be provided as a separate component from the upper front fender panel  50 . In either circumstance, the fuel tank cover  190  can comprise a tab  194  which defines an aperture  191 . A fastener (e.g., a push pin  192 ) can be inserted through the aperture  191  and through an aperture  196  ( FIG. 23 ) in a portion of the left lower front fender portion  48  to facilitate an indirect attachment of the fuel tank cover  190  to the midpoint attachment structure  112  of the frame  41 . In particular, the push pin  192  is shown to be located adjacent to the midpoint fastener  118  such that the fuel tank cover  190  is indirectly attached to the frame  41  by way of the midpoint fastener  118  and the left lower front fender portion  48 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the push pin  192  can be concealed from view by the left lower rear fender portion  58 . In another embodiment, a fuel tank cover might additionally or alternatively be attached with one or more push pins or other fasteners to one or more components of the ATV  40  other than the left lower front fender portion  48 . 
   The rear fender assembly  56  can be supported with respect to the frame  41  through use of fewer elongated metal wire stays than are present upon conventional ATVs for supporting fenders. However, a limited number of elongated metal wire stays might be provided in some circumstances to support portions of the rear fender assembly  56 . In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 29-30 , the lowermost portion of the left lower rear fender portion  58  can be supported by a stay assembly  420  with respect to the frame  41  and with respect to an adjacent mudguard  412  and footrest  410 . A similar arrangement can be provided upon a right side of the ATV  40 . 
   In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 29-30 , it can be seen that the stay assembly  420  can comprise two elongated metal wires  422  and  424 . Although it is contemplated that the elongated metal wires  422 ,  424  can be formed from spring-type steel, it will be appreciated that the elongated metal wires  422 ,  424  might alternatively be formed from some other material(s). Each of the elongated metal wires  422 ,  424  are shown to be attached to each of the frame  41 , the left lower rear fender portion  58 , the footrest  410 , and the mudguard  412 . In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that a stay assembly might comprise only a single elongated metal wire, or might alternatively comprise more than two elongated metal wires. 
   Each of the elongated metal wires  422 ,  424  are shown to be attached to the left lower rear fender portion  58  at a common location. In particular, a bolt  428  is shown to be provided for passage through an aperture in the left lower rear fender portion  58 , through an end  440  of the elongated metal wire  422 , and into a swivel clip  427  which wraps around a portion of the elongated metal wire  424 . In other embodiments, the elongated metal wires of a stay assembly can be attached to a fender portion in alternative configurations (e.g., at different locations). 
   The elongated metal wires  422 ,  424  are shown to attach to the frame  41  at differing locations. In particular, the elongated metal wire  424  is shown to have an end  425  which is wrapped around a bolt  426  which can be inserted into a threaded aperture in the frame  41 . While this configuration is effective for attaching an end of an elongated metal wire to a frame of a vehicle, it does not provide an effective arrangement for attaching a middle portion of an elongated metal wire to a frame, as it would require overly complex bending of the elongated metal wire and would facilitate insufficient flexibility of movement by the attached components. An attempt to weld a mounting bracket to a middle portion of an elongated metal wire can result in disadvantageously affecting the resiliency and tensile strength of the elongated metal wire. 
   As such, the elongated metal wire  422  is shown to be attached to the frame  41  through use of a swivel clip  454  which surrounds a longitudinal portion  423  of the elongated metal wire  422 . As described in further detail below, the swivel clip  454  can facilitate attachment of the elongated metal wire  422  to the frame  41 , but can also facilitate at least some movement of the elongated metal wire  422  with respect to the frame  41 . The elongated metal wire  422  is shown to be attached to the left lower rear fender portion  58  and the mudguard  412  on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion  423  of the elongated metal wire  422 . The elongated metal wire  422  is also shown to be attached to the mudguard  412  on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion  423  of the elongated metal wire  422 . The swivel clip  454  can be attached to the frame  41  through use of a bolt  468 , for example. In other embodiments, respective elongated metal wires may be attached to a frame in any of a variety of alternative configurations. 
   The elongated metal wires  422 ,  424  are shown to be attached to the mudguard  412  at differing locations. In particular, the elongated metal wire  424  is shown to be attached to the mudguard  412  with bolts  430 ,  434  inserted through apertures in the mudguard  412  and into respective swivel clips  429 ,  433 . The elongated metal wire  422  is shown to be attached to the mudguard  412  with bolts  432 ,  436  inserted through apertures in the mudguard  412  and into respective swivel clips  431 ,  435 . In other embodiments, respective elongated metal wires may be attached to a mudguard in any of a variety of alternative configurations for at least partially supporting the mudguard with respect to a footrest, frame, and rear fender assembly of an ATV. 
   The elongated metal wires  422 ,  424  are shown to be attached to the footrest  410  at differing locations. In particular, an end of the elongated metal wire  424  is shown to be inserted into an aperture in the footrest  410  for securement to the footrest  410 . An end  442  of the elongated metal wire  422  is shown to be wrapped around a bolt  443  which can be inserted into a threaded aperture in the footrest  410 . In other embodiments, respective elongated metal wires may be attached to a footrest in any of a variety of alternative configurations. 
   It can be seen that the stay assembly  420 , and in particular the elongated metal wires  422 ,  424 , can be configured to facilitate consistent spacing between the mudguard  412  and the left lower rear fender portion  58  of the rear fender assembly  56 . As such, during use of the ATV  40 , the position of the mudguard  412  is unlikely to move significantly with respect to the rear fender assembly  56 , and debris is less likely to be caught within a gap between the mudguard  412  and the left lower rear fender portion  58  of the rear fender assembly  56  (e.g., as compared to a conventional ATV having the arrangement depicted in  FIG. 33 ). 
   As previously indicated, and as shown in further detail in  FIGS. 31-32 , the elongated metal wire  422  is shown to be attached to the frame  41  through use of a swivel clip  454 . The swivel clip  454  is shown to comprise a retention portion  456  and a mounting portion  458 . In one embodiment, the swivel clip  454  can comprise a ribbon  462  which is formed from metal or some other material(s). The ribbon  462  can extend from a first end  464  to a second end  466 . A portion of the ribbon  462  (e.g., the retention portion  456 ) can at least partially surround the longitudinal portion  423  of the elongated metal wire  422  such that the first end  464  overlaps the second end  466 . The retention portion  456  is shown to be located about midway along the ribbon  462  between the first end  464  and the second end  466 . 
   Once overlapped in this manner, and as shown in  FIGS. 31-32 , the first and second ends  464 ,  466  can be attached to the frame  41  such that the elongated metal wire  422  is movably attached to the frame  41  by the ribbon  462 . In particular, the mounting portion  458  of the ribbon  462  can include the first end  464  of the ribbon  462  which defines an aperture  465 , and the second end  466  of the ribbon  462  which defines an aperture  467 . The frame  41  can define a threaded aperture  470 . The bolt  468  can pass through a washer  469 , through the apertures  465 ,  467 , and then into the threaded aperture  470  to facilitate attachment of the swivel clip  454  to the frame  41 . 
   It will be appreciated that this movable attachment of the elongated metal wire  422  to the frame  41  by the swivel clip  454  can involve at least some rotation of the longitudinal portion  423  with respect to the frame  41  and/or at least some longitudinal motion of the longitudinal portion  423  with respect to the frame  41 . By allowing some movement of the longitudinal portion  423  with respect to the frame  41 , it will be appreciated that the swivel clip  454  reduces the amount of bending or other force which might otherwise be imposed upon the rear fender assembly  56  and/or the footrest  410  if the longitudinal portion  423  were rigidly secured to the frame  41 . 
   To attach a lowermost end of the left lower rear fender portion  58  to the frame  41  of the ATV  40 , the elongated metal wire  422  can be attached to the left lower rear fender portion  58  and to the mudguard  412  on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion  423  of the elongated metal wire  422 , as shown in  FIGS. 29-30 . The elongated metal wire  422  can also be attached to the mudguard  412  on opposite sides of the longitudinal portion  423  of the elongated metal wire  422 , as also shown in  FIGS. 29-30 . The ribbon  462  can be wrapped at least partially around the longitudinal portion  423  of the elongated metal wire  422  such that the respective apertures  465 ,  467  in the first and second ends  464 ,  466  of the ribbon  462  are aligned. The bolt  468  can then be inserted through the apertures  465 ,  467  in the ribbon  462  and into the threaded aperture  470  provided in the frame  41  of the ATV  40  to facilitate movable attachment of the elongated metal wire  422  with respect to the frame  41  of the ATV  40 . 
   It will be appreciated that fender panels can be provided for a vehicle such as an ATV in any of a variety of other suitable configurations. For example, in one alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 36 ,  36   a ,  37 ,  38 , and  38   a , an ATV can include a frame  741  and front and rear fender assemblies  746 ,  756  provided in an overlapping arrangement. In particular, the front fender assembly  746  is shown to comprise a lower front fender panel  747  and an upper front fender panel  750 . The lower front fender panel  747  is shown to extend to an outer perimeter  753 , and the upper front fender panel  750  is shown to extend to an outer perimeter  754 . The lower front fender panel  747  is shown to comprise a left lower front fender portion  748  and a right lower front fender portion  749 , and to have a top surface  748   a  and a bottom surface  748   b . The upper front fender panel  750  is shown to comprise a left upper front fender portion  751  and a right upper front fender portion  752 , and to have a top surface  751   a  and a bottom surface  751   b . Both the lower and upper front fender panels  747  and  750  can together provide a fender for left and right front wheels of an ATV, can each receive contact from debris thrown from the left and right front wheels, and can also each serve as a decorative body panel, such as described above with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-12  and  14 - 32 . 
   The rear fender assembly  756  is shown to comprise a lower rear fender panel  757  and an upper rear fender panel  760 . The lower rear fender panel  757  is shown to extend to an outer perimeter  763 , and the upper rear fender panel  760  is shown to extend to an outer perimeter  764 . The lower rear fender panel  757  is shown to comprise a left lower rear fender portion  758  and a right lower rear fender portion  759 , and to have a top surface  758   a  and a bottom surface  758   b . The upper rear fender panel  760  is shown to comprise a left upper rear fender portion  761  and a right upper rear fender portion  762 , and to have a top surface  761   a  and a bottom surface  761   b . Similar to the arrangement described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-12  and  14 - 32 , both the lower and upper rear fender panels  757  and  760  can together provide a fender for left and right rear wheels of an ATV, can each receive contact from debris thrown from the left and right rear wheels, and can also each serve as a decorative body panel. Channels are shown in  FIGS. 36 ,  36   a ,  37 ,  38 , and  38   a  to be provided in the front and rear fender assemblies  746  and  756  to facilitate passage of fluid along one or more predetermined pathways, such as described above with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-12  and  14 - 32 . Some or all of the other features described above with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-12  and  14 - 32  may also be provided in the embodiment of  FIGS. 36 ,  36   a ,  37 ,  38 , and  38   a , some of which are depicted in  FIGS. 36 ,  36   a ,  37 ,  38 , and  38   a.    
   While many of the foregoing features involve respective fender panels, it will be appreciated that other embodiments might involve other types of respective panels which may or may not comprise body panels such as might be provided upon a vehicle. 
   The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate various embodiments as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is hereby intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.