Vehicles having fastener extending into apertures of respective body panels and methods Number:7,438,350 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.<H respective, apertures, Vehicles, having, 7438350.html, Patent, pto, 7438350

Title: Vehicles having fastener extending into apertures of respective body panels and methods

Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

Patent Number: 7,438,350 Issued on 10/21/2008 to Peterson, et al.

Inventors: Peterson; Michael V. (Marysville, OH), King; Darin D. (Raymond, OH), Hlopick; Stephen (Marysville, OH), Karube; Shinichi (Dublin, OH), Nolt; Daryl (Hilliard, OH)
Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd. (Tokyo, JP)

Appl. No.: 11/821,921

Filed: June 26, 2007

Current U.S. Class: 296/191 ; 296/198; 296/29; 296/35.1; 296/901.01

Current International Class: B62D 24/04 (20060101)

Field of Search: 296/191,29,198,35.1,181.2,901.01 280/847,848,154,851,854

References Cited [Referenced By]

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Other References

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Primary Examiner: Pedder; Dennis H
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle comprising: a frame defining a threaded aperture; a first body panel defining a first aperture; a second body panel defining a second aperture; a sleeve defining a longitudinally extending sleeve bore, the sleeve extending into the first aperture in the first body panel; a grommet having a grommet exterior surface and defining a grommet bore extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, the grommet bore surrounding the sleeve, the grommet exterior surface defining 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 said longitudinally adjacent annular portions defining the first end, the other of said longitudinally adjacent annular portions defining the second end, the second aperture surrounding the annular channel such that a portion of the second body panel is retained within the annular channel, and the first end contacting the first body panel adjacent to the first aperture; and a fastener extending through the first aperture and the sleeve bore and into the threaded aperture in the frame, wherein the fastener is configured to compress the grommet between the first body panel and the frame.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein portions of the first body panel adjacent to the first aperture are spaced from each of the second body panel and the frame.

3. The vehicle of claim 2 wherein portions of the second body panel adjacent to the second aperture are spaced from the frame.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises a radially extended portion contacting the frame, and wherein the second end of the grommet contacts the radially extended portion of the sleeve such that the grommet is compressed between the first body panel and the radially extended portion of the sleeve.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the grommet comprises a resilient material.

6. The vehicle of claim 5 wherein the grommet comprises rubber.

7. The vehicle of claim 5 wherein the sleeve comprises metal.

8. The vehicle of claim 7 wherein the sleeve comprises stainless steel.

9. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises a bolt having a head and a threaded end, the threaded end is inserted into the threaded aperture in the frame, and the head contacts the first body panel and the sleeve.

10. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the frame extends from a forward end to a rearward end and the frame defines the threaded aperture about midway between the forward end and the rearward end.

11. The vehicle of claim 10 further comprising a seat attached to the frame, wherein the threaded aperture in the frame is disposed at a location vertically beneath a lowermost portion of the seat and horizontally forward of a forwardmost portion of the seat.

12. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein one of the first body panel and the second body panel comprises a front fender panel, and the other of the first body panel and the second body panel comprises a rear fender panel.

13. The vehicle of claim 12 further comprising a fuel tank cover attached to at least one of the first body panel and the second body panel by a second fastener located adjacent to the fastener such that the fuel tank cover is indirectly attached to the frame by way of the fastener and the at least one of the first body panel and the second body panel.

14. The vehicle of claim 12 comprising an all terrain vehicle.

15. A vehicle comprising: a frame defining a threaded aperture; a first body panel defining a first aperture; a second body panel defining a second aperture, wherein the first body panel at least partially overlaps the second body panel such that the first aperture aligns with the second aperture; a fastener extending 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; and a grommet surrounding a portion of the fastener, the grommet 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, and the grommet disposed between the second body panel and the frame to prevent the second body panel from contacting the frame adjacent to the fastener.

16. The vehicle of claim 15 further comprising a sleeve surrounding a portion of the fastener and disposed between the grommet and the fastener, wherein the sleeve contacts the frame.

17. The vehicle of claim 16 wherein the fastener comprises a bolt having a head, a portion of the sleeve extends into the first aperture, and the head contacts each of the first body panel and the sleeve.

18. The vehicle of claim 17 wherein the sleeve comprises a radially extended portion contacting the frame and the grommet.

19. The vehicle of claim 17 wherein one of the first body panel and the second body panel comprises a front fender panel, and the other of the first body panel and the second body panel comprises a rear fender panel.

20. The vehicle of claim 19 further comprising a fuel tank cover attached to at least one of the first body panel and the second body panel by a second fastener located adjacent to the fastener such that the fuel tank cover is indirectly attached to the frame by way of the fastener and the at least one of the first body panel and the second body panel.

21. The vehicle of claim 15 comprising an all terrain vehicle.

22. A method of assembling a vehicle, the method comprising: 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; disposing a grommet 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, and additionally between a frame and a portion of the second body panel adjacent to the second aperture, wherein the grommet defines a grommet bore; inserting a sleeve through the grommet bore, the sleeve defining a sleeve bore aligning with the first aperture and the second aperture; and inserting a fastener 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.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/821,972, 11/821,970, 11/821,964, 11/823,065, 11/821,909, 11/821,959, 11/821,922 and 11/821,963, each filed on Jun. 26, 2007, and respectively entitled "All Terrain Vehicle Having Layered Body Panel Configuration," "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," 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'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'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'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'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's seat is first attached to a fender assembly, and the fender assembly is subsequently attached to the ATV's frame. Attachment of the fender assembly to the ATV'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 fastene