Abstract: In order to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle, a bodyshell element forming a hood or trunk lid has at least one edge area with an outer part isolated from a support structure, in such a way that the outer part creates an energy-absorbing zone in front of the support structure part as a means of protection in a collision.

Abstract: The invention provides an enclosure assembly configured to enhance accessibility to a drive unit of an agricultural applicator. The enclosure assembly generally includes a first panel and a second panel pivotally connected to the enclosure assembly and moveable between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the first panel is positioned in general alignment with the second panel. The enclosure assembly also accommodates an exhaust outlet extending upward from the drive unit. The forward end of the first panel includes a first cutout portion and the rearward end of the second panel includes a second cutout portion each configured in the closed position to receive the exhaust outlet. From the closed position, the first panel pivots in a rearward direction and the second panel pivots in a forward direction, relative to the forward direction of travel, to access the drive unit.

Abstract: A vehicle hood includes a hood outer panel and a panel-shaped hood reinforcement which is arranged at the underside of the hood outer panel. The hood reinforcement includes an integral bend which extends in the vehicle width direction to allow the hood reinforcement to bend in the front to rear direction of the vehicle in a frontal crash. A bulge formed in the hood outer panel and the bend of the hood reinforcement are so arranged that the front end of the bulge and the bend substantially coincide with each other when viewed in plan.

Abstract: A flip-up apparatus is provided to lift up a hood of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a hinge device for the hood rotatably mounted on a vehicle body and an actuator for lifting up a hood at a vehicle collision. The hinge device has a first and a second arm supporting the hood rotatably to a frame member of the vehicle body and first and second lock plates rotatably supported on the under face of the hood to hold an active part of the actuator. In the upward movement of the active part of the actuator, the active part is held by the lock plates.

Abstract: A latching device and operating mechanism are provided suitable for controlling the opening or closing of a tilting cover such as the hood of a car or truck. The latching device operates to prevent accidental closure of the cover when the cover is open. The operating mechanism is coupled to the latching device for releasing the latching device when the hood is to be shut. The operating mechanism is located on the vehicle near a location from which an operator typically opens or closes the hood.

Abstract: A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel or component part having a reinforcing backing plate reconciled to a part of a blank material at a position wherein a bending formation is implemented. The backing plate has one or more apertures formed in at least one lateral raw at a location equivalent to the position of the bending formation. When forming the blank material and the backing plate concurrently by a bending operation, the backing plate becomes intimately associated with the blank sheet to avoid the backing plate from locally separating from the blank material and from forming a gap relative thereto, with a resultant improved product quality.

Abstract: A drive (10) for a device for raising a hood of a vehicle includes an energy storing unit which drives an actuating member (32) of a lifting mechanism coupled to the hood. The drive (10) further includes an electromotor (16) by which the accumulator can be set into a tensioned state, and a locking element which in a rest position holds the energy storing unit in the tensioned state. In addition, a carrier (26) is provided, movable in a linear manner by the electromotor (16) and capable of being coupled selectively to the energy storing unit. The carrier (26) by a first movement tensions the energy storing unit and by a second movement releases the locking element.

Abstract: A three-wheeled agricultural applicator includes a hood assembly with enhanced maneuverability between an open and a closed position. The hood assembly includes a hood and a linkage assembly coupling the hood to a frame assembly of the agricultural applicator. The linkage assembly includes a first pivotal hood coupling assembly, a second pivotal hood coupling assembly, and a third pivotal hood coupling assembly located therebetween, attached to the hood. The linkage assembly further includes a first assist device and a second assist device each attached between the hood and frame assembly. The first and second assist devices are each configured to exert a force to assist the operator in moving the hood from the closed position toward an open position.

Abstract: It comprises a rear part provided with a cylindrical body surrounding and clamping a sheath for receiving and protecting a driving cable. There is provided a lock for retaining the sheath at the opposite end thereof helped by a dust-coat. Rotation of the rear part makes said lock to be released through a spear. The sheath is provided with a cover inside of which a stranded wire bundle is disposed wherein a metal coil is arranged. Disassembling of the device is made by rotating the hood of the rear part and releasing the spear from the lock. There are also provided projections extending from the spear which may be transversely moved and either transversely compressed or expanded but never being released from the lock as the cable is rotated.

Abstract: A front hood assembly has a front hood of a motor vehicle that is hinged to the chassis of the motor vehicle via a hinge, the front hood being lockable via at least one hood lock. The hinge is plastically deformed under the impact of a collision with a pedestrian. The assembly provides a protection for pedestrians that is technically feasible and can be implemented at low costs.

Abstract: A motorized cover system includes a cover movably connected with respect to a compartment such as a vehicle component, at least one motor vehicle, and at least one linkage operatively connecting the cover to the motor, wherein the motor is operable for moving the cover between a closed position and at least one open position. The motorized cover system may include an automatically engageable and disengageable latch assembly for securing the cover to the vehicle. A method of opening and closing a vehicle compartment cover includes relaying an operator control signal to a motor, powering the motor, and moving the cover between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A front hood system has a front hood of a vehicle coupled to the frame of the vehicle via at least one four-joint hinge. In addition, the front hood can be latched by means of at least one hood lock. An economically and technically feasible protection provided for pedestrians is accomplished in that at least one four-joint hinge has at least one link whose joint is situated on one of the parts of the front hood and the vehicle body can be displaced in the position thereof due to the force of impact of a pedestrian.

Abstract: A hood apparatus for a vehicle has a hood member which closes an opening of an engine room, a lifting mechanism, and a driving portion. The lifting mechanism has a link mechanism and a gas spring. The link mechanism is structured so as to be able to raise up and bring down the hood member by including a first link member and a second link member shorter than the first link member which bridge the hood member and a top end portion of a strut house panel of the engine room. The gas spring urges the hood member upward. The driving portion uncouples the second link member from the hood member when an impact force greater than or equal to a predetermined value is inputted from an front end portion of a automobile.

Abstract: A safety device for lifting a bonnet of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision, the device being situated under the bonnet. The device includes a mechanism for lifting the bonnet, and a gas generator. The bonnet includes a structure allowing the bonnet in normal operation, to be opened or closed about a rotation axis. The device also includes an actuator with a mechanical means actuated using the gas generator and able to deploy the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: If a control device determines that a collision during a vehicle run has been detected on the basis of a combination of an output signal of a sensor and a vehicle speed signal, an inflator is actuated so as to inflate and deploy an air bag body disposed in an apron upper member. When inflated and deployed, the air bag body raises a longitudinal-direction central portion of a hood. At this time, the longitudinal-direction central portion of the hood bends with a depression serving as an origin of bending.

Abstract: A double-armed hinge for use in a motor vehicle, includes a first bar for fastening to a front bonnet of said motor vehicle, a second bar for fastening to a body of said motor vehicle, a first arm, a second arm, and a thrust piece. At least one of said first arm and said second arm is constructed in two parts and includes a first strut and a second strut. The thrust piece thrust piece is applied to one of said first strut and said second strut. The thrust piece includes a head configured to grip behind the first or second strut. The first and second struts are pivotably connected to each other by a connecting joint and rigidly braced to each other by a connection device. The connecting device yields under a given load so that, under a sudden load that exceeds the given load, the connection device breaks and the first and second bars come closer to each other substantially without resistance.

Abstract: A support mechanism supports a hood in a raised position with respect to a vehicle to which the hood is pivotally coupled. The mechanism includes two pairs of arm members which are pivotally coupled to each other by a central pivot pin, and which are coupled between the vehicle and the vehicle hood. A flat coil spring is coiled around the central pivot pin and is attached to the arm members. The spring is biased to pivot one pair of arms and in turn the hood upwardly.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for hinging a hood on a utility vehicle body so as to enable the hood to open upwardly and backwardly from the front end of the utility vehicle. A bracket made from steel is secured adhesively to an underside of the hood, which is made from a polymeric material, near a back end of the hood. A double-rocker, four-link mechanism includes a lower, fixed link, an upper, coupler link, a comparatively longer, front rocker link, and a comparatively shorter, back rocker link. The front, back, and coupler links are displaceable so that the upper end of the back link is movable toward and away from the lower end of the front link. An extensible-retractable spring connected between the rocker links baises the upper end of the back link toward the lower end of the front link.

Abstract: A prop assembly for temporarily supporting a closure panel in an extended position removed from a body opening has a rigid elongated prop which has one end hinged to either a closure hinge coupling the closure panel to the body or directly to the closure panel. The other end of the prop slides in a guide slot formed in a bracket mounted to the body and is captured in a detent formed in a proximal end of the guide slot to retain the closure panel in the extended position. The prop assembly allows an operator to move the closure panel to an extended position which is secure with a single motion using only one hand.

Abstract: A hinge for a vehicle lid includes a main biasing element operable to urge the hinge into an open position, and a mechanism for assisting the initial opening of the hinge from a closed position. The mechanism includes a rotary cam engagable with another portion of the hinge to provide assistance, and a further biasing element which acts on the cam to rotate it relative to the other portion of the hinge. A lifting aid includes a main biasing element for attachment between a lid and a body, which lid is pivotally moveable towards and away from the body. The main biasing element is operable to urge the lid from a closed position relative to the body to an open position. The lifting aid further has a cam attachable to the body for relative rotation thereto and a further biasing element for attachment between the body and the cam and operable to rotate the cam relative to the body and lid. The cam is operable to assist the initial opening of the lid.

Abstract: A pivot lock (100) extending between a first location (112) on a vehicle (102) and a second location (114) on a panel (104) wherein the pivot lock is adapted to selectively lock the panel in an open position is provided. The pivot lock includes a linkage assembly (121) having a first link (108) coupled to a second link (110) at a third location (120). The first link is rotatable from an unlocked position, wherein the third location is located on a first side of a line (144) intersecting the first and second locations, to a locked position, wherein the third location is located on a second side of the line. A release mechanism (128) is movable such that the release mechanism engages the linkage assembly to remove the first link from the locked position, thereby permitting the panel to reciprocate into the closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a hood mobile relative to the chassis and at least one body component. Contact of the body component with the hood determines a position of the body component relative to the hood.

Abstract: A drive for a hood on a motor vehicle, in particular an engine hood, which is movable between a closed position and a lifted position that is abruptly achieved in the case of an accident. The drive comprises a drive unit having an electric drive motor and being effective between a vehicle structure and the hood. The drive motor moves the hood into the lifted position in the case of an accident.

Abstract: A lift for opening and closing truck hoods. The lift has a primary actuator with a pair of upper and lower thrust rods oppositely reciprocal within a housing driven by a reversible motor and chain. The rods are connected to the firewall and hood at pivotal connections. The connection on the hood may be slidable to provide clearance of obstacles such as engine compartment components. In an alternate embodiment, the upper thrust rod is pivotally connected to the interior of the hood and the distal end of the lower rod is pivotally attached to a second actuator which, when operated, will move the pivot point forwardly to achieve full or additional opening clearance of the hood. The actuator has a wide variety of applications where extended “reach” is desired.

Abstract: A vehicle hood hinge is provided, which includes a hinge arm coupled with a hood, and having first and second hinge holes. First and second links are coupled at their upper ends, respectively, to the first and second hinge holes by axial pins. A hinge support having a hinge hole is rotatably coupled with a lower end part of the second link by an axial pin and coupled via coupling holes and bolts with a vehicle body. A slot is longitudinally formed in the hinge support. A plate spring is fixedly mounted at an end of the slot, and formed with a holding shoulder for preventing the hinge pin from deviating from a normal hinge operation position under normal circumstances, but allowing the hinge pin to deviate from the normal hinge operation position by moving along the slot when an external impact is applied.

Abstract: A hood hinge structure for hinge connecting together a hinge lower to be fixed to a body and a hinge upper to be fixed to a hood at a hinge axial center, the engine room side of the vehicle body serving as the fixing portion of the hinge lower is formed as a stepped portion which is situated on the lower side, and the fixing portion of the hinge upper is disposed such that it is opposed to the stepped portion. In this structure, even in case where the head of a pedestrian is butted against the hood in the vicinity of the hinge portion due to a collision, the hinge portion is deformed within a relatively long shock-absorbing stroke formed between the hinge portion and stepped portion formed on the engine room side of the vehicle body to thereby be able to absorb the shock sufficiently.

Abstract: A propulsion engine housing for a motor vehicle having at least one door arranged to allow positioning in one closed and one open position. The inside of the door is provided with steps in order to facilitate access to the engine for the driver/mechanic.

Abstract: A pedestrian safety device for automotive vehicle (1) having a hood (2) being hinged and releasably latched to the vehicle body. An actuator member (6) is arranged transversally inside the upper forward region of the vehicle (1) and the ends of the actuator member respectively slideably hinged (11) in a respective inclining guide track (12a) extending rearwards within the vehicle (1). The hinges (11) are arranged to carry a respective first lifting member (14) arranged to carry a respective first lifting member (14) arranged for vertical sliding in respect to the vehicle body. The first lifting members (14) are arranged below the hood (2) such that they will be brought to uplift the hood (2) in the region of its leading edge (2a) upon the hinges (11) carrying it being translated up the inclining guide tracks (12a) as a result of collision impact on the actuator member (6).

Abstract: A hood 7 is provided for an engine compartment of a motor vehicle including an outer skin 16 and reinforcing ribs 12 connected with the outer skin and imparting rigidity thereto. The ribs 12 have a channel portion 16 mainly formed in an equilateral hexagonal pattern.

Abstract: A pivot lock (100) extending between a first location (112) on a vehicle (102) and a second location (114) on a panel (104) wherein the pivot lock is adapted to selectively lock the panel in an open position is provided. The pivot lock includes a linkage assembly (121) having a first link (108) coupled to a second link (110) at a third location (120). The first link is rotatable from an unlocked position, wherein the third location is located on a first side of a line (144) intersecting the first and second locations, to a locked position, wherein the third location is located on a second side of the line. A release mechanism (128) is movable such that the release mechanism engages the linkage assembly to remove the first link from the locked position, thereby permitting the panel to reciprocate into the closed position.

Abstract: An actuation arrangement for movable parts on a vehicle, especially for trunk lids, rear hatches, hoods or the like, including at least one main support bracket (2) fastened to the vehicle, one hinge (3), one lever (1) connected to the movable part, which is swivably mounted to the hinge (3) in the main support bracket (2), and a driving device (4) coupled to said lever (1) with one of its ends to introduce a moment of rotation whereby a rigid extension piece (5) extends from the main support bracket (2) that is engaged by the opposite end of the driving device (4). Only the main support bracket (2) is fastened to the vehicle itself so that introduction of forces of the actuation arrangement into the vehicle body is avoided at simple and compact construction.

Abstract: A front hood assembly has a front hood of a motor vehicle that is hinged to the chassis of the motor vehicle via a hinge, the front hood being lockable via at least one hood lock. The hinge is plastically deformed under the impact of a collision with a pedestrian. The assembly provides a protection for pedestrians that is technically feasible and can be implemented at low costs.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a rear mounted engine and a tailgate that pivots about a vertical axis, and the tailgate in turn carries an engine cover panel that is pivoted to the tailgate about a horizontal axis. When the tailgate is closed, the engine cover panel overlies the loader engine and other components for the skid steer loader, and provides protection and covers such components. The engine cover panel is made so that it will move upwardly for access to the components and swings away with the tailgate for access to the engine compartment.

Abstract: A hood-latching system for a vehicle that has an engine-compartment hood that can be moved between a closed position and one or more open positions. The hood-latching system comprises one or more novel hood latches that are operable, when secured in a latched state to apply hood retention forces to the engine-compartment hood and thus, to secure the engine-compartment hood in its closed position. The novel hood latches of the hood latching system comprise prop legs that support the novel hood latches out of a path of travel of the engine-compartment hood when the novel hood latches are not secured in a latched state. The prop legs of the novel hood latches, thus, enable one person to close the engine-compartment hood of the vehicle without pinching the novel hood latches between the engine-compartment hood and latch-anchor components to which the novel hood latches are mounted.

Abstract: A hood structure comprises an outer and an inner which form a closed cross section through spaces. The inner's cross-sectional shape is a sine curve, an nth-power-raised sine curve, or a spline curve having a corrugation length approximate to an outside head diameter. This corrugated hood structure can provide a uniform, excellent head impact resistance independently of impact positions on the hood. The corrugated hood structure also excels in tension rigidity, bending rigidity, and torsional rigidity. Accordingly, the car body hood panel structure satisfies requirements of head impact resistances for pedestrian protection and rigidity improvement such as the tension rigidity.

Abstract: A hood hinging structure of a vehicle is disclosed to minimize the level of an impact to be made on a pedestrian by changing a hinge structure that allows a hood to be rotatively opened or closed at a vehicle body when the pedestrian is hit by a hood having its hinge structure when the pedestrian is hit by the hinge structure.

Abstract: A hood isolator designed for a motor vehicle allows tighter clearances between the hood and cab mounting brackets of a motor vehicle while reducing stress on the hood and front hood hinge. The hood isolator comprises a bracket with a mounting plate, a front plate and an intermediate plate therebetween. A receptor cup is located at least partially within the bracket. The receptor cup has a wall and an opening at one end. A connector extends from the receptor cup wall to the inside of the bracket and is preferably compressed between the wall and the bracket. An isolator arm has a head at one end and an opposite distal end. The head fits at least partially within the receptor cup through the opening. The isolator arm mounts to the vehicle opposite the head, while the bracket preferably mounts to hood with the mounting plate.

Abstract: A hood latch, hood and vehicle-mounting component that provide improved durability and aerodynamic properties as well as access to an under hood area. The latch is a two-part component. The latch is mounted under the hood and is only exposed where it latches to the latch catch on the vehicle-mounting component. The vehicle-mounting component can be engaged to the body of the vehicle or to the chassis of the vehicle. One vehicle-mounting component may be a fender extension. The latch is mounted to an underside of the hood and hence there is overlap of the hood over a portion of the latch. The latch catch may be mounted in a channel formed in the vehicle mounting-component. This design protects the latch from road debris and prevents snow and mud buildup in the latch area. This makes it less difficult for the operator or maintainer to access to open the hood. The mounting of the strap under the hood reduces corrosion to the latch hardware that allows for improved serviceability and longer lasting hardware.

Abstract: A front-hood arrangement, in particular a hood arrangement for a passenger vehicle is provided with a downwardly facing, lateral separating gap between the front hood and a mudguard. The front hood has an internal inner hood and an external outer hood. The front hood has a stiffening zone which is supported directly or indirectly on a supporting element of the vehicle body when the front hood is closed. The outer hood has a lateral border region, the end edge of which is adjacent to the separating gap, at least one connecting web being provided via which the stiffening zone is connected to the border region of the outer hood. In order to improve the expansion behavior when a person impacts vertically onto the front hood, it is proposed that when the front hood is closed, the stiffening zone is supported laterally outwards on stop means which are fastened to the supporting element of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A hood and fender assembly mounting and latch system for use with an over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting an engine, a cab and a hood and fender assembly. A hinge pivotally connects the hood and fender assembly to the frame. A hex-shaped torsion bar and damper are used to assist in the opening and closing of the hood and fender assembly. The latch system includes a receiver assembly attached to the frame. A pin assembly is attached to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge. The receiver assembly receives the pin assembly when the hood and fender assembly is in a position enclosing the engine and locates and maintains the hood and fender assembly in a predetermined position relative to the frame, independent of the cab. The receiver assembly has a lock lever which is movable between a latched position at which it engages the pin assembly and an unlatched position. A movable handle is located within the cab.

Abstract: A prop assembly for temporarily supporting a closure panel in an extended position removed from a body opening has a rigid elongated prop which has one end hinged to either a closure hinge coupling the closure panel to the body or directly to the closure panel. The other end of the prop slides in a guide slot formed in a bracket mounted to the body and is captured in a detent formed in a proximal end of the guide slot to retain the closure panel in the extended position. The prop assembly allows an operator to move the closure panel to an extended position which is secure with a single motion using only one hand.

Abstract: A swivel type working vehicle having a turntable (3) with a rear hood (28) covering an engine (11) and a side hood (42) covering hydraulic equipment. The rear hood (28) includes a pivot device (30) disposed in an upper front end region thereof and having a pivot axis extending transversely of a vehicle body. The rear hood is pivotable by the pivot device between a closed position covering the engine and an open position exposing the engine. The side hood (42) includes a pivot mechanism (50) disposed in a lower front end region thereof and having a pivot axis extending transversely of the vehicle body. The side hood being pivotable by the pivot mechanism between a closed position covering the hydraulic equipment and an open position exposing the hydraulic equipment.

Abstract: A compact, closure panel prop assembly incorporating a spring activated locking pin which automatically engages a closure panel prop when the closure panel is elevated to a predetermined height. The prop assembly is designed to work in unison with a closure panel hinge, which is fixed to the closure panel and associated body in such a manner that it allows for the opening of the closure panel covering an opening in the body.

Abstract: A hood latch, hood and vehicle-mounting component that provide improved durability and aerodynamic properties as well as access to an under hood area. The latch is a two-part component. The latch is mounted under the hood and is only exposed where it latches to the latch catch on the vehicle-mounting component. The vehicle-mounting component can be engaged to the body of the vehicle or to the chassis of the vehicle. One vehicle-mounting component may be a fender extension. The latch is mounted to an underside of the hood and hence there is overlap of the hood over a portion of the latch. The latch catch may be mounted in a channel formed in the vehicle mounting-component. This design protects the latch from road debris and prevents snow and mud buildup in the latch area. This makes it less difficult for the operator or maintainer to access to open the hood. The mounting of the strap under the hood reduces corrosion to the latch hardware that allows for improved serviceability and longer lasting hardware.

Abstract: A vehicle front hood hinge mechanism uses at least one spring-loaded hinge for securing the front hood to the body of the automobile, which front hood is deflected upon impact with a pedestrian against a vertical spring force. One linkage of the hinge is coupled to the automobile body by a sliding linkage arm that is displaced horizontally against a spring bias.

Abstract: A vehicle hood includes a wall, connecting devices for mounting the hood on a vehicle chassis fixed to the wall nearer a rear edge of the wall than to its other edges, and a locking member fixed to the wall for locking the hood to the chassis in a closed position. The locking member is nearer the rear edge of the wall than a front edge of the wall opposite the rear edge.

Abstract: If a control device determines that a collision during a vehicle run has been detected on the basis of a combination of an output signal of a sensor and a vehicle speed signal, an inflator is actuated so as to inflate and deploy an air bag body disposed in an apron upper member. When inflated and deployed, the air bag body raises a longitudinal-direction central portion of a hood. At this time, the longitudinal-direction central portion of the hood bends with a depression serving as an origin of bending.

Abstract: A forklift truck has a turning lever, a damper, a battery room or an engine room, and a counterweight of the truck. The turning lever is integrally fixed to the hood and extends backward from a turning axis of the hood when the hood is closed. The damper is arranged in a space defined between the compartment room to urge the turning lever downward. A link is further provided within the space to transmit the damper force to the turning lever.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hood raising mechanism of a motor vehicle. The hood raising mechanism comprises a sensor installed at a front part of a vehicle body for sensing hitting of the motor vehicle against an obstacle; a plunger member received in a receiving portion which is formed in a fender of the vehicle body, in a manner such that the plunger member can be moved upward to raise a rear end of the hood, the plunger member being defined at a lengthwise middle portion thereof with an engaging groove; a compression spring for elastically biasing upward the plunger member; a locking pin capable of being moved in such a way as to be engaged into or disengaged from the engaging groove defined in the plunger member; and an actuator for moving the locking pin in response to a signal inputted from the sensor, so that the locking pin is disengaged from the engaging groove to allow the plunger member to be moved upward.