Roll Bars And/or Overhead Guards Patents (Class 280/756)
  • Patent number: 11938778
    Abstract: A clamp for securing a link to a bar or a rod in order to accommodate multiple connection points. The clamp or sway bar clamp includes multiple connection points for securing a link to a sway bar. The sway bar clamp goes over the end of the sway bar. It converts a sway bar with one connection point to a sway bar with multiple connection points to adjust flex of the sway bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Shock Therapy Suspension, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Smith
  • Patent number: 11807182
    Abstract: A ROPS frame for a work vehicle includes: a first pipe having an end; a second pipe having an end facing the end of the first pipe; a plate-shaped first joint coupled to the end of the first pipe and oriented orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of the pipes; a plate-shaped second joint coupled to the end of the second pipe and oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the pipes, the second joint being placed on the first joint; and a bolt extending through the first and second joints and fastening the first and second joints to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kohta Nakao, Yuki Monde
  • Patent number: 11772590
    Abstract: A work vehicle in which a safety frame can be easily attached and detached while costs are decreased. The work vehicle according to an embodiment includes: left and right rear axle cases; the safety frame which is attached to upper portions of the left and right rear axle cases and erected behind an operator seat and has an arch shape in a front view of a machine body; and a rear-side floor mount bracket that supports a rear portion of a floor step from below on left and right sides of the machine body. The rear-side floor mount bracket supports the floor step at a position that is different from attachment positions of the safety frame with respect to the left and right rear axle cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ISEKI & CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eiji Tomioka
  • Patent number: 11760420
    Abstract: A universal mount for installing a canopy onto work vehicle ROPS (roll bars) that have left and right downward extensions and a bridging element between the left and right downward extensions. A clamp secures the universal mount onto a ROPS, and a crossbar attached to the clamp extends parallel to the bridging element. The crossbar has plates on each opposed end. Each crossbar plate has at least one slot adapted to receive a fastener. Offset plates can be mounted to a peripheral frame of a canopy. The universal mount can be clamped to a ROPS. The canopy fastens to the crossbar by aligning holes on the offset plates affixed to the canopy with the slots in the crossbar plates, passing fasteners through the aligned hole and slot, adjusting the canopy attitude to a desired orientation by positioning fasteners at a selected position in the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Accuform Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: George Aubrey Hawes, IV, Patrick Renfro
  • Patent number: 11643791
    Abstract: A working machine includes a machine body an operator seat mounted on the machine body, a front working device swingable upward and downward, the front working device being provided forward of the operator seat and on one side in a machine-width direction eccentric with respect to a central portion of the operator seat, and a front guard provided forward of the operator seat. The front guard includes a first frame member provided forward of the operator seat and on the one side, and a second frame member provided forward of the operator seat and on another side opposite to the one side, the first frame member includes a main rod portion defining upper and lower portions of the first frame member, extending between the upper and lower portions of the first frame member, and provided rearward of the front working device, and the main rod portion is formed to be positioned in a machine fore-and-aft direction closer to the operator seat than the second frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Hatta, Taiki Fujimoto, Akira Komukai, Yoshinori Torii
  • Patent number: 11414035
    Abstract: A tractor includes a protective frame including a lower frame and an upper frame rotatably coupled with an upper portion of the lower frame, and an assist mechanism to assists a rotation of the upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanori Azuma, Terumasa Kobayashi, Hiroki Nagai, Tomohisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11345406
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly can include a frame assembly, a grab bar assembly, a vehicle seat and a crossmember. The frame assembly can define a passenger area and include a left cage side member and a right cage side member. The grab bar assembly can include a left grab bar attached to and extending from the left cage side member and a right grab bar attached to and extending from the right cage side member. The crossmember can be connected to the vehicle seat so as to support the vehicle seat. The crossmember can have a center portion. The left grab bar can be attached to the crossmember at a first location of the crossmember. The right grab bar can be attached to the crossmember at a second location of the crossmember. The first location and the second location can be equally spaced from the center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Samira S. Johnson, Jared C. Alquist, Phillip C. Nickolai, Timothy J. Talbert, Jason Owens
  • Patent number: 11338860
    Abstract: A cover configured for attachment to the roof of an operator station of a work machine is disclosed. The cover may include at least one first compartment configured for partially containing a lighting device of the work machine. In addition, the cover may include at least one second compartment configured for partially containing a roof-mounted antenna of the work machine, the second compartment disposed in a generally upwardly-exposed portion of the cover when the cover is attached to the roof. Further, a roof assembly for an operator station of a work machine that incorporates the cover is disclosed. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing the cover is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ries, Joel N. Thieschafer, Keith D. Koshiol, Eric S. LeDoux
  • Patent number: 11254243
    Abstract: A seat-back adjustment system for a seat for a vehicle may include a frame member configured for attachment to a support structure of the vehicle, and a rack arrangement movably attached to the frame member. The rack arrangement may include an adjustment rack and a locking rack. A driving arrangement may include at least one gear intermeshing with the adjustment rack and operable to move the rack arrangement relative to the frame member, and a locking arrangement may include at least one locking element operable to engage the locking rack when the vehicle experiences at least a predetermined negative acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eckhard Nock, Johannes Barzen, Srinivasa Reddy Chintakula
  • Patent number: 11110878
    Abstract: Various examples are provided related to tip or rollover protection mechanisms for ground vehicles. In one example, a vehicle includes a vehicle frame and one or more protection mechanism(s) secured to the vehicle frame. The protection mechanism can allow the vehicle to “land” right-side up after tipping or rolling over for continuing operation. This can be beneficial for, but not limited to, autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles. The protection mechanism can include protection mechanisms secured to opposite sides of the vehicle frame. The protection mechanism can be passive, active, actuated or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventor: Wolfgang Fink
  • Patent number: 11059533
    Abstract: A vehicle includes front suspension assemblies; rear suspension assemblies; a left driven wheel and a right driven wheel with first left and right brake assemblies; a left wheel and a right wheel with second left and right brake assemblies; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) module; a drive mode coupler connected between the transmission and the left and right wheels for changing between a 2×4 and a 4×4 drive configuration; and a drive mode switch for controlling the drive mode coupler, the ABS module selectively performing brake traction control of at least one wheel based on the position of the drive mode switch. A method for controlling traction of the vehicle includes sensing the drive mode switch position and when the drive mode changes from a 2×4 position to a 4×4 position, causing the ABS module to perform brake traction control on at least one wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Christian Nolin, Antoine Bezeau-Tremblay
  • Patent number: 11034274
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a passenger grip for a crew seated on a passenger seat. The passenger grip includes a handle grip having an arm part extending from a dashboard toward the passenger seat and a grip part provided at the arm part and gripped by the crew seated on the passenger seat, a holder outserted to the arm part of the handle grip and holding the arm part movably forward and backward in an extending direct on of the arm part, and a single-action look mechanism provided at the holder and fixing the handle grip to the holder. The single-action lock mechanism includes a lock pin having a distal end penetrating a through hole provided at the holder and engaged with at least one engagement hole provided at the arm part, a spring biasing the lock pin toward the arm part, a housing fixed to the holder and accommodating the lock pin and the spring, and a knob disposed outside the housing and connected to the lock pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenta Nakamura, Itsuo Takegami
  • Patent number: 11007963
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body frame extending in a vehicle body front/rear direction, a front wheel unit and a rear wheel unit attached to the vehicle body frame, a driver's seat disposed upwardly of the vehicle body frame, a ROPS and and an operational tool operable by a driver seated at the driver's seat. The ROPS includes a pair of left and right lower portions fixed to the vehicle body frame and an upper portion supported to the lower portions to be pivotable between a vertical posture and a horizontal posture about a pivot shaft extending in a vehicle body transverse direction, an actuator unit for generating power, and an operational mechanism configured to pivot the upper portion with using the power. The actuator is controlled by the operational tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tada
  • Patent number: 11007962
    Abstract: A vehicle roll over protection system with at least one hoop member, longitudinal member, and connection device. The connection device couples the longitudinal member to the hoop member and includes first and second side plates that are fixedly attached on opposing sides of the hoop member in a substantially parallel arrangement to define a channel between the first and second side plates. Each side plate includes a cut-out that forms a cradle. The longitudinal member is received in the cradle. One or more wing plates are fixed to the longitudinal member. The wing plate(s) are received in the channel between the first and second side plates such that the first and second side plates act as displacement limiting features that limit the displacement of the longitudinal member relative to the hoop member in multiple directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Mahindra N.A. Tech Center
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Davis, Kenneth R. Elliott
  • Patent number: 10926802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive safety cell (2) for passenger cars with alternative powertrains which is shared for the passengers (3) as well as for the energy source (4) with its main components, to protect both units in one cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: OUTOKUMPU OYJ
    Inventors: Thomas Fröhlich, Stefan Lindner
  • Patent number: 10836450
    Abstract: A deflector assembly for protecting a driver of an open-topped vehicle includes a pair of rods, a connector, and a pair of couplers. The connector is coupled to a first end of each rod so that the connector extends between the rods. Each coupler is coupled to a second end of a respective rod. The coupler is configured to couple to an open-topped vehicle proximate to a respective front corner of the open-topped vehicle so that the rods extend upwardly from the open-topped vehicle. The rods are configured to sweep an object from a path in front of a driver of the open-topped vehicle to prevent contact between the object and the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventors: Alfred Bradberry, William Bradberry
  • Patent number: 10793198
    Abstract: A steel door ring for an automotive vehicle including a reinforcement to increase the strength of desired areas of the door ring is provided. The door ring can be manufactured with reduced cycle time and thus improved efficiency. The method includes hot stamping the reinforcement as part of the same blank used to form the remainder of the door ring. During the hot stamping step, the reinforcement portion used to form the reinforcement is located in a free space, for example in a door opening between pillars and rails. Unlike comparative processes, the reinforcement portion used to form the reinforcement is not welded to a pillar of the door ring prior hot stamping. After hot stamping, the reinforcement is trimmed from the door ring, and then attached in a desired location, for example by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Jaswinder Pal Singh
  • Patent number: 10640075
    Abstract: An airbag includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is for extending from a vehicle roof and engagement with a head rest of a seat in an inflated position. The lower portion forms a cushion board that extends downwardly from the upper portion for engagement with and disposition between a seatback and a restraining bar located rearward of the seatback in the inflated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Huipeng Chen, Zhenyan Gao, Robert William McCoy
  • Patent number: 10618489
    Abstract: A utility vehicle of the present invention comprises a chassis; and a R.O.P.S. provided on the chassis and surrounding a cabin, wherein the R.O.P.S. includes a pair of left and right front pillars, a pair of left and right side beams, a pair of left and right rear pillars, and a front beam and a rear beam which extend in a width direction of a vehicle body, the R.O.P.S. has a connecting portion connecting a rear end of the side beam, a side end of the rear beam and an upper end of the rear pillar, and between the connecting portion and a rear portion of the chassis, a rear support for supporting the R.O.P.S. from a rear side is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Hisamura, Kazumasa Hisada, Masato Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 10562479
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to an operator protection apparatus having at least one over-center linkage. In some aspects, an operator protection apparatus can be raised and lowered by an operator from a seated position, for example, on a terrain working vehicle. Additionally, the at least one over-center linkage may automatically lock in the operator protection apparatus in a raised position. Accordingly, a mechanical force is then required to overcome the lock, and allow the operator protection apparatus to return to a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian L. Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Patent number: 10544021
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a vehicle body, a head guard provided in the upper portion of the vehicle body, and a lighting device provided on the head guard and illuminating a space in front of the vehicle body. The lighting device is provided with a light illuminating the space in front of the vehicle body and brackets removably attached to a pipe of the head guard. The light is attached to the bracket so as to be positioned below the pipe and positioned beside or behind a front pillar of the head guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yoshioka, Makoto Torikawa
  • Patent number: 10513286
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes a computing system and a set of user input buttons for communicating requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to the destination with the computing system The vehicle has no steering wheel and no user inputs for the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than the set of user input buttons. In order to safely test the vehicle, a removable manual control system may be used. The system may include a housing having an electronic connection to a computing system of the vehicle. The housing includes a steering input configured to allow a passenger to control the direction of the vehicle. The system also includes one or more computing devices configured to receive input from the steering input and send instructions the computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Stoffel, Brian Douglas Cullinane, Nathaniel Fairfield, Alex Khaykin, Brian Torcellini
  • Patent number: 10507708
    Abstract: A truck (10) is provided including an engine (12), a cabin, and a conditioned spaced (14) defined by a plurality of adjacent wall members including a front wall member (16). A transport refrigeration unit is configured to control a temperature within the conditioned space include an evaporator unit (20) and a condenser unit (22). The evaporator unit (20) is mounted within the conditioned space (14). The condenser unit (22) is operably coupled to the evaporator unit (20) and is mounted to an exterior surface (24) of the front wall member (16). The condenser unit (22) is configured to move slidably between an operating position and a clearance position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronan Commault, David Vericel, Ludovic Lanuzel
  • Patent number: 10508670
    Abstract: An alternative connection element to a permanent structural connection, with the ability to be disassembled or reconfigured. The apparatus and method creates a stable compression and tension connection of structural elements that provides a fixed connection but allows for dis-assembly and use of dissimilar materials and finishes. The connection includes a first bore through a primary structural element and a tension bore extending inwardly from a surface of the primary element intersecting the first bore. A compression bore extends inwardly from an opposite surface of the primary element. A secondary element is received in the first bore, and receives a tension element through the tension bore, aperture, and compression bore. A compression element is operably connected to the tension element so that the compression element and tension element are operable to urge the secondary element in abutment with an inner surface of the first bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Tegel
  • Patent number: 10442385
    Abstract: A rollover protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The rollover protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel
  • Patent number: 10385541
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a control method for controlling the operation of a lift assembly of a work vehicle, wherein the lift assembly includes an implement and at least one loader arm coupled to the implement. As such, the method may generally include transmitting at least one first command signal in order to simultaneously move the loader arm and the implement towards a return position. The first command signal(s) are associated with moving the loader arms at a movement velocity. The method also includes monitoring a height of the implement relative to a driving surface of the work vehicle during simultaneous movement of the loader arm and the implement. As such, the method may also include reducing the movement velocity of the loader arm when the height is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Thomas Dean
  • Patent number: 10377333
    Abstract: A operator protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The operator protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Patent number: 10363894
    Abstract: A rollover protection device (1) for a passenger car has a supporting device (3) that extends vertically when installed properly. A crossmember (5) is secured on the supporting device (3) and extends in a lateral direction (4) when installed properly. The crossmember (5) is of beam-shaped design and comprises a die-cast, low-pressure die-cast or forged unit (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 10328883
    Abstract: A roll over protection system for a vehicle having a first upright portion with a first end and a second end defining a first aperture, a second upright portion having a first end and a second end defining a second aperture, a third upright portion having a first end defining a first borehole and connected to first upright portion and a second end having a second borehole and connected to the second portion, a first pin and a first bushing are positioned in the first aperture and the first borehole, a second pin and a second bushing are positioned in the second aperture and the second borehole, the first and second bushings having first inner diameters that are greater than second inner diameters, the first and second pins having diameters that are greater than the second inner diameters and less than or equal to the first inner diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: David L. Stuber
  • Patent number: 10315703
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a body having an occupant cabin and an upper structure at least partially enclosing the upper part of the occupant cabin, the upper structure comprising: a rear window located in the lateral center of the vehicle; first and second structural members extending along either side of the rear window; and first and second lateral windows located on either side of the rear window, each of the lateral windows having an inboard edge and an outboard edge, the inboard edge being located rearward of the outboard edge in at least one plane parallel to the running plane of the vehicle, and a respective one of the first and second members extending along the inboard edge, and the lateral windows being located at an outer rear corner of the upper structure edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: McLaren Automotive Limited
    Inventor: Robert Melville
  • Patent number: 10245920
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning device including a duct for supplying conditioned air from an air conditioner to occupants, in which the air conditioner executes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in a vehicle compartment; and the duct is extended in a vehicle rear direction and is fixed to a floor carpet is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ayana Shibayama, Ryuichi Fukuyama, Motohiro Morita
  • Patent number: 10093264
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes an operator cabin, a transmission-supporting frame, and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a first mount configured to couple to the operator cabin, and a second mount configured to couple to the transmission-supporting frame. The first mount includes a first plate, and the second mount includes a second plate. The first plate and the second plate are coupled to one another at an interface, and at least one of the first plate and the second plate are configured to deform proximate to the interface to separate from one another when under tension during a roll-over event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Shane Michael Scott, Mark Steven Draeger, Daniel Alan Morey
  • Patent number: 10005500
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a body. The vehicle includes a panel configured to cover a portion of the body of the vehicle. The vehicle includes an operator station configured to be stowed within the body of the vehicle to enable the panel to cover the operator station while the vehicle is at least partially autonomously controlled. The operator station is configured to be deployed at least partially external to the body of the vehicle to enable an operator to control the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Idustrial America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Huenemann, Christopher Alan Foster, John Bradley Lukac, Eric Michael Jacobsthal, Frank Zsigmond Asztalos, Dwayne St. George Jackson
  • Patent number: 9988092
    Abstract: An All-Terrain Vehicle with a frame comprising an arcuate shape or an elevated portion with an apex. In one embodiment, the arcuate shape or elevated portion with an apex is located between a rear axis and a front axis such that there is additional clearance over a typical non arcuate frame or a flat frame for a given ride height. The frame may also provide for additional structural strength. The frame may also include the ability to attach periphery accessories such as an engine cage, a passenger cage, trailing arms, power train and transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen Douglas Kariniemi
  • Patent number: 9944328
    Abstract: An All-Terrain Vehicle with a frame comprising an arcuate shape. In one embodiment, the arcuate shape with an apex is located between a rear axis and a front axis such that there is additional clearance over a typical non arcuate frame or a flat frame for a given ride height. The frame may also provide for additional structural strength. The frame may also include the ability to attach periphery accessories such as an engine cage, a passenger cage, trailing arms, power train and transmission. In other embodiments the arcuate shape may be on a passenger compartment and the arcuate shape may be integrated with a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen Kariniemi
  • Patent number: 9889810
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a chassis, and a ROPS provided on the chassis. The ROPS surrounds a cabin space of the vehicle. A center of gravity of the vehicle is located at a position of ? or lower of the vehicle height, and an outline of the ROPS is formed in a curved shape when seen in the right and left direction or in the front and rear direction of the vehicle. Since the outline of the ROPS is formed in a curved shape, in the case of rollover of a vehicle body, the ROPS can easily roll on the ground surface. The combination of the configuration of the ROPS and the gravitational force exerted on the low position of the center of gravity, which is ? or lower of the vehicle height, the vehicle body can be easily set up from the rolled over situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Gaku Yoshimura, Masayuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 9849854
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a protection frame extending upwards from the vehicle body frame, the protection frame including left and right strut members and an arch member extending between and detachable from the left and right strut members, a support frame provided in the vehicle body frame and configured to support the protection frame to the vehicle body frame, the support frame including a pair of left and right pipe-like supporting portions, each supporting portion being provided under a laterally outward tilted orientation with an upper portion of the supporting member being positioned on more laterally outer side of a vehicle body and being configured to removably support the strut member, and a connection tool configured to non-removably connect the left and right strut members to the left and right supporting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiki Kanai, Takeshi Komorida, Masahiro Izumi, Masaki Takaoka, Koichiro Matsumoto, Azusa Furihata
  • Patent number: 9783146
    Abstract: A rollover protection system for a motor vehicle has a profiled strut (3) extending in the direction of a vertical axis (6) of the vehicle, and a deformation element (4) held at a first end (9) of the profiled strut (3). The first end (9) is formed facing away from a vehicle floor of the motor vehicle, and the deformation element (4) has a first outer surface (10) facing away from the profiled strut (3) to form an impact surface. The deformation element (4) has a breaking element (11) in the form of a cutting roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: DR. ING H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9777704
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine that controls pitch bearing load distribution. The assembly includes a rotor blade having a body shell extending between a blade root and tip, a pitch bearing at an interface between the blade root and a hub of the wind turbine, and plurality of blade bolts coupling the blade root to the hub through the pitch bearing. The pitch bearing includes an outer bearing race and an inner bearing race rotatable relative to the outer race. Thus, in one embodiment, the blade bolts couple the blade root to the hub through the inner race of the pitch bearing. Further, each of the blade bolts has a first end and a second end defining a length therebetween and at least two of the blade bolts have varying lengths so as to distribute loads experienced by the pitch bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Adam Daniel Minadeo, William Max Gobeli, Christopher Daniel Caruso
  • Patent number: 9744928
    Abstract: An attachment structure of a front fender cover of a utility vehicle, the attachment structure includes: a front fender; a front fender cover attached to the front fender by being inserted to a first end of the front fender and locked at a second end of the front fender; and a retaining member attached to the front fender or the front fender cover and configured to retain the front fender cover at the second end of the front fender at a predetermined distance from the front fender in a state where the front fender cover is inserted to the front fender and is not locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 9663920
    Abstract: A cab for a work vehicle is equipped with a standard frame and a reinforcing beam. The standard frame includes a main frame and a roof plate. The main frame includes an upper left frame and an upper right frame that extend longitudinally. The upper left frame and the upper right frame are arranged horizontally separated from each other. The roof plate is provided on the upper surface of the main frame. The roof plate is attached to the upper left frame and to the upper right frame. The reinforcing beam is attached to the upper left frame and the upper right frame. The reinforcing beam is arranged above the roof plate and includes an upwardly protruding bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Wada, Kentaro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9610914
    Abstract: A rollover protection element (4) having a rollover element (5, 10, 110, 210) of elongate configuration and a bumper element (6, 11, 111, 211) connected at a free end of the rollover element (5, 10, 110, 210). The bumper element (6, 11, 111, 211) extends in a width direction of the rollover element (5, 10, 110, 210). The bumper element (6, 11, 111, 211) has a circumferential-side wall and webs that are arranged within the wall, a lower-side region of the wall of the bumper element (6, 11, 111, 211) is connected to the rollover element (5, 10, 110, 210). The webs are arranged in a curved and/inclined manner such that none of the webs lies perpendicularly on the lower-side region of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9573548
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to an operator protection apparatus having at least one over-center linkage. In some aspects, an operator protection apparatus can be raised and lowered by an operator from a seated position, for example, on a terrain working vehicle. Additionally, the at least one over-center linkage may automatically lock in the operator protection apparatus in a raised position. Accordingly, a mechanical force is then required to overcome the lock, and allow the operator protection apparatus to return to a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian L. Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Patent number: 9475367
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicular door assembly that includes a door that is movable between the open and closed positions, and a window panel assembly that includes interior member, a frame member surrounding the interior member, and a plurality of connector assemblies. A interior member mount assembly includes a bracket, a spring guide, and a spring. The bracket includes a base portion rigidly connected to the door, and a flange portion that defines an aperture and that extends at an angle relative to the base portion. The spring guide is movable within the aperture. A first end of the spring is connected to the bracket, and a second end of the spring is connected to the spring guide. The spring guide is connected to one of the plurality of connector assemblies, such that the spring guide is movable within the aperture as the door moves between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Robert T. Wilson, III, Noriyuki Muto
  • Patent number: 9463745
    Abstract: A side entry system for a vehicle having at least four doors includes a running board coupled to an exterior surface of the vehicle. A first step is included at or within a door sill of a rear passenger door. The first step is positioned above the running board. A second step is formed adjacent to the first step and is included in an interior of the vehicle. The second step is positioned above the first step. The running board, the first step, and the second step are configured to assist standing entry into a passenger pod of the vehicle through the rear passenger door. A roll cage is coupled to the vehicle and is attached to a rear bumper of the vehicle. The passenger pod extends aft of a rear taillight of the vehicle and includes a passenger seat positioned at least mostly aft of the rear taillight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Pink Adventure Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Reynolds, Greg McCallum, Shawn Wendell
  • Patent number: 9463762
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a landscaping machine that includes a protective rollover bar having a left bar portion extending from a left side of an operator seat, a top bar portion extending from the left bar portion above the operator seat, and a right bar portion extending from the top bar portion to a right side of the operator seat. The landscaping machine further includes an elongated rotatable member affixed to the protective rollover bar, the elongated rotatable member extending from the left bar portion to the right bar portion. The landscaping machine further includes a covering system attached to the elongated rotatable member configured to be rolled and unrolled with rotation of the elongated rotatable member. Further disclosed is a landscaping machine cover attachable to a landscaping machine, and a method of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: John E. Biers, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9403561
    Abstract: A mounting structure of a sheet metal panel including mounting brackets which are mounted on a peripheral edge portion of a glass-mounting opening formed on a rear-side panel of a cab, and after tentatively holding the sheet metal panel, a peripheral edge of the sheet metal panel is adhered to the rear-side panel in a periphery of the glass-mounting opening, wherein an inclined surface protruding toward a rear of the cab is provided to the rear-side panel along the glass-mounting opening, and the peripheral edge of the sheet metal panel is bent along the inclined surface and extended in the inclined surface direction to make clearance between the peripheral edge and the inclined surface gradually narrowed, to provide an adhesive reservoir between the sheet metal panel and the rear-side panel, and the peripheral edge of the sheet metal panel is in close contact with the inclined surface thereby sealing therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takehiro Saito, Takaichi Arai, Toshimasa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9327774
    Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a cab enclosure incorporating a ROPS therein to a frame of a construction machine allowing accessibility thereto from inside the cab enclosure. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a mounting structure for a cab enclosure incorporating a ROPS, the mounting structure including an isolation mount therein, the mounting structure providing desired structural rigidity to the ROPS while providing desired vibration damping characteristics to the cab enclosure and while allowing accessibility for service thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal Valerio, Eric Ogden, Florin Smeu, Jason Forck
  • Patent number: 9327670
    Abstract: A rollover protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The rollover protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel
  • Patent number: 9315219
    Abstract: A tractor comprises a seat, a safety frame, a vehicle body frame, right and left attachment brackets, a front frame and a roof frame. The safety frame has two struts standing from right and left side portions rearward from the seat. The right and left attachment brackets are fixed on both right and left outer surfaces of the vehicle body frame. The front frame is formed in a gate shape in front view so as to have right and left lower portions detachably attached to the right and left attachment brackets. The roof frame is detachably attached so as to connect a right or left upper portion of the front frame to a right or left upper portion of the safety frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Knoblett, Tetsuya Iida, Yutaka Matsui, Takashi Goto