With Access Openings Having Moveable Or Removeable Closures Patents (Class 180/69.24)
  • Patent number: 11932310
    Abstract: A container of an all-terrain vehicle includes: a container body including a bottom plate and a front side plate, the front side plate being connected to a front-side edge of the bottom plate, the bottom plate being defined with a first through hole, and the front side plate being defined with a second through hole in communication with the first through hole; a first cover plate detachably arranged at the first through hole; a second cover plate detachably arranged at the second through hole and detachable relative to the first cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Segway Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mingyong Wang
  • Patent number: 11473267
    Abstract: A construction machine includes an upper frame, a machine room structure that is disposed on the upper frame and defines a machine room, a hood that has a box shape, has a lower surface, and is connected to the machine room structure so as to be disposed above the machine room, the lower surface including a hood opening communicating with the machine room, and at least one reinforcement plate that is interposed between the machine room structure and the hood to reinforce connection between the machine room structure and the hood. An outer end portion of the reinforcement plate extends further outward in a left-right direction than the beam member of the machine room structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ayumu Tokuda
  • Patent number: 11459036
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle body front structure including a front hood (7) provided in a front part of a vehicle body (3), and a port device (30) mounted to the vehicle body and positioned under the front hood. The front hood includes an outer panel (7A) and an inner panel (7B) attached to a back side of the outer panel, the outer panel and the inner panel defining a port opening (21) facing the port device and passed through the outer panel and the inner panel in a thicknesswise direction thereof, and being welded to each other along a peripheral edge (22) of the port opening, and a garnish (23) is provided on an outer surface of a peripheral part of the outer panel surrounding the port opening, and a lid (58) for selectively closing the port opening is provided on the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Nakanishi, Daisuke Ebihara, Seiichi Kato
  • Patent number: 11021352
    Abstract: A driver cab for an industrial truck comprises a driver canopy supported by four pillars, wherein two of the four pillars are configured as entry way pillars and two of the four pillars are configured as end wall pillars. A side wall extends between each of the entry way pillars and the end wall pillars, an end wall extends between the end wall pillars, and a boarding area extends between the entry way pillars. Each of the end wall pillars comprises a tubular profile and at least one of the entry way pillars comprises a corner profile which comprises two limbs arranged at an angle with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Lemke, Michael Niebuhr, Klaus-Peter Ribbentrop
  • Patent number: 10981449
    Abstract: A disclosed tie-down handle assembly for a vehicle includes a mount portion attachable to a vehicle structure and an electric outlet for coupling to an electric system of the vehicle. A disclosed method of operating a vehicle electric interface system includes, identifying an electrical parameter from an external electrical conduit coupled to an electric outlet within a tie-down handle assembly attached to a vehicle structure, selecting an output from a vehicle electric system in response to the measured electric parameter at the electric outlet and operating the vehicle electric system to either generate a power output to the electric outlet or direct power input into the electric outlet to a vehicle electric system in response to the selected output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Brian Glickman, Stuart Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Kevin Berington Johnson
  • Patent number: 9815412
    Abstract: A utility vehicle has a riding space surrounded with a ROPS, a bonnet, and a windshield. The utility vehicle includes a storage box disposed in a bonnet chamber covered with the bonnet. The storage box includes a box body having an opened upper end, and a detachable box cover disposed substantially flush with the bonnet and covering, from above, the box body. The box cover has a front edge positioned behind a lower end of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Takashi Hisamura
  • Patent number: 9809181
    Abstract: An access port cover system, including a housing for an item, the housing defining interior and exterior regions and including an access port through which access to the item from the exterior region is provided, a cover inhibiting access through the access port from the exterior region to the interior region, and a fastener connectable to the housing and the cover. The fastener has an actuation portion for disconnecting the housing and the cover to permit access through the access port from the exterior region to the interior region, the actuation portion being inaccessible from the exterior region when the fastener is connected to the housing and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Chamberlin, Steve Burton
  • Patent number: 9221421
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bonnet arrangement for a vehicle, the bonnet arrangement including a bonnet and a hinge arrangement, which is adapted to be attached to the bonnet. The hinge arrangement is arranged to permit pivotal displacement of the bonnet relative to the vehicle around a first pivot axis located in the hinge arrangement. The bonnet arrangement further includes a passive energy absorbing member positioned and arranged so as to absorb impact energy from an impact occurring at the bonnet in a region above the hinge arrangement. The energy absorbing member may be adapted to be attached to the bonnet and/or to the hinge arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Lindmark, Jonas Skogh, Staffan Jaktling
  • Patent number: 9194104
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes an engine, a selective catalyst reduction device, a cab, a ladder, a reducing agent tank, and an injection device. The selective catalyst reduction device is configured to treat exhaust gas from the engine. The cab is provided with a driver seat therein. The ladder is configured for ascending to and descending from the cab and provided on a lateral side of the cab. The reducing agent tank is disposed behind the ladder and adapted to store a reducing agent. The injection device is configured to inject the reducing agent from the reducing agent tank into exhaust gas fed from the engine toward the selective catalyst reduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Shirou Kanamori
  • Patent number: 9174682
    Abstract: An engine hood and a method of making a hood for a tractor or similar vehicle, the hood being of generally inverted U-shaped configuration with an upper top portion and downwardly extending side portions. The hood is hinged adjacent one end for upward pivoting between a closed position in which an associated engine is covered and an open position which provides access to the engine. The hood has an outer skin and inner reinforcing members secured to the inside of the outer skin to form two beam-like structures which extend away from the hinge towards the other end of the hood to stiffen the hood against twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schmitz, Gerd Thilo
  • Patent number: 9132792
    Abstract: A riding vehicle may include a battery compartment and one or more grip tabs. The battery compartment may be configured to house a battery of the riding vehicle. The one or more grip tabs may be disposed in the battery compartment and may extend from one or more walls of the battery compartment to engage the battery in response to insertion of the battery into the battery compartment. The one or more grip tabs and the battery compartment may be formed from a same unitary piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventor: Travis Lyons
  • Patent number: 9055715
    Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester includes a main frame with frame parts, a preparation and conveyor device with a chopping assembly, a post-chopping device and a conveying device, a tower connected to an upper discharge chute, a heat exchanger, an engine, lateral covering elements enclosing an engine compartment and a compartment partially enclosing the preparation and conveyor device. The covering elements extend from a rear region to a region adjacent to a driver's cab, are guided at a bow-shaped supporting element connected to the main frame such that the covering element is pivotable about a horizontally extending pivot axis provided at the upper edge or horizontal leg of the supporting element and, about a substantially vertically extending pivot axis provided at one end of the horizontal leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Isfort
  • Patent number: 9056547
    Abstract: A work machine includes: a frame; an engine; an exhaust gas control device; a compartment cover; a compartment cover supporting member; an engine hood; an exhaust gas control device supporting member that suspends the exhaust gas control device downward through the opening and supports the exhaust gas control device in a suspended state; and an opening cover, wherein: the exhaust gas control device supporting member includes a mounting portion that is attached to the exhaust gas control device and a fastening portion that is supported by, and fastened to, the reinforcing member, and when the fastening portion is unfastened, the exhaust gas control device supporting member is removable above the opening together with the exhaust gas control device attached to the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Kimijima, Yuuji Akutsu
  • Patent number: 9051709
    Abstract: A bulldozer is equipped with an engine, a radiator, a reservoir tank, and an engine hood. The reservoir tank is connected to the radiator. The engine hood has a body section and a case section. The body section defines an upper section of the engine room. The case section is disposed on an inside surface of the body section and accommodates the reservoir tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kazushi Nakata, Yuuichirou Kitagawa, Mitsutaka Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20150129339
    Abstract: A service compartment for machines is disclosed. The service compartment includes a face portion, a door, and a step assembly mounted proximal to the door. The step assembly is switchable between a folded configuration and an extended configuration and includes a first base plate, a second base plate, and a stopper member. The first base plate has an attachment face attached to the face portion, and a support face. The second base plate has a first face and a second face and is pivotally attached to first base plate. The stopper member is attached to second base plate. In the folded configuration, the first face substantially overlaps the support face and the step assembly is disposed within the service compartment. In the extended configuration, the first face is substantially planar to the support face and the step assembly extends at least partially outwards of the service compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Isabelle A. Lafont, Julien S. Le Roux, Alain F. Pizon, Aurelien H. Bernard
  • Patent number: 9004212
    Abstract: A first panel includes an engaging section configured to engage with an engaged section so as to allow displacement of the engaged section according to swinging of a hood between a closed position and an open position and restrict the swinging of the hood in a state where an opening section is opened. The engaging section engages with the engaged section such that the engaged section is detachable by being displaced in a predetermined first direction. The machine main body further includes an auxiliary supporting section provided in a machine room and configured to restrict, by detachably supporting the engaged section detached from the engaging section, the swinging of the hood in a state where the opening section is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Noda
  • Patent number: 8967310
    Abstract: An opening through which air is delivered to a radiator for an engine installed in a haulage vehicle is split into separate portions via a support frame. Sound absorbing ducts are each mounted over one of the partitioned opening areas formed by splitting the opening via the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ogawara, Shinji Akino
  • Patent number: 8936127
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine including a guard panel with an air suction port and capable of ensuring a required intake opening area with suppressed disadvantages of the air suction port. The construction machine includes an engine, a cooling fan, and a heat exchanger which are accommodated in a device accommodation space in an upper slewing body, and a guard panel covering the device accommodation space. The guard panel includes a first panel with an opening edge defining an opening and a second panel that opens and closes the opening and has a peripheral portion to be supported by the opening edge with the opening closed. Respective parts of the peripheral portion and the opening edge are shifted from each other in an inward-outward direction to form an air suction port bringing the device accommodation space into communication with outside, between the second panel and the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kanamaru
  • Patent number: 8893840
    Abstract: An engine enclosure and a method for assembling such an engine enclosure for a vehicle are disclosed. The engine enclosure may comprise a hood, a first door, a second door, a first fender and a second fender and a plurality of hinges. The hood may be disposed above the engine and may have an inset rim extending along a side of the hood. The door may be moveable between a generally vertical closed position and an open position. The door may include an upper edge, a non-metallic interior panel, and a non-metallic exterior panel fixedly joined to the interior panel. Each hinge may be attached to the hood and a door, and may be configured to rotate the door through a swing angle and to lift the upper edge of the door above the rim when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Rogers, Robert Wayne Hunter, Jr., Joel R. Grimes, Brian S. Nobles
  • Patent number: 8833500
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine compartment, an engine, an exhaust gas treatment device, an air cleaner, and an intake pipe. The engine compartment has a first sidewall, a second sidewall and an upper cover. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are set at a distance from each other in a vehicle width direction. The upper cover is disposed on the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and constituting a tool-storage part. The engine is disposed in the engine compartment. The exhaust gas treatment device is disposed above the engine in the engine compartment. The air cleaner is disposed above the engine in the engine compartment and rearward of the exhaust gas treatment device. The intake pipe is connected to the air cleaner in the engine compartment and protruding upward from the upper cover. The tool-storage part is disposed rearward of the intake pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsutaka Nakamura, Shinichi Ohtaka, Kazushi Nakata
  • Patent number: 8827019
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air net for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Phillip A. Nowacki, Brian R. Gillingham, Tracy S. Kofstad, Mark A. Smith, Curtis R. Kjaer, Stephen L. Nelson, Keith A. Hollman, Jerome J. Rubatt, Adam J. Schlangen
  • Publication number: 20140238760
    Abstract: A first panel includes an engaging section configured to engage with an engaged section so as to allow displacement of the engaged section according to swinging of a hood between a closed position and an open position and restrict the swinging of the hood in a state where an opening section is opened. The engaging section engages with the engaged section such that the engaged section is detachable by being displaced in a predetermined first direction. The machine main body further includes an auxiliary supporting section provided in a machine room and configured to restrict, by detachably supporting the engaged section detached from the engaging section, the swinging of the hood in a state where the opening section is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Noda
  • Patent number: 8789637
    Abstract: A bulldozer includes a cab, a vehicle body frame supporting a cab and an engine cover. The engine cover has a side plate that has a rear edge with first and second rear edges. The second rear edge is positioned above the first rear edge. The side plate has a first planar portion which includes the first rear edge and a second planar portion which includes the second rear edge. The side plate has a bent shape between the first and second planar portions. A ridgeline is disposed between the first and second planar portions and spans from the upper edge to the rear edge of the side plate. The side plate includes an attachment section which is attached to a vehicle body frame. The attachment section is positioned in the first planar portion adjacent to an intersection of the ridgeline and the rear edge of the side plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Souichirou Kinoshita, Akira Uno
  • Patent number: 8777299
    Abstract: The invention provides an automated sunroof or hoodroof installed onto the hood of a vehicle. The 3 Stage Hood Roof is centrally positioned on a vehicle's hood and is connected to an internal motor that operates with a push button mechanism located within the car. Pressing the push button engages the motor to multiple positions. In the first position, the hoodroof rotates slightly from its front attachment to the hood of the vehicle and tilts upward toward the rear. The second position retracts the roof completely or partially. The third position lowers the roof so that the roof is recessed from the hood of the vehicle. The fourth stage is a closed position, covering the entire engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Isaac Langford, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140190757
    Abstract: A bulldozer includes a cab, a vehicle body frame supporting a cab and an engine cover. The engine cover has a side plate that has a rear edge with first and second rear edges. The second rear edge is a positioned above the first rear edge. The side plate has a first planar portion which includes the first rear edge and a second planar portion which includes the second rear edge. The side plate has a bent shape between the first and second planar portions. A ridgeline is disposed between the first and second planar portions and spans from the upper edge to the rear edge of the side plate. The side plate includes an attachment section which is attached to a vehicle body frame. The attachment section is positioned in the first planar portion adjacent to an intersection of the ridgeline and the rear edge of the side plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Souichirou Kinoshita, Akira Uno
  • Patent number: 8714290
    Abstract: A grille shutter device selectively opening and closing a grille opening in the front grille of a vehicle. The grille shutter device includes a fin, a motor, a transmission mechanism, a first switch, and a second switch. The fin has a support shaft, which is rotatably supported by the front grille. When supplied with electricity, the motor rotates its output shaft in one direction. The transmission mechanism converts the rotation of the output shaft to a swinging motion of the fin, thereby swinging the fin between a closed position, where the fin closes the grille opening, and an open position, where the fin opens the grille opening. When the fin is swung to the closed position, the first switch stops the motor. When the fin is swung to the open position, the second switch stops the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kitashiba, Chiharu Totani, Minoru Shibata, Kazuo Takeda
  • Patent number: 8678483
    Abstract: A window for an automobile hood, made of a transparent material, such as a polycarbonate sheet, sized and shaped to be a loose fit to an automobile hood cut-out. The window element may be held in place on the automobile by ring shaped, metallic trim elements. The trim elements may have outer edges that are an enlarged copy of the periphery the cut-out in the hood of the automobile and inner edges that are a reduced copy of the periphery the window element. In this way, the window element may be held in the cutout in the automobile hood, sandwiched between the upper and lower trim elements. By applying a suitable adhesive between the trim elements and the automobile hood, the trim and window elements may be fixed in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin Quirk
  • Patent number: 8672067
    Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure is provided which can lengthen a wheel base without increasing the size of a vehicle body. A vehicle front portion structure is provided with a bumper reinforcement of a front bumper, a power unit that drives a front wheel arranged to a vehicle rear of the bumper reinforcement, and a cooling unit which is arranged at a vehicle front of a dash panel, and is arranged at a vehicle rear of the power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
  • Publication number: 20140062134
    Abstract: An enclosure arrangement for a machine is provided. The enclosure arrangement includes a housing and a deck. The housing is configured to enclose work components of the machine. The housing includes multiple sidewalls, and a platform disposed above the sidewalls. The housing further includes one or more access doors associated with the platform and one or more sidewalls. The deck extends laterally from the sidewalls such that an operator supported on the deck may access the work components on opening the access doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Catepillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Braun, Kalpeshbhai Ghanshyambhai Patel
  • Patent number: 8641093
    Abstract: A retractable limb guard assembly for a tractor with a pair of opposed loader brackets and a hydraulic system. The assembly includes a pair of opposed removable brackets connected to the pair of loader brackets. One pair of rocker arms is pivotally connected to each one of the pair of removable brackets. A limb shield is pivotally connected to each of the two pairs of the rocker arms. The pair of hydraulic cylinders is actuated by the tractor hydraulic system wherein each of the hydraulic cylinders extends between one of the removable brackets and one of the rocker arms in order to move the limb shield between a retracted position to an angled protection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel U. Knight
  • Patent number: 8573345
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a chassis, an engine compartment and an engine. The engine compartment is carried by the chassis and defined by a plurality of upstanding walls, one of which includes an openable access panel. The engine is carried by the chassis and includes a plurality of service points positioned inside and adjacent to the access panel for servicing the engine by a person positioned outside the access panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gregory K. Werner, Daniel J. Schuller, John M. Chesterman, Denis J. Montocchio, Karl G. Heine
  • Patent number: 8550534
    Abstract: A working machine has a machine room cover and a bonnet on an upper rotating body. The bonnet has a frame-like raising member and a dome-like hood member that covers an opening in the upper part of the raising member. The lower part of the raising member is attached so as to surround an opening portion formed in the upper surface of the machine room cover, and the hood member is attached to the raising member so as to be able to be rotationally opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Tsukamoto, Shintaro Sakitani
  • Patent number: 8528681
    Abstract: A bonnet sealing structure for a swiveling work machine includes: a bonnet configured to cover an engine provided on a swivel stage including: a fixed cover, and an open-close cover which is swingably supported about a vertical shaft and is openable and closable relative to the fixed cover; a sealing member through which an upper end portion of the open-close cover is brought into contact with an upper end portion of the fixed cover when the open-close cover is closed; and a cover piece protruding from one of an upper wall of the open-close cover and an upper wall of the fixed cover, wherein when the open-close cover is closed, the cover piece is located above the sealing member and reaches a point above the other of the upper wall of the fixed cover and the upper wall of the open-close cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Fujiwara, Katsuhiko Yukawa
  • Patent number: 8302718
    Abstract: An engine room cover and a method for mounting thereof in which the engine room cover can be mounted and removed easily. The engine room cover includes a first cover body and a second cover body. The first cover body is installed in an engine room formed in a vehicle body and fixed to the vehicle body with a fastening member. The second cover body is removably attached to the first cover body and covers a maintained member installed in the engine room. The first cover body has a mounting hole bored in a direction of board thickness and an elastic bush fitted along an opening lip of the mounting hole. The second cover body has a boss portion inserted into the elastic bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaomi Tottori
  • Patent number: 8276699
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a tractor front grille to a shroud includes a one-piece shroud having a radiator mounted thereto and a central opening to draw air through the radiator, and a tractor front grille slidably mounted to the shroud so that the grille can only move substantially vertically to access a battery behind the front grille. The battery may be positioned on a battery shelf that extends forwardly from and is integral with the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Paul M. Elhardt, Joseph P. Latchaw, Jared B. Lard
  • Publication number: 20120205172
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a chassis, an engine compartment and an engine. The engine compartment is carried by the chassis and defined by a plurality of upstanding walls, one of which includes an openable access panel. The engine is carried by the chassis and includes a plurality of service points positioned inside and adjacent to the access panel for servicing the engine by a person positioned outside the access panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory K. Werner, Daniel J. Schuller, John M. Chesterman, Denis J. Montocchio, Karl G. Heine
  • Patent number: 8235441
    Abstract: A transportable thick matter pump includes a carrying framework for machine assemblies. A covering hood reaches at least partly over and is fixed in place on the carrying framework and includes a frame skeleton having a rectangular roof frame and two rectangular side frames connected with the roof frame at their upper edge and releasably attached to the carrying framework with their lower edge. A basin-shaped roof cover is inserted into the roof frame, with its opening facing upward, while the side frames carry at least one side paneling element configured as a self-supporting plastic molded hinged door articulated on at the upper edge of the related side frame. The frame skeleton openings formed by the roof frame and the two side frames, on the face-side hood ends, are covered by a removable end cap configured as a self-supporting plastic molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Pirwass
  • Patent number: 8096379
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a force assist arrangement for a slidable coupling, a slidable coupling including the force assist arrangement, and a machine including respectively slidable portions, such as, the slidable coupling, and the force assist arrangement. The force assist arrangement includes at least first and second links pivotably coupled together at one end and to the respectively slidable portions at the other ends, and a force assist device pivotably coupled to the links along their respective lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Marsolek, Ryan J. Nelson, Mike P. Siers
  • Patent number: 8061735
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a vehicle with a protective panel. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a frame to which components of the vehicle are attached. At least one fender is attached to the frame. An opening is located on the at least one fender. At least one of a headlight and a light assembly is disposed at the opening. A suspension system is attached to the frame, and the suspension system comprises at least one wheel disposed adjacent the opening. A protective panel is attached to the at least one fender and is located adjacent the at least one wheel and the opening. The protective panel includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel is joined to the lower panel by a living hinge so that at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel is movable between and open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry J Connett
  • Publication number: 20110203864
    Abstract: A hood assembly for a lawn tractor that includes a removable air intake cowl to prevent debris and rain from entering into the open interior defined by the hood. The air intake cowl is removably mounted to the hood of the lawn tractor. The hood of the lawn tractor includes a series of engine intake openings that allow air to flow onto the internal combustion engine. The cowl is defined by a top wall and a pair of depending sidewalls that each include a series of air inlet openings. The air inlet openings extend generally perpendicular to the top panel of the hood and thus prevent debris and rain from reaching the engine intake openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, Erik R. Slegelis, Bruce S. Lydy, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 7984781
    Abstract: An underseat structure of a road vehicle which protects an occupant from engine heat while enhancing the maintenance property of a vehicle which includes an engine supported on a vehicle body frame, and an engine oil supply pipe and an oil level gauge mounted on the engine, wherein the engine is disposed below at least one seat. An inner cover is disposed between the at least one seat and the engine and a maintenance lid is provided for allowing maintenance of the engine oil supply pipe and the oil level gauge formed on the inner cover with the inner cover being detachably mounted on the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7980344
    Abstract: A hydrogen station includes gas storage equipment for storing hydrogen, a dispenser for charging hydrogen gas supplied from the gas storage equipment into a hydrogen tank of a vehicle, and a blower. When charging hydrogen, the blower blows air towards a radiator of the vehicle parked at a predetermined vehicle parking area of the hydrogen station. The current flow of the blower is adjusted in accordance with the heat load on the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidehito Kubo, Yoshihiro Isogai, Daigoro Mori
  • Patent number: 7900729
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly for adjustably coupling a first structural member to a second structural member is provided. The adjustment assembly includes a clamping member adapted to engage a portion of the first structural member and at least one fastener adapted to pass through the clamping member and the first and second structural members. The fastener is moved into a first position to fixedly couple the first structural member to the second structural member, and the fastener is moved into a second position to adjustably couple the first structural member to the second structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Peter R. Smullen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7802644
    Abstract: A snowmobile having a hood releasably secured to the snowmobile via interlocking male-female members, the hood being manually releasable from the snowmobile without the use of tools. A snowmobile having a hood releasably secured to the snowmobile via a hook and elastic connector, and having fairings with a moveable section constructed and arranged to conceal or cover the hook and elastic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Brodeur, Claude Vaillancourt
  • Patent number: 7717218
    Abstract: A swiveling work machine includes a traveling apparatus, a swivel base mounted on the traveling apparatus to be pivotable about a vertical axis, a hood disposed at a rear portion of the swivel base, the hood accommodating therein an engine, a support frame being disposed across over the engine, and a ROPS having a front end thereof fixed to the swivel base and a rear end thereof fixed to an upper portion of the support frame. The support frame includes a front leg member disposed on one lateral side of the ROPS, the front leg member extending to vicinity of a position forwardly of the swivel base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Takanori Matsumoto, Fumiki Sato, Shizuo Shimoie, Yoshihiro Kato, Kenzo Koga
  • Patent number: 7686113
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to construct cheaply a light and rigid bonnet of a working vehicle having a working machine such as a loader or a tractor without providing a reinforcement member in an opening of the bonnet, and to improve the external appearance of the bonnet and maintainability of an engine room. A bonnet has rear and lower portions thereof that are opened and an opening is provided in a front or side surface of the bonnet so as to provide an intake grille. The whole bonnet besides the opening is formed hollowly. A front guard is embedded in the opening provided at a center of a front end of the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Ayabe
  • Patent number: 7677343
    Abstract: A four-wheeled utility vehicle including an engine unit mounted in the utility vehicle; and a vehicle body frame including a frame member that is disposed in the vicinity of the engine unit and is partially movable relative to the engine unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Kitai, Toru Minami, Hiroyuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7677631
    Abstract: An access assembly for a vehicle body. The access assembly includes a body panel movably mounted to the vehicle body for movement between an open position and a closed position and defining an access opening. A door assembly is provided on the body panel and has a cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A vehicle component is disposed in a substantially fixed position with respect to the vehicle body, the vehicle component having a receptacle that is substantially aligned with the access opening when the body panel is in the closed position. The access opening is exposed when the cover is in the open position, and the access opening is concealed when the cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Zischke, Mark D. Snyder, John Latimer, III
  • Patent number: 7604077
    Abstract: An engine enclosure for enclosing an engine of a work machine. The enclosure includes a first panel hingedly supported from an enclosure top and extending downwardly therefrom to form an enclosure side portion. A first hinge device joins the first panel to the enclosure top for pivotal movement relative thereto, the first panel pivotable from a closed position to an open position for access of engine components. A second panel hingedly supports and forms another portion of the enclosure side, extending upwardly toward the first panel. A lower portion of the first panel is configured to overlie an upper portion of the second panel when the first and second panels are in a closed position for preventing pivotal movement of the second panel when the first panel overlies the second panel. The second panel is pivotable from the closed position to an open position for access of engine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Mark Allan Renard
  • Patent number: 7591334
    Abstract: An industrial truck, in particular a reach truck or reach-fork truck, has a maintenance opening. At least the following components are accessible through the same maintenance opening: at least one electric connector (10, 16, 17), a hydraulic tank (4) for level monitoring and/or for topping up hydraulic fluid, and electrical fuses (9). Furthermore, a brake fluid container (7) can be accessible through the maintenance opening for level monitoring and/or for topping up brake fluid, as can a hydraulic oil filter (5). The maintenance opening can be closed with a door, preferably with a folding door (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbH
    Inventors: Paul John Eckersley, Nigel Lonsdale Hodgson, Barry Michael Warner