Abstract: A construction machine according to the present invention comprises a maintenance opening portion formed extending over a front shielding plate of a seat stand adjacent to a control stand and a side shielding plate of the control stand, or a maintenance opening portion formed extending over the front shielding plate and an upper shielding plate connected to an upper part of the front shielding plate. Further, the construction machine comprises a maintenance cover for closing the opening portion. According to such a structure, workability of the maintenance work of the construction machine can be improved.

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: An engine compartment cover for a work machine includes left and right-hand side covers for covering the sides of an engine, and a hood for covering the top of the engine. The engine compartment cover serves to enclose the engine and demarcate an engine compartment and is capable of suppressing the noise at the operator's ear level caused by the engine operating noise passing through the engine compartment cover as far as possible, whereby the level of quietness in the operator cab can be improved.

Abstract: A level difference portion is formed on a food outer panel of a hood along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body. A flange that connects a bone portion and a bone portion of a food inner panel is formed at a portion below the level difference portion of the hood outer panel. The flange of the hood inner panel extends so as to be curved along the level difference portion of the hood outer panel. The flange of the hood inner panel is connected to the level difference portion of the hood outer panel using an adhesive agent.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a side panel that is mounted to the snowmobile's frame about a generally vertically extending side panel axis. In a closed position, the side panel protects and encloses a lateral side of the snowmobile's engine. In an open position, the side panel facilitates easy access to the engine. The side panel includes a lower leg support that includes a knee rest, a lower front leg support, and an inner leg support. The lower leg support improves the rider's comfort and ability to actively position himself on the snowmobile. The snowmobile also includes a rewind starter operatively connected to the engine. The rewind starter is accessible through a hole formed in the side panel.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a pivotally mounted motor cover that moves between open and closed positions relative to the snowmobile's frame. A latch fastener selectively secures the motor cover in its closed position. The latch fastener includes a pin that is rigidly mounted to the frame and positioned such that the pin extends through an opening in the motor cover when the motor cover is in the closed position. A resilient latch mounts to the frame and selectively engages the pin to hold the motor cover in the closed position. When the motor cover is in the closed position, the pin engages the peripheral edge of the opening to discourage the motor cover from moving relative to the frame. The latch covers the tip of the pin to discourage clothing, debris, etc. from catching on the pin.

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 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 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: Structure for the front of a vehicle, of the type with deformation control for the safeguarding of pedestrians, cooperating with a sensor to detect approaching or actual impacts and including at least one air bag placed below the front bonnet component, and the front part of the vehicle having a “soft nose” shape The structure includes at least a frontal interchangeable pre-assembled module, made of a thermoplastic material that includes the motor bonnet covering, the bumper covering and the covering of the mudguards, respectively left and right, the pre-assembled module, in correspondence with the front side, is hinged underneath the front of the vehicle, and where at least on one side is deformable or capable of being raised by air bags placed under the module interacting with the sensor, while maintaining the rear portion coupled.

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: The present invention describes an opening for engine compartment cooling. The opening includes a one-way valve that permits airflow only at speed. The valve allows cooling air to circulate past the engine without impeding the efficiency of the radiator. The size, shape and number of openings and valves may vary depending on cooling capacity or styling considerations. The opening includes a leading edge followed by an indentation defining a port for a one-way valve. A valve is fixed in the port so that airflow can occur only in one direction.

Abstract: An air intake system for a vehicle, having a hood that defines at least one intake aperture therethrough. The hood may be configured such that the intake apertures have substantially zero exposed area in the upper surface of the hood, such that debris cannot fall from directly above the hood into the intake apertures. A screen is engaged with the hood. The screen may define at least one screen aperture therethrough. A screen mount may be disposed within the screen aperture, and is engaged with the lower surface of the hood and with the screen. The air flow path may be shaped such that air must rise near the intake apertures and fall near the outflow aperture. The air intake system may include an air plenum adapted to supply air to an engine.

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 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 method of manufacturing injection-molded components having complex features is disclosed. Prior methods typically require the use of a three-piece mold system to form an injection molded component having a complex feature, such as a lawn mower hood having a parabolic shaped front. With the development of a new rigid type of reflective material the present method can thereby utilize a two-piece mold system to form an injection molded component having complex features such as a lawn mower hood having a C-shaped open cavity located at the front of the hood.

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: An engine hood for motor vehicles possesses a deformable head impact zone for the protection of pedestrians in the event of a collision with the motor vehicle. The engine hood is composed of two or more load-bearing shells and has a flexural strength profile which is low adjacent the edges and increases continuously toward the middle of the hood. At the same time, the engine hood has a uniform mass distribution ovcr the entire surface. Consequently, irrespective of the position the engine hood, the same characteristic for the head impact is achieved everywhere. The advantageous embodiment of the engine hood provides a reinforcing panel with regularly arranged beads, at most three beads forming a junction point so as to reduce local rigidities.

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: The present invention concerns an air filter unit for a vehicle with an internal-combustion engine. Air filter unit for a vehicle with an internal-combustion engine, having an air filter and a hollow case containing and holding the air filter in position, characterized in that said case is composed, as the one hand, of a lower part forming an open receptacle for said filter and made up of at least two elementary parts assembled at complementary formations of their edges placed in contact and, on the other hand, of an upper part forming a cover and closing the upper part of the lower part, said upper and lower parts being assembled, with insertion of a seal or a packing, at the lower peripheral edge of said upper part and at the peripheral edge of the opening of the lower part.

Abstract: In a snowmobile or other vehicle, ventilation of ambient air to the engine compartment is necessary. However, from time to time when encountering deep snow or extremely cold temperatures, it may be necessary to restrict the inflow of ambient air into the engine compartment. An adjustable air vent having a sliding ventilation grill adjusts the air flow. The air vent has actuators for adjusting the air flow that are simple and easily manually operable by an operator even when wearing gloves or mittens without the need of any tools.

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 body assembly has an outer skin panel defining an exterior surface for a vehicle. An inner skin panel is spaced from the outer skin panel. One or more energy absorbing bodies are located between the inner skin panel and the outer skin panel such that the one or more energy absorbing bodies will be aligned with one or more hard points of the vehicle. The energy absorbing body may be a foam block or a hollow body such as a fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A body panel includes a hood portion configured to extend over and across a vehicle front compartment, and two fender portions. A unitary, one-piece inner panel and a unitary, one-piece outer panel cooperate to define the hood portion and the two fender portions. The inner panel and the outer panel comprise a substantial portion of a vehicle body front end, replacing the multitude of inner panels, outer panels, and reinforcements in a prior art vehicle body. The body panel preferably functions as a load-bearing vehicle frame portion, reducing or eliminating prior art vehicle frame components. A method of manufacturing the body panel includes forming an inner panel and an outer panel using superplastic forming, quick plastic forming, or sheet hydroforming, and connecting the inner panel and the outer panel.

Abstract: An engine hood includes an outer shell with vertical front, right and left sides and a planar top that covers an engine and its radiator. An inner panel is fixed to the inner surface of the hood underneath an opening in the top. This inner panel directs air passing through the opening in the top forward to in front of the radiator. The inner panel is fixed to the hood at its rear and side edges, and abuts the top of the radiator with it front edge. This prevents heated air flow from behind the radiator over the top of the radiator and into the radiator air inlet and the combustion air inlet.

Abstract: A reservoir to reserve fluid for a vehicle comprises a tank and two brackets integrated with the tank to install the tank in the vehicle. An attaching portion is arranged with each of the brackets to be fixed to the vehicle. A connecting portion is arranged with each of the brackets to connect the attaching portion to the tank. One of the connecting portion has a notch that is deformed or fractured so that the tank can be moved for the vehicle to absorb force that acts to the tank when the tank receives force larger than a predetermined value. The attaching portion has plural rib portions that is deformed or fractured so that the tank can be moved for the vehicle to absorb force that acts to the tank when the tank receives a force larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An elongated air intake screen is provided for vehicles such as commercial mowers that operate in conditions having substantial airborne foreign materials that tend to clog the screen. The exterior surface of the screen is provided with intake openings throughout its 360 degree surface to draw air over a substantial area. It is located at the upper edge of the vehicle to separate it from the cutting decks and area where airborne grasses and similar foreign materials are encountered. Air drawn into the screen is used to cool the engine and hydraulic fluid heat exchangers and provide for engine combustion needs.

Abstract: A bonnet structure for automobiles with improved safety characteristics, in particular in the case of collisions in road accidents between automobiles and pedestrians, comprising at least one absorbency element (14), made for example from expanded polypropylene, expanded polyurethane or in a honey comb, placed between the outer surface (10) and the lower or inner surface (11) of the bonnet; the absorbency element (14) can be fixed through gluing or other mechanical connection means and, moreover, it is possible to foresee placing a material (16) with strong resistance to traction and with zero or almost zero bending moment on at least one of the sides of the absorbency element (14), in order to connect the outer and inner surfaces (10, 11) of the bonnet more firmly and to improve local resistance to breaking of the absorbency element (14).

Abstract: An assembly comprises a mounted component that is located relative to a mounting component through one or more compilmentary locating-structure pairs that comprise locating structures of the mounted component and of the mounting component that are engaged to one another. The locating structures of the mounted component and the mounting component are those portions thereof that are engaged to one another and through which the forces of gravity and other acceleration forces are transmitted between the mounted component and the mounting component. One or more of the locating structures of the complimentary locating-structure pairs includes a locating-point insert that is integrally molded or cast into parent material of the locating structure. The locating-point inserts are harder, more wear-resistant, stiffer, and/or stronger than the parent material that they are integrally molded or cast into.

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: An engine compartment cover for a work machine comprising left and right-hand side covers for covering the sides of an engine, and a hood for covering the top of the engine, which serves to enclose the engine and demarcate an engine compartment and which is capable of suppressing the noise at the operator's ear level caused by the engine operating noise passing through the engine compartment cover as far as possible, whereby the level of quietness in the operator cab can be improved.

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 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 body panel functions as a hood by at least partially concealing an engine compartment, and functions as a structural load-bearing portion of a vehicle frame by structurally interconnecting vehicle frame members. The body panel preferably includes a hood portion and two fender portions.

Abstract: A pedestrian protecting device for a vehicle has an airbag having a first wall comprising a flexible layer and a second wall comprising a vehicle body panel. An inflatable interior cavity is formed between the first wall and the second wall. An inflator has a conduit to conduct inflation gas between the first wall and the second wall.

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 trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.

Abstract: An engine access cover assembly in a cab of an over the highway truck or tractor. The assembly includes a mounting bezel and an engine cover. The mounting bezel is fastened to a perimeter of an engine access opening. The mounting bezel defines a cover mounting surface that extends past an obstruction, such as a fixed floor mat in the cab. The engine cover has a mating surface that coacts with the mounting surface. A plurality of fastening members, such as screws or latches, secure the bezel and cover together.

Abstract: An engine enclosure for a construction vehicle which is simply constructed and small-sized, while improving the cooling efficiency and lowering the noise. The engine enclosure including: an engine hood 15 having an ambient air inlet port 24; and engine side covers 16 having ambient air inlet ports 38. The engine enclosure is constructed to include an ambient air screening wall around a muffler 5 so that the cooling ambient air taken from the ambient air inlet ports 24 and 38 may flow to a fan without contacting with the muffler 5. With this construction, the air around the muffler and especially at a high temperature in the engine room and the cooling ambient air taken from the engine hood and the engine side covers can be screened from each other so that the temperature rise in the cooling ambient air to be fed to a heat exchanger such as a radiator can be reduced to improve the cooling efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle including a body having a one or more openings. The body is configured, such as through the use of air guides, to receive an airflow through the one or more openings. An electrical generator assembly is mounted inside the vehicle and in fluid communication with a respective opening to receive the airflow, and wherein a separate electric generator assembly is associated with each of the openings. Each electrical generator assembly includes a housing, an electric generator mounted to the housing and a turbine assembly coupled to the electric generator.

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-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 to, 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 mounting system and a mobile vehicle with this system installed provides improved sound dampening for the hood of the vehicle. The hood mounting system includes two lower hood brackets and one upper cowl guide mounted to the cowl or forward portion of the cab of the vehicle. The hood of the mounting system includes a rear support frame that has a center hood guide bracket for engagement to the upper cowl guide. The hood rear support frame also has two hood rear support guides, one each vertical side of the support frame. Each hood rear support guide mates with a lower hood bracket. The lower hood brackets each contain a liner insert that may be made from a rubber or urethane sheet or molded from this material. This liner insert acts as the component interface. The center guide bracket of the hood also has a urethane or rubber liner insert located within its fold receptacle.

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: The belt driven vacuum pump is provided on a work vehicle to supply the vacuum needed for the engine intake air pre-cleaner. The vacuum pump is driven at or proportional to the engine speed to ensure proper vacuum for the intake airflow. Preferably, the vacuum pump is integrated into an accessory support bracket that carries other belt driven components such as the alternator, etc. The support bracket forms the vacuum pump housing to reduce the number of components required for the vacuum pump. Air outlet passages are formed in the support bracket and are preferably directed toward accessories or engine components that can benefit from additional cooling provided by the vacuum pump exhaust air. The vacuum pump can also be equipped with a hose at the inlet and/or the exhaust sides of the vacuum pump to provide a vacuum cleaner or a blower for use on or about the work vehicle.

Abstract: An intake duct (intake air path) utilizes an upper beam member of a front end panel, the cross section of which is substantially a C-shape. When the front end panel is assembled into a vehicle with the duct member being attached to the front end panel, assembling of the intake duct is completed. In another embodiment, a space (intake duct) is formed in a first pillar section of the front end panel with an intake port and a discharge port, which communicate the inside of the space with the outside of the space; the parts are arranged such that they are shifted from each other when they are viewed from the front side of the vehicle. Thus, a current of air flowing into the space flows in a crank-shape and passes outside of the space. Accordingly, foreign objects such as rain water and snow, which have entered the space together with air, will not flow together with the current of air flowing in the space. Therefore, the foreign objects such as rain water and snow remain in the space.

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: An automotive vehicle system employs a generally rigid body panel which is movable in an automatic manner from a generally horizontal and closed position to an upwardly angled open position. In another aspect of the present invention, an entire vehicle body panel is initially movable from a closed position to a vertically raised intermediate position, and then subsequently pivoted to an open and somewhat vertically angled position.