Abstract: An agricultural tractor with a driver's cabin, in which the cabin is supported by a safety frame which is in turn supported by an axle case.

Abstract: An improved roll-over protection system for a tractor of the type having a three-point hitch with a hydraulic power lift. A roll-over protection structure is movable between retracted and erect positions and the hydraulic lift of the hitch apparatus is linked to the roll-over protection structure to raise and lower it. The link is either detachable when the structure is in place or has a slotted section allowing the hitch to be lifted without detachment of the link from the roll-over protection structure.

Abstract: A safety vehicle provides a hub and rim construction in which a central hub comprises part of a passenger shell. A rim surrounds the shell and is connected thereto by a multiplicity of spoke like members. The rim is larger and elongate relative to the hub to provide an engine compartment and trunk between the hub and the rim. Inverted scroll shaped dashboards face the front and rear seats to provide crash protection for the occupants.

Abstract: An actuating device for protective roll bar fastened to a side hoop installed in a motor vehicle comprises, in combination, a slidable tubular sleeve, a coil spring cooperating therewith and a releasable latching means. The device permits an easy and rapid exit or access to the vehicle. The roll bar combined with the device offers increased safety for a passenger in the vehicle in case of an accident.

Abstract: The basic structure of the operator station comprises two transversely positioned U-shaped frames mounted by anti-vibration mountings on longitudinal frame members of a tractor and supporting a floor. The uprights of the U-shaped frames are interconnected by side panels formed at the top with mudguard flanges or fenders. The floor supports the driver's seat and a console, including steering wheel, pedals, etc. The basic, open driver station may be provided with a roll-over protection frame composed of further U-shaped frames oriented on their sides and fixed on top of the uprights of the main U-shaped frames. The further U-shaped frames are connectd by struts extending therebetween. A roof may be fitted on the further U-shaped frames. The station may be converted to an enclosed cab by adding a rear window, side windows and a wraparound windscreen incorporating a full height door of one side.

Abstract: To form a columnar or rod-like or bar-like material, a plurality of canes, for example of glass, plastic, or metal, are assembled in openings, for example in the form of circumferential grooves (3) in a plurality of base bodies (2), spaced along the length of the columnar opening; after assembly, a bonding or curing agent such as an epoxy is located between the canes, and in the grooves of the base bodies, and the assembly is then wrapped with a wrapping, of textile woven or mesh or braid material, which may include metal-mesh, the epoxy then curing and bonding the canes, spaced holding elements, bonding agent and web material into one unitary whole. Branches can be formed by bending off selected ones of the canes, and any termination configuration is obtained by sliding the canes in the openings prior to curing of the bonding agent.

Abstract: To prevent the possibility of the upper extremities of a strapped-in passenger in a convertible vehicle from going beyond the extension of the tiltable roll bar in the event that the vehicle turns over, despite the fact that the roll bar is erected, the latter is extended beyond its particular pivoting point, and this extension engages around the shoulder-belt part between its deflection point and the lower fastening point, and when the roll bar is swung up, causes a tautening of the belt-band run because the shoulder-belt part is taken up.

Abstract: An overhead guard is provided for counterweighted lift trucks of different lengths. The overhead guard has a top portion supported at its front end by a pair of laterally spaced front legs extending downwardly to attaching points on the front of the truck and the top portion is supported at its rear end by adjustably positioned laterally spaced rear posts. The top of the rear posts may be attached to different longitudinally spaced points on the upper portion of the guard and the bottom of the rear posts are attachable to support posts on the counterweight which is at different longitudinal positions on different length trucks.

Abstract: A roll bar for convertible-type vehicles includes a generally U-shaped inverted roll bar structure pivotally mounted to an automobile chassis for extending across and above the passenger compartment when in the up position and pivotally mounted to pivot to a downward generally horizontal retracted position. The roll bar is mounted to pivot generally about a support bar that is mounted within and extends to each side of the chassis and includes a fixed gear on the mounting bar and a driving gear carried by the roll bar in driving engagement with the fixed gear with a curved guide slot disposed adjacent the drive mechanism for guiding the roll bar into the respective vertical and horizontal positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle of which the shell is entirely constructed of resilient impact-resistant material configured into a structure of integrated volumes which is fitted on to a load-bearing base comprising all the mechanical members. In this respect, the term "shell" signifies that which in conventional motor vehicles is represented by the body together with the compartments for housing the mechanical members and passengers. The proposed vehicle is therefore composed of a lower body portion or frame to which the wheels and transmission and control members are connected, on which there is a structure formed from one or more blocks or sheets of resilient material, configured as volumes which harmonically blend the outer shape and the passenger compartments into a unified combination.

Abstract: A roll bar of the type used on motor vehicles, and particularly off-road vehicles, is provided which incorporates a neon light in a central portion of the overhead crossbar, which serves the purpose of producing an illumination which is visible to other vehicles to locate the vehicle, particularly in dense fog.

Abstract: A small, lightweight, three-wheel two-passenger automotive vehicle has a rigid, open main box frame of tubular steel formed by two spaced side rails joined by front and rear rails, with a motor mount frame extending forwardly from the main frame; a unitary, one-piece tub of molded, glass fiber reinforced resin fills most of the main frame opening and peripheral flanges on the tub are resiliently mounted on the side rails of the main frame. The bottom of the tub extends below the side rails of the main frame, affording a support floor and side walls for a passenger compartment encompassed by the main frame and also providing a cover or support, or both, for such vehicle components as a hand brake lever, gear shift lever, fuel tank, transmission, etc. A unitary, one-piece body shell of molded, glass fiber reinforced resin is resiliently mounted on the tub and covers the exterior of the main frame; a unitary one-piece fiber glass hood is provided to complete the vehicle body.

Abstract: A dump body for a dump truck that includes a hinged cab guard combined with an actuator which serves to pivot the cab guard downwardly relative to the body portion of the dump body so as to allow full raising of the dump body when the dump truck is parked in a garage having a low ceiling.

Abstract: A power operated vehicle includes a body which is preferably mounted to three wheels and which includes a vertical transverse roll bar extending from one side of the body to the other with a longitudinal roll bar extending vertically from the back of the body to the transverse roll bar and with a seat spring mounted from the roll bars.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle such as a narrow-aisle lift truck has a canopy that extends above the operator's compartment of the vehicle. A pair of elongated vertical posts are mounted to the rear of the canopy at spaced-apart positions. Each of the middle sections of the posts is offset relative to the end portion of the posts. The posts are capable of being mounted to the vehicle so that the distance between the middle sections thereof is either less than the distance between the pairs of respective ends of the posts or greater than the distance.

Abstract: A deflectable support for a protective frame on a tractor to absorb shock loading on the frame and prevent excessive damage to the frame and provide a secondary support for the protective frame to prevent damage to the frame or injury to the operator.

Abstract: An industrial truck has an overhead guard made in two parts 7,8. The rear part 8 of the overhead guard is pivotable about the rear end of the truck to provide access to the vehicle battery box 4 from above so that the battery box can be lifted out from above via lifting eyes 14 to enable the batteries to be recharged. The battery 4 has a cover 5 which must also be pivoted to permit removal of the battery box. The battery box 4 is located against horizontal movement in the truck. In accordance with the invention, the battery box 4 has a projecting lug (not shown) which co-operates with the rear part of the overhead guard such as to prevent vertical movement of the battery box when the overhead guard is closed. Consequently, when the overhead guard is operative (that is, in its closed position), the battery box is positively located against movement relative to the truck in all directions and cannot fall out if the truck overturns.

Abstract: A lift truck hood mechanism and method for operation thereof in which a cover is provided for the truck power source compartment and is movable from a substantially horizontal closed position to a substantially vertical opened position at the rear of the compartment. The rearward end of the cover is raised and guided in a linear path by hand or by rollers operating in tracks in the rear support members of the overhead guard assembly. The cover is pivoted about a transverse axis midway between the forward and rearward ends of the cover, and is moved toward the support members as the one end is raised. Torsion bars may be used to assist in moving the cover and to secure the cover in the open position. The operator's seat has a hinged mounting bracket and is movable between positions over the top of the front of the cover to hold the cover closed and against the steering wheel permitting the cover to be opened. A locking device prevents accidental movement of the rear of the hood.

Abstract: A roll bar for vehicles, especially motor vehicles, comprises two vertical segments mounted on opposite sides of the body which are connected together by at least one cross member. Each segment comprises, according to a preferred embodiment, two elements of the same profile which withstand deformations that increase the section modulus, said elements being formed by roll sections assembled to form a hollow member and connected to one another by welding, gluing, or the like. According to a particularly advantageous arrangement, each segment, as viewed in cross section, comprises two tubular structures that are joined to a common rib.

Abstract: A single point vehicle lifting attachment having a lift frame resting on the operator's compartment of the vehicle and flexible cables connected between the lift frame and the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An earthworking machine having a frame, a pair of front wheels carried by a front portion of the frame, and a pair of rear wheels carried by a rear portion of the frame. An operator's station is mounted to the frame at one side thereof between the front wheel and rear wheel at that side. The operator's station includes an access opening opening toward one of the wheels. The operator station may include a wall portion having a recess receiving a portion of one of the wheels. A protective canopy is mounted to a portion of the frame and includes a portion overlying the operator's station to protect the operator from falling objects. Structure is provided within the operator's station for supporting the operator in a position facing across the machine. Speed control mechanism is provided at an inner portion of the operator's station for operation by the operator so facing inwardly toward the frame. The frame includes pedestal portions for mounting the operator's station and canopy structure.

Abstract: An overhead guard in which the rear legs are connected to a lift truck such that when struck from the front side one or both legs pivot rearwardly out of the area of the driver's compartment so that the driver is protected from being pinned against a guard leg. The guards are positively secured in other directions so that they resist forces imposed from either side or from the rear of the guard.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle includes a vehicle body having a forwardly facing operator's compartment or cab. The vehicle is provided with a front end implement which is controlled by vertically swingable lift arms that extend along the sides of the operator's compartment. A pair of safety gates are pivotally mounted on the front portion of the vehicle body and prevent an operator from being thrown from the operator's compartment when the gates are in the closed position. The gates also obstruct vertical movement of the lift arms when the gates are in the open position.

Abstract: A novelty motor vehicle has a pair of rear wheels of diameter greater than that of the front wheels. An engine is mounted on the rear of the chassis aft of the rear wheels. Weights are mounted on the rear of the chassis aft of the rear wheels. A transmission is provided. A special gear box is mounted on the chassis and coupled to the engine. Two drive shafts are provided; one from the transmission to the special gear box for rotating the gears and the other from the special gear box to the rear end for driving the vehicle slower. An independent hand brake system selectively brakes either of the rear wheels to turn the vehicle about the braked wheel when the front wheels are on the ground or in the air due to the weight on the chassis aft of the rear wheels.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for lift vehicles of a type including an operator's station and a carriage arranged for vertical travel upon a mast assembly. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism includes a lever arrangement, preferably an overhead guard structure, pivotably connected to the vehicle and operatively connected with the carriage by means of a pivotable link. In other disclosed embodiments, the lever mechanism is also an overhead guard structure providing an overhead guard function for the operator station while the mast assembly preferably includes a fixed upright portion and at least one movable upright portion supporting the carriage, the movable overhead guard structure and link being operable to cause vertical travel of both the movable upright portion and carriage. An additional embodiment has the overhead guard lift the movable upright and the short lift cylinder lifts the carriage.

Abstract: A retractable overhead guard assembly is provided to protect an operator of industrial trucks, such as a forklift operator, from falling objects. Said guard is retractable from a raised to a lowered position for operation in areas of low overhead clearance. A pair of substantially parallel extensible supports are attached to said truck. A guard is mounted on the upper ends of the supports and is manually slideable between a forward and rearward position and is maintained in either position by a locking mechanism. Said supports may include biasing means such as springs to counterbalance the weight of the guard and facilitate manual adjustment between raised and lowered positions. A locking mechanism is also provided on each support to retain the guard in a plurality of positions. Electrical interlocks prevent the raising of the lift beyond a predetermined height if the guard is not in the rearward and raised position where it offers maximum protection to the operator.

Abstract: In combination with a land vehicle such as a pick-up truck in which the bed portion of the truck is to optionally include a camper shell. Attached to the truck body is a roll bar assembly which is located within the load carrying bed of the truck directly adjacent the cab of the truck. The portion of the camper shell located directly adjacent the cab of the truck to be recessed in order to accommodate the roll bar assembly.

Abstract: An enclosure kit for enclosing an open roll over protective structure of a vehicle includes four panels that have connector means associated therewith which can be connected to the roll over protective structure without changing the structural integrity thereof. The connector means includes a flange that is formed along one edge of each panel which is adapted to be received into a trough defined along the upper edge of the roll over protective structure and releasable retainers for connecting each of the panels to vertical posts of the roll over protective structure. The releasable retainers are readily clamped onto the vertical posts and are designed to have two edges of adjacent panels connected thereto with the connection including a shock absorbing member.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a vehicle reinforcing bar that can be used with a pickup truck body. In particular, one of the members of the bar is a U shaped member having mounting plates upon which it stands in the bed of the pickup truck. A pair of angularly oriented bracing members is attached at its ends both to the cross member of the U shaped member and to the bed or wheel wells of the truck. The bracing members are pivotally attached to the cross member of the U shaped member by means of collars. The pivotal mounting permits free rotation of the bracing members around the cross member. This allows the entire brace to be folded into a flattened configuration for shipment until it is installed in a truck. Upon installation by attachment of the free ends of the bracing members to plates on the wheel wells, the bracing members become fixed relative to the cross members, precluding further rotation.

Abstract: A protective frame for a vehicle for protecting the operator in the event of vehicle rollover. A protective frame having tubular uprights with a plurality of reinforcing members of variable length extending from the base upwardly internally of said tubular uprights to stiffen the frame.

Abstract: A rollbar safety frame for an agricultural or industrial tractor comprises two uprights joined at their upper ends by a cross-member, and is adjustable so that it may fit different types of tractor. The frame is adjustable at its upper end, its lower end, or both. For adjustment at the upper end, the cross member is securable between the uprights such that the distance therebetween is adjustable. For adjustment at the lower end, each upright carries a securing plate provided with means for adjusting the relative positions of securing bolts transversely of an axle about which the uprights are secured. The safety frame may, if desired, be hinged at a central portion such that, when secured to a tractor, it may be folded.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in a lift truck comprising a first eye structure adjacent a front end of the truck and supported by the truck frame along with a second eye structure adjacent a rear end of the truck and supported by the truck frame. The first and second eye structures are substantially equally spaced from the center of gravity of the truck. An overhead guard structure is supported at a rear end thereof by the second eye structure and at the front end thereof by the truck frame.

Abstract: To provide passenger protection when a vehicle rolls a protective guard is mounted juxtaposition the passenger seating arrangement. This protective guard includes a roll bar with a support brace hinged thereto. Both the roll bar and the support brace have cross members and leg members which are adjustable to meet the requirements of different vehicle designs and installations. At the end of the leg members for the support brace there is pivotally attached mounting pads, which along with mounting pads of the leg members of the roll bar, are used for attachment of the protective guard to the passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A fabricated corner structure having a single piece outer member and two piece inner member construction for receiving tubular members generally perpendicular to each other encompassed by the inner and outer members with a vertical support member perpendicular to the tubular members welded to the outer member. The three tubular members form the corner of a ROPS structure.

Abstract: An attachment for protecting the hood and controls of snowmobiles from damage caused by the turning over of the vehicle which comprises a rigid, welded, cage structure extending above the steering handlebar but below the windshield. The structure is removably secured by its lower end to horizontal mounting brackets fixed on each side of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a tiltable cab construction for an industrial vehicle, a tiltable cab which can be tilted with respect to the side frames comprises a steering handle, operating levers, a front protector, a seat, an engine hood, a toe board, a hinge means and other parts, and provides labyrinths which are formed by the tiltable cab and the side frames for reducing noises caused by the engine and other parts which are mounted inside the side frames.

Abstract: A mounting removably associates a first structure such as a construction vehicle with a second structure such as an operator station which may include a roll-over protective device. The mounting includes a first hollow member affixed to the first structure and a second member disposed in and affixed to the first member. Fastening the second member to the first member is a resilient bushing oriented transversely to the main load along with separate annular resilient members, all to dampen transmission of vibrations in the first member to the second member. The second structure is removably affixed to the second member by a tapered socket fitting a tapered end of the second member.

Abstract: A vehicle cab structure, especially for tractors of the agricultural or construction type, in which a pair of laterally spaced side structures are provided formed of plates which are interconnected to make a rather rigid unit. The thus formed unit is reinforced near the rearward corners and has a lateral floor sheet at the bottom which is supported on the vehicle frame. The cab structure includes a roof with corner posts extending from the roof downwardly and engaging the forward and rearward outer corners of the aforementioned unit. Reinforcing is provided for the corners of the unit where the posts rest. Fenders for the tractor wheels may be mounted on the described unit.

Abstract: A foldable vehicle is adapted to be transported in its own container on the back of a motor home, yacht, or the like, for storage or shipping. The vehicle is motorized and has a chassis and a plurality of wheels along with passenger seats. The vehicle has means for raising and lowering the wheels relative to the chassis between an operative position and a collapsed position. In addition, the hood, window frame, steering wheel column, steering wheel, seats, and roll bar fold to provide a compact, folded vehicle for a shipping or storage container.

Abstract: Shock mount for protective structure for tractors, including an upstanding post affixed to the tractor to protect the operator in the event that the tractor rolls over or in the event something falls on the tractor. A post mounting member is affixed with the tractor chassis, and an assembly of an elastomer insert and a bushing and a bolt interconnect the post and the chassis, and actually the elastomer insert and the bushing are presented in duplicate in the assembly. The inserts have a tapered interior opening, and the bushing is received within the opening to urge the insert outwardly into snug fit with the mounting member.

Abstract: A multi-way grab handle, particularly useful for vehicles such as trucks, is disclosed to comprise a base structure and a plurality of handhold structures. The device may be oriented to provide a pair of horizontally disposed handholds and a pair of vertically disposed handholds.

Abstract: A safety enclosure for use with underground mining machinery for protecting the operator of the machinery from overhead and lateral falls and the like. The safety enclosure comprises a cage-like structure of generally rectangular cross section for receiving and surrounding the operator while operating the machine. A pair of longitudinal male slide members are vertically secured to the cage-like structure along one side thereof, the slide members being slidably mateable with a pair of cooperating female channel members vertically secured along one side of the mining machine. Shear pins are provided for adjustably maintaining, under normal operating conditions, the cage-like male slide members assembly disposed above the mine floor by a preselected distance and for releasing the assembly for sliding displacement to the floor of the mine in response to an overhead fall causing a predetermined force on the top of the enclosure.

Abstract: A controllably deformable fastener assembly has a fastener, clamping means, and a crushable element. The fastener has a threaded shank portion, a head portion and a shoulder portion on the head portion. The shank portion is of a material having a preselected tensile yield load. The clamping means is provided for screw threadably receiving the shank portion of the fastener, including a shoulder portion that is movable towards the shoulder portion of the fastener for securing a first member to a second member. The crushable element is disposed therebetween and is of a material that is controllably plastically deformable at a preselected load which is less than the preselected tensile yield load of the shank portion of the fastener.

Abstract: A skid steer loader comprising an improved loader main frame and including an operator's compartment designed to present a low profile vehicle particularly suitable for low clearance applications. The loader main frame includes a center compartment partially defined by a pair of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced side beams. The engine for the vehicle is mounted at the rear of the center compartment and is acoustically enclosed by structural elements of the frame. A seat pan mounted on the side beams overlies the engine and transmission and separates the operator compartment from the center compartment. At a forward end of the center compartment an elongated transmission case forms a partial bottom wall and also encloses the chain and sprocket drive system of the vehicle. The side walls of the transmission case are displaced from the side walls of the frame, enabling the operator to straddle the case, thus reducing height requirements for both the operator compartment and the overall vehicle.

Abstract: A basic cab unit, mounted on the frame of a construction vehicle such as a wheel loader, comprises a substantially flat rear panel having a generally rectangular opening formed therethrough. The opening is defined by a plurality of mounting flanges adapted to have the mounting flanges of a window unit secured thereto. In a first embodiment of this invention the window unit, having mounting flanges extending outwardly therefrom, is secured to the mounting flanges of the basic cab unit along with flanges formed on a roll-over protection structure (ROPS). The latter structure further comprises a reinforced canopy which extends over a top panel of the basic cab unit. In a second embodiment of this invention a window unit constitutes the sole component secured to the basic cab unit by flanges formed thereon to extend inwardly towards each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sub-frame, a support structure and a cab for a vehicle such as a crawler tractor. The sub-frame is mounted on the vehicle support structure by resilient mountings and a cab is mounted on the sub-frame. In this way, the cab is insulated from vibrations in the support structure.

Abstract: A narrow base protective frame to allow greater axial adjustment of the rear drive wheels on a tractor to vary the tread width of the wheels. The protective frame provides protection for the operator in event of rollover of the vehicle and has reinforcing structure between upright columns mounted on the rear drive axles.

Abstract: An energy absorbing joint for a protective frame wherein the energy absorbing joint is allowed to deform as the kinetic energy is absorbed thereby reducing the effect of the impact in the event of vehicle upset. The energy absorbing joint is formed in a connection between a strut which braces the upright columns from the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: An exhaust system for off the road vehicles of the type incorporating a roll-over protection structure for protecting the operator's station on the vehicle in which the exhaust system is incorporated within a housing forming a part of the protection structure.

Abstract: A battery powered lift truck of the sit-down type in which two main power source batteries are located in a stepped compartment so that the forward battery is supported at a lower elevation than the rear battery. The lower elevation of the forward battery enables relatively increased stability by lowering the center of gravity of the lift truck, while the higher elevation of the rear battery is effected by locating a horizontal counterweight in an elevated position above the rear steer axle and linkage and using it as the rear battery platform, whereby to effect a relatively short length truck with adequate stability and a relatively short turning radius. An overhead guard is relatively short in length which enables the direct installation and removal of both batteries without detaching or dismounting the guard from the truck.