Roll Bars And/or Overhead Guards Patents (Class 280/756)
  • Patent number: 9266490
    Abstract: The Johnson ATV Safety Bar including an articulating adjustable roll bar (12), a seat back (74), a safety seat belt (16), an adjustable foot and leg guard (18) and an articulating adjustable mounting bracket (9). The roll bar (12) may prevent injury or death in cases of ATV rollover accidents or crashes by absorbing the brunt of the force from the rolling or falling ATV. The seat back (14) may include a rope or strap (64) laced between metal bars (60) having a series of holes (62), the metal bars (60) being integrated onto the roll bar (12). The safety belt (16) may be attached to the roll bar (12) at various points (68) and may be configurable to meet the preference of the ATV operator. The system may include a seat belt retractor (140) to secure the operator on the ATV. The system may include an articulating adjustable ATV roll bar protection system (12) designed to fit various sizes and brands of ATVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventors: Jerry Johnson, Nadejda Ivanovna Johnson
  • Patent number: 9260149
    Abstract: A canopy structure comprising a framework which includes a pair of spacedly disposed, curved tubes, a connecting member disposed between the respective forward ends of the two tubes, and a cross-member connectedly disposed between the two tubes at the highest point thereof. A forward horizontal beam is mounted on the cross-member and a rear horizontal beam is mounted at a position between the two tubes and to the rear of the forward horizontal beam. An adhesive strip is disposed upon each tube by enveloping means, and forward and rear glass panels are fixedly arranged on the canopy structure by means of said adhesive strips and by the forward and rear horizontal beams respectively. Also disclosed are a canopy assembly structure using a fixed column to fixedly connect one component having a metallic spacer with spacing holes to another component having mounting holes, and a cradle-type vehicle frame having a backrest framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Suzhou Eagle Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xueqing Zhang, Anding Zhu, Xue Li
  • Patent number: 9168886
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a rollover protection system has at least one rollover support body. For the connection of the rollover support body to the body structure of the motor vehicle, a wide-based receiving device is provided in the area of a rear wheel house and/or of a side panel area. The fastening takes place by screws which are oriented in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Juergen Schippan, Peter Holler, Joerg Treptow
  • Patent number: 9125340
    Abstract: A ride-on lawn mower includes a traveling vehicle body including an operator's seat, and a wheel post for supporting a steering wheel mounted forward of the operator's seat. The lawn mower further includes a mower apparatus connected to a front part of the traveling vehicle body, a roll-over protective structure mounted in a rear part of the operator's seat, and a front guard extending upward from the wheel post and forward of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Tsuchihashi, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Takafumi Komatsu, Akira Minoura, Kazuaki Nogami, Kazutomo Miyaguchi, Eiji Satou, Yoshiyuki Esaki
  • Publication number: 20150123390
    Abstract: A ROPS retention system for retaining a suspended cab frame relative to a chassis frame of a work vehicle may generally include a support bracket configured to be coupled to the chassis frame. The support bracket may be positioned relative to the cab frame such that a gap is defined between the support bracket and the cab frame. The system may also include a retention stake extending outwardly from a surface of one of the cab frame or the support bracket between a base end and a tip end. The stake may be configured to be received within a collar opening defined in the other of the cab frame or the support bracket. The stake may define a stake diameter at the tip end that is less than a diameter of the collar opening. In addition, the system may include a connection strap coupled between the cab frame and the support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: SHANE SCOTT
  • Patent number: 9022160
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the frame. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat. The utility vehicle includes a seat switch coupled to the operator seat and a controller configured to detect a loaded and unloaded state of the operator seat based on the seat switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Polaris Industries Inc., Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Jeremy C Smith, Adam J Schlangen, Richard D Ripley, Shawn D Peterson, Kurt E Stenberg, Anthony J Kinsman, Angus M Morison, David A Elia, Steve M Wosick, Michael C Bohnsack, Matthew J Kaldor, Robert R Lacher, David E Marotte
  • Publication number: 20150115586
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, at least a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion supported by the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels, a first seat portion and a second seat portion supported by the frame portion and arranged side by side in a width direction of the vehicle, a steering wheel in front of the first seat portion, and a roll-over protection cage supported by the frame portion and covering the first seat portion, the second seat portion and the steering wheel. The first seat portion includes a first seat back portion which has a first backrest surface. The second seat portion includes a second seat back portion which has a second backrest surface. The first seat portion and the second seat portion are adjacent to each other in a width direction of the vehicle. At a height of a lower end of the steering wheel, a center of the second backrest surface is at a more rearward position than a center of the first backrest surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Masahide SHINBORI
  • Publication number: 20150102591
    Abstract: A deployable structure to provide protection when vehicles roll over, which is made up of a ā€œVā€ shaped structure (1) closed at the top where both the lateral vertical bars (4) and the uppermost horizontal bar (7) can fold and unfold telescopically, resulting in an increase in the width and the height of the structure when changing from the folded to the unfolded positions. The lower end of the tubular vertical lateral elements (4) of the structure are conveniently coupled to the chassis of the vehicle (2) in question, with the structure (1) being deployed when a certain tilt of the vehicle is detected by means of a tilt sensor using an activation control or algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Carmelo Perez De Larraya Sagues
  • Patent number: 9004532
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a front boarding section, a rear boarding section having a rear seat unit, a ROPS delimiting space including a front boarding space acting as a ride-in space of the front boarding section and a rear boarding space acting as a ride-in space of the rear boarding section, and a loading platform mounted rearward of the vehicle body. The ROPS includes a plurality of posts and an upper frame supported to the posts and delimiting upper space of the front boarding space and the rear boarding space. The loading platform is switchable between a first position in which a front end of the loading platform is positioned rearward of the rear boarding space and a second position in which the front end of the loading platform enters the rear boarding space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimi Hirooka
  • Patent number: 8998253
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vehicle having a plurality of ground engaging members, a chassis supported by the plurality of ground engaging members, and an engine supported by the chassis. The engine is configured to provide power to at least one of the plurality of ground engaging members. The vehicle further has a seating area supported by the chassis. The seating area includes at least an operator seat and a passenger seat in a side-by-side arrangement. The vehicle further has a plurality of longitudinal members positionable above the seating area, and a coupling device coupled to at least one of the longitudinal members. The coupling device has an adjustment member to vary a force of the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Shane A. Novotny, Bradley R. Morisch, Brian J. Gross, Jed P. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8998303
    Abstract: The cab for a mobile machine includes a seat for an operator, and a rollover protective structure (ROPS). The ROPS being positioned on either side of a first vertical plane centrally located on the seat and extending along a length of the cab. The ROPS may include a C-post positioned behind the seat, and a B-post positioned in front of the seat. The C-post may include a first portion extending upwards and angled towards the seat. The first portion may extend from a first end proximate a bottom rear corner of the cab to a second end proximate the first vertical axis. The ROPS may also include a second portion extending upwards from the second end to a third end proximate a roof of the cab. The ROPS may further include a third portion extending in a direction away from the seat from the third end to a fourth end proximate a top rear corner of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J Gielda, Christian D. Ritchie, Brent Ryan Frazier, Justin Michael Malohn, Brad Robert Van De Veer
  • Patent number: 8998283
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is equipped with a passenger space, a cargo bed disposed behind the passenger space, and a screen disposed between the passenger space and the cargo bed. The screen is formed into a lattice shape using an outer frame made of a square pipe, a plurality of vertical cross-piece members made of square pipes, and a plurality of horizontal cross-piece members made of square pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruaki Yamamoto, Itsuo Takegami
  • Patent number: 8998254
    Abstract: Rollover protection device (10) for a motor vehicle has a supporting frame (11) extending in the vehicle transverse direction and rollover protection cassettes (12). Each rollover protection cassette (12) has a rollover body (14) that can be deployed from a housing (13). A connecting profile (15) of the supporting frame (11) extends between the rollover protection cassettes (12). Columns (16) are positioned between lateral ends of the connecting profile (15) of the supporting frame (11) and the housings (13) of the rollover protection cassettes (12). Each of these columns (16) is connected to the housings (13) of the rollover protection cassettes (12) and to the connecting profile (15) of the supporting frame (11). Each column (16) can be connected to a center tunnel of a body shell of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8998255
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, at least a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion supported by the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels, a first seat portion and a second seat portion supported by the frame portion and arranged side by side in a width direction of the vehicle, a steering wheel in front of the first seat portion, and a roll-over protection cage supported by the frame portion and covering the first seat portion, the second seat portion and the steering wheel. The first seat portion includes a first seat back portion which has a first backrest surface. The second seat portion includes a second seat back portion which has a second backrest surface. The first seat portion and the second seat portion are adjacent to each other in a width direction of the vehicle. At a height of a lower end of the steering wheel, a center of the second backrest surface is at a more rearward position than a center of the first backrest surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahide Shinbori
  • Publication number: 20150084321
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a front boarding section, a rear boarding section having a rear seat unit, a ROPS delimiting space including a front boarding space acting as a ride-in space of the front boarding section and a rear boarding space acting as a ride-in space of the rear boarding section, and a loading platform mounted rearward of the vehicle body. The ROPS includes a plurality of posts and an upper frame supported to the posts and delimiting upper space of the front boarding space and the rear boarding space. The loading platform is switchable between a first position in which a front end of the loading platform is positioned rearward of the rear boarding space and a second position in which the front end of the loading platform enters the rear boarding space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimi Hirooka
  • Patent number: 8979123
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a chassis frame, a single-row seat arranged on the chassis frame, and a rollover protective structure (R.O.P.S.) surrounding a riding space in which the single-row seat is arranged. The R.O.P.S. includes a right side unit and a left side unit, and a plurality of cross members for detachably coupling the right side unit and the left side unit. Each of the right side unit and the left side unit integrally includes a front pole portion, an upper beam portion, a mid pole portion, and a rear pole portion. For each of the right side unit and the left side unit, a lower end of the front pole portion, a lower end of the mid pole portion, and a lower end of the rear pole portion are individually and detachably coupled to the chassis frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Takahashi, Yoshinori Tsumiyama
  • Patent number: 8979124
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion, a seat unit including a first seat portion and a second seat portion arranged side by side in a width direction of the vehicle and supported by the frame portion, a steering wheel in front of the first seat portion, a roll-over protection cage supported by the frame portion to cover an area above the seat unit and the steering wheel, and a shoulder bolster portion. The first seat portion includes a seat bottom portion that supports a human body from below, and a back support portion that supports the human body from behind. In the width direction of the vehicle, at least a portion of the shoulder bolster portion is on an outer side of the seat unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahide Shinbori, Masayuki Kubo
  • Publication number: 20150069742
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible impact protection member for mounting to a first member to protect either or both the first member and a second member that impacts thereon. The protection member has a several mobile portions, each being mounted end on end to each other. There is at least one tensile connection between adjacent mobile portions to lock each of the mobile portions to each other to form the flexible impact protection member. At least one portion of the flexible impact protection member can be se cured to the first member. The flexible impact protection member at least in part extends away from the first member when the first member is in a normal operation mode or orientation. The flexible impact protection member can deflect from its normal shape due to an impact event with the second member by the plurality of mobile portions moving relative to each other, such movement increasing tension in the tensile connection and therefore increasing stiffness of the flexible impact protection member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ag-Tech Industries Limited
    Inventor: Christiaan F. Friedeman
  • Publication number: 20150061269
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a rollover protection system has at least one rollover support body. For the connection of the rollover support body to the body structure of the motor vehicle, a wide-based receiving device is provided in the area of a rear wheel house and/or of a side panel area. The fastening takes place by screws which are oriented in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Juergen SCHIPPAN, Peter HOLLER, Joerg TREPTOW
  • Patent number: 8967315
    Abstract: A kit for converting a motorcycle into a police motorcycle includes right and left-side drop bars, a rear drop bar, and a front impact guard. The kit further includes right and left-side saddlebags that open in a clamshell position or in a side-opening position. A controller compartment positioned above and between the saddlebags contains a controller for operation of the various electrical components of the police motorcycle, including visual and audio effects. The kit also includes flashers integrated into the front headlight and front handlebar risers that raise the handlebars sufficiently to allow a rider to sit upright, instead of prone, for better observation of the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: George Lescallett
  • Patent number: 8967666
    Abstract: Positioning structure for an armament on a vehicle equipped with an armored cockpit (A) and wherein the armament is constrained to the top of the vehicle. The positioning structure engages directly to the frame of the vehicle and in particular to the reinforcement bars (B) typically called roll-bars, which delimit the armored cockpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: OTO Melara S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Alberto Iardella, Paolo Arrighi
  • Patent number: 8955880
    Abstract: An adjustable headboard for a carrier vehicle includes a hoop with a first frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, a second frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a connecting member extending between the distal end of the first frame member and the distal end of the second frame member. The hoop is moveable between a first position and a second position. The adjustable headboard further includes a stationary base with a first receiving channel and a second receiving channel and a retainer coupled to the hoop to secure the hoop in the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Malcolm, Sanjeev T. Kuriakose, Brandon F. Tucker
  • Patent number: 8950553
    Abstract: Disclosed is a safety bar having a resiliently flexible neck connecting a shaft to a head. The head includes a surface connected to at least one pair of spaced apart opposing legs. The surface and the spaced apart opposing legs define a passage and a channel intermediate the surface and the passage. Also disclosed is a method of making such a safety bar. The safety bar can be installed in a reach lift truck for protecting an operator of the reach lift truck from injury due to accidental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lakeport Metalcraft and Welding
    Inventor: Roland Stefan Nopper
  • Patent number: 8944465
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, at least a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion supported by the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels, a first seat portion and a second seat portion supported by the frame portion and arranged side by side in a width direction of the vehicle, a steering wheel in front of the first seat portion, and a roll-over protection cage supported by the frame portion and covering the first seat portion, the second seat portion and the steering wheel. The first seat portion includes a first seat back portion which has a first backrest surface. The second seat portion includes a second seat back portion which has a second backrest surface. The first seat portion and the second seat portion are adjacent to each other in a width direction of the vehicle. At a height of a lower end of the steering wheel, a center of the second backrest surface is at a more rearward position than a center of the first backrest surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahide Shinbori
  • Patent number: 8944464
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a cover module (4) formed from a brittle material and a rollover hoop (10) in a passive position below the cover module (4). The rollover hoop (10) moves to an active position in a rollover and breaks through at least the cover module (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mathias Froeschle
  • Publication number: 20150028572
    Abstract: Rollover protection device (10) for a motor vehicle has a supporting frame (11) extending in the vehicle transverse direction and rollover protection cassettes (12). Each rollover protection cassette (12) has a rollover body (14) that can be deployed from a housing (13). A connecting profile (15) of the supporting frame (11) extends between the rollover protection cassettes (12). Columns (16) are positioned between lateral ends of the connecting profile (15) of the supporting frame (11) and the housings (13) of the rollover protection cassettes (12). Each of these columns (16) is connected to the housings (13) of the rollover protection cassettes (12) and to the connecting profile (15) of the supporting frame (11). Each column (16) can be connected to a center tunnel of a body shell of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20150014974
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a cockpit area, a roll cage, two seats disposed side-by-side, an engine, four wheels, a steering has device, and two lateral sides. Each of the two lateral sides h a lateral passage disposed adjacent to one of the two seats. A door has front and rear sides. The rear side of the door is pivotally connected to one of the two lateral sides. The door is pivotable between a first position where the door closes the lateral passage corresponding to the one of the two lateral sides and a second position where the door opens the lateral passage corresponding to the one of the two lateral sides. A flexible lateral cover has an upper end connected to the roll cage, and a lower end connected to the door and movable with the door between the first and second positions of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Thierry Cotnoir, Charles Roy
  • Patent number: 8926003
    Abstract: A cab of a mobile machine may include a seat for an operator. The cab may also include a first vertical plane centrally located on the seat and extending along a length of the cab. The cab may further include a rollover protective structure (ROPS). The ROPS may include a first component and a second component positioned on either side of the first vertical plane. At least one of the first component and the second component may include a single tube shaped to form a C-post positioned behind the seat, a B-post positioned in front of the seat, and a header connecting the C-post and the B-post. The C-post and the B-post may each include support structures that extend from a floor of the cab to a roof of the cab. The header may extend along a length of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Gielda, Christian D. Ritchie, Brent Ryan Frazier, Justin Michael Malohn
  • Patent number: 8915520
    Abstract: A roll-bar structural arrangement featuring symmetrical covers that can be mounted both internally and externally of the structure of the accessory, on both sides, without the need for separate parts, said cover (30) being attached to the extension (11) of the roll-bar and ends fitted onto the central bar (10), and comprising single body parts shaped in the form of two symmetrical parts (301) and (302) and welded together via tongue and groove (not shown) placed on the edges, with a hollow inner region and featuring a leading segment (31) with a curvature coinciding with the curvature of the extreme portion of the central bar (10), and a secondary segment (32) projecting from the vicinity of the end of the leading segment (31), said secondary segment (32) accompanying the curvature of the extension (11) of the roll-bar, with ends of the leading segment (31) and of the extension (32) with an opening (33) with a section coinciding with the diameter of the central bar (10) and of the extension (11) of the roll-b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Keko AcessĆ³rios S/A
    Inventor: Juliano Scheer Mantovani
  • Patent number: 8905434
    Abstract: A rollover protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The rollover protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel
  • Publication number: 20140353956
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame assembly extends generally along a longitudinal axis of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle further includes a front seating section coupled to the frame. The front seating section is configured to support an operator and a first passenger. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a rear seating section coupled to the frame. The rear seating section is configured to support a second passenger and a third passenger. The rear seating section has an angled panel configured as a dead pedal for the second and third passengers, and a portion of the rear seating section extends forwardly into the front seating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Bjerketvedt, Jordy A. Reed, Ricky G. Jaeger, Phillip B. Swain, Gordon J. Steinmetz, Daniel L. Goffman, Andy T. Ives, Curtis C. Carruth
  • Publication number: 20140353955
    Abstract: The ROPS comprises a highly rigid behind-cab-frame, a mounting-plate of which is bolted to the truck chassis. A roof-canopy is integrated into the frame. The ROPS includes a brace which holds the frame upright, and ensures that the roof-canopy remains in position, protecting the cab, during rollover. The frame is bolted into the chassis using the same bolts that hold the cargo-box to the chassis (or longer bolts), whereby installation is quick and easy. The installed ROPS is held fast to the chassis of the truck with great strength and rigidity, but there is no disruption to the structural integrity of the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicants: Stanley Appleton Corporation
    Inventors: Sahil BHARDWAJ, Jack R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8899620
    Abstract: The ROPS comprises a highly rigid behind-cab-frame, a mounting-plate of which is bolted to the truck chassis. A roof-canopy is integrated into the frame. The ROPS includes a brace which holds the frame upright, and ensures that the roof-canopy remains in position, protecting the cab, during rollover. The frame is bolted into the chassis using the same bolts that hold the cargo-box to the chassis (or longer bolts), whereby installation is quick and easy. The installed ROPS is held fast to the chassis of the truck with great strength and rigidity, but there is no disruption to the structural integrity of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Sahil Bhardwaj, Jack R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8876162
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion, a first seat portion, a second seat portion, a third seat portion, a roll-over protection cage, and a three-point type seat belt unit for the second seat portion. The first seat portion, the second seat portion and the third seat portion are supported by the frame portion and disposed side by side in this order in a width direction of the vehicle. The roll-over protection cage is supported by the frame portion to provide covering above the first seat portion, the second seat portion and the third seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahide Shinbori, Yasuhiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140319810
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a landscaping machine that includes a protective rollover bar having a left bar portion extending from a left side of an operator seat, a top bar portion extending from the left bar portion above the operator seat, and a right bar portion extending from the top bar portion to a right side of the operator seat. The landscaping machine further includes an elongated rotatable member affixed to the protective rollover bar, the elongated rotatable member extending from the left bar portion to the right bar portion. The landscaping machine further includes a covering system attached to the elongated rotatable member configured to be rolled and unrolled with rotation of the elongated rotatable member. Further disclosed is a landscaping machine cover attachable to a landscaping machine, and a method of use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Biers, SR.
  • Patent number: 8864174
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a roll cage, at least one rear seat, and at least one rear seat belt assembly. Each rear seat is positioned within a rear protected area at least partially defined by the roll cage. Each rear seat belt assembly is associated with a respective one of the rear seats, and includes a retractor assembly attached to the roll cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Hidemi Minami, Takeshi Kobayashi, Jeremy T. McGuire, Drey Dircks, Darin D. King, Tsuyoshi Kumasaka, Noriyuki Muto, Casey Heit, Jacob O. Borth, Christopher Michael Krajewski, Christopher Joe Kranz
  • Patent number: 8857888
    Abstract: A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
  • Patent number: 8851555
    Abstract: The cab of a mobile machine may include a first vertical plane centrally positioned along a width of the cab and extending along a length of the cab. The cab may also include a frame with an integrated rollover protective structure. The frame may include an A-post, a B-post, and a C-post arranged along a side of the cab and extending along a height direction of the cab. An elongated portion of the A-post may be inclined from a vertical axis of the cab to make an acute angle with the first vertical plane and an acute angle with a second vertical plane orthogonal to the first vertical plane. And, an elongated portion of the B-post may be inclined from the vertical axis to make an acute angle with the first vertical plane and an acute angle with the second vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew J Gielda, Christian D. Ritchie, Justin Michael Malohn, Brent Ryan Frazier
  • Patent number: 8807633
    Abstract: A suspension system for a cab of an off-road vehicle includes a superstructure configured to receive a cab frame. The superstructure forms a framework, the corners of which receive suspension assemblies and dampers. The suspension assemblies include one or more springs or resilient elements to resist suspension motion, and the dampers provide dampening of the motion. Lateral and longitudinal suspension motions are resisted by links between the corners of the superstructure. An anti-roll bar reduces roll. The entire suspension system may be pre-assembled and then joined to the vehicle chassis frame. The cab frame may then be placed on the suspension system. Parts of the suspension system may interface with and be housed by roll-over protective structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Rowland James Milburn, Michael Bakken, Salvatore Virgilio, David Larry Tveito, David Sheldon Booth, John Thomas Rasset, Jason Keith Novacek, Dallas Lee Jorgenson, Chad Alry Bautz, Michael Bunnell, Shane Michael Scott, Daniel John Zurn, Russell Stoltman
  • Patent number: 8801085
    Abstract: An impact-protection canopy for use with an operator work area of a plant vehicle is provided. The impact-protection canopy includes a shelf mounted on a support assembly which is, in turn, mountable on the plant vehicle. The shelf is mounted on the support assembly such that the shelf is movable to and from an extended working position over the operator work area and a retracted stowed position clear of the operator work area. In this way, the shelf can be positioned above the operator work area to provide protection to the operator from items falling from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: John Bourke
  • Patent number: 8794692
    Abstract: A gull wing door assembly for an all-terrain utility vehicle (UTV) includes a hinge assembly configured to attach to an upper portion of the cage of the UTV, the hinge assembly having a rotational axis substantially parallel to the ground when attached to the cage, and a door configured to movably attach to the hinge assembly. The door may have a frame, one or more panels, a latch, and a lift-assist device such as a gas-strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Marshall Burke
  • Publication number: 20140210195
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, at least three wheels, a motor, a cockpit area, and a seat. The seat has a seat base and a backrest and is movable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle between first and second positions. The first position is closer to a front of the vehicle than the second position. A lateral restraining member is fixed to the seat on one side of the seat. At least a portion of the lateral restraining member is disposed higher than the seat base and forward of the backrest. The lateral restraining member is movable with the seat between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel NADEAU, Dany ST-PIERRE, Didier DUBOIS
  • Patent number: 8777263
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a landscaping machine that includes a protective rollover bar having a left bar portion extending from a left side of an operator seat, a top bar portion extending from the left bar portion above the operator seat, and a right bar portion extending from the top bar portion to a right side of the operator seat. The landscaping machine further includes an elongated rotatable member affixed to the protective rollover bar, the elongated rotatable member extending from the left bar portion to the right bar portion. The landscaping machine further includes a covering system attached to the elongated rotatable member configured to be rolled and unrolled with rotation of the elongated rotatable member. Further disclosed is a landscaping machine cover attachable to a landscaping machine, and a method of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Biers, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8757662
    Abstract: A top for a vehicle having a roll cage. The top includes a rigid cover, and a flexible cover having a first end and a second end defining a length of the flexible cover therebetween. The first end of the flexible cover is attached to the rigid cover. The second end of the flexible cover has at least one fastener for attaching the second end to the roll cage. The flexible cover has an open configuration and a storage configuration. In the open configuration, the flexible cover extends along the roll cage from the first end attached to the rigid cover to the second end attached to a portion of the roll cage spaced from the rigid cover. In the storage configuration, the entire length of the flexible cover including the second end is removably secured against the rigid cover. Roll cage and top assemblies, and vehicles are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Deschambault
  • Publication number: 20140167397
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a cover module (4) formed from a brittle material and a rollover hoop (10) in a passive position below the cover module (4). The rollover hoop (10) moves to an active position in a rollover and breaks through at least the cover module (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mathias Froeschle
  • Patent number: 8746776
    Abstract: A roof construction of a motor vehicle has a fixed roll bar, and a roof element which, in the closed position, is accommodated between the roll bar and a windshield and, in the open position, is accommodated behind the roll bar in a convertible-top compartment. The roof element can be shifted from the open position into the closed position and vice versa beyond the roll bar via an opening and closing mechanism. With the roof element in the closed position, the mechanism penetrates lateral offsets of the roll bar and, in the open position, opens up the lateral offsets. The lateral offsets of the roll bar are each assigned, on the front side of the roll bar, a covering which, in the closed position of the roof element, opens up the lateral offset for the passage of the mechanism and which, in the open position, covers the lateral offsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schulzki, Kurt Pfertner, Gernot Bruder
  • Publication number: 20140125044
    Abstract: A roll-bar structural arrangement featuring symmetrical covers that can be mounted both internally and externally of the structure of the accessory, on both sides, without the need for separate parts, said cover (30) being attached to the extension (11) of the roll-bar and ends fitted onto the central bar (10), and comprising single body parts shaped in the form of two symmetrical parts (301) and (302) and welded together via tongue and groove (not shown) placed on the edges, with a hollow inner region and featuring a leading segment (31) with a curvature coinciding with the curvature of the extreme portion of the central bar (10), and a secondary segment (32) projecting from the vicinity of the end of the leading segment (31), said secondary segment (32) accompanying the curvature of the extension (11) of the roll-bar, with ends of the leading segment (31) and of the extension (32) with an opening (33) with a section coinciding with the diameter of the central bar (10) and of the extension (11) of the roll-b
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Keko Acessorios S/A
    Inventor: Juliano Scheer Mantovani
  • Publication number: 20140117653
    Abstract: A top for a vehicle having a roll cage. The top includes a rigid cover, and a flexible cover having a first end and a second end defining a length of the flexible cover therebetween. The first end of the flexible cover is attached to the rigid cover. The second end of the flexible cover has at least one fastener for attaching the second end to the roll cage. The flexible cover has an open configuration and a storage configuration. In the open configuration, the flexible cover extends along the roll cage from the first end attached to the rigid cover to the second end attached to a portion of the roll cage spaced from the rigid cover. In the storage configuration, the entire length of the flexible cover including the second end is removably secured against the rigid cover. Roll cage and top assemblies, and vehicles are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Martin DESCHAMBAULT
  • Patent number: 8702154
    Abstract: The cab for a mobile machine includes a seat for an operator, and a rollover protective structure (ROPS). The ROPS being positioned on either side of a first vertical plane centrally located on the seat and extending along a length of the cab. The ROPS may include a C-post positioned behind the seat, and a B-post positioned in front of the seat. The C-post may include a first portion extending upwards and angled towards the seat. The first portion may extend from a first end proximate a bottom rear corner of the cab to a second end proximate the first vertical axis. The ROPS may also include a second portion extending upwards from the second end to a third end proximate a roof of the cab. The ROPS may further include a third portion extending in a direction away from the seat from the third end to a fourth end proximate a top rear corner of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Gielda, Christian D. Ritchie, Brent Ryan Frazier, Justin Michael Malohn, Brad Robert Van De Veer
  • Patent number: 8684410
    Abstract: A roll-over protective structure includes a left side frame assembly including two vertical members, which are spaced in a vehicle length direction and have a width that allows a passenger to get in or out of the vehicle, and a connecting member which connects upper ends of the vertical members to each other, a right side frame assembly which has the same configuration as the left side frame assembly and is spaced a predetermined distance from the left side frame assembly in a vehicle width direction, a plurality of link members which connect the left side frame assembly and the right side frame assembly to each other, and a cross member which connects lower ends of the left and right vertical members, which are located at the rear side of the vehicle, to each other among the plurality of vertical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Daedong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung Soo Kwon, Jin Ho Hwang