Roll Bars And/or Overhead Guards Patents (Class 280/756)
  • Publication number: 20140084573
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: OTO MELARA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Alberto Iardella, Paolo Arrighi
  • Patent number: 8678478
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame and an operator cab supported by the frame. One or more passive mounts and one or more controllable mounts operatively connect the operator cab to the frame. The one or more controllable mounts include a housing, a pin mounted within the housing, a rheological fluid within the housing, and coils positioned relative to the housing to generate a field through the rheological fluid. An electronic control unit operatively associated with the coils and adapted to change a level of current applied to the coils to adjust an apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid to actively change the damping characteristics of the one or more controllable mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Jones, Brett D. Ellen, Ronald B. Warnat, Kevin D. Ehrenhardt
  • Patent number: 8678695
    Abstract: A device for fastening a rollbar or similar attachment part on a vehicle, in particular a vibration roller, includes an inner installation sleeve, which is or can be operationally linked to a bar receptacle on the vehicle, an outer installation sleeve, which at least partially encloses the inner installation sleeve and is or can be operationally linked to the rollbar, and at least one elastomeric element, which positions the inner installation sleeve relative to the outer installation sleeve in such a way that the two sleeves are spaced apart from one another while partially forming a vibration clearance. In addition, the present invention relates to a rollbar or similar attachment parts for attachment on a vehicle, in particular on a vibration roller, having at least one device according to the above-mentioned type, which is implemented, in particular integrated on the rollbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Baldus, Matthias Bender, Thomas Darscheid, Diana Duenchel, Helmut Roetsch
  • Patent number: 8678433
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (1) has a fixed rollover bar (8) that spans a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle (1) also has removable roof (16) that can be moved between a closed position where the roof (16) is arranged between a windshield frame (2) and the rollover bar (8) and a storage position where the roof (16) is behind the rollover bar (8). A linkage (15) is mounted to a vehicle body (19) behind the rollover bar (8) and can be articulated for moving the roof (16). Links (20, 21) of the linkage (15) lie in depressions (11, 23) on the rollover bar (8) when the roof (16) is in the closed position. Buffer elements (22) are between the links (20, 21) and the rollover bar (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ali Oezkan, Heiko Geissinger, Andreas Schramm
  • Publication number: 20140062073
    Abstract: It is characterized by a cage structure (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14) fitted with safety belts that can be simply attached or rested on supports (1, 2, 3, 15) and fixed onto motorcycles, moto scooters, tricycles or ATVs, and which can be ejected through impact of any eventual accidents. It is composed of modules (4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14) that have bends or sharp curves, which are joined using two plates (5, 9), one on either side, which can be molded around the curves and fastened onto one another, without the need for drilling holes in the tubes, thus maintaining their overall strength. The top module (8) and the side shields (19) can have a hood made of a malleable material, with covered Styrofoam plates on the inside, reinforced with strips made of rubber, plastic or a similar material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Sonia Regina de Castro
  • Patent number: 8662534
    Abstract: In the rollover protection system, the rollover body comprises two limbs which, with in each case one end, are pivotable in bearings arranged spaced apart transversely with respect to the vehicle, and which, by means of the other ends thereof which can be pivoted out, can be locked together in the protection position. To increase the support height and support breadth of a system of said type, it is proposed that one of the limbs is designed such that it can be telescopically lengthened. Said limb comprises the telescopic parts which, in the extended state, are locked, so as to be prevented from being retracted again, by means of a spring-loaded bolt in conjunction with a deployable locking element in the pushed-out position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Gürkan Beki
  • Patent number: 8651525
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body, a seat mounted onto the vehicle body, a seat belt configured to be fastened by a person seated on the seat, a retractor for winding in the seat belt, and a retractor mounting device mounted to the vehicle body. The retractor mounting device includes a retractor bracket, and a cover disposed outward relative to the retractor bracket to cover the retractor bracket from an outward direction, and the retractor is mounted to an inner surface of the retractor bracket in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kaku, Tyler Furman, Brian Butler, Yoshinori Tsumiyama
  • Patent number: 8622457
    Abstract: A vehicle top includes a transparent or semi-transparent vehicle top panel adapted to attach to the vehicle and cover the passenger compartment, at least one pair of drip rails carried by the vehicle top panel on opposite sides of the vehicle top panel and at least one attachment mechanism carried by the vehicle top panel and adapted to attach the vehicle top panel to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: David Blair McIntire
  • Publication number: 20130320657
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (1) has a fixed rollover bar (8) that spans a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle (1) also has removable roof (16) that can be moved between a closed position where the roof (16) is arranged between a windshield frame (2) and the rollover bar (8) and a storage position where the roof (16) is behind the rollover bar (8). A linkage (15) is mounted to a vehicle body (19) behind the rollover bar (8) and can be articulated for moving the roof (16). Links (20, 21) of the linkage (15) lie in depressions (11, 23) on the rollover bar (8) when the roof (16) is in the closed position. Buffer elements (22) are between the links (20, 21) and the rollover bar (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Ali Oezkan, Heiko Geissinger, Andreas Schramm
  • Patent number: 8596709
    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: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
  • Patent number: 8585088
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a mainframe located between one pair of left and right front wheels and at least one pair of left and right rear wheels and forming a framework of a chassis. A ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) is provided in a middle part in the vehicle-body front-rear directions in the mainframe, and thereby surrounds a cabin. Front under guards are provided in spaces on rear sides of the front wheels so as to cover mud guard walls provided for separating the cabin from the spaces on the rear sides of the front wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kaku, Yoshinori Tsumiyama
  • Publication number: 20130285357
    Abstract: A lawn vehicle having a passive roll-over protection system attached thereto is provided. The roll-over protection system includes an elongated roll-bar that extends rearwardly at an angle from the frame of the lawn vehicle. The roll-bar is a generally U-shaped tubular member in which opposing distal ends of the roll-bar are operatively connected to the frame of the lawn vehicle. The system also includes a support member that provides lateral support to the roll-bar. The support member is operatively connected to the roll-bar and extends laterally from the roll-bar to the frame of the lawn vehicle for distributing the weight and forces experienced by the roll-bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy N. Eavenson, SR.
  • Patent number: 8550500
    Abstract: A utility vehicle according to the present invention includes a ROPS, a front seat and a rear seat arranged in a riding space, a cargo bed changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded forward into the riding space and a non-expanded state in which the cargo bed is not expanded in the riding space, and a plurality of seatbelt apparatuses for all passengers including a driver, wherein each of the seatbelt apparatuses is a three point seatbelt apparatus including a webbing, a bottom anchor, a top anchor, a lower buckle and a retractor, and in at least one of the three point seatbelt apparatuses, the top anchor is provided on a cross member of the ROPS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruaki Yamamoto, Itsuo Takegami
  • Patent number: 8523225
    Abstract: Overhead frame structures for a vehicle that are adjustable for modifying the overall height of the vehicles yet meet an industry-recognized standard of rollover protection for the operator of the vehicle regardless of such adjustment to the structure. In some cases, the structures are incorporated with brackets at their adjustable connection areas. The brackets have separate members for one or more of aligning and supporting adjustable members of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Custom Products of Litchfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy R. Reinke, Steven R. Becker, James P. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8523224
    Abstract: A walkie/rider pallet truck is provided comprising a power unit; a set of forks associated with the power unit; a platform associated with the power unit and defining a location upon which an operator may stand; and a restraint system comprising a pivotable restraint structure. The restraint structure is movable to one of a walkie position, a rider-driving position and a quick-exit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Gallagher, Markus Graf, Franz Pöschl, Sultan Masoud Karimi, James V. Kraimer
  • Patent number: 8459719
    Abstract: A roof construction for a motor vehicle has a roll bar and a roof element which, in a closed position, is accommodated between the roll bar and a windshield and, in an open position, is accommodated behind the roll bar and can be shifted from the open position into the closed position and vice versa beyond the roll bar via an opening and closing mechanism. The roof constructing further has a covering which covers the roll bar on the outside in the open position of the roof element and in the closed position of the roof element. Vertical extending side parts of the covering can be shifted relative to the roll bar during the shifting of the roof element. A transverse part of the covering extends substantially in a horizontal direction and is fastened to the roll bar so as not to be able to be shifted relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schulzki, Kurt Pfertner, Gernot Bruder, Metodi Kostadinov, Christian Soergel
  • Patent number: 8459696
    Abstract: An active material-enabled overhead protection system (24) for protecting the occupants of vehicles (20) with overhead glass (22), such as sunroofs or panoramic windshields, during rollover events. The system (24) includes a protective structure (26) and a deployment device (28). The protective structure (26) has a stowed condition in which it does not obstruct the overhead glass (22), and a deployed condition in which it is interposed between the overhead glass (22) and the heads of the occupants of the vehicle (20). The deployment device (28) moves the protective structure (26) from the stowed condition to the deployed condition. The deployment device (28) includes a trigger (30) operable to initiate movement of the protective structure (26), and the trigger (30) includes an active material which can change shape in response to an actuation signal, and the change in shape initiates deployment of the protective structure (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Jennifer P. Lawall, Nancy L. Johnson, Hans P. Lawall, Gregory J. Vargo
  • Patent number: 8430426
    Abstract: A cab suspension device for an agricultural tractor comprising a pair of concentrically aligned tubes co-axially arranged around a conventional cab suspension spring apparatus. One of the pair of tubes is connected to the tractor frame while the second is attached to the cab frame. The lengths of the tubes are shorter than the static length of the spring apparatus to allow limited telescoping movement of the tubes during dynamic compression of the spring apparatus without causing contact between the tube ends and the opposing tractor and cab frames. The dynamic extension during telescoping movement of the spring apparatus is controlled by a spring retainer. An annular space between the tubes allows for limited lateral displacement of the spring apparatus without causing contact between the tubes. The limits are configured to permit normal operational movement of the spring apparatus without contact of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: John T. Rasset, Chad A. Bautz, Daniel J. Zurn
  • Patent number: 8424911
    Abstract: A folding rollover protection system includes an upper ROPS tube having a pair of ends hinged to a pair of ends of a lower ROPS tube. Resilient vibration dampeners are secured to each end of the lower ROPS tube and are compressed between each end of the upper ROPS tube and each end of the lower ROPS tube when the upper ROPS tube is in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Stewart Parks Alexander, IV
  • Patent number: 8418678
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel system for a traveling vehicle having an engine mounted on a vehicle body and a ROPS extending upward from the vehicle body. The fuel system includes a fuel tank accommodating an amount of fuel, a canister, an evaporating hose including a first evaporating hose portion and a second evaporating hose portion for sending fuel vapor generated inside the fuel tank to the canister. The first evaporating hose portion is connected to the fuel tank and extending upward from the fuel tank along a vertical post of the ROPS. The second evaporating hose portion extends downward along a vertical post of the ROPS and is connected to the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ochi, Masahiro Yamada, Hideya Umemoto, Eiji Satou, Yusuke Shoji, Kazuaki Nogami, Takeshi Komorida, Hiroyuki Tada, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Akira Minoura, Yoshiyuki Esaki
  • Patent number: 8419061
    Abstract: A tractor includes a ROPS frame having right and left leg portions connected to either a transmission case or rear axle cases, a front frame connected to a portion of the transmission case forwardly of the ROPS frame and extending in the right/left direction, a right attaching frame connected to and between the right leg portion of the ROPS frame and a right side portion of the front frame and extending in the fore/aft direction, a left attaching frame connected to and between the left leg portion of the ROPS frame and a left side portion of the front frame and extending in the fore/aft direction, and right and left fenders. The right fender is attached to the right attaching frame and the left fender is attached to the left attaching frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Tomofumi Fukunaga, Yutaka Kitano
  • Patent number: 8419063
    Abstract: A convertible has at least one rollover protective structure, in particular a roll bar, which is extendable through an opening which is closable by a covering. In order to further optimize the opening movement of the covering during the extension of the rollover protective structure of the convertible, the covering is attached to a bodywork part with the aid of a multi-bar linkage which controls the opening movement of the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dominik Beierl
  • Patent number: 8419062
    Abstract: The device includes an actuation system, normally housed in a sleeping or rest position within a space which is inner with respect to a vehicle rear window, and that can be actuated, following a collision or accident involving the vehicle, a closure element for the space housing the actuation system, provided between the latter and the rear window. The closure element has a pin for breaking the rear window. The actuation system, after its activation, strikes the closure element, making it move, along with the at least one pin, toward said rear window. The actuation system and the closure element travel with the same speed until the end of the stroke of the actuation system, the stroke ending before the actuation system contacts the rear window, the closure element, along with the at least one pin, further prosecuting its stroke until striking the rear window, breaking the rear window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Maserati S.p.A.
    Inventors: Federico Landini, Pierluigi Paciarelli
  • Patent number: 8408347
    Abstract: A mobile camera vehicle has a roll cage or similar structure attached to a chassis. Upper and lower horizontal bars are attached to the vehicle structure. Front and rear vertical bars are each attached to the upper and lower horizontal bars. A lift plate is attached to and vertically moveable on the front and rear vertical bars. A lift plate actuator may be attached to the lift plate and used to raise and lower the lift plate on the front and rear vertical bars. Alternatively, the lift plate may be moved manually. A camera platform is supported on the lift plate. A vertical shock isolator may optionally be supported on the lift plate, and with a camera on the camera platform on the vertical shock isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8403363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a roll bar for a cab-less construction machine, in particular a vibration roller, which is implemented so it is adjustable in height between an operating position and a transport position. The roll bar includes a pivotable tube bow, which comprises two vertical pivot tubes; two stand tubes, which are fixedly connected to the frame of the construction machine; two connection elements, via which the pivot tubes are connected to the stand tubes, the connection elements each comprising a stop surface, against which the pivot tube can be moved to, in particular pressed, in the operating position; a lock for clamping the pivot tube against the connection element in the operating position; a welding surface, to which the stand tube is materially bonded; and a pivot joint having a pivot axis, around which the pivot tubes are pivotable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Bomag GmbH
    Inventors: Diana Duenchel, Matthias Bender, Thomas Darscheid
  • Publication number: 20130049339
    Abstract: A roll-over protective structures 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 a s 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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: DAEDONG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung Soo KWON, Jin Ho HWANG
  • Publication number: 20130049338
    Abstract: A folding rollover protection system includes an upper ROPS tube having a pair of ends hinged to a pair of ends of a lower ROPS tube. Resilient vibration dampeners are secured to each end of the lower ROPS tube and are compressed between each end of the upper ROPS tube and each end of the lower ROPS tube when the upper ROPS tube is in the upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Stewart Parks Alexander, IV
  • Patent number: 8360472
    Abstract: A vehicle supporting structure (1) is provided for a motor vehicle having either a fixed roof or a movable roof. The vehicle supporting structure (1) has lateral side parts (16, 17) adjacent to the respective body pillar (2, 3), and a transverse support (6, 6?) arranged between the side parts (16, 17). A connecting component (9, 10) is inserted between each body pillar (2, 3) and the associated side part (16, 17), and the end (20) of each side part (16, 17) that faces away from the body pillar has a receiving part (21, 22, 21?, 22?) to which the transverse support (6, 6?) is fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mathias Froschle
  • Patent number: 8356837
    Abstract: A roll bar configuration for a motor vehicle has a cross-member and two roll bars which are mounted on the cross-member in respective pivot axes. The roll bars are each formed as a single part and so as to be stiff per se and can be shifted from a retracted inoperative position into an erected protective position about the pivot axes. The pivot axes are disposed—as seen in the direction of the width of the motor vehicle—at a distance from each other on the cross-member. The roll bar configuration, which takes up a small installation space in the direction of the vehicle height is distinguished in that the roll bars are arranged in the inoperative position—as seen in the vertical direction of the vehicle—level with the pivot axes or on the cross-member there above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mathias Froeschle
  • Patent number: 8353534
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicular frame, a utility bed, and a passenger restraint assembly. The utility bed is coupled with the vehicular frame and includes a bed floor, a side wall, and a rear scat. The passenger restraint assembly includes a securing member, a belt and a retractor. The securing member is coupled with the utility bed adjacent to the rear seat. The belt includes a first end; a second end, and a securing portion. The securing portion is configured for selective engagement with the securing member. The retractor is coupled with the side wall. The retractor includes a carrier that is coupled with the first end of the belt and is configured to facilitate selective dispensation of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: David W. Arnold, Craig Mitchell, Justin Michael Winter
  • Publication number: 20130001939
    Abstract: A roll bar for a stroller, such as a jogging stroller, can help protect a child sitting in the stroller in case of an accident. The roll bar system can be integrated into the design of a stroller, or an existing stroller can be retrofitted to include the roll bar system. The roll bar system includes at least one longitudinal member, spanning from an upper portion of the stroller to a lower portion of the stroller, and at least one equatorial member, spanning from one side of the stroller to the other side of the stroller. The roll bar system can include a hinge and a locking mechanism to permit access inside the stroller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Lynne Marie Celia
  • Patent number: 8336958
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has at least one vehicle seat (3) and a trim part (1) that extends in the vehicle transverse direction (FQ) behind the vehicle seat (3). A cross member (2) is arranged below and/or behind the trim part (1). The trim part (1) carries a protective element (11) on an end face (6) of the trim part (1) that faces the vehicle seat (3) to protect the trim part (1) from damage caused by contact with the vehicle seat (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josip Vlahovic, Angelo Bronda, Grant Larson, Franziska Schumann, Shuichi Yamashita, Dominik Beierl
  • Patent number: 8322749
    Abstract: An integral protection removable system for motor vehicles without body shell, which comprises a plurality of longitudinal, transversal and diagonal bars, both removable and combinable to each other, which cover the sides below and above the height of the seat of the vehicle and which define, as a whole, a substantially ovoid configuration having its spherical end directed to the back of the vehicle and its oval end directed to the front part of the vehicle, capable to incorporate covering panels, fixed and/or removable, capable of guaranteeing a high resistance to all kind of impacts and providing a safety structure which is comfortable, practical and with novel performance, with the exclusive characteristic in the field of cages of integral protection for motor vehicles of forming a totally modular structure capable to be removed from the chassis of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Amadeo José Srabstein
  • Publication number: 20120217718
    Abstract: A mobile camera vehicle has a roll cage or similar structure attached to a chassis. Upper and lower horizontal bars are attached to the vehicle structure. Front and rear vertical bars are each attached to the upper and lower horizontal bars. A lift plate is attached to and vertically moveable on the front and rear vertical bars. A lift plate actuator may be attached to the lift plate and used to raise and lower the lift plate on the front and rear vertical bars. Alternatively, the lift plate may be moved manually. A camera platform is supported on the lift plate. A vertical shock isolator may optionally be supported on the lift plate, and with a camera on the camera platform on the vertical shock isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: CHAPMAN/LEONARD STUDIO EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20120217078
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises at least one front ground engaging member; at least one rear ground engaging member; and a frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The frame includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a channel member extending in the longitudinal direction between the front and rear portions. The vehicle further comprises a floor board coupled to the channel member and a powertrain assembly having a drive shaft operably coupled to at least one of the front ground engaging member and the rear ground engaging member. Additionally, the vehicle comprises a plurality of transport lines configured to transport at least one of a fluid and an electrical connection between the front portion and the rear portion of the frame. The channel member is positioned intermediate the drive shaft and the transport lines and is configured to support the transport lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Kinsman, Angus M. Morison, Keith A. Hollman, Adam J. Schlangen, Greg W. Fedelem, Daniel L. Goffman
  • Patent number: 8251400
    Abstract: A restraint system for a transportation vehicle may comprise a restraint member movably mounted to the vehicle. The restraint member may have a first leg and a second leg that travel together along opposite sides of a seat carried by the vehicle as the restraint member moves relative to the vehicle. A restraint harness may include a retractor that may be mounted to one of the first and second legs, and a lap web having one end mounted within the first retractor and an opposite end mounted to the other of the first and second legs. The lap web may be configured to restrain an occupant of the seat when the restraint member is moved to an occupant restraint position. At least one lock may be mounted to the vehicle and configured to secure the restraint member to the vehicle when the restraint member is in the occupant restraint position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip J. Davis, Brian Hood
  • Patent number: 8191952
    Abstract: A device that can be modulated by being extended or retracted: to form a structure for protective and transport purposes at the rear of a motor vehicle and at the height of its cab roof; or to fold partially vertically and partially horizontally behind the front seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Malik Mokhtari, Lucie Mokhtari, legal representative, Emmanuel Mokhtari, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8132827
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. The ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features enhance the utility of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James Bergman, Larry Holter, Richard Nelson, Lionel Hoff, Doug Moman, Joshua J. Leonard, Mitchell D. Johnson, Richard Raymond Maki, Eric Bjerkelvedt, Bradley Robert Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell, Louis J. Brady, Michael D. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20120056411
    Abstract: A pick-up style work vehicle includes a rollover protection structure (ROPS), a seat section including a forward driver's seat and a rear seat, and a rear seat posture changing mechanism for changing the rear seat in its position between a first posture where the rear seat is in a non-use condition and a second posture where the rear seat is in a use condition. A fore/aft length of the rear seat in the first posture is shorter than the fore/aft length of the rear seat in the second posture. The work vehicle also includes a partitioning member for partitioning the seat section from a space behind the seat section with the partitioning member being supported by the ROPS. The partitioning member is movable with being supported by the ROPS between a rearwardly displaced position immediately behind the rear seat and a forwardly displaced position moved forward from the rearwardly displaced position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norimi NAKAMURA, Ryouzou IMANISHI, Koji FUJIWARA, Mitsugu KOBAYASHI, Yoshimi HIROOKA, Taro NAKAMURA, Teruo SHIMAMURA
  • Patent number: 8113535
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for motor vehicles having sensor devices for detecting an accident and an apparatus for reinforcing a carrying construction (1) of a motor-vehicle roof (6), in particular the A, B or C column of the motor vehicle, which protrudes beyond a lower edge of a window opening (4), in which an inflatable reinforcing element (2) is deployed which is fastened to the carrying construction (1) and can be filled with gas via a gas generator (3) if corresponding sensor data are present. The invention also relates to a carrying construction (1) per se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Bengt Pipkorn
  • Publication number: 20120032431
    Abstract: A net structure for attachment to a roll cage of a vehicle includes a mesh structure, a reinforcement structure attached to the mesh structure, and an overload indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Darin D. King
  • Publication number: 20120025506
    Abstract: A convertible has at least one rollover protective structure, in particular a roll bar, which is extendable through an opening which is closable by a covering. In order to further optimize the opening movement of the covering during the extension of the rollover protective structure of the convertible, the covering is attached to a bodywork part with the aid of a multi-bar linkage which controls the opening movement of the covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: DOMINIK BEIERL
  • Patent number: 8104583
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a power unit, a mast assembly and a fluid supply system. The mast assembly is coupled to the power unit. The mast assembly comprises a weldment, a movable element and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the movable element to effect movement of the element. The fluid supply system includes manifold apparatus and at least one fluid line coupled to the manifold apparatus and the ram/cylinder assembly. The manifold apparatus provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram/cylinder assembly via the fluid line to raise the movable element. The manifold apparatus is mounted to the mast assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Craig J. Rekow, Ryan R. Berger, Thornton K. Lothrop, Roger J. Quinlan, Jr., William C. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8096581
    Abstract: A convertible motor vehicle with at least two vehicle seating rows and with at least two side doors is provided. A respectively associated door column is arranged in between the doors, and an active rollover protection system is provided in the region thereof. The door columns end upwards in the region of an associated waistline of the motor vehicle, and the rollover protection system is at least substantially arranged below the waistline of the motor vehicle in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Jan Gaertner, Thomas Meier, Juergen Schrader, Andreas Zygan
  • Patent number: 8087694
    Abstract: An ATV safety roll bar system including a safety belt, a seat back, and a collapsible emergency shelter adapted to secure to the roll bar and ATV. The roll bar 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 may include a rope or strap laced between metal bars having a series of holes, the metal bars being integrated onto the roll bar. The safety belt may be attached to the roll bar at various points and may be configurable to meet the preference of the ATV operator. The system may include a seat belt retractor to secure the operator on the ATV. The system may include rollover stop bars that extend in response to near rollover conditions. The system may include a tilt sensor and alarm warning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Jerry and Nadejda Johnson
    Inventors: Jerry Johnson, Nadejda Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110298189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Schneider, Michael J. Hanten, Cal W. Johnson, Kevin Van Bronkhorst
  • Publication number: 20110248488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a roll bar for a cab-less construction machine, in particular a vibration roller, which is implemented so it is adjustable in height between an operating position and a transport position. The roll bar includes a pivotable tube bow, which comprises two vertical pivot tubes; two stand tubes, which are fixedly connected to the frame of the construction machine; two connection elements, via which the pivot tubes are connected to the stand tubes, the connection elements each comprising a stop surface, against which the pivot tube can be moved to, in particular pressed, in the operating position; a lock for clamping the pivot tube against the connection element in the operating position; a welding surface, to which the stand tube is materially bonded; and a pivot joint having a pivot axis, around which the pivot tubes are pivotable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventors: Diana Duenchel, Matthias Bender, Thomas Darscheid
  • Patent number: 8033573
    Abstract: A rollover protection system for motor vehicles with a roll bar, which can be moved by a drive unit from a position of rest to a protection position, is secured in the protection position by a locking device and prevented from retracting, and is fixed in the position of rest by a holding device, wherein the holding device has a movably arranged catch element which can be disengaged abruptly by a pyrotechnic actuator. For such cases in which the catch element can move beyond the release point and there is a danger of a rebounding, because a path-limiting stop is present, a structural part is provided that prevents a return movement of the catch element into the holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ise Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Gürkan Beki, Stephan Berges, Michael Nass, Dietmar Wacker, Jörg Benz
  • Publication number: 20110241325
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a roll cage and a net structure attached to the roll cage. The roll cage at least partially defines a protected area and at least partially defines an access opening communicating with the protected area. The net structure is selectively configurable in a lowered, closed configuration to at least inhibit passage of an operator of the vehicle through the access opening, and is further selectively configurable in a generally rolled-up, open configuration to facilitate passage of an operator of the vehicle through the access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Ryan J. Holoweiko, Drey A. Dircks, Michael V. Peterson, Jason W. Grundey
  • Publication number: 20110241326
    Abstract: A roll bar configuration for a motor vehicle has a cross-member and two roll bars which are mounted on the cross-member in respective pivot axes. The roll bars are each formed as a single part and so as to be stiff per se and can be shifted from a retracted inoperative position into an erected protective position about the pivot axes. The pivot axes are disposed—as seen in the direction of the width of the motor vehicle—at a distance from each other on the cross-member. The roll bar configuration, which takes up a small installation space in the direction of the vehicle height is distinguished in that the roll bars are arranged in the inoperative position—as seen in the vertical direction of the vehicle—level with the pivot axes or on the cross-member there above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Mathias Froeschle