Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for a vehicle ROPS unit which includes two legs. Each mounting assembly includes a base plate fixed to an end of a corresponding leg, a support plate, a top plate and a resilient bushing unit which separates the base plate from the support and top plates. The base plate is sandwiched between the support plate and the top plate. The bushing unit includes first and second resilient bushing members and a rigid hollow central sleeve. The bushing unit is received by a bore in the base plate. The support plate includes hollow mounting towers which project into bores in the base plate. Cap screws attach the mounting assembly to a vehicle axle housing. The top plate and the support plate are fixed to each other and to a frame of the vehicle.

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.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to providing a vibration dampening system for an overhead frame structure used with a vehicle. The system involves the provision of one or more dampening members and/or components between portions of one or more members forming the overhead frame structure. The dampening members or components are compressed when certain portions of the members are set in position. As a result, the vibration and contact normally encountered between the portions and/or interconnecting brackets is limited, and in turn, the stress normally experienced by the one or more fastener assemblies holding the portions and/or the interconnecting brackets due to such vibration is also limited.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rollover protection system for automobiles, comprising an extensible rollover body (1) held in an initial position by means of a holding device and secured against retraction, in a functional position by means of a locking device, and comprising an extension drive and an actuator (2) for releasing the holding device. Separate holding and locking devices are usually provided in such rollover protection systems, which is expensive both from a technological and an economic point of view. For simplification it is suggested according to the present invention that the holding device and the locking device be combined in one assembly (3). The assembly is arranged on the side adjacent to the rollover body (1) in a housing (16). The rollover protection system can be attached to the vehicle body by means of mounting elements (14 and 15), and the assembly (3) can be mounted in a position fixed on the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rollover protection system for automobiles, comprising an extensible rollover body (1) held in an initial position by means of a holding device and secured against retraction, in a functional position by means of a locking device, and comprising an extension drive and an actuator (2) for releasing the holding device. Separate holding and locking devices are usually provided in such rollover protection systems, which is expensive both from a technological and an economic point of view. For simplification it is suggested according to the present invention that the holding device and the locking device be combined in one assembly (3). The assembly is arranged on the side adjacent to the rollover body (1) in a housing (16). The rollover protection system can be attached to the vehicle body by means of mounting elements (14 and 15), and the assembly (3) can be mounted in a position fixed on the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A rollover protection system for an off road vehicle includes a pair of lower legs, each lower leg having an arced portion and a horizontal portion connected to the vehicle frame. The upper section of the rollover protection system is pivotably connected to the lower legs, so that it may pivot to a lowered position in which the upper section fits around the rear mounted engine and is within the rear dimensions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A folding rollover protection system includes an upper ROPS hinged to a lower ROPS and movable between an upright position and a folded down position. An isolation member may be urged between the upper and lower ROPS to separate them from each other. The isolation member may be a resilient wedge-shaped member positioned between a first wedge and a second wedge. The first wedge is movable toward the second wedge to urge the isolation member against one of the ROPS, isolating the upper ROPS from the lower ROPS.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a stowable front roof panel includes a first support assembly to provide vertical movement of the roof panel and a second sliding support structure to provide horizontal movement of the front roof panel. The first support assembly includes first and second upwardly extending supports and a transverse tubular cross member that in combination form an inverted U-shaped roll over protection member. The roll over protection member is used to provide roll over protection to the occupants of the motor vehicle in the event of a vehicle roll over.

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.

Abstract: An internally illuminated roll bar has a W-shaped frame with “U” shaped cross-section with opposed side walls, a bottom wall and an open top, first and second outer legs, first and second inner legs, a lateral connecting member connecting the inner legs at the lower ends, one or more lenses for covering one or more portions of the rear side of the frame and discrete light sources mounted between the frame and the lenses wherein the some of the discrete light sources may be powered independently of others of the discrete light sources.

Abstract: The invention is an arch-based structural element designed to offer the resistance of the apex curvature of the arch to present to and intercept a force (an automobile collision). The resistance of the arch and its construction using strong lightweight materials give auto passengers the maximum degree of safety as well as lower consumption of fuel associated with weigh reduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a roof, comprising a moving flexible roof region, provided with a cover, embodied such that the roof comprises a further roof region separate from the flexible region and divided into rigid roof sections, whereby in the fully open roof position the flexible roof region lies below a rigid roof section extending over the same in the form of a cover.

Abstract: A roll-over protection system (1) for a vehicle (2), such as a quad bike. The system (1) comprises a telescopic hairpin-shaped roll-over guard (3), a lower mount (4) and an upper mount (5) for mounting the guard (3) to regions of the vehicle (2) that may move relative to each other. In use, the guard (3) extends upwardly from the vehicle (2) so as to prevent the vehicle (2) from remaining upside down after having turned over, and the mounts (4, 5) are moveable relative to the guard (3) when the two spaced apart regions move relative to each other during normal use of the vehicle (2).

Abstract: A roll over protection system for a passenger car, including at least one extended top unit (1) having substantially vertical beam(s) or tube(s) terminated or bridged by a connecting member (7) at their top ends. Initially in a crash, the upper part of the top unit only deforms by being bent backwards, thus creating a skid-plate against the ground and at the same time the survival room is impaired only negligibly.

Abstract: In order to reinforce a rear part of a convertible vehicle, reinforcement elements are provided on both sides on a rollover protection device. The reinforcement elements are composed, at the rear side of the device when viewed in the direction of travel, of at least two diagonal struts which extend toward one another. Further reinforcement elements are composed, at the front side of the device when viewed in the direction of travel, of at least two lateral stays which are arranged diverging from one another. The diagonal struts and the stays are secured supported on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A folding rollover protection system includes an upper ROPS hinged to a lower ROPS and movable between an upright position and a folded down position. An isolation member may be urged between the upper and lower ROPS to separate them from each other. The isolation member may be a resilient wedge-shaped member positioned between a first wedge and a second wedge. The first wedge is movable toward the second wedge to urge the isolation member against one of the ROPS, isolating the upper ROPS from the lower ROPS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivelable roll bar, in particular for construction vehicles, with two vertical carriers, each of which has a pair of spars, whereby in each, one spar is connected swivelably through a link joint with the another spar, and the link joint comprises a lock and a stop. The stop consists of a joint stiffener, which is built as an extension of one spar and partially grips about the end of the other. In addition to that, the lock has a continuously adjustable final control element, with which the joint stiffener can be braced against the other spar. With the grip about the other spar, the flexural strength of the link joint of the swivelable roll bar is increased. Further, the bracing of the joint stiffener against the other spar eliminates the play in the link joint. The joint stiffener is preferably built as a U-shaped tubular segment that is attached to the latter as an extension of the spar.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle that is provided with a dynamic roll bar or dynamic occupant head protection system. The convertible top has a skylight that is retained in a skylight opening formed in the flexible cover of the convertible top. The skylight may be supported on one of the bows of the convertible top or may be supported on a skylight linkage that cooperates with the top stack linkage. In the event that a need for the roll bar is sensed by the vehicle resulting in the actuation of the roll bar assembly, the roll bar assembly may break the skylight in the course of deployment to assure fully deployment of the roll bar assembly.

Abstract: A single-part or multi-part stiffening device for increasing the torsional stiffness of a motor vehicle embodied as a cabriolet, has at least one stiffening element which is connected at one side to a rear side of a rollover protection device and at the other side to a base of a covering shelf of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A school bus rollover protection structure is formed from a vehicle support platform and a forward pair and a rearward pair of vertically extending load bearing members where each vertically extending load bearing member is attached at a lower end to the vehicle support platform. A first and second pairs of longitudinally extending side beams are attached to the outer side of one of each of the pair of vertically extending load bearing members, respectively. A pair of upper corner longitudinally extending beams are attached to an upper end of each of the vertically extending load bearing members and attached to an end of each of a forward pair and a rearward pair of transverse load bearing members, where a center upper longitudinally extending beam is attached to the opposite end of each of the pair of transverse load bearing members. Non-structural body panels may be attached to the school bus rollover protection structure to define an occupant compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a plurality of attachment devices to couple the vehicle to a harness. The vehicle may include a moveable roll cage which is moveable from a raised position to a lowered position.

Abstract: A rollover protection device is disposed behind the vehicle seats of a motor vehicle, in particular a convertible with a convertible top, and has at least one rollover protection cassette containing a rollbar. It is important here that the at least one rollover protection cassette or a housing of the same is a supporting component of a stiffening support which is of multi-part construction and extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a releasable holding mechanism which may be used to hold and release a roll bar in a roll over protection system. The roll bar is often made part of the seat structure of vehicle, or a part of the chassis of the vehicle. The releasable holding mechanism will be fastened rigidly or slightly loose to the roll bar frame, seat frame or the chassis of the vehicle. Between the roll bar and the releasable holding mechanism there will be a connection element that is rigidly or slightly loosely fastened to the roll bar. The arrangement of fastening the connection element rigidly or slightly loosely depends on the tolerances for positioning the actuator towards the roll bar. The connection element is locked or released by the releasable holding mechanism. The releasable holding mechanism is locked/-engaged when the roll bar is pushed downwards whereby the connection element is forced into the releasable holding mechanism.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism is used with the deployment apparatus mounting a running board on an automotive vehicle for laterally outward movement to increase rollover resistance for the vehicle. The actuation mechanism includes a cup with a hollow tube attached thereto to provide a path for the movement of a ball from the cup into engagement with the latching mechanism on the deployment apparatus. The ball is retained within the cup member until the actuation mechanism and the automotive vehicle to which it is mounted tilts to a minimum roll angle, whereupon the ball is released to roll down the hollow tube into engagement with the latching mechanism of the deployment apparatus. In one embodiment, a single cup with a pair of laterally extending tubes directs the ball to the deployment apparatus that requires actuation. In other embodiments, a separate actuation mechanism is provided for each respective deployment apparatus.

Abstract: An exterior deployed air bag system or protective system is disclosed for an automotive vehicle. Air bag assemblies are assembled to the roof below the access openings. The access openings are normally covered by a closure element. In the event of a potential rollover incident, an air bag may be deployed from the air bag assembly through the access opening in a weld seam area and expand when inflated outboard of the roof or side assembly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roll bar assembly is provided that includes a base member configured for mounting on a frame of a vehicle. The roll bar assembly also includes an upper member secured to the base member and an armrest member secured to the upper member. The armrest member includes first and second armrests spaced apart from one another and also includes a connecting portion extending between and interconnecting the first and second armrests. The connecting portion of the armrest member is spaced apart from the base member and the upper member and is configured for mounting on the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for a vehicle ROPS unit which includes two legs. Each mounting assembly includes a base plate fixed to an end of a corresponding leg, a support plate, a top plate and a resilient bushing unit which separates the base plate from the support and top plates. The base plate is sandwiched between the support plate and the top plate. The bushing unit includes first and second resilient bushing members and a rigid hollow central sleeve. The bushing unit is received by a bore in the base plate. The support plate includes hollow mounting towers which project into bores in the base plate. Cap screws attach the mounting assembly to a vehicle axle housing. The top plate and the support plate are fixed to each other and to a frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: Protection devices in motor vehicles typically have a movable element, for example a roll bar (1) or a flap, which, in the initial state, is fixed in its position by a releasable holding device. In the event of a hazard, the movable element can be released under sensor control by a common pyrotechnic actuator (11) and can be deployed with the protection being activated. The protection device also has a means (8, 9) for locking the deployed, movable element. A driving pressure chamber (12, 15), which is fixed on the bodywork and in which a driving piston (2 with 13, 16) connected to the movable element is accommodated in a guided manner, is connected downstream of the pyrotechnic actuator (11).

Abstract: An occupant safety device for a motor vehicle having a roof. The safety occupant device comprises a support structure slidably mounted within the vehicle that, upon actuation, extends vertically upwardly within the vehicle to cooperate with the vehicle's roof to increase the amount of weight that the roof can support. The support structure includes an overhanging top portion having a length and a direction of overhang that, upon actuation of the support structure, provide early roof engagement in the event of roof crush.

Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular cabriolet, has a rollover protection device disposed behind the seats. The rollover protection device has a supporting frame, which extends in a vehicle transverse direction and which is fastened to the adjoining vehicle supporting structure, and at least one rollover protection cassette which contains a deployable rollover body. The supporting frame contains lateral upright column sections, a transversely running connecting profile and support elements which are connected to the column sections. Here, it is important that the at least one rollover protection cassette or a housing thereof is a constituent supporting part of the multi-part supporting frame which extends in the vehicle transverse direction.

Abstract: A body structure of a motor vehicle has a rear side wall which is constructed in a simple manner. It is important for the side wall to have at least the following components configured as light metal diecast parts: a support, a suspension strut mount and a bracket for a rollover protection device.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing one or more loops of a length of tubing in a model vehicle is provided, comprising a support configured to be secured directly or indirectly to the chassis of a model vehicle, and a first fastener secured to the support for retaining at least a first portion of a loop of tubing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivelable roll bar, in particular for construction vehicles, with two vertical carriers, each of which has a pair of spars, whereby in each, one spar is connected swivelably through a link joint with the another spar, and the link joint comprises a lock and a stop. The stop consists of a joint stiffener, which is built as an extension of one spar and partially grips about the end of the other. In addition to that, the lock has a continuously adjustable final control element, with which the joint stiffener can be braced against the other spar. With the grip about the other spar, the flexural strength of the link joint of the swivelable roll bar is increased. Further, the bracing of the joint stiffener against the other spar eliminates the play in the link joint. The joint stiffener is preferably built as a U-shaped tubular segment that is attached to the latter as an extension of the spar.

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.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a roof configuration which can be displaced between a closed position and open position and has a roof skin. At least one rollover protection element which, in a retracted inoperative position, is concealed under a covering, is moveable, by displacing the covering, into an extended protective position and has a manipulation element for the roof skin in order to be able to penetrate the roof skin to reach the protective position. In order to be able to reliably extend the rollover protection element, it is provided that, on its lower side facing the rollover protection element, the covering has a contact structure which prevents the manipulation element from making contact with the covering.

Abstract: A unitary rear frame mounting an engine and hydrostatic transmissions to the rear of a ZTR mower is disclosed. The unitary rear frame includes a lower mounting surface supporting the engine, an upper mounting surface above and forward of the lower mounting surface; a wall extending between the upper and lower mounting surfaces; and a pair of integral side panels depending downwardly from the upper mounting surface and extending forwardly of the wall. Each side panel may have a side pocket for mounting a hydrostatic transmission thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle geometry for rollover crush resistance is created by determining a center of mass providing a roll axis and establishing a roof line contact surface spaced from the center of mass by a hoop radius substantially equal to a major radius of roll contact from the roll axis. As a first embodiment, the roof line contact surface is established in original designs for vehicles as a monocoque structure. As a second embodiment, provided as an original equipment manufacture (OEM) item or retrofit structural assembly, an arcuate member shaped as a byte of the hoop radius is employed and is mounted between two side rails with additional structural supports for the arcuate member on a nominally flat roofline.

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 pyrotechnical 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, the invention calls for providing a structural part that prevents a return movement of the catch element into the holding position. This structural part can be a detent spring arranged in the travel path of the catch element, being fastened to the roll bar and preventing the catch element from swiveling back after striking a path-limiting wall of the roll bar.

Abstract: In order to reinforce a rear part of a convertible vehicle, reinforcement elements are provided on both sides on a rollover protection device. The reinforcement elements are composed, at the rear side of the device when viewed in the direction of travel, of at least two diagonal struts which extend toward one another. Further reinforcement elements are composed, at the front side of the device when viewed in the direction of travel, of at least two lateral stays which are arranged diverging from one another. The diagonal struts and the stays are secured supported on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A trailer mounted crash attenuation system has an impact head assembly, a bursting tubular trailer frame member, and a breakaway axle assembly. Upon impact by a vehicle, the head assembly is urged forward bursting the tubular frame of the trailer. As the impact continues, the head assembly contacts an axle accelerator rod which results in the disengagement of the axle, trailer tire, and fenders from the trailer frame member. Impact energy is dissipated by the controlled deceleration of the vehicle as it moves forward through the attenuator system.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting occupants when a vehicle having an openable and closeable roof overturns, which apparatus includes an occupant rollover protection member that supports a vehicle frame when the vehicle overturns, and first buffering members that buffer the occupants. A first buffering member control unit controls the deployment of the first buffering members on the basis of information from a vehicle state detection mechanism that detects the behavior of the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A rollover protection system with at least one rollover protection device allocated to a vehicle seat consists of a first module attached to the body with guide devices for a second module, movable between a lowered rest position and an elevated support position, with a rollover element, a releasable holding device for holding the second module in its rest position, a locking device, by means of which the second module can be automatically supported in a position deviating from its rest position against a force acting in the direction of the rest position, and a drive system with a spring-force accumulator, by means of which the second module, as required, can be moved in the direction of its support position. In a design that permits a pass-through opening, the rollover protection devices of two vehicle seats in a row of seats are arranged in opposite directions, essentially off-center relative to the corresponding vehicle seat.

Abstract: A machine having a ground engaging element includes a first rigid metallic structure, a second metallic structure that is flexible with respect to the first rigid metallic structure, and a diffuser plate having a stress carrying region located between a first end and a second end. The first end has a rigid attachment to the first metallic structure, and the second end has a rigid attachment to the second metallic structure. The stress carrying region is flexible with respect to the attachments. A stress produced from a flexing of the second metallic structure relative to the first metallic structure is concentrated within the stress carrying region of the diffuser plate instead of at a weld location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivelable roll bar, in particular for construction vehicles, with two vertical carriers, each of which has a pair of spars, whereby in each, one spar is connected swivelably through a link joint with the another spar, and the link joint comprises a lock and a stop. The stop consists of a joint stiffener, which is built as an extension of one spar and partially grips about the end of the other. In addition to that, the lock has a continuously adjustable final control element, with which the joint stiffener can be braced against the other spar. With the grip about the other spar, the flexural strength of the link joint of the swivelable roll bar is increased. Further, the bracing of the joint stiffener against the other spar eliminates the play in the link joint. The joint stiffener is preferably built as a U-shaped tubular segment that is attached to the latter as an extension of the spar.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a folding seat assembly, and a utility bed. The utility bed is attached to the frame and is moveable with respect to the frame between a hauling position and a dumping position. The folding seat assembly is moveable between an erected position and a collapsed position. The utility bed comprises a bed floor and a cargo lid. The bed floor includes a first cargo supporting surface and defines an aperture. The cargo lid is movable between a closed position and an opened position. In the closed position, the cargo lid at least substantially covers the aperture. In the opened position, the cargo lid facilitates selective passage of at least a portion of the folding seat assembly into the aperture when both the utility bed is in the hauling position and the folding seat assembly is in the erected position.

Abstract: A roll-over protection system (1) for a vehicle (2), such as a quad bike. The system (1) comprises a telescopic hairpin-shaped roll-over guard (3), a lower mount (4) and an upper mount (5) for mounting the guard (3) to regions of the vehicle (2) that may move relative to each other. In use, the guard (3) extends upwardly from the vehicle (2) so as to prevent the vehicle (2) from remaining upside down after having turned over, and the mounts (4, 5) are moveable relative to the guard (3) when the two spaced apart regions move relative to each other during normal use of the vehicle (2).

Abstract: A utility vehicle having a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body so as to cover rows of seats is provided. Typically, the assembly includes a main frame extended in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately over the rows of seats, and an intermediate frame extended substantially arcuately and laterally across the vehicle body between the seat rows to support the main frame.