Roll Bars And/or Overhead Guards Patents (Class 280/756)
  • Patent number: 7407188
    Abstract: A roll bar assembly capable of punching through a rear window on deployment comprises a deployable u-shaped roll bar fitted with a pin made of hard material. The pin may be fixed to an upper surface of the roll bar or may be housed inside the top portion of the roll bar and deployed at the appropriate moment by pyrotechnic means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Wildig, Robert Mackie, Paul Ottley, Chris Kavanagh, Nigel Toney, John Mulherin
  • Patent number: 7401851
    Abstract: A rumble seat for increasing passenger capacity of a motor vehicle by at least one occupant includes a combination seat back frame and roll bar moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The combination seat back frame and roll bar can be selectively operated for carrying at least one additional passenger when in the extended position, while providing a substantially uninterrupted exterior motor vehicle contour when in the retracted position. A track mechanism and a plurality of rotatable elongate linkages can be provided for guiding movement of the combination seat back frame and roll bar between the retracted and extended positions. The track mechanism can include a guide track having an L-shaped configuration with an upper horizontally extending segment and a lower vertically extending segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Plavetich, John Cupit
  • Patent number: 7396047
    Abstract: A ride-on turf mowing machine rollover protection assembly consisting of a mower chassis having left and right main rails and having a plurality of cross rails spanning between the left and right main rails; left and right upwardly opening quills; a first plurality of welds rigidly interconnecting the left main rail and the left upwardly opening quill; a second plurality of welds rigidly interconnecting the right main rail and the right upwardly opening quill; a roll bar having left and right legs, each leg having a lower end, the lower ends of the left and right legs being respectively closely fitted for nesting extension into the left and right upwardly opening quills; and a plurality of helically threaded bolt, nut, and double shear eye combinations removably mounting the lower ends of the left and right legs of the roll bar within the left and right upwardly opening quills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Femco, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick K. Young
  • Patent number: 7387313
    Abstract: A rollover protection system for vehicles with roll bars allocated to the vehicle seats, which roll bars are guided into a holder, which holder is fixed to the vehicle, and under normal conditions the roll bar is held by a holding device in a lower, stored position, is controlled by a sensor, and upon release of the holding device, is brought into an upright, protective position. In order to design a rollover protection system, allocated to the seat, with a roll bar body in the form of a folding roll bar, each roll bar comprises two frame pieces each spaced along the vehicular lateral axis having one pivotably connected end in mountings, which mountings are located in a bracket fixed to the vehicle, and with the free ends so connected that when folded, they slide against each other, and when deployed, they interlock against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: ISE Innomotive Systems Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Gürkan Beki
  • Publication number: 20080136155
    Abstract: The invention is based on a known rollover protection system for motor vehicles having two seat-related rotary bars permanently articulated to the vehicle body, said rotary bars each being fixable in the stored resting position by means of a holding device, and being rotatable into a locked support position by means of a sensor-controlled drive. To compactly design the system with several functional parts, the invention provides a toggle lever arrangement to convert the movement of the drive into a rotary bar movement, said arrangement being articulated to the drive and the rotary bar such that it is folded at least partially within the area framed by the rotary bar when the rotary bar is in its resting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Automotive Group ISE Innomotive Systems Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Mirko Janisch, Josef Lang, Reinhard Nowack
  • Patent number: 7384067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of safety system that is designed to protect a vehicle occupant during a rollover crash. The safety system will generally include a vehicle seat and a sensor. The sensor is designed to sense the occurrence of a rollover crash. The safety system also includes a support member that has an undeployed mode and a deployed mode. The support member converts from the undeployed mode into the deployed mode when a signal is received from the sensor indicating a rollover. The support member will generally be housed within the vehicle seat when the support member is in the undeployed mode. The support member is also anchored to the floor pan of the vehicle. When the support member is deployed into the deployed mode, the support member is disposed in effective engagement with the vehicle roof to limit movement of the roof toward the vehicle seat during rollover conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Parks, Heath Knight-Newbury, David Parkinson
  • Publication number: 20080122210
    Abstract: The invention is based on a rollover protection system for motor vehicles that is located behind a last row of seats having a part affixed to the vehicle, and a rollover body that is triggered by a sensor to deploy to a support position from a resting position. To save installation space and still provide the maximum survival area for all passengers of an open passenger vehicle, the invention provides installing a rollover protection system in the middle area behind the last row of seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Automotive Group ISE Innomotive Systems Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Liesaus, Stephan Rohner
  • Publication number: 20080061542
    Abstract: A motor vehicle contains a roll bar configuration which has at least one U-shaped roll bar, a transverse strut, and a connecting element with a receiving opening which accommodates one end of the roll bar. The connecting element can be connected releasably or nonreleasably both to the outer and to the inner body wall which is/are disposed generally vertically and/or horizontally. Furthermore, it is provided, on the connecting element, to arrange bearing points to which a foldable top and/or a belt deflecting lever can be fastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Mathias Froschle, Markus Schulzki
  • Patent number: 7341278
    Abstract: Safety apparatus to reduce injury to occupants of a convertible in the event of its rollover. The apparatus utilizes opposed curved bars slideably stored within mating, hollow, arcuate receptacles attached to the vehicle with one end open upward across and adjacent to the top rear of an occupant's seat. The bars each have springs arranged to deploy one end of the bar upward and outward from the top of a receptacle. A trigger mechanism secures the bars within the receptacles against the force of the spring. The trigger is arranged to release both springs in the event of impact, thus permitting the bars to be deployed outward opposite the top of the vehicle. When deployed in this manner, locks secure the bars in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Heuliez
    Inventors: Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Patent number: 7338112
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting an easily removable, external protective system on a vehicle such as an internal combustion vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV, etc. One function of the system is to allow the occupants to enter and exit the vehicle without removing the system. Certain embodiments of the invention will be discussed and illustrated principally as it applies to Land Rovers' Discovery SUV. However it can be applied to any of a variety of vehicles, or even other mobile units such as camper shells. The invention can be advantageous, for example, as it provides protection for the body of the vehicle from many impacts where it would normally be vulnerable. The system comprises removable external tubing attached to fixed mounting points and can be comprised of several mounting systems (see diagrams for specific construction).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Exocage Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Ian D. Gilliland, William J. Dotinga, Jonathan D. Cowles
  • Patent number: 7338076
    Abstract: A roll bar assembly for convertibles includes a cross bar to be arranged below a beltline, roll bars connected to the cross bar to protrude upward from the cross bar and a resin-made trim covering the cross bar and the roll bars. Part of the trim covering the cross bar is aligned with the beltline and a plurality of ribs are arranged in space between the said part of the trim and the cross bar in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignees: Daikyonishikawa Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Hamamoto, Seiji Shohara, Masaru Kihara, Naoto Oonishi
  • Publication number: 20080048426
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a roll-over protective structure mounted to the frame. The roll-over protective structure includes a plurality of upright support posts supporting a roof. Each support post includes a lower post section and an upper post section detachably coupled together in an end-to-end arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: James M. Frett, Owen Ziemer, Ravi Modukuri
  • Patent number: 7325832
    Abstract: A roll bar structure of a vehicle equipped with side panels and an open top, including a crossbar having a closed section and extending in a vehicle width direction between both of the side panels, the roll bars having a reverse-U shape and at least pan thereof projecting above the crossbar, and through holes formed at upper and lower portions of the crossbar, wherein one-side part of the roll bar extending substantially vertically penetrates the through holes, and the roll bars are connected respectively with the upper and lower portions of the crossbar which the roll bars penetrate, such that, a resistance of the roll bar structure against a vehicle rollover can be increased by firmly connecting the roll bars with the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kenjiro Miki, Takayuki Kimura, Takashi Ebisugi, Yukari Fujii, Masataka Masuda
  • Patent number: 7311330
    Abstract: A motor vehicle safety mechanism has a component which can be displaced out of a rest position suddenly into an action position by release of a holding device. Such a motor vehicle safety mechanism is, for example, a head support/roll bar which extends automatically in an accident. The holding device has a latch which fixes the component in the rest position and a ratchet arrangement which holds the latch in the action or engagement position. The ratchet arrangement has ratchet kinematics and an adjustable blocking element. By moving the latch out of the engagement position into the direction of the release position, the ratchet kinematics are moved and the blocking element blocks the movement of the ratchet kinematics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Checrallah Kachouh
  • Publication number: 20070290493
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Michael David
  • Patent number: 7306280
    Abstract: An overhead guard comprises a guard frame and a plurality of guard members. The guard frame is coupled to a suitable support structure of a materials handling vehicle so as to extend generally over at least a portion of an operator's compartment of the vehicle. The guard frame is oriented at an angle having a magnitude that is at least five degrees relative to the horizontal, and is angled upward towards a load handling assembly of the vehicle, at least in an area of the guard situated between a normal vehicle operating position and the load handling assembly. The plurality of guard members are supported by the guard frame at least within an area generally over the operator's compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: James V. Kraimer
  • Patent number: 7293808
    Abstract: A forklift rollcage protector has a housing, attached to a forklift rollcage, and an insert which has a length dimension, an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface. The inwardly facing surface of the insert communicates with an outwardly facing surface of the housing. The outwardly facing surface of the insert faces generally outwardly away from the housing and the rollcage. The insert removably interfaces with the housing and generally attenuates scraping, cutting, and/or other wear of the rollcage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: S. - I. Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas R. Leske
  • Patent number: 7278678
    Abstract: A lift truck cab having front, side, and rear faces, and a roof, mounting structure attached to the roof for suspending the cab from a mast of the lift truck in a manner that permits the front and side faces when installed on the truck to be hung in the manner of curtains without the necessity of direct fastening of lower portions of the front and side faces to the chassis/body of the truck. The cab construction affords generous operator space, high visibility, a convenient electrical raceway and ready access to truck control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Martin Sheet Metal, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Martin
  • Patent number: 7269483
    Abstract: An event discrimination methodology executes multiple versions of the same or different event discrimination algorithms and logically or arithmetically combines their outputs to distinguish between specified events and non-events. One given algorithm is repeatedly executed with different sets of calibration data, or alternately, a number of different algorithms are executed. In cases where the algorithm results are arithmetically combined, the weights accorded to each algorithm result are dynamically adjusted based on driver input or vehicle dynamic behavior data to accord highest weight to the algorithm(s) calibrated to identify events associated with the detected driver input or vehicle dynamic behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Schubert, Chad M. Aeschliman, Benjamin C. Wiles
  • Patent number: 7261321
    Abstract: A roll bar, in particular for agricultural machines, comprising a sprung protection structure (12), a plurality of fastening elements (22, 24) destined to be fastened to the body of the farming machine, and a damping device (26) interposed between each fastening element (22, 24) and the sprung protection structure (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Same Deutz-Fahr Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ernesto Della Valle
  • Publication number: 20070182147
    Abstract: A roll over protection device for compact tractors has a tubular steel hoop 14 carried by a channel section coupling 20 and the coupling is bolted to a bracket 12 with holes 34 and slots 36 which enable it to be bolted to the transmission housing of the tractor. The hoop 14 and coupling 20 are the same whatever the make of tractor, but the bracket is intended to fit different models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce Russell Lee Cooper, Frank Allen
  • Patent number: 7249798
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Saito, Kazumasa Hisada
  • Patent number: 7246846
    Abstract: A cab capable of easily securing rollover protection strength at low manufacturing cost is offered. Four pillars are mounted in the front and rear, and left and right of the cab. Two of them are mounted respectively in a first position at the outer side portion where it bulges outward and in a second position on the inner side portion and opposite the first position in the left-and-right direction. At least one of the pillars is formed with a pipe. A U-shaped frame is firmly mounted between the upper ends of the left and right rear pillars among the four pillars, and directed rearward to form a U-shaped rear roof frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioji, Akihide Namura, Tatsushi Itoh
  • Patent number: 7240954
    Abstract: A close out seal has a base, a weather strip and a trim strip all permanently joined together to provide a single part capable of being readily installed in a rear quarter panel of an automotive vehicle. The weather strip has a sealing lip adapted to contact a rear window of the vehicle. The trim strip has a contoured inner surface portion adapted to seal around an upright end portion of a transverse overhead sport bar. The trim strip provides a cap for the rear quarter panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Larry M Storinsky, Martin Potok, Douglas P Smith, Daniel Bullion, John Griffin, David Baryla, Michael Boes, Jeffrey Tangen, John Grauer, Richard Maciejewski
  • Publication number: 20070138780
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rollover protection system for vehicles with roll bars located fixed to the vehicle seats, which roll bars are guided into a holder, which holder is fixed to the vehicle, and under normal conditions the roll bar is held by a holding device in a lower, stored position, is controlled by a sensor, and upon release of the holding device, is brought into an upright, protective position. In order to design a rollover protection system, fixed to the seat, with a roll bar body in the form of a folding roll bar, the invention provides that each roll bar comprises two frame pieces, which are each spaced along the vehicular lateral axis having one pivotably connected end in mountings, which mountings are located in a bracket fixed to the vehicle, and with the free ends so connected that when folded, they slide against each other, and when deployed, they interlock against each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: ISE INNOMOTIVE SYSTEMS EUROPE GMBH
    Inventor: Gurkan Beki
  • Patent number: 7222882
    Abstract: A loader implement includes a support mast that is provided with a mounting area for a front loader arrangement. The loader implement includes a roll-over protective assembly that is coupled to one of the other or both of the loader implement, or support mast. The protective assembly can be selectively pivoted between a raised protective position wherein it extends over an operator's platform and a lowered non-protective position, wherein it extends forward of the operator's platform. So as to prevent the loader arrangement from being used without the benefit of the protective assembly in its protective position, the mounting area for the loader arrangement is blocked by the protective assembly when the latter is in its non-protective position and is not cleared to permit the mounting of the loader arrangement until the protective assembly is moved to its protective position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Boucher
  • Patent number: 7219925
    Abstract: A roll-cage assembly for fitting to a motor vehicle, particularly one of the type having no fixed roof structure. The assembly has a space-frame structure constructed from a number of tubular members joined together and at least one airbag assembly that is attached to one or more of the tubular members. The airbag assembly performs two functions: during normal use it provides a relatively soft covering for the tubular member to which it is fastened; and in the event of an accident an airbag is released to provide full head impact protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Stephen Hill
  • Patent number: 7198294
    Abstract: A roll bar assembly capable of punching through a rear window (12) on deployment comprises a deployable u-shaped roll bar (1) fitted with a pin (4) made of hard material. An item of trim (5) is located over the top of the roll bar (1) by means of a pair of spring clips (7,8). The clips are held under tension so that when the bar is deployed, they snap snugly around the bar, releasing stored energy which assists in the bar's deployment. The trim (5) is further provided with an orifice (6) through which the pin can protrude on the deployment of the bar thereby enabling the pin (4) to contact the rear window (12) and to shatter the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Welch
  • Patent number: 7175200
    Abstract: A protective motorcycle impact cage is provided, comprising a rear bumper, a rear bar, a passenger bar, a left upright rear shoulder bar, a right upright rear shoulder bar, a waistline bar, a bottom brace, a left top brace, a right top brace, an operator bar, a left side bar, a right side bar, a front bumper, a left front shoulder bar, and a right front shoulder bar. The protective motorcycle impact cage has particular utility in connection with protecting a motorcycle operator and passenger in a collision with a vehicle from any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Tracy Glenn Obershan
  • Patent number: 7175199
    Abstract: A vehicle body (F) for a passenger car convertible, which has an integrated crosswise partition panel (T) behind the seat anchors (S), on which two retractable roll bars (B) are arranged next to one another, and which vehicle body includes on the back side of the partition panel (T) that is turned away from the seat anchors, exclusively in the upper area of the partition panel, a module carrier (M), which reinforces the partition panel, and which is oriented crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and which extends across the width of the interior of the vehicle body, and which is mounted on the partition panel, which positions the two roll bars (B) on the back side of the partition panel, so that the module carrier and the partition panel together form bar guides (G), whereby the module carrier (M), with the two roll bars (B), is one pre-mounted modular unit (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: Blechformwerke Bernsbach AG, ISE Innomotive Systems Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Hartwig Müller
  • Patent number: 7156446
    Abstract: A convertible motor vehicle first and second storage compartments extending transversely behind a seat. A rigid roof shell has two posts defining a rear opening. The first compartment extends laterally forward past the seat. Guide rails extend laterally in the first compartment forward past the seat. Respective guide slides on the rear end posts ride on the guide rails, and the roof shell is displaceable along the guide rails between an up position wholly out of the first storage compartment and a down position wholly in the first compartment with the guide slides laterally flanking the seat. A rear windshield fits in the opening between the posts. A guide in the second storage compartment displaces the rear windshield between a lowered position in the second compartment and a raised position fitting between the rear end posts of the windshield in the up position thereof and closing the rear opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Petros Perakis
  • Patent number: 7140670
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for providing an overhead frame structure having two side frame members each with at least one protrusion and one or more cross members coupling the side frame members through interconnection with the protrusions. Each protrusion has a corrugated configuration. Each cross member has end portions each having a wall with corrugated configuration. Each wall is adapted to engage one of the protrusions. The end portions in each cross member are adapted to receive one of the pairs of opposing protrusions therein. The cross members are coupled between the side frame members with the engagement and subsequent securing of the protrusions to the end portions of the cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Custom Products of Litchfield
    Inventor: Troy Erik Olson
  • Patent number: 7140667
    Abstract: For optimizing a body structure for a passenger car in the area of the vehicle occupant compartment and of the rollover bar device arranged behind the occupant seats, specifically with respect to a high stability under load, low weight and economical manufacturing, a wall structure of the vehicle occupant compartment extending adjacent to the vehicle occupant seats and the rollover bar device consisting of a high-strength non-metallic material, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic material, e.g., CKF, and being constructionally inseparably combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Steinhauser, Thomas Meier
  • Patent number: 7131687
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a counter weight (1) manufactured by casting, an outer surface thereof being formed in a substantially arc shape, the counter weight (1) including at a lower section thereof an extended portion extending in leftward and rightward directions to have a substantially arc shape, tip ends of the extended portion and a lower part of a center section of the counter weight (1) being provided with a lower attachment base, and an upper face thereof being provided with a canopy attachment base; and a canopy (2) including a roof (22), pillars (21) standing at left side and right side for supporting the roof (22), and a lower attachment member (23) manufactured by casting for fixing lower ends of the pillars (21), the canopy (2) being mounted on the counter weight (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Zenoah Co.
    Inventors: Katsumi Yokoo, Toshifumi Ogihara
  • Patent number: 7131686
    Abstract: An operator protective structure equipped on a cabin of construction machine is capable of moving the cabin along with a front guard by directly installing the front guard on the cabin fixed to an upper frame to protect the operator from an object penetrating into the front of the cabin. The cabin is provided with a bottom plate on a bottom thereof, mounted on an upper frame installed on a lower driving body and independently vibrated relative to the upper frame by connecting the bottom plate to the upper frame through vibration absorbing devices. The operator protective structure includes a front guide provided with a top bar and a bottom bar and installed up and down in front of the cabin to protect the cabin from objects penetrating into a front of the cabin and a top guide formed long on a ceiling of the cabin in a front and rear direction to protect the cabin from falling objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Chun Ho Jo, Chun Jin Yoon
  • Patent number: 7036866
    Abstract: A convertible motor vehicle has a seat, a trunk behind the seat, and a storage compartment extending transversely of the direction behind the seat and forward of the trunk and extending laterally of the seat in the direction forward past the seat. An arcuate and rigid roof shell has two rear end posts defining a rear opening and riding via slides in guide rails laterally spacedly flanking the seat and extending from the compartment in the direction forward past the seat. The roof can move along the guide rails between an up position wholly out of the storage compartment and a down position wholly in the compartment with the guide slides laterally flanking the seat. A rear windshield displaceable between a lowered position in the storage compartment and a raised position fitting between the rear end posts of the windshield in the up position thereof and closing the rear opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Petros Perakis
  • Patent number: 7032927
    Abstract: A rollbar apparatus for a vehicle body is disclosed, for protecting occupants of the vehicle body. The rollbar apparatus includes a first hoop with an inner leg and an outer leg, and a second hoop spaced relative to the first hoop and also including an inner leg and an outer leg. The inner legs of the first and second hoop are disposed adjacent to each other and supported adjacent to the vehicle body. A joining member extends between said inner legs, so that in the event of an accident, the hoops of the rollbar apparatus assist in protecting the occupants of the vehicle from injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Ric S. Joranlien
  • Patent number: 7021658
    Abstract: An adjustable hydroformed sport bar including left and right outer bar elements and an inner bar element having a smaller diameter than the outer tbar elements. The inner bar element is able to slide inside the outer bar elements where it is adjustably fastened to each of the outer bar elements allowing the outer bar elements to be adjusted laterally with respect to the inner bar element with a bottom gap remaining between the inner bar element and the bottom of the outer bar elements. The left and right outer bar elements include expanded anchor sections to provide for greater yield strength for seat belt support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Kleinhoffer, Laura M. Bibik, Raymond J. Vanassche, David P. Zecchin
  • Patent number: 6988744
    Abstract: A rollover protection device for the passengers of a vehicle having a body and a lateral bulkhead includes a structural unit adapted to be mounted on one side of the vehicle body lateral bulkhead. The structural unit includes at least one extendible rollover bar, and a module beam being connectable in a force transmitting fashion with the lateral bulkhead and the vehicle body. The module beam extends crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in an upper region of the lateral bulkhead, and at least one force transmission member contains the at least one rollover bar. The at least one force transmission member supports the module beam at the vehicle body bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignees: Innomotive System Europe GmbH, Daimer Chrysler AG
    Inventor: Hartwig Müller
  • Patent number: 6983968
    Abstract: The headache rack for pickup trucks that supports and secures loads being transported while protecting the rear window from damage and the passengers seated in the cab from harm. The headache rack is adjustable in height in order to accommodate pickup trucks having varying cab heights. Further, the headache rack is provided with internal wiring pathways to safely run wiring from any lights mounted on the uppermost surface of the rack to the pickup truck's electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Knaack Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Blackford Brauer, Atul Saigal, Tony O'Dierno, Wes McReynolds
  • Patent number: 6910704
    Abstract: Metal tubing is bent and shaped to form a metal cage and mounted on a motorcycle. The cage functions to prevent damage to engine case covers, plastic parts, handlebars, pegs, levers, gas tanks, etc. in the event that the motorcycle is inadvertently dropped or accidentally falls over. If such mishaps occur the motorcycle will rest on the cage instead of any of the motorcycle parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: Aaron D. Celiceo, Adrian A. Celiceo
  • Patent number: 6908107
    Abstract: A connector for securely attaching two or more structural members such as metal tubing without requiring welding upon installation and an off-road vehicle occupant protection superstructural framework that incorporates this connector and structural members. In a preferred embodiment one half of a bisected collar-shaped connector to which the end of a first structural member is welded and which may be bolted to the other half of the connector about or around a second structural member is provided. An off-road vehicle superstructure framework useful in protecting occupants in the event of rollover may also incorporate frame mounts and floor mounts and may be installable as an enhancement to a pre-existing roll bar or cage or as an entire cage itself. Another preferred embodiment may be a business method wherein a sport cage of unprecedented strength may shipped unassembled to a customer and installable at home without requiring specialized tools or skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Lewis D. Barth
  • Patent number: 6908108
    Abstract: A roll cage for a model car or truck is made of first and second elongated members and first and second inverted U-shaped cross members fabricated from flat metal stock. The roll cage is assembled by slip-fitting it together at mating slots formed into the elongated roll cage members and the inverted U-shaped roll cage members. A rigid roll cage is formed, which then is attached to the chassis of the model car or truck to overlie the components mounted on that chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Scarla
  • Patent number: 6902225
    Abstract: A wind-deflecting device for a convertible includes a center part of the wind-deflecting device, which in its upright operating position is arranged between spaced-apart bar sections of a rollover bar and is held in place on the rollover bar via releasable locking connections. Each releasable locking connection includes a receiver fixed to the rollover bar and interlocking with a laterally supported holding element of the center part. The locking connection further has a pivotably supported spring-loaded notch lever to release the locking connection. To enable the releasable locking connection to be released from a sitting position and to increase ease of operation, the notch lever is arranged on the fixed receiver and a pushbutton interacting with the notch lever is provided on the receiver to pivot the notch lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Schmitt, Thomas Fischer, Gabor Herczeg
  • Patent number: 6902190
    Abstract: Such systems typically have an extendable rollover bar, which in its extended position is locked against being pushed back in by a locking pawl that is in operative locking engagement with a toothed segment. To make it possible by simple means to use both hands to return the rollover bar to its retracted position when required, the invention provides a reversing lever, which can be manually brought to a self-holding position above dead center while unlocking the locking pawl before the rollover bar is pushed in. This self-holding position can be automatically canceled again just before the rollover bar reaches its standby position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: ISE Innomotive Systems Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Nass
  • Patent number: 6883848
    Abstract: A pickup truck bed frame is described that includes a frame member, a left support structure, and a right support structure. The frame member includes a frame member left end constructed for attachment to a pickup truck bed left sidewall, a frame member right end constructed for attachment to a pickup truck bed right sidewall, and a central member constructed to extend across a pickup truck cab from the frame member left end to the frame member right end. The left support structure includes a left support arm having a left support arm first end constructed for attachment to the frame member, and a left support arm second end constructed for attachment to a pickup truck left sidewall. The right support structure includes a right support arm having a right support arm first end constructed for attachment to the frame member, and a right support arm second end constructed for attachment to a pickup truck bed right sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Lund International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Iverson, Rodney L. Bridges
  • Patent number: 6857695
    Abstract: A body of a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car of the sports car type, equipped with a windshield frame, a rollover bar system and a removable roof covering an area between the windshield frame and the rollover bar system. The roof on one side follows a convex shaping course of the windshield frame and, on the other side, follows a shaping course of the rollover bar system such that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the passenger car, the roof has two lateral roof sections and a center roof section which extends between the lateral roof sections in the manner of a crease-type indentation shaped in the direction of the vehicle occupant compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Stoffels, André Scholz, Thomas Meier
  • Patent number: 6851739
    Abstract: A hard top and soft top convertible system for a Jeep-like vehicle which includes, in one embodiment, a replacement for the conventional roll-bar cage with a roll-bar frame that is aligned with the outer edges of the vehicle. The roll-bar frame is made of high strength metal, acting as a substitute for the conventional roll bar. The top includes removable outer hard top, side windows and rear window. The top includes pliable inner soft top, side windows, and rear window, each of which may be rolled into a stored position within the frame using electric motors for open air use of the vehicle. Another embodiment employs a similarly configured frame which is provided in a set of pieces which are assembled over an existing roll bar frame of the Jeep-like vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel Morley
  • Patent number: 6834908
    Abstract: For a cabriolet vehicle with a convertible top hatch which can be moved between a cover position and an open position for selectively covering and opening a convertible top compartment and with a roll bar which can be moved between a lowered position and a protective position and which can be coupled to the convertible top hatch for joint movement, a convertible top hatch transmission part is provided which transfers the driving force to the convertible top hatch which can be disengageably coupled to a roll bar movement part that produces movement apparatus of the roll bar so that roll bar is movement can be produced, simultaneously with motion of the convertible top hatch, that is in a different direction from that of the convertible top hatch during at least one segment of the motion of the convertible top hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Burkhard Reinsch, Thomas Schutt, Klaus Dullinger
  • Publication number: 20040245755
    Abstract: When attaching a shutter type guard apparatus composed of a movable guard member which can be opened and closed, to the window portion of the cab of construction machinery, the guard member is constructed so that it can be closed to an intermediately opened position where it is easily operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Eiji Akahane, Yusuke Harayama, Mikiya Yagi, Seiji Hiraoka