Roll Bars And/or Overhead Guards Patents (Class 280/756)
  • Patent number: 6126227
    Abstract: The invention realizes a covering structure of the driving place of operative machines for road-works comprising a canopy which insists on the frame of said operative machine by supporting elements and shifting mechanisms suitable for lifting it. Each of said supporting elements is formed of at least a couple of traces made movable by at least one of the shifting mechanisms which is arranged between them and which realizes their compass movement in order to lift said canopy. When said canopy is lifted, said braces are arranged in an angular position according to an angle of an amplitude wider than 180.degree., suitable for favoring its filling when said canopy is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Bitelli SPA
    Inventor: Romolo Bitelli
  • Patent number: 6056306
    Abstract: A foldable compact molded stroller and trailer with flexible hitch comprises a rigid plastic molded shell with a rear axle end for supporting two large diameter wheels and a front fork end removably supporting alternatively a front wheel for use in the stroller mode and a trailer cycle hitch assembly attachable to the frame portion of a cycle for use in the trailer mode. The rigid plastic molded shell is conformed into a side-by-side two child holder seat portion with side, rear and front portions for substantially enclosing two forward facing children. A foldable handle is attached to the rear portion of the shell for use in stroller mode. The trailer and stroller combination further includes a foldable roll bar to add further protection of the children. The trailer cycle hitch assembly includes a flexible cycle hitch attachable to a bicycle's rear adjacent horizontal and inclined frame rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: InSTEP, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew H. Rust, Richard H. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6032980
    Abstract: A corner assembly for a protective rollover structure of a work machine is disclosed. The corner assembly includes a first tube having a first inner wall, a first outer wall, a first right lateral wall, and a first left lateral wall which collective define a first interior space. The first inner wall of the first tube has a first gusset slot defined therein. The corner assembly also has a second tube having a second inner wall, a second outer wall, a second right lateral wall, and a second left lateral wall which collective define a second interior space. The second inner wall of the second tube has a second gusset slot defined therein. The corner assembly further includes a gusset having a first inner leg, a first outer leg, a second inner leg, and a second outer leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Rapp, Robert L. McNabb, William G. Worby
  • Patent number: 6002975
    Abstract: A rollover sensing apparatus and method are provided for predicting rollover and/or pitchover conditions of a vehicle. An angular rate sensor senses attitude rate of the vehicle, a first accelerometer measures horizontal acceleration of the vehicle, and a second accelerometer measures vertical acceleration of the vehicle. A current attitude angle is estimated with Kalman filtering and a future attitude angle is predicted at an advance time. The predicted attitude angle is compared to a threshold and an output is produced for indicating a predicted vehicle rollover condition based on the comparison. A vehicle rollover condition about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is predicted by comparing a future roll angle to a rollover angle threshold, while a pitchover condition about the lateral axis of a vehicle is predicted by comparing a future pitch angle to a pitch angle threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Konried Schiffmann, Edward J. Wallner, Sachal Bhagwan Gidwani
  • Patent number: 6002974
    Abstract: A rollover sensing apparatus and method are provided for predicting rollover or pitchover conditions of a vehicle. The apparatus and method sense angular roll rate, angular pitch rate, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, and vertical acceleration of the vehicle and produce output signals indicative thereof. A non-linear filter, such as an extended Kalman filter, estimates a current roll angle and a current pitch angle as a function of the sensed signals. A predictor predicts a future roll angle as a function of the estimated current roll angle and the sensed roll rate, and further predicts a future pitch angle as a function of the estimated current pitch angle and the sensed pitch rate. The predicted roll and pitch attitude angles are compared to a threshold value and a vehicle overturn condition signal is output to indicate a predicted vehicle rollover or pitchover condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Konried Schiffmann
  • Patent number: 5971434
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably locking a cab enclosure or rollover protective structure to a frame of a skid steer loader. The protective structure is mounted to the frame of the skid steer loader for pivotal movement between operational and nonoperational positions. The latch mechanism of the present invention is a multipiece assembly including first and second subassemblies. The first subassembly is arranged on either the frame or the protective structure in spaced relation from that end about which the protective structure pivots. The second subassembly is mounted before cooperating and releasable engagement with the first subassembly and is mounted on either the frame or the protective structure on which the first subassembly is not mounted. In a first operating condition, the first and second subassemblies are operably engagable with each other to inhibit pivotal movement of the protective structure relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Sidney B. Neufeld, Gary D. Stromberg
  • Patent number: 5941330
    Abstract: A rearwardly swinging operator enclosure is provided for a skid-steer loader having vertical lift arms. The enclosure, as well as the links coupling the lift arms to the loader are both pivotally mounted high on laterally spaced apart support posts carried at the rear of the enclosure. The raised pivotal mountings permit the enclosure to swing rearwardly and high above the loader components housed beneath the enclosure to allow maintenance activities to be conveniently carried out from the front of the loader. The raised pivotal mountings further permit the use of a cross member to reinforce both the support posts and lift arm links and yet avoid interference with swinging movement of the enclosure or lift links. With the cross member positioned near the top of the support posts, rear visibility is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gordon Edward Miller, David Arthur Doering
  • Patent number: 5931524
    Abstract: A ride-on vehicle for children having a chassis and a plurality of wheels rotatably connected to the chassis, the vehicle further comprising a simulated roll cage attached to the base, the roll cage configured to allow an upper portion of a seated child driver's body to extend above an upper boundary of the roll cage, and a door attached to the roll cage and rotatable about a horizontal axis, the door being configured to allow a driver to enter and exit the vehicle. The roll cage can include a plurality of molded plastic parts assembled in such a manner to resemble an integral framework of interconnected tubing. The door is held in a closed position by a friction fit between the door and the roll cage. The friction fit is disposed at a position above the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5927803
    Abstract: A rollover protection system for a passenger car, particularly for a convertible, includes a headrest 2 assigned to a vehicle seat and a rollover bar 1 which can be translationally displaced from a lowered inoperative position upwards into its supporting position. In its inoperative position, the rollover bar is accommodated with its upper section in a downwardly open recess 6 of the headrest 2. The recess 6 is closed in the upward direction by a flap 9 which can be swivelled away when the rollover bar 1 is moved out. The rollover bar is supported on the vehicle body 5 not by way of the backrest structure but directly. The new method of construction permits a simplified mounting of the whole system, a high operational reliability and an inconspicuous design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Olaf Hehl, Guenther Premm
  • Patent number: 5899521
    Abstract: A central part of an anti-buffet screen formed by a vertical pane is held in its operating position on a roll bar by at least one lower plug connection and by upper latch connections spaced apart from one another. The central part cannot be released from the roll bar until the spring-loaded latch levers of the latch connections are pivoted free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Dr. Ing.h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Kurt Pfertner, Bernd Stadler
  • Patent number: 5893602
    Abstract: In order to simply and decently cover the clearance between the vehicle panel and the roll bar or support strut thereof, which extends through the vehicle panel, notches 12.sub.1 and 13.sub.1 in elements of a roll bar strut cover 10 formed in a foldable plate member made of resin are, by folding, made to form a circular enclosure, without any clearance, about a roll bar or strut thereof which is secured to a vehicle frame and which extends outside from an opening 9.sub.1 in a vehicle panel 9. A trim member 15 is mounted to the vehicle panel 9 from above the cover 10 such that the cover 10 is sandwiched between the trim member 15 and an upper surface of the vehicle panel 9. Even if there is a slight error in the mounting position of the roll bar strut 5, the strut cover 10 can move to follow the roll bar strut 5 and therefore, no clearance is generated between the cover 10 and the strut 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Saito
  • Patent number: 5890738
    Abstract: A rollover protection device for a motor vehicle has at least one rollover bar which is disposed on a vehicle-fixed structure with a deformable bearing permitting limited movement of the rollover bar relative to the vehicle-fixed structure. In particular, the bearing is elastically deformable and may have at least one deformable, particularly elastically deformable, absorber element which disposes legs of the rollover bar in receiving tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lothar Heiner, Jens Loemker
  • Patent number: 5881842
    Abstract: A forklift has a mast pivotally connected to its front side. A pair of front pillars is disposed in the vicinity of the mast to extend rearward and upward. The front pillars define a cab in association with a pair of rear pillars. The front pillars are curved toward the mast and away from the cab so as to widen the space of the exit of the cab, which corresponds to the operator's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Keiichi Kikukawa
  • Patent number: 5848715
    Abstract: A roll bar and crane device for use with vehicles such as a truck is adapted to be mounted to the truck bed. The device includes left and right leg members and a central beam extending therebetween and being selectively detachable thereto. A U-shaped boom extends over the left and right leg members when used as a roll bar. The boom, at one end, is pivotally connected to a pivot member about a horizontal axis of rotation and the pivot member is pivotally connected to one of the leg members and is pivotable about a vertical axis of rotation. A hydraulic jack selectively lifts and lowers the boom when used as a crane. Covers are provided on the boom left and right legs and hide from plain view working components including the hydraulic jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Malcolm Duncan
  • Patent number: 5845937
    Abstract: The assembly is useful in protecting occupants of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision. It includes a substantially closed rigid tubular metal element connected to a source of generating fluid pressure, such as a gas-generating inflator. The element is in flattened condition when installed. At the time of an imminent accident, the inflator generates fluid pressure to enlarge the flattened tubular element to increase its rigidity, strength, and resistance to buckling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5839758
    Abstract: A collapsible roll-over protection system is provided with an upper section pivotally connected to a fixed lower section by a four-bar linkage. The linkage permits the upper section to be pivotally rotated rearwardly of the lower section and lowered to an inoperative position adjacent to and immediately behind the lower section. The pivot linkage includes an apertured tab that registers with a locking opening on the lower section to fix the upper section in the inoperative position. The engagement surfaces of the upper and lower sections is slanted with respect to the axis of the legs of the upper and lower sections to facilitate the movement of the upper section between the operative and inoperative positions. A locking pin fixes the structure in both the positions to prevent loose parts whenever the structure is moved between positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin O. Finch, Fidel A. Martinez, Jaime A. Sandoval
  • Patent number: 5820199
    Abstract: A frame assembly for an operator's compartment includes an upper roof portion, a lower base portion, and first and second side support assemblies connected between the roof portion and the base portion. Each side support assembly includes a straight part, comprised of a formed tube, and a curved part, formed as a fabricated box section having several individual wall plates. The fabricated box section curved parts are stronger than the formed tubes and are, therefore, in the area of highest stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Chris F. Camplin, Paul J. Staebler, Jr., Gary D. Hiatt, Adrian Mulholland, Philip C. Wright
  • Patent number: 5799746
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety cab arrangement for an underground mobile machine intended, for example, for mining. A safety cab (2) secured to the frame of the machine (1) is equipped with L shaped outside safety bars (3) which receive forces and which are secured to the safety cab (2) and to the machine (1). The safety cab (2) transmit lateral and longitude forces to the safety bars and withstands vertical forces independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Tamrock Loaders Oy
    Inventors: Antti Kortelainen, Esko Koskinen, Jarkko Laine
  • Patent number: 5788402
    Abstract: A coupling has a first coupling part comprising a holding rod which is provided with a groove for the engagement of locking balls. The locking balls are radially movably arranged in transverse bores of a holding element arranged on a second coupling part. In a non-operative position of the rollover bar, the locking balls are pressed by a cone surface of a locking member into the groove of the holding rod. If the locking member is displaced in a sensor-controlled manner axially against the effect of a spring by an electromagnet, the holding rod is released. To achieve a construction which is as compact as possible and which permits a housing of the coupling also in the very limited space conditions in a motor vehicle, the holding element with the locking balls and the locking member are arranged inside the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke
    Inventors: Ruth Banda, Lothar Heiner
  • Patent number: 5788452
    Abstract: A forklift vehicle having front wheels mounted on retractible horizontally extending legs which are normally locked in position, by cylinder operated locking pins, to slide plates on the rear frame of the vehicle. To collapse the vehicle, the fork carriage is rolled forwardly on the front legs; locking pins are hydraulically extended from the fork carriage into the legs while the rear locking pins are hydraulically retracted, and then the mast carriage is retracted retracting the front legs with it. The procedure is reversed to extend the front legs. An operator protective cage and seat extends rearwardly of the rear vehicle frame and can be collapsed upwardly and forwardly, further shortening the vehicle length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Gerardus J. Brouwer
    Inventors: Gerardus J. Brouwer, Don Milwain, Ralph Ratsep
  • Patent number: 5779271
    Abstract: The present invention provides an energy absorption device for cushioning dynamic impacts imparted against a support bar of a vehicle by an occupant. The energy absorption device has an elongated arched impact shell having an impact side, and a member engagement side opposite the impact side. Also provided are a plurality of longitudinally spaced arched ribs that each has a first edge that is wholly attached to the member engagement side of the elongated arched impact shell and a second edge that is spaced from the first edge. The second edge abuts against the support bar of the vehicle. A plurality of impact can be stacked one upon another to increase energy absorption and decrease acceleration upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Duane A. Dorow, Sukhbir S. Bilkhu
  • Patent number: 5779272
    Abstract: A roll-over protection system for a vehicle is provided having a handle and a lift assist assembly. The roll-over protection system includes a support structure and a cross member pivotally coupled to the support structure. The handle is mounted to the cross member, and the lift assist assembly is coupled to the support structure and to the cross member. The handle and the lift assist assembly aid an operator in moving the cross member between folded and upright positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno J. Panek, Sudhakar Kolli
  • Patent number: 5775726
    Abstract: A passive vehicle occupant restraint system is provided for an automotive vehicle having a front seat including a seat back defining generally a front passenger area to one side thereof and a rear passenger area to the other side thereof, and a roof having an outer roof surface, a quantity of insulation material inside of the outer roof surface and a headliner beneath and overlying the insulation material. The restraint system includes a first inflatable cushion mounted between the insulation material and the headliner and overlying at least a portion of the front passenger area of the vehicle, and an inflator operatively connected with the inflatable cushion and responsive to a predetermined triggering signal for producing a quantity of inflating gas for inflating the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin M. Timothy, Mark W. Osmond, Jonathan A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5743561
    Abstract: The disclosure sets forth a roll-bar structure for a conventional motorcycle configured to provide both forward and aftward protection as well as side protection. The basic embodiment comprises dual spaced apart longitudinal tubular, metal members of inverted U-shaped design, the lower terminuses of which are oppositely fixed to both the front and rear of the motorcycle mainframe. Other embodiments include an articulated rear-half assembly which can move fore and aft according to the position of the motorcyclist, a longitudinal roll-bar configuration appearing substantially H-shaped in side view, and a combination of an inverted U-shaped roll-bar and an H-shaped roll-bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Sinil Kim
  • Patent number: 5730304
    Abstract: A roll bar and crane device for use with vehicles such as a truck is adapted to be mounted to the truck bed. The device includes left and right leg members and a central beam extending therebetween and being selectively detachable thereto. A U-shaped boom extends over the left and right leg members when used as a roll bar. The boom, at one end, is pivotally connected to a pivot member about a horizontal axis of rotation and the pivot member is pivotally connected to one of the leg members and is pivotable about a vertical axis of rotation. A rope and pulley system is provided between the pivot member and the boom. A rope extends from the boom lift end to the pulley and rope system and to a winch that is located on and is rotatable with the pivot member. By pulling the rope via the winch, objects attached to the end of the rope are drawn up and to the boom lift end and the boom is also caused to pivot about the horizontal axis of rotation for lifting the boom lift end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Malcolm Duncan
  • Patent number: 5725270
    Abstract: A teardrop shaped vehicle body which elevates from front to rear thereby providing a safe and aerodynamic shape on which two front wheels and a single rear wheel are rotatably mounted. The vehicle body includes a frame over which flat sheets are bent without substantial plastic deformation and attached thereto to form a skin. The skin contains a transparent portion allowing a driver to view the surrounding terrain, and portions of the skin are detachable from the frame to allow access to the inside of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Gregg R. Fleishman
  • Patent number: 5718454
    Abstract: A roll assembly for use on a child's ride-on vehicle including an elongate main bar and an elongate support bar with a first end abutting the main bar. The support bar is coupled to the main bar by a universal joint assembly including a bar cap coupled to the first end of the support bar and a retention shell disposed over the main bar adjacent the support bar with the retention shell being movably engaged to the bar cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Harrod
  • Patent number: 5707099
    Abstract: On the cross traverse of at least one convertible automobile rollover bar, a wind net is supported on a span at least approximately the surface between the lateral members of the rollover bar. The upper edge of the wind net rests on an exterior side of the cross traverse in a tensioned manner, and the wind net itself extends down only to approximately the level of the vehicle edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Schrader, Martin Lorenz, Stephan Orth
  • Patent number: 5702150
    Abstract: A convertible has a stationary rollover bar on which a wind deflecting device can be fixed. In order to ensure, on the one hand, a good operation of the rollover bar and the wind deflecting device and, on the other hand, to not negatively influence the stylistic overall appearance of an open vehicle as a result of the rollover bar and the wind deflecting device, it is provided that the rollover bar comprises a tube section which extends approximately at the level of the belt line and in the transverse direction of the vehicle, bar sections which project upwards in laterally exterior areas leading away from the tube section. The wind deflecting device is composed of a center part and two lateral parts, the lateral part being inserted into the openings of the bar sections and the center part being inserted into the cutout of the rollover bar bounded by the bar sections and the transversely extending tube section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Dieter Reuter, Jens Quittenbaum
  • Patent number: 5695238
    Abstract: A non-metallic roof for a work machine includes a rotationally molded plastic structure which encloses and seals the top portion of an operator's station of the work machine. The roof includes grab rails and light sockets which are integrally molded into the structure. A plurality of metallic bars and cooperating threaded fasteners connect the roof to the operator's station. A closed cell foam material seals the juncture between the roof and the top portion of the operator's station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Calamari, Alan A. Davidovich, Thomas L. Howard, David G. Surridge
  • Patent number: 5671947
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, particularly a convertible, has a folding top and a rollover protection device which is arranged behind the seats and which comprises at least one prefabricated cassette. The cassette contains a protective bow and an actuator, and a rollover sensor, the prefabricated cassette being fixable on a receiving device. For reducing the mounting time on the vehicle belt as well as for making it possible to test the rollover protection device outside the vehicle, it is provided that the receiving device and at least the components of the rollover protection device are combined to form a precabled operative module which is produced outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche
    Inventor: Uwe Henn
  • Patent number: 5655791
    Abstract: A non-fixed roll bar system is disclosed which employs cylindrical, hollow-shaped standpipes for inner guidance of the legs of an essentially U-shaped roll bar. These standpipes are rigidly connected with a housing to be installed into a vehicle. For outer guidance of the bar legs, guide borings with radial play to the legs are provided in a guide block, which is also attached to the housing. This play is compensated by radially elastic guide bushings. This results in closed surface areas of the bar legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Nowack, Jakob Lowen
  • Patent number: 5641193
    Abstract: A passenger, particularly a convertible, has a top and a rollover protection arrangement. In order to simplify the mounting of the top and the rollover protection device on the vehicle, while the fastening is appropriate with respect to its function, and in order to reduce the assembling time on the assembly line, the rollover protection device and the top are combined to form a pre-assembled constructional unit produced outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Zepnik, Matthias Aydt, Kurt Pfertner, Uwe Henn
  • Patent number: 5636867
    Abstract: A rollover protective structure (ROPS) for use with construction machinery includes a base, four upright posts attached to the base and cross members attached between the posts to define generally a box-like structure. Two of the posts define a forward side of the structure. The other two posts define opposing ends of the structure. First and second reinforcing members are attached within the first and second posts to the forward sides, respectively, for selective reinforcement of the forward sides. Third and fourth reinforcing members are attached within the third and fourth posts to the opposing ends for selective reinforcement of the opposing ends, respectively. The first and second reinforcing members extend between the base member and cross member, and the third and fourth reinforcing members extend between the base member to above the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. McNabb, Joseph A. Rapp
  • Patent number: 5630622
    Abstract: This invention utilizes a cast corner member (20) as a support base for the load bearing members (14) of a roll over protection structure (10). The cast corner member (20) has an end portion (34) comprising at least one gusset (40) which telescopically engages a tubular member (14). The gusset (40) has a tapered configuration which defines a free end portion (36) that has a reduced cross-sectional area and is positioned within the tubular member (14) in slightly spaced relationship to at least one of the side walls of the tubular member (14). When the end portion (34) of the corner member (20) is telescopically received within the tubular member (14), a groove is formed to receive a weld bead (22) which secures the two members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kolin J. Kirschenmann, Robert L. McNabb, Gail F. Westendorf
  • Patent number: 5626361
    Abstract: A roll-over protection arrangement is provided which comprises an approximately U-shaped roll-over bar which can be translationally moved upward and back and which, by means of its downwardly directed legs, is guided by means of guiding elements in a housing. By means of the effect of springs, the roll-over bar can be rapidly changed from its inoperative position which projects hardly beyond the vehicle railing into a supporting position which projects clearly upward beyond the vehicle railing. In order to reduce the overall weight of the installed components as well as of the installed ejecting springs, almost all parts of the roll-over protection arrangement, including at least the legs of the roll-over bar and guiding elements therefor are made of extruded profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Lothar Heiner
  • Patent number: 5622382
    Abstract: A rollover bar for a motor vehicle, particularly for a convertible, is disclosed which is made up at several mutually connected frame parts and is fastened on its exterior lower ends on the stationary vehicle body. For creating a rollover bar which, while its function is good, can be manufactured in a simple and low-cost manner, requires minimal mounting space and has a low weight, it is provided that the rollover bar comprises internal-high-pressure-formed frame parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Zepnik, Bodo Homann, Uwe Henn
  • Patent number: 5599033
    Abstract: A convertible bicycle trailer and jogging stroller for two children comprises a frame with a rear axle end for supporting two large diameter wheels and a front fork end removably supporting alternatively a front wheel for use in the stroller mode and a trailer cycle hitch assembly attachable to the frame portion of a cycle for use in the trailer mode. The frame has a rigid plastic molded shell which is conformed into a side-by-side two child holder seat portion with side, rear and front portions for substantially enclosing two children and being fastened to the frame. The side portions are configured as side fenders for covering upper portion of the two large wheels. A removable handle is attachable to the rear portion of the sise fenders for use in the stroller mode. The trailer and stroller combination further includes a roll bar and a protective canopy to add further protection of the children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: TRI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Kolbus, Richard H. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5588694
    Abstract: An arrangement for increasing the buckling strength of windshield pillars of a vehicle, particularly of the very inclined windshield pillars of a convertible, includes a supporting strut which interacts with an activating device. In its deposited position, the strut is aligned approximately horizontally and extends along an upper area of a side vehicle door having an inside door panel. In the event of danger, an end of the strut facing the windshield pillar is moved by an activating device into an operative position along a guide rail to an upper end area of the windshield pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Robert Koehr
  • Patent number: 5586784
    Abstract: A rollover protective structure (ROPS) for use with construction machinery includes a two-post frame having upright posts attached between a base and canopy and cross members attached between the posts. The posts are constructed from a pair of angled post members to define a box-like cross-section for the posts. The posts have rounded interior corners and square interior corners between adjacent sides thereof. Reinforcing members are attached between the adjacent sides and across the rounded interior corners to uniformly stiffen the post. Additionally, reinforcing members are attached between the base and upright posts to reinforce the intersection thereof. The reinforcing members include an upper portion attached between the post and base and a lower portion attached between the upper portion and base. The upper portion and the lower portion are constructed to collapse sequentially to maintain resistance to additional load deformation as the rollover protective structure is deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Mast, Robert L. McNabb, Joseph A. Rapp
  • Patent number: 5582501
    Abstract: An improved, self-propelled fork lift having a variable wheelbase, a tilting and leveraged platform, and a translating fork carriage, all under hydraulic control, to permit load positioning for maximum stability, minimum turning radius, and good tractive force despite a relatively low ratio of vehicle weight to loaded condition. The improved fork lift is towable at highway speeds and is collapsible for mounting beneath the mid section of a semi trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Otto Meyer & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Winfried H. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5564517
    Abstract: A snowmobile conversion frame kit including a frame member arranged for securement to a roll bar, that in turn is secured to an associated snowmobile, such that the frame member includes a steering assembly at its forwardmost end and the steering assembly includes a wheel member at each end of the steering assembly, with each wheel member having a brake system secured thereto, with a swing arm pivotally mounted to a rearwardmost end of the frame member, with the swing arm assembly having an axle mounting a tire member thereto, and a sprocket secured to the axle, such that upon power directed to the sprocket rotation of the rear wheel member is effected effecting motivation of the thusly converted snowmobile, wherein towing of the snowmobile is permitted by employing a coupling assembly arranged for grasping and securing the swing arm assembly, with the tow bar assembly having a coupling for securement to a tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Gary R. Levasseur
  • Patent number: 5531478
    Abstract: A spider web clearing device for clearing spider webs from the path of an all-terrain vehicle. The spider web clearing device includes a flexible elongated member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein one end defines a distal end that is free to flex. A prong member is disposed on the upper end of the elongated member and an attachment assembly is carried by the lower end of the elongated member for mounting the elongated member to the bumper of an ATV. A stop member is carried by a clamp assembly in order to reduce whipping motion induced by impact of branches on the spider web clearing device. The spider web clearing device is mounted on the ATV in a manner that places the elongated member forward of the rider. In one embodiment, a single spider web clearing device is mounted proximate the center of the front bumper. However, in the preferred embodiment, a spider web clearing device is mounted on each end of the bumper or rack at the front of the ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventors: Rocky J. Houston, Clifford L. Houston
  • Patent number: 5529342
    Abstract: A rollover protective structure (ROPS) for use with construction machinery includes a two-post frame having upright posts attached between a base and canopy and cross members attached between the posts. The posts are constructed from a pair of angled post members to define a box-like cross-section for the posts. The posts have rounded interior corners and square interior corners between adjacent sides thereof. Reinforcing members are attached between the adjacent sides and across the rounded interior corners to uniformly stiffen the post. Additionally, reinforcing members are attached between the base and upright posts to reinforce the intersection thereof. The reinforcing members include an upper portion attached between the post and base and a lower portion attached between the upper portion and base. The upper portion and the lower portion are constructed to collapse sequentially to maintain resistance to additional load deformation as the rollover protective structure is deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Mast, Robert L. McNabb, Joseph A. Rapp
  • Patent number: 5509717
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle enclosure for simultaneously shielding a driver and a driver's all-terrain vehicle from adverse weather conditions and terrain hazards comprises a rigid frame having an open central portion for holding a driver and an all-terrain vehicle therein and a peripheral skeletal portion therearound; a rigid skin secured over the skeletal portion of the frame to define a body, the body further having at least one door aperture and at least one window aperture disposed thereon with the door aperture allowing a driver access therein; and a frame coupling mechanism for removably coupling the body over an all-terrain vehicle such that the wheels of the all-terrain vehicle extend from the body and a driver is allowed to mount the all-terrain vehicle contained therein through the door aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Robert L. Martin
  • Patent number: 5503430
    Abstract: A rollover protection system for a working vehicle including a pair of lower props fixed at lower ends thereof to a chassis, a U-shaped upper cross bar pivotally connected to upper ends of the lower props, and connectors disposed between the lower props and the upper cross bar for selectively permitting the upper cross bar to pivot relative to the lower props. The connectors have a pair of right and left engaging members disposed at the upper ends of the lower props, respectively, a pair of right and left engageable members disposed at lower ends of the upper cross bar, respectively, and control handles for selecting between a first state to engage the engaging members and the engageable members, and a second state to disengage the engaging members and the engageable members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Miki, Tsutomu Toiguchi
  • Patent number: 5501297
    Abstract: An overhead guard assembly for a pedestrian-operated industrial lift truck maneuvered by an arcuately shiftable handle and a vertically elongated mast supporting an article lifting implement. The overhead guard assembly has a fixed horizontally disposed structural member and a pivotable horizontally disposed structural member mounted adjacent the upper end of the mast. A vertically extending elongated shaft is connected to the pivotable structural member and is operatively connected to a handle by a drive linkage. The drive linkage rotates the elongated shaft as the handle is arcuately rotated whereby the pivotable structural member rotates in tandem with the handle to provide an overhead barrier above the handle and the operator's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Harold Josephs
    Inventor: Harold Josephs
  • Patent number: 5487564
    Abstract: A fastening device for a deflection fitting of a safety belt arrangement is disclosed for a vehicle with a body which is open at the top. The fastening device includes a hollow tube which extends through a horizontal vehicle partition and, on the one side, is welded in the area of this partition to a transverse member and, on the other side, is welded to a vehicle side member below the partition. The fastening device may be manufactured at low cost and may be inserted in the vehicle body, requires little space and causes an additional stiffening of the rear area of the vehicle body. In a particularly advantageous manner, the free cross-section of the hollow tube is suitable for receiving a rollover protection device which may consist either of a fixedly screwed-in system or of a system which can be selectively moved out. The hollow tube can also receive wind screen support devices and lifting or swivelling mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Fueller, Juergen Kuebler, Herbert Guett, Franz Amaseder
  • Patent number: 5460409
    Abstract: A safety roof liner is disclosed which reduces the possibility of injury to a race car driver during a rollover accident. The safety roof liner comprises a generally rectangular sheet of high strength fabric material with front and rear edges, and opposite side edges. Each of a pair of straps manufactured from a high strength fabric material is attached along one of the opposite side edges and has a front end portion extending beyond the front edge of the sheet and a rear end portion extending beyond the rear edge. A releasable fastener, such as a slide adjuster, is used to fasten the end portions of the straps to the front and rear transverse braces of a roll cage in the race car. The rectangular sheet also has grommets transversely spaced apart along the front and rear edges of the sheet. The grommets are adapted to receive a separate fastening device such as a plastic tie wrap to further secure the safety roof liner to the roll cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Gary R. Conner
  • Patent number: 5427396
    Abstract: A trailer connected to a vehicle to carry an extra load. The trailer has a bracket with flexible arms and a fixative. The flexible arms are adapted to form bearings together with a bicycle rear wheel axle. Because of the flexibility of the flexible arms the bracket can be pivotally connected to the axle of the rear wheel of a two-wheel vehicle without disassembling the vehicle while connecting and disconnecting it. That simplifies and accelerates the process of connecting the trailer to and disconnecting it from the vehicle. A passenger version of the trailer has rigid child chairs with safety belts mounted on the trailer base, and a safety frame, preventing children from getting hurt. The frame is pivotally mounted to the base and can be rotated about 180 degrees until it touches the ground, opening a space for loading and unloading the trailer and having more support points to prevent the trailer from falling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: David R. Gore