Abstract: An operator compartment protecting device (12) for construction vehicles is located to the rear and above an operator compartment (11) on a vehicle body (10) in order to protect the operator compartment (11). The operator compartment protecting device (12) includes: a gate-shaped support (15) including a pair of vertical members (13), and a connecting horizontal member (14) extending between and fixed by welding to a side surface of an upper end portion of one of the pair of vertical members (13) and a side surface of an upper end portion of the other of said pair of vertical members (13); a pair of beam members (16) each fixed by welding to the front surface of the upper end portion of each of the pair of vertical members (13) in such a manner that they are directed in a forward direction, and a ceiling plate (17) placed over and releasably secured, e.g.

Abstract: Cab panel structures and methods for their assembly on an overhead guard of a land vehicle. A metal roof panel can be used alone or with a metal frame windshield panel for a partial enclosure. The metal roof and windshield panels can be used with complimentary fabric panels that afford a full enclosure or with complimentary steel panels that afford a full enclosure of high durability. The metal panels are attached to the overhead guard posts in a unique clamp-on method that avoids the need for direct fastening of the guard and, accordingly, allows rapid installation.

Abstract: A new golf cart enclosure has a top panel (14) with roll cover (5) attachable to a top (13) of a golf cart (4) or other vehicle or structure (32) above an area to be enclosed. Roll-up side panels (1-3 and 37) made of flexible and selectively transparent materials are attachable to the top of the golf cart (4) or structure at a position under the roll cover (5). This allows the roll-up side panels (18) to be rolled up under the roll cover (5) at select sides of the golf cart or structure to protect the transparent panels (1-3 and 37) from sun and other elements. The roll-up side panels in rolled-up condition are then held in a position under the roll cover with straps (20). The roll cover (5) can be positioned on top of the golf cart (4) or structure (32) such that the roll cover (5) has a plurality of edges at a plurality of sides of the golf cart or structure. The roll cover overhangs edges of the golf cart or structure and overlies rolled-up side panels (18) like flexible eaves.

Abstract: A rigid frame and flexible, optionally removable cover for wheeled hunting and recreational vehicles, including balloon tire, three and four wheel vehicles, which frame further includes frame floorboards. The vehicle top can be either removably or permanently attached to the vehicle and the frame includes removable, hinged doors having pivoting, transparent side window panels. In a preferred embodiment the cover is attached to the frame by snap fasteners and the frame is constructed in several segments which are assembled on the wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: A canopy assembly for attaching a rearwardly extending protective rooftop to a motorized golf cart to overlie a substantial distance above the normally unprotected golf bag compartment rearwardly of the cart seating compartment and a protective cover extending over the seating compartment.

Abstract: A combination roll cage and cover removably mounted to all-terrain vehicles providing protection to riders of such vehicles from road hazards, debris and the elements. The apparatus comprises a framework of square steel tubing welded together to form a cage having a front portion and overhead protection over which a weatherproof fabric cover having at least a front mounted window is placeable to form an enclosed cab. The framework is easily attachable to the existing front and rear structures of an all-terrain vehicle so as to cover and enclose the rider's area. The framework is useable with or without the cover for roll over protection and also provides a means to deflect branches and similar hazards away from the rider by virtue of the design of the front portion. At least one embodiment includes a rear mounted carrier rack.

Abstract: A forklift vehicle having a tiltable lift frame on its forward end which can be inclined relative to a horizontal axis located on the front of the vehicle. Spaced vertical support columns located on the rear of the vehicle and a cross member connecting the upper ends of the support columns. A driver cab on the vehicle positioned between the lift frame and the support columns. A protective cover over the driver cab including a support element which is mechanically connected to the lift frame and to a support column.

Abstract: A motorized golf cart having a double wall thermoformed canopy fixedly connected to and supported over a chassis. The canopy has a bottom wall with fastener holes passing therethrough. A frame is provided to support the canopy having a front generally rectangular member and a rear inverted U-shaped member with apertures for passage of bolts therethrough. Blind fasteners are positioned in the bottom wall fastener holes and bolts passed through the frame apertures and into the blind fasteners to securely mount the canopy to the frame.

Abstract: An automobile rigid convertible roof (4) retracts horizontally rearward over the rear part of the upper body. The rear end of the roof is supported by two external elongated struts (12L and 12R) which are permanently attached to the rear corners of the roof at their upper ends and retract with it as a unit. Strut bottom rollers (18) are guided by guides (22) mounted adjacent the vehicle rear deck. The struts (12) are outside of the vehicle cockpit enclosure. The retracted roof is moved horizontally so that the retracted roof panel does not interfere with rear vision from the cockpit and in the retracted position does not use any cockpit or vehicle trunk volume for roof storage.

Abstract: An overhead guard assembly for use on an materials handling vehicle provides the operator with protection against falling objects. The assembly includes first and second frame members supported by the vehicle and positioned on either side of the operator, and a plate member placed between and secured to the frame members over the head of the operator. A plurality of openings are formed in the plate member to provide the operator a clear view upwardly through said overhead guard. The openings in said overhead guard are arranged in rows and a plurality of strengthening ribs are placed in the plate member between the rows and extend from one frame member to the other. The strengthening ribs are formed by reverse bending the plate member to provide a rib surface orientated at an angle of approximately 50.degree. with respect to the horizontal to provide minimum visual obstruction to the operator.

Abstract: A pickup truck camper shell is made of heavy-duty vinyl having fixed clear vinyl windows and zippered opening in rear. The vinyl is sewn to fit a three-piece pipe frame that slides vertically into inserts mounted to the bed of pickup truck. The shell drapes over frame and bottom of shell snaps to perimeter of pickup truck bed. The inserts are made of short pieces of pipe having a larger diameter than pipe of frame and plugged at the bottom. These inserts are mounted to L-shaped brackets that bolt to the inside sides of pickup truck bed. The inserts fasten to the brackets using steel straps. This portable shell is of foldable and knockdown construction for easy handling and storage. The portable pickup truck shell is angled in on all sides, flat on top, and is two-thirds the height of a pickup truck cab. There are two models of the portable camper shell, a roll bar and a non-roll bar model.

Abstract: An end part fixing device for a vehicular hood adapted to be fixed to a main frame at a position corresponding to the end part of the vehicular hood, the end part fixing device including a pair of capturing members of which inner configuration substantially corresponds to the outer configuration of a rod secured to the end part of the vehicular hood to defined a recess between the pair of capturing members so as to allow the end part of the vehicular hood to be fixed to the main frame by engaging the rod with the recess while the pair of capturing members are deformed elastically, wherein a projection member is provided for preventing the rod from being introduced into a hollow space defined between the upper capturing member and a weather strip located in the proximity of the upper capturing member.

Abstract: A mounting bracket arrangement for use in a golf cart so that an optional roof assembly may be readily added to the vehicle, either at the factory or later on in the field without the need for any special tools or equipment other than conventional hand tools. The support bracket in question underlies the cowl and is affixed at its lower ends to a rigid frame element. The opposite end is adapted to be joined to the roof support rails using bolts or other suitable fasteners extending through cylindrical tubular spacers located in the holes drilled through the thickness dimension of the vehicle's cowl.

Abstract: A frame having a substantially L-shaped configuration for supporting a vehicular hood, the frame being provided with holding portions for turnably holding the frame on a vehicular body at both the ends and a fixing portion for fixing the frame to the vehicular body by engaging the fixing portion with a fixing member on the vehicular body at the central part thereof, wherein the frame is provided further with a handle in the vicinity of a bent portion thereof, the handle being connected to two points on the frame so as to allow it to be actuated from the inside of a vehicle. The hood can be opened or closed by pushing or pulling the handle adapted to be actuated from the inside of the vehicle. The handle may be jointed to a frame on the vehicular body side via a band or the like means extending therebetween. Consequently, the hood can be closed in a locked state. Moreover, a suitable quantity of wind can be introduced into the interior of the vehicle by keeping the hold in a half-opened state.

Abstract: An inverted U-shaped band member, having opposite upwardly and inwardly directed pillar portions joined by a central bar portion, has protruding elements that fit through peripheral openings on opposite sides of the rear of a vehicle passenger compartment, to releasably lock the band member in place of a conventional convertible top to give a readily-removable Targa-like, integral roll bar apparatus option. A preferred band member is sectioned with left and right halves aligned by rods in one half that fit into open end tubes in the other. Alignment is assured by inserting the tubing in a unitary structure prior to sectioning the member. A clamp and hook arrangement locks the joined sections together. The sides of the band have hollows for attaching a hubcap-type manufacturer's emblem on the band member.

Abstract: A kit which provides a removable top assembly for a vehicle (e.g., all-terrain vehicles) includes a pair of lateral upright supports adapted to being rigidly fixed to a rear portion of the vehicle, forward and rearward generally U-shaped upright support bows adapted to being removably coupled to the lateral supports, and a forwardly extending, generally horizontal support bow adapted to being removably coupled to an upper region of the forward upright support bow. A fabric top component is connected at its forward edge to the horizontal support bow and at its rearward edge to the rearward upright support bow, the forward support bow serving to support the fabric along a region between its forward and rearward edges. When the top assembly is erected, the forward and rearward upright support bows will be inwardly flexed relative to one another so as to exert a tension force upon the fabric top component (i.e.

Abstract: A roof side sealing mechanism usable for an automotive vehicle of the type having a hood attached thereto, wherein a hood pad is provided inside of the side surface of the hood and a sealer wrap is provided in the interior of the hood, one end of the sealer wrap being secured to the inner surface of the hood at a predetermined position and the other end of the same serving as a free end which is located along a boundary or a gap between the lower end of the side surface of the hood and the upper end of a door sash.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the operator's compartment of a piece of heavy equipment in the event of a cave-in is interchangeable with the standard protective structure normally associated with the equipment for roll-over protection. The apparatus includes a plurality of upright and horizontal frame members for forming an enclosure around the operator's compartment. First and second upright frame members in the rear of the enclosure terminate with brackets which may be detachably coupled to the same brackets which secure the standard roll-over protective structure. The upright frame members are also secured to the floor of the operator's compartment by means of additional brackets. An overhead roof section is coupled to and supported by the upper region of the enclosure. The enclosure is provided with at least one side door and first and second escape hatches all of which are hingedly coupled to the enclosure and open outwardly only. The enclosure, doors and escape hatches are covered with expanded metal.

Abstract: A vehicle top having removable panel sections wherein the panels include a resilient seal which is compressed by an overlapping flap to form a water-resistant seal between the panel and flap to protect the panel zippers. The seal further includes a concave portion which channels the outside elements away from the zippers. In this manner, the sealing arrangement helps to prevent seepage of water and other elements through the zipper into the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle rollguard comprising at least one member of stanchions and struts which are detachably connected. The connections include a necked-down end of one of the interconnecting members and an opening in the other interconnecting member for receiving the necked-down end. The opening in the interconnecting member can be in the sidewall or be an open end. Pairs of opposed aligned apertures in each interconnecting member form a passage for a bolt or other securement means. Securement to a vehicle includes a bracket in the form of a plate having openings for bolting to a vehicle and a pair of upstanding tabs having opposed aligned apertures. Another pair of opposed aligned apertures on the end of the rollguard member to be secured line up with the apertures in the tabs for passage of a bolt or other securement means. A disc of hard plastic overlies the plate and is disposed between the bracket and the end of the rollguard member to be secured.

Abstract: A flexible cover system adapted for enclosing the rear hatch opening of an automobile having an immovable roof structure over the passenger compartment and a hatch frame rearward of the roof structure defining the hatch opening. The hatch opening provides communication between the passenger compartment and the environment outside the automobile. The flexible cover system comprises a flexible water-impermeable sheet dimensioned for covering the hatch. The sheet has a peripheral edge margin. Securements along at least portions of the peripheral edge margin of the sheet are adapted for securing the sheet tautly over the hatch opening and adjacent the hatch frame. The securements are releasable only upon access to a designated portion of the peripheral edge margin.

Abstract: A pickup truck cargo canopy assembly which is enclosed and provides complete protection from weather, theft and vandalism in the cargo area is described. The cargo canopy assembly is divided into two separate sections. The front canopy section which is mounted permanently to the truck bed sidewalls and frontwall is provided with an opening behind the pickup truck cab window and a functional window on each side. The rear canopy section which is unitarily manufactured is attached to the front section and the truck bed sidewalls by clamps that may be detached by removing a pin holding the two parts of the clamp together. This provides a removable rear section that may be stored when an open truck bed is desired. A hinged rear window assembly is attached to the rear edge of the top of the rear canopy section that also contains a latch and lock to provide a secure cargo area.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a removable camper shell apparatus for covering the bed of a pick up truck. The camper shell apparatus consists of a generally rectangular frame made of a plurality of interconnected tubular pipe members having a plurality of biasing members extending downwardly thereform. Biasing members removably couple and secure the frame to the walls of the bed of a pick up truck. A canvas, nylon or other weather-proof cover is provided and configured to fit over the frame. A continuous cord is disposed along the lower perimeter of the cover and attaches to the body of the truck by a series of hooks or removable securing devices.

Abstract: A shield apparatus for mounting on a motorcycle or the like which includes a front strut, a rear strut, a top cover and two bracket plates. The shield apparatus is mounted on the front handle members and the rear portion of the motorcycle so that the top cover thereof can be functioned to minimize the effects of windage and adverse weather conditions during motorcycle runs.

Abstract: A canopy for use with an open vehicle to protect the driver and/or occupants of the vehicle from sun rays, etc. The canopy includes a plurality of base members attached to the vehicle at spaced locations thereon; a portable, rigid, transparent shield member for covering at least a portion of the vehicle, the shield member including a body member and including a plurality of head members attached to the body member at spaced locations thereon; and a plurality of elongated post members removably attaching the shield member to the base members, each of the post members having a lower end removably attached to a respective one of the base members and having an upper end removably attached to a respective one of the head members.

Abstract: A fabric cab for a work vehicle affording excellent visibility through extensive window areas, and high functional utilization of materials without significant material waste in its fabrication. Faces of the cab are fabricated by joining separate fabric strips together and to window elements at the corners and margins of the cab. Side faces of the cab include flexible roll up doors removably attached to the cab for repair or replacement. Side sections of the cab are fitted with fasteners that allow the cab to be knocked down for storage and shipment by folding it on regular corners.

Abstract: A rear exterior extension for the cab of a pickup truck. The cab extension is formed by a pair of parallel upstanding side members and a horizontal top cover which is joined to the top ends of the side members. A streamlined appearance is provided by left, right inward extending male mounting portions of the side members which are recessed so that the top cover is fitted about the male portions and aligns with the side members. The side members are mounted to the truck bed rails by mounting brackets which are connected to and enclosed within the side members, and which include vertical fasteners which extend downward through the mounting brackets and top edges of the cargo bed walls.

Abstract: A windshield wiper drive system for an industrial lift truck cab which affords a high degree of forward visibility, ease of construction and assembly, and simple operation. The system includes a centrally mounted pivot shaft coupled by a connecting link to a laterally offset gear motor drive. The gear motor drive is a right-angle unit that is mounted in a manner which substantially eliminates obstruction of the operator's view as bounded by the front of the cab structure.

Abstract: A protective bar assembly for a motorcycle comprising a side bar assembly that extends along the side of the motorcycle and operator and a vertical, U-shaped roll bar that extends upwardly from the side bars to a point above the operator. The side bars are mounted on transverse front and rear bars mounted on the frame, with the rear bar being mounted behind the seat and above the rear wheel. A vertically movable headrest is mounted on the roll bar and a storage container is removably mounted on the back of the roll bar.

Abstract: An improved roll-over protection system for a tractor of the type having a three-point hitch with a hydraulic power lift. A roll-over protection structure is movable between retracted and erect positions and the hydraulic lift of the hitch apparatus is linked to the roll-over protection structure to raise and lower it. The link is either detachable when the structure is in place or has a slotted section allowing the hitch to be lifted without detachment of the link from the roll-over protection structure.

Abstract: A light motor vehicle comprising a wind shield disposed in front of a driver's seat, a roof stay standing behind the driver's seat, a set of fittings for defining a cabin, the fittings including a roof member attachable to and detachable from between the upper end of the wind shield and the upper end of the roof stay, and an accommodation space for accommodating the fittings.

Abstract: A fully enclosed protective cab for an industrial lift truck affording a high degree of visibility and including a rear face with a retractable panel section adapted to permit engine cover movement for access to the truck engine. The retractable rear panel section is arranged to slide in its plane between extended and retracted operational positions, thereby taking up minimum space, and is transparent to afford a clear rearward view in both of its operational positions.

Abstract: A security cover for placement upon the bed of a truck including a mounting frame having front and rear frame members interconnected by a pair of side frame members and means for securing the mounting frame on the bed of the truck, a plurality of arch members each connected to one end to one of the side frame members and connected at the other end to the other of the side frame members. A front one of the arch members is positioned above the front frame member. A plurality of covers are each hinge-mounted to a respective one of the arch members are included with each cover overlying the area confined by the side frame members, a respective hinge-mounted arch member and an adjacent one of the arch member. A rear one of the covers overlies the area defined by the side frame members, a respective hinge-mounted arch members and the rear frame member. Also included are means associated with each one of the covers for locking each cover in a closed position so as to prohibit entry into the truck bed.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for the conversion of the hardtop vehicles to removable top vehicles is disclosed. The conversion includes the severing of a portion of the hardtop and the attachment of a roof cap member to the removable top. The cap includes a cantilevered forward section adapted to seal and conceal the juncture of the top leading edge and vehicle header. A roof stiffener secures the leading edge of the severed roof top to the roof cap. Novel transition seal pairs and an elongated header seal are provided to seal the juncture of the vehicle header and the leading edge of the removable roof. Mating upper and lower caps are secured to the rear severed edges of the vehicle and hardtop. Latches are provided to secure the hardtop in position and are adapted to include positioning adjustments to properly fit the hardtop to the vehicles.Other features and improvements are disclosed.

Abstract: An overhead guard is provided for counterweighted lift trucks of different lengths. The overhead guard has a top portion supported at its front end by a pair of laterally spaced front legs extending downwardly to attaching points on the front of the truck and the top portion is supported at its rear end by adjustably positioned laterally spaced rear posts. The top of the rear posts may be attached to different longitudinally spaced points on the upper portion of the guard and the bottom of the rear posts are attachable to support posts on the counterweight which is at different longitudinal positions on different length trucks.

Abstract: A vehicle having an elongated passenger compartment with a floor, a forward end, a rearward end, and opposite side walls terminating in an open top portion between the upper edges of the side walls is provided with an auxiliary canopy or topper unit so as to increase the vertical height within the passenger compartment and to increase the length of the passenger compartment. The canopy includes side wall portions, a roof portion and forward and rearward ends. The side wall portions of the canopy are secured at their lower edges to the approximate midpoint of the side walls of the vehicle to create a double wall portion with an air space therein. The canopy also includes a plurality of roll bars and at least one window therein.

Abstract: A convertible cover for bicyclic-type vehicles, including a motorcycle and bicycle, which protects the rider from the elements. The cover can be raised or lowered to suit the rider. The main support members of the cover are flexible rods attached to and extending from the rear of the vehicle over to the front steering means of the device, and releasing the rods from the front end of the vehicle and lowering the cover allows the use of the vehicle without a cover.

Abstract: A carriage assembly of the type designed to concurrently carry one occupant in each of two seat assemblies movably positioned and supported on the frame of the carriage in a manner such that both of the seat assemblies may be positioned to face in opposite directions either toward the front or rear of the carriage assembly. The entire frame assembly is supported on wheel means which supports the carriage assembly over the surface which it travels. The frame assembly is further structured to be collapsed into an inoperative position for storage.

Abstract: A roll bar of the type used on motor vehicles, and particularly off-road vehicles, is provided which incorporates a neon light in a central portion of the overhead crossbar, which serves the purpose of producing an illumination which is visible to other vehicles to locate the vehicle, particularly in dense fog.

Abstract: A protective cab (31) for the operator of a walk-behind tractor such as a snowthrower (11) is enclosed on its front and lateral sides by large window panels (51, 52, 53) of transparent plastic material extending between a top (32) and a bottom shroud (101). A pair of frames (56, 57) interconnect the top (32), the panels (51, 52, 53) and the shroud (101) and together with a pair of braces (121, 122) connect the cab to the handlebars (17, 18) and handlebar support (16). A transverse trough (34) minimizes flow of water over the rear edge of the roof (32) thus enhancing the comfort of the operator. The shroud (101) protects the operator against upwardly swirling winds and provides pocket means useful for temporarily storing personal items.

Abstract: A power operated vehicle includes a body which is preferably mounted to three wheels and which includes a vertical transverse roll bar extending from one side of the body to the other with a longitudinal roll bar extending vertically from the back of the body to the transverse roll bar and with a seat spring mounted from the roll bars.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle such as a narrow-aisle lift truck has a canopy that extends above the operator's compartment of the vehicle. A pair of elongated vertical posts are mounted to the rear of the canopy at spaced-apart positions. Each of the middle sections of the posts is offset relative to the end portion of the posts. The posts are capable of being mounted to the vehicle so that the distance between the middle sections thereof is either less than the distance between the pairs of respective ends of the posts or greater than the distance.

Abstract: A deflectable support for a protective frame on a tractor to absorb shock loading on the frame and prevent excessive damage to the frame and provide a secondary support for the protective frame to prevent damage to the frame or injury to the operator.

Abstract: This invention provides an impact-absorbing canopy for a vehicle. The canopy includes the following: (1) a main section having supports extending over the operating station, with first and second longitudinally-spaced pivots mounted to the supports; (2) an impact section having first and second pivot arms pivotally mounted to and extending laterally from the first and second pivots, respectively, the first and second pivot arms including first and second pivotal cover mounts, respectively; and (3) an impact section cover plate pivotally mounted to the first and second pivotal cover mounts, positioned above in concealing relation with the first and second pivot arms and the first and second pivots so that the impact section cover plate is mounted to pivot in a fore-and-aft direction.

Abstract: A roll bar for vehicles, especially motor vehicles, comprises two vertical segments mounted on opposite sides of the body which are connected together by at least one cross member. Each segment comprises, according to a preferred embodiment, two elements of the same profile which withstand deformations that increase the section modulus, said elements being formed by roll sections assembled to form a hollow member and connected to one another by welding, gluing, or the like. According to a particularly advantageous arrangement, each segment, as viewed in cross section, comprises two tubular structures that are joined to a common rib.

Abstract: The vehicle of this invention is a skid-steer type having a pair of boom arms pivotally mounted thereon and extending forwardly therefrom. An animal carcass handling bucket is pivotally mounted on the forward end of the lift arms and is adapted to receive a pair of beef quarters or the like therein and to support the same in an upright position. The vehicle includes a propane tank at the upper rearward end thereof which has a guard extending therearound to prevent the propane tank from coming into contact with hanging meat. A rollover protection structure is also provided on the vehicle and a guard is secured to the upper end thereof for preventing the structure from coming into contact with hanging meat. The vehicle is ideally suited to handle two quarters of beef or the like at one time, transporting them from meat rails and loading them into refrigerated trailers or the like.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle includes a vehicle body having a forwardly facing operator's compartment or cab. The vehicle is provided with a front end implement which is controlled by vertically swingable lift arms that extend along the sides of the operator's compartment. A pair of safety gates are pivotally mounted on the front portion of the vehicle body and prevent an operator from being thrown from the operator's compartment when the gates are in the closed position. The gates also obstruct vertical movement of the lift arms when the gates are in the open position.

Abstract: An overhead guard for a lift truck or the like being adjustable in height between an extended position for maximum operator convenience in normal use and a retracted position for use in areas of restricted overhead clearance. Full protection from falling overhead objects is afforded by the guard in both of its positions and counterbalancing means is provided to facilitate manual adjustment of the guard between its positions.

Abstract: In combination with a land vehicle such as a pick-up truck in which the bed portion of the truck is to optionally include a camper shell. Attached to the truck body is a roll bar assembly which is located within the load carrying bed of the truck directly adjacent the cab of the truck. The portion of the camper shell located directly adjacent the cab of the truck to be recessed in order to accommodate the roll bar assembly.

Abstract: A protective bar assembly for a motorcycle comprising a side bar assembly that extends along the side of the motorcycle and operator and a vertical, U-shaped roll bar that extends upwardly from the side bars to a point above the operator. The side bars are mounted on transverse front and rear bars mounted on the frame, with the rear bar being mounted behind the seat and above the rear wheel. A vertically movable headrest is mounted on the roll bar and a storage container is removably mounted on the back of the roll bar.