Operator's Cab Patents (Class 296/190.01)
  • Patent number: 8240745
    Abstract: In a construction machine wherein a cab is mounted on an upper frame of an upper rotating body through an anti-vibration mount, a guard member for protecting the cab in the event of a roll over of the construction machine is mounted so as to extend from a front face portion to a ceiling of the cab, and a lower end of a front portion of the guard member which front portion covers the front face portion of the cab is fixed to a front end portion of the upper frame by a fixing mechanism which permits movement of the cab created in both vertical and horizontal directions by the anti-vibration mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Yamamoto, Kazuaki Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Murakami
  • Patent number: 8226155
    Abstract: Disclosed are work machine vehicles having an adjustable seatbar assembly in the operator protective structure. The adjustable seatbar assembly is suspended from a seat in the operator protective structure. Vehicle controls are integrated with the adjustable seatbar assembly such that the vehicle controls and the operator sitting on the seat are maintained at constant relative positions with respect to each other even as the work machine vehicle moves over rough terrain and the seat moves up and down on a seat suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Aaron G. Hill, Jeremy W. Ekren
  • Publication number: 20120153671
    Abstract: A method for indicating traction slip is disclosed. The method includes sensing traction slip of at least one driven traction device of a machine and selectively activating at least one indicator in a repeating pattern indicative of the sensed traction slip of the at least one driven traction device. The at least one indicator includes at least one of a visual indicator, an audible indicator, or a vibratory indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis D. Wetterich, Rafal Myslak
  • Patent number: 8172312
    Abstract: An excavator cab is configured to have an improved field of view for three passengers. Seating is provided for an operator, a trainer, and an trainee. Persons seated in those three seats have substantially similar lines of sight. The excavator cab is arranged such that the operator seat and the trainer seat face a front observation window. The trainee seat is mounted behind the operator seat and is retractable. The points of egress and aisle are wide enough to accommodate a stretcher or a litter in case of an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Lane C. Hobenshield, Steven Michael Casey, Mark D. Londborg, Russell J. Kroll
  • Patent number: 8162386
    Abstract: A cab for a construction machine includes hinges that swingably mount the door to the wall. Each of the hinges includes a first member secured to a first cut-out portion of the wall, a second member secured to a second cut-out portion of the door, an interposed member interposed between the first and second members, and first and second pivot shafts pivotally respectively coupling the first and second members to the interposed member. The cab further includes first and second stoppers that regulate first and second angles of the interposed member with respect to the first and second members, respectively, and a bolt member arranged in the second stopper to move in its axial direction to adjust the second angle. An imaginary surface corresponding to an outermost part of each of the hinges is substantially coplanar with exterior surfaces of the wall and the door, when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihide Namura, Hirokazu Sugimoto, Koudou Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8157042
    Abstract: A working vehicle with a cabin in which, to lift a cabin upward, a lift arm of a hydraulic lifting mechanism can be easily connected to a cabin. The working vehicle has a travel body having an engine mounted on it, the cabin having an operation seat for an operator, a steering wheel, etc., a link mechanism for connecting a working section to the travel body, the hydraulic lifting mechanism for lifting the working section connected to the link mechanism off the ground, and a lifting rod for detachably connecting the lifting arm of the hydraulic lifting mechanism and the link mechanism. A cabin support body is placed at the lower end of the front of the cabin. The hydraulic lifting mechanism is placed below the rear of the cabin. The upper face side of the hydraulic lifting mechanism is opened by rotating the cabin about the cabin support body. The working vehicle has a projection body engaging the cabin from below, and the projection body is detachably connected to the lifting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Katsumi Fujiki
  • Patent number: 8157317
    Abstract: A cab body structure includes a cab front panel 10a, a cab rear panel, a pair of cab side panels 20, and a front window 50a. The pair of cab side panels 20 is arranged almost parallel to each other when width of the cab front panel 10a in the vehicle width direction and width of the cab rear panel in the vehicle width direction are set approximately equal, and arranged slanting on the outer side towards the rear along the vehicle width when width of the cab rear panel in the vehicle width direction is set greater than width of the cab front panel in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Taku Orii
  • Publication number: 20120011819
    Abstract: In an example embodiment a header includes a lean bar having a position that is adjustable. A controller may be configured to change position of the lean bar. The lean bar position may be manipulated in response to a characteristic of crop material to be processed. In one example embodiment a control panel is provided in a cab of a vehicle to allow an operator to remotely manipulate the position of the lean bar. A control panel may be provided to allow an operator to manipulate the lean bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian D. Olander, Martin E. Pruitt
  • Patent number: 8091954
    Abstract: Mounting apparatus (10) for mounting a cab (12) to a chassis (14) on a utility vehicle at one of a plurality of mounting points. The mounting apparatus comprise a first member (15) being associated with the cab and a second member (16) being associated with the chassis. The members (15, 16) each have a mutually cooperating major surface which supports a portion of the weight of the cab (12). The weight is supported over a majority of the major surface thus avoiding localized stresses. The members further include engaging projections (25, 16) disposed on their major surfaces which can be engaged to restrict relative movement in a plane substantially parallel to the major surfaces. The members can be attached to the chassis (14) and the cab (12) at an early stage in the assembly, thereby allowing a saving in time and thus assembly costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: AGCO SA
    Inventors: Laurent Blin, Sebastian Brohy
  • Publication number: 20110298241
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin, a high voltage traction battery, an electric motor powered by the traction battery, and a charger connected to the traction battery. The charger converts alternating current (AC) to high voltage direct current (DC) to charge the traction battery when the charger is plugged into an alternating current (AC) power supply. A forced air system includes an air inlet duct, a first air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the outside of the cabin, a second air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the inside of the cabin, a fan, and a valve for controlling air flow through the first and second air outlet ducts. The forced air system is arranged such that forced air flows through the air inlet duct, removes heat from the charger, and flows through at least one of the first and second air outlet ducts to assist with vehicle preconditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Howard Varns, Marc Jonathon Lucas, Christopher Adam Ochocinski
  • Patent number: 8052200
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a protection system for a vehicle cab. The protection system includes a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is disposed between a floor of the vehicle cab and a vehicle tire. The second structure of the protection system is disposed between the first structure and the cab floor. Further, the second structure includes a non-metallic laminate and an air gap disposed between the first structure and the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Bharani, Shailendra Singh
  • Patent number: 8038202
    Abstract: An operator's section construction for a work vehicle includes an operating device mounted on a vehicle body, a driver's seat mounted on the operating deck, a first operating device provided on one of right and left sides of the operating deck and a second operating device provided on the other of the right and left sides of the operating deck. On an upper face of the operating deck, there are formed a mounting portion for the driver's seat, a mounting portion for the first operating device, and a mounting portion for the second operating device; the driver's seat, the first operating device and the second operating devices being mounted on the respective mounting portions independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Ueda, Takehiro Sakai
  • Publication number: 20110240250
    Abstract: The invention is to provide a four wheeled vehicle capable of preventing mud, sand, water or other foreign substances which are splashed by front wheels from coming into an air cleaner with a simple structure and also shortening an air-intake route. In the four wheeled vehicle, an air-intake apparatus includes an air-intake duct connected to an air-intake portion of an engine, the air-intake duct extending forward in a cabin, and an air cleaner provided in an upstream air-intake portion of the air-intake duct, and an air taking portion of the air cleaner opens in the dashboard. The air-intake duct is arranged at a higher position relative to a floor face of the cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Shinjiro AZUMA
  • Publication number: 20110227315
    Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: HEARTLAND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Rhymer, Douglas M. Lantz, Scott J. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8016345
    Abstract: An operator cab for a skid steer vehicle is equipped with an inwardly folding front access door that can be locked in either a fully closed position or a fully open position. A pair of over-centered cylinders assists with closing and opening of the front access door. A lever, located in the operator cab, may be used to unlock the door from either its fully open position or its fully closed position. The skid steer vehicle may be operated effectively when the front access door is locked in the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Gehl Company
    Inventors: Aaron Goddard, Marvin Joray, Robert Claas, Curtiss M. Lee, Anthony Saiia
  • Publication number: 20110215613
    Abstract: A working machine (10) includes a body (11) having a front end (12) and a rear end (13), the body being provided with a ground engaging propulsion structure (15) whereby the machine (10) may be driven over the ground, a loading arm assembly (25) which includes a single loading arm (26) which is mounted at one end (26a) relative to the body (11) and which extends forwardly at towards one side of the body (11), beyond the front end (12) of the body (11), to a second end (26b) where there is a mounting for a working implement (35) the machine (10) further including an operator's cab (50) mounted on the body (11) towards a second side of the body (1)) opposite to the first side where the arm (26) extends, and at the front end (12) of the body (11) so that no part of the body (11) extends significantly forwardly of the cab (50), and wherein the cab (50) includes a cab roof (58), a cab floor (60), a front wall (52), a rear wall (59) and a first side wall (53) adjacent to the loading arm assembly (25), and a side (5
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: J.C. BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Gary Major, Martyn L. Molsom
  • Publication number: 20110181074
    Abstract: A cab for a construction machine includes hinges that swingably mount the door to the wall. Each of the hinges includes a first member secured to a first cut-out portion of the wall, a second member secured to a second cut-out portion of the door, an interposed member interposed between the first and second members, and first and second pivot shafts pivotally respectively coupling the first and second members to the interposed member. The cab further includes first and second stoppers that regulate first and second angles of the interposed member with respect to the first and second members, respectively, and a bolt member arranged in the second stopper to move in its axial direction to adjust the second angle. An imaginary surface corresponding to an outermost part of each of the hinges is substantially coplanar with exterior surfaces of the wall and the door, when the door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Akihide Namura, Hirokazu Sugimoto, Koudou Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20110140399
    Abstract: A vehicle cabin having a vehicle seat is provided and the vehicle seat is aligned in a frontal direction. An instrument panel extends on the front side toward the vehicle seat and forms a foot well in the perpendicular projection onto a projection plane that is defined by a vehicle floor or sections thereof. A leg space extends between the foot well and the vehicle seat, and an airbag system is provided that is integrated at least in sections in the instrument panel and which has a prebag and an airbag. In the inflated state, the airbag is supported on the prebag. In the projection plane, the leg space in the frontal direction is at least twice as long, preferably at least three times as long as the foot well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Klaus KUHLMANN
  • Patent number: 7950492
    Abstract: An operator's station for a machine having at least two stations comprises a seat mounted to swivel between at least a first position and a second position, at least first and second windshield portions disposed generally opposed or at an angle to one another and generally corresponding to the first and second positions, and at least first and second windshield wipers movably mounted to selectively sweep the first and second windshield portions, respectively. At least one control device selectively renders the first windshield wiper selectively operable when the seat is disposed in the first position and inoperable when the seat is disposed in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.
    Inventor: Chad K. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 7938478
    Abstract: A rear limiting mechanism (35) for limiting a moving range in a vertical direction, a front-rear direction and a lateral direction of the cab frame (24) is arranged immediately below a rear pillar (30) of the cab frame, between the vehicle body frame (21) and both right and left end portions of the higher portion of the cab frame (24). The rear limiting mechanism (35) includes a limitation member (36), limiting members (37, 38) and a limiting pin (40). Gaps (S1a, S1b) are provided between the limiting pin (40) and the limitation member (36), gaps (S2a, S2b) are provided between the limitation member (36), and the front limiting member (37) and the rear limiting member (38). Gaps (S3a, S3b) are provided between the limiting pin (40) and the limitation member (36). A movement of the cab frame (24) is limited within the ranges of the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kamimae
  • Patent number: 7887124
    Abstract: A cab structure unit includes front-left and front-right pole members, a rear-left and rear-right pole members. The pole members include a pipe member that is bent in a substantially L shape. The pole members include a straight pipe member. The rear end of a beam portion of the pole member and the upper end of the pole member arranged on the left side surface side of the cab that includes an arc part formed along the revolution circle of revolving unit are arranged at deviated positions from each other. The rear end of the beam portion of the pole member and the upper end of the pole member arranged at deviated positions from each other are joined to each other by the rear beam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20110017537
    Abstract: There is provided a working vehicle designed such that, even in a smaller machine type, a fuel tank is easily attached or detached, overall configuration is not costly, an operating space can be increased, interior comfort is improved, and in addition, a width dimension of an opening for entry to or exit from a cabin is sufficiently secured, and satisfactory maintenance is ensured. The working vehicle comprises a cabin C which has a rear wall surface Cf having a circular arc shape formed around a rotation shaft sa of an upper rotation body 3. A planar shape formed by integrating a revolving frame R serving as a base of the upper rotation body 3, and a counterweight w fixed to the revolving frame R, is substantially the same as a planar shape of the cabin C, as viewed from above. A fuel tank having a shape along internal wall surfaces of the counterweight w is fixed to the counterweight w via pressing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Takenobu Andou, Katsumi Yokoo, Shinichi Itou
  • Publication number: 20110018310
    Abstract: A front panel mounting structure 1 is formed of a front body 2 including two pins each having a locking portion and a clip member, and a front panel 30 including two fasteners each having an engaging portion and a flange portion. In a mounted state where the front panel 30 occludes an opening 3, the clip member engages with the flange portion while the pins respectively engage with the fasteners. In the mounted state, the locking portions engage with the engaging portions to restrict movement of the front panel 30 downward and in the vehicle-width direction. Moreover, the clip member sandwiches the flange portion in a longitudinal direction to restrict movement of the front panel 30 in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventor: Hirokazu Tomimatsu
  • Patent number: 7871117
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a main body, a seat deck assembly including an operator seat, and structure for movably mounting the seat deck assembly to the main body. The seat deck assembly moves relative to the main body along a varying radius path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan R. Berger, Michael P. Gallagher, John P. Jones, Thornton K. Lothrop, Donald E. Luebrecht, Rainer B. Teufel, Juergen Buchmann, Edgar Wahnemuehl
  • Publication number: 20110001335
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a set of wheels supported on the frame to allow the materials handling vehicle to move across a floor surface; a rider compartment located within the frame for receiving an operator; and an operator support assembly. The operator support assembly comprises a suspended floorboard upon which the operator may stand when located within the rider compartment and an energy absorbing structure coupled to the frame and the suspended floorboard for absorbing and dissipating at least a portion of energy resulting from disturbances encountered by the vehicle as it moves across the floor surface prior to the energy portion reaching the operator standing on the suspended floorboard, the energy absorbing structure including a damping element comprising a valve for effecting a damping function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: William C. Jones, JR., Brian M. Lambert, Gary J. May
  • Publication number: 20100327627
    Abstract: A support structure for a vehicle instrument panel frame may be made by: extruding a part having a cross-section that is closed and hollow along a portion of its length; and, forming the part to alter the shape of the cross-section at one or more points along the longitudinal axis of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Anthony Leanza, Christos Agouridis, JR., Takashi Nakano
  • Patent number: 7823961
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a set of wheels supported on the frame to allow the materials handling vehicle to move across a floor surface; a rider compartment located within the frame for receiving an operator; and an operator support assembly. The operator support assembly comprises a suspended floorboard upon which the operator may stand when located within the rider compartment and an energy absorbing structure coupled to the frame and the suspended floorboard for absorbing and dissipating at least a portion of energy resulting from disturbances encountered by the vehicle as it moves across the floor surface prior to the energy portion reaching the operator standing on the suspended floorboard, the energy absorbing structure including a damping element for effecting a dampening function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis H. Manci, Brian M. Lambert, James F. Schloemer, Gary J. May, George R. Wetterer, Eugene G. Bruns
  • Patent number: 7826934
    Abstract: A theft and tamper resistant vehicle interior is disclosed. The front compartment of the vehicle interior has a concealed mode and an operating mode. During the concealed mode, multiple components, including a display region, a gear shifter, a center armrest, a side armrest, and a central control module may be completely or partially hidden from view. During the operating mode, each of these components may be revealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Schowalter
  • Publication number: 20100253115
    Abstract: A vehicle with a cabin comprises a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels; a cabin bracket supported by the vehicle body; an elastic member for supporting the cabin, disposed between the cabin and the cabin bracket; and a weight member attached to a plate-shaped member of the cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Tomofumi Fukunaga, Yutaka Kitano, Kenichi Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20100187859
    Abstract: Disclosed are work machine vehicles having an adjustable seatbar assembly in the operator protective structure. The adjustable seatbar assembly is suspended from a seat in the operator protective structure. Vehicle controls are integrated with the adjustable seatbar assembly such that the vehicle controls and the operator sitting on the seat are maintained at constant relative positions with respect to each other even as the work machine vehicle moves over rough terrain and the seat moves up and down on a seat suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron G. Hill, Jeremy W. Ekren
  • Publication number: 20100187858
    Abstract: Disclosed are work machine vehicles having an operator protective structure with a seat mounted in the operator protective structure. In disclosed embodiments, first and second adjustable armrest assemblies are mounted to a structure of the seat such that the first and second armrest assemblies can be adjusted in fore and aft directions relative to a seatback of the seat. Vehicle controls are integrated with the first and second adjustable armrest assemblies such that adjustment of the first and second adjustable armrest assemblies adjusts positions of the vehicle controls relative to an operator sitting on the seat. After adjustment, the vehicle controls and the operator sitting on the seat are maintained at constant relative positions with respect to each other even as the work machine vehicle moves over rough terrain and the seat moves up and down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeremy W. Ekren, Aaron G. Hill, Joshua F. Maus, Lance S. Tuhy, Rodney Koch, Jason J. Asche
  • Patent number: 7757798
    Abstract: Fork lift truck comprising a drive unit and a load unit which may be raised and lowered relative to the drive unit, the drive unit having a fixed operator's platform which may be accessed via a rear entrance, from where steering, controlling the drive motor and actuating the load unit may be operated, the operator's platform being defined by side walls and being fastened to the frame of the drive unit, on the frame a lower wall portion of the side walls being configured, which is formed integrally with the frame or is welded to the frame and an upper wall portion is formed with its lower edge which is complementary to the upper edge of the lower wall portion and may be releasably connected by means of screw connections to the frame and/or the lower wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karlheinz Niemeier
  • Publication number: 20100140967
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, with a driver's cab (2) which has a driver's cab floor (4). In order to improve occupant protection, the driver's cab floor (4) has, in the front region (3) of the motor vehicle, at least one receiving space (14) for at least one crash element (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Mario List
  • Publication number: 20100109380
    Abstract: An operator's station for a machine having at least two stations comprises a seat mounted to swivel between at least a first position and a second position, at least first and second windshield portions disposed generally opposed or at an angle to one another and generally corresponding to the first and second positions, and at least first and second windshield wipers movably mounted to selectively sweep the first and second windshield portions, respectively. At least one control device selectively renders the first windshield wiper selectively operable when the seat is disposed in the first position and inoperable when the seat is disposed in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.
    Inventor: Chad K. Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20100102594
    Abstract: A seat support platform (17) is provided on a floor panel (13) of a floor member (12) of a cab (11). An air conditioner unit (25) is installed internally of the seat support platform (17). An under floor duct (27) is provided on the lower side surface (13C) of the floor panel (13) to form an external air induction passage (30) to guide external air from outside of the cab (11) toward an external air intake port (25H) of the air conditioner unit (25). Under floor duct (27) can be provided integrally with the floor member (12) without protrusion to the lower side, and the under floor duct (27) can supply cool external air into the cab (11). Even in the case of a small size hydraulic excavator, the under floor duct (27) can be provided integrally on the floor member (12) to secure broader space in the cab (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shogo Kimura, Hajime Ishii, Hiroshi Tabeta
  • Publication number: 20100102593
    Abstract: An interior fitting for a motor vehicle is equipped with a bunk and a seat. An element that can be moved into two different operating positions is provided. In a first operating position, the element extends the bunk, while, in the second operating position, the element forms a table for the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Jochen BISINGER, Dieter RECKELS, Holger SCHLEIFE, Kai SIEBER
  • Publication number: 20100060032
    Abstract: A cab-side cover 10 is fixed to a cab 1, and a chassis-side cover 13 is fixed to a side member 2. A rear edge portion 7a of a tilt stay 7 is located between a front tire 5 and the side member 2 while the cab 1 is in a non-tilted state. The cab-side cover 10 includes a cab-side front cover portion 12, and the chassis-side cover 13 includes a chassis-side front cover portion 15. The cab-side front cover portion 12 is located at the outer side, in the vehicle-width direction, of the tilt stay 7 and extends further forward than the rear edge portion 7a of the tilt stay 7 while the cab 1 is in the non-tilted state. The chassis-side front cover portion 15 is located at the inner side, in the vehicle-width direction, of the tilt stay 7 and extends further forward and downward than the front lower edge of the cab-side front cover portion 12 while the cab 1 is in the non-tilted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Tatsuya Tomizawa, Naoko Saji, Kenji Fujimori
  • Publication number: 20100059953
    Abstract: Method is provided for after market conversion of a 4×4 vehicle produced by a manufacturer into a high mobility vehicle having increased maneuverability and on-road and/or off-road capability, relative to the 4×4 vehicle. The 4×4 vehicle has a chassis with a frame, front axle and rear axle, said chassis having a standard wheelbase. The method includes dismounting at least one of the front axle or rear axle from the frame; shortening said frame; and mounting the dismounted axle to the shortened frame so as to obtain a shortened chassis having a shortened wheelbase which is shorter than any standard wheelbase of the line of models produced by the manufacturer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: PLASAN SASA LTD.
    Inventors: Yakov Ben-Ari, Tal Dai
  • Patent number: 7673931
    Abstract: The invention relates to a working vehicle which can improve a workability of a maintenance, inspection and the like with respect to a portion around an engine, and can tilt up a rear hood together with a tilt-up floor. An upper side of an engine (not shown) can be covered in a rear end portion side of a floor (35). A hinge mechanism (38) is arranged between a front end portion of the floor (35) and a rev-frame (25), and the floor (35) can be tilted up via the hinge mechanism (38). A rear hood (32) is coupled by hinge to a first support column (15) of a mounting bracket (4) supporting the floor (35), and is structured so as to be freely opened and closed. It is possible to tilt up the floor (35) in a state of attaching the rear hood (32), by canceling a fixed state of the mounting bracket (4) to a supporting and fixing member such as a counter weight (2) or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Takano, Takeshi Endo
  • Publication number: 20100007175
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes an interior cargo area having an interior wall, a track and a cargo accessory. The track is fixedly attached to the interior wall. The track also includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wall portions defining a track slot therebetween. The cargo accessory includes a cargo supporting portion and an attachment portion connected to one another in a non-threaded manner. The cargo supporting portion is operable to attach the attachment portion to the spaced apart wall portions of the track retaining the cargo accessory in position in a tool-less manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Brenna MAYER, Tomohito HASHIKAWA
  • Patent number: 7607721
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame and an operator cab. At least one mounting assembly releasably mounts the cab to the frame. The mounting assembly is operable between a coupled position such that the cab is mounted on the frame, and an uncoupled position such that the cab is permitted to be moved relative to the frame. At least one hinge assembly releasably pivotally connects to the frame and the cab. The hinge assembly is operable between a connected position such that the cab is pivotally connected to the frame, and an unconnected position such that the cab is pivotally unconnected to the frame. The hinge assembly cannot be placed in the connected position when the mounting assembly is in the coupled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Ian P. Goggins, Alan R. Connor, Michael S. Sekulich
  • Publication number: 20090250970
    Abstract: A cab for a tractor vehicle is provided with side spoilers that form extensions of the side walls of the cab in a backward direction and that can pivot between a backward-directed position and a sideways-directed position in order to give access to the chassis space behind the cab. A step arrangement is mounted on the inside of one side spoiler in such a way that it can be moved between a raised position, in which it is concealed behind the side spoiler, when this is in its backward-directed position, and a lowered position, in which it has a part with steps located below the lower edge of the side spoiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Hans Regnell, Hans Alderson
  • Publication number: 20090243338
    Abstract: An operator's section construction for a work vehicle includes an operating device mounted on a vehicle body, a driver's seat mounted on the operating deck, a first operating device provided on one of right and left sides of the operating deck and a second operating device provided on the other of the right and left sides of the operating deck. On an upper face of the operating deck, there are formed a mounting portion for the driver's seat, a mounting portion for the first operating device, and a mounting portion for the second operating device; the driver's seat, the first operating device and the second operating devices being mounted on the respective mounting portions independently of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Ueda, Takehiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 7568750
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control console assembly with a hand rest. There is a need for a control console hand rest which reduces the possibility of unintentional throttle control lever movement. A throttle control lever projects above a console deck. A dome projects from the deck. The lever projects through a slot in a center portion of the dome. The center portion and a first side portion of the dome are connected together by a side wall which faces towards the center portion and lies in a vertical plane. A thumb-receiving recess is formed in a second side portion adjacent to the slot. The deck includes an upper deck and a lower deck. A depression formed by a finger of the lower deck extends around an end of the first portion and is bordered by a side wall. The depression can receive and support part of an operator's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Christopher David Finck, Bruce Kevin Fryk, Dean Arden Boyce, Scott Edward Bender
  • Patent number: 7500532
    Abstract: A swivel work machine includes a traveling unit, a swivel base plate supported on the traveling unit to be pivotable about a vertical swivel axis, the swivel base plate having a first lateral side and a second lateral side provided across said vertical axis, a pair of upper and lower support brackets disposed at a front end of the swivel base plate with an offset toward the first lateral side and adapted for supporting an implement, a pair of left and right vertical ribs extending rearward from the support brackets and fixed to the swivel base plate and a cabin mounted on the swivel base plate. The cabin is disposed with an offset toward the second lateral side relative to the support brackets, a bottom of the cabin being disposed downwardly of the upper support bracket. The vertical rib disposed on the side of the second lateral side extends, from its front portion to its intermediate portion, parallel with a side face of the cabin on the side of the first lateral side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kenzo Koga, Shizuo Shimoie, Yoshihiro Kato, Fumiki Sato, Takanori Matsumoto, Naoki Miyata
  • Publication number: 20090058137
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is utility vehicles, in particular for military purposes, with a chassis and a cab (1) arranged on the frame (4) of said chassis so that it can be tilted. According to the invention the cab (1) is composed of a front module (5) and a rear module (6). The front module (5) forms a cabin for the driver and co-driver. The rear module (6), by comparison, forms a hood-like protective and stowage space for vehicle aggregates, parts and accessories. The floor (11) of the front module (5) is reinforced by two longitudinal floor members (18, 19) extended through the front module rear wall (10) by supporting brackets (22, 23) to serve as support for the rear module (6). On the bottom of the bearer frame (17) of the rear module (6) there are means of support (28, 29) so that the rear module (6), when attached to the front module (5), can rest on the extended supporting brackets (22, 23) of the longitudinal floor members (18, 19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: MAN NUTZFAHRZEUGE OSTERREICH AG
    Inventors: Peter HINZE, Friedrich Beer, Franz Ribo, Robert Wimmer
  • Patent number: 7497505
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a set of wheels supported on the frame to allow the materials handling vehicle to move across a floor surface; a rider compartment located within the frame for receiving an operator; and an operator support assembly. The operator support assembly comprises a suspended floorboard upon which the operator may stand when located within the rider compartment and an energy absorbing structure coupled to the frame and the suspended floorboard for absorbing and dissipating at least a portion of energy resulting from disturbances encountered by the vehicle as it moves across the floor surface prior to the energy portion reaching the operator standing on the suspended floorboard, the energy absorbing structure including a damping element for effecting a damping function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis H. Manci, Brian M. Lambert, James F. Schloemer, Gary J. May, William C. Jones, Jr., George R. Wetterer, Eugene G. Bruns
  • Patent number: 7490694
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a vehicle having a chassis and an engine supported by the chassis, the engine coupled to a drive train useful for propelling the vehicle. The vehicle may include a steering indexing assembly useful for positioning a steering control between a first steering position having the steering control positioned generally along the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second steering position having the steering control positioned laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Norman O. Berg, Robert C. Aronson, Levi J. McCarroll, Lance L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7464782
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fuel tank is supported by the front surface of an operator's cabin. A center frame fixed to a body is coupled to the fuel tank via an external-force transmission part. The external-force transmission part permits vertical movement of the cabin relative to the center frame, while regulating lateral movement of the cabin relative to the center frame when an external force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kenkichi Hirakawa, Tsutomu Toiguchi
  • Publication number: 20080303313
    Abstract: A vehicle for use with a plurality of interchangeable truck beds, i.e., functional units. The vehicle includes a chassis and an engine and cab mounted on the chassis. The chassis extends rearwardly from the cab from a first location to a second location at the rear end of the chassis. A first mounting interface is disposed near the first location and a second mounting interface is disposed near the second location. The mounting interfaces each include a substantially horizontal support surface and a guide member. The interchangeable truck beds include mounting structures that are secured to the mounting interfaces on the chassis. The guide members on the mounting interfaces are used to properly position the mounting structures on the chassis. The truck bed may be a dump truck bed that includes a hydraulic ram having a base structure that is secured to the first mounting interface and a hinge structure that is secured to the second mounting interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Carey Jay Thomas