Operator's Cab Patents (Class 296/190.01)
  • Publication number: 20080290694
    Abstract: A construction vehicle includes vehicle frames, an operator cab, a hydraulic oil tank, and engine, and an engine cover. The operator cab is mounted on the vehicle frames. The hydraulic oil tank is disposed to the rear of the operator cab and stores hydraulic oil. The engine is disposed to the rear of the hydraulic oil tank. The engine cover is a member that covers the engine. A rear face of the hydraulic oil tank and a front face of the engine cover are the same size in a widthwise direction. A rear end of an upper face of the hydraulic oil tank is positioned at the same height as a front end of the upper face of the engine cover. The upper face and side faces of the hydraulic oil tank are exposed to outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Gunnar Spellmeyer, Birgit Weller, Jonas Claudy, Simon Hellwig, Jan Henemann, Christian Grajewski, Florian Kristen, Christian Schuschan, Christoph Probler, Felix Runde
  • Publication number: 20080265624
    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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Takano, Takeshi Endo
  • Patent number: 7438517
    Abstract: A loader control device for controlling a loader implement attached to a tractor is disposed in a position adjacent a driver's seat and does not obstruct the driver boarding or alighting from the tractor. For this purpose, the tractor includes a vehicle body; a loader implement detachably attached to a front part of the vehicle body; a driver's seat mounted on the vehicle body; a steering device disposed forwardly of the driver's seat; a step laid between the driver's seat and the steering device; rear wheel fenders at opposite lateral positions of the driver's seat; and a shifting unit disposed between the driver's seat and one of the rear wheel fenders; wherein a mounting unit for mounting a loader control device for controlling the loader implement is provided in a forward position of an upper surface of the one of the rear wheel fenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Tomiho Tanaka, Ryoichi Nishi, Akiyoshi Uchijima, Naoki Onishi, Masataka Takagi, Naoya Tsuda, Kosuke Oyama, Arinobu Ishida, Shusaku Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20080246310
    Abstract: A device for mounting a driving robot in a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having two driver's seat tracks and a floor, utilizing the two seat tracks of the driver's seat for anchoring purposes, the device including: a length-adjustable adapter plate that engages into both seat tracks in a hook-like manner; at least one first locking element for locking the adapter plate in the seat tracks; and at least one second height-adjustable locking element for bracing the adapter plate against the vehicle floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Dieter STAEHLE
  • Patent number: 7393045
    Abstract: A system for a two-piece armored cab includes an upper cab portion, a lower cab portion, and a vehicle chassis system. The upper cab portion and the lower cab portion are armored to provide protection to occupants of the cab system. The upper cab portion removably mates to the lower cab portion at a mating line that comprises a lower edge of the upper cab portion and an upper edge of the lower cab portion. The lower cab portion is mounted to the vehicle chassis system such that the vehicle chassis system is operable when the upper cab portion is removed from the lower cab portion as well as when the upper cab portion is mated to the lower cab portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Rene′ G. Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20080106120
    Abstract: An operator cab for heavy equipment is disclosed to prevent a sliding door mounted on the cab from rocking or rattling in X, Y, and Z-axis directions due to a shock or vibration applied to the cab in a state that the sliding door is fully opened or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Kang Tae Kim, Hideo Kosaka, Yasushi Uchida
  • Patent number: 7303226
    Abstract: A truck work office solution for a mobile vehicle. The work-station will take advantage of existing adjustability features on the passenger seat so that the height of the work-surface can be customized for each driver, and swivel to point toward the rear of the cab as well. The passenger seat itself converts into a work station. The driver seat may be swiveled to face the passenger seat that converts into an office area. The passenger's seat is normally a static element present in all cabs, and certainly in the case of single drivers it remains unused for its intended purpose. Because drivers are bound to the driver's seat, they use the close proximity of the passenger's seat to make peripheral tasks and items more convenient. The conversion provides a sliding work surface, storage, as well as power outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: William M. Bernstein, Catherine Sun, Zachary Beard, Rebecca Nathenson, Rachel Lin
  • Patent number: 7296903
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror mechanism for a skid loader includes a support and a mirror attached to the support. The support is configured to extend from a movable lifting arm of the skid loader, and the mirror is attached to the support opposite the movable lifting arm and positioned to enable an operator of the skid loader to visualize substantially an entirety of a tail swing path on either rear side of the skid loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Iver Peterson
  • Patent number: 7275901
    Abstract: A transport system having a chassis; a body mounted on the chassis, where the body includes a cabin for transporting at least one passenger; a cabin for the driver; a tandem coupled to the chassis; a drop frame secured to the chassis where the drop frame is below and behind the tandem; and a fifth wheel secured to the drop frame. In various embodiments, the driver cabin and the passenger cabin together form a unitary compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Blaine Carroll
  • Patent number: 7188891
    Abstract: A mounting system for securing brake hoses and electrical cables located to the rearward of a mobile vehicle cab. The mobile vehicle's cab is engaged to a chassis. The chassis has exhaust stanchions rearward of the cab relative to vehicle forward movement. The exhaust stanchions are supported by braces. Attached to these braces, or integrated into them, are mounting points for interchangeable brackets. One carries a “glad hand” and electrical connector hanger, and the other carries a hose tender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Arnold, Darrell S. Bowman, Anthony J. Buchman, Michael S. Freed, Robert J. Haverstick
  • Patent number: 7159915
    Abstract: A motor vehicle for transporting and delivering mail having vehicle controls (steering, brakes and throttle) that interface with the operator be able to be adjustably located in a position that is comfortable to the operator. The operator seat is of a size and shape that it is comfortable to the 5th percentile female through the 95th percentile male. The operator seat is also adjustable and the brake and throttle are adjustable with respect to the operator seat. Moreover, the seat is pivotable from a driving configuration facing ahead of the vehicle to a laterally facing position where mail operations can be comfortably conducted from the drivers seat. In addition, the door into the cargo compartment includes a window that lines up with a window in the left side of the cargo compartment such that visibility to the left of the vehicle is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Wayne Corey, Bradley J. Suchy, Han T. Dinh, Jacqueline R. Johnson, Jacquelynn Estes, Gail A. Murphy, Aaron M. Mooney
  • Patent number: 7150497
    Abstract: A stand-up operator's platform for a truck-mounted aerial device wherein a turret is supported for rotation on the frame of the truck about a vertical axis. The stand-up operator's platform of this invention is secured to one side of the turret for rotation therewith which enables the operator, when standing on the platform of the stand-up operator's platform, to observe the operations of the aerial device regardless of the rotatable position of the turret thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Westchester Capital, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dean H. Smith, William D. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7077227
    Abstract: A suspension system, typically for use between a cab and an associated truck frame, including a s strut module having a strut, an air spring and a control module. The control module is connected to a source of pressurized air, is integral with the strut and includes a height sensor for sensing a distance between the cab and truck frame. The integral control module selectively pressurizes the air spring in response to changes in that distance. Preferably, the strut is a magnetorheological, McPherson-type strut and the air spring encloses at least a portion of the strut to provide a compact assembly. The strut damping characteristics are varied by the control module to provide optimal ride characteristics. The strut module includes a three-point connection to the cab and frame to resist relative lateral movement between the cab and frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Oliver, William C. Kruckemeyer, Eric L. Jensen, Todd A. Bishop
  • Patent number: 7014255
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle has a body, a hood and an armrest. The hood is installed on or above the body and has an end. The end is a pivotal axis around which the hood is pivoted so that the hood is opened and closed to the body. The armrest is installed on or above the hood. The armrest has a pivotal axis around which the armrest is pivoted relative to the hood. The armrest has a first position and a second position and is displaced between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Amamiya, Kazushi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6957847
    Abstract: A commercial truck has a cab, a flatbed, and provides a space between the cab and flatbed, wherein an auxiliary fuel tank is mounted on a frame of the truck. A sleeper unit is positioned on, and supported by, the auxiliary fuel tank, the sleeper unit adapted for being accessed directly from the cab. A picker crane is mounted on the frame of the truck behind the auxiliary fuel tank and the sleeper unit and within the space between the cab and the flatbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Randy Lee Rigel
  • Patent number: 6942282
    Abstract: An optimized bale wagon cab that, while maintaining the previously used cab footprint, employs a layout with a wrap around front dash. The layout provides more efficient use of the space available and better placement of everyday controls such as the transmission shifter and bale stacking controls. The layout further addresses the customer desires for additional storage, cup holders, a writing surface and a place to keep papers and clipboards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Jacobs, Frederic B. Thomson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6883857
    Abstract: A structure is provided for a passenger motor vehicle, which comprises a panel structure of non-metallic material, such as fiber-reinforced plastic. For optimization of the structure with regard to high strength, light weight, and functional performance, said structure comprises a passenger cell, the panel structure of which includes a front panel structure and a rear panel structure, while the panel structures are connected with a floor structure bordered by longitudinal girders extending between the panel structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Dieter Steinhauser, Martin Goehrke, Thomas Meier, Liam Moloney
  • Patent number: 6871721
    Abstract: An operator station for a lift truck or other vehicle including a scalloped arm rest providing a plurality of arm rest positions for operators of varying sizes. The arm rests are positioned approximate an operator control handle, such that operators can operate vehicle controls while resting their arms in a selected one of the scalloped arm rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Smiley, H. Scott Ryan, Kurt R. Werner
  • Patent number: 6846036
    Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a clear unobstructed view of the immediate area behind a Skid Steer Loader. More specifically, it provides for better safety while backing. Two designs accomplish the unobstructed rear view as follows: 1) A single mirror is mounted onto each of two front support posts of the operator safety enclosure. These mirrors are adjustable, similar to outside mounted automobile mirrors and normally positioned near the top of the support posts. 2) A single mirror is center mounted to a hinged bracket that can easily be moved out of the way when the operator exits the safety enclosure of the Skid Steer Loader. For cold weather operation Skid Steer Loaders are often outfitted with a weather tight safety enclosure and a front door. Both of these designs accommodate the weather tight enclosure with a front door and the more common safety enclosure without a front door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Robert William Stone
  • Patent number: 6752228
    Abstract: A tractor with a cab disposed rearwardly of a hood, the cab being mounted on a tractor body (T) including a body forming unit, the cab including a bottom wall defining left and right footrests. The cab has a total length larger than a total height thereof. The cab is arranged to have the footrests substantially level with a lower end of the body forming unit. The cab has an intermediate height level (x) lower than a height level of the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Aoyama, Seiichi Ishiizumi, Katsumi Yanagihara, Kuninosuke Iwata, Norihide Iwata, Takahiro Komine, Yutaka Inubushi, Shigeo Shoen
  • Publication number: 20040084934
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a counter weight (1) manufactured by casting, an outer surface thereof being formed in a substantially arc shape, the counter weight (1) including at a lower section thereof an extended portion extending in leftward and rightward directions to have a substantially arc shape, tip ends of the extended portion and a lower part of a center section of the counter weight (1) being provided with a lower attachment base, and an upper face thereof being provided with a canopy attachment base; and a canopy (2) including a roof (22), pillars (21) standing at left side and right side for supporting the roof (22), and a lower attachment member (23) manufactured by casting for fixing lower ends of the pillars (21) , the canopy (2) being mounted on the counter weight (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Katsumi Yokoo, Toshifumi Ogihara
  • Publication number: 20040080181
    Abstract: Two and four point truck cab suspensions comprise combined spring/damping element units at at least the rear corners of the cab, and preferably at all four corners of the cab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Puterbaugh, Anthony D. Sutton
  • Patent number: 6726272
    Abstract: Two and four point truck cab suspensions comprise combined spring/damping element units at at least the rear corners of the cab, and preferably at all four corners of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Puterbaugh, Anthony D. Sutton
  • Patent number: 6719361
    Abstract: A conversion kit assembly for converting a sleeper truck cab with a modular sleeper/cab into a day cab includes a sleeper truck cab including a rear sill, two laterally spaced walls, and a roof, with each of the walls having a B-pillar assembly at a rearward end of the sleeper truck cab. The B-pillar assemblies are coupled together at their upper ends by the roof, and at their lower ends by a lower member such as a lower panel or a rear sill such that the rearward end of the sleeper truck cab is substantially square. The sleeper truck cab further has a plurality of attachment points at the rearward end for attaching the modular sleeper. A first plurality of fasteners, which connect the modular sleeper to the sleeper truck cab, are removed. The modular sleeper is removed from the sleeper truck cab thereby creating a rearward opening at rearward end of modular truck cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: David Scott Adams, James Thomas Wunderlich, Donald Michael Reed
  • Patent number: 6715269
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes an operator station. The operator station provides an operator console. An adjustable mount provides a swivel and tilt adjustment for an electronic display panel connected to the console. Adjustment is provided by an elongated member with a first end pivotably connected to the operator console. The elongated member is pivotable about a first axis. An ICDU is pivotably attached to the elongated member and is pivotable about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Sajid Nanlawala, Diane E. Svanson, Thomas L. Howard
  • Publication number: 20040056513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a clear unobstructed view of the immediate area behind a Skid Steer Loader. More specifically, it provides for better safety while backing. Two designs accomplish the unobstructed rear view as follows: 1) A single mirror is mounted onto each of two front support posts of the operator safety enclosure. These mirrors are adjustable, similar to outside mounted automobile mirrors and normally positioned near the top of the support posts. 2) A single mirror is center mounted to a hinged bracket that can easily be moved out of the way when the operator exits the safety enclosure of the Skid Steer Loader. For cold weather operation Skid Steer Loaders are often outfitted with a weather tight safety enclosure and a front door. Both of these designs accommodate the weather tight enclosure with a front door and the more common safety enclosure without a front door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Robert William Stone
  • Patent number: 6692051
    Abstract: Provided herein is a cab for a tractor-truck. The cab includes a work station, suitable for use as a desk or the like, which can be provided with common office machines. Also provided in the cab is a seat, which is slidably fixed to a seat-supporting track that extends across the floor of the cab, so that the seat can be selectively positioned between a driving position and a workstation position. The tractor-truck can be equipped with an interlock system that keeps the vehicle from moving if the seat is not in the driving position. Also, when the seat is not in the workstation position, a second seat can be detachably fixed in the workstation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Paccar Inc
    Inventors: Charles L. Cook, Jeffrey S. Corey, William C. Kahn, Frank H. Schneck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6682129
    Abstract: A combined truck cab having a forward operator section and an aft living unit is constructed utilizing an underbody providing a central floor area, left side and right side flare modules providing longitudinal side walls, outer portions of the floor aft of an operator area and outer portions of the back wall, and a center back wall section between the outer portions of the back wall provided by the flare sections. The longitudinal side wall narrow on one another forward from the back wall and the outer floor portions narrow from rear to front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond W. Baggett, Anthony R. Jones, Aaron J. Layos, Andrew C. Scott
  • Publication number: 20030230447
    Abstract: In order to enhance an operator's ability to control a work machine, an operator control station includes a seat assembly that is moveably mounted to a body of the work machine. The operator can control, at least in part, primary operator controllable aspects of the work machine by manipulating work machine operating controls attached to move with the seat assembly. The operator can monitor a work machine operating condition, at least in part, via a work machine operating condition display panel also attached to move with the seat assembly. In addition, the operator control station is interchangeable among a plurality of work machines of different types and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Wayne J. Wulfert, Sukhwinder S, Guron, James I. Portscheller
  • Patent number: 6659211
    Abstract: An invalid mobile cart with enclosure (10) having a cart (12) which has a cart top (12T), cart bottom (12A), cart left (12L), cart right (12R), cart front (12F), cart back (12B), at least one cart front wheel, cart rear right wheel (12DRR) and cart rear left wheel (not shown) rotatably and extending downwardly from the cart bottom (12A). At least one wheel is connected to a motor (not shown). A transparent or translucent enclosure (14) is securely mounted on the cart top (12T). The enclosure (14) has an enclosure housing (14A) having a enclosure left door (14L) and enclosure right door (14R) hingeably connected thereto. A steering/control (16) means is positioned on the cart top (12T) at the cart front (12F). The steering/control (16) has a steering/control wheel (16A) connected to a steering/control column (16B) which is connected to the at least one cart front wheel and the motor. A support (18) positioned on the cart top (12T) at the cart back (12B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Esposito
  • Publication number: 20030184123
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle has a body, a hood and an armrest. The hood is installed on or above the body and has an end. The end is a pivotal axis around which the hood is pivoted so that the hood is opened and closed to the body. The armrest is installed on or above the hood. The armrest has a pivotal axis around which the armrest is pivoted relative to the hood. The armrest has a first position and a second position and is displaced between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Amamiya, Kazushi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6612636
    Abstract: A hand reference for a control panel of a utility vehicle provides a gripping handle for an operator to adjust controls without observing the controls. The hand reference assists in steadying the operator's hand when fine tuning adjustments on the control panel. The hand reference is embodied as an inverted substantially U-shaped handle extending along the length of slots which guide control levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John Raymond Arthur, Russell William Strong, Michael Robert Ondayko
  • Patent number: 6578907
    Abstract: A wall unit forms a part of the outer wall of a vehicle cab. In order to simplify the accommodation of electrical components in the vehicle cab and to reduce the cost of wiring, the wall unit is configured as a pre-assembled module, which includes a support structure on which electrical components, such as vehicle function controllers, fuses and relays, are fastened. The electrical components are at least partially covered by enclosure elements. The electrical components can be electrically connected with corresponding vehicle component groups via connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael Teich
  • Publication number: 20030042760
    Abstract: A hand reference for a control panel of a utility vehicle provides a gripping handle for an operator to adjust controls without observing the controls. The hand reference assists in steadying the operator's hand when fine tuning adjustments on the control panel. The hand reference is embodied as an inverted substantially U-shaped handle extending along the length of slots which guide control levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: John Raymond Arthur, Russell William Strong, Michael Robert Ondayko
  • Patent number: 6520565
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement (8) for displacement of a driving-space (4) of a vehicle (1), comprising a first beam section (9) which on the one hand supports the driving-space (4), and on the other is arranged on a structural framework (2) on the vehicle (1), and a rear section (6) arranged behind the driving-space (4) which adjoins the driving-space (4) and which is connected to the structural framework (2), so that the rear section (6) is prevented from being displaced in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle (1). The first beam section (9) can be displaced relative to the structural framework (2), so that the driving-space (4) can be displaced in the direction of the rear section (6) under the conditions of a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Sture Kjellberg
  • Patent number: 6502896
    Abstract: A backhoe (1) includes an upper structure (3) supported by a traveling device (2) to be rotatable about a vertical swivel axis (X). The upper structure (3) carries an excavator (4) and a cab (12) and has a rear edge (3A) formed arcuate about the swivel axis (X) in plan view. The cab (12) defines an opening (31) with a door (32) attached through hinges (34). The door (32) is pivotable about a vertical open/close axis (Y) of hinges (34). The hinges (34) are arranged on a rear edge opening (31). Each hinge (34) includes a pair of hinges (34A and 34B) which are bent to place the axis (Y) forwardly of the rear end of door (32). Consequently, when the door (32) is set to a fully open position, the free end of door (32) is displaced to a position forwardly of the rear edge (3A) of upper structure (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Nakata, Yoshitaka Matsubara, Kenji Ikeda, Kenzo Koga, Teruo Kunizawa, Tomoaki Miyake
  • Patent number: 6485084
    Abstract: A four post ROPS is provided with left and right front vertical posts and left and right rear vertical posts. The rear vertical posts have a bottom portion that extends upwardly, forwardly and outwardly from the floor of the operator's station. Each left and right front vertical post has an arrowhead shaped cross section. The arrow shaped cross section has a main lobe, a secondary lobe and a connecting portion located between the two lobes. The arrowhead shaped cross section defines a windshield channel for receiving the side edge of the windshield, and a side door channel for receiving the side edge of the side door. The arrowhead shape has an elongated axis that is in line with the line of sight of the operator when driving the backhoe loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard Carl Sorensen, Kenneth Michael Weiler
  • Patent number: 6419303
    Abstract: A cab enclosure for a self-propelled earth moving machine which includes a plurality of flexible planar fabric panels namely, a front panel, a rear panel, a right side panel and a left side panel. Each of the panels having a top edge, a bottom edge, opposed side edges, and at least one transparent viewing window. Mating fasteners are positioned along the opposed edges of each of the panels, whereby adjoining panels are secured together to form an enclosure. The top edge of each of the panels being secured to a canopy of an open metallic cab structure of the self-propelled earth moving machine, whereby the panels hang like drapes to enclose the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffery William Thomas Fleming
  • Patent number: 6412585
    Abstract: The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an arrangement for an automobile body and chassis which has optimal weight distribution. The arrangement features a passenger compartment arranged beside the engine compartment, allowing for storage compartment in both the front and rear portions of the vehicle structure. An upward opening hood is positioned over the engine compartment. The hood is configured to roll into a central void between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment thereby allowing totally unrestricted access to the engine. In order to streamline the engine compartment and maximize the lateral displacement of the passenger compartment, the engine is either of the in-line or slant configuration. The seats contained in the passenger compartment are arranged from the front to the rear of the vehicle, with the driver's seat placed in front of the passenger's seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel DeAnda
  • Patent number: 6382711
    Abstract: A set of panel assemblies for enclosing the overhead guard of a vehicle such as a skid steer comprising a windshield/door assembly and side window assemblies. The windshield/door assembly includes a door jamb that is clamped over the front corner posts of the overhead guard and a windshield/door unit hinged on the jamb. The windshield/door unit seals against a generally planar front face of the jamb. The side window assemblies comprise transparent rigid plastic sheets adapted to be attached to the side grille of the overhead guard in a simplified manner and without occupying excessive space in the clearance area between the overhead guard and operating elements such as the lift arms of a bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Martin Sheet Metal, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Martin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6325449
    Abstract: A four post ROPS is provided with left and right front vertical posts and left and right rear vertical posts. The rear vertical posts have a bottom portion that extends upwardly, forwardly and outwardly from the floor of the operator's station. Each left and right front vertical post has an arrowhead shaped cross section. The arrow shaped cross section has a main lobe, a secondary lobe and a connecting portion located between the two lobes. The arrowhead shaped cross section defines a windshield channel for receiving the side edge of the windshield, and a side door channel for receiving the side edge of the side door. The arrowhead shape has an elongated axis that is in line with the line of sight of the operator when driving the backhoe loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard Carl Sorensen, Kenneth Michael Weiler
  • Patent number: 6286897
    Abstract: A work vehicle having a supporting frame and ground engaging wheels is provided with a work implement mounted to the rear portion of the work vehicle. The work implement is designed to drag a body behind the vehicle. The operations of the work vehicle is controlled from an operators cab mounted to the supporting frame. The operators cab is provided with a ROPS for protecting the operator. The ROPS is provided with four vertically extending supporting posts, left and right front supporting posts, and left and right rear supporting posts. An operators seat is located in the operators cab and is arranged diagonally to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. The operators seat faces both to the front and to the right side. The right rear corner post is provided with at least one operator control that is in the line of sight of the operator when seated in the operators seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Lavern Ruhter, David Joseph Klas, Andrew Wayne Kelly, James Robert Fullmer
  • Publication number: 20010018994
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at counterweight lift trucks (1) for giving the operator a substantially free field of view in the driving direction (F). A lifting device (11) comprises a vertically movable frame (13) which is mounted on a fixed frame (12) and which includes a lifting carriage (14). The counterweight lift truck (1) comprises an operator's cabin (9) with a seat (10) for the operator. The frames (12, 13) are, seen in the driving direction (F), located behind a vertical plane (A) which is transverse relative to the driving direction (F) and in which front wheels (3, 4) of the counterweight lift truck (1) are situated. The frames (12, 13) lack transverse beams beneath upper transverse beams (18, 21). The operator's cabin (9) is located immediately behind the frames (12, 13) and there are support devices which replace transverse beams beneath the upper transverse frame beams (18, 21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: SMV Lifttrucks AB
    Inventor: Hans Ake U1f Carlsson
  • Patent number: 6276749
    Abstract: A position adjusting apparatus of a control console for a work vehicle in which the control console moves in a state of substantially keeping a relative position with respect to the operator seat prior to a rotation in accordance with the rotation of the operator seat, thereby maintaining a suitable operability, and a maintenance of the vehicle can be performed in an improved manner. Accordingly, a floor frame (20) and a mounting table (26) which mounts a control console (10) are connected to each other via an irregular four section link, and a turn table (12) which is rotatably supported to the floor frame or the operator seat and the mounting table are connected by an interlocking link (15). Accordingly, when an operator seat (11) which is mounted to the turn table rotates, the control console substantially maintains a relative position with respect to the operator seat before the rotation automatically, and can move in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Okazawa, Satoru Morita
  • Publication number: 20010005091
    Abstract: A four-wheeled utility vehicle has a body frame; a driver's seat disposed on the body frame; a load-carrying platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, the load-carrying platform disposed behind the driver's seat; a cabin frame having a rear portion and surrounding the driver's seat. The cabin frame is disposed in front of the load-carrying platform. The rear portion includes a lower end which is positioned on a level below the load-carrying platform and a middle portion which is located on a middle level in a vertical direction within the rear portion. The lower end of the rear portion is joined to the body frame. The middle portion of the rear portion is bound by the front end portion of the load-carrying platform in an easily separable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumio Mizuta, Sosuke Kinouchi, Itsuo Takegami
  • Patent number: 6189955
    Abstract: An operator enclosure for an agricultural tractor has a rollover protective structure (ROPS) in which the front side of the ROPS extends upward above the left, right and rear sides of the ROPS and terminates at a front upper cross member extending laterally between left and right front upright corner members. A roof pan is placed at the top of the ROPS that has a generally horizontal top panel at about the same height as the front upper cross member. The top panel of the roof curves downward to form left, right and rear side panels extending downward from the top panel to the height of the upper members of the ROPS along the left, right and rear sides. There is no front panel on the roof extending downward from the top panel. The windshield is extended upward into what had previously been the front panel of the roof. This improves the front upward visibility, an feature particularly useful in operating a front end loader on the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bruce Kevin Fryk, Ronald Lee Jurek, Bennie Joe Vaughn, Edward Ted Kaczmarczyk