AU5786501A - Vehicle hood support and latch system - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.

Actual Inventor(s): Thomas J Palenchar, Jan-Olof Bodin, Dennis E Stosel, Eric R Von Hoene Address for Service: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: VEHICLE HOOD SUPPORT AND LATCH SYSTEM Our Ref: 649821 POF Code: 1671/355566 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1la VEHICLE HOOD SUPPORT AND LATCH SYSTEM The present application is a divisional application from Australian patent application number 40756/97 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field The present invention relates generally to releasably connecting a vehicle enclosure to a frame of the vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a hood and fender assembly mounting system for connecting a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly of a heavy duty truck to a frame of the vehicle and assisting in the opening and closing of the hood and fender assembly.

Background Art Conventional heavy duty trucks typically have a hood and fender assembly and a cab which are both supported by a frame of the truck. The hood and fender assembly is often made from a fiberglass reinforced composite material and is hinged to the frame at a forward end of *the assembly. The cab is typically a metal weldment or riveted assembly mounted on the frame. The hood and fender assembly may be pivotably mounted and biased by a counter balancing spring which biases the hood and fender 25 assembly toward either the open or closed position thereby easing operation of the hood and fender assembly when access to the engine is needed. The hood and fender assembly may also include a spring or damper device which controls the rate of travel of the hood and fender assembly in one or both directions, preventing sudden 30 movement during operation of the hood and fender assembly. When the hood and fender assembly is in a closed position, the rearward end of the hood and fender assembly is generally mounted on and fastened to the cab.

Typically, spring loaded latches or elastic straps releasably connect a closed hood and fender assembly to, and in engagement with, the cab. The latch or strap is typically accessible only from outside of the vehicle.

This generally requires a vehicle driver or mechanic to be outside the vehicle and access a first latch on one side of the hood and fender and then move to the other side of the vehicle and access a second latch on the other side of the vehicle.

This known latch or strap arrangement has disadvantages. One disadvantage is the amount of movement around both sides of the exterior of the truck on the part of the driver or mechanic to release or connect the latches. Another disadvantage is a lack of security. Any unauthorized person may access the engine and engine compartment merely by releasing the latches and pivoting the hood and fender assembly.

FrequentlY the mounting of the cab of an over-thehighway vehicle on a frame includes a shock absorbing mechanism. The shock absorbing mechanism allows a limited amount of movement of the cab relative to the frame while absorbing vibration and road shocks to improve ride qualities for an operator and any passengers. As the vehicle is operated, the respective movements of the hood and fender assembly and the cab relative to the frame and any torsional twisting of the *frame which may occur during use cause considerable relative movement between the hood and fender assembly and the cab. This interaction between the hood and fender assembly reduces the ride quality by limiting the motion of the cab on its shock absorber and causing *.additional forces on the cab which degrade ride quality.

Since the hood and fender assembly and the cab are typically relatively tightly engaged, relative movement *causes undesirable forces to act between the hood and fender assembly and the cab. A large gasket between the hood and fender assembly and the cab may be needed to cushion these forces. Since the hood and fender assembly is typically a composite material while a cab is metal, these forces may disfigure the hood and fender assembly creating an undesirable and unsightly condition.

Typical counter balancing springs may be torsion bars which have a circular cross section. While a circular configuration allows for adjustment of the amount of bias on the hood and fender assembly, it may also require the use of additional fixing methods or connecting devices to secure the ends of the torsion bar.

The above discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Summary of the Invention It would be desirable to provide a heavy duty over-the-highway vehicle with a novel and improved hood and fender assembly mounting system.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a conventional over-the-highway heavy duty vehicle having a frame for supporting an engine, a cab, a hood and fender assembly and a hinge pivotally connecting the hood and fender assembly to the frame, said apparatus including: a first latch receiving member; rigid locating structure for locating said first latch receiving member on oeothe frame such that relative movement therebetween is inhibited; a second latch member attached to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge for receipt in said first latch receiving S0.0 member when the hood and fender assembly encloses the engine, said second latch member engaging said first latch receiving member to vertically and laterally locate and maintain the hood and fender assembly in a predetermined position relative to the frame and substantially unsupported by said cab to isolate said hood and fender assembly from said cab such that movement of said hood and fender assembly induced by movements of said frame is not transmitted to said cab; W:\Maryo\oavinM)ivisionaLSIDIV4075r 97.doC 4 one of said latch members having a lock mechanism movable between a latched position in engagement with the other latch member and an unlatched position disengaged from said other latch member; a movable handle; and a mechanism interposed between said handle and said lock mechanism to move said lock mechanism from the latched position to the unlatched position in response to movement of said handle.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for use on a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting a cab, an engine and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly hinged at a forward end portion of the frame, said apparatus including: a first latch receiving member; rigid locating structure for locating said first latch receiving member on the frame such that relative movement therebetween is inhibited; a second latch member connected to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge; said first latch receiving member receiving the second latch member to position and maintain the hood and fender assembly relative to the frame and isolate said hood and fender assembly from said cab, when said hood and fender assembly in a closed position, said first latch member and second latch member cooperating to vertically and laterally locate said hood and fender assembly when said first latch receiving member receives said second latch member such that said hood and fender assembly is substantially unsupported 25 by said cab and movements in said hood and fender assembly are not transmitted to said cab; and a lock mechanism associated with said second latch member and which is engageable with a portion of said first latch receiving member to prevent said first latch receiving member from disengaging said second latch member.

~According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for releasably connecting a pair of relatively movable members, said apparatus including: W: rODvnDvs~n[XI4769.o a receiver attached to one of the pair of members and having an opening extending therethrough; a shaft attached to the other of the pair of members at a first axial end portion of said shaft; a guide member movable along said shaft between said first axial end portion of said shaft and a second axial end portion of said shaft; a bias mechanism urging said guide member towards said second axial end portion of said shaft when the members are located relatively away from one another in an open position; a guide surface on said guide member engageable with a receiver surface on said receiver upon relative movement of the members from the open position to a partially closed position and moves said guide member towards said first axial end portion of said shaft against a force of said bias mechanism to expose said second axial end portion of said shaft from the guide member during movement of the pair of members from the partially closed position to a fully closed position and cause said second axial end portion to extend through the opening in said receiver, said guide and receiver surfaces cooperating when said members are in the fully closed position to vertically and laterally fix the position of said second member relative to said first member; and 20 a lock mechanism engages said second axial end portion of said shaft *o*o*extending from said opening to prevent movement of the shaft relative to the receiver and pair of members towards the open position.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle 25 apparatus for supporting an engine enclosing body panel, including: a vehicle frame supporting an engine, a passenger compartment, and a body panel operative to enclose said engine, said body panel mounted for movement between a first position at which said engine is accessible and a second position at which said engine is inaccessible; 30 means for inhibiting movement in said body panel relative to said frame, including a first connecting mechanism for coupling one portion of said body panel directly to said frame and a second connecting mechanism for coupling another portion of said body panel directly to said frame, independent of said W:WaryooavinViviWna[sXDIV40756-07.doc passenger compartment such that frame induced movement of said body panel is not transmitted to said passenger compartment; and a disconnecting mechanism by which one of said connecting mechanisms may be disengaged to uncouple one of said portions of said body panel from said frame to allow said body panel to move between said first and second positions.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided for a highway vehicle, an apparatus for connecting a hood of said vehicle to a frame of said vehicle, wherein said vehicle includes a cab enclosing a passenger compartment mounted to said frame, said apparatus including: a first latch member; rigid locating structure for locating said first latch member on said frame so as to inhibit relative motion between said hood and said frame and isolate said hood from said cab; a second latch member which is connected to said hood, having a guide member, a mounting bracket, and a shaft; said first latch member includes a surface which is complementary to that of said second latch member and includes an opening which may receive said 20 shaft of said second latch member; a lock mechanism which engages said second latch member and releasably retains it, thereby maintaining the relative position of said structures; said second latch member having said shaft attached at one end to said member, said shaft having at its unattached end a complementary shape to that of said first latch structure; and said second latch member further including a guide member capable of sliding along said shaft, said guide member also having a first complementary shaped surface to that of said first latch member and containing a guide member biasing mechanism which urges said guide member toward the 30 unattached end of said shaft thereby serving to align said second latch member with said first latch member when said structures are being connected and to urge said second latch member out of engagement from said first latch member 7 97 .doc 6a when said lock mechanism is disengaged, said first complementary shaped surface of said guide member cooperating with said surface of said first latch member when said lock mechanism is engaged to vertically and laterally fix the position of said structures and a second surface of said guide member cooperating with said mounting bracket when said lock mechanism is engaged to laterally fix the position of said structures, said guide member further including an over travel stop mechanism which prevents contact between said structures, said bias mechanism interacting with said guide member and said mounting bracket to damp movement of said structure beyond the fully closed position.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a hood support and latching system for an over-the-highway vehicle including: a) a vehicle frame structure extending longitudinally and including a cab mounting portion supporting an operator cab and a prime mover mounting portion forward of said cab portion; b) a hood assembly, movable between opened and closed positions and operative to enclose an engine compartment when in said closed position; c) at least one hood latch mechanism for maintaining closure of said 20 hood assembly including first and second latch assemblies; d a rigid locating structure coupled directly to said frame structure for locating said first latching assembly on said frame and said second latching assembly attached to a rear section of said hood assembly, said first and second latching assemblies engageable, when said hood assembly is moved to 25 its closed position and operative to vertically and laterally fix the rear section of said hood assembly relative to said frame and isolating said hood assembly from said cab mounting portion such that said hood assembly is substantially unsupported by said cab and movement of said hood assembly is not transmitted to said cab; and 30 e) at least one pivot assembly mounted to a forward end of said frame structure for supporting a forward end of said hood assembly and defining a pivot axis for said hood assembly, whereby said hood assembly is entirely supported by said frame structure.

756 9 .doc 6b According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for supporting a hood and fender assembly of a heavy duty truck including: a frame including a pair of parallel, longitudinal rails supporting an engine, a cab, and said hood and fender assembly which operates to enclose said engine, said hood and fender assembly being pivotally mounted at its frontward end to said frame by two hinge assemblies, each assembly including a non-rotating anchor portion and a rotatable hinge portion located at either side of said hood and fender assembly; a torsion spring assist which controls the effort needed to operate said hood and fender assembly including two torsion bars having a hexagonal socket which forms part of one of the rotatable hinge portions and which rotates with said hood and fender assembly and the other end of each of said torsion bar being inserted into a hexagonal shaped opening defined by a non-rotating anchor portion of the other hinge assembly; at least one fluid filled damper-device connected between said hood and fender assembly and said frame which controls the rate of travel of said hood and fender assembly; two latch mechanisms located at spaced apart locations at the rearward 20 portion of said hood and fender assembly each including a receiver assembly mounted to one of said frame rails, independent of said cab on a receiver **"support strut whereby said receiver support strut rigidly couples said receiver assembly to said frame and a pin assembly mounted to said hood and fender assembly at a location allowing said pin assembly to be received by said 25 receiver assembly; said receiver assembly further including a lock lever which engages said pin assembly and releasably retains said pin assembly to connect said pin assembly to said receiver assembly thereby maintaining said hood and fender assembly in a predetermined, fixed position relative to said frame such that said 0. 30 hood and fender assembly is isolated from said cab; and operating means for moving said lock lever to a released position whereby said receiver assembly releases said pin assembly.

W:WaryO\DainMsiiOnalS\DIV40756 9 7

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6c According to another aspect of the invention there is provided in a highway vehicle, an apparatus for regulating the operation of a hood assembly that is relatively movable with respect to a cab, one end of said hood assembly being pivotally supported by spaced apart hinge assemblies, said assemblies together defining a pivot connection for said hood assembly allowing movement between a closed position at which an engine compartment is enclosed and an open position at which access to the engine compartment is permitted, said apparatus including at least one linear, rod-like torsion spring extending between said hinge assemblies and having one end slip fitted into a socket forming part of a movable portion of one of said assemblies, the other end of said torsion spring being received in a complementally-shaped opening forming part of a non-rotating portion of said other assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for use on a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting a cab, an engine, and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly, wherein a front portion of said hood and fender assembly is hingeably connected to said frame at a forward end of said frame, said apparatus including: 20 a first latch member; a rigid mounting structure connecting said first latch member to said oo°, ."frame; fede a second latch member connected to a rear portion of said hood and fender assembly that engages said first latch member when said first and second latch members are brought into contact and wherein said first and second latch members coact to releasably retain said rear portion of said hood and fender assembly in a closed position wherein said engine is substantially S°enclosed by said hood and fender assembly; and wherein said hood and fender assembly is retained in said closed position by said first and second latch member such that said hood and fender **°assembly is isolated from and substantially unsupported by said cab and relative movement between said hood and fender assembly and said cab is permitted without any mechanical interaction therebetween.

W:MaryOXDavin\Divisionais\DIV40756-97.dOc 6d According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for use on a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting a cab, an engine, and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly, wherein a front portion of said hood and fender assembly is hingeably connected to a forward end of said frame, said apparatus including: a pair of hinges including first and second hinge members disposed at opposite sides of said hood and fender assembly; at least one torsion bar extending between said hinges and engaging said hinges; wherein said first hinge member is connected to said front portion of said hood and fender assembly and is movable with said hood and fender assembly relative to said frame when said hood and fender assembly is rotated on said hinges between an open and closed positions, and wherein said first hinge member includes a receiving socket for receiving a first torsion bar end such that said first torsion bar end rotates with said first hinge member and said hood and fender assembly; and wherein said second hinge member is connected to said frame and said first hinge member and includes a mounting hole for receiving a second torsion bar end such that said second torsion bar end remains fixed with respect to said 20 frame when said hood and fender assembly is moved between said open and closed positions.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a hood and fender assembly restraint apparatus for use on a heavy duty truck having a 25 frame supporting a cab, an engine, and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly, wherein said frame includes first and second chassis rails that are spaced apart and are disposed longitudinally along the length of the truck generally parallel to one another and wherein a front portion of said hood and fender assembly is hingeably connected to said frame at a forward end of said 30 frame, said apparatus including: a) a first latch member connected to a rearward portion of said hood and fender assembly; b) a second latch member rigidly connected to said first chassis rail and adapted to coact with said first latch member to releasably retain said hood w:\ay\ai vsoas~i4769.o 6e and fender assembly in a closed position wherein said engine is substantially enclosed by said hood and fender assembly; and c) wherein said hood and fender assembly is retained in said closed position by said first and second latch member such that said hood and fender assembly is isolated from said cab and relative movement between said hood and fender assembly and said cab is allowed without any mechanical interaction therebetween.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a truck assembly, including: a) a pair of longitudinal frame members; b) a cab mounted directly to said frame members by cab mounting structure that allows said cab to move relative to said frame members in response to forces applied to said cab during truck assembly use; c) a hood assembly for at least partially enclosing an engine compartment forming part of said truck assembly and movable between opened and closed positions, said hood assembly located immediately adjacent said cab when in its closed position; d) mounting structure for mounting a forward end of said hood assembly to at least one of said frame members, said mounting structure 20 defining a lateral pivot axis for said hood assembly about which said hood "assembly rotates between said opened and said closed positions; and, e) a latch mechanism including first and second latch assemblies, one of said latch assemblies attached to a rear portion of said hood assembly, the second of said latch assemblies attached to one of said frame members, 25 such that upon movement of said hood assembly to its closed position, said first and second latch assemblies engage to maintain said hood assembly in said closed position and to connect said rear portion of said hood assembly directly o to at least one of said frame members, such that said hood assembly is substantially free of connections between itself and said cab, and whereby 30 movement in said cab relative to said frame members is not substantially restricted by said hood assembly when said hood assembly is in its closed position.

W:ay\N n~~vsoasDI4769 o 6f According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a truck assembly, including: a) a pair of longitudinal frame members; b) a cab mounted directly to said frame members by cab mounting structure that allows said cab to move relative to said frame members in response to forces applied to said cab during truck assembly use; c) a hood assembly for at least partially enclosing an engine compartment forming part of said truck assembly and movable between opened and closed positions, said hood assembly located immediately adjacent said cab when in its closed position; d) front mounting structure for mounting a forward end of said hood assembly to at least one of said frame members, said mounting structure defining a lateral pivot axis for said hood assembly about which said hood assembly rotates between said opened and said closed positions; and e) rear mounting structure for connecting and supporting a rear portion of said hood assembly to at least one of said frame members, such that said hood assembly is substantially free of connections between itself and said cab, and whereby movement in said cab relative to said frame members is not ~.substantially restricted by said hood assembly when said hood assembly is in 20 its closed position.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a truck assembly, including: a) a pair of longitudinal frame members; S2. 25 b) a cab mounted directly to said frame members by cab mounting structure that allows said cab to move relative to said frame members in response to forces applied to said cab during truck assembly use; c) a hood assembly for at least partially enclosing an engine compartment forming part of said truck assembly and movable between opened S. 30 and closed positions, said hood assembly located immediately adjacent said cab when in its closed position; d) mounting structure for mounting a forward end of said hood assembly to at least one of said frame members, said mounting structure W:WarO\DafinDivisfonalsV407 7 S 9 7.doC 6g defining a lateral pivot axis for said hood assembly about which said hood assembly rotates between said opened and said closed positions; e) a support strut attached to at least one of said frame members; and, f) a latch mechanism including first and second latch assemblies, one of said latch assemblies attached to a rear portion of said hood assembly, the second of said latch assemblies attached to said support strut, such that upon movement of said hood assembly to its closed position, said first and second latch assemblies engage to maintain said hood assembly in said closed position and to connect said rear portion of said hood assembly directly to at least one of said frame members, such that movement in said cab relative to said frame members is not substantially restricted by said hood assembly when said hood assembly is in its closed position.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a frame supported hood assembly for a truck, including: a) a pair of longitudinal frame members; b) a hood assembly for at least partially enclosing an engine compartment forming part of said truck; S 20 c) front mounting structure for connecting a forward end of said hood assembly directly to said frame members; and S. d) rear mounting structure for directly connecting a rear portion of said hood assembly directly to said frame members, such that substantially all of the weight of said hood assembly is borne by said frame members.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for use with a conventional over-the-highway heavy duty vehicle having a frame for supporting an engine, a cab, a hood and fender assembly :and a hinge pivotally connecting the hood and fender a~sembly to the frame, S. 30 said apparatus including: a first latch receiving member; rigid locating structure for locating said first latch receiving member on the frame such that relative movement therebetween is inhibited; W:MaryODavin\DiviOlnaIsDIV4075 6-97.dc 6h a second latch member attached to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge for receipt in said first latch receiving member when the hood and fender assembly encloses the engine, said second latch member including a mounting bracket, a shaft connected to said mounting bracket at a first end portion with the hood and fender assembly, a guide member movable along said shaft between said first end portion of said shaft and a second end portion of said shaft, a bias mechanism urging said guide member towards said second end portion of said shaft, said first latch receiving member including a cup shaped receiver having an opening extending therethrough, a first surface on said guide member engaging said cup shaped surface on said receiver when the hood and fender assembly pivots to a partially closed position to move said guide member towards said first end portion of said shaft against a force of said bias mechanism and expose said second end portion of said shaft during movement of the hood and fender assembly from the partially closed position to a fully closed position and cause said second end portion to extend through the opening in said receiver, said lock mechanism engaging said second end portion of said shaft extending from the opening in said receiver to prevent movement of the hood and fender assembly towards an open position, a second surface of said guide member 20 being supported within said mounting bracket to laterally locate said hood and fender assembly with respect to said frame and said first surface of said guide member engaging said cup-shaped receiver to locate said hood and fender assembly vertically and laterally with respect to said frame and isolate said hood and fender assembly from said cab such that movement of said hood and 1* 25 fender assembly induced by movements of said frame is not transmitted to said cab; one of said latch members having a lock mechanism movable between a latched position in engagement with the other latch member and an unlatched position disengaged from said other latch member; a movable handle; and a mechanism interposed between said handle and said lock mechanism to move said lock mechanism from the latched position to the unlatched position in response to movement of said handle.

w,\MaryOOavin\DivisionaisM)IV40756-97.doC 6i According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for use on a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting a cab, an engine and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly hinged at a forward end portion of the frame, said apparatus including: a first latch receiving member; rigid locating structure for locating said first latch receiving member on the frame such that relative movement therebetween is inhibited; a second latch member connected to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge and includes a shaft connected at a first end portion to a bracket attached to the hood and fender assembly, a guide member is movable along said shaft between said first end portion of said shaft and a second end portion of said shaft, a bias mechanism urges said guide member towards said second end portion of said shaft, said first latch receiving member including a cup shaped receiver having an opening extending therethrough, a first surface on said guide member engages said cup shaped surface on said receiver when said hood and fender assembly pivots to a partially closed position to move said guide member towards said first end portion of said shaft against a force of said bias mechanism and expose said second end portion of said shaft during movement of the hood and fender assembly from the partially 20 closed position to a fully closed position and cause said second end portion to extend through the opening in said receiver, said lock mechanism engages said second end portion of said shaft extending from said opening to prevent movement of the hood and fender assembly towards an open position, a second surface of said guide member being supported within said mounting 25 bracket to laterally locate said hood and fender assembly with respect to said frame and said first surface of said guide member engaging said cup-shaped receiver to locate said hood and fender assembly vertically and laterally with respect to said frame such that movements in said hood and fender assembly 30 are not transmitted to said cab; and a lock mechanism associated with said second latch member and which is engageable with a portion of said first latch receiving member to prevent said first latch receiving member from disengaging said second latch member.

W:\MaryONDavin\DivisionaisDIV40756-9 7 .doC Further features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates from reading the following specification with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a heavy duty truck having a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly illustrated in different positions; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a latch mechanism for connecting the hood and fender assembly to the truck frame, illustrated in a latched position; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism of Fig. 2, illustrated in an unlatched position; Fig. 4 is a plan view of a portion of the latch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3, the receiver assembly, as seen from above the receiver; is an exploded view of the receiver support strut used to mount the latch mechanism illustrated in 20 Figs. 2, 3, and 4 to the truck frame.

Fig. 6 is an exploded rear elevational view of a hinge connection between the hood and fender assembly and the truck frame with the hood and fender assembly open.

Fig. 7 is an exploded front elevational view of the 25 torsion spring assist as attached to the hinge assembly shown in Fig. 6.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention A conventional over-the-highway heavy duty vehicle in the form of a tractor 20 having a hood and fender assembly mounting system embodying the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1. The tractor 20 includes a .frame 22 which supports drive train components including an engine 24. The frame 22 includes a spaced pair of longitudinally extending rails 23 extending continuously for substantially the entire length of the tractor 20. A cab 26 is mounted on the frame 22 and defines a compartment for a vehicle driver to occupy during operation of the tractor 20. A shock absorbing mechanism 28 may be connected between the cab 26 and frame 22 to suspend and control movement of the cab relative to the frame.

The tractor 20 also includes a hood and fender assembly 42. The hood and fender assembly 42 is preferably made as a one-piece, molded fiberglass reinforced composite body component. The forward end of the hood and fender assembly 42 is connected to the frame 22 by a pair of hinge assemblies 44 located at a forward end portion of each frame rail 23. The hinge 44 pivotally connects a forward end of the hood and fender assembly 42 to the frame 22 so it is forwardly tiltable to an open position (shown by solid lines 63a, Fig. i), permitting access to components in the engine compartment 43 including the engine 24.

In addition to pivotally connecting the forward end of the hood and fender assembly 42 to the frame 22, a hood and fender assembly mounting system, embodying the present invention, releasably connects the rearward portion of the hood and fender assembly 42 directly to the frame rails 23 via hood latch mechanisms 64 and receiver support struts 47, thereby isolating the hood 35 and fender assembly 42 from the cab 26. Each hood latch mechanism 64 connects a rearward side portion of the hood S"and fender assembly 42 to a respective receiver support strut 47 when the latch mechanism 64 is in the latched position, as illustrated in Fig. 2. The hood latch mechanism 64 maintains the hood and fender assembly 42 in the closed position, as illustrated by dashed lines 63b a. in Fig. 1. Each latch mechanism 64 automatically adopts the latched position upon pivotal movement of the hood and fender assembly 42 to the fully closed position 63b relative to frame 22. The hood and fender assembly mounting system includes a handle 66 located within the cab 26 (Fig. and cables 68 (Figs. 1 and 4) connecting each latch mechanism 64 with the handle 66. The hood and fender assembly mounting system further provides hood restraint cylinders 45 (Fig. 1) and torsional spring assist 300 with a hex-shaped cross section (Fig. 7) which regulate the rate of travel and amount of force required to open and close the hood and fender assembly 42.

A hood and fender assembly mounting system, embodying the present invention, includes a pair of substantially identical latch mechanisms 64, each comprising a pin assembly 162 and a receiver assembly 82 (Fig. 3) mounted on respective receiver support struts 47 which in turn are each attached to a respective frame rail 23 (Fig. While only one hood latch mechanism 64 is shown in Figs. 1 and 5, it will be apparent that a pair of hood latch mechanism 64 is usually required in the hood and fender mounting system to attach the sides of the hood and fender assembly 42 with a respective frame rail 23. Fig. 5 illustrates mounting of the receiver assembly 82 to the receiver support strut 47. A plurality of bolts 311 extend through the frame mounting bracket 310 and the frame rail 23 to attach the receiver support strut 47 to the rail (Fig. A receiver mounting bracket 308, which has adjustment slots 306 is connected to a second intermediate hood support bracket 305 by a plurality of screws 307. A plurality of screws 307 extend through a retaining plate 304, a first intermediate hood support bracket 301 and the second intermediate bracket 305 to form the mounting location -for the receiver assembly 82. Both the first and second intermediate brackets, 301 and 305 respectively, incorporate slots 306 for adjustment purposes. The *"receiver assembly 82 is secured to the first intermediate hood support bracket with four screws 307. The receiver assemblies 82 of the latch mechanisms 64 are thereby anchored directly to the frame rail 23 via the receiver support strut 47. When the pin assembly 162 is engaged in the receiver assembly 82 as illustrated in Fig. 2, the engaged latch mechanism 64 serves as the rear support for the hood and fender assembly 42 and isolates the hood and fender assembly 42 from stresses caused by movement of the cab 26 relative to the frame, thus reducing damage to the hood.

Each latch mechanism 64 is actuated using a cable assembly 68 to release the connection between the hood and fender assembly 42 and the frame 22 when the latch transitions from a latched position (Fig. 2) to an unlatched position as illustrated in Fig. 3. As with the receiver support struts 47, only one latch mechanism 64 is illustrated in Fig. 1 but it will be apparent that a pair of latch mechanisms 64 isusually required to attach a side of the hood and fender assembly 42 with a respective frame rail 23.

The latch mechanism 64 includes the receiver assembly 82 which connects directly to the first intermediate hood support bracket 301 and a pin assembly 162 (Fig. The receiver assembly 82 includes a cupshaped receiver 84 and a plate 86 (Fig. The cupshaped receiver 84 includes a frusto-conical surface

S.

The cup shaped receiver 84 is formed to include a clearance section 88 defined by dashed lines in Fig. 4 which does not contact the plate 86, so that essentially 5 only three sides and the four corners of the receiver 84 contact the plate 86. The clearance section 88 spaces ooooo *the bottom edge of the receiver 302 away from the plate 86 a predetermined distance D, which is slightly greater *than the thickness of a lock lever 104, to allow :0 clearance for the lock lever. A pair of rivet fasteners 100 and 303 connect the lock lever 104 to the plate 86 in such a way as to allow pivotal movement of the lock lever and the receiver 84 is then spot welded to the plate 86 prior to the attachment of the receiver assembly 82 to the first intermediate hood support bracket 301. A plurality of screws 307 extend through the receiver 84 and the plate 86 to attach the receiver assembly 82 to the first intermediate hood support bracket 301 (Fig. The lock lever 104 is located between the receiver 84 and the plate 86 as illustrated by Fig. 4. The lock lever 104 is preferably formed from a stamped metal, such as steel and has a thickness slightly less than the distance D (Fig. 3) which the receiver 84 and plate 86 are spaced apart in the clearance section 88. Thus, the lock lever 104 can move between the receiver 84 and plate 86 within the clearance section 88. The rivet fastener 100 extends through the lock lever 104 to pivotally mount the lock lever relative to and between the receiver 84 and the plate 86. The rivet fastener 303 extends through a slot 321 on the lock lever 104 and acts a stop which limits the travel of the lock lever about its pivot point, rivet 100. The lock lever 104, thus, comprises a member which is pivotable relative to the receiver 84 and plate 86. An opening 106 extends through the receiver 84 and an opening 108 (shown in Fig. 3) extends coaxially through the plate 86. The opening 106 is larger than the .20 opening 108 to promote alignment when the pin assembly 162 is moving into a latched position. The opening 108 **has a diameter only slightly larger than the shoulder

S.

244.

The lock lever 104 includes a pin engaging portion 122 which is located completely between the receiver 84 and the plate 86 in the clearance section 88. The lock lever 104 also includes an arm portion 124 integrally formed as one piece with the pin engaging portion 122.

*.The pin engaging portion 122 is for engaging the 0 underside of the shoulder 244 of the pin assembly 162.

The arm portion 124 is located outside of the receiver 84 and plate 86 and is operated to move the pin engaging portion 122 out of engagement with the other member of the latch mechanism 64. The arm portion 124 is connected with the cable 68 for moving the lock lever 104 between the latched position, as illustrated in Fig. 2 and solid lines in Fig. 4, and the unlatched position, as illustrated in Fig. 3 and dashed lines in Fig. 4.

In the latched position, the pin engaging portion 122 engages a part of the pin assembly 162. In the unlatched position, the pin engaging portion 122 is disengaged from the pin assembly 162. The pin engaging portion 122 includes a tapered surface 126 for ease of engaging the pin assembly 162 (Fig. The lock lever 104 includes a spring 128 extending between the arm portion 124 and an extension 142 of the plate 86 (Fig.

The spring 128 biases the lock lever 104 toward the latched position in engagement with the other member of the latch mechanism 64.

The cable 68 which may be a Bowden type cable (Figs.

1 and 4) and includes a sheath 69 and a lock nut 144 (shown only in Fig. 4) which is fixed relative to the first intermediate hood support bracket 301 and the cab 26. The cable 68 extends at one end from the lock lever 104 in the engine compartment to the other end inside the cab 26. Located coaxially and movable relative to the sheath 69 is a wire portion 146, which is connected at one end to the arm portion 124 by a crimped ball 148 or "-other suitable cable end attachment. The other end of the wire 146 is connected to a handle 66. The handle 66 (Fig. 1) is operably mounted in a support member fixed to ~25 the cab 26. The handle 66 can move pivotally or axially relative to its support. Movement of the handle 66 4*4oe4 causes the arm portion 124 of the lock lever 104 to pivot, as illustrated in Fig. 4, by tension in the wire 146.

The handle 66 being located within the cab 26 of the tractor 20 enables an operator of the tractor to release the-hood and fender assembly 42 from within the cab for access to the engine compartment 43. The hood latch mechanisms 64, thus, provide a measure of security for the tractor 20, because when the doors to the tractor are locked, no one can easily gain access to the engine compartment 43. Also, the hood latch mechanism 64 of the present invention allows release of the hood and fender assembly 42 without having to walk around the exterior sides of the tractor 20 or be outside of the tractor in inclement weather.

The latch mechanism 64 includes the pin assembly 162 shown best in Fig. 3. The pin assembly 162 is attached to the hood and fender assembly 42 at a rearward location away from the hinge 44. The receiver assembly 82 receives the pin assembly 162 when the hood and fender assembly 42 encloses the engine compartment 43 (shown in Fig. 1, by the dashed lines 63b). The pin assembly 162 includes a mounting bracket 164 which is attached to the hood and fender assembly. Bolts 166 and weldnuts connect the mounting bracket 164 to the fiberglass hood and fender assembly 42 through a metal reinforcement 167 located on an inner surface of the hood and fender assembly 42 which delineates the engine compartment 43.

This renders the latch mechanism 64 substantially inaccessible from the exterior of the tractor The mounting bracket 164 is essentially a cup-shaped S. •member made from a drawn metal, such as steel or aluminum, which attaches to the hood and fender assembly 42 so the pin assembly 162 extends from an opening 168 in the inner surface of the hood and fender assembly 42. A pin or shaft 182 is connected to a bottom inner surface of the cup-shaped mounting bracket 164. The shaft 182 includes a sleeve 190 and a stud 221. A shoulder 188 is formed on one end of the sleeve 190. The stud 221 includes a threaded portion 186 at one end and a tapered surface 220 at theother end. The stud 221 is enclosed along its length by the sleeve 190, with the threaded portion 186 extending through the sleeve at the shoulder 188 of the sleeve. The threaded portion 186 is inserted into an opening in the mounting bracket 164 and a locking nut 185 is threaded onto the threaded portion 186 to draw the shoulder 188 of the sleeve 190 against the bottom inner surface of the mounting bracket 164. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the threaded portion 186 further includes a structure such as flatted sides 225 or a torx configuration to engage an assembly tool when tightening the nut 186. An alternative embodiment, shown in Fig. 2, the tapered end 220 includes a structure, such as flatted sides 220a, for engaging an assembly tool. Washers may be used under the nut 185 or above the shoulder 188 of the sleeve 190 to distribute the load on the mounting bracket 164. A shoulder 244 is present at the tapered end 220 which retains the end of the sleeve 190. Therefore the distance between the tapered end 220 and the mounting bracket 164 is determined by the length of sleeve 190 and the thickness of any washer present between the shoulder 188 of the sleeve 190 and the mounting bracket 164.

A guide member 204 has a frusto-conical lead surface 206 and is axially movable along the shaft 182 at the tapered end 220. The guide member's external frustoconical surface 206 is shaped similarly to the internal frusto-conical surface 90 of the receiver 84. This provides for load distribution during movement of the pin assembly 162 into the receiver assembly 82 as the hood and fender assembly 42 pivots from an open position to a closed position and provides at least some self-alignment characteristics. At least the shaft 182 and the guide member 204 extend through the opening 168 in the hood and o fender assembly 42.

A spring 222 is located coaxially relative to the shaft 182 and the guide member 204 within an annular recess 224 of the guide member. The spring 222 biases the guide member 204 towards the tapered end 220. The .guide member 204 includes another recess 242 at a leading axial end of the guide member for engaging a second shoulder 244 formed on the shaft 182 at the tapered end 220. The shoulder 244 limits the amount of axial travel of the guide member 204 along the shaft 182 in a direction away from the mounting bracket 164.

As the hood and fender assembly 42 is moved from the open position, as illustrated by the solid lines 63a in Fig. 1, towards the closed position, as illustrated by dashed lines 63b, the tapered end 220 of the shaft 182 and the frusto-conical lead surface 206 of the guide member 204 enter the receiver 84 and may engage the frusto-conical surface 90. The shaft 182 and guide member 204, thus, are fully seated and aligned in the receiver 84 prior to any movement of the shaft 182 into the opening 106 thereby serving to self-align the pin assembly 162 relative to the receiver assembly 82, as well as positioning the hood and fender assembly 42 relative to the frame 22. This self-alignment is due to the interaction between the frusto-conical surfaces 206 and tapered surface 220 of the respective latch members 82, 162. The interaction between the surfaces 206 and 90 also serves to distribute the loads on the mounting bracket 164 during movement to a latched position.

As the hood and fender 42 assembly move towards its 6' closed position, the first engagement between the frustoconical surfaces 90, 206 defines a partially closed position of the hood and fender assembly relative to the *°*ooo frame 22 and cab 26. The bias force of the spring 222 maintains the bracket 164 slightly spaced from the receiver 84. Upon further movement of the hood and fender assembly 42 relative to the frame 22, from the partially closed position to a fully closed position, the guide member 204 remains stationary in the receiver 84.

However, as the bias force of the spring 222 is overcome, the tapered end 220 of the shaft 182 extends through the .opening 106 in the receiver assembly 82 and engages the .tapered surface 126 of the pin engaging portion 122 to cam open the lock lever 104.

The tapered end 220 of the shaft 182 is tapered in order to self center in the receiver 84 to offset minor misalignment due to deflection of the hood and fender assembly 42 during closing. As the tapered end 220 and a shoulder 244 of the shaft engage the tapered surface 126 they force the pin engaging portion 122 of the lock lever 104 to move to a position, in a direction normal to the shaft, allowing the second end portion of the shaft 182 to pass beyond the pin engaging portion. Upon sufficient axial movement of the tapered end 220 beyond the tapered surface 126, the spring 128 biases the pin engaging portion 122 towards the latched position, as illustrated in Fig. 4, in which the pin engaging portion 122 contacts the under side of the shoulder 244 thereby preventing movement of the pin assembly 162 out of the receiver assembly 82, but may not be in contact the shaft 182. A concentric ridge 200 is formed on the guide member 204 which may engage the cup shaped mounting bracket 164 at the surface 191 to prevent over-travel of the guide member by stopping against the surface 191 in the event that the hood and fender assembly 42 is closed with excessive force. The amount of travel of the guide member 204 which is allowed prior to engaging the surface 191 serves to provide at least some isolation between the rearward portion of the hood and fender assembly 42 and the frame 22. Thus, when in the latched position, the shaft 182 is locked in place and prevented from axial movement outwardly of the receiver assembly 82 and plate opening 108, as illustrated in Fig. 2. This maintains the pin assembly 162 latched in the receiver assembly 82 which maintains the rearward portion of the hood and fender assembly 42 fixed relative to the frame 22.

This hood latch mechanism 64 positively and automatically locks the hood and fender assembly 42 in place relative to the frame 22 when the hood and fender assembly is moved from the partially closed position to the fully closed position against the bias force of the spring 222. No manual latching on either side of the tractor 20 is required. Any pivotal movement of the hood and fender assembly 42 towards the open position or 17 laterally or longitudinally relative to the frame 22 is prevented. Due to its shock absorbing mechanism 28, the cab 26 will move relative to the frame 22, but the hood and fender assembly 42 is not free to move relative to the frame because it is fixed directly to the frame by the hinges 44 and hood latch mechanisms 64 (supported by the receiver support struts 47).

To release the latch mechanism 64, the handle 66 within the cab 26 is pulled to force the wire 146 to pivot the arm portion 124 of the lock lever 104. The pin engaging portion 122 pivots in a direction away from engagement with the tapered end 220 of the shaft 182, to the unlatched position, illustrated in Fig. 4 dashed lines. Excessive travel of the pin engaging portion 122 and overstretch of the spring 128 while moving away from engagement with the shaft 182 is prevented when the slot 321 in the lock lever 104 stops against the non-pivoting rivet 303. The biasing force of the spring 222 causes the hood and fender assembly 42 to pivot slightly from the fully closed position, as illustrated in Fig. 2, to a partially closed position in which the guide member 204 still engages in the receiver assembly 82 However, the shaft 182 is not engaged by the lock lever 104 to any degree which would prevent further pivotal movement of the hood and fender assembly 42 towards the fully opened position relative to the frame 22, as illustrated by solid lines 63a in Fig. 1.

~The front of the hood and fender assembly 42 is attached to the frame 22 with two hinge assemblies 44, one per frame rail 23, Fig. i. Only one hinge assembly 44 will be described herein and it will be obvious that a substantially similar hinge assembly is required at the other frame rail 23. The hinge assembly 44 includes a J bracket 320, a hood adjusting rod 316, and a hood pivot bracket 314, Fig. 6. A plurality of bolts 324 connect the J'bracket 320 to the inside of the hood and fender assembly 42 through adjustment slots 325.on the J bracket 320. The threaded hood adjusting rod 316 which is located in the hood bracket 318 is used to position the hood and fender assembly 42 in the fore and aft directions by adjusting the jam nuts 317 on the threads of the hood adjusting rod 316 while the bolts 324 are loose in the adjusting slots 325 until the hood and fender assembly is in the correct position and then tightening the bolts 324 to secure the J bracket 320 to the hood and fender assembly. The hinge assembly 44 is attached to a toweye bracket 313 via the hood pivot mounting bracket 314 using two nuts 315. The toweye bracket 313 is attached to a frame rail 23.

To regulate the effort required to open and close the hood and fender assembly 42, a torsion spring assist 300 including one or more hex-shaped torsion bars 312 is installed between the two hinge assemblies 44 (see Fig.

The J bracket 320 has a rigidly mounted socket 319 which accepts an end of a hex shaped torsion bar 312.

The J bracket socket 319 protrudes through a circular opening in the hood pivot mounting bracket 314 and is able to rotate within the opening, allowing the forward end of the hood and fender assembly 42 to pivot about the center of the circular opening in the hood pivot mounting bracket 314 and the center of the J bracket socket. A ooo.

25 rubber ring isolator 335 is located within the opening of the hood pivot mounting bracket 314 to provide some isolation between the J bracket 320 and the frame 22. A lock collar 338 is used to retain the relative position of the J bracket 320 and the hood pivot mounting bracket 30 314, and a thrust washer may be used between the lock collar 338 and the hood pivot mounting bracket 314 to reduce wear therebetween. A hex-shaped torsion bar 312 is pushed inboard through a hex shaped opening 327 in one hood pivot mounting bracket 314 and then is inserted into the J bracket socket 319 at the opposite hinge assembly 44. A set screw 322 (Fig. 6 and 7) is then inserted through the bottom of the hood pivot bracket 314 to prevent the hex-shaped torsion bar 312 from sliding in an outboard direction, thereby maintaining the connection at both the J bracket socket 319 and the hood pivot bracket 314 (Fig. Thus, the hex-shaped torsion bar 312 is prevented from rotation about its axis relative to the frame 22 at one end by the hex shaped opening 327 in the hood pivot bracket 314 and rotates about its axis at the other end when the hood and fender assembly 42 is pivoted between the open and closed position thereby rotating the J bracket socket 319 and twisting the hex-shaped torsion bar. A bushing 333 is installed at the midpoint of the hex-shaped torsion bars 312 to locate them and prevent any movement other than twisting during pivoting of the hood and fender assembly 42.

Because the hex shaped opening 327 in the hood pivot mounting bracket 314 and the interior dimensions of the J bracket socket 319 are a close slip-fit to the hex-shaped torsion bar 312, no other means of preventing rotation of the bar relative to the J bracket socket or hood pivot mounting bracket are necessary, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or fixing methods required by *existing torsion bars with a circular cross section.

Additionally, the hex shape of the torsion bar 312 allows for an adjustment to preload the torsion bars 312 to regulate the force necessary to move the hood and fender assembly 42 relative to its position between the fully open and fully closed position. This adjustment is made by aligning alignment notches 336 on the hood pivot mounting bracket 314 and 337 on the J bracket 320 prior to the attachment of the hood pivot mounting bracket 314 to the frame 22 thereby providing the necessary preload to assist in operation of the hood and fender assembly *"42.

In addition to the hex-shaped torsion spring assist 300, the hood and fender assembly mounting system incorporates one or more hood restraint cylinders 45 for preventing sudden opening of the hood and fender assembly 42 and controlling the rate of travel of the hood and fender assembly when it is moved between the closed and open position, Fig. 6. The hood restraint cylinders are attached to the toweye brackets 313 by inserting a threaded stud 334 at the end of the hood restraint cylinder rod 333 through a washer 331 and then the toweye bracket 313 and securing with nut 330. The other end of the hood restraint cylinder 45 is attached in a similar manner to the hood and fender assembly 42 using the threaded stud 334, a washer 331 and nut 330. The hood restraint cylinder 45 may resist the motion of the hood restraint cylinder rod 333 in the extend or retract direction. The hood restraint cylinder rod 333 is in its fully extended position when the hood and fender assembly 42 is open (see Fig. 1, solid lines 63a) and fully retracted when the hood and fender assembly is closed (Fig. 1 dashed lines 63b). Movement in either direction of the hood and fender assembly 42 between the open and closed position may be resisted by the extension or retraction of the hood restraint cylinder rod 333 as it moves through the fluid in the hood restraint cylinder The degree of resistance in either direction may be controlled by the internal valving of the hood restraint cylinder 45. In the exemplary embodiment of the present 25 invention, the hood restraint cylinders 45 are gas filled and resist motion in the extend or opening direction of movement of the hood and fender assembly 42.

The present invention prevents or reduces problems associated with the use of elastic straps or spring q loaded latches to connect the rearward portion of the hood and fender assembly to the cab. In such a configuration, the rearward portion of the hood and .fender assembly moves relative to the frame when the cab moves on its shock absorbing mechanism or when the frame flexes independent of the cab while the frontward portion of the hood and fender assembly, which is mounted directly to the frame, does not. The flexing of the 21 fiberglass hood and fender assembly causes warpage and paint damage to the hood and fender assembly, requiring a large gasket to cushion impacts between the hood and fender assembly and the cab. The present invention eliminates the mechanical connection between the hood and fender assembly and the cab, and the need for the large gasket, by coupling both the frontward and rearward portions of the hood and fender assembly directly to the frame of the vehicle thereby reducing flexure of the hood and fender assembly. The present invention also increases security and convenience by making the hood latches relatively inaccessible from outside the vehicle and allowing for disengagement of the latches from inside the cab. This remote actuation feature discourages unauthorized access to the hood when the vehicle is locked and allows the driver to unlatch the hood from the comfort of the cab. The present invention improves ride quality because the hood and fender assembly does not limit the motion of the cab on its shock absorber or cause additional motion of the cab.

The present invention controls both the rate of travel and force required to move the hood and fender assembly between the closed and open position. Hood restraint cylinders prevent sudden movement by limiting the rate of travel. The hex-shaped torsion spring assist allows the force required to open and close the hood and fender assembly to be set by preloading the torsion bars prior to their installation. The hex-shaped torsion bar eliminates the need for additional means of fixing the bar to the hood and fender assembly necessary when round cross section bars are used because the hex-shaped torsion bar slip fits into the J bracket socket and the hood pivot bracket and is thereby prevented from rotation relative to its mounting location.

From the above description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such 22 improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (96)

1. An apparatus for use with a conventional over-the-highway heavy duty vehicle having a frame for supporting an engine, a cab, a hood and fender assembly and a hinge pivotally connecting the hood and fender assembly to the frame, said apparatus including: a first latch receiving member; rigid locating structure for locating said first latch receiving member on the frame such that relative movement therebetween is inhibited; a second latch member attached to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge for receipt in said first latch receiving member when the hood and fender assembly encloses the engine, said second latch member engaging said first latch receiving member to vertically and laterally locate and maintain the hood and fender assembly in a predetermined position relative to the frame and substantially unsupported by said cab to isolate said hood and fender assembly from said cab such that movement of said hood and fender assembly induced by movements of said frame is not transmitted to said cab; one of said latch members having a lock mechanism movable between a 20 latched position in engagement with the other latch member and an unlatched position disengaged from said other latch member; a movable handle; and o.* a mechanism interposed between said handle and said lock mechanism to move said lock mechanism from the latched position to the unlatched position 25 in response to movement of said handle. 4

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the hinge pivotally mounts the hood and fender assembly to the frame so the hood and fender assembly are forwardly tiltable from the position enclosing the engine to a position permitting 30 access to the engine.

3. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein said first and second latch members are mounted in a location which is substantially W:\MaryO\DavinDivisionalsDIV407S6-97 .doc 24 inaccessible from the exterior of the vehicle when the hood and fender assembly is in a closed position relative to the frame.

4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said handle is located within the cab.

An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said mechanism includes a cable connecting said handle with said lock mechanism.

6. An apparatus for use on a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting a cab, an engine and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly hinged at a forward end portion of the frame, said apparatus including: a first latch receiving member; rigid locating structure for locating said first latch receiving member on the frame such that relative movement therebetween is inhibited; a second latch member connected to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge; said first latch receiving member receiving the second latch member to position and maintain the hood and fender assembly relative to the frame and isolate said hood and fender assembly from said cab, when said hood and fender assembly in a closed position, said first latch member and second latch member cooperating to vertically and laterally locate said hood and fender assembly when said first latch receiving member receives said second latch member such that said hood and fender assembly is substantially unsupported S• by said cab and movements in said hood and fender assembly are not transmitted to said cab; and lock mechanism associated with said second latch member and which is engageable with a portion of said first latch receiving member to prevent said first latch receiving member from disengaging said second latch member.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 further including: a movable.handle located within the cab; and W:\MaryO\DavinDivisiolnals\DIV40756-97.doc a cable connecting said handle with said lock mechanism to move said lock mechanism from the position engaged with said portion of said first latch receiving member to a position disengaged from said portion of said fixed latch member in response to movement of said handle.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 wherein said first and second latch members are mounted in a location which is substantially inaccessible from the exterior of the vehicle when the hood and fender assembly is in a closed position relative to the frame.

9. An apparatus for releasably connecting a pair of relatively movable members, said apparatus including: a receiver attached to one of the pair of members and having an opening extending therethrough; a shaft attached to the other of the pair of members at a first axial end portion of said shaft; a guide member movable along said shaft between said first axial end portion of said shaft and a second axial end portion of said shaft; a bias mechanism urging said guide member towards said second axial 20 end portion of said shaft when the members are located relatively away from one another in an open position; a guide surface on said guide member engageable with a receiver surface on said receiver upon relative movement of the members from the open position to a partially closed position and moves said guide member towards 25 said first axial end portion of said shaft against a force of said bias mechanism to expose said second axial end portion of said shaft from the guide member during movement of the pair of members from the partially closed position to a **fully closed position and cause said second axial end portion to extend through the opening in said receiver, said guide and receiver surfaces cooperating when 30 said members are in the fully closed position to vertically and laterally fix the position of said second member relative to said first member; and a lock mechanism engages said second axial end portion of said shaft extending from said opening to prevent movement of the shaft relative to the receiver and pair of members towards the open position.

W:vMaryO\Dain Divisionals\DIV40756-97.doc An apparatus according to claim 9 further including a shoulder on said second axial end portion of said shaft to limit movement of said guide member and to engage a portion of said lock mechanism to maintain said receiver and said guide member engaged and the pair of members in the fully closed position.

11. An apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 further including a movable lever associated with said lock mechanism to disengage said lock mechanism from said second end portion of said shaft upon movement of said lever and permit the pair of members to move towards the open position.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11 further including a movable handle and a mechanical connection between said handle and said lever for moving said lever upon movement of said handle.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said mechanical connection includes a cable.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein said bias •:omechanism includes a spring located between and coaxial with said shaft and said guide member.

An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14 wherein said receiver has a cup shaped surface for engaging said guide member and extends in a direction coaxial with said guide member when said members are located near and at the partially closed position, said opening in said receiver located at a base portion of said cup shaped surface.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said cup shaped surface on said receiver and said surface on said guide member are frusto-conical.

17. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 16 wherein said second end portion of said shaft is tapered and cams said lock mechanism in a W:MaryO\DavinXDivisionals\DlV40756-97.doc 27 direction transversely away from said shaft as said second axial end portion extends from the opening in said receiver.

18. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 17 further including a bracket located in an opening in said other of the pair of members, said shaft is attached to said bracket and extends through said opening.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 18 wherein the one of the pair of relatively movable members is a vehicle frame rail and the other of the pair of relatively movable members is a hood and fender assembly including a bracket for attachment with said shaft.

Vehicle apparatus for supporting an engine enclosing body panel, including: a vehicle frame supporting an engine, a passenger compartment, and a body panel operative to enclose said engine, said body panel mounted for movement between a first position at which said engine is accessible and a second position at which said engine is inaccessible; means for inhibiting movement in said body panel relative to said frame, including a first connecting mechanism for coupling one portion of said body panel directly to said frame and a second connecting mechanism for coupling S"another portion of said body panel directly to said frame, independent of said passenger compartment such that frame induced movement of said body panel is not transmitted to said passenger compartment; and a disconnecting mechanism by which one of said connecting mechanisms may be disengaged to uncouple one of said portions of said body panel from said frame to allow said body panel to move between said first and second positions. 30

21. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said vehicle is a conventional heavy duty truck and said body panel is a hood and fender assembly. W:\MaryO\ODavin\DivisionalsDIV40756-97 .doc 28

22. An apparatus according to claim 20 or 21 wherein said connecting mechanism is at least one latch mechanism, including: a first latch member which is mechanically coupled to said frame, independent of said passenger compartment; a second latch member which is connected to said body panel; and said first latch member receives said second latch member and a lock mechanism releasably retains said second latch member.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said first latch member is connected to said frame by a mounting strut.

24. An apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 23 wherein said disconnecting mechanism includes: a handle in said passenger compartment; and a means of connecting said handle to said disconnecting mechanism to move said connecting mechanism from a position inhibiting movement of said body panel to a position in which movement of said body panel is not inhibited in response to movement of said handle. 20

25. An apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said means of connecting said handle to said disconnecting mechanism is a cable.

An apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 25 wherein said first connecting mechanism is a hinge that pivotally connects said body panel to said frame including an isolating structure to isolate said body panel from said frame.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein said hinge is located at a **frontward end of the said body panel.

28. An apparatus according to claim 26 or 27 further including a regulating mechanism for regulating the operation of said body panel when moving between said first and second positions including a torsion spring with hexagonal cross-section. W:UMaryO\Davin\Divisionals\DIlV40756-97.doc 29

29. An apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said torsion spring is slip fit into a socket located at the pivot point of said body panel and retained at its other end in a hexagonal opening in bracket fixed relative to said frame.

30. An apparatus according to claim 28 or 29 wherein said regulating mechanism includes a damper devices.

31. For a highway vehicle, an apparatus for connecting a hood of said vehicle to a frame of said vehicle, wherein said vehicle includes a cab enclosing a passenger compartment mounted to said frame, said apparatus including: a first latch member; rigid locating structure for locating said first latch member on said frame so as to inhibit relative motion between said hood and said frame and isolate said hood from said cab; a second latch member which is connected to said hood, having a guide member, a mounting bracket, and a shaft; said first latch member includes a surface which is complementary to that of said second latch member and includes an opening which may receive said shaft of said second latch member; a lock mechanism which engages said second latch member and releasably retains it, thereby maintaining the relative position of said structures; said second latch member having said shaft attached at one end to said member, said shaft having at its unattached end a complementary shape to that O o of said first latch structure; and said second latch member further including a guide member capable of o sliding along said shaft, said guide member also having a first complementary *too shaped surface to that of said first latch member and containing a guide member biasing mechanism which urges said guide member toward the unattached end of said shaft thereby serving to align said second latch member with said first latch member when said structures are being connected and to urge said second latch member out of engagement from said first latch member when said lock mechanism is disengaged, said first complementary shaped surface of said guide member cooperating with said surface of said first latch member when said lock mechanism is engaged to vertically and laterally fix the W:MVarylOavinDiviSiOlISMIV4075697.doc position of said structures and a second surface of said guide member cooperating with said mounting bracket when said lock mechanism is engaged to laterally fix the position of said structures, said guide member further including an over travel stop mechanism which prevents contact between said structures, said bias mechanism interacting with said guide member and said mounting bracket to damp movement of said structure beyond the fully closed position.

32. An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said shaft further includes: a shoulder which retains said guide member from movement in a direction toward the unattached end of said shaft, said shaft may protrude through said opening in said first latch member and thereby may be releasably retained by said lock mechanism; said complementarily shaped surface of said guide member engages said surface of said first latch member when said hood and frame are being connected and is retained by said surface of said first latch member, allowing said shaft to protrude through said opening in said first latch member and to be releasably retained by said lock mechanism; and said lock mechanism has a lock biasing mechanism which urges said 20 lock mechanism toward a position which would engage said second latch I* O° member, said lock mechanism has a tapered interface surface which allows said shaft to slide along and cam said lock mechanism against the force of said lock biasing mechanism when said hood and frame are being connected, said biasing mechanism causing said lock mechanism to return to a position of engagement with said second member when said shoulder protrudes past said 0 tapered interface surface, thereby retaining said second latch member, said lock mechanism further includes a lever which can be operated to disengage said lock mechanism from said second latch member.

33. An apparatus according to claim 32 further including a movable handle and a connection between said handle and said lever to permit disengagement of said second latch member from said first latch member by operating said movable handle. W:\maryO\Dvin\DkviSofnalSD V40756-97.doc 31

34. An apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said connection includes a cable.

An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said guide member includes a shoulder which limits the travel of said guide member away from said attached end of said shaft when in the connected position to allow for some isolation of said frame from said hood without damage to the latch members.

36. An apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 35 wherein said guide member and said shaft have a frusto-conical shape.

37. An apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 36 wherein said guide member biasing mechanism of said second latch member is a spring.

38. An apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 37 wherein said lock biasing mechanism is a spring.

39. An apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 38 wherein the travel of said lock mechanism is limited by a slot acting on a rivet to prevent damage 20 to said lock bias mechanism.

An apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 39 wherein said first latch member is connected to said frame by a mounting strut.

41. A hood support and latching system for an over-the-highway vehicle including: a) a vehicle frame structure extending longitudinally and including a cab mounting portion supporting an operator cab and a prime mover mounting portion forward of said cab portion; b) a hood assembly, movable between opened and closed positions and operative to enclose an engine compartment when in said closed position; c) at least one hood latch mechanism for maintaining closure of said hood assembly including first and second latch assemblies; W:MaryO\tDavin\Divisonals\DIV40756-97.doc 32 d) a rigid locating structure coupled directly to said frame structure for locating said first latching assembly on said frame and said second latching assembly attached to a rear section of said hood assembly, said first and second latching assemblies engageable, when said hood assembly is moved to its closed position and operative to vertically and laterally fix the rear section of said hood assembly relative to said frame and isolating said hood assembly from said cab mounting portion such that said hood assembly is substantially unsupported by said cab and movement of said hood assembly is not transmitted to said cab; and e) at least one pivot assembly mounted to a forward end of said frame structure for supporting a forward end of said hood assembly and defining a pivot axis for said hood assembly, whereby said hood assembly is entirely supported by said frame structure.

42. A system according to claim 41, further including a spring assist formed by at least one torsion bar having one end coupled to and rotatable with said hood assembly and having its other end held against rotation by structure coupling said other end to said frame structure. 20

43. A system according to claim 41 or 42 further including a movement S. regulating mechanism including at least one damping cylinder having one end attached to said hood assembly and another end pivotally coupled to said frame structure.

44. A system according to claim 42 or 43, wherein said torsion bar is hex- shaped in cross-section and said one end is received in a hex-shaped socket rotatable with said hinge assembly about said hinge assembly pivot axis and 4 said other end is held against rotation by stationary hex-shaped structure.

45. A system according to any one of claims 41 to 44, including two hood latch mechanisms having second latching assemblies secured to a rear section of said hood assembly at spaced apart locations. W:\MaryO\Davin\Divisionals\]DIV40756-97.doc 33

46 A system according to claim 45, wherein said first latching assemblies are rigidly secured to said frame structure by laterally extending struts which locate said first latching assemblies in alignment with associated second latching assemblies of said latch mechanisms.

47. A system according to any of claims 41 to 46 wherein said first and second latching assemblies include a receiver assembly and a pin assembly, respectively.

48. A system according to any one of claims 41 to 47 wherein said frame structure includes a pair of elongate, parallel frame members.

49. An apparatus for supporting a hood and fender assembly of a heavy duty truck including: a frame including a pair of parallel, longitudinal rails supporting an engine, a cab, and said hood and fender assembly which operates to enclose said engine, said hood and fender assembly being pivotally mounted at its ~frontward end to said frame by two hinge assemblies, each assembly including a non-rotating anchor portion and a rotatable hinge portion located at either side 20 of said hood and fender assembly; a torsion spring assist which controls the effort needed to operate said hood and fender assembly including two torsion bars having a hexagonal socket which forms part of one of the rotatable hinge portions and which rotates S"with said hood and fender assembly and the other end of each of said torsion bar being inserted into a hexagonal shaped opening defined by a non-rotating *"anchor portion of the other hinge assembly; Sp at least one fluid filled damper device connected between said hood and fender assembly and said frame which controls the rate of travel of said hood and fender assembly; two latch mechanisms located at spaced apart locations at the rearward portion of said hood and fender assembly each including a receiver assembly mounted to one of said frame rails, independent of said cab on a receiver support strut whereby said receiver support strut rigidly couples said receiver assembly to said frame and a pin assembly mounted to said hood and fender W:\MaryOXOavin\DMisioalS\'IV40756-97 .doc 34 assembly at a location allowing said pin assembly to be received by said receiver assembly; said receiver assembly further including a lock lever which engages said pin assembly and releasably retains said pin assembly to connect said pin assembly to said receiver assembly thereby maintaining said hood and fender assembly in a predetermined, fixed position relative to said frame such that said hood and fender assembly is isolated from said cab; and operating means for moving said lock lever to a released position whereby said receiver assembly releases said pin assembly.

An apparatus according to any one of claims 28 to 30 wherein said torsion spring further includes an alignment structure.

51. An apparatus according to any one of claims 42 to 48 wherein said torsion bar further includes an alignment structure.

52. In a highway vehicle, an apparatus for regulating the operation of a hood assembly that is relatively movable with respect to a cab, one end of said hood assembly being pivotally supported by spaced apart hinge assemblies, said 20 assemblies together defining a pivot connection for said hood assembly oo allowing movement between a closed position at which an engine compartment is enclosed and an open position at which access to the engine compartment is permitted, said apparatus including at least one linear, rod-like torsion spring extending between said hinge assemblies and having one end slip fitted into a socket forming part of a movable portion of one of said assemblies, the other end of said torsion spring being received in a complementally-shaped opening forming part of a non-rotating portion of said other assembly.

53. An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said apparatus includes a damper device.

54. An apparatus according to 52 or 53, wherein said torsion spring is hexagonal-shaped.

W:\MaryOxDavin\Divis-onals\DIV4075r7.doc An apparatus according to claim 52, 53 or 54, further including a second torsional spring received in a socket defined by a rotatable portion of the other assembly and the other end of said second torsional spring being received in a complementally-shaped opening formed in a non-rotating portion of the one hinge assembly.

56. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said apparatus includes alignment structure for said torsion bars.

57. An apparatus for use on a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting a cab, an engine, and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly, wherein a front portion of said hood and fender assembly is hingeably connected to said frame at a forward end of said frame, said apparatus including: a first latch member; a rigid mounting structure connecting said first latch member to said frame; a second latch member connected to a rear portion of said hood and fender assembly that engages said first latch member when said first and second latch members are brought into contact and wherein said first and second latch members coact to releasably retain said rear portion of said hood and fender assembly in a closed position wherein said engine is substantially enclosed by said hood and fender assembly; and wherein said hood and fender assembly is retained in said closed position by said first and second latch member such that said hood and fender assembly is isolated from and substantially unsupported by said cab and relative movement between said hood and fender assembly and said cab is permitted without any mechanical interaction therebetween.

58. An apparatus for use on a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting a cab, an engine, and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly, wherein a front portion of said hood and fender assembly is hingeably connected to a forward end of said frame, said apparatus including: W: MaryONDainOKiiSionals\IV405BB7do 36 a pair of hinges including first and second hinge members disposed at opposite sides of said hood and fender assembly; at least one torsion bar extending between said hinges and engaging said hinges; wherein said first hinge member is connected to said front portion of said hood and fender assembly and is movable with said hood and fender assembly relative to said frame when said hood and fender assembly is rotated on said hinges between an open and closed positions, and wherein said first hinge member includes a receiving socket for receiving a first torsion bar end such that said first torsion bar end rotates with said first hinge member and said hood and fender assembly; and wherein said second hinge member is connected to said frame and said first hinge member and includes a mounting hole for receiving a second torsion bar end such that said second torsion bar end remains fixed with respect to said frame when said hood and fender assembly is moved between said open and closed positions.

59. An apparatus according to claim 58, including two torsion bars and a locating structure disposed midway between said first and second torsion bars for maintaining a relative position between said bars.

A hood and fender assembly restraint apparatus for use on a heavy duty truck having a frame supporting a cab, an engine, and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly, wherein said frame includes first and second chassis rails that are spaced apart and are disposed longitudinally along the length of the truck generally parallel to one another and wherein a front portion of said hood and fender assembly is hingeably connected to said frame at a forward end of said frame, said apparatus including: S. a) a first latch member connected to a rearward portion of said hood and fender assembly; b) a second latch member rigidly connected to said first chassis rail and adapted to coact with said first latch member to releasably retain said hood and fender assembly in a closed position wherein said engine is substantially enclosed by said hood and fender assembly; and W:\MarO\Davin\Divisionals\DIV40756-97.doc 37 c) wherein said hood and fender assembly is retained in said closed position by said first and second latch member such that said hood and fender assembly is isolated from said cab and relative movement between said hood and fender assembly and said cab is allowed without any mechanical interaction therebetween.

61. An apparatus according to claim 60 including a rigid mounting strut connected to one of said latch members for connecting retaining said hood and fender assembly in said closed position such that said hood and fender assembly is isolated from said cab and relative movement between said hood and fender assembly and said cab is allowed without any mechanical interaction therebetween.

62. An apparatus according to claim 61 wherein said strut is connected between said second latch member and said first chassis rail.

63. An apparatus according to any one of claims 60 to 62 including an additional first latch member connected to a rearward portion of said hood and fender assembly and an additional second latch member connected to said 20 second chassis rail.

64. An apparatus according to any one of claims 58 to 63 wherein said first and second hinges include an adjustment mechanism for aligning said hood and fender assembly relative to said frame.

An apparatus according to claim 64 wherein said adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of slotted openings in said hinge accessible to a mechanic when said hood and fender assembly is in a closed position in which said hood and fender assembly substantially encloses said engine.

66. An apparatus according to claim 64 wherein said adjustment mechanism includes a threaded rod connected to said hinge that engages a bracket on said hood and fender assembly. W:\Mar\Davin\DMslaSna'DIV407567.doc 38

67. An apparatus according to any one of claims 58 to 66 including a damper rotatably fixed at a first end to said hood and fender assembly and having a damper rod rotatably fixed at a distal end to said frame to slow movement of said hood and fender assembly during a portion of travel between an open position in which said hood and fender assembly is pivoted forward away from said frame and a closed position in which said hood and fender assembly substantially encloses said engine.

68. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said damper is connected to said hood and fender assembly and said frame such that said damper rod extends or retracts with respect to said damper at an end of travel during which said hood and fender assembly moves to a fully open position or a beginning of travel during which said hood and fender assembly moves from the fully open position.

69. A truck assembly, including: a) a pair of longitudinal frame members; b) a cab mounted directly to said frame members by cab mounting structure that allows said cab to move relative to said frame members in response to forces applied to said cab during truck assembly use; c) a hood assembly for at least partially enclosing an engine compartment forming part of said truck assembly and movable between opened and closed positions, said hood assembly located immediately adjacent said cab when in its closed position; d) mounting structure for mounting a forward end of said hood assembly to at least one of said frame members, said mounting structure defining a lateral pivot axis for said hood assembly about which said hood .o°assembly rotates between said opened and said closed positions; and, e) a latch mechanism including first and second latch assemblies, one of said latch assemblies attached to a rear portion of said hood assembly, the second of said latch assemblies attached to one of said frame members, such that upon movement of said hood assembly to its closed position, said first and second latch assemblies engage to maintain said hood assembly in said closed position and to connect said rear portion of said hood assembly directly W:AMaryO\DavinMDivisional3sDIV40756-9 7 .dOc 39 to at least one of said frame members, such that said hood assembly is substantially free of connections between itself and said cab, and whereby movement in said cab relative to said frame members is not substantially restricted by said hood assembly when said hood assembly is in its closed position.

A truck assembly, including: a) a pair of longitudinal frame members; b) a cab mounted directly to said frame members by cab mounting structure that allows said cab to move relative to said frame members in response to forces applied to said cab during truck assembly use; c) a hood assembly for at least partially enclosing an engine compartment forming part of said truck assembly and movable between opened and closed positions, said hood assembly located immediately adjacent said cab when in its closed position; d) front mounting structure for mounting a forward end of said hood assembly to at least one of said frame members, said mounting structure defining a lateral pivot axis for said hood assembly about which said hood assembly rotates between said opened and said closed positions; and 20 e) rear mounting structure for connecting and supporting a rear *portion of said hood assembly to at least one of said frame members, such that said hood assembly is substantially free of connections between itself and said cab, and whereby movement in said cab relative to said frame members is not substantially restricted by said hood assembly when said hood assembly is in its closed position.

71. A truck assembly according to claim 70, wherein said rear mounting structure includes a latch mechanism including first and second latch assemblies, one of said latch assemblies being attached to said rear portion of said hood assembly, the second of said latch assemblies being attached to one of said frame members, such that upon movement of said hood assembly to its closed position, said first and second latch assemblies engage to maintain said hood assembly in said closed position and to connect said rear portion of said hood assembly directly to at least one of said frame members. W:4aryODavin\Di'isknais'DIV4075-O7.doc

72. A truck assembly, including: a) a pair of longitudinal frame members; b) a cab mounted directly to said frame members by cab mounting structure that allows said cab to move relative to said frame members in response to forces applied to said cab during truck assembly use; c) a hood assembly for at least partially enclosing an engine compartment forming part of said truck assembly and movable between opened and closed positions, said hood assembly located immediately adjacent said cab when in its closed position; d) mounting structure for mounting a forward end of said hood assembly to at least one of said frame members, said mounting structure defining a lateral pivot axis for said hood assembly about which said hood assembly rotates between said opened and said closed positions; e) a support strut attached to at least one of said frame members; and, f) a latch mechanism including first and second latch assemblies, one of said latch assemblies attached to a rear portion of said hood assembly, the second of said latch assemblies attached to said support strut, such that upon movement of said hood assembly to its closed position, said first and second latch assemblies engage to maintain said hood assembly in said closed position and to connect said rear portion of said hood assembly directly to at least one of said frame members, such that movement in said cab relative to said frame members is not substantially restricted by said hood assembly when said hood assembly is in its closed position.

73. A truck assembly according to claim 72 further including: a second support strut attached to said other frame member; and, a second latch mechanism having a first latch assembly attached to said rear portion of said hood assembly and a second latch assembly attached to said second strut.

74. A truck assembly according to claim 72 or 73, wherein said support strut extends upwardly from said frame member to which it is attached.

W:VaryDainDiviSinas\DIV40756-97.doc 41 A truck assembly according to claim 69 wherein said second latch assembly includes a support strut that is secured to said one frame member.

76. A frame supported hood assembly for a truck, including: a) a pair of longitudinal frame members; b) a hood assembly for at least partially enclosing an engine compartment forming part of said truck; c) front mounting structure for connecting a forward end of said hood assembly directly to said frame members; and d) rear mounting structure for directly connecting a rear portion of said hood assembly directly to said frame members, such that substantially all of the weight of said hood assembly is borne by said frame members.

77. An apparatus according to claim 76 further including a cab mounted to said frame members immediately adjacent said hood assembly, said cab being mounted to said frame members by cab mounting structure which permits movement of said cab relative to said frame members and relative to said hood assembly.

78. An apparatus according to claim 76, wherein said rear mounting structure includes at least one latch mechanism having a first latch assembly attached to said rear portion of said hood assembly and a second latch assembly attached to at least one frame member, such that upon movement of said hood assembly to a closed position, said first and second latch assemblies engage. o.

79. An apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said second latch assembly includes a support strut attached to said one frame member. An apparatus according to claim 78 or 79, further including a second latch mechanism having a first latch assembly attached to said rear portion of said hood assembly and a second latch assembly attached to said other frame member.

W:\MaryO0Davin\DiviSinals\DIV40756-97.doc 42

81. An apparatus according to any one of claims 76 to 80, wherein said forward mounting structure defines a pivot axis for said hood assembly about which said hood assembly rotates between closed and opened positions.

82. An apparatus for use with a conventional over-the-highway heavy duty vehicle having a frame for supporting an engine, a cab, a hood and fender assembly and a hinge pivotally connecting the hood and fender assembly to the frame, said apparatus including: a first latch receiving member; rigid locating structure for locating said first latch receiving member on the frame such that relative movement therebetween is inhibited; a second latch member attached to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge for receipt in said first latch receiving member when the hood and fender assembly encloses the engine, said second latch member including a mounting bracket, a shaft connected to said mounting bracket at a first end portion with the hood and fender assembly, a guide member movable along said shaft between said first end portion of said shaft and a second end portion of said shaft, a bias mechanism urging said guide member towards said second end portion of said shaft, said first latch receiving **member including a cup shaped receiver having an opening extending therethrough, a first surface on said guide member engaging said cup shaped surface on said receiver when the hood and fender assembly pivots to a partially closed position to move said guide member towards said first end portion of said shaft against a force of said bias mechanism and expose said second end portion of said shaft during movement of the hood and fender assembly from the partially closed position to a fully closed position and cause said second end portion to extend through the opening in said receiver, said lock mechanism engaging said second end portion of said shaft extending from the opening in said receiver to prevent movement of the hood and fender assembly towards an open position, a second surface of said guide member being supported within said mounting bracket to laterally locate said hood and fender assembly with respect to said frame and said first surface of said guide member engaging said cup-shaped receiver to locate said hood and fender W: XMayOy DavinDivsionas'DIV40756-97.doc 1W 43 assembly vertically and laterally with respect to said frame and isolate said hood and fender assembly from said cab such that movement of said hood and fender assembly induced by movements of said frame is not transmitted to said cab; one of said latch members having a lock mechanism movable between a latched position in engagement with the other latch member and an unlatched position disengaged from said other latch member; a movable handle; and a mechanism interposed between said handle and said lock mechanism to move said lock mechanism from the latched position to the unlatched position in response to movement of said handle.

83. An apparatus for use on a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting a cab, an engine and a forwardly tiltable hood and fender assembly hinged at a forward end portion of the frame, said apparatus including: a first latch receiving member; *°S°Srigid locating structure for locating said first latch receiving member on :oo the frame such that relative movement therebetween is inhibited; 20 a second latch member connected to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge and includes a shaft connected at a first end portion to a bracket attached to the hood and fender assembly, a guide member is movable along said shaft between said first end portion of said shaft and a second end portion of said shaft, a bias mechanism urges said guide member towards said second end portion of said shaft, said first latch receiving member including a cup shaped receiver having an opening extending therethrough, a first surface on said guide member engages said cup shaped surface on said S-receiver when said hood and fender assembly pivots to a partially closed position to move said guide member towards said first end portion of said shaft against a force of said bias mechanism and expose said second end portion of said shaft during movement of the hood and fender assembly from the partially closed position to a fully closed position and cause said second end portion to extend through the opening in said receiver, said lock mechanism engages said second end portion of said shaft extending from said opening to prevent W:\MayO\Dain\DiviSiOnalSkDIV40756-97 .doc V 44 movement of the hood and fender assembly towards an open position, a second surface of said guide member being supported within said mounting bracket to laterally locate said hood and fender assembly with respect to said frame and said first surface of said guide member engaging said cup-shaped receiver to locate said hood and fender assembly vertically and laterally with respect to said frame such that movements in said hood and fender assembly are not transmitted to said cab; and a lock mechanism associated with said second latch member and which is engageable with a portion of said first latch receiving member to prevent said first latch receiving member from disengaging said second latch member.

84. An apparatus for use with a conventional over-the-highway heavy duty vehicle substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An apparatus for use on a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. 20

86. An apparatus for releasably connecting a pair of relatively movable ::°:members substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. oooo

87. Vehicle apparatus for supporting an engine enclosing body panel substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

88. An apparatus for connecting a pair of relatively moveable structures substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

89. An apparatus for regulating the operation of two relatively moveable structures substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

W:VMaryO\Da in\DivisioMalsDIV07567.do C A hood support and latching system substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

91. An apparatus for supporting a hood and fender assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

92. An apparatus for connecting a hood of a vehicle to a frame of the vehicle substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

93. An apparatus for regulating the operation of a hood assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

94. A hood and fender assembly restraint apparatus substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. .0

*95. A truck assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated with o, 20 reference to the accompanying drawings.

96. A frame supported hood assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. 25 Dated: 7 August, 2001 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. S.,.M W:\tMaryO\Davin\Divisiom\DIV407567.doc