CA2292151A1 - Vehicle shroud - Google Patents
Vehicle shroud Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2292151A1 CA2292151A1 CA 2292151 CA2292151A CA2292151A1 CA 2292151 A1 CA2292151 A1 CA 2292151A1 CA 2292151 CA2292151 CA 2292151 CA 2292151 A CA2292151 A CA 2292151A CA 2292151 A1 CA2292151 A1 CA 2292151A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shroud
- vehicle
- components
- invention defined
- track members
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
- B62D25/08—Front or rear portions
- B62D25/10—Bonnets or lids, e.g. for trucks, tractors, busses, work vehicles
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
- Harvester Elements (AREA)
Abstract
A sliding shroud is provided to enclose engine, cooling system, hydraulic, control linkage and related vehicle components carried in the central, rear and side areas of a vehicle such as a front mount mower. The shroud is mounted on fore and aft extending tracks for sliding movement to expose the vehicle components and permit maintenance, repair and replacement servicing. Screened openings are also provided in the shroud to enable cooling and carburetor air to be drawn into the component compartment.
Stops are provided between the shroud and vehicle to limit its movement but are removable to allow complete removal of the shroud from the vehicle. A latching structure serves to secure the shroud in its closed configuration during operation.
Stops are provided between the shroud and vehicle to limit its movement but are removable to allow complete removal of the shroud from the vehicle. A latching structure serves to secure the shroud in its closed configuration during operation.
Description
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VEHICLE SHROUD
Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to vehicle shrouds, and more specifically to a single piece shroud for enclosing engine, cooling system, hydraulic, linkage and related components carried by the vehicle. The shroud is slideably and removably mounted to permit quick and easy access to components carried within the component compartment area and at its sides.
VEHICLE SHROUD
Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to vehicle shrouds, and more specifically to a single piece shroud for enclosing engine, cooling system, hydraulic, linkage and related components carried by the vehicle. The shroud is slideably and removably mounted to permit quick and easy access to components carried within the component compartment area and at its sides.
2. Description of the Related Art Conventional hoods or shrouds on small vehicles such as front mounted mowers typically enclose engine, cooling system, hydraulic, control linkage and related vehicle components. Typically, these hoods are mounted on the vehicle to pivot about a lateral axis and raise at one end to provide for limited access to the vehicle components carried in the engine compartment area. While these arrangements provide some access to many vehicle components, access can be restricted by the elevated hood. Further access to components carried at the sides and/or end of the vehicle often require the removal of side and/or end panel structures.
Summary of the Invention It would therefore be desirable to provide a vehicle shroud that encloses many of the vehicle engine, cooling system, hydraulic, control linkage and related components carried within and adjacent to the engine compartment area. Specifically it would be desirable to provide a shroud that not only encloses the upper areas of the component compartment but also portions of the sides and end as well.
Further it would be desirable to provide a vehicle enclosure or shroud that can be quickly and easily shifted to provide access to these components. It would be particularly desirable to provide a shroud that can be slideably shifted for access to the components carried beneath the top as well as the sides of the vehicle.
It would also be desirable to provide a single piece shroud that encloses the top and sides of the component compartment area and one which is provided with air passages to allow for cooling air and carburetion air to pass therethrough. It would further be desirable to provide a shroud capable of being made of a composite material so as to simplify the manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and styling needs associated with the shroud.
Toward these ends, there is provided a single piece composite vehicle shroud which encloses the top, sides and rear portions of the vehicle engine component compartment area. The shroud is slideably mounted for linear fore and aft movement to permit access to the components carried beneath its top and side surfaces. Air passages are provided in the sides and rear portions of the shroud to allow for entry of cooling and carburetion air. Stops are provided to limit the movement of the hood, yet permit it to be removed from the vehicle when desired. A latching structure is also provided between the hood and vehicle to secure the hood in its closed position.
Brief Description of the Drawingis Figure 1 is a rear elevated perspective view of a front mount mower upon which the shroud subject of the present invention can be utilized.
Figure 2 is an enlarged rear elevated and partial perspective view of the vehicle illustrating some of the components enclosed within the shroud.
Figure 3 is a rear elevated perspective view of the shroud in its rearwardly shifted position.
Figure 4 is an enlarged partial view of one side of the shroud, illustrating the first track member and the structure to which it is secured.
Figure 5 is an enlarged front elevated perspective view of the shroud illustrating the first track members mounted to the interior side surfaces of the shroud.
Figure 6 is a view taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 3 illustrating the engaged first and second track members carried respectively by the shroud and vehicle.
Figure 7 is an enlarged and side perspective view of the vehicle fuel tank carried on the vehicle and to which the second track member is secured.
Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 4 with the second track member shown in an exploded configuration.
Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the attaching structure provided for securing a second track member to the tank and vehicle frame.
Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the resilient latching mechanism provided between the vehicle and shroud to retain the shroud in its closed position.
Figure 11 is a side view of the latching mechanism illustrated in Figure 10.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Looking first to Figure 1, there is illustrated a rear elevated and perspective view of a front mount mower vehicle 10 upon which the present invention can be utilized.
The vehicle 10 includes a frame 12 supported on front drive wheels 14 and rear steerable wheels 16.
The frame 12 supports an operator station 18 at its forward end, having a foot platform 20 with foot controls 22 projecting upwardly therethrough, an upstanding steering column 24 which carries a steering wheel 26, and an operator seat 28. At the left side of the operator seat 28 is a fuel tank 30, while at the right side of the operator station 18 is a console 32 with hand controls 34. Rearwardly of the operator seat 28 is a foldable rollover protection device 36. Enclosing the rear and side portions of the vehicle 10 is a shroud or hood structure 38 that is mounted adjacent to the fuel tank 30 and the control console 32 for fore and aft sliding movement. Shifting of the shroud 38 between the forwardly closed position and rearwardly positions illustrated respectively in Figures 1 and 3 is accomplished through the provision of a sliding track mechanism 40. The shroud 38 includes a top or upper surface 42, side surfaces 44 and a rear surface area 46. In the rear portion of the shroud 38 is a screened area 48 that allows cooling and carburetion air to pass therethrough. At the front of the vehicle 10 is carried a mower deck implement 50.
Looking to Figure 2, there is illustrated a rear elevated perspective and partial view of the vehicle 10 and components carried behind the shroud 38, which is shown in phantom.
This view illustrates the compartment area enclosed by the shroud 38 and within which are carried engine 52, cooling system 54, hydraulic 56, steering control linkages 58 and related vehicle components, such as hydraulic, hand and foot control linkages. The engine 52 is mounted in the mid-portion of the vehicle 10 just ahead of the rear wheels 16.
An air filter 60 is carried above the engine 52 for providing carburetion air to it. A
radiator 62, illustrated in Figure 3, is mounted to the borders of the cooling air intake duct 64.
Between the engine 52 and radiator 62 is carried a radial fan 66 for drawing air from a generally horizontal front direction to cool the engine 52 and a rear direction to cool the radiator 62.
Air drawn by the fan 66 is exhausted radially through left and right ducts, the right duct 68 being shown in Figure 2. The exhaust ducts 68 direct heated air to the side of the shroud 38 and downwardly at an angle so that it is directed away from the screened cooling air intake area 48 at the center and side portions of the shroud 38. The exhaust ducts 68 include one downwardly directed extension, which is not shown in Figure 2, that directs air over a muffler 70 carried at the rear of the vehicle 10 to cool it and retard the accumulation of grass and miscellaneous debris adjacent the muffler 70.
Looking as well to Figure 3, there is shown a view with the shroud 38 in its rearwardly shifted position. The sliding track mechanism 40, which allows the shroud 38 to shift fore and aft along a preferably linear path, includes a pair of first and second track members 72 and 74 between each side surface 44 of the shroud 38 and the vehicle 10. The first track members 72 are mounted on the inside of each side surface 44 of the shroud 38 and the second track members 74 are carried adjacent to the side surfaces respectively of the fuel tank 30 and console 32. The console 32 is carried at the right side of the operator station 18 while the fuel tank 30 is carried at the left side of the operator station 18.
The first and second track members 72 and 74 are illustrated in detail in Figures 4-9.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each first track member 72 is comprised of an elongated member having upper and lower spaced apart and facing channels 76. In the center of each channel is a raised surface 78. The cross-section of the first track member 72, best illustrated in Figure 6, includes vertically spaced top and bottom legs 80 having elongated slots 82. The slots 82 are sized to receive one of the vertically spaced fins 84 formed on the inside surface of the side surface 44 of the shroud 38. In the preferred embodiment, the shroud 38 is manufactured of a composite material, which allows the fins 84 to be formed at the same time. Glue is used to secure each fin 84 within a slot 82 of the first track member 72. The track member 72 further includes a vertical web member 86 with an offset 88.
When the first track member 72 has been attached to the fins 84, the web member 86, fins 84 and side wall 44 of the shroud 38 form a box-like strengthening structure that serves to support the cantilevered weight of the shroud 38 on the first track members 72.
The second track members 74, which are carried respectively adjacent to the outside surfaces of the fuel tank 30 and console 32, are also essentially identical and accordingly, only the second track member 74 carried adjacent to the fuel tank 30 and illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 will be discussed in detail. The second track member 74 is comprised of a vertically oriented bar 90 having top and bottom edges 92 upon which are mounted fore and aft extending ribs 94. The ribs 94 are comprised of a composite material and are designed to fit tightly on the edges 92 of the bar 90 between the lugs 96. Glue or a similar fastening means can be used to secure the ribs 94 to the edges 92 if desired.
In the preferred embodiment, the fuel tank 30 and console 32 are manufactured through a roto-molding process and have formed in them a fore and aft extending opening 98, see Figures 8 and 9. As shown in Figures 6 through 9, the second track members 74 are secured to a vehicle frame member 100 carried behind the tank 30 or console 32. An L-shaped bracket 102 is attached to the vehicle frame member 100 and extends through the opening 98 formed in the tank 30 or console 32 to be secured to each end of the bar 90.
Bolts 104 and a clip 106 or similar fastening means can be used to secure the ends of the bar 90 of the second track member 74 to the brackets 102 and vehicle frame member 98.
In this way, the fuel tank 30 and console 32 are sandwiched between the second track members 74 and vehicle frame 100 when the second track members 74 are attached to the . CA 02292151 1999-12-07 vehicle 10.
As shown in Figure 6, the channels 76 of the first track members 72 slide or ride along the ribs 94 of the second track members 74 to allow the shroud 38 to slidably shift forwardly and rearwardly. The raised surfaces 78 provided in each channel 76 minimize the contact between the ribs 94 and channels 76, thereby reducing the frictional drag and allowing the two track members 72 and 74 to more smoothly and easily move along one another. The provision of the two vertically spaced apart channels 76 and ribs 94 serves to support the rearwardly cantilevered shroud 38 as it is moved and therefore minimizes twisting and/or binding between the first and second track members 72 and 74.
When the vehicle 10 is being operated, the shroud 38 would occupy the position illustrated in Figure 1 and a latching mechanism 108, see Figure 10, carried between the shroud 38 and the vehicle 10 would secure it in its closed position. While any latching structure suitable for use between the sliding hood 38 and vehicle frame 12 could be utilized, a simple resilient spring mechanism 108 is preferred. This mechanism 108 includes a flat spring member 110 mounted to a frame member 112 of the vehicle. A simple bolt 114 and clip 116 or similar fastening means can be used to secure the spring member 110 to a frame member 112 of the vehicle 10. The spring member 110 includes an upstanding neck portion 118 that is adapted to abut a generally L-shaped shoulder 120 fixed to the shroud 38 to retain the shroud 38 in its forwardly or closed position. To release the latching mechanism 108 and allow the hood 38 to be slidably shifted rearwardly, the spring member 110 is depressed to the position illustrated in phantom in Figure 11. When the hood 38 is to be closed, the top edge 122 of the spring member 110 would contact the bottom surface 124 of the shoulder 120 to depress the spring 110 and the resilient nature of the spring 110 would force it up and into place as shown in Figure 11 after the shroud 38 has been shifted forwardly.
Stops are provided between the first and second track members 72 and 74 to limit the rearwardly movement of the shroud 38, see particularly Figures 6 -9. In the preferred embodiment, the stops include an outwardly projecting arm 126 secured to the rearwardly end of each bar 90 and a pin 128 slidably carried in an opening 130 provided through the first track member 72 and fin 84 it is secured with. When the shroud 38 is shifted to the rearwardly position shown in Figure 3, the pin 128 would engage the outwardly projecting arm 126 and prevent further rearwardly movement. When the shroud 38 is to be removed from the vehicle 10 to provide greater access to the components carried within the component compartment, the shroud 38 would be moved slightly forwardly from its closed position and the pin 128 in each first track member 72 would be removed from the opening 130 in the first track member 72 and fin 84, thereby allowing the first track members 72 of the shroud 38 to slide off the ends of the second track members 72. Should the operator want to change the range of sliding movement of the shroud 38, additional pin receiving openings 130 could be provided at the desired locations in the first track member 72 and fins 84.
With the present invention there is provided a shroud or hood structure which encloses the major portion of the engine, cooling system, hydraulic and linkage components of the vehicle with a single member. It includes depending side surfaces as well as rear surfaces to enclose components carried at the sides of the vehicle, thereby eliminating the need for separate removable panels. Further provided in the shroud are screened openings that permit air to pass through to the cooling system and engine. With the composite material utilized to produce the shroud, its track support fins can be easily formed as well as the air intake openings, while at the same time providing the ability to style the large hood member.
Summary of the Invention It would therefore be desirable to provide a vehicle shroud that encloses many of the vehicle engine, cooling system, hydraulic, control linkage and related components carried within and adjacent to the engine compartment area. Specifically it would be desirable to provide a shroud that not only encloses the upper areas of the component compartment but also portions of the sides and end as well.
Further it would be desirable to provide a vehicle enclosure or shroud that can be quickly and easily shifted to provide access to these components. It would be particularly desirable to provide a shroud that can be slideably shifted for access to the components carried beneath the top as well as the sides of the vehicle.
It would also be desirable to provide a single piece shroud that encloses the top and sides of the component compartment area and one which is provided with air passages to allow for cooling air and carburetion air to pass therethrough. It would further be desirable to provide a shroud capable of being made of a composite material so as to simplify the manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and styling needs associated with the shroud.
Toward these ends, there is provided a single piece composite vehicle shroud which encloses the top, sides and rear portions of the vehicle engine component compartment area. The shroud is slideably mounted for linear fore and aft movement to permit access to the components carried beneath its top and side surfaces. Air passages are provided in the sides and rear portions of the shroud to allow for entry of cooling and carburetion air. Stops are provided to limit the movement of the hood, yet permit it to be removed from the vehicle when desired. A latching structure is also provided between the hood and vehicle to secure the hood in its closed position.
Brief Description of the Drawingis Figure 1 is a rear elevated perspective view of a front mount mower upon which the shroud subject of the present invention can be utilized.
Figure 2 is an enlarged rear elevated and partial perspective view of the vehicle illustrating some of the components enclosed within the shroud.
Figure 3 is a rear elevated perspective view of the shroud in its rearwardly shifted position.
Figure 4 is an enlarged partial view of one side of the shroud, illustrating the first track member and the structure to which it is secured.
Figure 5 is an enlarged front elevated perspective view of the shroud illustrating the first track members mounted to the interior side surfaces of the shroud.
Figure 6 is a view taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 3 illustrating the engaged first and second track members carried respectively by the shroud and vehicle.
Figure 7 is an enlarged and side perspective view of the vehicle fuel tank carried on the vehicle and to which the second track member is secured.
Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 4 with the second track member shown in an exploded configuration.
Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the attaching structure provided for securing a second track member to the tank and vehicle frame.
Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the resilient latching mechanism provided between the vehicle and shroud to retain the shroud in its closed position.
Figure 11 is a side view of the latching mechanism illustrated in Figure 10.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Looking first to Figure 1, there is illustrated a rear elevated and perspective view of a front mount mower vehicle 10 upon which the present invention can be utilized.
The vehicle 10 includes a frame 12 supported on front drive wheels 14 and rear steerable wheels 16.
The frame 12 supports an operator station 18 at its forward end, having a foot platform 20 with foot controls 22 projecting upwardly therethrough, an upstanding steering column 24 which carries a steering wheel 26, and an operator seat 28. At the left side of the operator seat 28 is a fuel tank 30, while at the right side of the operator station 18 is a console 32 with hand controls 34. Rearwardly of the operator seat 28 is a foldable rollover protection device 36. Enclosing the rear and side portions of the vehicle 10 is a shroud or hood structure 38 that is mounted adjacent to the fuel tank 30 and the control console 32 for fore and aft sliding movement. Shifting of the shroud 38 between the forwardly closed position and rearwardly positions illustrated respectively in Figures 1 and 3 is accomplished through the provision of a sliding track mechanism 40. The shroud 38 includes a top or upper surface 42, side surfaces 44 and a rear surface area 46. In the rear portion of the shroud 38 is a screened area 48 that allows cooling and carburetion air to pass therethrough. At the front of the vehicle 10 is carried a mower deck implement 50.
Looking to Figure 2, there is illustrated a rear elevated perspective and partial view of the vehicle 10 and components carried behind the shroud 38, which is shown in phantom.
This view illustrates the compartment area enclosed by the shroud 38 and within which are carried engine 52, cooling system 54, hydraulic 56, steering control linkages 58 and related vehicle components, such as hydraulic, hand and foot control linkages. The engine 52 is mounted in the mid-portion of the vehicle 10 just ahead of the rear wheels 16.
An air filter 60 is carried above the engine 52 for providing carburetion air to it. A
radiator 62, illustrated in Figure 3, is mounted to the borders of the cooling air intake duct 64.
Between the engine 52 and radiator 62 is carried a radial fan 66 for drawing air from a generally horizontal front direction to cool the engine 52 and a rear direction to cool the radiator 62.
Air drawn by the fan 66 is exhausted radially through left and right ducts, the right duct 68 being shown in Figure 2. The exhaust ducts 68 direct heated air to the side of the shroud 38 and downwardly at an angle so that it is directed away from the screened cooling air intake area 48 at the center and side portions of the shroud 38. The exhaust ducts 68 include one downwardly directed extension, which is not shown in Figure 2, that directs air over a muffler 70 carried at the rear of the vehicle 10 to cool it and retard the accumulation of grass and miscellaneous debris adjacent the muffler 70.
Looking as well to Figure 3, there is shown a view with the shroud 38 in its rearwardly shifted position. The sliding track mechanism 40, which allows the shroud 38 to shift fore and aft along a preferably linear path, includes a pair of first and second track members 72 and 74 between each side surface 44 of the shroud 38 and the vehicle 10. The first track members 72 are mounted on the inside of each side surface 44 of the shroud 38 and the second track members 74 are carried adjacent to the side surfaces respectively of the fuel tank 30 and console 32. The console 32 is carried at the right side of the operator station 18 while the fuel tank 30 is carried at the left side of the operator station 18.
The first and second track members 72 and 74 are illustrated in detail in Figures 4-9.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each first track member 72 is comprised of an elongated member having upper and lower spaced apart and facing channels 76. In the center of each channel is a raised surface 78. The cross-section of the first track member 72, best illustrated in Figure 6, includes vertically spaced top and bottom legs 80 having elongated slots 82. The slots 82 are sized to receive one of the vertically spaced fins 84 formed on the inside surface of the side surface 44 of the shroud 38. In the preferred embodiment, the shroud 38 is manufactured of a composite material, which allows the fins 84 to be formed at the same time. Glue is used to secure each fin 84 within a slot 82 of the first track member 72. The track member 72 further includes a vertical web member 86 with an offset 88.
When the first track member 72 has been attached to the fins 84, the web member 86, fins 84 and side wall 44 of the shroud 38 form a box-like strengthening structure that serves to support the cantilevered weight of the shroud 38 on the first track members 72.
The second track members 74, which are carried respectively adjacent to the outside surfaces of the fuel tank 30 and console 32, are also essentially identical and accordingly, only the second track member 74 carried adjacent to the fuel tank 30 and illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 will be discussed in detail. The second track member 74 is comprised of a vertically oriented bar 90 having top and bottom edges 92 upon which are mounted fore and aft extending ribs 94. The ribs 94 are comprised of a composite material and are designed to fit tightly on the edges 92 of the bar 90 between the lugs 96. Glue or a similar fastening means can be used to secure the ribs 94 to the edges 92 if desired.
In the preferred embodiment, the fuel tank 30 and console 32 are manufactured through a roto-molding process and have formed in them a fore and aft extending opening 98, see Figures 8 and 9. As shown in Figures 6 through 9, the second track members 74 are secured to a vehicle frame member 100 carried behind the tank 30 or console 32. An L-shaped bracket 102 is attached to the vehicle frame member 100 and extends through the opening 98 formed in the tank 30 or console 32 to be secured to each end of the bar 90.
Bolts 104 and a clip 106 or similar fastening means can be used to secure the ends of the bar 90 of the second track member 74 to the brackets 102 and vehicle frame member 98.
In this way, the fuel tank 30 and console 32 are sandwiched between the second track members 74 and vehicle frame 100 when the second track members 74 are attached to the . CA 02292151 1999-12-07 vehicle 10.
As shown in Figure 6, the channels 76 of the first track members 72 slide or ride along the ribs 94 of the second track members 74 to allow the shroud 38 to slidably shift forwardly and rearwardly. The raised surfaces 78 provided in each channel 76 minimize the contact between the ribs 94 and channels 76, thereby reducing the frictional drag and allowing the two track members 72 and 74 to more smoothly and easily move along one another. The provision of the two vertically spaced apart channels 76 and ribs 94 serves to support the rearwardly cantilevered shroud 38 as it is moved and therefore minimizes twisting and/or binding between the first and second track members 72 and 74.
When the vehicle 10 is being operated, the shroud 38 would occupy the position illustrated in Figure 1 and a latching mechanism 108, see Figure 10, carried between the shroud 38 and the vehicle 10 would secure it in its closed position. While any latching structure suitable for use between the sliding hood 38 and vehicle frame 12 could be utilized, a simple resilient spring mechanism 108 is preferred. This mechanism 108 includes a flat spring member 110 mounted to a frame member 112 of the vehicle. A simple bolt 114 and clip 116 or similar fastening means can be used to secure the spring member 110 to a frame member 112 of the vehicle 10. The spring member 110 includes an upstanding neck portion 118 that is adapted to abut a generally L-shaped shoulder 120 fixed to the shroud 38 to retain the shroud 38 in its forwardly or closed position. To release the latching mechanism 108 and allow the hood 38 to be slidably shifted rearwardly, the spring member 110 is depressed to the position illustrated in phantom in Figure 11. When the hood 38 is to be closed, the top edge 122 of the spring member 110 would contact the bottom surface 124 of the shoulder 120 to depress the spring 110 and the resilient nature of the spring 110 would force it up and into place as shown in Figure 11 after the shroud 38 has been shifted forwardly.
Stops are provided between the first and second track members 72 and 74 to limit the rearwardly movement of the shroud 38, see particularly Figures 6 -9. In the preferred embodiment, the stops include an outwardly projecting arm 126 secured to the rearwardly end of each bar 90 and a pin 128 slidably carried in an opening 130 provided through the first track member 72 and fin 84 it is secured with. When the shroud 38 is shifted to the rearwardly position shown in Figure 3, the pin 128 would engage the outwardly projecting arm 126 and prevent further rearwardly movement. When the shroud 38 is to be removed from the vehicle 10 to provide greater access to the components carried within the component compartment, the shroud 38 would be moved slightly forwardly from its closed position and the pin 128 in each first track member 72 would be removed from the opening 130 in the first track member 72 and fin 84, thereby allowing the first track members 72 of the shroud 38 to slide off the ends of the second track members 72. Should the operator want to change the range of sliding movement of the shroud 38, additional pin receiving openings 130 could be provided at the desired locations in the first track member 72 and fins 84.
With the present invention there is provided a shroud or hood structure which encloses the major portion of the engine, cooling system, hydraulic and linkage components of the vehicle with a single member. It includes depending side surfaces as well as rear surfaces to enclose components carried at the sides of the vehicle, thereby eliminating the need for separate removable panels. Further provided in the shroud are screened openings that permit air to pass through to the cooling system and engine. With the composite material utilized to produce the shroud, its track support fins can be easily formed as well as the air intake openings, while at the same time providing the ability to style the large hood member.
Claims (20)
1. A shroud having adjoining upper and left and right side surfaces usable with a vehicle having a compartment within which can be carried engine, cooling system and vehicle control components, said shroud being adapted to substantially enclose the components, and a slide mechanism between the vehicle and shroud which enables the shroud to be moved between a first position substantially enclosing the components, and a second position where the components are substantially exposed to permit access to them.
2. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein the side surfaces of the shroud extend forwardly of the top surface to support the shroud on the slide mechanism in a cantilevered manner.
3. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein the slide mechanism includes first track members carried on each side surface of the shroud which are adapted to engage respective second track members carried at the sides of the vehicle.
4. The invention defined in claim 3 wherein the first and second track members are mounted substantially horizontally.
5. The invention defined in claim 3 wherein the first track members have a pair of spaced apart channels and the second track members have a pair of spaced apart ribs adapted to be engaged in a respective pair of channels for sliding movement.
6. The invention defined in claim 5 wherein the ribs are mounted substantially horizontally on the vehicle to allow generally fore and aft movement of the shroud.
7. The invention defined in claim 3 wherein the first track members are mounted substantially horizontally.
8. The invention defined in claim 3 wherein each side of the shroud is provided with fore and aft extending and vertically spaced apart fins upon which the first track members are carried.
9. The invention defined in claim 8 wherein the shroud is comprised of a composite material.
10. The invention defined in claim 3 wherein a latching mechanism is provided between the shroud and the vehicle to releasably secure the shroud in its first position.
11. The invention defined in claim 3 wherein stops are provided between the shroud and vehicle to limit sliding movement of the shroud.
12. The invention defined in claim 11 wherein the stops are releasable to permit the removal of the shroud from the vehicle.
13. The invention defined in claim 3 wherein stops are provided between the first and second track members to limit sliding movement of the shroud and the stops are releasable to permit the removal of the shroud from the vehicle.
14. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein the cooling system includes a radiator, a fan and ductwork and the shroud is provided with a screened portion through which air can pass to the radiator, fan and ductwork.
15. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein the vehicle controls include hydraulic valve means and associated control linkages with the valve means being carried at one side of the vehicle and behind one side surface of the shroud.
16. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein the shroud is provided with a portion through which air can pass to the cooling system components.
17. A shroud having adjoining upper and left and right side surfaces usable with a vehicle having a compartment within which can be carried engine, cooling system and vehicle control components, said shroud being adapted to substantially enclose the components, and a slide mechanism between the vehicle and shroud which enables the shroud to be moved along a substantially linear path between a first position substantially enclosing the components, and a second position where the components are substantially exposed to permit access to them.
18. A shroud having adjoining upper and left and right side surfaces usable with a vehicle having a compartment within which can be carried engine, cooling system and vehicle control components, said shroud being adapted to substantially enclose the components, and a slide mechanism between the vehicle and shroud which enables the shroud to be moved between a first position substantially enclosing the components, and a second position where the components are substantially exposed to permit access to them, said mechanism including first and second track members mounted between the sides of the shroud and the vehicle, one of the track members having a pair of spaced apart channels and the other of said track members having a pair of spaced apart ribs adapted to be engaged with said channels for generally linear sliding movement.
19. A shroud having adjoining upper and left and right side surfaces usable with a vehicle having a compartment within which can be carried engine, cooling system and vehicle control components, said shroud being adapted to substantially enclose the components, and a slide mechanism between the vehicle and shroud which enables the shroud to be moved between a first position substantially enclosing the components, and a second position where the components are substantially exposed to permit access to them, said mechanism including first and second track members mounted generally horizontally between the sides of the shroud and the vehicle with stops being provided between the vehicle and shroud to limit sliding movement of the shroud.
20. The invention defined in claim 19 wherein the side surfaces of the shroud extend forwardly of the top surface to support the shroud on the slide mechanism in a cantilevered manner.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US31684199A | 1999-05-21 | 1999-05-21 | |
| US09/316,841 | 1999-05-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2292151A1 true CA2292151A1 (en) | 2000-11-21 |
Family
ID=23230928
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2292151 Abandoned CA2292151A1 (en) | 1999-05-21 | 1999-12-07 | Vehicle shroud |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1053929A3 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2292151A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009073182A1 (en) * | 2007-12-03 | 2009-06-11 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Sliding panel arrangement for a vehicle |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10157709A1 (en) * | 2001-11-24 | 2003-06-05 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Car with bonnet (hood) can be slid on guide rails into its covering plane |
| FR3035850B1 (en) * | 2015-05-05 | 2017-05-05 | Renault Sas | "CLOSURE COVER OF A COMPARTMENT OF A VEHICLE" |
| US10086878B2 (en) | 2017-02-09 | 2018-10-02 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Hood guiding system for a work vehicle |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1254490B (en) * | 1963-12-06 | 1967-11-16 | Fendt & Co Xaver | Fuel tanks for motor vehicles, especially for tractors |
| US3995927A (en) * | 1976-02-02 | 1976-12-07 | Hardware Designers, Inc. | Front release drawer slide |
| US4270623A (en) * | 1979-01-22 | 1981-06-02 | International Harvester Company | Tractor hood |
| US4382482A (en) * | 1981-05-13 | 1983-05-10 | International Harvester Co. | Secondary hood latch |
-
1999
- 1999-12-07 CA CA 2292151 patent/CA2292151A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2000
- 2000-05-17 EP EP00110487A patent/EP1053929A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009073182A1 (en) * | 2007-12-03 | 2009-06-11 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Sliding panel arrangement for a vehicle |
| US7766419B2 (en) | 2007-12-03 | 2010-08-03 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Sliding panel arrangement for a vehicle |
| AU2008331804B2 (en) * | 2007-12-03 | 2012-12-20 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. | Sliding panel arrangement for a vehicle |
| DE112008003263B4 (en) | 2007-12-03 | 2018-05-30 | Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. (Gesellschaft nach dem Recht des Staates Oklahoma, USA) | Bonnet for a vehicle |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1053929A3 (en) | 2001-01-24 |
| EP1053929A2 (en) | 2000-11-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |