GB2627271A

GB2627271A - Roll cage

Info

Publication number: GB2627271A
Application number: GB2302292.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Siddall Jeremy
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-17
Filing date: 2023-02-17
Publication date: 2024-08-21
Also published as: GB202302292D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a roll cage 10 for a vehicle, the roll cage comprising: a front canopy 12A comprising A-pillars 14A; a centre canopy 12B comprising B-pillars 14B; and a rear canopy 12C comprising C-pillars 14C; wherein a front door opening 18 is defined on each side of the roll cage between the A-pillars and the B-pillars, and a rear door opening 20 is defined on each side of the roll cage between the B-pillars and the C-pillars, and wherein the centre canopy comprises a centre roof crossmember extending between the B-pillars, and wherein the roll cage further comprises a central support 60 extending downward from the centre roof crossmember to reinforce the centre canopy. The B-pillars may be inseparably fixed in relation to the centre roof crossmember such as by welding. The central support may comprise at least two central posts (62, figure 3) between which a lateral brace (64) extends. At least part of each B-pillar may be located forward of the centre roof crossmember to increase the size of each rear door opening, with the central support intended to retain structural integrity of the roll cage.

Description

ROLL CAGE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a roll cage for a vehicle. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle including a roll cage.

BACKGROUND

A roll cage is a structure which forms a canopy over the passenger compartment of certain vehicles in order to protect the vehicle occupants from being injured in the event of a rollover situation. For example, roll cages are commonly used in racing vehicles, off-road vehicles, ATVs, and sport utility vehicles for enhanced occupant protection.

One example of a roll cage has front, centre and rear canopies connected together by roof bars. Typically, each canopy is constructed as a pair of pillars with a cross-member extending between the pillars. The pillars of the front, centre and rear canopies are normally located in the region of the A-pillars, B-pillars and C-pillars respectively of the vehicle. Such a roll cage provides a robust structure. However, in some instances, the location of the pillars of the roll cage can impede access to the vehicle.

The present disclosure aims to provide an improved roll cage. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a roll cage and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

Throughout the summary of the invention, description and claims the terms front, rear, left, right, upper and lower are defined with reference to their normal use in the description of a forward facing upright standing vehicle. It follows that features of the invention are described in relation to a vehicle such that, for example, front features are those closer to the front of the vehicle than rear features and upper features are those closer to the top of the vehicle than lower features.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a roll cage for a vehicle. The roll cage comprises: a front canopy comprising A-pillars; a centre canopy comprising B-pillars; and a rear canopy comprising C-pillars. A front door opening is defined on each side of the roll cage between the A-pillars and the B-pillars, and a rear door opening is defined on each side of the roll cage between the B-pillars and the C-pillars. The centre canopy comprises a centre roof cross-member extending between the B-pillars, wherein the roll cage further comprises a central support extending downward from the centre roof cross-member to reinforce the centre canopy.

Having a central support extending downward from the centre roof cross-member to reinforce the centre canopy allows the longitudinal positioning of the B-pillars to be shifted to change the size of the front and rear door openings as desired, while retaining integrity of the roll-cage in front and rear cabin regions of a vehicle. This can be particularly beneficial in vehicle configurations where the rear door opening might otherwise be obstructed by the position of the B-pillars.

Optionally, the B-pillars are inseparably fixed in relation to the centre roof cross-member.

In other words, the B-pillars and centre roof cross-member cannot be separated without causing damage to one or both components.

Such a configuration can provide the centre canopy with greater integrity than in configurations where the B-pillars are fixed in place with releasable fastenings. This can reduce the overall weight of the roll cage, reduce the number of parts, and reduce the number of steps required to assemble the roll cage.

Optionally, the B-pillars are fixed in relation to the centre roof cross-member by welding. Welding provides a simple means for fixing the B-pillars to the centre roof cross-member.

Optionally, the centre roof cross-member and at least part of each B-pillar are defined by a common component.

Having a common component, such as a continuous tubular member, provides a simple means for forming the centre canopy.

Optionally, the central support comprises one or more central posts extending downward from the centre roof cross-member.

Having one or more central posts provides a simple means for constructing the central support.

Optionally, the one or more central posts comprise at least two central posts.

Having at least two central posts provides the central support with greater strength in comparison to a central support with a single central post.

Optionally, the central support further comprises at least one lateral brace extending between the at least two central posts.

Having at least one lateral brace provides the central support with greater strength.

Optionally, the central support is welded to the centre roof cross-member.

Welding provides a simple means for fixing the central post(s) to the centre roof cross-member.

Optionally, at least part of each B-pillar is located forward of the centre roof cross-member to increase the size of each rear door opening.

This makes it easier for rear passengers to enter a rear cabin region of a vehicle to which the roll cage is fitted. It may also make it easier to manufacture or modify the interior of the vehicle after the roll cage has been installed. Furthermore, while locating part of the B-pillars forward of the centre roof cross-member might ordinarily result in a weakening of the roll cage in the rear cabin region, the central support ensures that the integrity of the roll cage in the rear cabin region is maintained.

Optionally, the B-pillars comprise B-pillar struts comprising upright portions positioned forward of the centre roof cross-member, and angled portions which extend between the upright portions and the centre roof cross-member.

Such a configuration provides an increased rear door opening size whilst retaining a connection between the B-pillar struts and the centre roof cross-member.

Optionally, the B-pillars further comprise B-pillar braces which extend between the B-pillar struts and front roof bars of the roll cage.

Having B-pillar braces which extend between the B-pillar struts and front roof bars of the roll cage provides the B-pillars with improved strength.

Optionally, the B-pillar braces are coupled to the B-pillar struts proximal to a transition region between the upright portions and the angled portions of the B-pillar struts.

The B-pillar braces being coupled to the B-pillar struts proximal a transition region between the upright portions and the angled portions of the B-pillar struts inhibits buckling of the B-pillar struts in the transition region.

Optionally, the B-pillar braces are substantially coaxial with the upright portions of the B-pillar struts.

The B-pillar braces being substantially coaxial with the upright portions of the B-pillar struts provides increased strength whilst maximising the size of the front door openings in comparison to a configuration in which the B-pillar braces are angled forward relative to the upright portions of the B-pillar struts.

Optionally, the roll cage further comprises a plurality of roof bars extending in a longitudinal direction between the front, centre and rear canopies.

Such roof bars provide the roll cage with structural integrity in a longitudinal direction.

Optionally, the plurality of roof bars comprises left and right front roof bars extending between the front and centre canopies and defining an upper extent of the front door openings.

Such front roof bars provide a front portion of the roll cage with structural integrity in a longitudinal direction.

Optionally, the plurality of roof bars comprises left and right rear roof bars extending between the centre and rear canopies and defining an upper extent of the rear door openings.

Such rear roof bars provide a rear portion of the roll cage with structural integrity in a longitudinal direction.

Optionally, the roll cage further comprises at least one front roof brace extending from a central region of the centre roof cross-member to a front roof cross-member extending between the A-pillars.

Such a front roof brace provides the front portion of the roll cage with increased structural integrity in a longitudinal direction.

Optionally, the at least one front roof brace comprises a pair of roof braces which diverge from each other towards the front roof cross-member.

Such a configuration provides the front portion of the roll cage with further increased structural integrity in a longitudinal direction in comparison to a configuration with only one front roof brace.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a roll cage as disclosed herein.

Such a vehicle benefits from the advantages of the roll cage outlined above.

Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1 is a front top perspective view of a roll cage according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a rear top perspective view of the roll cage of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an underside perspective view of a central support of the roll cage of Figures 1 and 2; and Figure 4 is a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 and 2 show a roll cage 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The roll cage 10 has a front canopy 12A, a centre canopy 12B and a rear canopy 12C which together form a protective cage over front and rear passenger compartments 19 and 21.

The front canopy 12A includes A-pillars 14A and a front roof cross-member 16A extending between the upper ends of the A-Pillars 14A. Each A-pillar 14A extends between the front roof cross member 16A and a chassis mounting point 17 at a base of the A-pillar 14A by which the roll cage 10 is fixed to the vehicle chassis or subframe (not shown).

The centre canopy 12B includes B-pillars 14B and a centre roof cross-member 16B extending between the upper ends of the B-pillars 14B. Each B-pillar 14B extends between the centre roof cross-member 16B and a chassis mounting point 17 at a base of the B-pillar 14B.

The rear canopy 12C includes C-pillars 14C and a rear roof cross-member 16C extending between the upper ends of the C-pillars 14C. Each C-pillar 14C extends between the rear roof cross-member 16C and a chassis mounting point 17 at a base of the C-pillar 14C.

A front door opening 18 is defined on each side of the roll cage 10 between the A-pillars 14A and the B-pillars 14B. The front door openings 18 provide a point of entry/exit from the front passenger compartment 19. Similarly, a rear door opening 20 is defined on each side of the roll cage 10 between the B-pillars 14B and the C-pillars 14C. The rear door openings 20 provide a point of entry/exit from the rear passenger compartment 21.

It will be understood that the front, centre and rear canopies 12A, 12B, 12C provide the roll cage 10 with structural integrity in lateral and vertical directions. In other words, the canopies 12A, 12B, 12C protect occupants within the front and rear passenger compartments 19, 21 when the roll cage 10 is subjected to lateral or vertical impacts (e.g. as experienced during rolling or flipping of the associated vehicle).

The roll cage 10 also includes left and right front roof bars 22 extending longitudinally between the front and centre canopies 12A, 12B. The left and right front roof bars 22 define an upper extent of the front door openings 18. The roll cage 10 also includes left and right rear roof bars 28 extending longitudinally between the centre and rear canopies 12B, 12C. The left and right rear roof bars 28 define an upper extent of the rear door openings 20. It will be understood that the left front roof bars and the left rear roof bars may be formed from a single, continuous component or from discrete components which are fixed together either directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate components. Similarly, the right front roof bars and the right rear roof bars may be formed from a single, continuous component or from discrete components which are fixed together either directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate components.

In the illustrated embodiment, the roll cage 10 also includes a pair of front roof braces 24 which extend from a central region of the centre roof cross-member 16B to the front roof cross-member 16A. The front roof braces 24 diverge from each other towards the front roof cross-member 16A. In alternative embodiments, a different arrangement of front roof braces 24 may be provided (e.g. a single front roof brace extending between centre regions of the front and centre roof cross-members 16A, 16B). It will be understood that the front roof braces 24 further enhance the structural integrity of the front and centre canopies.

In the illustrated embodiment, the roll cage 10 also has a front brace support 26 which extends between the pair of front roof braces 24. This further enhances the structural integrity of the front roof braces 24. The front brace support 26 is a tapered block, but other suitable supports may be used (e.g. a tapered sheet/webbing or lateral strut).

In the illustrated embodiment, the roll cage 10 also includes a rear roof brace 30 which extends from a central region of the centre roof cross-member 16B to a central region of the rear roof cross-member 16C. In alternative embodiments, a different rear roof brace arrangement may be provided (e.g. a pair of diverging rear roof braces similar to the front roof braces 24 described above). It will be understood that the rear roof brace 30 further enhances the structural integrity of the centre canopy 12B and the rear canopy 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, each A-pillar 14A has an A-pillar strut 32 and a front brace 34 positioned rearward of the A-pillar strut 32. The A-pillar strut 32 and the front brace 34 both extend downward between a region at or close to the end of the front roof cross-member 16A and the mounting point 17 at the base of the A-pillar. In this example, the A-pillar strut 32 has a substantially upright lower portion and an angled upper portion which slopes rearward from the lower portion towards the front roof cross-member 16A, while the front brace is substantially straight. It will be understood that the term "upright" means within approximately 30 degrees of vertical, preferably within 15 degrees of vertical. Each A-pillar 14A also includes a webbing 36 extending between the A-pillar strut 32 and the front brace 34 to add structural support to the A-pillar. The webbing 36 may have weight-saving apertures 38.

In the illustrated embodiment, each B-pillar 14B has a B-pillar strut 40 extending downward between a region at or close to the end of the centre roof cross-member 16B and the mounting point 17 at the base of the B-pillar. The B-pillar strut 40 has a substantially upright lower portion 40a and an angled upper portion 40b which slopes rearward from the lower portion towards the centre roof cross-member 16B. In this manner, the lower portion 40a is positioned forward of the centre roof cross-member 16B, thereby increasing the size of each rear door opening 20. This B-pillar configuration makes it easier for passengers to enter the rear compartment 21 and may also make it easier to manufacture or modify the interior of a vehicle after the roll cage 10 has been installed.

Each B-pillar 14B may also have a B-pillar brace 42 which extends between the B-pillar strut 40 and the respective front roof bar 22. In the illustrated embodiment, each B-pillar 14B has a B-pillar brace 42 coupled to the respective B-pillar strut 40 proximal to a transition region 40c between the upright portion 40a and the angled portion 40b. This can increase the resistance of the B-pillar to vertical loads.

In the illustrated embodiment, the B-pillar braces 42 are substantially coaxial with the upright portions 40a of the B-pillar struts 40. In this way, the B-pillar braces 42 and upright portions 40a of the B-pillar struts 40 define a substantially straight rear extent of the front door openings 18.

It will be understood that the centre roof cross member 16B and each B-pillar strut 40 or each B-pillar brace 42 may be formed from a single, continuous component or from discrete components which are fixed together either directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate components. In the illustrated embodiment, the centre roof cross member 16B and each B-pillar strut 40 are formed from a single tube and each B-pillar brace is a separate tube welded to its respective B-pillar 40 strut and roof bar. In alternative embodiments, the B-pillars 14B have a different configuration. For example, the upright portion 40a and B-pillar brace 42 may be defined by a common component (e.g. a single tubular member), and the angled portions 40b may be a separate component which is attached (e.g. by welding) to the common component.

In the illustrated embodiment, each C-pillar 14C is formed as a C-pillar strut 44 which is inseparably fixed in relation to the rear roof cross-member 16C (e.g. by welding, or by forming the C-pillar struts 44 and rear roof cross-member 16C as a continuous tubular member). In alternative embodiments, the C-pillar struts 44 are separably fixed to the rear roof cross-member 16C (e.g. via a releasable fastener).

In the illustrated embodiment, the C-pillar struts 44 and the rear roof bars 28 are strengthened by C-pillar braces 46 which extend between the respective C-pillar struts 44 and rear roof bars 28. In a similar way, the rear roof cross-member 16C and the rear roof bars 28 are strengthened by left and right rear roof cross-member braces 48 which extend between the rear roof cross member 16C and the left and right rear roof bars 28.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear canopy is further supported by a rear brace structure 50, which extends backward from the rear canopy 12C to inhibit longitudinal movement of the rear canopy 12C in a rearward direction. The rear brace structure 50 includes rear brace struts 51 which extend downward from at or close to the end of the rear roof cross-member 16C to a chassis mounting point 17 which is rearward of the chassis mounting point 17 of the C-pillar. The rear brace structure further includes left and right rear cross braces 52, which together form a broadly X-shaped reinforcement to the rear brace structure 50. Each rear cross brace 52 extends from a base of the respective rear brace 51 to the rear roof cross-member 16C. The rear cross braces 52 bow inwards from their upper and lower ends towards a longitudinal centreline of the rear brace structure 50. The rear cross braces 52 are strengthened in the central region of the X-shape by a pair of rear cross brace supports 54 which each extend between the pair of rear cross braces 52. The rear cross brace supports 54 are tapered blocks, but other suitable supports may be used (e.g. tapered sheets/webbing or lateral tubes). The rear brace structure 50 may further include left and right rear cross-members 56 which each extend between the respective rear brace 51 and rear cross brace 52, and left and right rear C-pillar braces 58 which extend between the respective C-pillar struts 44 and rear braces 51.

These rear cross-members 56 and rear C-pillar braces 58 further strengthen the bracing arrangement at the rear of the roll cage 10.

It will be understood that in alternative embodiments, a different bracing arrangement may be provided at the rear of the roll cage 10. For example, one or more of the C-pillar braces 46, rear roof cross-member braces 48, rear cross braces 52, rear cross brace supports 54, rear cross-members 56 and rear C-pillar braces 58 may be omitted or replaced by an alternative configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the roll cage 10 also includes a dash bar 70 extending transversely between the A-pillars 14A. The dash bar 70 defines a lower extent of a windshield area 72. An upper extent of the windshield area 72 is defined by the front roof cross-member 16A. Left and right extents of the windshield area 72 are defined by the A-pillar struts 32.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the roll cage 10 includes a central support 60 which extends downward from the middle region of the centre roof cross-member 16B to a central chassis mounting point 17 at a base of the central support 60. The central support 60 reinforces the centre canopy 12B against vertical loading. This allows the longitudinal positioning of the B-pillars to be shifted to change the size of the front and rear door openings 18, 20 as desired, while retaining integrity of the roll cage in the front and rear cabin regions 19, 21. The central support 60 may be substantially vertical, e.g. within 10 degrees of vertical, as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central support 60 allows the use of the B-pillar configuration described above, in which the B-pillars are at least partly located forward of the centre roof cross-member 16B. In other embodiments, the B-pillars may be at least partly located rearward of the centre roof cross-member 16B (to increase the size of the front door openings 18). In such embodiments, the central support 60 provides the same function of reinforcing the centre canopy 12B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central support 60 has two central posts 62 which extend downward from the centre roof cross-member 16B. In alternative embodiments, more or less than two central posts 62 may be provided. A lateral brace 64 may be provided between the two central posts 62. It will be understood that in embodiments with more than two central posts 62, multiple lateral braces 64 may be provided (e.g. a lateral brace 64 between each pair of adjacent central posts 62).

In the illustrated embodiment, the central support 60 is welded to the centre roof cross-member 16B. In particular, an upper end of each central post 62 is welded to the centre roof cross-member 16B. In alternative embodiments, the central support 60 is coupled to the centre roof cross-member 16B in a different way (e.g. using fasteners). The middle region of the centre roof cross-member 16B to which the upper end of the central support 60 is fixed may form a hub from which multiple structural members of the roll cage extend. In this manner, the upper end of the central support 60 may provide reinforcement to multiple structural members of the roll cage to further enhance strength and rigidity of the roll cage.

In the illustrated embodiment, the B-pillars 14B are inseparably fixed in relation to the centre roof cross-member 16B. In other words, the B-pillars 14B and centre roof cross-member 16B cannot be separated without causing damage to one or both components. In the illustrated embodiment, the B-pillar struts 40 and the centre roof cross-member 16B are defined by a common component in the form of a bent tubular member. In other examples, the B-pillar struts 40 may be fixed in relation to the centre roof cross-member 16B by welding. For example, where the upright portion 40a and B-pillar brace 42 are defined by a common component (e.g. a single tubular member), the angled portion 40b at the upper end of the B-pillar strut 40 may be inseparably fixed in relation to the centre roof cross-member by welding (e.g. welded to the centre roof cross-member 16B or to the roof bar).

Having the B-pillars 14B inseparably fixed in relation to the centre roof cross-member 16B, in combination with the central support 60, has been found to provide a particularly robust centre canopy 12B. The central support 60 provides additional vertical strength, thereby reducing the vertical loading through the B-pillars in the event of a rollover situation. This enables the position of the B-pillars to be shifted as desired for packaging reasons, rather than being dictated primarily (or solely) by the need for the B-pillars to react all vertical loads on the centre canopy. In this manner, the B-pillars can be positioned to enable improved access through the front and/or rear door openings during vehicle assembly and during use. This can negate the need to provide a removable B-pillar in order to obtain sufficient access to the passenger compartment. This can be particularly beneficial for vehicles intended to carry both front and rear passengers and in which both front and rear access is required. The upper ends of the B-pillars can also be moved outboard relative to arrangements without a central support. This can reduce potential intrusion of the roll cage into the passenger compartment, increasing headroom in the passenger compartment and/or increasing forward visibility for rear passengers. Providing a B-pillar which is integral with the rest of the roll cage can reduce the number of fastenings required, reduce the overall weight and complexity of the roll cage, and reduce the risk of loosening fasteners which would otherwise require tightening to avoid noise and ensure maximum roll cage performance. However, it will be understood that, in alternative embodiments, the B-pillars 14B may be separably fixed to the centre roof cross-member 16B (e.g. via a releasable fastener).

Referring now to Figure 4, a vehicle having a roll cage 10 as hereinbefore described is indicated schematically at 200. The outline of the roll cage 10 is shown but the rest of the roll cage is omitted from Figure 4, since it is internal to the vehicle 200 and is thus not visible from external view. It will be understood that the roll cage 10 is positioned within the vehicle 200 so that the front door openings 18 of the roll cage 10 are approximately in line with front doors 202 of the vehicle 200, and so that the rear door openings 20 of the roll cage 10 are approximately in line with the rear doors 204 of the vehicle.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A roll cage for a vehicle, the roll cage comprising: a front canopy comprising A-pillars; a centre canopy comprising B-pillars; and a rear canopy comprising C-pillars; wherein a front door opening is defined on each side of the roll cage between the A-pillars and the B-pillars, and a rear door opening is defined on each side of the roll cage between the B-pillars and the C-pillars, and wherein the centre canopy comprises a centre roof cross-member extending between the B-pillars, and wherein the roll cage further comprises a central support extending downward from the centre roof cross-member to reinforce the centre canopy.
2. The roll cage of claim 1, wherein the B-pillars are inseparably fixed in relation to the centre roof cross-member.
3. The roll cage of claim 2, wherein the B-pillars are fixed in relation to the centre roof cross-member by welding.
4. The roll cage of claim 2, wherein the centre roof cross-member and at least part of each B-pillar are defined by a common component.
5. The roll cage of any preceding claim, wherein the central support comprises one or more central posts extending downward from the centre roof cross-member.
6. The roll cage of claim 5, wherein the one or more central posts comprise at least two central posts.
7. The roll cage of claim 6, wherein the central support further comprises at least one lateral brace extending between the at least two central posts.
8. The roll cage of any preceding claim, wherein the central support is welded to the centre roof cross-member.
9. The roll cage of any preceding claim, wherein at least part of each B-pillar is located forward of the centre roof cross-member to increase the size of each rear door opening.
10. The roll cage of claim 9, wherein the B-pillars comprise B-pillar struts comprising upright portions positioned forward of the centre roof cross-member, and angled portions which extend between the upright portions and the centre roof cross-member.
11. The roll cage of claim 10, wherein the B-pillars further comprise B-pillar braces which extend between the B-pillar struts and front roof bars of the roll cage.
12. The roll cage of claim 11, wherein the B-pillar braces are coupled to the B-pillar struts proximal to a transition region between the upright portions and the angled portions of the B-pillar struts.
13. The roll cage of claim 12, wherein the B-pillar braces are substantially coaxial with the upright portions of the B-pillar struts.
14. The roll cage of any preceding claim, wherein the roll cage further comprises a plurality of roof bars extending in a longitudinal direction between the front, centre and rear canopies; 10 and optionally, wherein the plurality of roof bars comprises left and right front roof bars extending between the front and centre canopies and defining an upper extent of the front door openings: and/or wherein the plurality of roof bars comprises left and right rear roof bars extending between the centre and rear canopies and defining an upper extent of the rear door openings; and/or wherein the roll cage further comprises at least one front roof brace extending from a central region of the centre roof cross-member to a front roof cross-member extending between the A-pillars; and/or wherein the at least one front roof brace comprises a pair of roof braces which diverge from each other towards the front roof cross-member.
15. A vehicle comprising the roll cage of any preceding claim.