MXPA99001570A - Vehicle hood support and latch system - Google Patents

Abstract

A hood and fender assembly mounting and latch system for use with an over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting an engine, a cab and a hood and fender assembly. A hinge pivotally connects the hood and fender assembly to the frame. A hex-shaped torsion bar and damper are used to assist in the opening and closing of the hood and fender assembly. The latch system includes a receiver assembly attached to the frame. A pin assembly is attached to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge. The receiver assembly receives the pin assembly when the hood and fender assembly is in a position enclosing the engine and locates and maintains the hood and fender assembly in a predetermined position relative to the frame, independent of the cab. The receiver assembly has a lock lever which is movable between a latched position at which it engages the pin assembly and an unlatched position. A movablehandle is located within the cab. A cable connects the handle with the lock lever to move the lock lever from the latched position to the unlatched position in response to movement of the handle.

Description

SUPPORT AND TRAIL SYSTEM COFFEE COVER FOR VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates in general to releasably connecting a vehicle cover to a vehicle frame. In particular, the present invention relates to a hood lid and fender assembly assembly system for connecting a hood lid and incunable fender lid assembly forward of a heavy-duty truck to a vehicle and auxiliary frame in the opening and closed the hood lid and splashback assembly.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND Conventional heavy-duty trucks typically have a hood and fender lid assembly and a cab that are both supported by a truck chassis. The hood and fender lid assembly is often made of a reinforced fiberglass composite material and hinged to the frame at a front end of the assembly. The cab is typically a welded or riveted metal assembly mounted on the frame. The hood and fender lid assembly can be pivotably mounted and biased by a counterbalancing spring that deflects the hood lid and fender assembly to either the open or closed position thereby facilitating the operation of the hood lid assembly and fender when access to the engine is necessary. The hood and fender lid assembly may also include a spring or damper device that controls the travel speed of the hood lid and splashback assembly in one or both directions, preventing sudden movement during the operation of the hood lid assembly and splashback When the hood lid and fender assembly is in a closed position, the rear end of the hood lid and fender assembly is generally mounted on and secured to the cab. Typically, spring-loaded locks or elastic bands releasably connect a closed hood and fender lid assembly to, and in engagement with, the cab. The lock or strap is typically accessible only from the outside of the vehicle. This usually requires that a driver of the vehicle or mechanic be outside the vehicle and access a first lock on one side of the hood and fender cover and then move to the other side of the vehicle and access a second lock on the other side of the vehicle. This known arrangement of bands or locks has disadvantages. A disadvantage is the amount of movement around both sides of the exterior of the truck by the driver or mechanic to release or connect the locks. Another disadvantage is a lack of security. Any unauthorized person can have access to the engine and engine compartment by simply releasing the locks and pivotally rotating the hood and splashback assembly. Frequently mounting the cab of a highway vehicle on a frame includes an impact absorbing mechanism. The impact absorbing mechanism allows a limited amount of movement of the car in relation to the frame while absorbing vibration and road impacts to improve the qualities of travel for an operator and any passenger. As the vehicle is operated, the respective movements of the hood and fender lid assembly and the cab relative to the frame and any torsional bending of the frame that could occur during use cause considerable relative movement between the hood lid assembly and fender and cockpit. This interaction between the hood and fender lid assembly reduces the quality of the trip by limiting the movement of the cabin on its impact absorber and causes additional forces on the cabin that degrade the quality of the trip. Because the hood and fender lid assembly and the cab are typically relatively tightly coupled, relative movement causes undesirable forces acting between the hood and fender lid assembly and the cab. A large package between the hood and fender lid assembly and the cab may be necessary to dampen these forces. Because the hood and splashback assembly is typically a composite material while the cab is made of metal, these forces can disfigure the hood lid and splashback assembly creating an undesirable and poorly viewed condition. Typical counterbalancing springs may be torsion bars having a circular cross section. Although a circular configuration allows adjustment of the amount of deflection on the hood lid and splashback assembly, it may also require the use of additional fixing methods or connecting devices to secure the ends of the torsion bar.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a new and improved support of body panel and locking system that is specially adapted for heavy-duty highway vehicles. This invention includes a frame structure that includes a portion that supports an operator's cab and a portion for mounting a main impeller or engine, in front of the cab. A body panel that, in the illustrated embodiment, consists of a hood lid and fender assembly is movable between open and closed positions and is operative to cover an engine compartment when in the closed position. At least one cassette lid locking mechanism maintains the closure of the hood lid and splashback assembly and includes a first and second lock assemblies. The first locking assembly is fixed directly to the frame preferably by a strut which is fixed to, and extends laterally from the structure of the frame and the second locking assembly is fixed to the rear section of the hood and splashback assembly. The first and second locking assemblies are engageable when the hood lid and fender assembly moves to its closed position. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, at least one pivot assembly is mounted to a front end of the frame structure and mounts a front end of the hood lid and fender assembly for pivotal movement. With the described mounting system, the hood and fender lid assembly is completely supported by the frame structure, independent of the operator's cab. In the most preferred embodiment, the front end of the hood lid and splashback assembly is pivotally fixed to the frame by two hinge assemblies. Each hinge assembly preferably includes a J-shaped bracket, a portion of which is bolted to the hood lid assembly. An auxiliary spring provided by at least one torsion bar assists in the opening and closing of the hood lid and fender assembly. In the illustrative embodiment, two torsion bars are provided, each having a hexagonal cross section. Each J-shaped bracket includes a hexagonal shaped nozzle adapted to receive one end of a torsion bar. The nozzle is located on the pivotal axis of the hinge assembly so that as the cassette lid and splashback assembly opens or closes the end of the torsion bar received in the nozzle rotates. The nozzle is enclosed in a rubber ring insulator to cushion the front portion of the hood lid and frame fender assembly. The opposite end of the torsion bar is received in a stationary opening in a hexagonal shape where it is maintained against rotation. Thus, as the hood and fender lid assembly is closed, each torsion bar is twisted and therefore generates a preload that aids in the opening and lock of the hood lid and splashback assembly. The hexagonal shaped torsion bar allows adjustment while facilitating assembly eliminating the need for additional connecting devices or fixing methods that may be necessary with torsion bars of circular cross section. The present invention further provides an alignment structure that allows adjustment of the preload of the torsion bars prior to installation of the hood lid and fender assembly to the frame. According to a feature of the invention, at least one motion control device is provided which controls the travel speed of the hood lid and fender assembly as it moves between the open and closed position. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the motion control device consists of an extendable cylinder, filled with fluid, one end of which is fixed to the hood lid and fender assembly., the other end is coupled to the structure of the frame. The combination of the torsion bar and a control damper regulates the effort required to move the hood lid and fender assembly and also limits the travel speed of the hood lid and fender assembly, providing a predictable operation of the lid assembly of chest and fender. The locking system automatically connects to itself with the pivotal movement of the hood lid and fender assembly to a fully closed position to interconnect the hood lid and fender assembly to the frame. The locking system includes a handle located inside a cab of a truck that is operable to release the connection. Thus, the driver or mechanic does not have to be located outside the cab and move on both sides of the truck to release or connect the locking system. If the cab doors are closed with the locking system connected, unauthorized access to the engine compartment is inhibited. Because the hood and fender lid assembly is releasably connected to the frame rather than to the cab, the forces caused by relative movements of the assembly and the cab can be and are reduced and the resultant disfiguring damage to the hood lid assembly and Dash and degradation of the quality of the trip are avoided. The apparatus includes a first lock assembly fixed to the frame. A coacting locking assembly is fixed to the hood and splashback assembly at a location distant from the hinge. The locking assemblies are releasably interconnected when the hood and fender lid assembly is in a position that encloses the engine to locate and maintain the hood lid and fender assembly at a predetermined position relative to the independent chassis frame. The releasable lock assembly has a lock lever that is movable between a locked position that engages the engaging lock assembly and an unlocked position to disengage from the engaging lock assembly. A movable handle is located inside the cabin. A cable connects the handle to the lock lever to move the lock lever from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to the movement of the handle. The engaging lock assembly includes an arrow fixed at a portion of the mounting end to the hood lid and splashback assembly. A guide member is movable along the arrow. A diverter mechanism urges the guide member away from the mounting end and toward an outer end of the arrow. The releasable lock assembly includes a cup-shaped receiver having an opening extending therethrough. A surface on the guide member engages the cup-shaped receiver when the hood lid and fender assembly pivots to a substantially closed position to move the guide member towards the mounting end of the arrow against a force of the diverting mechanism. The outer end of the arrow is exposed during the movement of the hood lid and fender assembly from the partially closed position to a fully closed position and extends through the opening in the receiver. The lock lever engages the arrow near an end portion from the opening to prevent movement of the hood lid and fender assembly to an open position. The safety lever includes a slot that acts on a rivet to limit travel of the safety lever to an acceptable range. The engaging locking assembly includes a shoulder near the outer end of the arrow to engage a portion of the lock lever and hold the receiver and the guide member engaged with the lock assembly in the fully closed position. The cup-shaped receiver surfaces on the guide member are frustoconical to guidely align the locking assembly during the locking movement. The outer end of the arrow raises the lock lever in a direction transversely away from the arrow as it is moved to a position extending from the opening in the receiver.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a rough highway work vehicle with a new and improved assembly system for the hood and splashback assembly. The additional features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates from reading the following specification with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a heavy-duty truck having a forward incunable hood and fender lid assembly illustrated in different positions; Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism for connecting the hood lid and fender assembly to the truck frame, illustrated in a locked position; Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism of Figure 2, illustrated in an unlocked position; Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of the locking mechanism illustrated in Figure 3, the receiver assembly, as seen from above the receiver; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the strut of the receiving support used to mount the locking mechanism illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4 to the frame of the truck. Fig. 6 is an enlarged rear elevational view of a hinge connection between the hood lid and fender assembly and the truck frame with the hood lid and open fender lid assembly. Fig. 7 is an enlarged front elevational view of the torsion spring auxiliary as fixed to the hinge assembly shown in Fig. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED MODE OF THE INVENTION A conventional heavy duty highway vehicle in the form of a tractor 20 having a hood lid and fender assembly assembly system showing the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. The tractor truck 20 includes a frame 22 that supports the components of the driving train including a motor 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 driver of the vehicle to be occupied during the operation of the tractor 20. An impact absorbing mechanism 28 may be connected between the car 26 and the frame 22 to suspend and control the movement of the cabin in relation to the frame. The tractor 20 also includes a hood lid and fender assembly 42. The hood lid and splashback assembly 42 is preferably made as a one-piece, reinforced molded glass fiber composite body component. The front end of the hood and fender lid assembly 42 is connected to the frame 22 by a pair of hinge assemblies 44 located at a front end portion of each frame rail 23. The hinge 44 pivotally connects a front end of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 to the frame 22 so that it is incunably forward to an open position (shown by solid lines 63a in Figure 1), allowing access to components in the engine compartment 43 including the engine 24. In addition to pivotally connecting the front end of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 to the frame 22, a mounting system of the hood lid and fender assembly, representing the present invention, releasably connects the rear portion of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 directly to the rails of the frame 23 through cassette lid lock mechanisms 64 and receiver support struts 47, thereby isolating the hood lid and fender assembly 42 of the cockpit 26. Each lock mechanism 64 of the hood lid connects a rear side portion of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 to a strut 47 of respective receiver support when the locking mechanism 64 is in the locked position, as illustrated in Figure 2. The hood lid locking mechanism 64 maintains the hood lid and fender assembly 42 in the closed position, as illustrated by dotted lines 63b in Figure 1. Each lock mechanism 64 automatically adopts the locking position with the pivotal movement of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 to the fully closed position 63b in relation to the frame 22. The hood lid and fender assembly assembly system includes a handle 66 located within the frame. the cockpit 26 (figure 1), and cables 68 (figure 1 and 4) connecting each lock mechanism 64 with the handle 66. The mounting system of the hood lid and fender assembly further provides cassette cap restriction cylinders 45 (FIG. 1) and torsion spring auxiliary cylinders 300 with a hexagonal cross-section (FIG. 7) that regulate the travel speed and amount of force required to open and close the hood lid and fender assembly 42. A hood and splashback assembly assembly system, which represents the present invention, includes a pair of substantially identical locking mechanisms 64, each consisting of a clasp assembly 162 and a receiver assembly 82 (FIG. 3) mounted on respective receiver support struts 47 which in turn are fixed to a respective frame rail 23 (Figure 1). Although only one cassette lid lock mechanism 64 is shown in Figures 1 and 5, it will be evident that a pair of cassette lid lock mechanisms 64 are usually required in the cassette lid and splashback mounting system for adhering the sides of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 with a respective frame rail 23. Figure 5 illustrates the assembly of the receiver assembly 82 to the support bracket 47 of the receiver. A plurality of bolts 311 extend through the frame mounting bracket 310 and the frame rail 23 to adhere the support bracket 47 of the receiver to the rail (Figure 5). A receiver mounting bracket 308, having adjustment grooves 306 is connected to a second bracket lid support bracket 305 by a plurality of screws 307. A plurality of screws 307 extend through a retainer plate 304, a first bracket cap intermediate bracket 301 and the second intermediate bracket 305 for forming the mounting location for the receiver assembly 82. Both the first and second intermediate brackets 301 and 305 respectively, incorporate slots 306 for adjustment objects. The receiver assembly 82 is secured to the first intermediate cassette cover bracket with four screws 307. The receiver assemblies 82 of the locking mechanisms 64 are therefore anchored directly to the frame rail 23 through a strut 47 of receiver support. When the snap assembly 162 is engaged in the receiver assembly 82 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the lock mechanism 64 engaged serves as the rear support for the hood lid and splashback assembly 42 and isolates the cover assembly 42 from the cover. hood and fender of the tensions caused by the movement of the cabin 26 in relation to the frame, thus reducing damage to the hood lid. Each locking mechanism 64 is actuated using a cable assembly 68 to release the connection between the hood lid and fender assembly 42 and the frame 22 when the lock transitions from a locked position (Figure 2) to an unlocked position as illustrated in Figure 3. As with the receiver support struts 47, only one locking mechanism 64 is illustrated in Figure 1 but it will be apparent that a pair of locking mechanisms 64 are usually required to adhere one side of the lid assembly 42 of hood and fender with a respective frame rail 23. The locking mechanism 64 includes the receiver assembly 82 that connects directly to the first intermediate cassette holder bracket 301 and a snap assembly 162 (Figure 2). The receiver assembly 82 includes a cup shaped receiver 84 and a plate 86 (Figure 3). The cup-shaped receiver 84 includes a frusto-conical surface 90. The cup-shaped receiver 84 is formed to include a clearance section 88 defined by dotted lines in FIG. 4 that do not contact the plate 86., so that essentially only three sides and the four corners of the receiver 84 contact the plate 86. The clearance section 88 gives space to the lower edge of the receiver 302 away from the plate 86 at a predetermined distance D, which is slightly larger than the thickness of an insurance lever 104, to allow clearance for the safety lever. A pair of rivet insurers 100 and 303 connect the lock lever 104 to the plate 86 so as to allow pivotal movement of the lock lever and the receiver 84 is then spot welded to the plate 86 prior to adhesion of the lock. receiver assembly 82 to the first intermediate bracket 301 of the cassette lid support. A plurality of screws 307 extends through the receiver 84 and the plate 86 for adhering the receiver assembly 82 to the first intermediate bracket 301 of the cassette lid holder (figure 5). 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 of a stamped metal, such as steel and has a thickness slightly less than the distance D (FIG. 3) to which the receiver 84 and the plate 86 are spaced in the clearance section 88. In this way, the lock lever 104 can be moved between the receiver 84 and the plate 86 within the clearance section 88. The Rivet keeper 100 extends through the latch lever 104 to pivotally mount the latch lever in relation to and between the receiver 84 and the plate 86. The rivet latch 303 extends through a slot 321 on the latch lever. secure 104 and actuate a stop limiting travel of the lock lever around its pivot point, the rivet 100. The lock lever 104, thus, consists of a member that is pivotable relative to the receiver 84 and the plate 86. A opening 106 extends through receiver 84 and an opening 108 (shown in figure 3) extends coaxially through plate 86. Opening 106 is longer than opening 108 to promote alignment when the clip assembly 162 moves inside a locked position. The aperture 108 has a diameter only slightly larger than the shoulder 244. The lock lever 104 includes a clasp coupling portion 122 which is located completely between the receiver 84 and the plate 86 in the clearance section 88. The plate secure 104 also includes an arm portion 124 formed integrally as a part with the snap engagement portion 122. The snap engagement portion 122 is for coupling the underside of the shoulder 244 of the snap assembly 162. The arm portion 124 is located outside the receiver 84 and the plate 86 and is operated to move the snap coupling portion 122 out of engagement with the other member of the locking mechanism 64. The arm portion 124 is connected with the cable 68 to move the lever of lock 104 between the locked position, as illustrated in figure 2 and solid lines in figure 4, and the unlocked position, as illustrated in figure 3 and in dashed lines in Figure 4. In the locked position, the clasp coupling portion 122 engages a part of the clasp assembly 162. In the unlocked position, the clasp coupling portion 122 is disengaged from the clasp assembly 162. Brooch coupling portion 122 includes a tapered surface 126 for ease of engagement of brooch assembly 162 (Figure 3). The safety lever 104 includes a spring 128 that extends between the arm portion 124 and an extension 142 of the plate 86 (Figure 4). The spring 128 biases the safety lever 104 towards the locked position in engagement with the other member of the locking mechanism 64. The cable 68 which may be a Bowden-type cable (figures 1 and 4) and includes a shell 69 and a nut secure 144 (shown only in FIG. 4) which is fixed in relation to the first intermediate bracket 301 of the lid of the hood and the car 26. The cable 68 extends at one end from the safety lever 104 in the compartment motor at the other end inside the cockpit 26. Located coaxially and movable in relation to the shell 69 is a portion of the rope 146, which is connected at one end to the arm portion 124 by a folded ball 148 or other end fitting. suitable cable. The other end of the cable 146 is connected to a handle 66. The handle 66 (Figure 1) is operably mounted on a support member fixed to the car 26. The handle 66 can be pivotally or axially moved in relation to its support.

The movement of the handle 66 causes the arm portion 124 of the lock lever 104 to pivot, as illustrated in FIG. 4, by tension in the cable 146. The handle 66 that is located inside the cab 26 of the tractor 20 allows a tractor operator to release the hood lid and fender assembly 42 from inside the truck. cab to access the engine compartment 43. The cassette lid lock mechanisms 64, thus, provide a safety measure for the tractor 20, because when the truck doors are secured, no one can easily access the truck. engine compartment 43. In addition, the lock lid lock mechanism 64 of the present invention allows the release of the hood lid and splashback assembly 42 without having to walk around the outside sides of the tractor 20 or be outside the tractor in inclement weather The locking mechanism 64 includes the snap assembly 62 best shown in Figure 3. The snap assembly 162 is attached to the hood lid and splash assembly 42 at a rearward position away from the hinge 44. The receiver assembly 82 receives the assembly. of the clasp 162 when the hood lid and splashback assembly 42 encloses the engine compartment 43 (shown in Figure 1, by dashed lines 63b). The clip assembly 162 includes a mounting bracket 164 which is attached to the hood lid and splashback assembly. Bolts 166 and nuts connect the mounting bracket 164 to the fiberglass hood and fender cover assembly 42 through a metal reinforcement 167 located on an inner surface of the hood and fender lid assembly 42 which delineates the compartment 43. This makes the locking mechanism 64 substantially inaccessible from the outside of the tractor 20. The mounting bracket 164 is essentially a cup-shaped member made from annealed metal, such as steel or aluminum, which adheres to the hood lid and splashback assembly 42 so that the snap assembly 162 extends from an opening 168 in the inner surface of the hood lid and splashback assembly 42. A clasp or arrow 182 is connected to a lower inner surface of the cup mounting bracket 164. The arrow 182 includes a sheath 190 and a rod 221. A shoulder 188 is formed on one end of the sheath 190. The rod 221 includes a threaded portion 186 at one end and a tapered surface 220 at the other end. The rod 221 is enclosed in its entire length by the sheath 190, with the threaded portion 186 extending through the sheath in the shoulder 188 of the sheath. The threaded portion 186 is inserted into an opening in the mounting bracket 164 and a lock nut 185 is screwed onto the threaded portion 186 to stretch the shoulder 188 of the cover 190 against the lower 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 flattened sides 225 or a torque configuration for coupling an assembly tool when the nut 186 is tightened. In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the tapered end 220 includes a structure, such as flattened sides 220a, for coupling an assembly tool. Washers can 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 retaining 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 the sheath 190 and the thickness of any washer present between the shoulder 188 of the sheath 190 and the mounting bracket 164. A guide member 204 has a frustoconical guide surface 206 and is movable axially along the arrow 182 at the tapered end 220. The external frustoconical surface 206 of the member The guide is similarly formed to the internal frusto-conical surface 190 of the receiver 84. This is provided for load distribution during movement of the snap assembly 162 within the receiver assembly 82 as the cassette lid and flap assembly 42 pivots from an open position to a closed position and provides at least some self-alignment characteristics. At least arrow 182 and guide member 204 extend through opening 168 in hood and splashback assembly 42.

A spring 222 is located coaxially in relation to the arrow 182 and the guide member 204 within a ringed recess 224 of the guide member. The spring 222 deflects the guide member 204 toward the tapered end 220. The guide member 204 includes another recess 242 at a conductive axial end of the guide member for coupling a second shoulder 244 formed on the arrow 182 at the tapered end 220. The shoulder 244 limits the amount of axial travel of the guide member 204 along the arrow 182 in a direction away from the mounting bracket 164. As the hood lid and splashback assembly 42 moves from the open position, as illustrated by the solid lines 63a in Figure 1, towards the closed position, as illustrated by the dotted lines 63b, the tapered end 220 of the arrow 182 and the frustoconical guide surface 206 of the guide member 204 enter the receiver 84 and can couple the surface 90 frustoconical. The arrow 182 and the guide member 204, thus, are fully seated and aligned in the receiver 84 before any movement of the arrow 182 within the aperture 106 thereby serving to self-align the clasp assembly 162 relative to the assembly. receiver 82, as well as to position the hood lid and fender assembly 42 relative to the frame 22. This self-alignment is due to the interaction between the frustoconical surfaces 90, 206 and the tapered surface 220 of the respective locking 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 locked position. According to the hood lid and fender assembly 42 moving towards its closed position, the first coupling between the frustoconical surfaces 90, 206 defines a partially closed position of the hood lid and fender assembly in relation to the frame 22 and the cockpit 26. The deflecting force of the spring 222 keeps the bracket 164 slightly spaced from the receiver 84. With additional movement of the hood lid 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, according to the deflecting force of the spring 222 is exceeded, the tapered end 220 of the arrow 182 extends through the opening 106 in the receiver assembly 82 and engages the tapered surface 126 of the portion 122 for snap-coupling to open the lock lever 104. The tapered end 220 of the arrow 182 is tapered with the purpose of centering it in the receiver 84 to center minor misalignments due to deflection of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 during enclosure. As the tapered end 220 and a shoulder 244 of the arrow engage the tapered surface 126, it forces the snap-engaging portion 122 of the lock lever 104 to move to a position, in a direction normal to the arrow, allowing the portion of second end of arrow 182 passes beyond the snap engagement portion. After sufficient axial movement of the tapered end 220 beyond the tapered surface 126, the spring 128 biases the clasp coupling portion 122 toward the locked position, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in which the snap engagement portion 122 contacts the underside of the shoulder 244 thereby preventing movement of the snap assembly 162 out of the receiver assembly 82, but the arrow 182 may not be in contact. A concentric edge 200 is formed on the guide member 204 which can engage the cup-shaped mounting bracket 164 on the surface 191 to prevent over travel of the guide member by stopping it against the surface 191 in case the hood lid and fender assembly 42 is closed with excessive force. The travel amount of the guide member 204 that is allowed before coupling the surface 191 serves to provide at least some insulation between the rear portion of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 and the frame 22. In this way, when in the locked position, the arrow 182 is secured in place and axial movement outwardly of the receiver assembly 82 and the plate opening 108, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is prevented. This holds the snap assembly 162 locked in the receiver assembly 82 which holds the rear portion of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 fixed relative to the frame 22.

This cassette lid locking mechanism 64 positively and automatically secures the hood lid and fender assembly 42 in place relative to the frame 22 when the hood lid and fender assembly moves from the partially closed position to the fully closed position. closed against the deviating force of the spring 222. No manual lock is required on either side of the tractor 20. Any pivotal movement of the hood lid and flap assembly 42 towards the open or laterally or longitudinally in relation to the frame 22 is avoided. Due to its shock absorbing mechanism 28, the cab 26 will move relative to the frame 22, but the hood lid and splashback assembly 42 is not free to move relative to the frame because it is fixed directly to the frame by the hinges 44 and the cassette lid locking mechanisms 64 (supported by the struts 47 of receiver supports). To release the locking mechanism 64, the handle 66 inside the cab 26 is pulled to force the cable 146 to pivot the arm portion 124 of the lock lever 104. The clip coupling portion 122 pivots in a direction away from the coupling with the tapered end 220 of the arrow 182, to the unlocked position, illustrated in Figure 4 with dotted lines. Excessive travel of the snap-engaging portion 122 and the over-stretching of the spring 128 while moving away from the engagement with the arrow 182 is avoided when the slot 321 in the locking lever 104 stops against the rivet 303 that does not pivot. The deflecting force of the spring 222 causes the hood cover 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 the assembly. receiver 82. However, arrow 182 is not engaged by safety lever 104 to any degree which would prevent additional pivotal movement of hood and fender lid assembly 42 towards the fully open position relative to frame 22, as illustrated by solid lines 63a in Figure 1. The front part of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 is attached to the frame 22 with two hinged assemblies 44, one by frame rail 23, Figure 1. Only one hinge assembly 44 will be described herein and it will be obvious that a substantially similar hinge assembly is required in the other rail 23 of the frame. The hinge assembly 44 includes a J-shaped bracket 320, a box lid adjusting rod 316, a box lid pivot bracket 314, Figure 6. A plurality of pins 324 connect the J-shaped bracket 320 into the interior of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 through adjustment slots 325 on the J-shaped bracket 320. The tapered box lid adjustment rod 316 which is located on the hood lid bracket 318 is used for positioning the hood lid and fender assembly 42 in the before and after directions by adjusting the union nuts 317 on the filaments of the hood lid adjustment rod 316 while the bolts 324 are loosened in the adjustment slots 325 until the hood and fender lid assembly is in the correct position and then the bolts 324 are tightened to secure the J-shaped bracket 320 to the hood lid and fender assembly. The hinge assembly 44 is fixed to a bracket 313 through the cassette lid pivot mounting bracket 314 using two nuts 315. The bracket 313 is fixed to a frame rail 23. To regulate the effort required to open and close the hood lid and splashback assembly 42, a torsion spring auxiliary 300 that includes one or more torsion bars 312 in hexagonal form is installed between the two hinge assemblies 44 (see figure). 7). The J-shaped bracket 320 has a rigidly mounted receptacle 319 that accepts one end of a torsion bar 312 in a hexagonal shape. The receptacle 319 of the J-shaped bracket protrudes through a circular opening in the cassette lid pivot mounting bracket 314 and is capable of rotating within the opening., allowing the front end of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 to pivot about the center of the circular opening in the hood lid pivot bracket 314 and the center of the j-shaped bracket receptacle. of insulating rubber 334 is located within the opening of the mounting bracket 314 of the hood lid pivot to provide some insulation between the J-shaped bracket 320 and the frame 22. A lock collar 338 is used to retain the position relative to the J-shaped bracket 320 and the cassette lid pivot mounting bracket 314, and a pressure washer can be used between the lock collar 338 and the cassette lid pivot mounting bracket 314 to reduce the wear between them. A hexagonal shaped torsion bar 312 is pushed in through a hexagonal shaped opening 327 in a cassette lid pivot mounting bracket 314 and is then inserted into the receptacle 319 of the J-shaped bracket in the casing. 44 opposite hinge assembly. A set of screws 322 (figures 6 and 7) is then inserted through the bottom of the cassette lid pivot bracket 314 to prevent the hexagonal shaped torsion bar 314 from sliding in an outward direction, maintaining therefore the connection in the receptacle 319 of the J-shaped bracket and the bracket lid pivot bracket 314 (Figure 6). In this way, the hexagonally shaped torsion bar 312 is prevented from rotating about its axis the relation to the frame 22 at one end by the hexagonal opening 327 in the cassette lid pivot bracket 314 and rotates around its shaft at the other end when the hood lid and fender assembly 42 pivoted between the open and closed position thereby rotating the receptacle 319 of the J-shaped bracket and twisting the hex bar in a hexagonal manner. A bushing 333 is installed at the mid-point of the hex-shaped torsion bars 312 to locate them and prevent any movement except twist during the pivoting of the hood lid and fender assembly 42. Because the hexagonal shaped opening 327 in the cassette lid pivot mounting bracket 314 and the internal dimensions of the receptacle 319 of the J-shaped bracket are in a smooth rubbing fit close to the twist bar 312 in hexagonal shape, no other means to prevent the rod from turning in relation to the J-shaped bracket receptacle or the cassette lid pivot mounting bracket is necessary, eliminating the need for additional insurers or fasteners required by bars of existing torsion with a circular cross section. Additionally, the hexagonal shape of the torsion bar 312 allows an adjustment for preloading the torsion bars 312 to regulate the force needed to move the hood lid 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 bracket cover pivot bracket 314 and 337 on the J-shaped bracket 320 before the attachment of the bracket cover pivot mounting bracket 314 to the frame 22 thereby providing the necessary preload to assist in the operation of the hood lid and fender assembly 42. In addition to the hexagonal shaped torsion spring auxiliary 300, the mounting system of the hood lid and fender assembly incorporates one or more hood lid restriction cylinders 45 to prevent sudden opening of the hood lid and fender assembly 42. and controlling the travel speed of the hood lid and fender assembly when moving between the closed and open position, figure 6. The hood lid restriction cylinders 45 are fixed to the brackets 313 by inserting a threaded strut 334 at the end of the rod 333 of the hood lid restriction cylinder through a washer 331 and then the bracket 313 and securing with nuts 330. The other end of the hood lid restriction cylinder 45 is fixed in a manner similar to the assembly 42 of hood lid and fender using the threaded strut 334, a washer 331 and a nut 330. The hood lid restriction cylinder 45 can resist movement of the rod 333 of the hood lid restriction cylinder in the extended or retracted direction. The rod 333 of the hood lid restriction cylinder is in its fully extended position when the hood lid and splashback assembly 42 is open (see figure 1, solid lines 63a) and fully retracted when the hood lid and splashback assembly it is closed (figure 1 dotted lines 63b). Movement in any direction of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 between the open and closed position can be resisted by the extension or retraction of the rod 333 of the hood lid restriction cylinder as it moves through the fluid in the hood. Restriction cylinder 45 of lid of chest. The degree of resistance in any direction can be controlled by the internal valve of the hood lid restriction cylinder 45. In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the hood lid restriction cylinders 45 are filled with gas and resist movement in the extended or open direction of movement of the hood lid and fender assembly 42. The present invention avoids or reduces the problems associated with the use of elastic bands or spring-loaded locks to connect the rear portion of the hood lid and fender assembly 42 to the cab. In such a configuration, the rear portion of the hood lid and fender assembly moves relative to the frame when the car moves on its shock absorbing mechanism or when the frame flexes independent of the cab while the front portion of the assembly of the hood and fender lid that is mounted directly to the frame, it does not. The flexing of the fiberglass hood and fender lid assembly causes warping and damage to the paint of the hood and splashback assembly, requiring a large shock-absorbing package between the hood and fender cover assembly and the cab. The present invention eliminates the mechanical connection between the hood and fender lid assembly and the cab, and the need for a large package, by coupling both the front and rear portions of the hood lid and fender assembly directly to the vehicle frame by reducing by therefore the flexing of the hood lid and splashback assembly. The present invention also increases the safety and convenience by making the trunk lid bars relatively inaccessible from outside the vehicle and allowing the uncoupling of the bars from inside the cabin. This remote-controlled feature discourages unauthorized access to the hood lid when the vehicle is closed and allows the driver to unlock the hood from the comfort of the cab. The present invention improves travel quality because the hood lid and fender assembly does not limit the movement of the car over its impact absorber or causes additional movement of the car. The present invention controls the travel speed and force required to move the hood lid and fender assembly between the open and closed position. The trunk lid restriction cylinders prevent sudden movement by limiting the travel speed. The hexagonal torsion spring auxiliary allows the force required to open and close the hood lid and splashback assembly to be fixed by preloading the torsion bars before installation. The hexagonal shaped bar eliminates the need for additional means to secure the bar to the required hood and splashback assembly when the round cross section bars are used because the hexagonal shaped bar slides fixedly into the barrel. The J-shaped bracket receptacle and the cassette lid pivot bracket are thus prevented from turning in relation to their mounting location. From the above description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill in the art are designed to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (58)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An apparatus for use with a conventional highway heavy duty vehicle having a frame to support an engine, a cab, a hood lid and fender assembly and a hinge that pivotally connects the hood lid and fender assembly to the frame , said apparatus comprising: a first blocking receiving member fixed to the frame; a second locking member fixed to the hood lid and fender assembly at a location distant from the hinge to receive in said first locking receiver member when the hood lid and fender assembly encloses the engine, said second locking member engaging said first latch receiver member to locate and maintain the hood lid and fender assembly at a predetermined position relative to the independent chassis frame; one of said locking members has a movable safety mechanism between a locked position in engagement with the other locking member and a unlocked uncoupled position of the other locking member; a movable handle; and a mechanism interposed between said handle and said safety mechanism to move said locking mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to movement of said handle.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, further characterized in that said second locking member includes an arrow connected at a first end portion with the hood-and splashback assembly, a guide member is movable throughout. of said arrow between said first end portion of said arrow and a second end portion of said arrow, a deflecting mechanism urges the guide member toward said second end portion of said arrow, said first lock receiving member includes a receiver In the form of a cup having an opening extending therethrough, a surface on said guide member couples the cup-shaped surface on said receiver when the hood and splashback assembly pivots to a partially closed position for moving said guide member toward said first end portion of said arrow against a force of said deflecting mechanism and exposing said second end portion of said arrow during movement of the hood lid and fender assembly from the partially closed position to a fully closed position and causing said second end portion to extend through the opening in The receiver, said lock mechanism engages said second end portion of said arrow extending from the opening in said receiver to prevent movement of the hood lid and splashback assembly to an open position.

3. - The apparatus set forth in claim 1, further characterized in that the hinge pivotally assembles the hood and fender lid assembly to the frame so that the hood and fender lid assembly is balanced forward from the position enclosing the engine to a position that allows access to the engine.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, further characterized in that said first and second locking members are mounted in a location which is substantially inaccessible from the outside of the vehicle when the hood and splashback assembly is in a closed position in relation to the frame.

5. - The apparatus set forth in accordance with claim 1, further characterized in that said handle is located inside the cabin.

6. - The apparatus set forth in claim 1, further characterized in that said mechanism includes a cable that connects said handle with said lock mechanism.

7. An apparatus for use on a heavy-duty highway highway tractor having a frame supporting a cabin, an engine, and an incunable hood and splashback assembly forward hinged to a front end portion of the frame, said apparatus consisting of: a first receiver member of the lock connected to the frame; a second locking member connected to the hood lid and splash assembly at a location distant from the hinge; said first locking receiving member receives the second locking member to position and maintain the hood lid and fender assembly in relation to the independent chassis frame; and a locking mechanism associated with said second locking member and which is engageable with a portion of said first locking receiving member to prevent said first locking receiving member from disengaging from said second locking member.

8. - The apparatus set forth in claim 7, further characterized in that it further includes: a movable handle located within the cab; and a cable connecting said handle to said safety mechanism for moving the locking mechanism from the position engaged with said portion of said first locking receiving member to a decoupled position of said portion of said locking member fixed in response to the movement of said handle.

9. - The apparatus set forth in claim 7, further characterized in that said second locking member includes an arrow connected in a first end portion to a bracket affixed to the hood lid and splashback assembly, a guide member is movable to along said arrow between said portion of the first end of said arrow and a second end portion of said arrow, a deflecting mechanism urges said guide member toward said second end portion of the arrow shower, the first blocking receiving member includes a cup-shaped receiver having an opening extending therethrough, a surface of the guide member engages the cup surface on said receiver when the hood lid and fender assembly pivots to a partially closed position to move said guide member towards the portion of the first arrow end against a force of the deflecting mechanism and exposes the to said second end portion of said arrow during movement of the hood lid and fender assembly from the partially closed position to a fully closed position and causes the second end portion to extend through the opening in said receiver, the said latching mechanism engages said second end portion of said arrow extending from said opening to prevent movement of the hood lid and fender assembly to an open position.

10. - The apparatus set forth in claim 7, further characterized in that said first and second locking members are mounted in a location that is substantially inaccessible from the outside of the vehicle when the hood and splashback assembly is in a position closed in relation to the frame.

11. An apparatus for releasably connecting a pair of relatively movable members, said apparatus comprising: a receiver fixed to one of the pair of members and having an opening extending therethrough; an arrow fixed to the other of the pair of members in a first axial end portion of said arrow; a movable guide member along said arrow between said first portion of the axial end of said arrow and a second portion of the axial end of the arrow; a deflecting mechanism urging the guide member toward said axial end portion of said arrow when the members are located relatively far from each other in an open position; a surface on the guide member engages a surface on the receiver with the relative movement of the members from the open position to a partially closed position and moves the said guide member towards said first axial end portion of said arrow against a force of said deflecting mechanism for exposing said second portion of the axial end of said arrow from the guide member during movement of the pair of members from the partially closed position to a fully closed position and causing said second portion of the axial end to extend to through the opening in the receiver; and a locking mechanism engages said second portion of the axial end of the arrow extending from the opening to prevent movement of the arrow in relation to the receiver and a pair of members toward the open position.

12. - The apparatus set forth in claim 11, further characterized in that it includes a shoulder on said second portion of the axial end of said arrow to limit the movement of the guide member and to engage a portion of the safety mechanism to maintain the receiver and said guide member coupled and the pair of members in a fully closed position.

13. - The apparatus set forth in claim 11, further characterized in that it includes a movable lever associated with said safety mechanism for decoupling said locking mechanism from said portion of the second end of said arrow with the movement of the lever and allows the pair of members to move towards the open position.

14. - The apparatus set forth in claim 11, further characterized in that it includes a movable handle and a mechanical connection between the handle and the lever to move said lever with the movement of said handle.

15. - The apparatus set forth in claim 14, further characterized in that said mechanical connection consists of a cable.

16. The apparatus set forth according to claim 11, further characterized in that the diverting mechanism consists of a spring located between and coaxial with said arrow and said guide member.

17. The apparatus set forth in claim 11, further characterized in that said receiver has a cup-shaped surface for engaging the guide member and extends in a direction coaxial with said guide member when said members are located close to and in the partially closed position, said opening in said receiver located in a base portion of said cup-shaped surface.

18. The apparatus set forth in claim 17, further characterized in that said cup-shaped surface of said receiver and the surface of said guide member are frustoconical.

19. The apparatus set forth in claim 11, further characterized in that said second end portion of said arrow is tapered and cams to said locking mechanism in a direction transversely away from said arrow and said second portion of the axial end. it extends from the opening in the receiver.

20. The apparatus set forth according to claim 11, further characterized in that it includes a bracket located in an opening in another of the pair of members, the arrow is fixed to said bracket and extends through the opening.

21. The apparatus set forth according to claim 11, further characterized in that 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 cover assembly that includes a bracket to adhere with the arrow.

22. A vehicle apparatus for supporting a body panel enclosing an engine, comprising: a vehicle frame supporting an engine, a passenger compartment, and an operating body panel for enclosing said engine, the control panel, and body mounted for movement between a first position in which the engine is accessible and a second position in which the engine is inaccessible; means for inhibiting movement in said body panel relative to the frame, including a first connector mechanism for coupling a portion of said body panel directly to the frame and a second connector mechanism for coupling another portion of the body panel directly to the frame, independent of the passenger compartment; and a disconnect mechanism by means of which one of the connector mechanisms can be unlatched to uncouple one of said portions of the body panel from the frame to allow the body panel to move between said first and second positions.

23. - The apparatus set out in accordance with claim 22, further characterized in that the vehicle is a conventional heavy duty truck and the body panel is a hood lid and splashback assembly.

24. - The apparatus set forth according to claim 22, further characterized in that the connection mechanism is at least one locking mechanism, consisting of: a first locking member that is mechanically coupled to the frame, independent of the passenger compartment; a second locking member that is connected to the body panel; and said first locking member receives said second locking member and an insurance mechanism releasably retains said second locking member.

25. The apparatus set forth in claim 24, further characterized in that the first locking member is connected to the frame by a mounting bracket.

26. The apparatus set forth in claim 22, further characterized in that said disconnect member includes: a handle in the passenger compartment; and means for connecting said handle to said disconnecting mechanism to move the connector mechanism from a position that inhibits movement of the body panel to a position in which movement of the body panel is not inhibited in response to the movement of said body panel. handle.

27. The apparatus set forth in claim 26, further characterized in that the means for connecting said handle to the disconnect member is a cable.

28. The apparatus set forth in claim 22, further characterized in that said first connection mechanism is a hinge that pivotally connects the body panel to said frame including an insulating structure to isolate the body panel from said frame.

29. The apparatus set forth in claim 28, further characterized in that said hinge is located at a front end of the body panel.

30. The apparatus set forth according to claim 28, further characterized in that it further includes a regulating mechanism for regulating the operation of the body panel when moving between the first and second positions consisting of a hexagonal cross-sectional torsion spring.

31. The apparatus set forth according to claim 30, further characterized in that said torsion spring is in a smooth rubbing fit within a receptacle located at the pivot point of said body panel and retained at its other end in a hexagonal opening in a bracket fixed in recession to said frame.

32. The apparatus set forth according to claim 30, further characterized in that said regulating mechanism includes a damping device.

33. For a highway vehicle, an apparatus for connecting a pair of relatively movable structures that are part of said vehicle, said apparatus comprising: a first locking member that is mechanically coupled to a first structure; a second locking member that is connected to a second structure, consisting of a guiding member and an arrow; said first locking member includes a surface that is complementary to that of said second locking member and includes an opening that can receive said arrow from said second locking member; an insurance mechanism that engages said second locking member and holds it releasably, thereby maintaining the relative position of said structures; said second locking member comprises said arrow attached to one end of said member, said shaft has at its unattached end a shape complementary to that of said first locking structure; and said second locking member further comprises a guide member capable of sliding along said arrow, said guide member also having a surface formed in complementarity to that of said first locking member and containing a deflecting mechanism of guiding member that drives the guide member towards the unfixed end of said arrow thus serving to align said second locking member with said first locking member when said structures are being connected and to urge said second locking member out of engagement from the first locking member when the insurance mechanism is unhooked.

34. - The apparatus set forth according to claim 33, further characterized in that said apparatus is for use in a vehicle having a frame supporting a motor, a passenger compartment, and said body panel, according to which said first structure is said frame and said second structure is said body panel of the vehicle. 35.- The apparatus set forth in claim 33, further characterized in that the arrow further includes: a shoulder which retains said movement guide member in a direction toward the unfixed end of said arrow, said arrow can protrude to through said opening in said first locking member and can therefore be releasably retained by said insurance mechanism. Said surface formed in complementarity of said guide member engages the surface of said first locking member when the structures are being connected and is retained by the surface of said first locking member, allowing said arrow to protrude through the opening in said opening. the aforementioned first member of the group and to be detained by the aforementioned insurance mechanism; and said safety mechanism has a deviating safety mechanism that urges the locking mechanism toward a position that would engage the second locking member, said locking mechanism having a tapered interface surface allows said arrow to slide along and smooth to the said safety mechanism against the force of the safety diverting mechanism when said structures are being connected, said deflecting mechanism causing the safety mechanism to return to a position of engagement with the second member when said shoulder protrudes beyond the tapered surface of interface, thereby retaining said second locking member, said insurance mechanism further includes a lever that can be operated to decouple said locking mechanism from the second locking member. 36. The apparatus set forth according to claim 35, further characterized in that it further includes a movable handle and a connection between said handle and the lever to allow decoupling of the second locking member of the first locking member by operating said movable handle. 37.- The apparatus set forth in claim 36, further characterized in that the connection consists of a cable. 38.- The apparatus set forth according to claim 33, further characterized in that said guide member includes a shoulder that limits the travel of the guide member away from said fixed end of said arrow when it is in the connected position to allow some isolation of the first Structure of the second structure without damage to the locking members. 39.- The apparatus set forth in claim 33, further characterized in that the guide member and said arrow have a frusto conical shape. 40. The apparatus set forth according to claim 33, further characterized in that the deflecting mechanism of the guide member of the second locking member is a spring. 41. The apparatus set forth in accordance with claim 35, further characterized in that said safe deviating mechanism is a spring. 42. - The apparatus set forth according to claim 35, further characterized in that the travel of said safety mechanism is limited by a groove acting on a rivet to avoid damage to said safe deviating mechanism. 43.- In a highway vehicle, an apparatus for regulating the operation of two relatively movable structures pivotally connected at one end when said structures are moved around said pivotal connection between a connected and disconnected position, said apparatus consisting of a torsion spring with a hexagonal cross section. 44. - The apparatus set forth in accordance with claim 43, further characterized in that said torsion spring is in a smooth rubbing fit within a receptacle located at the pivot point of said structure and retained at its other end in a hexagonal opening in a bracket fixed in relation to one of said structures . 45.- The apparatus set forth in accordance with claim 44, further characterized in that said regulating mechanism includes a damping device. 46. The apparatus set forth in claim 34, further characterized in that said first locking member is connected to said frame by a mounting bracket. 47.- A cassette lid support and locking system for a motorway vehicle, consisting of: a) a longitudinally extending vehicle frame structure and includes a cab mounting portion that supports an operator's cab and a main mover mounting portion in front of said booth portion; b) a hood lid assembly, movable between open and closed positions and operative to enclose an engine compartment when in the closed position; c) at least one cassette lid locking mechanism for maintaining the lock of said cassette lid assembly including first and second lock assemblies; d) said first latch assembly coupled directly to said frame structure and said second latch assembly fixed to the rear section of said latch lid assembly, said first and second engagable latch assemblies, when said latch cover assembly chest is moved to its closed position; and e) at least one pivot assembly mounted to a front end of said frame structure to support a front end of said hood lid assembly and defining a pivot shaft for said hood lid assembly, whereby said assembly of the cassette lid is fully supported by the said frame structure. 48. The system according to claim 47, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a spring auxiliary formed. by at least one torsion bar having one end coupled to and rotatable with said hood lid assembly and having its other end held against rotation by structure coupling of said other end to said frame structure. 49.- The system in accordance with the claim 47, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a motion regulating mechanism consisting of at least one cushion cylinder having one end fixed to said cassette lid assembly and another end pivotally coupled to said frame structure. 50.- The system in accordance with the claim 48, further characterized in that said torsion bar is hexagonal in cross section and one end is received in a rotatable hexagonal shaped receptacle with said hinge assembly about said pivot axis of the hinge assembly and the other end is maintained against turning by stationary structure in hexagonal form. 51.- The system in accordance with the claim 47, further characterized in that it consists of two cassette lid locking mechanisms having second locking assemblies secured to a rear section of said cassette lid assembly and spaced in separate locations. 52. The system according to claim 51, further characterized in that said first locking assembly is rigidly secured to said frame structure by laterally extending struts locating said first locking assembly in alignment with associated second locking assemblies of said locking mechanisms. 53. - The system according to claim 47, further characterized in that the first and second locking assemblies consist of a receiver assembly and a snap assembly, respectively. 54. - The system according to claim 47, further characterized in that said frame structure comprises a pair of elongated, parallel frame members. 55. - An apparatus for supporting a hood and fender lid assembly of a heavy-duty truck consisting of: a frame supporting a motor, a cab, and said hood lid and fender assembly which functions to enclose said motor, said hood cover and fender assembly being pivotally mounted at its front end to said frame by two hinges, located on either side of said hood lid and fender assembly; a torsion spring auxiliary which controls the effort required to operate the said hood and splashback assembly consisting of two torsion bars having a hexagonal cross section mounted between said hinges, one end of each of the torsion bars being inserted into a hexagonal receptacle that rotates with the hood lid and splashback assembly and the other end of each of the torsion bars being inserted into a hexagonal opening defined by structure fixed in relation to said frame, said Auxiliary torsion spring includes an alignment structure to assist in the assembly; at least one fluid-filled damper device connected between said hood and fender lid assembly and the frame that controls the travel speed of said hood and fender lid assembly; two locking mechanisms located in locations located apart in the rear portion of said hood lid and fender assembly, each consisting of a receiver assembly mounted to said frame, independent of said cabin, on a receiver support strut and an assembly. of clasp mounted to said hood and fender lid assembly to a location that allows said clasp assembly to be received by said receiver assembly; said receiver assembly further including a locking lever engaging said snap assembly and releasably retaining said snap assembly for connecting the snap assembly to said receiver assembly thereby maintaining said hood and splashback assembly at a predetermined position fixed in relation to said frame; and operating means for moving said safety lever to a released position whereby said receiving assembly releases said snap assembly. 56.- The apparatus set forth in accordance with claim 31, further characterized in that said torsion spring further includes an alignment structure. 57. The apparatus set forth in claim 44, further characterized in that said torsion spring further includes an alignment structure. 58. The apparatus set forth in claim 50, further characterized in that said torsion bar further includes an alignment structure.