US3791668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Roll-over protection structure with deformable legs
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1972-06-14
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1992-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A roll-over protection structure having spaced upright legs including relatively rigid upper end portions, relatively rigid lower end portions secured to a vehicle frame, and central portions of reduced cross sectional areas from the end portions to absorb energy and predictably deform during a vehicle rollover rather than having the legs fracture at their end portions to minimize the possibility of complete separation of the protection structure from the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 S Adams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 18:12
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/11
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A roll-over protection structure comprising; a vehicle frame having an operator''s station thereon, spaced upright leg means securable to said frame in upstanding relation from said operator''s station and having relatively rigid upper and lower end portions, and a deformable central portion providing a pair of elevationally spaced upper and lower transition zones of substantially reduced cross sectional area from said upper and loweR end portions with said zones being respectively disposed between said upper end portion and said central portion, and between said lower end portion and said central portion so that when subjected to loading during a vehicle roll-over the central portion is effective to absorb energy and predictably deform in locations spaced a predetermined distance from said upper and lower end portions of said leg means and generally contiguously associated with said upper and lower transition zones.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
A roll-over protection structure comprising; a vehicle frame having an operator''s station thereon, spaced upright leg means securable to said frame in upstanding relation from said operator''s station and having relatively rigid upper and lower end portions, and a deformable central portion providing a pair of elevationally spaced upper and lower transition zones of substantially reduced cross sectional area from said upper and loweR end portions with said zones being respectively disposed between said upper end portion and said central portion, and between said lower end portion and said central portion so that when subjected to loading during a vehicle roll-over the central portion is effective to absorb energy and predictably deform in locations spaced a predetermined distance from said upper and lower end portions of said leg means and generally contiguously associated with said upper and lower transition zones.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
The roll-over protection structure of claim 1 wherein said spaced upright leg means includes at least one pair of substantially vertical legs spaced on either side of said operator''s station and having inwardly curved upper end portions disposed in spaced facing relation, and an upper canopy supporting beam rigidly interconnecting said upper end portions of said legs above and in shielding relation to said operator''s station.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The roll-over protection structure of claim 2 including a canopy having rolled side edges secured in overlapping relation to said upper end portions of said legs and to said upper beam and extended outwardly therefrom in overhanging protecting relation with respect to said operator''s station.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The roll-over protection structure of claim 2 wherein said legs are of fabricated box-section configuration constructed of welds extending generally longitudinally of said legs throughout the entire length of their respective transition zones and central portions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
The roll-over protection structure of claim 4 wherein the legs at said transition zones longitudinally inwardly neck down from their respectively adjacent end portions in an arcuately contoured configuration to provide a narrower transverse width in their respective central portions, and including a lower beam mounted on said vehicle frame in transversely disposed interconnecting relation to said lower end portions of said legs.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |