Patent Application
20070290493
As shown in
In one embodiment, each of lower legs 12 may include an arced or curved portion 15 between an upright portion 17 and a horizontal or nearly horizontal portion 19. The arced portion may have a radius of curvature of between about 1 foot and about 3 feet, and may form an arc of between about 60 degrees and about 90 degrees.
In one embodiment, ROPS 11 may be connected to the vehicle frame on either side of the operator station by inserting ant tightening bolts or other threaded fasteners 24 through holes in each horizontal portion 19 of lower legs 12, and vehicle frame 23. The angle measured between the upright portion and horizontal portion of each leg may be between about 60 degrees and about 90 degrees.
In one embodiment, the arced portion of each lower leg may provide high energy absorption, effectively isolating the energy absorption to the ROPS. The horizontal portion of each lower leg 12 may be mounted and fastened to vehicle frame 23 by inserting bolts 24 directly through holes drilled through the ROPS tubing and vehicle frame, without a bracket between the tubing and frame. The ROPS of the present invention eliminates bracketry used in previously known ROPS to transfer energy from the ROPS tubing to the frame.
In one embodiment, the upper section 14 of the ROPS may be hinged to each of lower legs 12 with pivot bracket 25. The pivot bracket allows the upper section of the ROPS to be folded down and lowered so that the upright portions 13 of the upper section fit around each side of the rear-mounted engine. For example, the measurement between the upright portions 13 may be greater than the width of the engine at the lowered position. The upright portions may be bent so that the measurement between at least part of the upright portions is greater than the measurement between the upright portions of the lower legs. Additionally, in one embodiment, the pivot bracket may be lower than the top of the seat back.
In the lowered position, the ROPS of the present invention provides compact overall machine height and length for storage and transportation. The ROPS also aids in mowing in and around tight spaces such as around trees with overhanging limbs. Additionally, the pivot bracket may include a knob 26 that may be retracted to allow folding the upper section of the ROPS down. Pin 27 also may be used to secure the upper section of the ROPS in the raised position.
In one embodiment, pivot bracket 25 may be provided at a location such that upper section 14 has a greater total length than the combined lengths of lower legs 12. Additionally, the pivot bracket may be located so that cross bar 18, if the ROPS is in the folded position, may be below the horizontal mounting point of the lower legs. The upper section may be folded to the lowered position so that it is within the dimensions of the rear end of the vehicle, and does not extend rearwardly past the vehicle frame and body.
Having described the preferred embodiment, it will become apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.
