Deployable operator protection apparatus with an over-center linkage
First Claim
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1. An operator protection apparatus for a terrain-working vehicle, the operator protection apparatus comprising:
- a lower portion and an upper portion movably coupled to the lower portion such that the upper portion is movable relative to the lower portion between a raised position and a lowered position; and
an over-center linkage movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position securing the upper portion in the raised position, wherein;
upon an application of a force to an input device controllingly coupled with the operator protection apparatus, the over-center linkage moves to the unlocked position; and
upon a cessation of the force, the over-center linkage moves to the locked position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A operator protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The operator protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
60 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An operator protection apparatus for a terrain-working vehicle, the operator protection apparatus comprising:
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a lower portion and an upper portion movably coupled to the lower portion such that the upper portion is movable relative to the lower portion between a raised position and a lowered position; and an over-center linkage movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position securing the upper portion in the raised position, wherein; upon an application of a force to an input device controllingly coupled with the operator protection apparatus, the over-center linkage moves to the unlocked position; and upon a cessation of the force, the over-center linkage moves to the locked position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A terrain-working vehicle with an operator protection apparatus, the terrain-working vehicle comprising:
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a frame; and an operator protection apparatus coupled to the frame, the operator protection apparatus comprising; a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion movably coupled directly to the lower portion such that the upper portion is movable relative to the lower portion between a raised position and a lowered position; an over-center linkage coupled to the lower portion and the upper portion; and an actuator coupled to the over-center linkage, operable to move the over-center linkage between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the over-center linkage is biased toward the locked position, the locked position securing the upper portion in the raised position. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A method of operating a foldable operator protection apparatus, the method comprising:
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receiving a continuous application of a force, by an actuator coupled to an operator protection apparatus, the operator protection apparatus having a lower portion, an upper portion, and an over-center linkage; moving the upper portion of the operator protection apparatus toward a lowered position; and upon determining that the continuous application of the force has ceased, moving the upper portion toward a raised position. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification