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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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.
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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 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; 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 actuator is biased to 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 the 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