OPERATOR PROTECTION APPARATUS WITH AN OVER-CENTER LINKAGE

摘要

Aspects hereof relate to an operator protection apparatus having at least one over-center linkage. In some aspects, an operator protection apparatus can be raised and lowered by an operator from a seated position, for example, on a terrain working vehicle. Additionally, the at least one over-center linkage may automatically lock in the operator protection apparatus in a raised position. Accordingly, a mechanical force is then required to overcome the lock, and allow the operator protection apparatus to return to a lowered position.

主权项

1. An operator protection apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
a lower portion having a first end and a second end; an upper portion having a first end and a second end; at least one hinge joint coupling the lower portion second end to the upper portion first end such that the upper portion is movable relative to the lower portion; and at least one over-center linkage, the at least one over-center linkage comprising:
a lower link assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotably coupled to the lower portion at a lower pivot joint;an upper link assembly having a first end and a second end, the upper link assembly first end pivotably coupled to the lower link assembly second end forming a center pivot joint, and the upper link assembly second end pivotably coupled with the upper portion at an upper pivot joint; andwherein the over-center linkage is in a locked position when the center pivot joint is on a first side of a centerline extending between the lower pivot joint and the upper pivot joint and the center pivot joint is in an unlocked position on a second side of the centerline.