Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Structural detail
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-30
2002-03-12
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Structural detail
C296S070000, C296S182100, C296S208000, C180S090000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06354655
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a dashboard assembly for a work machine and more specifically a dashboard assembly for a work machine equipped with a plenum for transporting air.
BACKGROUND ART
Dashboards are commonly used to house the various components comprising heating, ventilation, and air conditioning components found within the cab structures of some vehicles as well as to provide a supporting structure on which to mount an instrument panel. The instrument panel, in turn, is typically used to mount a variety of such as a tachometer, speedometer, engine gages, and the like used by the operator to assess various vehicle conditions
Work machine dashboards typically must support numerous components as well as withstand the rigors associated with rough terrain in which work machines operate. To provide sufficient support to dashboards used in work machines, metal brackets are typically used which attach the dashboard to the cab frame structure. However, one disadvantage in using metal brackets is that the metal brackets only provide direct localized support of the dashboard and not full support for those areas of the dashboard requiring needed support. A second disadvantage in using metal brackets is possible fouling of the brackets caused by the close proximity of the electrical component wiring which can cause bracket failure if not regularly inspected. In addition, separate hoses and clamps are often needed to connect the plenum of the HVAC system to the air ducts provided in the dashboard and instrument panel requiring their individual removal in order to remove the instrument panel from the dashboard for maintenance or repairs. Different types of dashboards have been employed in the past in an attempt alleviate the aforementioned problems. Example of such prior art attempts are U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,395 for a Molded Cross Car Support Structure, issued to Merrifield et al. on Jun. 9, 1998, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,153 for a Instrument Panel Assembly, issued to Kelman et al on Sep. 17, 1996. Such patents utilize separate air distribution pieces which either match or aligned with air distribution ducts or channels provided in the instrument panel or dashboard, thereby cooperatively channeling air into the cab structure.
While prior dashboard assemblies satisfactorily perform their intended tasks, the need to provide an intermediate piece, separate from the dashboard, for support and air distribution may increase the costs for the dashboard assembly as well as increase the time for maintenance and repair. The present invention is directed at overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the invention, a dashboard assembly for a work machine of the type having a plenum for transporting air is provided. The dashboard arrangement consists of a dashboard which has a front portion, and a reinforcing structure that is attached to the front portion.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of reinforcing a dashboard assembly is provided. The aforementioned method includes the steps of providing a dashboard, providing a reinforcement structure; and adhesively attaching said reinforcing structure with said dashboard.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3876228 (1975-04-01), Hawkins et al.
patent: 4372412 (1983-02-01), Fujii et al.
patent: 4455338 (1984-06-01), Henne
patent: 4717195 (1988-01-01), Okuyama et al.
patent: 4909566 (1990-03-01), Hashimoto et al.
patent: 5311960 (1994-05-01), Kukainis et al.
patent: 5354114 (1994-10-01), Kelman et al.
patent: 5358300 (1994-10-01), Gray
patent: 5387023 (1995-02-01), Deneau
patent: 5549344 (1996-08-01), Nishijima et al.
patent: 5556153 (1996-09-01), Kelman et al.
patent: 5580081 (1996-12-01), Berg et al.
patent: 5676216 (1997-10-01), Palma et al.
patent: 5678877 (1997-10-01), Nishijima et al.
patent: 5762395 (1998-06-01), Merrifield et al.
patent: 5857726 (1999-01-01), Yokoyama et al.
patent: 5938266 (1999-08-01), Dauvergne et al.
patent: 5997078 (1999-12-01), Beck et al.
patent: 0 036 925 (1981-10-01), None
patent: WO 97/49599 (1997-12-01), None
Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner L.L.P.
Pape Joseph D.
Smith James R.
LandOfFree
Dashboard assembly for a work machine does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Dashboard assembly for a work machine, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dashboard assembly for a work machine will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2880081