Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Structural detail
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-02
2001-06-19
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Structural detail
C296S146110, C296S146200, C296S146900, C296S148000, C296S201000, C296S202000, C049S397000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247746
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an agricultural tractor, and more particularly to a door assembly for the cab of an agricultural tractor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Agricultural work machines such as tractors typically include a cab for enclosing the operator's seat, controls, and the like. Heretofore designed tractor cabs typically include a metal frame which has a number of glass window panels secured thereto for allowing the operator to see out of the cab in many different directions during operation of the tractor. The metal frame generally includes a pivoting sub-frame which, along with the glass window panels secured thereto, functions as a door assembly which allows the operator to enter and exit the cab.
However, heretofore designed tractor cab configurations have a number of drawbacks associated therewith. For example, the glass window panels associated with the cab are often very difficult to replace in the event one of the window panels is broken or otherwise damaged during operation of the tractor. Of particular concern is the window panel mounting configuration of heretofore designed cab door assemblies. For instance, one window mounting configuration which has been utilized is to sandwich the glass window panel between an external hinge and an internal window frame. However, should the glass window panel need replacing due to, for example, damage to the window, the entire door assembly must be removed from the tractor so that the window panel can be removed from between the hinge and the window frame. Such a need for the removal of the entire door assembly undesirably increases the duration and complexity of the repair procedure.
Moreover, other window mounting configurations have sandwiched the glass window panel between opposite halves of a generally rectangular-shaped window frame assembly. As with the design previously discussed, the entire door assembly must be removed in order to replace the glass window panel in the event the window panel needs replacing.
What is needed therefore is a door assembly for a cab of an agricultural tractor which overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks. What is particularly needed is a door assembly for a cab of an agricultural tractor which has a glass window panel that can be quickly and easily replaced without the need to remove the entire door assembly.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a door assembly for a cab of a work machine. The door assembly includes a hinge member having a first end portion which is adapted to be pivotally coupled to a structural support of the cab of the work machine, and a second end portion which is opposite the first end portion. The door assembly also includes a support arm secured to the second end portion of the hinge member in a substantially horizontal orientation. The support arm has a mounting boss secured thereto. Furthermore, the door assembly includes a window panel having a mounting aperture defined therein. The door assembly further includes a fastener that is received through the mounting aperture so as to engage the mounting boss thereby securing the window panel to the support arm.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a door assembly for a cab of a work machine. The door assembly includes a hinge member having a first end portion which is adapted to be pivotally coupled to a structural support of the cab of the work machine, and a second end portion which is opposite the first end portion. The door assembly also includes a support arm disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation. The door assembly further includes a vertical support member having a first side and a second side. The second end portion of the hinge member is secured to the first side of the vertical support member. The support arm is secured to the second side of the vertical support member. The door assembly further includes a window panel secured to the support arm.
In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a work machine. The work machine includes a cab frame having a structural support post. The work machine also includes a hinge member having a first end portion which is pivotally coupled to the structural support post of the cab frame, and a second end portion which is opposite the first end portion. The work machine further includes a support arm secured to the second end portion of the hinge member in a substantially horizontal orientation. The support arm has a mounting boss secured thereto. The work machine further includes a window panel having a mounting aperture defined therein. Moreover, the work machine includes a fastener that is received through the mounting aperture so as to engage the mounting boss thereby securing the window panel to the support arm.
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Blankenship Greg
Caterpillar Inc.
Greene Jeff A.
Maginot Addison & Moore
Pape Joseph D.
LandOfFree
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