Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Tops – Roof structure
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-21
2001-11-27
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Tops
Roof structure
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322136
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to the headliner of a vehicle and in particular to the mounting structure for the headliner that uses upstanding flanges with slots therein about the perimeter of the headliner, and tabs extending from the vehicle structure through the slots to support the headliner.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The operator's compartment on work vehicles used in construction, agriculture mining and forestry operations is typically provided with a roll over protection system (ROPS). In addition to protecting the operator, the operator's compartment performs many other functions. The compartment must conform to various standards and regulations for operator noise comfort, visibility and interior size. As such, the operator's compartment includes sound absorbing materials to reduce noise levels in the compartment. In addition, the operator's compartment maybe provided with a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) to maintain a comfortable operator work environment. The HVAC system can be mounted in the roof structure of the operator's compartment. The air is routed through a series of ducts that are usually formed of molded plastic and are provided with additional insulation to reduce heat transfer from and to the air in the duct. The ducts are usually attached to each other, the HVAC unit, to the insulation and the roof structure by various mechanical mechanisms.
Typically separate components are used for sound absorption and HVAC airflow distribution functions. Sound absorption is accomplished by adhering or mechanically fastening foam sheets to either the roof or bonding them to the headliner.
Headliners are typically mounted to the frame structure of the operator's compartment by a number of fasteners. These fasteners can be time consuming to install and are often visible from within the operator's compartment, detracting from an aesthetically pleasing interior appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The operator's cab of a work vehicle is typically provided with a ROPS on which is mounted a roof structure. The roof structure is provided with a roof having a top surface exposed to the outside and a bottom surface facing the interior of the operator's compartment. A sound insulating foam liner having a top surface and a bottom surface is located under the roof. The top surface of the foam liner is secured to the bottom surface of the roof by adhesives. The bottom surface of the foam liner is provided with ventilating channels. The ventilating channels have two sidewalls and a top wall extending between the sidewalls. A headliner is located below the foam liner. The headliner has a top surface facing the bottom surface of the foam liner and a bottom surface facing the interior of the operator's compartment. The top surface of the headliner encloses the ventilating channels formed in the foam liner thereby forming ventilating ducts. The top surface of the headliner forming the bottom wall, whereas the foam liner forms the two sidewalls and the top wall of the ventilating duct.
In another aspect of the invention, the headliner is mounted to the structural frame of the operator's station by a plurality of upstanding flanges at the perimeter of the headliner with slots therethrough. The slots receive tabs extending inward from the frame. The headliner flanges are deflected inward to install the headliner and once the slots align with the tabs, the flanges return to, or near to, their nominal positions. The headliner has a foam layer that is preferably pressed against the frame to form a tight, attractive fit between the headliner and the frame.
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Boyce Dean Arden
Mueller Daniel Joseph
Schreyer Bernard Eugene
Carpenter Scott
Deere & Company
Pape Joseph D.
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