U.S. patent application number 14/696511 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-27 for machine with hood guard assembly and flexible iso-mount.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Nowak, Mark J. Thompson.
Application Number | 20160312436 14/696511 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56519861 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160312436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nowak; Christopher ; et
al. |
October 27, 2016 |
MACHINE WITH HOOD GUARD ASSEMBLY AND FLEXIBLE ISO-MOUNT
Abstract
A machine includes a frame extending between a first end and a
second end, a work tool supported by the frame proximate the first
end, and a counterweight supported by the frame proximate the
second end. The machine further includes a hood supported by the
frame and a hood guard assembly supported by the counterweight and
configured to protect the hood from damage. The machine further
includes a flexible iso-mount interposed between the hood guard
assembly and the counterweight so as to provide a non-rigid
connection between the hood guard assembly and the
counterweight.
Inventors: |
Nowak; Christopher; (Oswego,
IL) ; Thompson; Mark J.; (Virgil, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
56519861 |
Appl. No.: |
14/696511 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/0841 20130101;
E02F 9/0891 20130101; E02F 3/283 20130101; E02F 9/0858 20130101;
E02F 9/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/08 20060101
E02F009/08; E02F 3/28 20060101 E02F003/28 |
Claims
1. A machine, comprising: a frame extending between a first end and
a second end, a work tool supported by the frame proximate the
first end, a counterweight supported by the frame proximate the
second end, a hood supported by the frame, a hood guard assembly
supported by the counterweight, the hood guard assembly being
configured to protect the hood from damage, and a flexible
iso-mount interposed between the hood guard assembly and the
counterweight so as to provide a non-rigid connection between the
hood guard assembly and the counterweight.
2. The machine of claim 1, the iso-mount including a head portion
and the hood guard assembly including a mounting bracket, the head
portion being positioned between the counterweight and the mounting
bracket so as to define a space between the counterweight and the
mounting bracket.
3. The machine of claim 1, the hood guard assembly including a
first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, the iso-mount
being a first iso-mount positioned between the first mounting
bracket and the counterweight, and further comprising: a second
iso-mount positioned between the second mounting bracket and the
counterweight.
4. The machine of claim 1, the counterweight including a bore, and
the iso-mount being at least partially positioned in the bore.
5. The machine of claim 4, the iso-mount including a head portion
and a body portion, the head portion being positioned between the
counterweight and the hood guard assembly and the body portion
being positioned at least partially in the bore.
6. The machine of claim 1, the counterweight including an upper
surface and a lower surface, and a bore extending between the upper
surface and the lower surface, the iso-mount being a first
iso-mount positioned at least partially in the bore proximate the
upper surface, and further comprising: a second iso-mount
positioned at least partially in the bore between the upper surface
and the lower surface.
7. The machine of claim 6, the first and second iso-mounts each
including a head portion and a body portion, the head portion of
the first iso-mount extending beyond the upper surface and the head
portion of the second iso-mount being recessed from the lower
surface.
8. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a fastener securing
the hood guard assembly, iso-mount, and counterweight together.
9. The machine of claim 1, the iso-mount being formed of an
elastomeric material.
10. A kit, comprising: a hood guard assembly configured to protect
the hood of a machine, and a plurality of flexible iso-mounts, the
hood guard assembly and the iso-mounts being configured to together
be secured to a counterweight of the machine with the iso-mounts
interposed between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight so
as to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard
assembly and the counterweight.
11. The kit of claim 10, each iso-mount including a head portion
and the hood guard assembly including a mounting bracket, the head
portion of each iso-mount being configured for positioning between
the counterweight and the mounting bracket so as to define a space
between the counterweight and the mounting bracket.
12. The kit of claim 10, the hood guard assembly including a first
mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, the iso-mounts
being configured to be positioned between the first and second
mounting brackets and the counterweight.
13. The kit of claim 10, the iso-mounts each including a head
portion and a body portion, the head portions being configured to
be between the counterweight and the hood guard assembly and the
body portions being configured to be at least partially positioned
in a bore of the counterweight.
14. The kit of claim 10, wherein the plurality of iso-mounts
includes a first plurality of upper iso-mounts and a second
plurality of lower iso-mounts, the upper iso-mounts being
configured to be positioned proximate a first end of a bore in the
counterweight and the lower iso-mounts being configured to be
positioned in the bore between the first end and a second end of
the bore.
15. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of
fasteners configured for securing the hood guard assembly, the
iso-mounts, and counterweight together.
16. The kit of claim 10, each iso-mount being formed of an
elastomeric material.
17. A method of attaching a hood guard assembly to a machine having
a counterweight, comprising: positioning the hood guard assembly
proximate the counterweight, positioning a flexible iso-mount
between the counterweight and the hood guard assembly, and securing
the hood guard assembly, iso-mount, and counterweight together in a
manner such that the iso-mounts provide a non-rigid connection
between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein positioning an iso-mount
includes positioning a head portion of the iso-mount between the
counterweight and a mounting bracket of the hood guard assembly so
as to define a space between the counterweight and the mounting
bracket.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: positioning a body
portion of the iso-mount at least partially into a bore in the
counterweight.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the iso-mount is a first
iso-mount, and further comprising: positioning a second iso-mount
between the counterweight and the hood guard assembly.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to machines having hoods. More
particularly, this disclosure relates to hood guard assemblies for
protecting the hood of a machine from damage.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many machines include a hood that encloses an engine. Such
hoods often include grille portions that have openings for allowing
air movement between the engine compartment under the hood and the
outside, or ambient, environment. In some applications, such as
forestry work and refuse management, there is a risk that items
might fall against the hood and damage it. A damaged hood can
impede air movement, or allow foreign items into the engine
compartment.
[0003] Hood guard assemblies are sometimes used to protect a hood.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,326 discloses a tractor grille and
grille guard. The grille guard is secured to a bracket, which in
turn is welded or mounted by fasteners to a frame of the tractor.
Thereby, there is a hard connection between the grille guard and
the frame of the tractor. Such hard connection constructions may be
susceptible to cracking in the case of an impact event,
however.
[0004] Therefore, a need exists for improvements relating to hood
guard assemblies for machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a machine is
provided that includes a frame extending between a first end and a
second end, a work tool supported by the frame proximate the first
end, and a counterweight supported by the frame proximate the
second end. The machine further includes a hood supported by the
frame and a hood guard assembly supported by the counterweight and
configured to protect the hood from damage. The machine further
includes a flexible iso-mount interposed between the hood guard
assembly and the counterweight so as to provide a non-rigid
connection between the hood guard assembly and the
counterweight.
[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a kit is
provided that includes a hood guard assembly configured to protect
the hood of a machine, and a plurality of flexible iso-mounts. The
hood guard assembly and the iso-mounts are configured to together
be secured to a counterweight of the machine with the iso-mounts
interposed between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight so
as to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard
assembly and the counterweight.
[0007] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, a method
is provided for attaching a hood guard assembly to a machine having
a counterweight. The method includes positioning the hood guard
assembly proximate the counterweight, and positioning a flexible
iso-mount between the counterweight and the hood guard assembly.
The method further includes securing the hood guard assembly,
iso-mount, and counterweight together in a manner such that the
iso-mounts provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard
assembly and the counterweight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view showing a machine that
includes a hood guard assembly.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of
the machine of FIG. 1, including the hood guard assembly, the hood,
and the counterweight.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view like FIG. 2, showing that
flexible iso-mounts are interposed between the hood guard assembly
and the counterweight.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view, showing the hood guard
assembly, iso-mounts, and counterweight.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 4, but taken in cross
section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Referring to the figures and beginning with FIG. 1, a
machine 10 is shown. The machine 10 is in the form of a wheel
loader, but it will be appreciated that this disclosure is
generally applicable to other types of machines, as well. The
machine 10 generally includes a frame 12 that extends between a
first end 14 and a second end 16. A work tool 18 is supported by
the frame 12 proximate the first end 14. In the embodiment shown,
the work tool 18 is in the form of a bucket. An operator cab 20 is
supported by the frame 12. The machine 10 also includes ground
engaging members 22 for moving the machine 10 along a ground
surface. In the embodiment shown, the ground engaging members 22
are wheel-and-tire assemblies.
[0014] A hood 24 is supported by the frame 12, and at least
partially encloses a power source, such as an engine (not shown).
The hood 24 may include a grille portion 26, which as shown may
include openings that allow air to move between the ambient
environment and a compartment beneath the hood 24. In the
embodiment shown, the grille portion 26 is generally proximate the
second end 16 of the frame 12 and is oriented in a generally
upright configuration.
[0015] A counterweight 28 is supported by the frame 12 proximate
the second end 16. The counterweight 28 is configured to balance
the weight load of the machine 10, and is positioned generally
opposite the work tool 18 (such as for balancing the weight of the
work tool 18 plus any payload therein). A hood guard assembly 30 is
supported by the counterweight 28 and is configured to protect the
hood 24 from damage.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the hood guard assembly 30 is secured to
the counterweight 28 and extends generally upwardly relative to the
counterweight 28 proximate the grille portion 26 of the hood 24.
The hood guard assembly 30 includes two upstanding posts 32, and a
guard member 34 that extends between the posts 32. The guard member
34 may be positioned proximate the grille portion 26 so as to
protect the grille portion 26 from damage.
[0017] As shown, the guard member 34 may be moveably secured to one
post 32 via hinges 36. Thereby, the guard member 34 may be pivoted
away from the grille portion 26 in order to provide a user with
access to the hood 24. Each post 32 includes a mounting bracket 38
that is configured to be secured to the counterweight 28, as will
be explained further below.
[0018] The counterweight 28 generally extends in the transverse
direction to a lengthwise axis of the machine 10. The counterweight
28 includes an upper surface 40 and a lower surface 42. The
counterweight 28 also includes a first side segment 44, a second
side segment 46, and an intermediate segment 48 therebetween. In
the embodiment shown, the hood guard assembly 30 is supported
generally above the upper surface 40, with one mounting bracket 38
secured to the first side segment 44 and the other mounting bracket
38 secured to the second side segment 46. The guard member 34 spans
between the posts 32 generally above the intermediate segment
48.
[0019] Referring next to FIG. 3, an exploded view shows that there
are one or more flexible iso-mounts 50 interposed between the hood
guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28 to provide a non-rigid
connection between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight
28. Optionally, and as shown, there may be several iso-mounts 50
positioned between each mounting bracket 38 of the hood guard
assembly 30 and the counterweight 28. Any appropriate number of
iso-mounts 50 may be used.
[0020] With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, each iso-mount 50
includes a head portion 52 and a body portion 54. As shown, the
head portion 52 may have a greater width extent than the body
portion 54. The head portions 52 of the iso-mounts 50 may be
positioned between the counterweight 28 and a mounting bracket 38
so as to define a space 56 therebetween. As shown, the space 56 is
generally above the upper surface 40 of the counterweight 28.
[0021] The counterweight 28 includes one or more bores 58. As shown
in FIG. 5, the bores 58 may extend generally between the upper
surface 40 and the lower surface 42 of the counterweight 28. Each
iso-mount 50 may be at least partially positioned within a bore 58.
For example, and as shown, the head portion 52 of each iso-mount 50
may be positioned between the counterweight 28 and the hood guard
assembly 30, and each body portion 54 may be positioned at least
partially in a bore 58.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, there may be a first group of
iso-mounts 50 positioned generally proximate the upper surface 40
of the counterweight 28, and a second group of iso-mounts 50
positioned generally between the upper surface 40 and the lower
surface 42. Each iso-mount 50 of the two groups may be structurally
the same.
[0023] The iso-mounts 50 of the first group are positioned at least
partially in the bore 58 proximate the upper surface 40. In
particular, the head portions 52 of the iso-mounts 50 of the first
group may extend beyond the upper surface 40.
[0024] The iso-mounts 50 of the second group are positioned at
least partially in the bore 58 between the upper surface 40 and the
lower surface 42. In particular, the head portions 52 of the
iso-mounts 50 of the second group may be recessed from the lower
surface 42. As shown, the head portions 52 and body portions 54 of
the iso-mounts 50 of the second group are completely in the bore
58.
[0025] A fastener 60 may be used to secure the hood guard assembly
30, each iso-mount 50, and counterweight 28 together. For example,
and as shown, each fastener 60 is in the form of a bolt 62 (having
a head 64) and a nut 66. As shown in FIG. 5, each fastener 60 may
be associated with two iso-mounts 50, both of which are between the
head 64 and nut 66.
[0026] The iso-mounts 50 may be formed of an elastomeric material
in order to be flexible and so as to provide a non-rigid connection
between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28.
[0027] Advantageously, a kit may be provided that includes the hood
guard assembly 30 and a plurality of the iso-mounts 50. Thereby, a
user may acquire the hood guard assembly 30 and install it on a
machine, such as the machine 10.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0028] According to the foregoing, a hood guard assembly 30 is
provided for the machine 10. One or more flexible iso-mounts 50 are
interposed between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight
28 of the machine 10 so as to provide a non-rigid connection
between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28.
Advantageously, such a configuration may improve the durability of
the hood guard assembly 30 and make it less likely to be damaged or
break off of the machine 10 in the case of an impact event.
[0029] The hood guard assembly 30 may be attached to the machine 10
having the counterweight 28 as follows.
[0030] The hood guard assembly 30 is positioned proximate the
counterweight 28. One or more iso-mounts 50 are positioned between
the counterweight 28 and the hood guard assembly 30. This may
include positioning a head portion 52 of the iso-mount 50 between
the counterweight 28 and a mounting bracket 38 of the hood guard
assembly 30 so as to define a space 56 between the counterweight 28
and the mounting bracket 38. The counterweight 28 may include a
bore 58, and a body portion 54 of an iso-mount 50 may be positioned
at least partially into the bore 58. Optionally, multiple
iso-mounts 50 may be positioned between the counterweight 28 and
the hood guard assembly 30.
[0031] The hood guard assembly 30, each iso-mount 50, and the
counterweight 28 are secured together in a manner such that the
iso-mounts 50 provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard
assembly 30 and the counterweight 28.
[0032] The counterweight 28 of a machine may not initially include
the bores 58. In such a case, it may be necessary to create the
bores 58 in the counterweight 28 before the hood guard assembly 30
is attached thereto. For example, the bores 58 may be formed by
drilling through the counterweight 28.
* * * * *