U.S. patent number RE42,086 [Application Number 12/512,804] was granted by the patent office on 2011-02-01 for utility vehicle with cabin frame.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Aaron Bahner, Kazumasa Hisada, Hideo Saito.
United States Patent |
RE42,086 |
Saito , et al. |
February 1, 2011 |
Utility vehicle with cabin frame
Abstract
A utility vehicle having a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the
vehicle body so as to cover rows of seats is provided. Typically,
the assembly includes a main frame extended in the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately over the rows of
seats, and an intermediate frame extended substantially arcuately
and laterally across the vehicle body between the seat rows to
support the main frame.
Inventors: |
Saito; Hideo (Akashi,
JP), Hisada; Kazumasa (Akashi, JP), Bahner;
Aaron (Eden Prairie, MN) |
Assignee: |
Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki
Kaisha (Kobe-shi, JP)
|
Family
ID: |
34634657 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/512,804 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
10785201 |
Feb 23, 2004 |
6994388 |
|
|
Reissue of: |
10949461 |
Sep 24, 2004 |
07249798 |
Jul 31, 2007 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/205; 296/29;
280/756; 296/210 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D
33/0273 (20130101); B60N 2/24 (20130101); B62D
33/037 (20130101); B60N 2/3011 (20130101); B60N
2/3075 (20130101); B60N 2/36 (20130101); B60N
2/305 (20130101); B62D 33/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62D
25/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;296/205,102,104,203.03,29,210,183.2,26.08,26.09,26.1,26.11,37.6,37.16,65.05,65.09
;280/756,DIG.5 ;298/17R ;297/325 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07-144589 |
|
Jun 1995 |
|
JP |
|
1995-236825 |
|
Jul 1995 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
USPTO Office Action of U.S. Appl. No. 10/785,201, filed May 11,
2005, 7 pages. cited by other .
USPTO Office Action of U.S. Appl. No. 10/949,461, filed Oct. 12,
2006, 19 pages. cited by other.
|
Primary Examiner: Pape; Joseph D
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Alleman Hall McCoy Russell &
Tuttle LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/785,201, filed Feb. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,994,388 entitled PICK-UP STYLE UTILITY VEHICLE WITH
ADJUSTABLE CARGO BED, the entire disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A utility vehicle having a plurality of rows of seats and a
cabin-frame assembly coupled to a vehicle body so as to cover the
rows of seats to define a cabin space of the vehicle, the
cabin-frame assembly comprising: a main frame extending in the
longitudinal direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately over
the rows of seats and having a foremost part and a rearmost part;
and an intermediate frame extending substantially arcuately and
laterally across the vehicle body between the seat rows, and having
a pair of pillar portions extended upwardly and a cross portion
extended laterally, wherein lower ends of the pillar portions are
detachably coupled to opposite sides of the vehicle body by
fastener means, and the cross portion is coupled to upper ends of
the pillar portions, the intermediate frame is coupled to and
configured to support the main frame; wherein the foremost part of
the main frame includes a front frame structure extending
substantially arcuately and laterally, and a front roof structure
extending rearward from a top portion of the front frame structure,
wherein the front frame structure includes pillar portions extended
upwardly and detachably coupled to opposite sides of a front
portion of the vehicle body in front of a foremost seat row by a
fastener means, and a cross portion extended laterally and coupled
to upper ends of the pillar portions; wherein the rearmost part of
the main frame includes a rear frame structure extending
substantially arcuately and laterally, and a rear roof structure
extending forward from a top portion of the rear frame structure,
the rear frame structure includes pillar portions extended upwardly
and detachably coupled to opposite sides of a rear portion of the
vehicle body near a rearmost seat row by a fastener means, and a
cross portion extended laterally and coupled to upper ends of the
pillar portions; and wherein the foremost part and the rearmost
part are detachably coupled to each other by fastener means.
2. The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the foremost part and
the rearmost part are detachably coupled to each other through the
intermediate frame by the fastener means.
3. The utility vehicle of claim 2, wherein a rear end of the front
roof structure and a front end of the rear roof structure are
configured to connect with the intermediate frame by the fastener
means.
4. The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the front roof structure
includes a pair of bar-shaped members arranged in the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle, substantially in parallel with each
other; and wherein the bar-shaped members are welded to the front
frame structure to form an integral unit.
5. The utility vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an air
cleaner and a CVT cooling system, and wherein the rear frame
structure includes: an air intake; an air outlet connected to at
least one of the air cleaner and the CVT cooling system of the
vehicle; and an air passage formed inside the rear frame structure
so as to communicate with the air intake and the air outlet.
6. The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle further
includes a cargo bed disposed behind a rearmost seat row, the cargo
bed being configured to tilt; and wherein the top portion of the
rear frame structure is bent forward to form a portion of the rear
roof structure, and the bent portion is configured not to interfere
with the cargo bed when the cargo bed tilts.
7. The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the rear roof structure
includes a pair of bar-shaped members arranged in the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle, substantially in parallel with each
other; and wherein the bar-shaped members are configured to be
detachably coupled to the top portion of the rear frame
structure.
8. The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein respective ends of the
rear frame structure are configured to be detachably coupled to
opposite sides of the vehicle body adjacent corresponding sides of
a rearmost seat row; and wherein respective pillar portions of the
rear frame structure pass through the corresponding sides of the
rearmost seat row and extend above the rearmost seat row at a slant
rearward.
9. The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the intermediate frame
includes a middle cross member extending laterally between the
pillar portions of the intermediate frame; and wherein the middle
cross member is detachably coupled to middle positions of the
pillar portions of the intermediate frame in the vertical direction
of the pillar portions to pass through the cabin space.
10. The utility vehicle of claim 9, wherein the cross member
supports a backrest portion of a seat row in front of the cross
member.
11. The utility vehicle of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of
the cross member is configured to be a supporting grip graspable by
a passenger seated in a seat row behind the cross frame.
12. The utility vehicle of claim 8, wherein the intermediate frame
includes a pair of side guides being coupled to and extending
forward from respective locations on opposite sides of the
intermediate frame.
13. A utility vehicle having a plurality of rows of seats and a
cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body so as to cover the
rows of seats to define a cabin space of the vehicle, the
cabin-frame assembly comprising: a main frame extending in the
longitudinal direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately over
the rows of seats, wherein a front end of the main frame is coupled
to a front portion of the vehicle body and a rear end of the main
frame is coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle body; an
intermediate frame extending substantially arcuately and laterally
across the vehicle body between the seat rows, wherein respective
ends of the intermediate frame are coupled to opposite sides of the
vehicle body, and the intermediate frame is coupled to and
configured to support the main frame; and a cargo bed disposed
behind a rearmost seat row, the cargo bed being configured to tilt;
wherein the main frame includes a joint formed at an intersection
of the main frame and the intermediate frame, the main frame being
configured to be divisible at the joint; wherein a rearmost part of
the main frame includes a rear frame structure formed in an inverse
U-shape extending laterally across the vehicle body, and a rear
roof structure extending forward from a top portion of the rear
frame structure, wherein a front end of the rear roof structure is
configured to connect with the intermediate frame; and wherein the
top portion of the rear frame structure is bent forward to form a
portion of the rear roof structure, and the bent portion is
configured not to interfere with the cargo bed when the cargo bed
tilts.
14. A utility vehicle having a plurality of rows of seats, a cargo
bed disposed behind the seats, rear wheels located below the cargo
bed, and a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body so as
to cover the rows of seats to define a cabin space of the vehicle,
the cabin-frame assembly comprising: a main frame extending in the
longitudinal direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately over
the rows of seats, and having a foremost part and a rearmost part,
wherein a front end of the foremost part is coupled to a front
portion of the vehicle body and a rear end of the rearmost part is
coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle body; and an intermediate
frame extending substantially arcuately and laterally across the
vehicle body between the seat rows, and having a pair of pillar
portions extended upwardly and a cross portion extended laterally,
wherein lower ends of the pillar portions are coupled to opposite
sides of the vehicle body, the cross portion is coupled to upper
ends of the pillar portions, and the intermediate frame is coupled
to and configured to support the main frame; wherein the foremost
part of the main frame includes a front frame structure extending
substantially arcuately and laterally, and a front roof structure
extending rearward from a top portion of the front frame structure,
wherein the front frame structure includes pillar portions coupled
to opposite sides of the vehicle body in front of a foremost seat
row and extended upwardly, and a cross portion extended laterally
and coupled to upper ends of the pillar portions; wherein the
rearmost part of the main frame includes a rear frame structure
extending substantially arcuately and laterally, and a rear roof
structure extending forward from a top portion of the rear frame
structure, wherein the rear frame structure includes pillar
portions extended upwardly, and a cross portion extended laterally
and coupled to upper ends of the pillar portions; and wherein a
lower end of the pillar portions of the rear frame structure are
coupled to opposite sides of the vehicle body adjacent
corresponding sides of a rearmost seat row, the pillar portions of
the rear frame structure pass through the corresponding sides of
the rearmost seat row and extend above the rearmost seat row at a
slant rearward, and thereby a rear end of the pillar portions is
located between the rearmost seat row and the cargo bed.
15. The utility vehicle of claim 14, wherein the intermediate frame
includes a middle cross member extending laterally between the
pillar portions of the intermediate frame, the middle cross member
is coupled to middle positions of the pillar portions of the
intermediate frame in the vertical direction of the pillar portions
to pass through the cabin space.
16. The utility vehicle of claim 15, wherein the cross member is
detachably coupled to the pillar portions of the intermediate frame
by fastener means.
17. The utility vehicle of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of
the cross member is configured to be a supporting grip graspable by
a passenger seated in a seat row behind the cross frame.
18. The utility vehicle of claim 14, wherein the cargo bed is
configured to tilt; and wherein the top portion of the rear frame
structure is bent forward to form a portion of the rear roof
structure, and the bent portion is configured not to interfere with
the cargo bed when the cargo bed tilts.
.Iadd.19. A utility vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a plurality
of rows of seats coupled to the vehicle body, including a rear seat
and a front seat, at least the rear seat being configured to be
retractable from a deployed configuration to a stowed
configuration; a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body
so as to cover the rows of seats to define a cabin space of the
vehicle, the cabin-frame assembly including a main frame extending
in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle over the rows of
seats, the main frame having a rear frame structure that is coupled
to the vehicle body adjacent the rear seat, and a front frame
structure that is coupled to the vehicle body at a location of the
vehicle in front of the front seat, the main frame being comprised
of metal pipes; and a cargo bed adjustably provided behind the rear
seat such that a part of the cargo bed is configured to be moved
into an area formerly occupied by the rear seat after the rear seat
is retracted to the stowed configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The utility vehicle of claim 19, wherein the rear seat is
configured to be retracted into a leg space of the rear seat, the
leg space being defined as a space in front of the rear seat, to be
in the stowed configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The utility vehicle of claim 20, wherein the rear seat
includes a bottom portion upon which one or more passengers may
sit. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The utility vehicle of claim 21, wherein a front end of
the bottom portion is hinged to the vehicle body so as to be
pivotable around a pivot. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The utility vehicle of claim 22, wherein the bottom
portion is connected to the pivot through an arm extending
downwardly from the front end of the bottom portion, so that a
bottom surface of the bottom portion is moved to a location forward
of the pivot when the rear seat is retracted into the stowed
configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The utility vehicle of claim 19, wherein the part of the
cargo bed that is configured to be moved into an area formerly
occupied by the rear seat after the rear seat is retracted to the
stowed configuration, includes extendable portions of a surrounding
panel assembly formed around a perimeter of the cargo bed, the
extendable portions being configured to be extended from a
retracted configuration to an extended configuration, when the rear
seat is in the stowed configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The utility vehicle of claim 24, wherein the extendable
portions are configured to slide from the retracted configuration
to the extended configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The utility vehicle of claim 25, wherein the extendable
portions form respective side portions of the cargo bed in the
retracted configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The utility vehicle of claim 24, wherein the extendable
portions are attached to respective side panels of the cargo bed by
corresponding hinges, and are configured to pivot from the
retracted configuration to the extended configuration.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The utility vehicle of claim 27, wherein the extendable
portions form respective parts of a front panel of the cargo bed,
in the retracted configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The utility vehicle of claim 27, wherein the extendable
portions form respective parts of the corresponding side panels of
the cargo bed, in the extended configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The utility vehicle of claim 19, wherein the cargo bed is
moveable from an overhang configuration to a compact configuration
in which less of the cargo bed extends over a rear wheel of the
vehicle than in the overhang configuration, when the rear seat is
in the stowed configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The utility vehicle of claim 30, wherein the portion of
the cargo bed in the compact configuration occupies the area
formerly occupied by the seat in the deployed configuration.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The utility vehicle of claim 19, wherein each of the
front frame structure and rear frame structure are formed in an
inverse U-shape extending laterally across the vehicle body.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The utility vehicle of claim 32, wherein the cabin frame
assembly further includes an intermediate frame coupled to and
configured to support the main frame, the intermediate frame
extending substantially arcuately and laterally across the vehicle
body between the seat rows. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The utility vehicle of claim 33, wherein the intermediate
frame has a pair of pillar portions extended upwardly and a cross
portion extended laterally, wherein lower ends of the pillar
portions are detachably coupled to opposite sides of the vehicle
body, and the cross portion is coupled to upper ends of the pillar
portions, and wherein the intermediate frame is comprised of metal
pipes. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The utility vehicle of claim 19, wherein the front frame
structure is coupled to the vehicle body adjacent a hood of the
vehicle. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. A utility vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a plurality
of rows of seats coupled to the vehicle body, including a rear seat
and a front seat, at least the rear seat being configured to be
retractable from a deployed configuration to a stowed
configuration; a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body
so as to cover the rows of seats to define a cabin space of the
vehicle, the cabin-frame assembly including a main frame extending
in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle over the rows of seats
and defining a passageway through which passengers may enter and
exit the seats, the main frame having a rear frame structure that
is coupled to the vehicle body adjacent the rear seat, and a front
frame structure that is coupled to the vehicle body at a location
of the vehicle in front of the front seat, the main frame being
comprised of metal pipes, wherein each of the front frame structure
and rear frame structure are formed in an inverse U-shape extending
laterally across the vehicle body; and a cargo bed adjustably
provided behind the rear seat such that a part of the cargo bed is
configured to be moved through the rear frame structure into an
area formerly occupied by the rear seat after the rear seat is
retracted to the stowed configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The utility vehicle of claim 36, wherein the rear seat is
configured to be retracted into a leg space of the rear seat, the
leg space being defined as a space in front of the rear seat, to be
in the stowed configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The utility vehicle of claim 37, wherein the rear seat
includes a bottom portion upon which one or more passengers may
sit. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The utility vehicle of claim 38, wherein a front end of
the bottom portion is hinged to the vehicle body so as to be
pivotable around a pivot. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The utility vehicle of claim 39, wherein the bottom
portion is connected to the pivot through an arm extending
downwardly from the front end of the bottom portion, so that a
bottom surface of the bottom portion is moved to a location forward
of the pivot when the rear seat is retracted into the stowed
configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The utility vehicle of claim 36, wherein the part of the
cargo bed that is configured to be moved into an area formerly
occupied by the rear seat after the rear seat is retracted to the
stowed configuration, includes extendable portions of a surrounding
panel assembly formed around a perimeter of the cargo bed, the
extendable portions being configured to be extended from a
retracted configuration to an extended configuration, when the rear
seat is in the stowed configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The utility vehicle of claim 41, wherein the extendable
portions are configured to slide from the retracted configuration
to the extended configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The utility vehicle of claim 42, wherein the extendable
portions form respective side portions of the cargo bed in the
retracted configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. The pick-up style utility vehicle of claim 41, wherein
the extendable portions are attached to respective side panels of
the cargo bed by hinges, and are configured to pivot from the
retracted configuration to the extended configuration.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The utility vehicle of claim 44, wherein the extendable
portions form part of a front panel of the cargo bed in the
retracted configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The utility vehicle of claim 44, wherein the extendable
portions form respective parts of the corresponding side panels of
the cargo bed, in the extended configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. The utility vehicle of claim 36, wherein the cargo bed is
moveable from an overhang configuration to a compact configuration
in which less of the cargo bed extends over a rear wheel of the
vehicle than in the overhang configuration, when the rear seat is
in the stowed configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. The utility vehicle of claim 47, wherein the portion of
the cargo bed in the compact configuration occupies the area
formerly occupied by the seat in the deployed configuration.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The utility vehicle of claim 36, wherein the cabin frame
assembly further includes an intermediate frame coupled to and
configured to support the main frame, the intermediate frame
extending substantially arcuately and laterally across the vehicle
body between the seat rows. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. The utility vehicle of claim 49, wherein the intermediate
frame has a pair of pillar portions extended upwardly and a cross
portion extended laterally, wherein lower ends of the pillar
portions are detachably coupled to opposite sides of the vehicle
body, and the cross portion is coupled to upper ends of the pillar
portions, and wherein the intermediate frame is comprised of metal
pipes. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The utility vehicle of claim 36, wherein the front frame
structure is coupled to the vehicle body adjacent a hood of the
vehicle. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. A utility vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a plurality
of rows of seats coupled to the vehicle body, including a rear seat
and a front seat, at least the rear seat being configured to be
retractable from a deployed configuration to a stowed
configuration, wherein the rear seat is configured to be retracted
into a leg space of the rear seat, the leg space being defined as a
space in front of the rear seat, to be in the stowed configuration;
a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body so as to cover
the rows of seats to define a cabin space of the vehicle, the
cabin-frame assembly including a main frame extending in the
longitudinal direction of the vehicle over the rows of seats and
defining a passageway through which passengers may enter and exit
the seats, the main frame having a rear frame structure that is
coupled to the vehicle body adjacent the rear seat, and a front
frame structure that is coupled to the vehicle body at a location
of the vehicle in front of the front seat, the main frame being
comprised of metal pipes, wherein each of the front frame structure
and rear frame structure are formed in an inverse U-shape extending
laterally across the vehicle body; and a cargo bed adjustably
provided behind the rear seat such that a part of the cargo bed is
configured to be moved through the rear frame structure into an
area formerly occupied by the rear seat after the rear seat is
retracted to the stowed configuration, wherein said part of the
cargo bed includes extendable portions of a surrounding panel
assembly formed around a perimeter of the cargo bed, the extendable
portions being configured to be extended from a retracted
configuration to an extended configuration, when the rear seat is
in the stowed configuration, wherein the extendable portions are
pivotably attached to respective side panels of the cargo bed, and
are configured to pivot from the retracted configuration to the
extended configuration, and wherein the extendable portions form
part of a front panel of the cargo bed in the retracted
configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. A utility vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a plurality
of rows of seats coupled to the vehicle body, including a rear seat
and a front seat; a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle
body so as to cover the rows of seats to define a cabin space of
the vehicle, the cabin-frame assembly including a main frame
extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle over the
rows of seats and defining a passageway through which passengers
may enter and exit the seats, and having a rear frame structure
that is coupled to the vehicle body adjacent the rear seat, wherein
the rear frame structure is formed in an inverse U-shape extending
laterally across the vehicle body, the main frame being comprised
of metal pipes; and a cargo bed adjustably provided behind the rear
seat, the cargo bed including a surrounding panel assembly formed
around a perimeter of the cargo bed, the panel assembly having
extendable portions that are configured to be extended from a
retracted configuration that does not extend through the inverse
U-shaped rear frame structure, to an extended configuration that
does extend through the inverse U-shaped rear frame structure.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The pick-up style utility vehicle of claim 53, wherein
the extendable portions are configured to slide from the retracted
configuration to the extended configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.55. The pick-up style utility vehicle of claim 54, wherein
the extendable portions form respective side portions of the cargo
bed in the retracted configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.56. The pick-up style utility vehicle of claim 53, wherein
the extendable portions are attached to respective side panels of
the cargo bed by hinges, and are configured to pivot from the
retracted configuration to the extended configuration.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.57. The pick-up style utility vehicle of claim 56, wherein
the extendable portions form part of a front panel of the cargo bed
in the retracted configuration. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.58. The pick-up style utility vehicle of claim 56, wherein
the extendable portions form respective parts of the corresponding
side panels of the cargo bed, in the extended configuration.
.Iaddend.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to a pick-up style utility
vehicle with a cabin-frame coupled to the vehicle body so as to
cover seats to define a cabin space of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pick-up style utility vehicles are typically characterized by a
cargo bed located behind one or more rows of seats, each row having
one or more seats. Each seat typically has a leg area positioned
immediately in front of the seats, such that a person may ride in a
sitting position. A steering wheel is typically positioned above
the leg area of one of the seats. Pick-up style utility vehicles
may be contrasted with other utility vehicles such as all-terrain
vehicles (ATVs), which have a seat that is straddled by a rider and
a handle bar for steering. Pick-up style utility vehicles are used
for a wide variety of off-road utility applications, such as moving
materials including lumber, farm and ranch tasks, golf course
maintenance, hunting, etc.
Prior pick-up style utility vehicles with two rows of seats
generally suffer from the drawback that less cargo may be
accommodated, since the cargo bed must typically be shortened to
allow room for an additional row of seats. Prior pick-up style
utility vehicles with only one row of seats are typically equipped
with larger cargo beds, but cannot accommodate a larger number of
passengers. Thus, users that occasionally carry a large number of
passengers, and occasionally carry large loads find that they
cannot accomplish both tasks well with the same vehicle.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A utility vehicle having a plurality of rows of seats and a
cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body so as to cover the
rows of seats to define a cabin space of the vehicle is provided.
According to one aspect of the invention, the cabin-frame assembly
includes a main frame extended in the longitudinal direction of the
vehicle substantially arcuately over the rows of seats, wherein a
front end of the main frame is coupled to a front portion of the
vehicle body and a rear end of the main frame is coupled to a rear
portion of the vehicle body. The cabin-frame assembly further
typically includes an intermediate frame extended substantially
arcuately and laterally across the vehicle body between the seat
rows. Respective ends of the intermediate frame are coupled to
opposite sides of the vehicle body, and the intermediate frame is
coupled to and configured to support the main frame.
The main frame may be detachably coupled to the front portion and
the rear portion of the vehicle body.
The intermediate frame may be detachably coupled to the vehicle
body.
The main frame may include a joint formed at an intersection of the
main frame and the intermediate frame, the main frame being
configured to be divisible at the joint.
A foremost part of the main frame may include a front frame
structure formed in an inverse U-shape extending laterally across
the vehicle body; and a front roof structure extending rearward
from a top portion of the front frame structure, wherein a rear end
of the front roof structure is configured to connect with the
intermediate frame.
The front roof structure may include a pair of bar-shaped members
arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle,
substantially in parallel with each other.
The front roof structure may be welded to the front frame to form
an integral unit.
Respective ends of the front frame structure may be configured to
be detachably coupled to opposite sides of the vehicle body in
front of a foremost seat row.
A rearmost part of the main frame may include a rear frame
structure formed in an inverse U-shape extending laterally across
the vehicle body.
The utility vehicle may further comprise an air cleaner and a CVT
cooling system, and the rear frame structure may include an air
intake, an air outlet connected to at least one of the air cleaner
and the CVT cooling system of the vehicle, and an air passage
formed inside the rear frame so as to communicate with the air
intake and the air outlet.
The rearmost part of the main frame may further include a rear roof
structure extending forward from a top portion of the rear frame
structure, wherein a front end of the rear roof structure is
configured to connect with the intermediate frame.
The utility vehicle may further include a cargo bed disposed behind
a rearmost seat row, the cargo bed being configured to tilt, and
wherein the top portion of the rear frame structure is bent forward
to form a portion of the rear roof structure, and the bent portion
is configured not to interfere with the cargo bed when the cargo
bed tilts.
The rear roof structure may include a pair of bar-shaped members
arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle,
substantially in parallel with each other.
The rear roof structure may be configured to be detachably coupled
to the top portion of the rear frame structure.
Respective ends of the rear frame structure may be configured to be
detachably coupled to opposite sides of the vehicle body adjacent
corresponding sides of a rearmost seat row, and respective pillar
portions of the rear frame structure may pass through the
corresponding sides of the rearmost seat row and incline
rearward.
The intermediate frame may be formed in an inverse U-shape.
The intermediate frame may include a cross member extending
laterally between pillar portions of the intermediate frame, and
detachably coupled to the pillar portions of the intermediate
frame.
The cross member may support a backrest portion of a seat row in
front of the cross frame.
At least a portion of the cross member may be configured to be a
supporting grip graspable by a passenger seated in a seat row
behind the cross frame.
The intermediate frame may include a pair of side guides being
coupled to and extending forward from respective locations on
opposite sides of the intermediate frame.
According to another aspect of the invention, a cabin-frame
assembly for a utility vehicle with a plurality of rows of seats is
provided. The cabin-frame assembly may be coupled to the vehicle
body so as to cover the rows of seats to define a cabin space of
the vehicle. The cabin-frame assembly typically includes a main
frame extended in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle
substantially arcuately over the rows of seats. A front end of the
main frame is coupled to a front portion of the vehicle body, a
rear end of the main frame is coupled to a rear portion of the
vehicle body, and an intermediate frame extends substantially
arcuately and laterally across the vehicle body between the seat
rows. Respective ends of the intermediate frame are attached to
opposite sides of the vehicle body, and the intermediate frame is
configured to support the main frame.
The above and further objects and features of the invention will
more fully be apparent from the following detailed description with
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pick-up style utility vehicle
with an adjustable cargo bed according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 2A is a schematic left side view of the utility vehicle of
FIG. 1 with the vehicle's rear seat occupied by passenger(s);
FIG. 2B is a view of the utility vehicle of FIG. 2A, showing the
rear seat retracted and the cargo bed extended;
FIG. 3A is a schematic left side view of the utility vehicle of
another embodiment according to the present invention with the
vehicle's rear seat occupied by passenger(s);
FIG. 3B is a view of the utility vehicle of FIG. 3A, showing the
rear seat retracted and the cargo bed moved forward;
FIG. 4A is a partial schematic view of the utility vehicle in the
configuration shown in FIG. 2A, showing the rear seat in the
deployed configuration;
FIG. 4B is a partial schematic view of the utility vehicle in the
configuration shown in FIG. 2B, showing the rear seat in the stowed
configuration, in which a bottom of the rear seat is positioned
adjacent a front panel of the cargo bed;
FIG. 5A is a partial schematic view of the utility vehicle shown in
the configuration shown in FIG. 2A, showing the rear seat in a
deployed configuration;
FIG. 5B is a partial schematic view of the utility vehicle in the
configuration shown in FIG. 2B, showing the rear seat in a stowed
configuration, in which a bottom of the rear seat is positioned
adjacent a bottom plate of the cargo bed;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cargo bed of FIGS. 2A and 2B,
showing extendable portions of the cargo bed according to one
embodiment of the present invention, the extendable portions being
configured to rotatably-extend from a retracted configuration in
which the portions border a front panel of the cargo bed, to an
extended configuration in which the extendable portions form side
panels of the cargo bed;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cargo bed of FIGS. 2A and 2B,
extendable portions of the cargo bed according to another
embodiment of the present invention, in which the extendable
portions are configured to slide from a retracted position to an
extended position along the sides of the cargo bed;
FIG. 8 is a left side view of a utility vehicle with a cabin frame
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a top view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a front view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a rear view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 8;
and
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the utility vehicle
shown in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will now be described in detail referring to
the accompanying drawings illustrating the embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pick-up style utility vehicle 1
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle
typically has a body coupled to four rotatable wheels, and one or
more rows of seats, each row having one or more places for a person
to sit. Vehicle 1 typically includes a front seat 3, which is
typically a bench seat configured to accommodate up to two persons,
one side of which is used as a driver's seat and the other side of
which may be used as a passenger's seat. Vehicle 1 typically
further includes a rear seat 4, which is also typically a bench
seat configured to accommodate two passengers. Thus vehicle 1
typically may accommodate up to four persons in total. Of course,
the above embodiment is merely illustrative, and it will be
appreciated that various other seat configurations may be provided.
For example, each of the front and rear rows of seats may include
pairs of individual seats, rather than bench seats, or each of the
rows of seats may only be designed to accommodate one passenger.
Behind the rear seat 4, there is provided a cargo bed 2. Cargo bed
2 is typically rectangular in shape, and includes a surrounding
panel assembly formed around its perimeter, the surrounding panel
assembly including a front panel and side panels. Alternatively,
the cargo bed may be of another suitable polygonal or curved shape
for holding cargo. A divider 5 is attached to the foremost end of
the cargo bed 2 to separate the rear seat 4 from the cargo bed 2.
Typically, the divider is a meshed screen shield 5. Alternatively,
the divider may be a non-meshed panel or other suitable dividing
structure.
A cabin frame 6 is provided over the seats, and defines a cabin
space for the driver and passengers. The cabin frame 6 includes a
pair of side bars 61 provided on the right and left sides of the
vehicle body to define side face of the vehicle 1. Typically the
side bars arc from the front to the rear of the vehicle to define a
passageway through which passengers may enter and exit seats 3, 4.
A front portion of each side bar typically attaches to the vehicle
body at a respective mounting location adjacent a right or left
side of a hood 8 of the vehicle, and extends rearwardly and
upwardly to a roof. The roof is typically substantially flat, and
defined by a middle portion of each of the side bars and a
plurality of transverse bars 62 stretching between the side bars.
The roof is typically formed to provide sufficient head room for
any passengers seated in seats 3, 4. A rear portion of each of the
side bars extends downward from the roof and attaches to the
vehicle body adjacent the rear seats 4. Arm bars 30 may also be
provided adjacent a right and left side of seat 3, and typically
mount the seat back to the seat base of seat 3. Alternatively, the
cabin may be formed in another shape suitable to hold
passengers.
As shown in broken lines in FIGS. 2A and 2B, rear seat 4 is coupled
to the body of the vehicle in a manner that enables the rear seat
to be movable between a stowed configuration, shown in FIG. 2B, and
a deployed configuration shown in FIG. 2A. The rear seat 4
typically includes a bottom portion 42 upon which one or more
passengers may sit, and a backrest portion 41 configured support
each passenger's back. The bottom portion 42 is typically supported
in the deployed configuration by the bottom plate 20 of the cargo
bed. A lower end of the back portion 41 is typically pivotably
mounted by a pivot 43 to a rear end of bottom portion 42, such that
the back portion may be folded forward by a user to lie in a
substantially flat intermediate position, shown in dashed lines in
FIG. 2A. Further, a front end of the bottom portion 42 is hinged to
the vehicle body so as to be rotatable around a pivot 44.
Typically, the bottom portion 42 is connected to the pivot 44
through an arm 45 extending downwardly from the front end of the
bottom portion 42, so that a bottom surface of the bottom portion
42 is moved to a location forward of the pivot 44 when retracted.
Thus, the seat can be moved from the intermediate position to a
stowed configuration, shown in FIG. 2B, in which the entire rear
seat 4 is retracted into a leg space 7 of the vehicle. The leg
space is typically defined as the space in front of and/or below
the rear seat 4 in the deployed configuration, where a passenger
might rest his or her legs while riding in the vehicle.
In this embodiment, cargo bed 2 is configured to be extendable
forward into a space at least partially occupied by the rear seat 4
when the rear seat was in the deployed configuration, as described
in more detail hereinafter. The screen shield 5 may be manually
removed from the cargo bed 2 and reattached to a foremost end of an
extendable portion 21 of the cargo bed 2, to enable the screen
shield 5 to be repositioned from a position adjacent the forward
end of the cargo bed in the retracted configuration to a position
adjacent the forward end of the cargo bed in the extended
configuration.
Thus, a user who desires to carry a large load rather than
passengers in the rear seat 4, may move the rear seat from the
deployed to the stowed configuration, thereby freeing space
formerly occupied by the rear seat in the deployed configuration.
This may be accomplished by folding down the back portion 41 to the
intermediate position, and pivoting the bottom portion 42 with the
folded backrest portion 41 into the stowed configuration in leg
space 7. Once the seat is in the stowed configuration, the user may
remove the screen shield 5 from the cargo bed 2, and extend an
extendable portion of the cargo bed from a retracted configuration
to an extended configuration, into the space freed by moving the
seat. The user typically may accomplish this by extending the sides
of the cargo bed, by pivoting or sliding, as discussed below. Once
the cargo bed is in the extended configuration, the user may
reattach the screen shield 5 adjacent a forward end of the cargo
bed 2 in the extended configuration, thereby providing extended
cargo space for the large load.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B, utility vehicle 1 may include a relatively large
cargo bed 2b which is slidably attached to the vehicle body, such
that the cargo bed may be moved between a second configuration,
also referred to as an overhang configuration, shown in FIG. 3A, in
which a rear end of the cargo bed overhangs the rear wheels of the
vehicle to a greater extent, and a first configuration, also
referred to as a compact configuration, shown in FIG. 3B, in which
the rear end of the cargo bed overhangs the rear wheels of the
vehicle to a lesser extent than the first configuration, and in
which the forward end of the cargo bed is position in a space
formerly occupied by the rear seat in the deployed configuration.
The bottom plate 20 of the cargo bed 2b typically includes an upper
bottom plate 20a and a lower bottom plate 20b, which are slidable
relative to each other along a longitudinal direction of the
vehicle, to thereby enable the cargo bed to move between the first
and second configurations.
A portion of the lower bottom plate 20b is positioned beneath the
bottom portion 42 of the rear seat 4 to stably hold the bottom
portion 42 thereon when the entire rear seat 4 is not retracted.
Typically, this embodiment is manufactured using substantially the
same chassis as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and only
the structure of the cargo bed differs between the embodiments.
With this configuration, even when the rear seat 4 is occupied by
one or more passengers, the cargo bed 2b can carry a large load.
However, in this embodiment, since an upper part of the cargo bed
2b, excluding lower bottom plate 20b, protrudes to the rear of
vehicle 1 well over a pivot 22 around which the entire cargo bed 2b
can be tilted for unloading when unlocked, a load in a rear portion
of the cargo bed 2b creates a moment around the pivot 22.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, the upper part of the cargo bed 2b
is formed to be manually slid forward with respect to the lower
bottom plate 20b until a front portion of the upper part of the
cargo bed 2b reaches a location formerly occupied by the stowed
rear seat 4. In this embodiment, while cargo bed 2b is not
typically configured to be adjustable in size, a relatively large
cargo bed may be provided, which may be moved into an overhang
configuration to accommodate passengers, or into a compact
configuration when the rear seat is stowed.
Returning to the embodiment discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A and
2B, it will be appreciated that the rear seat 4 may be utilized as
a front panel for the cargo bed 2. As shown in detail in FIG. 4A,
the rear seat 4 may be pivotably mounted to the vehicle's body. As
shown in FIG. 4B, the rear seat 4 may be manually retracted to a
stowed configuration such that a bottom surface of the bottom
portion 42 of the rear seat 4 covers a front opening of the cargo
bed 2, and the rear seat 4 is locked to the position by an
appropriate locking mechanism (not shown). In this example, the
rear seat 4 serves as the front panel of the cargo bed 2 and, thus,
typically no screen shield 5 is installed. However, the screen
shield 5 may be attached to the extendable portion 21 of the cargo
bed 2, if desired.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, shown in
FIGS. 5A and 5B, rear seat 4 is configured to be movable to a
stowed position in which a bottom surface 42a is substantially
parallel and positioned upside down in front of bottom plate 20,
such that a portion of the cargo bed 2 (such as extendable portions
21) may rest upon the bottom surface of the seat. As shown in FIG.
5A, the rear seat 4 is hinged to the vehicle body utilizing a hinge
48 having two pivots 46, 47. As shown in FIG. 5B, the entire rear
seat 4 can be manually retracted to an upside-down configuration
into leg space 7, and the rear seat 4 may be locked to the position
by an appropriate locking mechanism (not shown). Therefore, the
entire bottom portion 42 is moved in front of the pivot 47 when in
the retracted configuration, so that the bottom surface of the
bottom portion 42 and the foremost part of the bottom plate 20 of
the cargo bed 2 form a substantially continuous plane.
The extension of the cargo bed 2 may be achieved as shown in FIGS.
6 and 7. FIG. 6 shows extendable portions 21 serving as a front
panel of cargo bed 2 when extendable portions 21 in a retracted
configuration. Each of the extendable portions 21 is hinged at a
proximate end by hinges 23 to a front end of a respective side
panel 26. Each of the extendable portions typically has a length of
approximately a half of the width of the cargo bed 2. The
extendable portions 21 may be moved from the retracted
configuration in which they serve as the front panel, as
illustrated with solid lines in FIG. 6, by pivoting the extendable
portions around the hinges 23 approximately 90 degrees to an
extended configuration illustrated with two-dot-chain lines in FIG.
6.
As also shown in FIG. 6, an opening 24 (typically square) is formed
so as to be opened upwardly at the front end of each of the side
panels 26. The screen shield 5 is typically substantially a
rectangular shape and its upper part has a width corresponding to
the distance between outer surfaces of the side panels 26. The
lower part of the screen shield 5 is narrowed to correspond the
distance between inner surfaces of the side panels 26. Typically,
the upper part of the screen shield 5 is meshed and the meshed
portion is divided in two at the middle thereof, to leave a solid
rib therebetween to add strength to the screen shield 5. Bosses 50
are provided to the upper end of the narrowed section of the screen
shield 5 so as to protrude downwardly. The screen shield 5 is
attached to the front ends of the side panels 26 so that the bosses
50 are inserted into the openings 24 formed in the side panels 26
when the extendable portions 21 are retracted to be the front panel
of the cargo bed 2. The extendable portions 21 also have
upwardly-opened openings 25 of the same shape and size as the
openings 24 of the side panels 26, at opposing ends.
Accordingly, when user wants to extend the cargo space, the user
pulls out the screen shield 5 from the openings 24 of the side
panels 26. Then, the user rotates each of the extendable portions
21 from the solid-lined retracted position to the
two-dot-chain-lined extended position, each rotating approximately
90 degrees. The user then reattaches the screen shield 5 to the
openings 25 of the extendable portions 21. Here, the narrowed lower
section of the screen shield 5 is configured to reach down to the
upper surface of the bottom plate 20 so that it also serves as the
front panel of the cargo bed 2 when the extendable portions 21 are
extended.
The extension of the cargo bed 2 may also be achieved as shown in
FIG. 7. In this example, the extendable portions 21 are provided so
as to slide relative to the cargo bed 2 in a longitudinal direction
of the vehicle. The extendable portions 21 may be provided to the
bottom plate 20 or the side panels 26 through an appropriate
sliding means such as a combination of rollers and rails. In this
example, the extendable portions 21 typically do not serve as the
front panel of the cargo bed 2 since they are forwardly extendable
to an extended configuration (as shown with two-dot-chain lines in
FIG. 7) from a retracted configuration (as shown with solid lines
in FIG. 7). Instead, in this example, the narrowed lower section of
the screen shield 5 serves as the front panel of the cargo bed 2
when the extendable portions 21 are extended as described above. To
achieve this, the extendable portions 21 have upwardly-opened
openings 25 at foremost ends to accommodate the bosses 50 of the
screen shield 5. In this example, the screen shield 5 may be fixed
to the extendable portions 21 and moved with the extendable
portions 21, since a distance between the openings 25 does not
change during the slide movement of the extendable portions 21.
In the above embodiments, it has been described that the back
portion of the bench-type rear seat is foldable to provide the
space for the cargo bed, however, it will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that only a section thereof may be foldable and
moveable between the deployed and retracted positions, or the rear
seat may have a plurality of independently stowable and deployable
sections. In addition, while a two-seat type vehicle has been
illustrated, it will be appreciated that the present invention is
also applicable to utility vehicles with only one seat, in which
the seat's backrest portion on a passenger's side is independently
foldable relative to the driver's side. Further, while bench seats
have been illustrated, it will be appreciated that the present
invention is applicable to utility vehicles of a non-bench-seat
type in which the passenger's seat is foldable and the entire
passenger's seat is independently formed from the driver's seat.
Further, as described above, it will also be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the present invention is also applicable to
utility vehicles with three or more rows of seats.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, shown in
FIGS. 8 through 11, the utility vehicle 1 includes a cabin frame
(assembly) 6B which shape is similar to but which configuration
differs from those in the above embodiments. Other components are
similar to the components in the above embodiments and, similar
components are numbered with like reference numerals, and will not
be redescribed for the sake of brevity.
The cabin frame assembly 6B includes a main frame 60 extended in
the longitudinal direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately
over the rows of seats 3B and 4. A front end of the main frame 60
is coupled to a front portion of the vehicle body, typically at
frame portions 81 exposed on opposite sides of the hood 8. A rear
end of the main frame 60 is coupled to a rear portion of the
vehicle body, typically at opposed side frames 82 that extend in
the longitudinal direction, on which a floor plate or foot step is
located.
An intermediate frame 68 extends substantially arcuately and
laterally across the vehicle body between the seat rows 3B and 4.
In this embodiment, there is provided a single intermediate frame
68 between the front seat 3B and the rear seat 4; however, if the
vehicle is configured to have more than two rows of seats, vehicle
1 may be provided with additional intermediate frame in between the
additional rows of seats. Respective ends of the intermediate frame
68 are coupled to opposite sides of the vehicle body at a location
such as the opposite side frames 82, which extend in the
longitudinal direction and parallel with each other, and on which
the floor plate or foot step is located. The intermediate frame 68
is coupled to and configured to support the main frame 60 at a top
portion thereof.
In this embodiment, the main frame 60 is detachably coupled to the
front portion and rear portion of the vehicle body. In this
embodiment, the intermediate frame 68 is also detachably coupled to
the vehicle body.
In this embodiment, the main frame 60 is constructed from two
parts, a foremost part 65 and a rearmost part (a combination of 66
and 67), divided by the intermediate frame 68 therebetween.
As shown better in FIG. 12, the foremost part 65 of the main frame
60 includes a front frame structure 650 formed in an inverse
U-shape extending laterally across the vehicle body. The front
frame structure 650 is typically made of a metal pipe and each end
of the front frame structure 650 includes a bracket 650a. As
mentioned above, the front frame structure 650 is detachably
coupled to the frame portions 81 of the vehicle body on the sides
of the hood 8 in front of the front seat 3B, by fastening members
such as bolts which penetrate holes formed in the brackets 650a.
Further, handrails 652, each of which is typically formed in a
C-shape, typically made of metal pipes, are formed in pillar
portions of the front frame structure 650 for driver and passenger
seating in the front seat 3B.
The foremost part 65 further includes a pair of front roof
structures 651 extending rearward from a top portion of the front
frame structure 650. The front roof structures 651 are typically
made of metal pipes and both extend horizontally and parallel with
each other. The distance between the front roof structures 651 is
made narrower than the overall width of the front frame structure
650 in this embodiment. Front ends of the front roof structures 651
are welded to the front frame structure 650 to form an integral
unit. Rear ends of the front roof structures 651 are provided with
L-shaped brackets 653 to be connected with the intermediate frame
68.
The intermediate frame 68 is also made of a metal pipe and formed
in an inverse U-shape extending laterally across the vehicle body.
Each end of the intermediate frame 68 includes dividable brackets
680a and 680b. The upper brackets 680a are fixed to the lower ends
of the intermediate frame 68. The lower bracket 680b is configured
to be separated from the upper bracket 680a and be in a shape so as
to cover a lower surface of the respective upper bracket 680a. As
mentioned above, the intermediate frame 680 is detachably attached
to the opposite side frames 82, by coupling the dividable brackets
680a and 680b together and fastening the brackets by fastening
members such as bolts which penetrate holes formed in the brackets
680a and 680b. Further, side guides or arm bars 681 typically made
of metal pipes are formed in pillar portions of the intermediate
frame 68 corresponding to a height of the front seat 3B. The arm
bar 681 is typically in a C-shape, welded to the intermediate frame
68 at ends, and the closed or looped end of the arm bar 681 is
facing forward.
The intermediate frame 68 typically includes two cross members 69a
and 69b extending laterally between the pillar portions of the
intermediate frame 68. In this embodiment, the cross members 69a
and 69b are located above the arm bars 681. The cross members 69a
and 69b are typically configured to be in widened U-shapes in the
lateral direction and, typically spaced apart from each other in
the vertical direction to give the intermediate frame 68 more
strength. Ends of the cross members 69a and 69b are provided with
brackets 691 and 692, respectively, which are formed in the same
shape as the brackets 653 of the front roof structures 651. The
cross members 69a and 69b are detachably coupled to the
intermediate frame 68, by coupling the respective brackets 691 and
692 onto brackets 682 and 683 which are formed in corresponding
locations on the intermediate frame 68 and fastening with fastening
members such as bolts which penetrate holes formed in the brackets
691 and 692, and 682 and 683.
The lower cross member 69b is located behind a backrest portion 31
of the front seat 3B (see FIGS. 8 though 10) and, typically,
coupled to the backrest portion 31 by brackets 693 and screws, to
sustain the backrest portion 31 in place. The upper cross member
69a located above the lower cross member 69b is typically located
higher than the top of the backrest portion 31 of the front seat 3B
and serves as a handrail or supporting grip for passenger(s) seated
in the rear seat 4 behind the cross member 69a.
Typically, channel-shaped brackets 684 are formed in corresponding
locations on the top portion of the intermediate frame 68,
protruding forward. The brackets 653 of the front roof structures
651 are coupled to the respective brackets 684 by fastening members
such as bolts. Another pair of channel-shaped brackets 685 are
formed in corresponding locations on the top portion of the
intermediate frame 68, protruding rearward.
The rearmost part of the main frame 60 is typically constructed
from two parts, a pair of rear roof structures 66 and a rear frame
structure 67. The rear roof structures 66 are typically both made
of metal pipes and extend in the longitudinal direction parallel
with each other. The locations of the rear roof structures 66
correspond to locations of the brackets 685 of the intermediate
frame 68 to which the rear roof structures 66 are detachably
coupled. A front end of each of the rear roof structures 66 is
provided with an L-shaped bracket 661 to be connected with the
bracket 685 of the intermediate frame 68. Similarly, each rear end
of the rear roof structures 66 is provided with an L-shaped bracket
662 to be connected with a bracket 671 formed in a corresponding
location on the rear frame structure 67. The brackets provided in
the rearmost part of the main frame 60 are formed in similar shapes
to those provided in the foremost part 65 and the intermediate
frame 68.
The rear frame structure 67 is typically formed in, generally, an
inverse U-shape extending laterally across the vehicle body. The
rear frame structure 67 is made of a metal pipe and each end of the
rear frame structure 67 includes dividable brackets 670a and 670b
which are configured to be in the same shape as the dividable
brackets 680a and 680b provided in the intermediate frame 68. As
mentioned above, the rear frame structure 67 is detachably attached
to the opposite side frames 82, by coupling the dividable brackets
670a and 670b together and fastening the brackets by fastening
members such as bolts which penetrate holes formed in the brackets
670a and 670b.
Further, the rear frame structure 67 is typically provided with a
pair of lateral frames 672. Each of the lateral frames 672 is
typically made of a straight metal pipe. One end of the lateral
frame 672 is welded to a lower position corresponding to a portion
of the vehicle body below the rear seat 4. Other end of the lateral
frame 672 protrudes laterally inside the vehicle such that the pair
of the lateral frames 672 are opposed to each other. The other end
of the lateral frame 672 is provided with a bracket 673 to be
connected with a bracket (not shown) of the vehicle body. The
brackets 673 provided in the lateral frames 672 are in similar
shapes to those provided in the foremost part 65 of the main frame
and the intermediate frame 68. As the rear frame structure 67 is
connected to the vehicle body by the lateral frames 672, the
lateral frames 68 can add the rear frame structure 67 more
strength, especially in the lateral direction.
As shown better in FIG. 8, the rear frame structure 67 is coupled
to the vehicle body below a front end portion of the bottom portion
42 of the rear seat 4, with the dividable brackets 670a and 670b.
Above that, the rear frame structure 67 becomes vertical to form
lower pillar portions 677 on both sides and, then, bent or inclined
rearward to a predetermined angle above where the lateral frames
672 are located (see FIG. 12). The diagonal portions of the rear
frame structure 67 pass through adjacent the bottom portion 42 of
the rear seat 4 at substantially the middle of the rear seat in the
depth direction and, then, again, become vertical behind the
backrest portion 41 of the rear seat 4 to form upper pillar
portions 676. The top portion of the rear frame structure 67 is
bent approximately 90 degrees to stretch forward. The brackets 671
are provided on a front face of the forward-stretching top portion
of the rear frame structure 67.
Since the transverse top portion of the rear frame structure 67 is
forwardly extended, a top end of the screen shield 5 does not
interfere with the rear frame structure 67 when the cargo bed 2
(2b) is tilted, even when the screen shield 5 is moved into a
forward position as the cargo bed is extended forward or moved
forward while the rear seat 4 is stowed as described in the above
embodiments, as shown with a dashed line in FIG. 8. Rather, the
rear frame structure 67 is provided with a screen shield
accommodating void formed therein.
As shown in FIG. 12, the right and left upper vertically-extending
portions or upper pillar portions 676 of the rear frame structure
67 are provided with air intakes 674R and 674L, respectively,
communicating with inside space of the frame pipe. The air intakes
674R and 674L are typically located high in the rear fame structure
67, adjacent a top of the rear frame structure, and do not open
upwardly, to avoid contamination by rain or dust, etc., entering
into the frame pipe. FIG. 12 shows that both air intakes 674R and
674L are meshed to further inhibit large-size contaminants from
entering. The right and left lower vertically-extending portions of
the rear frame structure 67 or lower pillar portions 677 are
provided with air outlets 675R and 675L, respectively,
communicating with the respective air intakes through respective
air passages 679 formed inside the rear frame structure 67. The air
outlets 675R and 675L are typically located low on the frame
structure, adjacent a bottom of the frame structure, to form an
inside passage that is as long as possible in order to use the
inside passages as air reservoirs. In this embodiment, the air
outlets 675R and 675L are located between the dividable brackets
670a, 670b and the lateral frames 672 so that the air outlets 675R
and 675L are well hidden in a space formed under the rear seat 4
(see FIG. 8). In this embodiment, the air outlets 675R and 675L are
extended inwardly to face opposite each other. The right-side air
outlet 675R is connected to an air cleaner 91 of the vehicle and,
the left-side air outlet 675L is connected to a continuously
variable transmission (CVT) cooling system 92 of the vehicle. Thus,
both air cleaner 91 and CVT cooling system 92 are supplied with
non-contaminated air through the respective air passages 679 formed
inside the rear frame structure 67. In this embodiment, the air
passages 679 are connected to air cleaner 91 and CVT cooling system
92, however, it will be appreciated that air passages 679 may be
connected to virtually any component on board to supply
non-contaminated air.
As described above, in this embodiment, the vehicle includes the
cabin frame assembly 6B coupled to the vehicle body so as to cover
the rows of seats to define a cabin space of the vehicle. The cabin
frame assembly 6B includes the intermediate frame 68 placed between
the rows of seats coupled to the vehicle body. The intermediate
frame 68 is also coupled to the main frame 60 of the cabin frame
assembly 6B to strengthen the main frame 60 which extends arcuately
over the rows of seats in the longitudinal direction. The cabin
frame assembly 6B may be configured to detach from the vehicle body
as shown in the above embodiment, to make whole vehicle compact for
storage, shipping or some other purposes.
The cabin frame assembly 6B may be broken down to many discrete
frame structures, as shown in the above embodiment, such as to the
main frame 60 and the intermediate frame 68. Further, the main
frame 60 may be broken down to the foremost part 65 and the rear
most part 66 and 67 at a joint (such as the combination of
brackets) formed between the main frame 60 and the intermediate
frame 68. As already described in the above embodiment, the cabin
frame assembly 6B may be broken down to smaller parts that fit into
spaces formed around foot areas in front of the seats 3B and 4,
inside the cargo bed 2 (2b), and underneath the vehicle body.
The intermediate frame 68 divides the rows of seats in the
longitudinal direction, and also includes one or more cross members
to give more strength to the intermediate frame 68 and, therefore,
to the whole cabin frame assembly 6B.
As this invention may be embodied in several forms without
departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the
present embodiments are therefore illustrative and not restrictive,
since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims
rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that
fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of
such metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be embraced
by the claims.
* * * * *