Patent ID: 6637531
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: B62D,E05B,Y10S

Abstract:
A hood support and latching system for an over-the-highway vehicle, comprising:a) a vehicle frame structure comprising a spaced pair of frame members continuously extending longitudinally for substantially the entire length of the vehicle and including a cab mounting portion supporting an operator cab and a prime mover mounting portion forward of said cab portion; b) a hood assembly, movable between opened and closed positions and operative to enclose an engine compartment when in said closed position; c) at least one hood latch mechanism for maintaining closure of said hood assembly including first and second latch assemblies; d) a rigid locating structure coupled directly to said frame structure for locating said first latching assembly on said frame and said second latching assembly attached to a rear section of said hood assembly, said first and second latching assemblies engageable, when said hood assembly is moved to its closed position and operative to vertically and laterally fix the rear section of said hood assembly relative to said frame such that hood assembly movement in either direction along the vertical axis is controlled by said engaged first and second latch members and isolating said hood assembly from said cab mounting portion such that said hood assembly is substantially unsupported by said cab and movement of said hood assembly is not transmitted to said cab; and e) at least one pivot assembly mounted to a forward end of said frame structure for supporting a forward end of said hood assembly and defining a pivot axis for said hood assembly, whereby said hood assembly is entirely supported said frame structure.