Abstract:
A vehicle includes a chassis defining a longitudinal centerline, a first axle and a second axle coupled to the chassis, a cab, a door, and a driver&#39;s seat. The cab is coupled to the chassis and defines a door opening. The cab includes (a) a windshield assembly comprising a first side portion, a middle portion, a second side portion, a first pillar coupling the first side portion to the middle portion, a second pillar coupling the second side portion to the middle portion, (b) an A-pillar defining a front edge of the door opening, and (c) a B-pillar defining a rear edge of the door opening. The door is movably coupled to the cab, disposed within the door opening, and selectively repositionable relative thereto independent of the windshield assembly. The driver&#39;s seat is disposed within the cab and positioned along the longitudinal centerline.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/774,781, filed Feb. 22, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/601,897, filed Feb. 22, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present application relates to vehicles. In particular, the present application relates to systems that improve driver visibility and storage on a vehicle. 
     A military vehicle may be used in a variety of applications and conditions. These vehicles generally include a number of vehicle systems or components (e.g., a cab or body, a drive train, etc.). The military vehicle may also include various features and systems as needed for the specific application of the vehicle (e.g., a hatch, a gun ring, an antenna, etc.). Proper functioning and arrangement of the vehicle systems or components is important for the proper functioning of the vehicle. 
     Traditional vehicles include a cab assembly coupled to a chassis and including several seats (e.g., for a driver, for a passenger, etc.). These seats are commonly configured in a side-by-side arrangement where the driver and at least one passenger are located at the same location along the length of the military vehicle. In such a configuration, the passenger and portions of the cab assembly may reduce the visibility of the driver. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment relates to a vehicle including a chassis defining a longitudinal centerline, a first axle and a second axle coupled to the chassis, a cab, a door, and a driver&#39;s seat. The cab is coupled to the chassis and defines a door opening. The cab includes (a) a windshield assembly comprising a first side portion, a middle portion, a second side portion, a first pillar coupling the first side portion to the middle portion, a second pillar coupling the second side portion to the middle portion, (b) an A-pillar defining a front edge of the door opening, and (c) a B-pillar defining a rear edge of the door opening. The door is movably coupled to the cab, disposed within the door opening, and selectively repositionable relative thereto independent of the windshield assembly. The driver&#39;s seat is disposed within the cab and positioned along the longitudinal centerline. 
     Another embodiment relates to a vehicle that includes a cab assembly having a driver&#39;s seat positioned along a centerline of the vehicle and defining a front end and a back end. The military vehicle also includes a front axle coupled to the front end of the cab assembly, a rear axle coupled to the back end of the cab assembly, a body panel assembly coupled to the front end of the cab assembly and partially surrounding the front axle, and an interchangeable module. The interchangeable module partially surrounds the rear axle and is removably coupled to the back end of the cab assembly with a plurality of exposed interfaces. The plurality of exposed interfaces are positioned to facilitate the efficient removal of the interchangeable module from the vehicle. 
     Still another embodiment relates to a vehicle including a cab assembly having a driver&#39;s seat positioned along a centerline of the vehicle, an axle coupled to a front end of the cab assembly, and a body panel assembly. The body panel assembly is coupled to the end of the cab assembly and includes a panel section that partially surrounds the axle, wherein the panel section defines an open depression that receives a container and provides additional storage for the vehicle. 
     The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be recited in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a military vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a military vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  are elevation views of a seating arrangement for a military vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an elevation view of a military vehicle having supplemental components, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation view of a military vehicle having supplemental storage systems, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 6-8  are elevation views of a military vehicle having a removable rear module that provides supplemental seating, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is an elevation view of a removable rear module that provides supplemental seating, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is an elevation view of a military vehicle having a removable rear module that provides additional storage, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an elevation view of a military vehicle having a removable rear module that provides additional storage, according to an alternative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 12-16  are elevation views of a military vehicle having a front body assembly that provides supplemental storage, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is an elevation view of a military vehicle having a front body assembly that provides supplemental storage, according to an alternative embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is an elevation view of a cab assembly for a military vehicle including a centrally positioned driver&#39;s seat, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 19-21  are elevation views of a windshield configuration for a military vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring to the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-21 , a vehicle, shown as military vehicle  10 , includes various features and configurations or systems that allow the military vehicle  10  to have enhanced performance. According to an exemplary embodiment, such features include a modular rear section of the vehicle that may be removed and replaced with other modules or systems (i.e. the rear section is an interchangeable module). Military vehicle  10  includes a center driver configuration where the driver is located behind a front axle of the vehicle and along a center axis (e.g., longitudinal centerline) of the chassis. In some embodiments, each passenger (e.g., the left front passenger, the right front passenger, etc.) is positioned offset from the longitudinal centerline and behind (i.e. offset along the longitudinal centerline from) the center driver location to improve the visibility of the driver. As shown in  FIGS. 1-21 , the military vehicle  10  also includes a windshield assembly that includes angled side windshields. The windshield assembly provides a plurality of driver sight lines out from the cab. According to an exemplary embodiment, military vehicle  10  includes additional storage that is formed into the body panels of the vehicle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the military vehicle  10  includes a body  12  (e.g., cab, cabin, housing, capsule, etc.) coupled to a chassis and having a passenger or occupant compartment  30 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the military vehicle  10  includes a removable portion, shown as rear module  40 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the military vehicle  10  includes front wheels  14  and rear wheels  16 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the body  12  includes a roof  39  having a hatch (e.g., gunner hole, turret opening, opening, etc.) that is closed by a cover  38 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the roof  39  is a removably attached cover that is coupled to cab  12  (e.g., with snaps, a zipper, etc.). According to an alternative embodiment, roof  39  is a fixed cover. 
     According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the military vehicle  10  also includes a prime mover (e.g., diesel engine, gasoline engine, electric motor, etc.), shown as an engine  22 , powering a drive train  20 . The drive train  20  includes a transmission  24 , a front driveshaft  25 , a rear driveshaft  27 , a front axle assembly  26 , a rear axle assembly  28 , and various other components. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the engine  22  is located in the rear of the vehicle (i.e. a rear engine configuration), allowing the weight of the vehicle to be more evenly balanced over the rear axle of the military vehicle  10 . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 3A-3B , the passenger compartment  30  includes seating for a center driver  31 , a left front passenger  32 , a right front passenger  33 , a right rear passenger  34 , and a left rear passenger  35 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the center driver  31 , the left front passenger  32 , the right front passenger  33 , the right rear passenger  34 , and the left rear passenger  35  are all positioned within the passenger compartment  30  of the cab  12  (i.e. the driver position  31  is not within a separate compartment apart from the passengers). According to an exemplary embodiment, the left rear passenger  35  seating position may be aligned with an opening  36  (e.g., as a gunner to operate a turret). Military vehicle  10  may also include secondary seating positions  41  and  42  located within the rear module  40  of the military vehicle  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , the driver position  31  is located along a center axis of the passenger compartment  30 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the center driver position  31  is located in front of (i.e. offset from along the center axis, positioned closer to the front of the cab, positioned closer to the front axle, etc.) the left front passenger position  32  and the right front passenger position  33 . This position allows the driver to have greater visibility while driving the military vehicle  10 . According to an exemplary embodiment, military vehicle  10  provides a field of view extending 270 degrees around the driver. Locating the center driver position  31  within the passenger compartment  30  of the cab  12  facilitates communication between the driver and the passengers of the vehicle that are also within the compartment  30 . Also as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , the center driver position  31  is located behind a front axle of the vehicle, allowing for a more comfortable ride for the driver. 
     Referring now to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the military vehicle  10  includes a communication kit. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the military vehicle  10  includes antennas  84  that are coupled to the front portion of the vehicle with a mounting interface  95 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the mounting interface  95  positions the antennas  84  in alignment with the A-pillars  85  of the military vehicle  10  to reduce the visual impact of the antennas  84  on a driver&#39;s field of view. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the antennas  84  are configured to reside in substantially the same plane as the A-pillars  85  (i.e. with more than half of antennas  84  hidden) and aligned with the A-pillars  85  along a driver sight line. Such an arrangement improves the driver&#39;s visibility through the windshields of the military vehicle  10 . 
     Referring now to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the military vehicle  10  includes storage compartments for various cans or containers (e.g., gas cans, water cans, ammunition cans, etc.). As shown in  FIG. 5 , the military vehicle  10  includes storage containers  44  on each side of the vehicle and a spare tire  49  located on a rear of the vehicle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the military vehicle  10  also includes a stretcher  48  that is mounted to the top of the vehicle. The military vehicle  10  may also include a weapon  47  that is operable by the passenger in the passenger position  35  (e.g., the gunner position). 
     Referring next to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , the military vehicle  10  includes a rear module  40  partially surrounding the rear axle. According to an exemplary embodiment, rear module  40  is removably attached to frame  29  of the cab  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , rear module  40  may be removed from the cab  12  to allow access to the engine  22 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , the rear module  40  includes a frame  50  having tubular members fastened (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) together. The frame  50  includes tubular members  54  having connection flanges  55  which interface with complimentary flanges on the frame  29  of the cab  12 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the rear module  40  has four such connection flanges  55 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the frame  50  also includes two connection flanges  56  that interface with complimentary flanges on the frame  29  of the cab  12 . Efficient removal of the rear module  40  from the military vehicle  10  may be accomplished by interacting with only six interfaces (connection flanges  55  and connection flanges  56 ). According to an exemplary embodiment, an operator need only disconnect these interfaces to remove rear module  40  from the frame  29  of cab  12 . It should be understood that connection flanges  55  and connection flanges  56  are designed to facilitate removal of the rear module  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , connection flanges  55  and connection flanges  56  are open to an operator (i.e. exposed, visible, accessible) to facilitate efficient removal. 
     In some embodiments, the rear module  40  also includes a shroud  52  that partially covers the engine  22 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the shroud  52  includes panels  53  that allow access to the engine for service and maintenance. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shroud  52  is part of the rear module  40  and is disconnected from military vehicle  10  with rear module  40 . According to an alternative embodiment, the shroud  52  may be coupled to the engine or frame  29  of the military vehicle  10  and remain in place when the rear module  40  is disconnected from the military vehicle  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 6-9 , the rear module  40  includes a left secondary passenger position and a right secondary passenger position. The left secondary passenger position and the right secondary passenger position are formed by a lateral body panel that provides a seat for the passenger. The left secondary passenger position and the right secondary passenger position may also be formed by an angled body panel coupled to the lateral body panel. These components may also partially cover the wheels (i.e. and serve as a fender). As shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , various body panels  51  are coupled to the frame  50  to partially surround the left secondary passenger position and the right secondary passenger position. The body panels  51  may provide structural rigidity to the rear module  40  and also partially protect a passenger positioned on the rear module  40 . 
     Referring next to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , the rear module may include a body panel  57  to provide additional storage. As shown in  FIG. 10 , various canisters, shown as cans  43 , may be used to store food, fuel, water, or still other materials on the body panel  57  of the rear module  40 . In still other embodiments, the rear module includes interfaces that engage still other objects (e.g., a shovel). As shown in  FIG. 11 , the rear module  40  includes a body panel  57  and a storage volume  58  that both provide additional storage. According to an exemplary embodiment, the rear module  40  extends around a rear portion of the cab of the vehicle (e.g., partially covers both rear tires). According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the rear module  40  is positioned on only a single lateral side of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a plurality of such rear modules  40  (e.g., one positioned over each rear tire, etc.). While the figures show various potential embodiments, it should be understood that rear module  40  may have still other different configurations. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, removal of rear module  40  allows for the introduction (i.e. attachment) other rear modules. For example, a rear module may be coupled to the cab  12  allowing the military vehicle  10  to have a different configuration. Such interchangeability of rear modules allows for greater flexibility and variation in use of the military vehicle  10 . Additionally, having open interface points for the rear module allows for easy interchangeability (e.g., while the vehicle is in active deployment). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-17 , various embodiments of a front portion of the military vehicle  10  are shown. According to an exemplary embodiment, the front of the military vehicle  10  includes a body panel assembly  60  that includes a right body panel section  61 , a center body panel section  62 , and a left body panel section  63 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the right body panel section  61 , the center body panel section  62 , and the left body panel section  63  are fastened (e.g., bolted, welded, etc.) together. According to an alternative embodiment, the right body panel section  61 , the center body panel section  62 , and the left body panel section  63  are integrally formed as a single unitary component (e.g., molded, stamped, etc.). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the right body panel section  61 , the center body panel section  62 , and the left body panel section  63  each include a depression (i.e. compartment) that is configured to partially receive a container  45  and provide additional storage for the vehicle. As shown in  FIGS. 12-14 , container  45  may have various shapes and sizes, and the corresponding depressions within the right body panel section  61 , the center body panel section  62 , and the left body panel section  63  may have various corresponding shapes. According to an exemplary embodiment, the right body panel section  61  includes a depression  64 , the center body panel section  62  includes a depression  65  and a depression  66 , and the left body panel section  63  includes a depression  67  and a depression  68 . According to the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the right body panel section  61 , the center body panel section  62 , and the left body panel section  63  may define still other depressions. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the depressions are integrally formed within an outer surface of the individual body panel sections. By way of example, the compartments may be molded or stamped during the construction of the individual body panel sections. According to an alternative embodiment, the depressions are separate components that are fastened (e.g., bolted, etc.) to the individual body panel sections. According to the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , the depressions may be formed by a portion of the body panel sections themselves (i.e. a face of the depression may be formed by the body panel section). It should be understood that the depressions may be otherwise shaped or sized to suit different containers. According to still another alternative embodiment, a depression includes at least one moveable wall, the moveable wall allowing an operator to change the shape or size of the depression (e.g., to fit different containers). 
     Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the depressions are open (i.e. accessible, available, exposed) to the outside of the vehicle thereby reducing access time for an operator. Reducing access time may be important where an operator is a soldier operating in theater. As shown in  FIG. 16 , an operator need not open a door, hatch, or port to access the containers. Such open depressions also allow an operator to visually inspect the containers without needing to open one or more storage doors. According to an exemplary embodiment, the depressions reduce the likelihood that the containers may shift (e.g. move, fall off, etc.) during transportation. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , fasteners (e.g., straps, etc.), shown as tie downs  69 , further secure containers  45  within the depressions. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the tie downs  69  are coupled to the body panel assembly with a track  79  that is positioned along the depression. The tie downs  69  may be adjustable and allow for containers  45  having different sizes to be secured within the depressions. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 14-15 , the military vehicle  10  includes a right front mirror  71  and a left front mirror  72  that are coupled to a front body portion  75  of the military vehicle  10 . The right front mirror  71  includes a mounting flange  73 , and the left front mirror  72  includes a mounting flange  74 . According to an exemplary embodiment, mounting flange  73  and mounting flange  74  couple the mirrors to the front body portion  75 . As shown in  FIGS. 16-17 , the military vehicle  10  includes a first gunsweep assembly  76  and a second gunsweep assembly  77  that are configured to support a weapon and associated ammunition for the weapon. As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the gunsweep assemblies are positioned to rotate freely (i.e. without interfering with the mirrors, windshield, or still other components). According to alternative embodiments, military vehicle  10  may include different mirror and gunsweep assembly positions. 
     Referring next to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18-21 , the military vehicle  10  includes a windshield assembly  80 . As shown in  FIGS. 18-21 , windshield assembly  80  includes a center portion  81  positioned between a first side portion  82  and a second side portion  83 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the windshield assembly  80  provides enhanced visibility to the centrally positioned driver of the military vehicle  10 . The first portion  81  is positioned directly in front of the driver while the first side portion  82  and the second side portion  83  are positioned at a slight angle (e.g., less than 45 degrees) from the first portion  81 . Such a configuration is intended to allow the driver to have full range of visibility from the center, left, and right portions of the windshield assembly  80 . Disposed rearward of the windshield assembly  80  is a door opening. A rear A-pillar  87  is coupled to a rear edge of the first side portion  82  of the windshield assembly  80  and cooperates with a frame member  88  to define a frontmost edge of the door opening. B-pillar  89  defines a rear edge of the door opening. A door is entirely disposed within the door opening. 
       FIGS. 19-21  show a driver&#39;s view from a driver&#39;s seat through the windshield assembly  80 , according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, center portion  81  provides a clear view of the military vehicle  10  and the surrounding environment to the driver who is positioned behind a steering wheel  86 . The lateral sides of center portion  81  are coupled to a pair of pillars, shown as A-pillars  85 .  FIG. 20  shows the driver&#39;s view along the travel direction, according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 19  shows the left hand view of a driver through the windshield assembly  80  and  FIG. 21  shows the right hand view of the driver through the windshield assembly  80 , according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of driver sight lines extend along the longitudinal centerline and laterally from the cab. The combination of longitudinal and lateral sight lines improves visibility for the driver. According to an exemplary embodiment, the position of the driver&#39;s seat and the windshield assembly  80  provides the driver with 270 degrees of visibility. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a first A-pillar  85  couples center portion  81  to first side portion  82  and a second A-pillar  85  couples center portion  81  to second side portion  83 . In some embodiments, the antennas  84  are aligned with the A-pillar  85  along a driver sight line. Such a configuration reduces the visual impact of the antenna  84  on the driver&#39;s visibility through windshield assembly  80 . 
     Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 18 , the driver&#39;s seat is positioned in front of passenger seat  91  and passenger seat  92 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , passenger seat  91  and passenger seat  92  are located offset from (e.g., spaced apart from) the centerline of the vehicle. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 18 , the passenger seat  91  and the passenger seat  92  are moveable between a first position and a second position. According to an exemplary embodiment, the passenger seat  91  and the passenger seat  92  are folding seats with a lower portion (e.g., a seat portion) that rotates upwards to provide access and downward to provide a seat for an occupant. According to an exemplary embodiment, the moveable passenger seat facilitates ingress or egress of a driver. By way of example, a driver entering the passenger compartment  30  of the military vehicle  10  may fold up passenger seat  91  or passenger seat  92  to more easily access the driver&#39;s seat  90 . The passenger seat  91  or the passenger seat  92  may be folded down for use by the left front and the right front passengers, respectively. 
     According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 18 , the passenger compartment  30  of the military vehicle  10  includes a first support member, shown as tubular element  93 , and a second support member, shown as tubular element  94 . According to an exemplary embodiment, tubular element  93  and tubular element  94  are coupled to frame  29  and provide structural rigidity to military vehicle  10 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , tubular element  93  and tubular element  94  are located on either side of the driver seat  90 . The tubular element  93  and tubular element  94  facilitate access to passenger compartment  30 . By way of example, the driver, the left front passenger, and the right front passenger do not need to traverse the tubular element  93  and tubular element  94  to access their respective seats. Such a position of tubular element  93  and tubular element  94  provide improved ingress and egress relative to traditional military vehicles having diagonal support members positioned on an exterior portion of the passenger compartment  30  (e.g., along the door opening). 
     It should be noted that references to “front,” “rear,” “top,” and “base” in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the figures with “front” and “rear” being relative to the environment in which the device is provided. 
     For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various features as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (for example, variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present embodiments.