Patent Publication Number: US-2023159104-A1

Title: Systems and methods for structural cab integrity

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/282,988, filed on Nov. 24, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A firefighting vehicle includes a chassis and a cab that is often positioned at a forward position on the chassis. In instances when the cab experiences a force, for example the firefighting vehicle is involved in an accident, it is desirable for the cab and other components of the firefighting vehicle to maintain their structural integrity. 
     SUMMARY 
     One exemplary embodiment relates to a firefighting vehicle. The fire fighting vehicle includes a chassis having a frame member, the chassis coupled with a plurality of wheels. The fire fighting vehicle also includes a catch coupled with the frame member, and a rear assembly coupled to the frame member, the rear assembly supported by a rearward portion of the frame member. The fire fighting vehicle further includes a cab rotatably coupled with the frame member, the cab supported by a forward portion of the frame member and the frame member extending longitudinally between the cab and the rear assembly. The cab includes a cab frame member coupled with the frame member, the cab frame member extending longitudinally between a front end of the cab and a rear end of the cab. The cab also includes a cab cross-member coupled with the cab frame member, the cab cross-member extending laterally from the cab frame member, and a pin coupled with the cab cross-member. The fire fighting vehicle includes the catch coupled with the frame member rearward relative to the pin, and where in response to a force being applied to the front end of the cab, the cab is configured to rotate about a lateral axis and the pin is configured to engage the catch. 
     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a firefighting vehicle. The fire fighting vehicle includes a chassis having a frame member, the chassis coupled with a plurality of wheels. The fire fighting vehicle also includes a catch coupled with the frame member, and a rear assembly coupled to the frame member, the rear assembly supported by a rearward portion of the frame member. The fire fighting vehicle further includes a cab rotatably coupled with the frame member, the cab supported by a forward portion of the frame member and the frame member extending longitudinally between the cab and the rear assembly. The cab includes a cab frame member coupled with the frame member, the cab frame member extending longitudinally between a front end of the cab and a rear end of the cab. The cab also includes a cab cross-member coupled with the cab frame member, the cab cross-member extending laterally from the cab frame member. The cab further includes a pin coupled with the cab cross-member, where wherein in a first position the catch and the pin are separated longitudinally by a first distance, and in a second position the catch and the pin are separated longitudinally by a second distance, the second position responsive to a force being applied to the front end of the cab. 
     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a cab assembly. The cab assembly includes a cab body, and a cab frame member extending longitudinally between a front end of the cab body and a rear end of the cab body. The cab assembly also includes a cab cross-member coupled with the cab frame member, the cab cross-member extending laterally from the cab frame member, and a pin coupled with the cab cross-member, where the in response to a force being applied to the front end of the cab body, the cab body is configured to rotate about a lateral axis and the pin is configured to engage a catch. 
     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 herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       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 a front, left perspective view of a firefighting vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a front, right perspective view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a left side view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a right side view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a right side cross-sectional view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a right side cross-sectional view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a left side cross-sectional view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a right side cross-sectional view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a rear cross-sectional view of the firefighting vehicle of  FIG.  1   , 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. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a firefighting vehicle includes apparatuses for providing structural cab integrity. In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis and the cab include structural elements that are configured to interact to transfer and/or receive forces to provide the cab and other vehicle components structural integrity. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  1 - 11   , a vehicle or machine is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. While various vehicles are described herein, it should be understood that the present disclosure similarly applies to other types of vehicles. For example, the vehicle may be a firefighting vehicle (e.g., a pumper fire truck, an aerial ladder truck, etc.). The vehicle may be a front-loading refuse truck (e.g., a garbage truck, a waste collection truck, a sanitation truck, a recycling truck, etc.), a rear loading refuse truck, or a side loading refuse truck. The vehicle may be a rear-discharge concrete mixer truck or a front-discharge concrete mixer truck. The vehicle may also be a military vehicle, a delivery vehicle, a mail vehicle, a boom truck, a plow truck, a farming machine or vehicle, a construction machine or vehicle, a coach bus, a school bus, a semi-truck, a passenger or work vehicle (e.g., a sedan, a SUV, a truck, a van, etc.), and/or still another vehicle. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , a vehicle is shown as pumper fire truck  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the vehicle is an aerial ladder truck. The aerial ladder truck may include a rear-mount aerial ladder or a mid-mount aerial ladder. In other embodiments, the aerial ladder truck is a quint fire truck. In yet other embodiments, the aerial ladder truck is a tiller fire truck. In some embodiments, the firefighting vehicle is an airport rescue firefighting (“ARFF”) truck. In various embodiments, the vehicle (e.g., a quint, a tanker, an ARFF, etc.) includes an on-board water storage tank, an on-board agent storage tank, and/or a pumping station. In other embodiments, the vehicle is still another type of firefighting vehicle. In yet other embodiments, the vehicle is another type of vehicle other than a firefighting vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be a refuse truck, a concrete mixer, a military vehicle, a tow truck, an ambulance, a farming machine, a construction machine, and/or still another vehicle. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , the pumper fire truck  100  includes a chassis, shown as frame  102 , a cab  104 , a rear assembly  106 , and a plurality of tractive elements, shown as wheels  108 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the frame  102  includes a first frame member and a second frame member that are arranged in parallel. The first frame member and the second frame member may be elongated structural members (e.g., a beam, channel, tubing, extrusion, etc.), and may extend along a longitudinal direction (e.g., a forward and a backward direction) between a front end of the pumper fire truck  100  and a rear end of the pumper fire truck  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, a centerline of the pumper fire truck  100  extends parallel to the longitudinal direction between the first frame member and the second frame member. The first frame member and the second frame member may be laterally spaced, and define a cavity or void therebetween. In this regard, the cavity may provide an area for effectively concealing or otherwise mounting certain components of the pumper fire truck  100 . In some embodiments, the frame  102  includes and/or supports additional components utilized by a user during operation of the pumper fire truck  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the frame  102  supports other components of the pumper fire truck  100 . For example, the frame  102  may support the cab  104  at a forward portion of the frame  102 , and/or the rear assembly  106  at a rearward portion of the frame  102  (e.g., rearward relative to the cab  104 ). In other embodiments, the frame  102  supports the rear assembly  106  at a forward and/or middle portion of the frame  102 , and the cab  104  at a rearward portion of the frame  102  (e.g., rearward of the rear assembly  106 ), for example in a rear tiller fire truck. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , the chassis also includes a plurality of axles (e.g., shown as a front axle  112  and a rear axle  114 ) and a driveline  116 . The front axle  112  and the rear axle  114  may be supported by the frame  102  and couple to the wheels  108 . In this regard, the front axle  112  and the rear axle  114  may couple the wheels  108  to the frame  102 , as discussed below. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the driveline  116  also includes a plurality of elements, for example a powertrain system, a drivetrain system, an accessory drive, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the powertrain system includes a primary driver (e.g., an engine, motor, actuator, etc.), an energy generation device (e.g., a generator, etc.), and/or an energy storage device (e.g., a battery, capacitors, ultra-capacitors, etc.) electrically coupled to the energy generation device. The primary driver may receive one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.) from a fuel tank, and combust the fuel to generate mechanical energy. According to an exemplary embodiment, the primary driver is a compression-ignition internal combustion engine that utilizes diesel fuel. In other embodiments, the primary driver is another type of device (e.g., a spark-ignition engine, fuel cell, electric motor, etc.) that is otherwise powered (e.g., via gasoline, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, electricity, etc.). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a transmission may receive the mechanical energy from the primary driver, and provide an output to the generator. The generator may be configured to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy, which may be stored by the energy storage device. In some embodiments, the transmission is rotatably coupled to the primary driver, a transfer assembly, and/or one or more drive shafts. The one or more drive shafts may be received by one or more differentials, which are configured to convey the rotational energy of the drive shaft to the final drive (e.g., half-shafts coupled to the plurality of wheels  108 , the front axle  112 , the rear axle  114 , etc.). The final drive may then propel or move the vehicle (e.g., the pumper fire truck  100 ) forward. 
     In some embodiments, the pumper fire truck  100  is configured as an electric vehicle that is propelled by an electric powertrain system. The pumper fire truck  100  may include one or more energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.), which may be configured to provide electrical energy to one or more drive motors (e.g., motor, generator, actuator, motive driver, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the drive motor is coupled to one of the plurality of wheels  108 , and is configured to receive electrical energy and/or drive the at least one of the plurality of wheels  108  (e.g., a front wheel, a rear wheel, both front wheels, both rear wheels, etc.). In other embodiments, each of the plurality of wheels  108  include an individual drive motor, so as to facilitate independent driving of each of the wheels  108 . In yet other embodiments, the vehicle (e.g., the pumper fire truck  100 ) does not include the generator and/or the energy storage device. The powertrain may thereby be a hybrid powertrain or a non-hybrid powertrain. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , the cab  104  includes a plurality of body panels coupled to a support (e.g., a structural frame assembly, etc.) and a plurality of doors  120 . The body panels may define a plurality of openings through which an operator may access an interior, shown as an interior  122 , of the cab  104  (e.g., for ingress, for egress, to retrieve components from within, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of doors  120  are positioned over the plurality of openings defined by the plurality of body panels. The plurality of doors  120  may provide access to the interior  122  of the cab  104  for a driver and/or passengers of the pumper fire truck  100 . The plurality of doors  120  may be hinged, sliding, bus-style folding doors, or any other suitable type of door. 
     In other embodiments, the cab  104  includes other components that are arranged in various configurations. For example, the configurations may vary based on the particular application of the vehicle, customer requirements, or other factors. The cab  104  may be configured to contain and/or otherwise support any number of occupants, storage units, and/or equipment. For example, the cab  104  may provide seating for an operator (e.g., a driver, etc.) and/or one or more passengers. The cab  104  may also include one or more storage areas for providing compartmental storage for various articles (e.g., supplies, instrumentation, equipment, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the interior  122  of the cab  104  further includes a user interface. The user interface may include a cabin display and various controls (e.g., buttons, switches, knobs, levers, joysticks, etc.). In some embodiments, the user interface includes touchscreens, a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, and/or a brake pedal, among other components. The user interface may be configured to provide the operator with control over the vehicle (e.g., direction, speed, travel, etc.), one or more components of the driveline  116 , and/or other components of the pumper fire truck  100  from within the cab  104 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , the rear assembly  106  includes a plurality of compartments with corresponding doors positioned along one or more sides (e.g., left side, right side, etc.) and/or at a rear portion of the rear assembly  106 . The plurality of compartments may facilitate storing various equipment. For example, the plurality of compartments may store oxygen tanks, hoses, axes, extinguishers, ladders, chains, ropes, straps, boots, jackets, blankets, first-aid kits, and/or still other equipment. One or more of the plurality of compartments may include various storage apparatuses (e.g., shelving hooks, racks, etc.) for storing and/or organizing the equipment. 
     In some embodiments (e.g., when the vehicle is an aerial ladder truck, etc.) the rear assembly  106  includes an aerial ladder assembly. The aerial ladder assembly may have a fixed length, or have one or more extendable ladder sections. The aerial ladder assembly may include a basket or implement (e.g., a water turret, etc.) coupled to a distal end or free end of the ladder assembly (e.g., ladder section, ladder sections, etc.). The aerial ladder assembly may be positioned proximate a rear portion of the rear assembly  106  (e.g., a rear-mount fire truck, etc.), or proximate a front portion of the rear assembly  106  (e.g., a mid-mount fire truck, etc.). 
     In some embodiments (e.g., when the vehicle is an ARFF truck, a tanker truck, a quint truck, etc.), the rear assembly  106  includes one or more fluid tanks. By way of example, the one or more fluid tanks may include a water tank and/or an agent tank. The water tank and/or the agent tank may be corrosion and UV resistant polypropylene tanks. In an exemplary embodiment (e.g., a municipal fire truck implementation, a non-ARFF truck implementation, etc.), the water tank has a maximum water capacity ranging between 50 and 1,000 gallons (e.g., 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1,000, etc. gallons). In other embodiments (e.g., an ARFF truck implementation), the water tank has a maximum water capacity ranging between 1,000 and 4,500 gallons (e.g., at least 1,250 gallons; between 2,500 gallons and 3,500 gallons; at most 4,500 gallons; at most 3,000 gallons; at most 1,500 gallons; etc.). In some embodiments, the capacity of the water tank and/or the agent tank is specified by the customer. In this regard, it should be understood that the water tank and/or the agent tank configurations are highly customizable, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to a particular size or configuration of the water tank and/or the agent tank. According to an exemplary embodiment, the agent is a foam fire suppressant (e.g., an aqueous film forming foam (“FFFP”), etc.). In other embodiments, the agent is a low-expansion foam, a medium-expansion foam, a high-expansion foam, an alcohol-resistant foam, a synthetic foam, a protein-based foams, a fluorine-free foam, a film-forming fluoro protein (“FFFP”) foam, an alcohol resistant aqueous film forming foam (“AR-AFFF”), and/or any other suitable foam, or a foam yet to be developed. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , the pumper fire truck  100  also includes the plurality of wheels  108 . In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of wheels  108  includes brakes (e.g., disc brakes, drum brakes, air brakes, etc.), gear reductions, steering components, wheel hubs, wheels, tires, and/or other features. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of wheels  108  are coupled to the front axle  112  and the rear axle  114 . While the pumper fire truck  100  is shown as including single wheel axle sets, it should be understood that the pumper fire truck  100  may include a plurality of wheels  108  that have any number of suitable wheel configurations. For example, the pumper fire truck may include single axle sets, dual axel sets, triple axel sets, with four, eight, eighteen, or any other suitable number of wheels. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, at least one of the front and/or rear assemblies of the plurality of wheels  108  include a different type of tractive element (e.g., a track, etc.). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7 - 11   , cross-sectional views of a vehicle is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is the pumper fire truck  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 6   . However, in other embodiments, the vehicle is any other suitable vehicle, as discussed above. As shown in  FIG.  7   , the pumper fire truck  100  includes the frame  102 , the cab  104 , and the rear assembly  106 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 11   , the frame  102  includes a plurality of frame members, shown as a first frame member  702  and a second frame member  704 . In an exemplary embodiment, the frame members  702 ,  704  are longitudinally extending frame members (e.g., extend between a front end of the pumper fire truck  100  and a rear end of the pumper fire truck  100 ). As discussed above, the frame members  702 ,  704  may define a centerline of the pumper fire truck  100 , which may (run parallel and) be between the first frame member  702  and the second frame member  704 . The plurality of frame members  702 ,  704  may have a C-shaped cross-section, including a base section and two leg sections that are substantially perpendicular to the base section. In an exemplary embodiment, components of the pumper fire truck  100  are coupled to the frame members  702 ,  704 , either directly or through another component (e.g., a side plate, a mounting bracket, etc.). As shown in  FIG.  7   , the frame  102  (e.g., the first frame member  702 , the second frame member  704 , etc.) supports the cab  104  at a forward portion of the frame  102 , and (components of) the rear assembly  106  at a rearward portion of the frame  102  (e.g., rearward of the cab  104 ). In other embodiments, the plurality of frame members  702 ,  704  are other suitable elongated structural members (e.g., a beam, channel, tubing, extrusion, etc.) of any suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g., H-profile, I-profile, U-profile, L-profile, square, rectangular, etc. having a top section, a base section, a bottom section, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 11   , the pumper fire truck  100  also includes a receiver, shown as catch  710 . In an exemplary embodiment, the catch  710  is coupled to a forward portion of the frame  102  proximate to the cab  104 , and is configured to engage (e.g., catch, receive, stop, contact, couple, etc.) a component of the cab  104  (e.g., a cross-member, a block, a pin, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the catch  710  is a metal hook having an engagement surface (e.g., a sloped, curved, bite, receiving, etc. surface configured to engage a structural member), and is coupled to the frame  102  (e.g., the first frame member  702 , etc.) via a plurality of catch bolts  712 . In other embodiments, the catch  710  is positioned at another suitable location at the frame  102 , and/or is another suitable receiver formed any suitable material (e.g., a metal block, a steel cheek plate, a machined slab, a machined cube, a peg, a pin, etc.). In yet other embodiments, the catch  710  is coupled to the frame  102  via another configuration (e.g., welded to the frame  102 , fabricated/machined as a component of the frame  102 , etc.). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the pumper fire truck  100  includes a plurality of catches  710  (e.g., a first catch  710  on the first frame member  702 , a second catch  710  on the second frame member  704 , a third catch  710  on a third frame member, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the catches  710  are coupled to a forward portion of the frame  102 , and are separated by a distance laterally (e.g., coupled to the first frame member  702  and the second frame member  704 , which are separated by a distance laterally). According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of catches  710  are coupled to the frame  102  and substantially aligned (e.g., a first catch  710  coupled to the first frame member  702  is substantially aligned with the second catch  710  coupled to the second frame member  704 , etc.); however, in other embodiments the plurality of catches  710  are in another suitable configuration (e.g., angled, offset, on the same frame member, etc. relative to one another). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 11   , and as discussed above, the cab  104  includes a plurality of body panels and a plurality of doors  120 . The cab  104  also includes a cab frame  720 , having a first cab frame member  722  and a second cab frame member  724 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cab frame members  722 ,  724  are longitudinally extending frame members (e.g., extend between a front end of the cab  104  and a rear end of the cab  104 ). The cab frame members  722 ,  724  may have a C-shaped cross-section, including a cab frame base section and two cab frame leg sections that are substantially perpendicular to the base section. According to an exemplary embodiment, components of the cab  104  are coupled to the first cab frame member  722  and/or the second cab frame member  724 , either directly or via another component (e.g., a side plate, a mounting bracket, a cab frame extension, etc.). In other embodiments, the cab frame members  722 ,  724  are other suitable elongated structural members (e.g., a beam, channel, tubing, extrusion, etc.), and/or have other suitable cross-sectional shapes (e.g., H-profile, I-profile, U-profile, L-profile, square, rectangular, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 11   , the cab  104  also includes a cab cross-member  726  and a plurality of engine tunnel side-plates, shown as side-plates  728 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cab cross-member  726  is a laterally extending cross-member, and is configured to support components of the cab  104  and/or engage components of the chassis (e.g., frame  102 , the catch  710 , etc.). As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 11   , and as discussed in greater detail below, the cab cross-member  726  is positioned at a rearward (or middle) portion of the cab  104 , and at a forward (or middle) portion of the frame  102  (e.g., forward relative to the catch  710 ). According to an exemplary embodiment, the cab cross-member  726  is a hollow elongated structural member (e.g., a tube, etc.), and is coupled to (and extends laterally between) the cab frame members  722 ,  724 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cab cross-member  726  is coupled to the cab frame  720  via a plurality of bolts (e.g., cab cross-member bolts, etc.); however, in some embodiments the cab cross-member  726  is coupled to the cab frame  720  via another configuration (e.g., welded to the cab frame  720 , machined/fabricated as a component of the cab frame  720 , etc.). In some embodiments, the cab cross-member  726  is also coupled to other components of the cab  104  (e.g., the side-plates  728 , side plates, mounting brackets, frame extensions, etc.). In other embodiments, the cab cross-member  726  is another suitable elongated structural member (e.g., a beam, a channel, an extrusion, etc.). In yet other embodiments, the cab cross-member  726  is not an elongated structural member; rather, the cab cross-member  726  is another suitable stop coupled to the cab  104  (e.g., a metal hook, a metal loop, a metal block, a cheek plate, a machined slab, a machined cube, a peg, etc.). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the cab  104  is rotatably coupled to the frame  102  (e.g., the first frame member  702 , the second frame member  704 , etc.), and is configured to rotate about a lateral axis and/or move relative to the frame  102  (e.g., tilt backward, tilt upward, and/or shift rearward, etc.). In this regard, the cab  104  may be configured to rotate and/or be move between a standard use position (e.g., the cab  104  is horizontal and/or substantially parallel to the frame  102 , etc.) and an impact position (e.g., the cab  104  is rotated about a lateral axis, the cab  104  is shifted rearward relative to the frame  102 , etc.). In other embodiments, the cab  104  (e.g., the cab frame  720 , etc.) is also rotatably coupled to a forward portion of the frame  102  via a pivot mount and/or an actuator assembly. In this regard, the cab  104  may be configured to rotate between a standard use position (e.g., the cab  104  is horizontal and/or substantially parallel to the frame  102 , etc.) and a maintenance position (e.g., the cab  104  is rotated upward relative to the frame  102 , etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot mount includes a plurality of elements (e.g., a boss, a bracket, a side plate, a top plate, bracings, isolators, a pivot pin, a retaining pin, fasteners, etc.) that facilitate the cab  104  coupling to the frame  102 . Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly includes a plurality of elements (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a cylinder body, a rod, valves, pumps, reservoirs, electronic components, pneumatic components, etc.) that facilitate the cab  104  rotating between a standard use position and a maintenance position. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , a cross-sectional view of a right side of a vehicle is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is the pumper fire truck  100  of  FIG.  7   . As shown in  FIG.  8   , the cab  104  also includes the side-plate  728  and a pin  730 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the side-plate  728  (or a plurality of side-plates  728 ) is a longitudinally extending plate (e.g., extends between a front end of the cab  104  and a rear end of the cab  104 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the side-plate  728  is coupled to the cab frame  720  (e.g., the first cab frame member  722 , the second cab frame member  724 , etc.) via a suitable configuration (e.g., via bolts, welding, machining, etc.). In some embodiments, the side-plate  728  also couples the cab cross-member  726 , the pin  730 , and/or other components of the cab  104  etc. The side-plate  728  (or the plurality of side-plates  728 ) may also be configured to house other components of the pumper fire truck  100 , for example components of a powertrain system (e.g., a primary driver, engine, motor, generator, energy storage device, etc.), a drivetrain system (e.g., an engine, transmission, etc.), and/or an accessory drive, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , the pin  730  is an elongated structural member (e.g., an elongated block, a beam, channel, tubing, extrusion, etc.), and is configured to couple (e.g., slide into, engage with, etc.) the cab cross-member  726  and/or engage components of the chassis (e.g., the frame  102 , the catch  710 , etc.). In an exemplary embodiment (shown in  FIGS.  10 - 11   ), the pin  730  is also configured to couple other components of the cab  104 , for example the cab frame members  722 ,  724 , the side-plate  728 , etc., either directly or via another component (e.g., a side plate, a mounting bracket, a cab frame extension, etc.). In this regard, the pin  730  may be configured to couple (e.g., slide into) the cab cross-member  726 , couple the first cab frame member  722 , and engage (e.g., contact, etc.) the catch  710 , as discussed below. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pin  730  and the cab cross-member  726  are separate components; however, in some embodiments the cab cross-member  726  and the pin  730  are a unified component. In other embodiments, the pin  730  is not an elongated structural member; rather, the pin  730  is any suitable structural stop coupled to components of the cab  104  (e.g., a metal hook, a metal loop, a metal block, a cheek plate, a machined slab, a machined cube, a peg, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , and as discussed briefly above, the catch  710  is coupled (e.g., bolted via the plurality of catch bolts  712 , etc.) to the frame  102  (e.g., the first frame member  702 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the catch  710  is positioned at a forward portion of the frame  102 , and is rearward relative to components of the cab  104  (e.g., rearward relative to the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730 ). The cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730  may be coupled (e.g., bolted via a plurality of cab cross-member bolts, etc.) to the cab frame  720  (e.g., the first cab frame member  722 , the second cab frame member  724 , etc.) and/or other components of the cab  104  (e.g., the side-plate  728 , etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730  is positioned at a rearward (or middle) portion of the cab frame  720 , and is forward relative to components of the frame  102  (e.g., forward relative to the catch  710 ). As shown in  FIG.  8   , the cab cross-member  726  (and/or the pin  730 ) may be positioned any suitable distance forward relative to the catch  710 . For example, the cab cross-member  726 /the pin  730  is/are positioned 0.75 inches forward relative to the catch  710 . In some embodiments, the cab cross-member  726 /the pin  730  is/are positioned 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.25, 1.5 inches, or any other suitable distance, forward relative to the catch  710 . In other embodiments, the cab cross-member  726 /the pin  730  is/are in contact with (e.g., 0 inches from) the catch  710 . In yet other embodiments, the cab cross-member  726 /the pin  730  may be configured not to extend beyond a threshold distance forward (e.g., 2, 2.5, 5, etc. inches) relative to the catch  710 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , a cross-sectional view of a left side of a vehicle is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is the pumper fire truck  100  of  FIG.  7   . As shown in  FIG.  9   , the catch  710  is coupled (e.g., bolted via the plurality of catch bolts  712 , etc.) to the frame  102  (e.g., the second frame member  704 ), and positioned at a forward portion of the frame  102  and rearward relative to components of the cab  104  (e.g., rearward relative to the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730 ). The cab cross-member  726  (and/or pin  730 ) may be coupled to the cab frame  720  (e.g., the second cab frame member  724 , the side-plate  728 , etc.), and may be positioned at a rearward (or middle) portion of the cab  104  and forward relative to components of the frame  102  (e.g., forward relative to the catch  710 ). As was discussed above in  FIG.  8   , the cab cross-member  726  (and/or the pin  730 ) may be configured to be positioned any suitable distance forward relative to the catch  710  (e.g., 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 5, etc. inches). 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the catch  710  is coupled to the frame  102  (e.g., via a plurality of catch bolts  712 ) and is positioned rearward relative to the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730 . In an exemplary embodiment, the catch  710  is coupled to a top section and/or a side section of the frame  102  (e.g., a top section and/or a side section of the second frame member  704 ). As shown in  FIG.  9   , the catch  710  includes an engagement surface (e.g., a sloped surface that faces forward and downward, etc.), which is configured to engage a structural component. For example, the engagement surface of the catch  710  may engage (e.g., contact, receive, stop, etc.) the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730 , so as to reposition the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730  relative to the frame  102  (e.g., push against a top section of the frame  102 , etc.), as discussed below. In some embodiments, the catch  710  is coupled to other sections of the frame  102  (e.g., a bottom section, a side section, etc.) and/or is otherwise oriented relative to the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730  (e.g., forward, below, above, etc.). In yet other embodiments, the catch  710  includes additional, fewer, and/or different working components (e.g., an engagement surface that is sloped forward and upward, rearward and downward, rearward and upward, a curved, bite, receiving, etc. surface, etc.). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , a cross-sectional view of a right side of a vehicle is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is the pumper fire truck  100  of  FIG.  7   . As shown in  FIG.  10   , the cab  104  also includes a pin bracket  732  (having a pin receiving area  734 ) and a plurality of pin bolts  736 . In an exemplary embodiment, the pin bracket  732  is substantially flat, and is configured to couple the cab frame  720  (e.g., the first cab frame member  722 , the second cab frame member  724 , etc.), the cab cross-member  726 , and/or the pin  730 . The pin bracket  732  may be positioned at a rearward (or middle) portion of the cab  104 , and may align with the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730 . In an exemplary embodiment, the pin bracket  732  is coupled to the cab frame  720  (and/or the cab cross-member  726 , the pin  730 , etc.) via the plurality of pin bolts  736 . However, in other embodiments, the pin bracket  732  is coupled to the cab frame  720  (and/or the cab cross-member  726 , the pin  730 , etc.) via another suitable configuration (e.g., welded, machined, fabricated as a component of the cab frame  720 , etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the pin receiving area  734  is a small protrusion, and is configured to engage (e.g., couple, receive, support, hold, etc.) the pin  730  at an interior recess of the pin receiving area  734 . In other embodiments, the pin receiving area  734  is not a small protrusion; rather, is any other suitable receiving surface (e.g., ridged, textured, an extrusion, etc.) and/or is configured to engage (e.g., couple, receive, support, hold, etc.) the pin  730  (and/or the cab cross-member  726 ) at an interior portion of the pin bracket  732 . 
     As discussed above, in an exemplary embodiment the pin  730  is configured to couple (e.g., slide into, engage with, etc.) the cab cross-member  726 . In this regard, when the pin  730  is coupled to the cab cross-member  726  (e.g., slid into), the pin bracket  732  may couple to the cab frame  720  (e.g., a base section the first cab frame member  722 , etc.), and the pin receiving area  734  may engage the pin  730 . The pin bracket  732  may then be coupled to the cab frame  720  (e.g., the base section of the first cab frame member  722 , etc.), for example using the plurality of pin bolts  736 , and the pin bracket  732  may hold (e.g., support, retain, contain, etc.) the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730  in position. 
     In some embodiments, the cab  104  includes a plurality of pin brackets  732 . In other embodiments, the pin bracket  732  is positioned at another area of the cab  104 , and/or is configured to couple with other components of the cab  104  (e.g., the first cab frame member  722 , the second cab frame member  724 , both the cab frame  720  members, the side-plate  728 , etc.). In yet other embodiments, the pin bracket  732  is coupled to the cab frame  720  and/or other components of the cab  104  (e.g., the side-plate  728 , etc.) through another component (e.g., a side plate, a mounting, a bracket, a cab frame extension, etc.). As discussed above, in some embodiments the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730  are not elongated members; rather, the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730  are another suitable structural stop (e.g., a metal hook, a metal loop, a metal block, a cheek plate, a machined slab, a machined cube, a peg, etc.). In this regard, in other embodiments the pin bracket  732  is positioned at other areas of the cab  104  (e.g., an interior portion of the base section of the cab frame  720 , etc.), and/or is configured to couple the structural stop to other components of the cab  104  (e.g., the cab frame  720 , the first cab frame member  722 , the second cab frame member  724 , and/or the side-plate  728 , etc.). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11   , a rear cross-sectional view of a vehicle is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is the pumper fire truck  100  of  FIG.  7   . As shown in  FIG.  11   , and as discussed above, in an exemplary embodiment the pin  730  is configured to couple (e.g., slide into, engage with, etc.) the cab cross-member  726 . When the pin  730  is coupled (e.g., slid into, etc.) the cab cross-member  726 , the pin bracket  732  is coupled to the cab frame  720  (e.g., the first cab frame member  722 , etc.) via the plurality of pin bolts  736 , and the pin receiving area  734  engages the pin  730 . According to an exemplary embodiment, when the pin brackets  732  (and the pin receiving area  734 , the plurality of pin bolts  736 , etc.) are coupled to the cab frame  720  (e.g., the first cab frame member  722 ) and other components of the cab  104  (e.g., the second cab frame member  724 , the side-plate  728 , etc.), the pin  730  (and/or the cab cross-member  726 ) may be held in position. 
     As an illustrative example, a cab integrity system may be prepared using the components described in  FIGS.  1 - 11   . As discussed above, in an exemplary embodiment the pumper fire truck  100  includes the frame  102  (having the first frame member  702  and the second frame member  704 ), the cab  104 , and the rear assembly  106 . The pumper fire truck  100  may further include the catch  710 , which may be receiver having an engagement surface (e.g. slopped surface, etc.) and/or any other suitable receiver (e.g., a block, a cheek plate, a slab, a cube, a peg, or any other suitable structural brace, etc.). Further, in an exemplary embodiment the cab  104  further includes the cab frame  720  (having the first cab frame member  722  and the second cab frame member  724 ), the cab cross-member  726 , the pin  730 , and the pin bracket  732 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the catch  710  is coupled (e.g., bolted, welded, machined, etc.) to the frame  102  (e.g., the first frame member  702 ) at a forward (and/or middle) portion of the frame  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cab cross-member  726  is coupled to the pin  730  (e.g., the pin  730  is slid into the cab cross-member  726 ), and then the pin bracket  732  is coupled to the cab frame  720  (e.g., the first cab frame member  722  and/or the second cab frame member  724 ), the pin  730 , and the cab cross-member  726 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the pin bracket  732  is configured to align the cab cross-member  726  and the pin  730 , and/or couple the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730  to the cab frame  720  at a rearward (and/or middle) portion of the cab  104 . In some embodiments, the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin bracket  732  is/are also coupled to other components of the cab  104 , for example the side-plate  728 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730  are oriented/positioned forward relative to the catch  710  (i.e., the catch  710  is positioned rearward on the frame  102  relative to the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730 ). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the pumper fire truck  100  may encounter a force (e.g., an impact, load, accident, etc. at the cab  104 ). For example, the cab  104  may encounter a substantially horizontal force at the front of the cab  104  above the cab frame  720 , a substantially horizontal force at a side of the cab  104 , a substantially vertical force down on the top of the cab  104 , and/or any other force at another location at the cab  104  (e.g., a front portion, front mid-portion, front lower-portion, near the headlights, near the bumper, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, when the cab  104  encounters a force, the cab  104  is configured to rotate about a lateral axis and/or reposition relative to the frame  102  (e.g., tilt backward, tilt upward, shift rearward, etc.). In this regard, a force may be initially received by components at the front of the cab  104  (e.g., the side-plate  728 , a front bumper, a grill, etc.), and then transferred to other components at the rear (or middle) of the cab  104  (e.g., the cab cross-member  726 , the pin  730 ). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the pin  730  and/or the cab cross-member  726  is/are positioned at the rear (or middle) of the cab  104 , and may be configured to receive a force (or a portion thereof) as the cab  104  rotates and/or is repositioned (e.g., shifts rearward, etc.). Further, in an exemplary embodiment the pin  730  is configured to engage (e.g., contact, hit, etc.) components of the chassis (e.g., the frame  102 , the catch  710 , etc.) in response to the cab  104  being rotated and/or repositioned relative to the frame  102 . For example, the pin  730  may be configured to engage the catch  710 , which may be coupled to components of the chassis (e.g., the frame  102 ). In this regard, as the cab  104  is rotated and/or repositioned relative to the frame  102 , and the pin  730  may engage the catch  710 , resulting in the pin  730  and/or the cab cross-member  726  engaging the catch  710  and/or the frame  102 . According to an exemplary embodiment, this results in the force (or a portion thereof) being transferred from the cab  104 , through the pin  730  to the catch  710 , and into the frame  102 . 
     In this sense, the components at the front of the cab  104  (e.g., the side-plate  728 , a front bumper, a grill, etc.) are configured to receive an initial force, the cab  104  is configured to rotate about a lateral axis and/or move relative to the frame  102 , causing components of the cab  104  (e.g., the cab cross-member  726 , the pin  730 , etc.) to engage components of the chassis (e.g., the catch  710 , the frame  102 ) and transfer the force (or a portion thereof) from the cab  104  to the chassis (e.g., the frame  102 ). According to an exemplary embodiment, the components of the cab integrity system described above are configured to increase the integrity of the cab of a vehicle (e.g., the cab  104  of the pumper fire truck  100 ), and reduce vehicle component failure. In some embodiments, the pin of the cab (e.g., the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730 , another suitable structural stop) and/or the catch of the chassis (e.g., the catch  710 , another suitable structural brace) are configured to create additional shear planes in order to reduce the force on other vehicle components (e.g., reduce rotational forces, moment-load forces, etc. applied to bolts, brackets, mounts, etc. of the cab and/or the chassis). In other embodiments, the pin of the cab (e.g., the cab cross-member  726  and/or the pin  730 , etc.) and/or the catch of the chassis (e.g., the catch  710 , etc.) are configured to transfer a force (or a portion thereof) from the cab to components of the chassis (e.g., the frame  102 ). 
     Although this description may discuss a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is outlined. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accompli shed with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). 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. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the electromechanical variable transmission as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., 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. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.