Patent ID: 7036618

Claim:
A hood linkage assembly coupling a hood to a frame assembly of a vehicle, the frame assembly having a forward end relative to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle, the forward end of the frame assembly including at least one kingpin in combination with a front wheel assembly, the frame assembly in support of a cab and a drive unit mounted between the cab and the forward end of the frame assembly, the hood in a closed position located between the cab and the forward end of the frame assembly of the vehicle and above the drive unit, the hood including a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and an upper portion extending therebetween, the upper portion of the hood having a forward end and a rearward end relative to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle, the hood linkage assembly comprising: a first pivotal hood coupling assembly and a second pivotal hood coupling assembly, the first pivotal hood coupling assembly attached to the first hood sidewall and the second pivotal hood coupling assembly attached to the second hood sidewall; a third pivotal hood coupling assembly attached at the forward end of the upper portion of the hood, the third pivotal hood coupling located generally central between the first and the second pivotal hood coupling assemblies; and a cross bar interconnecting the first and second pivotal hood coupling assemblies with the third pivotal hood coupling assembly.