Title of Invention

TWO PIECE VEHICLE ROOF STRUCTURE FOR ENCLOSING ONE OR MORE SIDEWALLS TO DEFINE A VEHICLE CAB .

Abstract The invention relates to two piece vehicle roof structure (10) for enclosing one or more sidewalls to define a vehicle cab comprising: a lower roof member (12); a core chamber (24) formed in the lower roof member (12), the core chamber (24) having at least one condensate well (25) and drain (27); at least one HVAC core (26) comprising heating and cooling elements (26A, 26B) disposed in the core chamber (24), the HVAC core (26) having input and output lines (68); at least one fresh air duct (50) molded in the lower roof member (12); at least one fresh air intake louver (54) removably mounted to the fresh air duct (50); at least one first air intake aperture (44) in the fresh air duct (50); at least one fresh air filter (48) removably mounted in the first air intake aperture (44); at least one fresh air dust tray (52) removably mounted to the fresh air duct (50); at least one unconditioned air duct (42) communicating between the fresh air intake aperture (44) and fresh air filter (48) and the HVAC core chamber (26), wherein the lines (68) of the HVAC core (26) are routed through the unconditioned air duct (42); at least one second air intake aperture (46) in the unconditioned air duct (42); ?t least one recirculated air filter (45) removably mounted to the second air intake aperture (46); at least one conditioned air duct (36) formed in the lower roof member (12), the conditioned air duct (36) having a duct cover (40) affixed thereto; at least one conditioned air vent (38) formed in the conditioned air duct (36), the conditioned air vent (38) having a control louver (54) affixed thereto; at least one blower (28) disposed in a contoured blower area (30) of the core chamber (24), the blower (28) having an inlet (32) and an outlet (34), the inlet (32) drawing air from the core chamber (24) and the outlet (34) expelling air into the conditioned air duct (36), wherein the lower roof member (12) comprises a partition wall (58) adjacent to the blower area (30) for routing air from the unconditioned air duct (42) through the HVAC cores (26); and an upper roof member (14) having at least one removable acess panel (62, 64) covering at least one acess aperture (72, 74) mounted to the lower roof member (12) to enclose the core chamber (24), the unconditioned air duct (42), and the conditioned air duct (36) to form discrete air passages between the roof members (12, 14) the upper roof member (14) and the lower roof member (12) having a mastic seal interposed therebetween, and wherein one of the one or more sidewalls (66) defining the sides of a vehicle cab are interposed between the first air intake aperture (44) and the second air intake aperture (46) so that the first air intake aperture (44) receives air from outside the cab and the second air intake aperture (46) receives air from inside the cab.
Full Text FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to structural members which are used in
the construction of a vehicle body. The present invention, in particular relates to
that portion of the vehicle body which carries or encloses a person at the
location on the body where the operation of the vehicle is controlled including
constructional elements of the cab such as a framework or panel or joint or such
similar element. Specifically, the present invention relates to the roof portion of
the cab structure having means for the treatment of cab atmosphere, such as
heating, cooling or ventilating the air within the cab. More particularly, the
present invention relates to two piece vehicle roof-structure for enclosing one or
more sidewalls to define a vehicle cab.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that work vehicles such as agriculture tractors and equipment as
well as construction equipment are frequently operated in less than ideal
environment conditions. For example such equipment is often operated in
uncomfortably warm or cold weather and in dusty conditions caused by the work
being done by the vehicle. It has thus been desired to provide operator's stations
in such vehicles which insulate the operator from such adverse environmental
conditions by filtering and conditioning the air inside the cab. One approach has
been to dispose the components of an HVAC system in a housing having air inlet

and outlet apertures. The housing is then mounted to the vehicle roof or
installed into the roof structure. This results in a cumbersome structure which
does not optimize the available space and frequently intrudes into the operator's
station impairing the free movement of the operator and sometimes obstructing
the operator's field of view. Similarly, the ducts, hoses, conduits, wiring and inlet
and outlet vents are typically positioned based upon available space rather than
efficient ergonomic placement.
Previous attempts at overcoming these disadvantages have involved the use of
one piece roto-molded roof structures which have a well or compartment

formed therein to receive the HVAC unit and having air ducts and vents molded
into the roof structure. Such attempts have created their own disadvantages. For
example, roto-molded parts do not have a high degree of dimensional stability
and thus present a number of fit, mount-up and aesthetic difficulties. Further,
one piece designs do not allow access for servicing, and present difficulties in the
routing of conduit and wiring.
US 3522839 discloses an air conditioner for heating, cooling, and pressurizing
vehicle cabs. This literature does not specifically discuss a vehicle roof structure.
A two piece molded roof structure is provided for enclosing the cab of a work
vehicle. The roof structure has an upper roof member mounted to a lower roof
member. The lower roof member has a plurality of contours and apertures for
receiving the components of an HVAC system, and for defining air passages.
When the upper and lower roof members are joined discrete air passages are
formed between the roof members. The roof structure includes fresh and
recirculated air intakes communicating via an uncirculated air duct and with an
HVAC core chamber housing an HVAC core. Filters are mounted in the air
intakes. One or more blowers communicate between the core chamber and a
conditioned air duct which has vents communicating with the cab interior. Air is
thus drawn in through the intakes and directed through the unconditioned air
duct to the HVAC core and then the blower expels the air into the conditioned air
duct and into the vehicle cab.
Accordingly, there is a clear need in the art for a molded roof structure for a
work vehicle which incorporates the components of an HVAC system into the

structure itself in a way that facilitates servicing, routing of lines, and ergonomic
placement of ducts and vents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide a two piece
roof structure having the necessary intakes, ducts and vents for the HVAC
system formed therein.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a two piece roof structure
having means for housing the HVAC components within the roof itself.
A further object of the invention is to provide a two piece roof structure which
facilitates servicing of HVAC components and routing of HVAC lines.
An additional object of the invention is the provision of a two piece roof structure
which can be compression molded using known techniques.
The foregoing and other objects of the invention together with the advantages
thereof over the known art which will become apparent from the detailed
specification which follows are attained by two piece vehicle roof structure for
enclosing one or more sidewalls to define a vehicle cab comprising a lower roof
member; a core chamber formed in the lower roof member, the core chamber
having at least one condensate well and drain; at least one HVAC core

comprising heating and cooling elements disposed in the core chamber, the
HVAC core having input and output lines; at least one fresh air duct molded in
the lower roof member; at least one fresh air intake louver removably mounted
to the fresh air duct; at least one first air intake aperture in the fresh air duct; at
least one fresh air filter removably mounted in the first air intake aperture; at
least one fresh air dust tray removably mounted to the fresh air duct; at least
one unconditioned air duct communicating between the fresh air intake aperture
and fresh air filter and the HVAC core chamber, wherein the lines of the HVAC
core are routed through the unconditioned air duct; at least one second air
intake aperture in the unconditioned air duct; at least one recirculated air filter
removably mounted to the second air intake aperture; at least one conditioned
air duct formed in the lower roof member, the conditioned air duct having a duct
cover affixed thereto; at least one conditioned air vent formed in the conditioned
air duct, the conditioned air vent having a control louver affixed thereto; at least
one blower disposed in a contoured blower area of the core chamber, the blower
having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet drawing air from the core chamber and
the outlet expelling air into the conditioned air duct, wherein the lower roof
member comprises a partition wall adjacent to the blower area for routing air
from the unconditioned air duct through the HVAC cores; and an upper roof
member having at least one removable acess panel covering at least one acess
aperture mounted to the lower roof member to enclose the core chamber, the
unconditioned air duct, and the conditioned air duct to form discrete air passages
between the roof members the upper roof member and the lower roof member
having a mastic seal interposed therebetween, and wherein one of the one or

more sidewalls defining the sides of a vehicle cab are interposed between the
first air intake aperture and the second air intake aperture so that the first air
intake aperture receives air from outside the cab and the second air intake
aperture receives air from inside the cab.
Other objects of the invention are attained by a two piece vehicle roof structure
comprising: an upper roof member; a lower roof member having an upper side
and a lower side; a core chamber formed in the lower roof member, at least one
HVAC core disposed in the core chamber; at least one fresh air duct molded in
the lower side of the lower roof member; at least one fresh air intake louver
removably mounted to the fresh air duct; at least one first air intake aperture in
the fresh air duct; at least one fresh air filter removably mounted in the first air
intake aperture; at least one fresh air dust tray removably mounted to the fresh
air duct; at least one unconditioned air duct communicating between the fresh
air intake aperture and fresh air filter and the HVAC core chamber; at least one
second air intake aperture in the unconditioned air duct; at least one recirculated
air filter removably mounted to the second air intake aperture at least one
conditioned air duct formed in the lower roof member; at least one conditioned
air vent formed in the conditioned air duct; and at least one blower disposed in
the core chamber, the blower having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet drawing air
from the core chamber and the outlet expelling air into the conditioned air duct;
wherein the upper roof member is mounted to the lower

roof member to enclose the core chamber, the unconditioned air duct, and the
conditioned air duct to form discrete air passages between the roof members.
[0011] Still other objects of the invention are attained by a two piece roof structure
for enclosing one or more sidewalls to define a vehicle cab comprising: a lower roof
member; a core chamber formed in the lower roof member, the core chamber having
at least one condensate well and drain; at least one HVAC core comprising heating
and cooling elements disposed in the core chamber, the HVAC core having input
and output lines; at least one fresh air duct molded in the lower roof member; at least
one fresh air intake louver removably mounted to the fresh air duct; at least one first
air intake aperture in the fresh air duct; at least one fresh air filter removably
mounted in the first air intake aperture; at least one fresh air dust tray removably
mounted to the fresh air duct; at least one unconditioned air duct communicating
between the fresh air intake aperture and fresh air fitter and the HVAC core
chamber, wherein the lines of the HVAC core are routed through the unconditioned
air duct; at least one second air intake aperture in the unconditioned air duct; at least
one recirculated air filter removably mounted to the second air intake aperture; at
least one conditioned air duct formed in the lower roof member, the conditioned air
duct having a duct cover affixed thereto; at least one conditioned air vent formed in
the conditioned air duct the conditioned air vent having a control louver affixed
thereto; at least one blower disposed in a contoured blower area of the core
chamber, the blower having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet drawing air from the core
chamber and the outlet expelling air into the conditioned air duct, wherein the lower
roof member includes a partition wall adjacent to the blower area for routing air from
the unconditioned air duct through the HVAC cores; an upper roof member having at
least one removable access panel covering at least one access aperture mounted to
the lower roof member to enclose the core chamber, the unconditioned air duct, and
the conditioned air duct to form discrete air passages between the roof members, the
upper roof member and lower roof member having a mastic seal interposed
therebetween, and wherein one of the one or more sidewalls defining the vehicle cab
are interposed between the first air intake aperture and the second air intake

aperture so that the first air intake aperture receives air from outside the cab and the
second air intake aperture receives air from inside the cab.
[0012] In general, a two piece molded roof structure is provided for enclosing the
cab of a work vehicle. The roof structure has an upper roof member mounted to a
lower roof member. The lower roof member has a plurality of contours and
apertures for receiving the components of an HVAC system, and for defining air
passages. When the upper and lower roof members are joined discrete air
passages are formed between the roof members. The roof structure includes fresh
and recirculated air intakes communicating via an unconditioned air duct and with an
HVAC core chamber housing an HVAC core. Filters are mounted in the air intakes.
One or more blowers communicate between the core chamber and a conditioned air
duct which has vents communicating with the cab interior. Air is thus drawn in
through the intakes and directed through the unconditioned air duct to the HVAC
core and then the blower expels the air into the conditioned air duct and into the
vehicle cab.
[0013] To acquaint persons skilled in the art most closely related to the present
invention, one preferred embodiment of the invention that illustrates the best mode
now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by and
with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The
exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to show all of the
various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such,
the embodiment shown and described herein is illustrative, and as will become
apparent to those skilled in the art, can be modified in numerous ways within the
spirit and scope of the invention-the invention being measured by the appended
claims and not by the details of the specification.
Brief Description of the Accompaying Drawings
[0014] For a complete understanding of the objects, techniques, and structure of

the invention reference should be made to the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0015] Fig 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle cab showing the roof
structure of the present invention;
[0016] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the upper side of the lower roof member;
[0017] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lower side of the lower roof member;
[0018] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the lower roof member and
the components of the HVAC system;
[0019] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the upper side of the upper roof
member; and,
[0020] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the roof structure of Fig. 1 taken along the
line 6-6.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0021] Referring now to the drawings it will be seen that a two-piece molded roof is
designated generally by the numeral 10. Roof 10 is comprised generally of a lower
roof member 12 and an upper roof member 14. Roof members 12 and 14 are
preferably compression molded from a sheet molding compound (SMC). SMC is
typically a thermoset composite material comprised of polyester or vinyl ester resin,
glass fiber, calcium chloride and in some cases pigment. This material is formed into
parts using a vertical press with a matched steel mold. With reference to the
drawings it will be seen that lower roof member 12 is a unitarily molded structure
having a plurality of apertures, contours, and recesses molded therein. A core
chamber 24 is provided in the lower roof member 12 for receiving the HVAC cores
26. HVAC cores 26 are preferably comprised of an air conditioning evaporator 26A
and a heater core 26B to provide both heating and cooling functions. The thermo-
switch and resistor for the HVAC can also be mounted in the core chamber 24 by
means of an appropriate bracket or the like. Core chamber 24 is also provided with
a pair of condensate wells 25 having condensate drain apertures 27 therein for
draining away condensate from the cores 26. Appropriate drain tubes and/or valves

may be connected at the apertures 27 to direct the flow of condensate as needed. A
pair of blowers 28 are disposed in the core chamber 24 in blower areas 30, specially
contoured to receive the blowers 28. Each blower 28 has an air inlet 32 and an air
outlet 34. A pair of conditioned air ducts 36 are formed in the lower roof member 12
adjacent to the blower areas 30 such that conditioned air from HVAC cores 26 is
passed through the blowers 28 via the air inlets 32 and expelled at an elevated
pressure and velocity into the conditioned air ducts 36. The conditioned air is
distributed into the cab by way of conditioned air vents 38 molded in the conditioned
air ducts 36 of lower roof member 12. While the drawings depict three conditioned
air vents 38 in each duct 36, those skilled in the art will recognize that more or less
vents may be utilized in various locations as dictated by need or desire. It should be
apparent that each conditioned air vent 38 may be fitted with control louvers (not
shown) to allow an operator to more precisely control the amount and direction of air
flow within the cab. Conditioned air ducts 36 may be fitted with duct covers 40 to
maintain the conditioned air at an elevated pressure within the ducts 36 while
allowing for insulation between the conditioned air ducts 36 and the upper roof
member 14. Duct covers 40 are optional and may be used to seal the conditioned
air ducts 36. Alternatively sealing means may be provided between the lower 12 and
upper 14 roof members to provide air-tight enclosure of the ducts 36 in lieu of duct
covers 40. It is preferred to use a foam or mastic type seal between the duct covers
40 and the lower roof member 12 to ensure an air-tight enclosure.
[0022] Adjacent to each conditioned air duct 36 is an unconditioned air duct 42.
Each unconditioned air duct 42 includes a first air intake aperture 44 and a second
air intake aperture 46. First air intake aperture 44 is disposed along the outer
periphery of the lower roof member 12 and is adapted to receive a first filter element
48. First filter element 48 is removably fitted into a fresh air duct 50 molded into the
underside of lower roof member 12 and surrounding the first air intake aperture 44.
Fresh air duct 50 is enclosed by both a removable dust tray 52 in the vicinity of the
first filter element 48 and by a fresh air intake louver 54. Thus fresh air is drawn in
through intake louver 54 and passed through first filter element 48 before entering

the unconditioned air duct 42. The second air intake apertures 46 are each disposed
adjacent to and opposite the first air intake apertures 44 in the unconditioned air duct
42. A second filter element 56 is removably fitted to the second air intake aperture
46. Those having skill in the art will recognize that the unconditioned air ducts 42
are under vacuum induced by the blowers 28. Thus unconditioned air entering the
second air intake aperture 46 is passed through the second filter element 56 before
entering the unconditioned air duct 42. It should be apparent from the drawings that
the conditioned air ducts 36 are isolated from the unconditioned air ducts 42.
Accordingly, unfiltered, unconditioned air is drawn into the air intake apertures 44
and 46 and passes through filter elements 48 and 56 respectively to enter the
unconditioned air duct 42. The filtered air is then directed through the HVAC cores
26 where it is either heated or cooled. The conditioned air then passes into the core
chamber 24 and further into the blowers 28. The blowers 28 expel the conditioned
air at an elevated pressure and velocity into the conditioned air duct 36 where it is
directed into the cab by way of the conditioned air vents 38. Partition walls 58 are
provided in the lower roof member 12 to ensure that unconditioned air is passed
through, rather than around, the HVAC cores 26. Tabs 60 are provided on the
HVAC core assembly to matingly engage the partition walls 58. Lines 68 to and from
the HVAC cores 26 are routed through the unconditioned air ducts 42 to apertures
70 provided in the lower roof member 12 for connection to components located
elsewhere on the vehicle.
[0023] Upper roof member 14 has essentially the same peripheral profile as the
lower roof member 12. Accordingly, upper roof member 14 is matingly fitted to the
lower roof member 12 to enclose the areas containing the HVAC components. As
such the upper roof member 14 serves to enclose the ducts 36 and 42 and the core
chamber 24 to form discrete air passages within the roof 10. However, as previously
discussed above duct covers 40 may be utilized to enclose the conditioned air ducts
36. Upper roof member 14 further includes removable access panels 62 and 64 to
permit servicing of the HVAC components through access apertures 72 and 74
respectively. It should also be noted that the roof 10 may be provided with a sun

roof (not shown) without interfering with the HVAC system. To provide roof 10 with a
sun roof it is only necessary to remove the portion of upper roof member 14
designated at 75 and enclose the resulting aperture with an appropriate window or
the like which may be hinged, retractable or removable. Roof member 14 also
includes drainage channels 76 for directing the flow of rain. Those having skill in the
art will recognize that it may be desirable to provide roof 10 with weather stripping
and insulation between the members 12 and 14. It will also be recognized that roof
members 12 and 14 may be joined together using any one of a number of
conventional means including thread cutting fasteners and/or adhesives. It is
preferred to use a mastic type seal around the periphery of the roof members 12 and
14 to provide a weatherproof seal for the assembled roof 10. Foam strip insulation
may also be used to seal the optional duct covers 40 and/or between the roof
members. Additional foam strip insulation may be employed within the roof 10 to
prevent air movement in areas where dead air is used as an insulating technique.
[0024] When assembled roof 10 serves to provide the roof portion of a cab
enclosure for an agricultural vehicle or the like. As such the remainder of the cab
enclosure is defined by a floor (not shown) and sidewalls 66. Sidewalls 66 may be in
the form of metal, plastic or glass panels which are joined to the roof 10 through
conventional means. It should be noted that the sidewalls 66 are sealed to the lower
roof member 12 between the first air intake apertures 44 and the second air intake
apertures 46. Thus outside air, which tends to be dirtier under working conditions, is
drawn into the roof 10 by way of intake louvers 54 and is filtered by first filter
elements 48. Excess debris is trapped in the dust trays 52. First filter elements 48
can be serviced by removing and emptying the dust trays 52 from outside the cab to
provide access to the filter element 48. Cab air is recirculated by drawing air from
inside the cab through the second air intake aperture 46 and second filter element
56. Second filter element 56 may be serviced from inside the cab. Unconditioned
air from inside and outside the cab is combined in the unconditioned air duct 42
before being directed to the HVAC cores. When assembled the roof 10 further
includes a pair of drip edges 78 and 80 which serve to facilitate dripping of water at

the prescribed locations rather than being directed to the sidewalls 66 and the seal
between the sidewalls 66 and roof 10. A first drip edge 78 is provided at the joint
between upper roof member 14 and lower roof member 12 around the periphery of
roof 10. Drip edge 78 allows a large percentage of the water flowing off roof 10 to
drip off without flowing into the sidewall area. Excess water which flows past first
drip edge 78 and over the lower surface of lower roof member 12 drips away at the
second drip edge 80. Second drip edge 80 is formed by a concave channel molded
into lower roof member 14.
[0025] It is contemplated that the various air intakes, vents, filters and the like may
be provided in various locations and numbers without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. For example it may be desirable to provide access to all filters
from inside or outside the cab as the vehicle design dictates. It is further
contemplated that the roof 10 may be fitted with a number of fixtures such as lights,
entertainment systems or instrumentation which may necessitate relocation of the
above described elements of the invention, such variations are within the scope of
the invention.
[0026] Thus it can be seen that the objects of the invention have been satisfied by
the structure presented above. While in accordance with the patent statutes, only
the best mode and preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented and
described in detail, it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of
the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the
best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to
thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the
invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance
with the breadth to which they are fairly and legally entitled.

WE CLAIM
1. Two piece vehicle roof structure (10) for enclosing one or more sidewalls
to define a vehicle cab comprising:
a lower roof member (12);
a core chamber (24) formed in the lower roof member (12), the core
chamber (24) having at least one condensate well (25) and drain (27);
at least one HVAC core (26) comprising heating and cooling elements
(26A, 26B) disposed in the core chamber (24), the HVAC core (26) having
input and output lines (68);
at least one fresh air duct (50) molded in the lower roof member (12);
at least one fresh air intake louver (54) removably mounted to the fresh
air duct (50);
at least one first air intake aperture (44) in the fresh air duct (50);
at least one fresh air filter (48) removably mounted in the first air intake
aperture (44);
at least one fresh air dust tray (52) removably mounted to the fresh air
duct (50);
at least one unconditioned air duct (42) communicating between the fresh
air intake aperture (44) and fresh air filter (48) and the HVAC core
chamber (26), wherein the lines (68) of the HVAC core (26) are routed
through the unconditioned air duct (42);

at least one second air intake aperture (46) in the unconditioned air duct
(42);
at least one recirculated air filter (45) removably mounted to the second
air intake aperture (46);
at least one conditioned air duct (36) formed in the lower roof member
(12), the conditioned air duct (36) having a duct cover (40) affixed
thereto;
at least one conditioned air vent (38) formed in the conditioned air duct
(36), the conditioned air vent (38) having a control louver (54) affixed
thereto;
at least one blower (28) disposed in a contoured blower area (30) of the
core chamber (24), the blower (28) having an inlet (32) and an outlet
(34), the inlet (32) drawing air from the core chamber (24) and the outlet
(34) expelling air into the conditioned air duct (36), wherein the lower
roof member (12) comprises a partition wall (58) adjacent to the blower
area (30) for routing air from the unconditioned air duct (42) through the
HVAC cores (26); and
an upper roof member (14) having at least one removable acess panel
(62, 64) covering at least one acess aperture (72, 74) mounted to the
lower roof member (12) to enclose the core chamber (24), the
unconditioned air duct (42), and the conditioned air duct (36) to form
discrete air passages between the roof members (12, 14) the upper roof
member (14) and the lower roof member (12) having a mastic seal
interposed therebetween, and wherein one of the one or more sidewalls

(66) defining the sides of a vehicle cab are interposed between the first
air intake aperture (44) and the second air intake aperture (46) so that
the first air intake aperture (44) receives air from outside the cab and the
second air intake aperture (46) receives air from inside the cab.
2. Two piece vehicle roof structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the HVAC
cores (26) have tabs (60) to matingly engage the partition walls (58).
3. Two piece vehicle roof structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a resistor
and thermo switch for the HVAC cores (26) are mounted in the core
chamber (24).
4. Two piece vehicle roof structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper
and lower roof members (14, 12) are compression molded from sheet
molding compound.
5. Two piece vehicle roof structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper
roof member (14) comprises a sun roof.
6. Two piece vehicle roof structure as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least
one drip edge (78, 80).
7. Two piece vehicle roof structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at
least one drip edge (80) is a concave channel formed in the lower roof
member (12).

8. Two piece vehicle roof structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at
least one drip edge (78) is provided at a joint between the upper and
lower roof members (14, 12).

The invention relates to two piece vehicle roof structure (10) for enclosing one or
more sidewalls to define a vehicle cab comprising: a lower roof member (12); a
core chamber (24) formed in the lower roof member (12), the core chamber (24)
having at least one condensate well (25) and drain (27); at least one HVAC core
(26) comprising heating and cooling elements (26A, 26B) disposed in the core
chamber (24), the HVAC core (26) having input and output lines (68); at least
one fresh air duct (50) molded in the lower roof member (12); at least one fresh
air intake louver (54) removably mounted to the fresh air duct (50); at least one
first air intake aperture (44) in the fresh air duct (50); at least one fresh air filter
(48) removably mounted in the first air intake aperture (44); at least one fresh
air dust tray (52) removably mounted to the fresh air duct (50); at least one
unconditioned air duct (42) communicating between the fresh air intake aperture
(44) and fresh air filter (48) and the HVAC core chamber (26), wherein the lines
(68) of the HVAC core (26) are routed through the unconditioned air duct (42);
at least one second air intake aperture (46) in the unconditioned air duct (42); ?t
least one recirculated air filter (45) removably mounted to the second air intake
aperture (46); at least one conditioned air duct (36) formed in the lower roof
member (12), the conditioned air duct (36) having a duct cover (40) affixed
thereto; at least one conditioned air vent (38) formed in the conditioned air duct
(36), the conditioned air vent (38) having a control louver (54) affixed thereto;

at least one blower (28) disposed in a contoured blower area (30) of the core
chamber (24), the blower (28) having an inlet (32) and an outlet (34), the inlet
(32) drawing air from the core chamber (24) and the outlet (34) expelling air
into the conditioned air duct (36), wherein the lower roof member (12)
comprises a partition wall (58) adjacent to the blower area (30) for routing air
from the unconditioned air duct (42) through the HVAC cores (26); and an upper
roof member (14) having at least one removable acess panel (62, 64) covering
at least one acess aperture (72, 74) mounted to the lower roof member (12) to
enclose the core chamber (24), the unconditioned air duct (42), and the
conditioned air duct (36) to form discrete air passages between the roof
members (12, 14) the upper roof member (14) and the lower roof member (12)
having a mastic seal interposed therebetween, and wherein one of the one or
more sidewalls (66) defining the sides of a vehicle cab are interposed between
the first air intake aperture (44) and the second air intake aperture (46) so that
the first air intake aperture (44) receives air from outside the cab and the second
air intake aperture (46) receives air from inside the cab.

Documents:

037-KOL-2004-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

037-KOL-2004-OTHERS.pdf

037-KOL-2004-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT 1.1.pdf

37-KOL-2004-(09-03-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

37-KOL-2004-(09-03-2012)-FORM-27.pdf

37-KOL-2004-(09-03-2012)-OTHERS.pdf

37-KOL-2004-(09-03-2012)-PA-CERTIFIED COPIES.pdf

37-KOL-2004-(25-08-2011)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

37-KOL-2004-(25-08-2011)-OTHERS PATENT DOCUMENTS.pdf

37-KOL-2004-(25-08-2011)-PA.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-abstract.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-claims.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-correspondence.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-description (complete).pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-drawings.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-examination report.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-form 1.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-form 18.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-form 2.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-form 26.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-form 3.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-form 5.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-specification.pdf

37-kol-2004-granted-translated copy of priority document.tif


Patent Number 227166
Indian Patent Application Number 37/KOL/2004
PG Journal Number 02/2009
Publication Date 09-Jan-2009
Grant Date 05-Jan-2009
Date of Filing 27-Jan-2004
Name of Patentee DEERE & COMPANY.
Applicant Address MOLINE ILLINOIS 61265
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 SHUTTLEWORTH, ADAM JOE 310 IOWA STREET, DENVER, IA 50622
2 FRYK, BRUCE KEVIN 2165 HAWTHORNE AVENUE, WAVERLY, IA 50677
PCT International Classification Number B60H 1/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10/354,248 2003-01-29 U.S.A.