Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Sarl

Jamison T Sasser

Reid W Waitt

Alan A Davidovich

John Robert Beaton

Andrew S Miller

A hold-open mechanism for a canopy of a skid steer loader machine is described herein. The hold-open mechanism includes a support block secured to a frame of the machine, a wedging block secured to the canopy, and a prop device. A bracket is connected at a body portion to the support block and extends therefrom for termination at a head portion. A pair of arms extend perpendicularly from the body portion. The prop device has a bar with first and second end portions and a lever connected to the bar and supported within the arms of the bracket. A biasing spring is positioned on the bracket adjacent the bar for biasing the prop device to a working location from a resting location. In a closed position, the canopy is forced against the biasing action of the spring to maintain the prop device in the resting location. The movement of the canopy from the closed position to an open position automatically biases the prop device to the working location wherein the first end portion of the bar is seated on the support block and the second end portion abuts the wedging block to hold the canopy in the open position.

Automatic hold-open mechanism for a canopy of a machine

The present invention for a construction machine includes a control knob which is connected to a brake pedal and located remotely therefrom within an operator's compartment. The control knob depresses the brake pedal a predetermined amount to achieve neutralization of the hydrostatic transmission. Neutralization of the hydrostatic transmission is presently available by continuous direct application of the brake pedal. The control knob is adjustable within a plurality of positions to set a selected ground speed which, in turn, allows for increased hydraulic power availability to an implement achieved through the hydrostatic transmission neutralization. An electrical circuit is provided that includes a limit switch which overrides the actuation of a brake light signal unless an operator directly applies pressure to the brake pedal. Therefore, the brake light signal is not actuated during the remote setting of the control knob. The ability to remotely neutralize the hydrostatic transmission and maintain a set ground speed for increased implement control eliminates the need for continuous direct application of the brake pedal which increases operator flexibility and freedom and decreases operator fatigue.

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Apex, NC, United States of America

Jamison T Sasser