Case Corporation

Paul M Elhardt

Thomas G Lykken

Thompson M Rivers

Disclosed herein is a work vehicle, such as a tractor, having a frame, a compartment, a hood coupled to the frame and configured to at least partially cover the compartment when disposed in a closed position; and a mechanism coupling the hood to the frame, the mechanism configured to move the hood between the closed position and at least one at least partially opened position, the mechanism including at least one four-bar linkage, a first bar of the linkage including a portion of the frame and a second bar of the linkage including a portion of the hood, the vehicle further having a support member configured to engage the at least one linkage at predetermined positions and thereby immobilize the hood against further changes in position. The support member has a first portion movably secured to the vehicle, a second portion configured as a handle, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second portions and including at least one catch member disposed to engage an engaging member of the at least one linkage. The vehicle includes a primary latch for securing the hood to the frame in the closed position, and a secondary latch for backing up the primary latch in the closed position by engaging a support member catch with an engaging member of the at least one linkage. The vehicle further comprises a coupler coupling the support member to the primary latch whereby the support member functions as a single lever actuating device of both the primary and secondary latches. The vehicle further comprises at least one biasing device selectable in spring constant and preload and configurable in locating of mounting whereby a particular biasing device may be used to balance a hood of particular weight and weight distribution in the open, closed, and intermediate positions.

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Fargo, ND, United States of America

Paul M Elhardt