DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to add-on cabins for vehicles and more particularly, to a configuration and a method for mounting and sealing an add-on cabin to a vehicle (tractor or other similar vehicle), which facilitates strong (secure) mounting of the add-on cabin to the vehicle, efficiently dampens the vibrations and noise generated during the operation of the vehicle thereby restricting the transfer of vibrations and noise from the vehicle to the add-on cabin, restricts ingress of dust, water and/or foreign particles into the add-on cabin, and enhances the air condition (AC) inside the add-on cabin.

BACKGROUND
[002] The agricultural tractor cabin is gaining momentum nowadays to fulfill the customer (operator) needs by meeting their comfort and safety requirements. Vehicles such as tractors or other similar vehicles are provided with a cabin to protect a driver (operator) from harsh environment, dust and also to provide air conditioned space. Cabins serve as roll over protection structures (ROPS) to protect the driver against injury from rollover (overturning) of the vehicle. The two types of cabin used in vehicles such as tractors or other similar vehicles are integrated cabin and add-on cabin. The integrated cabin is a type of cabin that is integral part of the tractor rear sheet metal like fender and floor panel (all these parts are welded together). If the integrated cabin is removed (dismantled) from the vehicle, then the vehicle is non- operational or non-functional as the vehicle controls are integral part of the integrated cabin. The add-on cabin is removably connected to a chassis of the vehicle by using fasteners. Though the add-on cabin is removed (dismantled) from the vehicle, the vehicle is still operational or functional as vehicle controls are not integral part of the add-on cabin. Conventional mounting system and method for mounting the add-on cabin to the vehicle (tractor or other similar vehicles) is complex in design, difficult to implement and is one of the challenges posed to the original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s). The mounting structures used for mounting the add-on cabin to vehicle chassis should be strong enough to meet the ROPS and durability requirements as the add-on cabin does not get any support from the tractor components. In some vehicles, the cabin mounting structures are disposed (oriented) along a horizontal direction between the chassis of the vehicle and the add-on cabin. The vibrations and noise generated during the operation of the vehicle should not be transferred to the add-on cabin therein to enhance the comfort level of the operator (driver) inside the add-on cabin. The location of fuel tank of the vehicle is on the scuttle of the vehicle and the add-on cabin requires an arrangement which should provide sufficient clearance for opening and closing of the fuel lid when the add-on cabin is mounted on the vehicle (tractor).
[003] The add-on cabin needs sufficient clearance (gap) all around the vehicle (tractor or other similar vehicles) so as to allow a relative movement of the vehicle and the add-on cabin when the add-on cabin is mounted to the vehicle. The clearance between the add-on cabin and corresponding parts (components) of the vehicle needs to be sealed therein to restrict ingress of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin and also for air conditioned (AC) requirement inside the add-on cabin. The sealing arrangement for the add-on cabin mounted to the vehicle is difficult in general and especially difficult for sealing the clearance (minor gap) between corresponding frame portion of the add-on cabin, and at least one of a scuttle and a fender of the vehicle, and is one of the challenges posed to the original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) as there is always a relative movement between the add-on cabin and the vehicle parts (scuttle, floor and fender).
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a configuration and a method for mounting and sealing an add-on cabin to a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a configuration and a method for mounting and sealing an add-on cabin to a vehicle (tractor or other similar vehicle), which facilitates strong (secure) mounting of the add-on cabin to the vehicle, efficiently dampens the vibrations and noise generated during the operation of the vehicle thereby restricting the transfer of vibrations and noise from the vehicle to the add-on cabin, restricts ingress of dust, water and/or foreign particles into the add-on cabin, and enhances the air condition (AC) inside the add-on cabin.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for mounting and sealing an add-on cabin to a vehicle.
[007] The objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[009] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a vehicle, where an add-on cabin is mounted to the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a chassis of the vehicle, a plurality of first mounting brackets and a plurality of first vibration dampening means in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the chassis, a plurality of second mounting brackets and a plurality of second vibration dampening means in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a cabin frame of the add-on cabin mounted to the first mounting brackets and the second mounting brackets through first vibration dampening means and second vibration dampening means respectively, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a partial perspective view of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin mounted to the second mounting brackets through corresponding second vibration dampening means, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the first mounting bracket, the first vibration dampening means and the add-on cabin in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the second mounting bracket, the second vibration dampening means and the add-on cabin in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a first mounting bracket of the configuration for mounting the add-on cabin to the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a second mounting bracket of the configuration for mounting the add-on cabin to the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a cabin frame of the add-on cabin for the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of a scuttle engaging frame portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin, a scuttle sealing bracket and a scuttle sealing means, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of the scuttle sealing bracket and the scuttle sealing means disposed between the scuttle engaging frame portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin and a scuttle of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 13 depicts another perspective view of the scuttle sealing bracket and the scuttle sealing means disposed between the scuttle engaging frame portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin and the scuttle of the vehicle, where the scuttle engaging frame portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin and the scuttle sealing bracket defines a predefined space for easy opening and closing of a fuel lid, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0022] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the scuttle sealing bracket, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0023] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of the scuttle sealing means, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0024] FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the scuttle sealing bracket and the scuttle sealing means in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0025] FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of a scuttle bottom sealing cover assembled to corresponding portion of the scuttle and a front floor mat cover, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0026] FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a scuttle bottom sealing cover, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0027] FIG. 19 depicts an exploded view of a front floor sealing means and a floor panel of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0028] FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a rear floor sealing cover connected to a rear floor panel, corresponding fenders and a rear frame portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0029] FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of a plurality of fender rear corner sealing brackets and a plurality of fender rear corner sealing means disposed between corresponding portion of the rear frame portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin and corresponding fender, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0030] FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of the rear floor sealing cover connected to corresponding fender and the rear floor panel by fixing plates and velcro joinery, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0031] FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of the fender rear corner sealing bracket and the fender rear corner sealing means disposed between corresponding portion of the rear frame portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin and corresponding fender, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0032] FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of a plurality of first fender sealing means disposed between corresponding portion of corresponding fender engaging portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin and corresponding portion of corresponding fender, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0033] FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of a plurality of second fender sealing means connected to corresponding portion of corresponding fender, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0034] FIG. 26 depicts a cross-sectional view of the second fender sealing means disposed between the fender engaging portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin and corresponding fender, where a fender beading is connected to fender engaging portion of the cabin frame of the add-on cabin and corresponding fender, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0035] FIG. 27 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method for mounting and sealing an add-on cabin to a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0037] The embodiments herein achieve a configuration and a method for mounting and sealing an add-on cabin to a vehicle (tractor or other similar vehicle), which facilitates strong (secure) mounting of the add-on cabin to the vehicle, efficiently dampens the vibrations and noise generated during the operation of the vehicle thereby restricting the transfer of vibrations and noise from the vehicle to the add-on cabin, restricts ingress of dust, water and/or foreign particles into the add-on cabin, and enhances the air condition (AC) inside the add-on cabin. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1 through 27, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a vehicle V, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vehicle V includes an add-on cabin 10, a chassis C (also known as transmission chassis, as shown in fig. 2 to fig. 5), a plurality of fenders F (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 21 to fig. 26), a scuttle S (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 11 to fig. 13), a floor panel P (as shown in fig. 19), a front floor mat cover M (as shown in fig. 17), a rear floor panel R (as shown in fig. 20 and fig. 22), a fuel lid L (as shown in fig. 1a and fig .13), a configuration 100 for mounting and sealing the add-on cabin 10 to the vehicle V, and may include other standard components/systems as present in standard vehicle. In an embodiment, the configuration 100 includes a plurality of first mounting brackets 102 (as shown in fig. 2, fig. 4, fig. 6 and fig. 8), a plurality of second mounting brackets 104 (as shown in fig. 3 to fig. 5, fig. 7 and fig. 9), a plurality of first vibration dampening means 106 (as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 6), a plurality of second vibration dampening means 107 (as shown in fig. 3 and fig. 7), a scuttle sealing bracket 108 (as shown in fig. 11 to fig. 14 and fig. 16), a scuttle sealing means 110 (as shown in fig. 11, fig. 12, fig. 15 and fig. 16), a scuttle bottom sealing cover 112 (as shown in fig. 12, fig. 17 and fig. 18), a front floor sealing means 114 (as shown in fig. 19), a rear floor sealing cover 116 (as shown in fig. 20 to fig. 22), a first rear floor sealing means (not shown), a second rear floor sealing means (not shown), a plurality of fender rear corner sealing brackets 118 (as shown in fig. 21 and fig. 23), a plurality of fender rear corner sealing means 120 (as shown in fig. 21 and fig. 23, a plurality of first fender sealing means 122 (as shown in fig. 24 and fig. 25), a plurality of second fender sealing means 124 (as shown in fig. 25 and fig. 26) and a plurality of beading means 126 (as shown in fig. 1). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the configuration 100 for mounting and sealing the add-on cabin 10 is explained herein below with reference to be provided to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice/implement the components of the configuration 100 in a construction vehicle or an off-road vehicle or any other type of vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the configuration 100 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0039] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The add-on cabin 10 is used to protect a driver (operator driving the vehicle) from harsh environment, water, dust (foreign particles) and also to provide air conditioned space. The add-on cabin 10 serve as roll over protection structures (ROPS) to protect the driver against injury from rollover (overturning) of the vehicle V. Floor panel P and firewall (not shown) are integrated with the vehicle V and are not present in the add-on cabin 10. The add-on cabin 10 is removably mounted to the plurality of first mounting brackets 102 and the plurality of second mounting brackets 104 through corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 and corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 respectively thereby mounting (securely mounting) the add-on cabin 10 to the vehicle V, where each first mounting bracket 102 and each second mounting bracket 104 is removably connected to the corresponding portion of the chassis C of the vehicle V. In an embodiment, the add-on cabin 10 includes a cabin frame 12, a plurality of transparent glasses 14 (windshield glasses) and may include other standard components as present in standard add-on cabin. The cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 includes a scuttle engaging frame portion 12s (center frame portion of the cabin frame 12), a plurality of fender engaging frame portions 12f, a rear frame portion 12r, a plurality of A-pillars 12a, a plurality of B pillars 12b, a plurality of C-pillars 12c, a plurality of first mounting frame portions 12d, a plurality of second mounting frame portions 12e and may include other standard portions as present in standard add-on cabin frame. The scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 substantially defines a U-shaped configuration. The scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 is disposed above the scuttle S of the vehicle V. The scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 extends along the profile of the scuttle S. Each fender engaging frame portions 12f of the cabin frame 12 is adapted to engage corresponding fender F of the vehicle V. Each fender engaging frame portions 12f of the cabin frame 12 extends along the profile of the corresponding fender F.
[0040] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a first mounting bracket 102 of the configuration 100 for mounting the add-on cabin 10 to the vehicle V, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, each first mounting bracket 102 is used to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the add-on cabin 10 to the first mounting bracket 102 through corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 thereby mounting the add-on cabin 10 to the chassis C of the vehicle V. Each first mounting bracket 102 also facilitates mounting (removable mounting) of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106. The plurality of first mounting brackets 102 are removably connected to corresponding portion of the chassis C. The plurality of first mounting brackets 102 are adjacent to a front side of the chassis C, where one of the first mounting bracket 102 is on the left hand side and the other first mounting bracket 102 is on the right hand side. In an embodiment, each first mounting bracket 102 includes a first mounting portion 102a, an intermediate portion 102b, a second mounting portion 102c, a plurality of reinforcement members 102d, a fixing plate 102e and a support plate 102f (as shown in fig. 6). The first mounting portion 102a of each first mounting bracket 102 is adapted to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the first mounting bracket 102 (as shown in fig. 2) to corresponding portion of the chassis C of the vehicle V. The first mounting portion 102a of each first mounting bracket 102 defines a plurality of fastener member receiving portions 102g adapted to receive corresponding fasteners (not shown) therein to secure corresponding first mounting bracket 102 to corresponding portion of the chassis C, where each fastener member receiving portion 102g can be considered to be an opening. The intermediate portion 102b of each first mounting bracket 102 extends from the first mounting portion 102a at a predefined angle. The intermediate portion 102b of each first mounting bracket 102 is between the first mounting portion 102a and the second mounting portion 102c. The second mounting portion 102c of each first mounting bracket 102 transversely extends from the intermediate portion 102b. The second mounting portion 102c of each first mounting bracket 102 is used to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of corresponding first mounting frame portion 12d (as shown in fig. 4) of the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding first mounting bracket 102 through corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 thereby facilitating mounting the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding first mounting bracket 102. The second mounting portion 102c of each first mounting bracket 102 is also used to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to the first mounting bracket 102. The second mounting portion 102c of each first mounting bracket 102 defines a vibration damper member receiving portion 102v and a plurality of fastener member receiving portions (not shown). The vibration damper member receiving portion 102v of the second mounting portion 102c of each first mounting bracket 102 is adapted to receive a vibration dampening body 106b (as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 6) of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 therein to facilitate mounting of a mounting portion 106m (as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 6) of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to the second mounting portion 102c of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 thereby facilitating mounting of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to the first mounting bracket 102. The vibration damper member receiving portion 102v of the second mounting portion 102c of each first mounting bracket 102 can be considered to be an opening. The plurality of fastener member receiving portions (not shown) of the second mounting portion 102c of each first mounting bracket 102 is adapted to receive corresponding fasteners (not shown) therein to secure the mounting portion 106m of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to the second mounting portion 102c of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 thereby securing corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to corresponding first mounting bracket 102, where the fastener member receiving portions (not shown) of the second mounting portion 102c of each first mounting bracket 102 can be considered to be an opening. The plurality of reinforcement members 102d of each first mounting bracket 102 is used to reinforce (provides stiffness to) the first mounting bracket 102. The plurality of reinforcement members 102d of each first mounting bracket 102 is connected to the first mounting bracket 102 by welding, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. Each reinforcement member 102d of each first mounting bracket 102 includes a first portion 102h, a second portion 102i and a third portion 102j. The first portion 102h of each reinforcement member 102d of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 is connected to the rear side of the first mounting portion 102a of the first mounting bracket 102 by welding, where the first portion 102h of each reinforcement member 102d of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 extends along the lengthwise direction of the first mounting portion 102a of the first mounting bracket 102. The second portion 102i of each reinforcement member 102d of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 is connected to the rear side of the intermediate portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 by welding, where the second portion 102i of each reinforcement member 102d of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 extends along the lengthwise direction of the intermediate portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102. The third portion 102j of each reinforcement member 102d of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 is connected to the rear side of the second mounting portion 102c of the first mounting bracket 102 by welding, where the third portion 102j of each reinforcement member 102d of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 extends along the lengthwise direction of the second mounting portion 102c of the first mounting bracket 102. Each reinforcement member 102d of each first mounting bracket 102 substantially defines a L-shape configuration. The fixing plate 102e of each first mounting bracket 102 is used to facilitate mounting of the first mounting portion 102a of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 to corresponding portion of the chassis C. The fixing plate 102e of each first mounting bracket 102 is connected to the rear side of the first mounting portion 102a of the first mounting bracket 102 by welding, and partly connected to the intermediate portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 by welding. The fixing plate 102e of each first mounting bracket 102 defines a plurality of fastener member receiving portions 102k adapted to receive corresponding fasteners (not shown) therein to secure corresponding first mounting bracket 102 to corresponding portion of the chassis C, where fastener member receiving portions 102k of the fixing plate 102e of each first mounting bracket 102 can be considered to be an opening. A longitudinal axis of each fastener member receiving portion 102k of the fixing plate 102e of each first mounting bracket 102 is co-axial to a longitudinal axis of corresponding fastener member receiving portion 102g of the first mounting portion 102a of corresponding first mounting bracket 102. The support plate 102f of each first mounting bracket 102 is used for supporting corresponding first vibration dampening means 106. The support plate 102f of each first mounting bracket 102 is removably connected to rear side of the vibration dampening body 106b of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106. The support plate 102f of each first mounting bracket 102 includes an opening (not shown) adapted to receive a fastener (not shown) that secures corresponding first mounting frame portion 12d of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 to the vibration dampening body 106b of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106. The support plate 102f of each first mounting bracket 102 is a separate part connected to the rear side of the vibration dampening body 106b of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106. It is also within the scope of the invention to integrate the support plate 102f with corresponding first mounting bracket 102.
[0041] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a second mounting bracket 104 of the configuration 100 for mounting the add-on cabin 10 to the vehicle V, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, each second mounting bracket 104 is used to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the add-on cabin 10 to the second mounting bracket 104 through corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 thereby mounting the add-on cabin 10 to the chassis C of the vehicle V. Each second mounting bracket 104 also facilitates mounting (removable mounting) of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107. The plurality of second mounting brackets 104 are removably connected to corresponding portion of the chassis C. The plurality of second mounting brackets 104 are adjacent to a rear side of the chassis C, where one of the second mounting bracket 104 is on the left hand side and the other second mounting bracket 104 is on the right hand side. In an embodiment, each second mounting bracket 104 includes a base 104a, a plurality of legs 104b, a mounting portion 104c, a reinforcement member 104d and a support plate 104e (as shown in fig. 7). The base 104a of each second mounting bracket 104 is used to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 to corresponding portion of the chassis C. The base 104a of each second mounting bracket 104 defines a plurality of fastener member receiving portion 104f adapted to receive corresponding fasteners (not shown) therein to secure corresponding second mounting bracket 104 to corresponding portion of the chassis C, where each fastener member receiving portion 104f of the base 104a of each second mounting bracket 104 can be considered to be an opening. The plurality of legs 104b of each second mounting bracket 104 is used to support the mounting portion 104c (mounting plate) therein to support the mounting of add-on cabin 10 to the mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 through corresponding second vibration dampening means 107. The plurality of legs 104b of each second mounting bracket 104 are extending from the base 104a in an upward direction towards the mounting portion 104c at a predefined angle from the base 104a, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. One end of each leg 104b of each second mounting bracket 104 is connected to the base 104a of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 by welding. The other end of each leg 104b of each second mounting bracket 104 is used for connecting/supporting the mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The mounting portion 104c of each second mounting bracket 104 is used to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of corresponding second mounting frame portion 12e of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding second mounting bracket 104 through corresponding second vibration dampening means 106 thereby facilitating mounting of the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The mounting portion 104c of each second mounting bracket 104 is also used to facilitate mounting of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The mounting portion 104c of each second mounting bracket 104 is disposed above the plurality of legs 104b of corresponding second mounting bracket 104, and extends between the legs 104b of corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The ends of the mounting portion 104c of each second mounting bracket 104 is connected to corresponding leg 104b of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 by welding. The mounting portion 104c of each second mounting bracket 104 defines a vibration damper member receiving portion 104v and a plurality of fastener member receiving portions 104g. The vibration damper member receiving portion 104v of the mounting portion 104c of each second mounting bracket 104 is adapted to receive a vibration dampening body 106b (as shown in fig. 3 and fig. 7) of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 therein to facilitate mounting of a mounting portion 107m (as shown in fig. 3 and fig. 7) of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to the mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 thereby facilitating mounting of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The vibration damper member receiving portion 104v of the mounting portion 104c of each second mounting bracket 104 can be considered to be an opening. The plurality of fastener member receiving portions 104g of the mounting portion 104c of each second mounting bracket 104 is adapted to receive corresponding fasteners (not shown) therein to secure the mounting portion 107m of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to the mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 thereby securing corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to corresponding second mounting bracket 104, where the fastener member receiving portions 104g of the mounting portion 104c of each second mounting bracket 104 can be considered to be an opening. The reinforcement member 104d of each second mounting bracket 104 is used to reinforce (provide stiffness to) corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The reinforcement member 104d of each second mounting bracket 104 is connected to the base 104a and one of the legs 104b of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 by welding. The support plate 104e of each second mounting bracket 104 is used for supporting corresponding second vibration dampening means 107. The support plate 104e of each second mounting bracket 104 is removably connected to rear side of the vibration dampening body 107b of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107. The support plate 104e of each second mounting bracket 104 includes an opening (not shown) adapted to receive a fastener (not shown) that secures corresponding second mounting frame portion 12e of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 to the vibration dampening body 107b of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107. The support plate 104e of each second mounting bracket 104 is a separate part connected to the rear side of the vibration dampening body 107b of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107. It is also within the scope of the invention to integrate the support plate 104e with corresponding second mounting bracket 104.
[0042] In an embodiment, each first vibration dampening means 106 is used to dampen (absorb) the vibration and noise generated by corresponding components (chassis C and other components) of the vehicle V during the operation of the vehicle V thereby restricting the transfer of vibration and noise from the vehicle V to the add-on cabin 10 therein to enhance the comfort level of the driver (operator driving the vehicle V) inside the add-on cabin 10. Each first vibration dampening means 106 is also used to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding first mounting bracket 102. Each first vibration dampening means 106 is removably mounted to corresponding first mounting bracket 102. In an embodiment, each first vibration dampening means 106 includes a vibration dampening body 106b (as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 6) and a mounting portion 106m (as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 6). The vibration dampening body 106b of each first vibration dampening means 106 is adapted to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of corresponding first mounting frame portion 12d of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 thereby mounting the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding first mounting bracket 102. The vibration dampening body 106b of each first vibration dampening means 106 is adapted to dampen (absorb) the vibration and noise generated by corresponding components (chassis C and other components) of the vehicle V during the operation of the vehicle V thereby restricting the transfer of vibration and noise from the vehicle V to the add-on cabin 10. The vibration dampening body 106b of each first vibration dampening means 106 is received by the vibration damper member receiving portion 102v of second mounting portion 102c of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 thereby enabling the rear side of the vibration dampening body 106b of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to engage the support plate 102f of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 and also facilitates mounting of the mounting portion 106m of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to the second mounting portion 102c of corresponding first mounting bracket 102. The mounting portion 106m of each first vibration dampening means 106 is used to facilitate mounting of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to the second mounting portion 102c of corresponding first mounting bracket 102. The mounting portion 106m of each first vibration dampening means 106 is adapted to extend transversely from the vibration dampening body 106b at a predetermined position. The mounting portion 106m of each first vibration dampening means 106 defines a plurality of fastener member receiving portion (not shown) adapted to receive corresponding fasteners (not shown) therein to secure the mounting portion 106m of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to the second mounting portion 102c of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 thereby securing corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to corresponding first mounting bracket 102, where the plurality of fastener member receiving portion (not shown) of the mounting portion 106m of each first vibration dampening means 106 can be considered to be an opening. A longitudinal axis of each fastener member receiving portion (not shown) of the mounting portion 106m of each first vibration dampening means 106 is co-axial to a longitudinal axis of corresponding fastener member receiving portion (not shown) of the second mounting portion 102c of corresponding first mounting bracket 102. The mounting portion 106m of each first vibration dampening means 106 has a square cross section. However, it is within the scope of the invention to provide the mounting portion 106m of each first vibration dampening means 106 in rectangular cross section or any other cross section without otherwise deterring the intended function of the mounting portion 106m of each first vibration dampening means 106 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, each first vibration dampening means 106 is disposed substantially in an upright position between the support plate 102f of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 and corresponding first mounting frame portion 12d of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10. In an embodiment, each first vibration dampening means 106 substantially defines a conical shape configuration.
[0043] In an embodiment, each second vibration dampening means 107 is used to dampen (absorb) the vibration and noise generated by corresponding components (chassis C and other components) of the vehicle V during the operation of the vehicle V thereby restricting the transfer of vibration and noise from the vehicle V to the add-on cabin 10 therein to enhance the comfort level of the driver (operator driving the vehicle V) inside the add-on cabin 10. Each second vibration dampening means 107 is also used to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding second mounting bracket 104 through corresponding second vibration dampening means 107. Each second vibration dampening means 107 is removably mounted to corresponding second mounting bracket 104. In an embodiment, each second vibration dampening means 107 includes a vibration dampening body 107b (as shown in fig. 3 and fig. 7) and a mounting portion 107m (as shown in fig. 3 and fig. 7). The vibration dampening body 107b of each second vibration dampening means 107 is adapted to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of corresponding second mounting frame portion 12e of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 thereby mounting the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The vibration dampening body 107b of each second vibration dampening means 107 is adapted to dampen (absorb) the vibration and noise generated by corresponding components (chassis C and other components) of the vehicle V during the operation of the vehicle V thereby restricting the transfer of vibration and noise from the vehicle V to the add-on cabin 10. The vibration dampening body 107b of each second vibration dampening means 107 is received by the vibration damper member receiving portion 104v of mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 thereby enabling the rear side of the vibration dampening body 107b of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to engage the support plate 104e of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 and also facilitates mounting of the mounting portion 107m of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to the mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The mounting portion 107m of each second vibration dampening means 107 is used to facilitate mounting of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to the mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The mounting portion 107m of each second vibration dampening means 107 is adapted to extend transversely from the vibration dampening body 107b at a predetermined position. The mounting portion 107m of each second vibration dampening means 107 defines a plurality of fastener member receiving portion (not shown) adapted to receive corresponding fasteners (not shown) therein to secure the mounting portion 107m of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to the mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 thereby securing corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to corresponding second mounting bracket 104, where the plurality of fastener member receiving portion (not shown) of the mounting portion 107m of each second vibration dampening means 107 can be considered to be an opening. A longitudinal axis of each fastener member receiving portion (not shown) of the mounting portion 107m of each second vibration dampening means 107 is co-axial to a longitudinal axis of corresponding fastener member receiving portion 104g of the mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104. The mounting portion 107m of each second vibration dampening means 107 has a square cross section. However, it is within the scope of the invention to provide the mounting portion 107m of each second vibration dampening means 107 in rectangular cross section or any other cross section without otherwise deterring the intended function of the mounting portion 107m of each second vibration dampening means 107 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, each second vibration dampening means 107 is disposed substantially in an upright position between support plate 104e of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 and corresponding second mounting frame portion 12e of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10. In an embodiment, each second vibration dampening means 107 substantially defines a conical shape configuration.
[0044] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the scuttle sealing bracket 108, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the scuttle sealing bracket 108 is adapted to facilitate sealing of the portion (clearance/gap) between the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and the scuttle S of the vehicle V thereby restricting ingress (entry) of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10, and also facilitates mounting (removable mounting) of the scuttle sealing means 110 adapted to be disposed between the scuttle sealing bracket 108 and the scuttle S. The scuttle sealing bracket 108 is removably connected to the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 by using a plurality of fasteners (not shown) and corresponding plurality of plain washers (not shown). The scuttle sealing bracket 108 is disposed between the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and the scuttle sealing means 110 thereby sealing the portion (clearance/gap) between the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and the scuttle sealing means 110 thereby restricting ingress (entry) of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10. In an embodiment, the scuttle sealing bracket 108 includes a mounting portion 108a and a sealant engaging portion 108b. The mounting portion 108a of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 is adapted to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 to the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10. The mounting portion 108a of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 defines a plurality of fastener receiving portion 108f adapted to receive corresponding fasteners (not shown) therein to secure the scuttle sealing bracket 108 to the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, where the plurality of fastener receiving portion 108f of the mounting portion 108a of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 can be considered to be an opening. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the mounting portion 108a of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 with the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 by adhesive bonding or riveting or welding or by using any other means. The sealant engaging portion 108b of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 is adapted to extend from the mounting portion 108a, and disposed to the rear of and away from the mounting portion 108a of the scuttle sealing bracket 108. The sealant engaging portion 108b of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 is adapted to facilitate mounting (removable mounting) of the scuttle sealing means 110 to the scuttle sealing bracket 108. The sealant engaging portion 108b of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 defines a plurality of fir tree insert receiving portion 108t adapted to receive corresponding plastic fir tree inserts (not shown) therein to secure the scuttle sealing means 110 to the sealant engaging portion 108b of the scuttle sealing bracket 108. In an embodiment, the scuttle sealing bracket 108 is made from at least one of a metal and a plastic. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the scuttle sealing bracket 108 to be made of any other material. The scuttle sealing bracket 108 substantially defines a U-shape configuration. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the scuttle sealing bracket 108 in any other shape and size in accordance to the shape and profile of the scuttle. The scuttle sealing bracket 108 and the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 defines a predefined portion adapted to facilitate the movement of the fuel lid L (as shown in fig. 13) during opening or closing of the fuel lid L when the add-on cabin 10 is mounted to the vehicle V.
[0045] In an embodiment, the scuttle sealing means 110 is adapted to facilitate sealing of the portion (clearance/gap) between the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and the scuttle S thereby restricting ingress (entry) of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10. In an embodiment, the scuttle sealing means 110 is adapted to be disposed between the sealing engaging portion 108b of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 and the scuttle S therein to facilitate sealing of the portion (clearance/gap) between the scuttle sealing bracket 108 and the scuttle S. The scuttle sealing means 110 is removably connected to the sealant engaging portion 108b of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 by using plastic fir tree inserts (not shown). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the scuttle sealing means 110 with the sealant engaging portion 108b of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 by adhesive bonding or by using any other means. In an embodiment, the scuttle sealing means 110 is at least foam. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other sealing means to seal the portion (clearance/gap) between the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and the scuttle S. In an embodiment, the scuttle sealing means 110 substantially defines a U-shape configuration. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the scuttle sealing means 110 in any other shape and size in accordance to the shape and profile of the scuttle.
[0046] In an embodiment, the scuttle bottom sealing cover 112 is used to cover (seal) the scuttle bottom portion (not shown) of the vehicle V thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10. The scuttle bottom sealing cover 112 is removably connected to the corresponding portion of the scuttle S and the floor panel P through the front floor mat cover M (as shown in fig. 17) by using a plurality of plastic plugs (not shown). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the scuttle bottom sealing cover 112 with corresponding portion of the scuttle S and the floor panel P by adhesive bonding, fastening, riveting or by using any other means.
[0047] In an embodiment, the front floor sealing means 114 is disposed between the floor panel P and the front floor mat cover M therein to facilitate sealing of the floor panel P (as shown in fig. 19) thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10. The front floor sealing means 114 also restricts the transfer of noise from the vehicle V to the add-on cabin 10 thereby enhancing the comfort level of the operator (driver) inside the add-on cabin 10. In an embodiment, the front floor sealing means 114 is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheet. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other sealing means to seal the floor panel P of the vehicle V.
[0048] In an embodiment, the rear floor sealing cover 116 is connected to the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, corresponding portion of each fender F and the rear floor panel (not shown) by using velcro joineries and fixing plates 116f (as shown in fig. 22) therein to cover (seal) the rear floor panel R (as shown in fig. 20) of the vehicle V thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10.
[0049] In an embodiment, the first rear floor sealing means (not shown) is connected to the rear floor panel R of the vehicle V therein to facilitate sealing of the rear floor panel R thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10. The first rear floor sealing means (not shown) serves/acts as a primary sealing for the rear floor panel R. The first rear floor sealing means (not shown) also restricts the transfer of noise from the vehicle V to the add-on cabin 10 thereby enhancing the comfort level of the operator (driver) inside the add-on cabin 10. In an embodiment, the first rear floor sealing means (not shown) is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheet. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other sealing means to seal the rear floor panel R of the vehicle V.
[0050] In an embodiment, the second rear floor sealing means (not shown) is connected to the rear floor sealing cover 116 by adhesive bonding therein to facilitate sealing of the rear floor panel R of the vehicle V thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10. In an embodiment, the second rear floor sealing means (not shown) serves/acts as secondary sealing for the rear floor panel R. In an embodiment, the second rear floor sealing means (not shown) is foam. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other sealing means for sealing the rear floor panel R.
[0051] In an embodiment, each fender rear corner sealing bracket 118 is used for connecting/mounting corresponding fender rear corner sealing means 120 between corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F therein to provide tight fit for corresponding fender rear corner sealing means 120. Each fender rear corner sealing bracket 118 is removably connected to corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 by using fasteners.
[0052] In an embodiment, each fender rear corner sealing means 120 is disposed between corresponding fender rear corner sealing bracket 118 and corresponding fender F therein to facilitate sealing of the portion (clearance/gap) between corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10. Each fender rear corner sealing means 120 is connected to corresponding fender rear corner sealing bracket 118 by adhesive bonding. In an embodiment, each fender rear corner sealing means 120 is foam. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other sealing means to seal the portion (clearance/gap) between corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F.
[0053] In an embodiment, each first fender sealing means 122 (also known as spacer) is disposed between the corresponding portion of corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding portion D (depression/ longitudinal groove) of corresponding fender F therein to facilitate sealing of the portion (clearance/gap) between corresponding portion of corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding portion D (depression/ longitudinal groove) of corresponding fender F thereby restricting the ingress (entry) of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10.
[0054] In an embodiment, each second fender sealing means 124 is disposed between corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F therein to facilitate sealing of the portion (clearance/gap) between corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and/or other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10. In an embodiment, each second fender sealing means 124 is at least a foam. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other sealing means instead of foam.
[0055] The plurality of beadings 126 is provided along the interfacing portion between the add-on cabin 10 and the vehicle V. The plurality of beadings 126 includes a fender beading 126f (as shown in fig. 21, fig. 22 and fig. 26) provided along interfacing portion between corresponding fender F and corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10.
[0056] FIG. 27 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method 200 for mounting and sealing the add-on cabin 10 to the vehicle V, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method 200 for mounting and sealing the add-on cabin 10 to the vehicle V is as follows, the method 200 comprising, mounting a plurality of first mounting brackets 102 to corresponding portion of a chassis C of the vehicle V by connecting a first mounting portion 102a of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 to corresponding portion of the chassis C (step 202); mounting a plurality of second mounting brackets 104 to corresponding portion of the chassis C of the vehicle V by connecting a base 104a of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 to corresponding portion of the chassis C (step 204); mounting a plurality of first vibration dampening means 106 to corresponding first mounting bracket 102 by connecting a mounting portion 106m of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 to a second mounting portion 102c of corresponding first mounting bracket 102 (step 206); mounting a plurality of second vibration dampening means 107 to corresponding second mounting bracket 104 by connecting a mounting portion 107m of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 to a mounting portion 104c of corresponding second mounting bracket 104 (step 208); mounting the add-on cabin 10 to each first mounting bracket 102 and each second mounting bracket 104 through corresponding first vibration dampening means 106 and corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 respectively by connecting at least one of corresponding first mounting frame portion 12d of a cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 to a vibration dampening body 106b of corresponding first vibration dampening means 106, and corresponding second mounting frame portion 12e of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 to a vibration dampening body 107b of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 respectively thereby mounting the add-on cabin 10 to the chassis C (step 210); sealing a portion between corresponding portion of corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding portion D of corresponding fender F by disposing a plurality of first fender sealing means 122 between the corresponding portion of corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding portion D of corresponding fender F (step 212); sealing a portion between corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F by disposing a plurality of second fender sealing means 124 between corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F (step 214); sealing a floor panel P of the vehicle V by disposing a front floor sealing means 114 between the floor panel P and the front floor mat cover M (step 216); sealing a rear floor panel R of the vehicle V by connecting a rear floor sealing cover 116 with a rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, corresponding fenders F and the rear floor panel R (step 218); sealing a portion between corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F by connecting a plurality of fender rear corner sealing brackets 118 to corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, and disposing a plurality of fender rear corner sealing means 120 between corresponding fender rear corner sealing bracket 118 and corresponding fender F (step 220); sealing a portion between a scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and a scuttle S of the vehicle V by connecting a mounting portion 108a of a scuttle sealing bracket 108 to the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, and disposing a scuttle sealing means 110 between a sealant engaging portion 108b of the scuttle sealing bracket 108 and the scuttle S (step 224); and covering a scuttle bottom portion of the vehicle V by connecting a scuttle bottom sealing cover 112 to corresponding portion of the scuttle S and the floor panel P through the front floor mat cover M (step 226). The method step (218) of sealing the rear floor panel R of the vehicle V by connecting the rear floor sealing cover 116 with the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, corresponding fenders F and the rear floor panel R further comprises a method step of connecting a first rear floor sealing means to the rear floor panel R thereby sealing the rear floor panel R, and connecting a second rear floor sealing means to said rear floor sealing cover 116 by adhesive bonding, where the first rear floor sealing means is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheet, and second rear floor sealing means is foam.
[0057] Therefore, a configuration 100 and a method 200 for mounting and sealing an add-on cabin 10 to a vehicle V (tractor or other similar vehicle), which facilitates strong (secure) mounting of the add-on cabin 10 to the vehicle V, efficiently dampens the vibrations and noise generated during the operation of the vehicle V thereby restricting the transfer of vibrations and noise from the vehicle V to the add-on cabin 10, restricts ingress of dust, water and/or foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10, and enhances the air condition (AC) inside the add-on cabin 10 is provided.
[0058] The following description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A configuration 100 for mounting and sealing an add-on cabin 10 to a vehicle V, said configuration 100 comprising:
a plurality of first vibration dampening means 106, each of said first vibration dampening means 106 having a vibration dampening body 106b and a mounting portion 106m extending from the vibration dampening body 106b at a predetermined position;
a plurality of second vibration dampening means 107, each of said second vibration dampening means 107 having a vibration dampening body 107b and a mounting portion 107m extending from the vibration dampening body 107b at a predetermined position;
a plurality of first mounting brackets 102, each of said first mounting bracket 102 having a first mounting portion 102a adapted to be removably connected to corresponding portion of a chassis C of the vehicle V thereby facilitating mounting of corresponding said first mounting bracket 102 to the chassis C; an intermediate portion 102 extending from the first mounting portion 102a at a predefined angle; a second mounting portion 102c adapted to facilitate mounting of corresponding first mounting frame portion 12d of a cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding said first mounting bracket 102 through the vibration dampening body 106b of corresponding said first vibration dampening means 106 thereby facilitating mounting of the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding said first mounting bracket 102, where the second mounting portion 102c defines a vibration damper member receiving portion 102v adapted to receive the vibration dampening body 106b of corresponding said first vibration dampening means 106; and a support plate 102f adapted to be connected to a rear side of the vibration dampening body 106b of corresponding said first vibration dampening means 106 thereby supporting corresponding said first vibration dampening means 106;
a plurality of second mounting brackets 104, each of said second mounting bracket 104 having a base 104a adapted to be removably connected to corresponding portion of the chassis C thereby facilitating mounting of corresponding said second mounting bracket 104 to the chassis C; a plurality of legs 104b extending from the base 104a at a predefined angle and provided at a predetermined distance from each other; a mounting portion 104c disposed above the plurality of legs 104b and extend between the legs 104b, the mounting portion 104c is adapted to facilitate mounting of corresponding second mounting frame portion 12e of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding said second mounting bracket 104 through the vibration dampening body 107b of corresponding said second vibration dampening means 107 thereby facilitating mounting of the add-on cabin 10 to corresponding said second mounting bracket 104, where the mounting portion 104c defines a vibration damper member receiving portion 104v adapted to receive the vibration dampening body 107b of corresponding said second vibration dampening means 107; and a support plate 104e adapted to be connected to a rear side of the vibration dampening body 107b of corresponding said second vibration dampening means 107 thereby supporting corresponding said second vibration dampening means 107;
a scuttle sealing bracket 108 having a mounting portion 108a adapted to be removably connected to a scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, and a sealant engaging portion 108b extending from the mounting portion 108a, and disposed to the rear of and away from the mounting portion 108a;
a scuttle sealing means 110 adapted to be connected to the sealant engaging portion 108b of said scuttle sealing bracket 108, where said scuttle sealing means 110 is disposed between said scuttle sealing bracket 108 and a scuttle S of the vehicle V;
a plurality of first fender sealing means 122 adapted to be disposed between corresponding portion of corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding portion D of corresponding fender F of the vehicle V therein to facilitate sealing of the portion between corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding portion D of corresponding fender F; and
a plurality of second fender sealing means 124 adapted to be disposed between corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F therein to facilitate sealing of the portion between the corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F,
wherein
each of said first vibration dampening means 106 is disposed substantially in an upright position between corresponding first mounting frame portion 12d of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and the support plate 102f of corresponding said first mounting bracket 102;
each of said second vibration dampening means 108 is disposed substantially in an upright position between corresponding second mounting frame portion 12e of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and the support plate 104e of corresponding said second mounting bracket 104;
said scuttle sealing bracket 108 and said scuttle sealing means 110 are adapted to facilitate sealing of the portion between the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and the scuttle S of the vehicle.

2. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first vibration dampening means 106 substantially defines a conical shape configuration.

3. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mounting portion 106m of each of said first vibration dampening means 106 is removably connected to the second mounting portion 102c of corresponding said first mounting bracket 102 thereby facilitating mounting of corresponding said first vibration dampening means 106 to corresponding said first mounting bracket 102.

4. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein the vibration damper member receiving portion 102v of the second mounting portion 102c of each of said first mounting bracket 102 is at least an opening.

5. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said second vibration dampening means 107 substantially defines a conical shape configuration.

6. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mounting portion 107m of each of said second vibration dampening means 107 is removably connected to the mounting portion 104c of corresponding said second mounting bracket 104 thereby facilitating mounting of corresponding said second vibration dampening means 107 to corresponding said second mounting bracket 104.

7. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vibration damper member receiving portion 104v of the mounting portion 104c of each of said second mounting bracket 104 is at least an opening.

8. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scuttle sealing means 110 is at least a foam, where said scuttle sealing means 110 substantially defines a U-shape configuration.

9. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scuttle sealing bracket 108 and the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 defines a predefined portion adapted to facilitate the movement of a fuel lid L during opening or closing of the fuel lid L when the add-on cabin 10 is mounted to the vehicle V, where said scuttle sealing bracket 108 substantially defines a U-shape configuration.

10. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said second fender sealing means 124 is at least a foam

11. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a scuttle bottom sealing cover 112 adapted to cover (seal) the scuttle bottom portion of the vehicle V thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10, where said scuttle bottom sealing cover 112 is removably connected to the corresponding portion of the scuttle S and a floor panel P through a front floor mat cover M by using a plurality of plastic plugs.

12. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a front floor sealing means 114 adapted to be disposed between the floor panel P and the front floor mat cover M therein to facilitate sealing of the floor panel P thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10, where said front floor sealing means 114 is at least an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheet.

13. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rear floor sealing cover 116 adapted to cover (seal) the rear floor panel R of the vehicle V thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10, where said rear floor sealing cover 116 is connected to a rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, corresponding portion of each fender F and the rear floor panel R by using velcro joineries and fixing plates 116f.
14. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first rear floor sealing means adapted to be disposed to the rear floor panel R of the vehicle V therein to facilitate sealing of the rear floor panel R thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10, where said first rear floor sealing means is at least an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheet.

15. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second rear floor sealing means adapted to be connected to said rear floor sealing cover 116 by adhesive bonding therein to facilitate sealing of the rear floor panel R thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10, where said second rear floor sealing means is at least a foam.

16. The configuration 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fender rear corner sealing means 120 adapted to be disposed between corresponding fender rear corner sealing bracket 118 and corresponding fender F therein to facilitate sealing of the portion between corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F thereby restricting the ingress of dust, water and other foreign particles into the add-on cabin 10, where each of said fender rear corner sealing means 120 is at least a foam.

17. The configuration as claimed in claim 16, wherein each of said fender rear corner sealing bracket 118 is adapted to provide tight fit for corresponding fender rear corner sealing means 120, where each of said fender rear corner sealing bracket 118 is removably connected to corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10.

18. A method 200 for mounting and sealing an add-on cabin 10 to a vehicle V, said method 200 comprising:
mounting a plurality of first mounting brackets 102 to corresponding portion of a chassis C of the vehicle V by connecting a first mounting portion 102a of corresponding said first mounting bracket 102 to corresponding portion of the chassis C;
mounting a plurality of second mounting brackets 104 to corresponding portion of the chassis C by connecting a base 104a of corresponding said second mounting bracket 104 to corresponding portion of the chassis C;
mounting a plurality of first vibration dampening means 106 to corresponding said first mounting bracket 102 by connecting a mounting portion 106m of corresponding said first vibration dampening means 106 to a second mounting portion 102c of corresponding said first mounting bracket 102;
mounting a plurality of second vibration dampening means 107 to corresponding said second mounting bracket 104 by connecting a mounting portion 107m of corresponding said second vibration dampening means 107 to a mounting portion 104c of corresponding said second mounting bracket 104;
mounting the add-on cabin 10 to each of said first mounting bracket 102 and each of said second mounting bracket 104 through corresponding said first vibration dampening means 106 and corresponding said second vibration dampening means 107 respectively by connecting at least one of corresponding first mounting frame portion 12d of a cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 to a vibration dampening body 106b of corresponding said first vibration dampening means 106, and corresponding second mounting frame portion 12e of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 to a vibration dampening body 107b of corresponding second vibration dampening means 107 respectively thereby mounting the add-on cabin 10 to the chassis C;
sealing a portion between corresponding portion of corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding portion D of corresponding fender F by disposing a plurality of first fender sealing means 122 between corresponding portion of corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding portion D of corresponding fender F;
sealing a portion between corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F by disposing a plurality of second fender sealing of second fender sealing means 124 between corresponding fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F;
sealing a floor panel P of the vehicle V by disposing a front floor sealing means 114 between the floor panel P and the front floor mat cover M;
sealing a rear floor panel R of the vehicle V by connecting a rear floor sealing cover 116 with a rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, corresponding fenders F and the rear floor panel R;
sealing a portion between corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and corresponding fender F by connecting a plurality of fender rear corner sealing brackets 118 to corresponding portion of the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, and disposing a plurality of fender rear corner sealing means 120 between corresponding fender rear corner sealing bracket 118 and corresponding fender F;
sealing a portion between a scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and a scuttle S of the vehicle V by connecting a mounting portion 108a of a scuttle sealing bracket 108 to the scuttle engaging frame portion 12s of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, and disposing a scuttle sealing means 110 between a sealant engaging portion 108b of said scuttle sealing bracket 108 and the scuttle S; and
covering a scuttle bottom portion of the vehicle V by connecting a scuttle bottom sealing cover 112 to corresponding portion of the scuttle S and the floor panel P through the front floor mat cover M.

19. The method 200 as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of said first vibration dampening means 106 is disposed substantially in an upright position between corresponding first mounting frame portion 12d of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and a support plate 102f of corresponding said first mounting bracket 102, where each of said first vibration dampening means 106 substantially defines a conical shape configuration.

20. The method 200 as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of said second vibration dampening means 108 is disposed substantially in an upright position between corresponding second mounting frame portion 12e of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10 and a support plate 104e of corresponding said second mounting bracket 104., each of said second vibration dampening means 108 substantially defines a conical shape configuration.

21. The method 200 as claimed in claim 18, wherein said scuttle sealing means 110 is foam, where said scuttle sealing means 110 defines a U-shape configuration.

22. The method 200 as claimed in claim 18, wherein said front floor sealing means 114 is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheet.

23. The method 200 as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of said fender rear corner sealing means 120 is foam, where each of said fender rear corner sealing means 120 defines a L-shape configuration.

24. The method 200 as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of said second fender sealing means 124 is foam, where each of said second fender sealing means 124 extends along the profile of the fender engaging frame portion 12f of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10.

25. The method 200 as claimed in claim 18, wherein sealing the rear floor panel R of the vehicle V by connecting the rear floor sealing cover 116 with the rear frame portion 12r of the cabin frame 12 of the add-on cabin 10, corresponding fenders F and the rear floor panel R further comprises a method step of connecting a first rear floor sealing means to the rear floor panel R thereby sealing the rear floor panel R, and connecting a second rear floor sealing means to said rear floor sealing cover 116 by adhesive bonding, where the first rear floor sealing means is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheet, and second rear floor sealing means is a foam.