Coupler for coupling roof panel to frame of utility vehicle and roof panel assembly for utility vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupler for coupling a roof panel to a frame of a utility vehicle and a roof panel assembly for a utility vehicle. The coupler includes: a body including a head having an upper surface and a lower surface, each of the upper and lower surfaces configured to abut an upper surface of a top plate; an extension portion extending downwardly from the head portion, the extension portion having an opening configured to receive a fastener; one or more securing tabs extending downwardly from the head, the one or more securing tabs including a lip and a notch between the lip and a lower surface of the head, where the notch is configured to receive a portion of the top plate within the notch; and one or more securing blocks extending downwardly from the head, the one or more securing blocks configured to rotationally secure the body relative to the top plate.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on March 29, 2022, with application number 202210318985.7 and invention title "Accessories for Off-Road Vehicles". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to accessories for off-road vehicles, including side-by-side vehicles or multi-purpose vehicles (“UTVs”). Background Technology

[0003] Typically, UTVs or side-by-side vehicles are used to transport one or two passengers and a small amount of cargo across a wide variety of terrains. Various attachments can be provided to offer additional features to the user. A roof panel can be provided to protect passengers from branches, weather, debris, and other objects. However, current connectors for attaching the roof panel to the frame do not provide sufficient clearance for the foam positioned between the roof panel and the frame, thus over-compressing the foam. Furthermore, current connectors require machined outer surfaces to attach the connector and / or roof panel to the UTV. Therefore, a connector is needed that provides sufficient clearance for the foam positioned between the roof panel and the frame, as well as for tool-free outer surfaces.

[0004] Furthermore, current UTVs do not provide side mirrors suitable for various profiles to be attached to the UTV frame. Therefore, there is a need for a side mirror that can be attached to various profiles of the UTV frame.

[0005] In addition, UTVs can provide audio systems. However, the speakers and amplifiers in these systems are generally separate, which requires more space. Therefore, a more compact arrangement of speakers and amplifiers for audio systems in UTVs is needed.

[0006] In addition, a cover can be provided to close openings in the cargo area of ​​the UTV. However, current covers can only remain open in the fully open position or closed in the fully closed position, and include latches independent of the cargo area. Therefore, a more robust connecting assembly for the cover is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a connector is provided for attaching a component to a part of a multi-purpose vehicle. The connector includes a body comprising a head, a central extension, a first plurality of fixing members and a second plurality of fixing members, and fasteners configured to engage with the body.

[0008] In another embodiment of this disclosure, a cover assembly is provided, configured to extend over an opening in a cargo area of ​​a multipurpose vehicle. The cover assembly includes: a fixed portion coupled to a cargo area adjacent to the opening; a pivotable portion including at least one arm; and at least one coupling assembly coupling at least one arm of the pivotable portion to the fixed portion, the coupling assembly including a fixed mount, a torque insert, and a torsion spring, the torque insert being coupled to the at least one arm and the fixed mount, the torsion spring being received around a portion of the fixed mount and at least a portion of the torque insert.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle comprising: a frame; a front ground contact member and a rear ground contact member supporting the frame; a powertrain drivenly connected to at least one of a front wheel and a rear wheel; a seating area supported by the frame; a cargo area supported by the frame; and a cover assembly configured to cover an opening in the cargo area, the cover assembly being connected to the cargo area by at least one latch, wherein at least one mounting element for the at least one latch is integral with the cargo area. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 A left front perspective view of the vehicle to which this disclosure is made is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The right rear perspective view of the vehicle;

[0012] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Left elevation view of the vehicle;

[0013] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A front elevation view of the vehicle;

[0014] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Rear elevation view of the vehicle;

[0015] Figure 6 It shows the connection to Figure 1 Left front perspective view of the roof panel of the vehicle's cab frame;

[0016] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Exploded view of the roof and cab frame;

[0017] Figure 8 An exploded view of the connector described in this disclosure is shown, which connects... Figure 6The roof and cab frame;

[0018] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Bottom perspective view of the connectors, roof, and cab frame;

[0019] Figure 10 It shows along Figure 9 The line 10-10 cut Figure 8 Cross-sectional views of the connectors, roof, and cab frame;

[0020] Figure 11 It shows the connection to Figure 1 A left front perspective view of a set of mirror assemblies of the vehicle's cab frame as disclosed herein.

[0021] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 An exploded view of one of the mirror components in the mirror assembly;

[0022] Figure 13 It shows Figure 11 A front elevation view of one of the mirror components in the mirror assembly;

[0023] Figure 14 It shows Figure 1 Rear elevation view of the vehicle's dashboard;

[0024] Figure 15 The left front perspective view of the speaker housing and amplifier disclosed herein is shown;

[0025] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 Exploded view of the speaker housing and amplifier;

[0026] Figure 17 A perspective view of the subwoofer described in this disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 18 It shows Figure 17 Exploded view of the subwoofer;

[0028] Figure 19 The cover assembly shown in this disclosure is in a closed state. Figure 1 Right rear perspective view of the closed position of the opening in the cargo area of ​​the vehicle;

[0029] Figure 20 It shows Figure 19 Right rear perspective view of the cover assembly in the open position above the opening in the cargo area;

[0030] Figure 21 It shows Figure 19 Bottom perspective view of the cover component;

[0031] Figure 22 A pivotable portion for attaching the cover assembly to is shown. Figure 19 Detailed view of the connecting mechanism of the fixing part of the cover assembly; and

[0032] Figure 23 It shows Figure 22 Exploded view of the connecting mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0033] First refer to Figures 1 to 5 The vehicle of the present invention will be described. As shown in the figures, the vehicle is generally indicated by reference numeral 2 and includes a front ground contact member 4 and a rear ground contact member 6. The front ground contact member 4 includes a rim 8 and a tire 10, and the rear ground contact member 6 includes a rim 12 and a tire 14. The front ground contact member 4 and the rear ground contact member 6 support a vehicle frame, generally indicated by reference numeral 20, via a front suspension assembly 16 and a rear suspension assembly 18, respectively. The vehicle frame 20 supports a seating area 22, which includes a driver's seat 24 and a passenger seat 26. As further disclosed and shown in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 034,077 (Attorney General's No. PLR-15-28877.02P-US), a passenger armrest 28 is provided for the passenger in seat 26. Figure 2 The entire disclosure of this patent application is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Figure 2 As shown in the best embodiment, the vehicle 2 further includes a steering assembly for steering the front ground contact member 4, wherein the steering assembly includes a steering wheel 30 that is both tiltable and longitudinally movable.

[0034] The frame 20 of vehicle 2 includes: a cab frame 32 that generally extends above the seating area 22; and a lower frame portion 34 positioned below and supporting the cab frame 32. The frame 20 is configured to support multiple body panels 36 (such as the hood, front fenders, and rear fenders), doors 37, and a cargo area 38.

[0035] Now for reference Figures 6 to 12The cab frame 32 of frame 20 will be described in further detail. The cab frame 32 generally includes a pair of longitudinally extending frame members 40, each frame member including an upwardly inclined front frame tube 42, a horizontal frame tube 43, and a downwardly inclined rear frame tube 44, wherein the horizontal frame tube 43 extends between the upwardly inclined front frame tube 42 and the downwardly inclined rear frame tube 44. The cab frame 32 may further include: a first crossbar 45 connecting the frame members 40, more specifically connecting the upper end 42a of the upwardly inclined front frame tube 42 and the forward end 43a of the horizontal frame tube 43; a second crossbar 46 connecting the frame members 40, more specifically connecting the middle portion 43b of the horizontal frame tube 43; and a third crossbar 47 connecting the frame members 40, more specifically connecting the downwardly inclined rear frame tube 44 and the middle portion 44a. In various embodiments, the cab frame 32 is configured to support the roof 50 and / or at least one reflector assembly 70. Figure 11 ( ), schematically representing two mirror assemblies 70, as described in further detail below.

[0036] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The roof panel 50, supported by the cab frame 32, will be described in further detail. The roof panel 50 generally extends from a position in front of the horizontal frame tube 43 to a position behind the horizontal frame tube 43, and the roof panel extends or bends along the contour of the frame members 40 as the current frame tube 42 transitions into the horizontal frame tube 43 and as the horizontal frame tube 43 transitions into the rear frame tube 44. In various embodiments, the roof panel 50 may be a shaped aluminum roof panel, with foam (not shown) positioned between the roof panel 50 and the cab frame 32. The roof panel 50 is generally connected to the cab frame 32 via a plurality of couplings 54. In various embodiments, the roof panel 50 and the couplings 54 are connected to brackets 52 of the cab frame 32. The bracket 52 includes: a pair of front brackets 52a, each front bracket being connected to the cab frame 32 between a first crossbar 45 and a horizontal frame tube 43 of a frame member 40; and a pair of rear brackets 52c, each rear bracket being connected to the cab frame 32 between a third crossbar 47 and a downwardly inclined rear frame tube 44 of a frame member 40. In various embodiments, the front brackets 52a and rear brackets 52c are inclined between the first crossbar 45 and the third crossbar 47 and the frame member 40, respectively.

[0037] Now for reference Figures 8 to 10The connector 54 that attaches the roof panel 50 to the cab frame 32 will be described in further detail. Schematic, the connector 54 is shown attaching the roof panel 50 to a bracket 52 of the cab frame 32, wherein a gap S extends between the lower surface 50b of the roof panel 50 and the bracket 52. This gap S allows the roof panel 50 to be securely or rigidly held to the cab frame 32 without excessive compression of the foam between the roof panel 50 and the cab frame 32. For example, the connector 54 may allow the foam to be compressed by approximately 30-50%, rather than almost completely compressed (e.g., 70-90% compression).

[0038] The connector 54 generally includes a body 56 and a fastener 59 configured to be received by the body 56. In various embodiments, the connector 54 may further include a first washer 57 and / or a second washer 58. The body 56 generally includes a head 60, an extension 61 extending downward from the head 60, a plurality of retaining tabs 62 extending downward from the head 60 around the extension 61, and a plurality of retaining blocks 63 extending downward from the head 60 and positioned between the retaining tabs 62. The head 60 includes an upper surface 60a and a lower surface 60b, wherein the upper surface 60a is a smooth, tool-free outer surface that exposes the upper surface 50a of the top plate 50, and the lower surface 60b abuts the upper surface 50a of the top plate 50. The body 56 of the connector 54 is configured to pass through an opening 64 in the top plate 50 until the lower surface 60b of the head 60 abuts the upper surface 50a of the top plate 50 surrounding the opening 64. In various embodiments, the opening 64 in the top plate 50 is circular in shape to allow the fixing tab 62 and the fixing block 63 to snap into the opening 64 or otherwise pass through and / or be installed in the opening, as further described below.

[0039] The first washer 57 of the connector 54 includes an opening 65 configured to receive a body 56. The first washer 57 is configured to be positioned between an upper surface 50a of the top plate 50 and a lower surface 60b of the head 60 when the connector 54 attaches the top plate 50 to the cab frame 32. In various embodiments, the first washer 57 is circular in shape, and the opening 65 is a circular square shape such that the opening 65 matches the shape of the opening 64 in the top plate 50. The second washer 58 of the connector 54 also includes an opening 66 configured to receive a fastener 59. The second washer 58 is configured to be positioned between the fastener 59 and the lower surface 52b of the bracket 52 when the connector 54 attaches the top plate 50 to the cab frame 32. In various embodiments, both the second washer 58 and the opening 66 are circular in shape. The first washer 57 and / or the second washer 58 can be formed of various materials, including rubber, metal, plastic, etc.

[0040] Still referencing Figures 8 to 10The extension 61 of the main body 56 includes an opening 67 configured to receive a fastener 59. The extension 61 can also serve as a spacer between the roof plate 50 and the cab frame 32 to provide a distance S extending between the lower surface 50b of the roof plate 50 and the bracket 52. Schematably, the extension 61 is generally cylindrical in shape; however, it should be understood that the extension 61 can be provided in other shapes. In various embodiments, a metal threaded insert 55 ( Figure 10 It can be received within the opening 67 to help receive the fastener 59, which can be a screw or other fastener.

[0041] When the connector 54 connects the roof plate 50 to the cab frame 32, the retaining tabs 62 and retaining blocks 63 help to secure the body 56 within the opening 64 of the roof plate 50. Each retaining tab 62 includes a lip 68 and a notch 69. Figure 10 The notch 69 extends between the lip 68 and the lower surface 60b of the head 60. The notch 69 is configured to extend through the opening 64 in the top plate 50 and the opening 65 in the first washer 57, such that when the connector 54 connects the top plate 50 to the cab frame 32, the notch 69 receives a portion of the adjacent opening 64 of the top plate 50 and a portion of the adjacent opening 64 of the first washer 57. The retaining block 63 extends downward from the head 60 and is configured to be received within the corner 64a of the opening 64 in the top plate 50 and the corner 65a of the opening 65 in the first washer 57. When the body 56 is received within the opening 64, the retaining block 63 helps to secure the connector 54 within the opening 64 and helps to prevent the connector 54 from rotating within the opening 64 of the top plate 50. In various embodiments, the body 56 includes four fixing tabs 62 and four fixing blocks 63, wherein each fixing tab 62 extends between two fixing blocks 63 such that the fixing blocks 63 and the fixing tabs 62 form a square pattern.

[0042] It should be understood that the connector 54 can be further used to connect various other components (such as other body panels or other components) to the frame 20 or other parts of the vehicle 2.

[0043] Now for reference Figures 11 to 13The reflector assembly 70 supported by the cab frame 32 will be described in further detail. Schematic, the vehicle 2 includes two reflector assemblies 70, one of which is supported on each frame member 40. The reflector assembly 70 generally includes a reflector body 72 rotatably or fixedly coupled to a fixing member 74, wherein the reflector body 72 supports a reflector 73. The fixing member 74 is configured to be received around the frame member 40 of the cab frame 32, schematically a front frame tube 42. The fixing member 74 includes: a first portion 75 coupled to the reflector body 72; and a second portion 76 configured to be coupled to the first portion 75 via at least one connector 77 (schematically two connectors 77). Each of the first portion 75 and the second portion 76 includes recessed surfaces 75a and 76a, respectively, configured to abut a portion of the frame member 40. In various embodiments, recessed surfaces 75a, 76a are flush with the first ends 75b, 76b of portions 75 and 76 to the second ends 75c, 76c of portions 75 and 76. The contours of the recessed surfaces 75a and 76a, as well as the first portions 75 and the second portions 76, allow the mirror assembly 70 to be coupled to irregularly shaped or non-circular frame tubes and circular frame tubes. When the mirror assembly 70 is coupled to the cab frame 32, the recessed surface 75a of the first portion 75 abuts against the first side surface (schematically the outer surface) of the frame member 40, the recessed surface 76a of the second portion 76 abuts against the second side surface (schematically the inner surface) of the frame member 40, and the first portions 75 and the second portions 76 are joined together at the first ends 75b, 76b of portions 75 and 76 via a connector 77, such that the frame member 40 supports the mirror assembly 70, which extends outward from one side of the vehicle 2. When the mirror assembly 70 is attached to the frame member 40, the opening 79 extends between the second ends 75c, 76c of portions 75 and 76, wherein the opening 76 faces the opposite direction to the mirror 73. Schematally, the opening 76 faces forward, while the mirror 73 faces backward.

[0044] Now for reference Figures 14 to 18 Vehicle 2 includes a dashboard 80 adjacent to the seating area 22, which is configured to support an audio system 82, etc. The audio system 82 generally includes a set of speaker assemblies 84 and a subwoofer assembly 90.

[0045] refer to Figures 14 to 16The speaker assembly 84 is mounted on the frames 20 on both sides of the dashboard 80 and includes a speaker housing 85 that houses a speaker 86. At least one speaker assembly in the speaker assembly 84 further includes an amplifier 88. In various embodiments, the driver-side speaker assembly 84 of the vehicle 2 includes an amplifier 88. The amplifier 88 is generally coupled to a side surface 85a of the speaker housing 85, wherein the side surface 85a is the inner side of the speaker housing 85. Schematably, the amplifier 88 is coupled to an opening 85b and a mounting boss 85c molded in the speaker housing 85 via a connector 89 extending through an opening 88a of the amplifier 88. In this way, the amplifier 88 is directly coupled to the speaker housing 85.

[0046] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The subwoofer assembly 90 is attached to the frame 20 within the dashboard 80 on the passenger side of the vehicle 2. The subwoofer assembly 90 includes a housing body 92 and a retaining mesh 94. The housing body 92 includes a storage area 93 constructed therein, and the retaining mesh 94 is configured to attach to the housing body 92 above the storage area 93. In various embodiments, the retaining mesh 94 is a semi-rigid, semi-flexible material. It is understood that the subwoofer assembly 90 is generally located within or near a space typically defined as a glove box or storage compartment of a vehicle; however, even when the subwoofer assembly 90 is included on the vehicle 2, the storage area 93 continues to provide storage capacity on the vehicle 2.

[0047] Now for reference Figures 19 to 22In various embodiments, vehicle 2 may include a cover 100 positioned over an opening 39 within a compartment or cargo area 38. The compartment or cargo area 38 may include recessed and / or gasketed surfaces for receiving the cover 100 therein to provide a sealing connection between the cover 100 and the cargo area 38. The cover 100 generally includes: a fixed portion 102 fixedly coupled to a forward portion 38a of the cargo area 38; and a pivotable portion 104 coupled to the fixed portion 102 at a first end 104a and to a rear portion 38b of the cargo area 38 at a second end 104b. In various embodiments, the second end 104b of the pivotable portion 104 is coupled to the rear portion 38b of the cargo area 38 via a latch 106. The latch 106 is removably coupled to the cargo area 38 via a mounting recess 107, which may be directly integrated into or integrally formed with the cargo area 38. When the latch 106 is coupled to the mounting recess 107, the pin 105 slides into an opening (not shown) in the first end 106a of the latch 106 and is received in a hole (not shown) in the mounting recess 107 of the cargo area 38. In this way, the latch 106 can be removed from the vehicle 2. In various embodiments, the first end 106a of the latch 106 is formed of a flexible material such as rubber, while the second end 106b of the latch 106 is formed of a more rigid material such as plastic. In various embodiments, a tire carrier (not shown) may be coupled to and movable with a pivotable portion 104 of the cover 100.

[0048] refer to Figures 20 to 23 The pivotable portion 104 includes arms 108, which are connected to the fixed portion 102 via a coupling assembly 109 having a fixed mounting member 110 and a torque insert 112. Figure 23 The arm 108 may be integrally formed with the pivotable portion 104 and generally includes a first opening 116 and a second opening 118, the first opening being configured to receive a torque insert 112 and the second opening being configured to receive a first arm 113 of the torsion spring 114.

[0049] The first opening 116 of arm 108 includes a main opening 120, a first channel 121 extending from one side of the main opening 120, and a second channel 122 extending from the other side of the main opening 120. In various embodiments, the first channel 121 and the second channel 122 extend from opposite sides of the main opening 120. The first channel 121 is configured to receive a first leg or extension 124 of a first end 112a of torque insert 112, while the second channel 122 is configured to receive a second leg or extension 125 of the first end 112a of torque insert 112. The second end 112b of torque insert 112 is received within an opening 126 in the mounting member 110. Similar to the first opening 116 of arm 108, the opening 126 in the mounting member 110 includes a main opening 128, a first channel 129 extending from one side of the opening 126, and a second channel 130 extending from the other side of the opening 126. The first channel 129 is configured to receive a first leg or extension 131 of the second end 112b of the torque insert 112, while the second channel 130 is configured to receive a second leg or extension 132 of the second end 112b of the torque insert 112. The torque insert 112 provides resistance / damping to the torsion spring 114 to control the movement of the pivotable portion 104 and / or hold the pivotable portion 104 in various positions.

[0050] The torsion spring 114 generally includes: a first arm 113; a second arm 115 supported by a fixed portion 102; and a coiled portion 134 extending between the first arm 113 and the second arm 115. The torsion spring 114 provides torque boosting assistance to overcome friction when the cover 100 is opened, allowing the pivotable portion 104 to be fully opened, and then also assists in closing the pivotable portion 104. The combination of the torsion spring 114 and the torque insert 112 allows the pivotable portion 104 of the cover 100 to be held in the closed position. Figure 19 ) and opening position ( Figure 20 Any position between ).

[0051] The fastening mount 110 of the connecting assembly 109 includes: a plate 140 configured to be coupled to the lower surface 102a of the fixing portion 102; and an extension 142 extending from an end 140a of the plate 140. The plate 140 includes at least one opening 144 (schematically two openings 144) configured to receive a connector 145. Figure 22 The connector is used to attach plate 140 to fixed portion 102 and thus to fixed mounting member 110. Extension 142 includes opening 126 as discussed in detail above for receiving a portion of torque insert 112. Coiled portion 134 of torsion spring 114 is received above or around extension 142, and thus around opening 126 and torque insert 112.

[0052] While the invention has been described with exemplary design, further modifications can be made to the invention within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or modifications made to the invention using the general principles of the invention. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover any deviations from this disclosure that fall within the scope of known or customary practice in the field to which this disclosure pertains.

Claims

1. A connector for attaching a roof panel to a frame of a multi-purpose vehicle, the connector comprising: The main body includes a head having an upper surface and a lower surface, each of the upper surface and the lower surface being configured to adjoin the upper surface of the top plate; An extension that extends downward from the head and has an opening configured to receive a fastener; One or more fixing tabs, the one or more fixing tabs extending downward from the head, the one or more fixing tabs including a lip and a notch between the lip and the lower surface of the head, wherein the notch is configured to receive a portion of the top plate within the notch; as well as One or more fixing blocks extending downward from the head, the fixing blocks being configured to rotatably secure the body relative to the top plate.

2. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a first washer including an opening configured to receive the body, the first washer being configured to be positioned between an upper surface of the top plate and the lower surface of the head when the connector attaches the top plate to the frame.

3. The connector of claim 2, further comprising a second washer including an opening configured to receive the fastener, the second washer being configured to be positioned between the fastener and a support of the frame when the connector attaches the top plate to the frame.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, One or more fixing tabs are arranged around the extension.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more fixing tabs and the one or more fixing blocks are configured to secure the body within an opening in the top plate.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The extension is cylindrical in shape and configured to provide a gap between the top plate and the frame.

7. A roof assembly for a multi-purpose vehicle, comprising: A top plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and at least one opening extending through the top plate; A connector, the connector comprising: A body configured to be received within the at least one opening, the body including a head having an upper surface and a lower surface configured to adjoin the upper surface of the top plate; An extension that extends downward from the head and has an opening configured to receive a fastener; One or more retaining tabs, the one or more retaining tabs extending downward from the head, each of the one or more retaining tabs including a lip and a notch extending between the lip and the lower surface of the head, wherein the notch is configured to receive a portion of the top plate within the notch; and One or more fixing blocks, which extend downward from the head and are positioned between the one or more fixing tabs.

8. The roof assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The upper surface of the head forms a smooth outer surface that is flush with the upper surface of the top plate.

9. The top plate assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one opening in the top plate is a rounded square, and the one or more fixing tabs are configured to snap into the top plate by passing through the at least one opening to the lower surface of the head abutting the upper surface of the top plate.

10. The top plate assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The connector is configured as a bracket to be attached to the cab frame of the multi-purpose vehicle.

11. The top plate assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The extension is cylindrical in shape and configured to provide a gap between the top plate and the frame of the multi-purpose vehicle.

12. The top plate assembly according to claim 7, wherein, One or more fixing tabs are arranged around the extension.

13. The roof assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The body is configured to pass through an opening in the top plate until the lower surface of the head abuts the upper surface of the top plate surrounding the opening.

14. The roof assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The one or more fixing tabs and the one or more fixing blocks are configured to secure the body within the opening in the top plate.

15. The roof assembly of claim 7, further comprising a first washer including an opening configured to receive the body, the first washer being configured to be positioned between an upper surface of the roof and the lower surface of the head when the connector attaches the roof to the frame of the multi-purpose vehicle.

16. The top plate assembly of claim 15, further comprising a second washer including an opening configured to receive the fastener, the second washer being configured to be positioned between the fastener and a support of the frame when the connector attaches the top plate to the frame.

17. A connector for attaching a roof panel to a frame of a multi-purpose vehicle, the connector comprising: The main body includes a head having an upper surface and a lower surface configured to adjoin the upper surface of the top plate; An extension that extends downward from the head and has an opening configured to receive a fastener; A fixing tab extending downward from the head, the fixing tab including a lip and a notch extending between the lip and the lower surface of the head, wherein the notch is configured to receive a portion of the top plate within the notch; A fixing block that extends downward from the head; A first washer, the first washer including an opening configured to receive the body, the first washer being configured to be positioned between an upper surface of the top plate and a lower surface of the head when the connector attaches the top plate to the frame; and A second washer, the second washer including an opening configured to receive the fastener, the second washer being configured to be positioned between the fastener and a support of the frame when the connector attaches the top plate to the frame.

18. The connector according to claim 17, wherein, The fixing tab is arranged around the extension.

19. The connector according to claim 17, wherein, The fixing tab and the fixing block are configured to fix the body within the opening in the top plate.

20. The connector according to claim 17, wherein, The extension is cylindrical in shape and configured to provide a gap between the top plate and the frame.

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