Method of fabricating a motorhome

• US 20070199196A1
• Filed: 05/08/2006
• Published: 08/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Johnnie Crean
• Original Assignee: Johnnie Crean
• Inventors: Crean, Johnnie
• Application Number:
  US11/430,202
• Publication Number:
  US 20070199196A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/897.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/34 the living accommodation being expansible, collapsible or capable of rearrangement B60P3/38 takes precedence; tents supported at least partially by vehicles E04H15/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/36 Auxiliary arrangements; Arrangements of living accommodation toilet or washing arrangements B60R15/00; Details
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 21/02 comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 31/02 for carrying large numbers of passengers, e.g. omnibus
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/046 built up with flat self-supporting panels; Fixed connections between panels B62D29/045, B62D33/048 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49622 Vehicular structural member making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A method of fabricating a motorhome, wherein the motorhome comprises a chassis, a vehicle frame, and a coach body. In one embodiment, the method begins by prefabricating the frame by joining a plurality of parallel elongate members with cross-tie members. The frame is prefabricated separate from the chassis, and in one embodiment, the frame is prefabricated upside down such that the underside of the frame is accessible for attachment of a plurality of bulkheads. Then, the frame is rotated upright and positioned atop the chassis. In one embodiment, the rails of the chassis lie inside a channel defined by the plurality of bulkheads. Next, additional bulkheads are joined to the frame and chassis to further interconnect the frame and chassis. Preferably, the additional bulkheads comprise an opening such that the additional bulkheads can surround the chassis on all sides. Finally, the coach body is assembled on the frame.

Claims

1. A method of increasing production efficiency of motorhome manufacture, the method comprising:

assembling a motorhome frame separately from an unfinished vehicle chassis;

attaching the frame to the unfinished vehicle chassis so as to define an interconnected space frame among the frame and unfinished vehicle chassis;

constructing a motorhome coach on the interconnected frame and vehicle chassis.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising installing a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system wherein the HVAC system has a common air return.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein assembling a motorhome frame separately from an unfinished vehicle chassis and attaching the frame to the unfinished vehicle chassis so as to define the interconnected space frame between the frame and unfinished vehicle chassis comprising attaching bulkheads to the frame and the vehicle chassis such that the bulkheads are structural components of the space frame and form storage areas.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the motorhome frame is assembled in an upside-down orientation and inverted to a right-side-up orientation prior to attachment to the unfinished vehicle chassis.