Modular passenger compartment for motor vehicle

• US 5,301,997 A
• Filed: 02/18/1993
• Issued: 04/12/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Charles Cudden
• Original Assignee: Charles Cudden
• Inventors: Cudden, Charles
• Primary Examiner(s): Pedder, Dennis H.
• Application Number:
  US08/020,263
• Time in Patent Office: 418 Days
• Field of Search: 818/621, 296/164, 296/166, 296/183, 296/35.3, 296/196, 296/197, 296/39.1, 296/210, 296/183, 29/401.1
• US Class Current: 296/182.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/42 convertible from one use to a different one vehicles capable of travelling in or on different media, rail-and-road vehicles B60F
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 47/00 Motor vehicles or trailers predominantly for carrying passengers superstructures B62D31/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49716 Converting

Abstract

A utility vehicle such as a pick-up truck is modified by having a modular compartment mounted to the chassis so as to allow passengers to freely move between the cab and the modular compartment.

Claims

1. A modular assembly in combination with a pick-up truck comprising:

a pick-up truck chassis having a cab assembly which is modified to define a cab aperture having a peripheral flange;

a structurally self-supported compartment for receiving passengers or cargo, said compartment enclosing an interior space defined by a roof, floor, side and rear walls and defining a compartment aperture at a front wall with a peripheral flange;

said compartment flange being alignably connected with said cab flange and allowing movement of said passengers or cargo between said compartment and said cab assembly; and

seal means disposed between said compartment aperture and said cab aperture peripherally about said cab flange for sealingly connecting said compartment and said cab assembly, said means including a stiffening member peripherally positioned about said cab flange, a U-shaped seal member surrounding said cab flange for providing a seal, and a cover concealing said stiffening member and seal member from view.

2. The modular assembly of claim 1 further comprising trim means disposed between said compartment and said cab assembly for providing a continuous and decorative transition surface therebetween.

3. The modular assembly of claim 1 further comprising door means for providing access to said interior space.