초록 ▼

A retrofittable vehicle framework and method for interchangeable use of a variety of attachment units on the vehicle framework. The framework includes a first overlay rigidly retrofittable to an existing framework of a vehicle. The attachment units have second overlays secured to them which are corr

A retrofittable vehicle framework and method for interchangeable use of a variety of attachment units on the vehicle framework. The framework includes a first overlay rigidly retrofittable to an existing framework of a vehicle. The attachment units have second overlays secured to them which are correspondingly positioned to allow matable positioning over the first overlays on the vehicle framework. The vehicle framework carries coupling members which are operable to releasably secure the second overlays to the first overlays and vehicle framework thus securing the selected attachment unit to the vehicle framework. The vehicle can be either motorized and self-locomoting, or a trailer. Members can also be included on the vehicle framework to lift the attachment unit from the framework when changing units, and then be released from the unit.

대표청구항 ▼

A retrofittable vehicle framework means for interchangeable use with a variety of attachment units comprising: a pair of first overlay means rigidly retrofittably overlapped and rigidly secured to the existing conventional framework of a vehicle, said conventional framework comprising two parallel l

A retrofittable vehicle framework means for interchangeable use with a variety of attachment units comprising: a pair of first overlay means rigidly retrofittably overlapped and rigidly secured to the existing conventional framework of a vehicle, said conventional framework comprising two parallel laterally spaced-apart frame rails, each having top and side sections, and cross-members secured laterally between the frame rails, each said first overlay means having a top horizontal portion over the top section of a corresponding framerail and presenting a generally flat, horizontal support surface along the length of each first overlay means, and a side vertical portion mateably extending downwardly relative to the horizontal portion and positioned in abutment along the side section of a corresponding framerail so that the first overlay means generally covers the outer facing surfaces of the top and side sections of the framerails and to provide strengthening support to the top and sides of framerails; a pair of second overlay means rigidly secured to an attachment unit and corresponding to each first overlay means and framerail, being mateably removably positionable over in a generally covering relationship to said first overlay means and at least a portion of the corresponding framerail, said second overlay means having a top horizontal portion and a vertical portion exending downwardly from one side of the top horizontal portion along the length of said second overlay means, said top and vertical portions being removably mateably positionable in abutment to the top and side portions of the first overlay means; and coupling means mounted on the framework of a the vehicle for releaseably securing said attachment unit to said vehicle framework when said attachment unit is positioned on said vehicle framework said coupling means including means to interlock each second overlay means to the corresponding first means and framerail by releasable securement of the vertical portion of the second overlay means in vertical abutment to the side vertical portion of the first overlay means and side section of the framerail.