GB2101537A

GB2101537A - Multi-purpose vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2101537A
Application number: GB08121355A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ivan Kenneth Warner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1981-07-10
Filing date: 1981-07-10
Publication date: 1983-01-19

Abstract

A vehicle, especially a trailer vehicle, adapted for conversion between a number of configurations comprises four interconnected wall members (1, 2) upstanding from a load-receiving floor. Posts with sockets (5) are provided at each corner for positioning and securing extension posts (8) which support extension panels (9, 11) or locating pegs for a roof panel (6). By adding different combinations of extension posts and panels, the same basic vehicle can be used for a variety of different purposes from an open truck to a caravan. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Multi-purpose vehicle This invention relates to a vehicle, especially a trailer vehicle, and in particular to a vehicle adapted for conversion between a number of different configurations.

According to the invention, a vehicle, preferably a trailer vehicle, comprises four interconnected wall members upstanding from a load receiving floor and means on each wall member for selectively attaching a top cover member or supporting means for panels extending the wall members, whereby the vehicle may be converted between two or more different configurations.

For example, in one configuration the vehicle may comprise only the basic four interconnected wall members, one of which may be hinged along its lower edge, for use as an open truck for conveying a wide range of articles and materials.

With the top cover member in position, the contents of the truck may be kept dry and/or secure from theft, particularly, in the latter case, if the cover member is lockable in position. In a third configuration, the top cover member is spaced from the four interconnected wall members by four extension panels providing a closed van of intermediate height for the carriage of bulky goods or other goods which require to be enclosed, for example. The panels may include, if required, windows and parts of doors or other openings.

The addition of four further extension panels connected to the upper edges of the first four extension panels, with the top cover member attached to the upper edges of the further panels, provides, in the fourth configuration, a full height vehicle usable, for example, as a caravan.

The vehicle, being readily converted between its various different configurations, can serve the use of a plurality of different vehicles of conventional fixed construction.

Reference is made to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a trailer vehicle in accordance with the invention; and Figures 2, 3 and 4 illustrate successive stages of conversion or adaptation of the vehicle of Figure 1 through three alternative configurations.

Referring first to Figure 1 , the trailer vehicle is of generally conventional construction, having a base or floor mounted on a chassis (not shown).

Upstanding from the floor are a front wall 1 , two side walls 2, and a hinged rear wall 3. The rear wall 3 has a portion 4 which is hinged relative to the remainder and is fastenable thereto so as to define a door therein. At each intersection between adjacent walls 1 and 2, 2 and 3, 3 and 2, and 2 and 1, there is provided a corner post 5 having a socket therein and threaded transverse bores intersecting with the socket for receiving locking screws.

The cover or roof moulding 6 shown in Figures 2 to 4 has a peg 7 extending downwardly from each corner thereof, arranged to fit into the corresponding socket in a corner post 5. The pegs on one side or at one end may be hingedly connected to the roof moulding so as to permit the moulding to be swung open, as illustrated in Figure 2, for access to the interior of the trailer.

The pegs 7 are lockable in the sockets by the locking screws. The cover or roof moulding 6 extends slightly beyond the walls 1, 2, 3, to prevent ingress of rain into the trailer.

To increase the capacity of the trailer, the sides thereof may be extended upwardly as shown in Figure 3. Four extension posts 8, each having a peg at the lower end thereof, adapted to be received and locked in a socket in a corner post 5, and a socket in the upper end thereof, the sockets being identical to those in the corner posts 5.

Extension panels are attached to the extension posts 8, for example by a sliding tongue and groove arrangement, and rest on the corresponding base walls 1, 2, 3. In Figure 3, the front extension wall 9, having a window 10, and side extension wall 11, are shown.

A further increase in capacity is obtained by adding further extension posts 1 2 and extension walls, as shown in Figure 4. For use as a caravan, a modified pair of front walls 13 and 14 are used having a larger window defined by two window panels 1 5 and 1 6 formed in them. The rear walls (not shown) may incorporate a full-height door, formed in three sections, one section being in the top wall panel, the second in the middle wall panel, and the third being part 4 of the base wall panel 3.

In an alternative construction the extension posts 8 and 1 2 are combined with a central double hinged portion with lockable hinges so that the length may be doubled when the full height version as shown in Figure 4 is required.

It will also be appreciated that the extension posts may be permanently attached to or integrally formed with the extension walls, to form a rectangular plan unit which is located on to the side walls.

1. A vehicle comprising four interconnected wall members upstanding from a load receiving floor and means on each wall member for selectively attaching a top cover member or supporting means for panels extending the wall members, whereby the vehicle may be converted between two or more different configurations.

2. A vehicle according to Claim 1, wherein a socket is provided at each intersection between the wall members, each socket being adapted to receive therein a supporting post, the panels extending the wall members being attachable to the supporting posts.

3. A vehicle according to Claim 2, wherein each supporting post has a socket in the upper end thereof adapted to receive a further post or a locating peg extending from a top cover member for the vehicle.

4. A vehicle according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the extending panels includes a window.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Multi-purpose vehicle This invention relates to a vehicle, especially a trailer vehicle, and in particular to a vehicle adapted for conversion between a number of different configurations. According to the invention, a vehicle, preferably a trailer vehicle, comprises four interconnected wall members upstanding from a load receiving floor and means on each wall member for selectively attaching a top cover member or supporting means for panels extending the wall members, whereby the vehicle may be converted between two or more different configurations. For example, in one configuration the vehicle may comprise only the basic four interconnected wall members, one of which may be hinged along its lower edge, for use as an open truck for conveying a wide range of articles and materials. With the top cover member in position, the contents of the truck may be kept dry and/or secure from theft, particularly, in the latter case, if the cover member is lockable in position. In a third configuration, the top cover member is spaced from the four interconnected wall members by four extension panels providing a closed van of intermediate height for the carriage of bulky goods or other goods which require to be enclosed, for example. The panels may include, if required, windows and parts of doors or other openings. The addition of four further extension panels connected to the upper edges of the first four extension panels, with the top cover member attached to the upper edges of the further panels, provides, in the fourth configuration, a full height vehicle usable, for example, as a caravan. The vehicle, being readily converted between its various different configurations, can serve the use of a plurality of different vehicles of conventional fixed construction. Reference is made to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a trailer vehicle in accordance with the invention; and Figures 2, 3 and 4 illustrate successive stages of conversion or adaptation of the vehicle of Figure 1 through three alternative configurations. Referring first to Figure 1 , the trailer vehicle is of generally conventional construction, having a base or floor mounted on a chassis (not shown). Upstanding from the floor are a front wall 1 , two side walls 2, and a hinged rear wall 3. The rear wall 3 has a portion 4 which is hinged relative to the remainder and is fastenable thereto so as to define a door therein. At each intersection between adjacent walls 1 and 2, 2 and 3, 3 and 2, and 2 and 1, there is provided a corner post 5 having a socket therein and threaded transverse bores intersecting with the socket for receiving locking screws. The cover or roof moulding 6 shown in Figures 2 to 4 has a peg 7 extending downwardly from each corner thereof, arranged to fit into the corresponding socket in a corner post 5. The pegs on one side or at one end may be hingedly connected to the roof moulding so as to permit the moulding to be swung open, as illustrated in Figure 2, for access to the interior of the trailer. The pegs 7 are lockable in the sockets by the locking screws. The cover or roof moulding 6 extends slightly beyond the walls 1, 2, 3, to prevent ingress of rain into the trailer. To increase the capacity of the trailer, the sides thereof may be extended upwardly as shown in Figure 3. Four extension posts 8, each having a peg at the lower end thereof, adapted to be received and locked in a socket in a corner post 5, and a socket in the upper end thereof, the sockets being identical to those in the corner posts 5. Extension panels are attached to the extension posts 8, for example by a sliding tongue and groove arrangement, and rest on the corresponding base walls 1, 2, 3. In Figure 3, the front extension wall 9, having a window 10, and side extension wall 11, are shown. A further increase in capacity is obtained by adding further extension posts 1 2 and extension walls, as shown in Figure 4. For use as a caravan, a modified pair of front walls 13 and 14 are used having a larger window defined by two window panels 1 5 and 1 6 formed in them. The rear walls (not shown) may incorporate a full-height door, formed in three sections, one section being in the top wall panel, the second in the middle wall panel, and the third being part 4 of the base wall panel 3. In an alternative construction the extension posts 8 and 1 2 are combined with a central double hinged portion with lockable hinges so that the length may be doubled when the full height version as shown in Figure 4 is required. It will also be appreciated that the extension posts may be permanently attached to or integrally formed with the extension walls, to form a rectangular plan unit which is located on to the side walls. CLAIMS

5. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the wall members includes a door and any panel extending said at least one wall member includes a door which corresponds in position and operation to the door in said wall member whereby the door in said wall member is extended upwardly.

6. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the top cover member is connected to the wall members by four pegs, one extending downwardly from each corner thereof, two adjacent pegs being hingedly connected to the top cover member whereby said member may be opened in the manner of a hinged lid for the vehicle.

7. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the wall members is hingedly connected to the floor.

8. A vehicle according to any preceding claim and which is a trailer vehicle.

9. A vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to, or as shown in, the drawings.