Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Converting
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-08
2001-01-30
Hughes, S. Thomas (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Converting
C296S190020
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178612
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab. More particularly, the invention relates to a method whereby a truck cab having a sleeper cab integrally formed therewith is converted to a day cab by removing the sleeper cab from the truck cab and replacing the same with a rear wall member so that the modified truck cab is a day cab rather than a sleeper cab.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many of the trucks which haul freight across the nation include a sleeper cab integrally formed with the truck or operator's cab so that the driver may, at appropriate times, sleep in the sleeper cab. The truck cabs which include sleeper cabs compartments are quite large and do serve a very useful purpose while the truck is being used for long hauls. However, the trucks having the truck sleeper cabs are normally removed from long haul service after two or three years due to the expiration of leases, large accumulated mileage, etc. When the trucks having sleeper cabs are removed from long haul service, and are being sold as a used truck, an operator is hesitant to purchase the same for further long haul use due to the normally high mileage thereon. Further, if the trucks having sleeper cabs are to be used for local routes, those trucks, due to the large cab size thereof, are not well-suited for local use.
Used trucks of the type which are commonly referred to as “day cabs”, that is, a truck cab without a sleeper compartment, normally have a much larger resale value than truck sleeper cabs because there is a shortage of day cabs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab is described which comprises the steps of: (1) providing a truck cab having a sleeper compartment riveted to the rearward end thereof; (2) removing the rivets which connect the sleeper compartment to the truck cab; (3) removing the sleeper compartment from the truck cab, thereby creating an opening at the rearward end of the truck cab; (4) providing a rear wall member which resembles the rear wall of a day cab and which is designed to close the opening created by the removal of the sleeper compartment from the truck cab; (5) and securing the rear wall member to the truck cab to close the opening whereby the truck cab has the appearance of a day cab. The rear wall member is riveted to the truck cab and has a window provided therein. The rear wall member is provided with a series of protrusions extending therefrom which resemble heads of rivets so that the resultant day cab more nearly resembles a conventional day cab. The rear wall member is comprised of a fiberglass material and has reinforcing members embedded therein.
It is a principal object of the invention to provide a method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab wherein the resultant day cab closely resembles conventional day cabs.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab wherein a fiberglass rear wall member is used to close the opening created by the removal of the sleeper cab and wherein the rear wall member has rivet-like protrusions extending therefrom.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of converting a used truck sleeper cab to a day cab which enhances the value of the used truck.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab so that the resultant cab is more suited for local use.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab which involves the use of a rear wall member comprised of reinforced fiberglass material.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab which is readily accomplished.
These and other objects will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3558180 (1971-01-01), Algire
patent: 4050735 (1977-09-01), Molnar
patent: 4589181 (1986-05-01), Phillips
patent: 4599780 (1986-07-01), Rohrbacher
patent: 4775179 (1988-10-01), Riggs
patent: 4787670 (1988-11-01), Bentz
patent: 5000501 (1991-03-01), Cunha
patent: 5305512 (1994-04-01), Ward
patent: 5310239 (1994-05-01), Koske et al.
patent: 5560673 (1996-10-01), Angelo
patent: 5769486 (1998-06-01), Novoa et al.
Blount Steven
Hughes S. Thomas
Thomte Dennis L.
TRP, Inc.
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
LandOfFree
Method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of converting a truck sleeper cab to a day cab will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2482682