Low profile self propelled vehicle and method for converting a normal profile vehicle to the same

Claims

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances, the vehicle comprising:

split level frame means for supporting vehicle components thereon, the split level frame means comprising a forward frame level and a rearward frame level, the forward frame level having a different vertical level than the rearward frame level, the forward frame level and the rearward frame level being substantially longitudinally offset from each other;

a pair of front wheels adapted for steering the vehicle;

means for steering the front wheels;

a pair of rear wheels adapted for propelling the vehicle;

engine means for providing power to propel the vehicle;

transmission means for transmitting power from the engine means to the pair of rear wheels; and

cab means for supporting an operator of the vehicle from off the ground, said cab means being attached to the forward level of the split level frame, the cab means having a maximum vertical height of less than about eighty (80) inches allowing the vehicle to maneuver under low clearance objects.

2. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the steering means comprises a steering wheel located in the cab means and the steering wheel is oriented longitudinally to the frame means.

3. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the cab means is positioned forward of the pair of front wheels.

4. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the split level frame means comprises a split level rigid frame and wherein the forward frame level of the split level rigid frame means is lower than the rearward frame level of the split level rigid frame means.

5. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the pair of rear wheels each comprise dual wheels.

6. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 5 further comprising a lockup rear differential connected to the transmission means and to the pair of dual rear wheels.

7. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the engine means comprises a diesel engine.

8. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 7 wherein the engine means further comprises dual fuel filters each having a heating element and further comprising an automatic glow plug.

9. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 8 wherein the engine means comprises an air intake pre-cleaner chamber adapted to eliminate large particles present in the intake air and an intake airflow warning system adapted to warn the operator of restricted air intake flow.

10. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 9 wherein the engine means comprises an exhaust particulate trap.

11. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 further comprising disc brake means for braking the front wheels.

12. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 11 further comprising air over hydraulic brake means for allowing an operator to control the application of the disc brake means.

13. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 12 further comprising rear brake means and a rear axle proportioning valve means for distributing braking action between the front disc brake means and the rear brake means depending upon the distribution of the load on the split level frame means.

14. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 12 further comprising means for indicating brake lining wear.

15. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 further comprising a front suspension means and a rear suspension means each comprising at least one stabilizer bar and a pair of shock absorbers.

16. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 further comprising exhaust brake means for reducing vehicle speed.

17. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the cab means comprises an enclosed operator's cab and a curved windshield.

18. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 17 wherein the cab means further comprises:

a curved front wall;

two entry doors;

a pivotally openable vent window; and

a forward mounted door release provided on each of the two entry doors.

19. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 17 wherein the cab means comprises two entry doors, each of the entry doors comprising a crank operated, vertically sliding window.

20. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 19 wherein the cab means further comprises a padded dashboard and instrument panel.

21. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as a protective roof plate.

22. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the transmission means comprises five forward gears.

23. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the maximum vertical height is about sixty (60) inches.

24. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the maximum vertical height is about fifty-five (55) inches.

25. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the distance between centerline of the front axle and the centerline of the rear axle is in the range from about eighty (80) inches to about one-hundred and fifty (150) inches.

26. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the steering means is further for turning the front wheels to a turning angle in the range from about 44.degree. to about 49.degree..

27. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 wherein the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle is about ten (10) inches.

28. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 1 further comprising body means for holding things to be transported, said body means being attached to the frame means.

29. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 28 wherein the body means comprises fuel supply and lubrication supply tanks.

30. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 28 wherein the body means comprises a personnel transporter.

31. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 28 wherein the body means comprises a stake bed.

32. A low profile, self propelled utility vehicle for use where the vehicle must maneuver through low clearances as defined in claim 28 wherein the body means comprises a lift apparatus.

33. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein, the vehicle comprising:

split level frame means for supporting vehicle components thereon, the split level frame means comprising a forward frame level and a rearward frame upper level;

a pair of front wheels adapted for steering the vehicle, the forward level of the split level frame positioned forward of the pair of front wheels;

means for steering the front wheels comprising a steering wheel;

at least a pair of rear wheels adapted for propelling the vehicle;

brake means for braking the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels;

an internal combustion engine adapted for providing power to propel the vehicle;

body means for holding things to be transported, said body means attached to the split level frame, said body means being removable from the split level frame and replaced with another body means; and

a cab adapted for enclosing and protecting an operator of the vehicle, said cab being attached to the forward lower level of the split level frame, the cab and the body means each having a maximum vertical height of about sixty (60) inches allowing the vehicle to maneuver in low clearance mine roadways.

34. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the steering wheel is oriented longitudinally to the split level frame.

35. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the split level frame comprises a split level rigid frame and wherein the forward frame level of the split level rigid frame is at least six (6) inches lower than the rearward level of the split rigid level frame.

36. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things each comprise dual wheels and wherein the drive train comprises a lockup rear differential.

37. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the engine comprises:

dual fuel filters each having a heating element;

an automatic glow plug;

an air intake pre-cleaner chamber adapted eliminate large particles present in the intake air;

an intake air flow warning system adapted to warn the operator of restricted air intake flow;

an exhaust particulate trap;

a pair of side illumination lamps; and

a hose connected to a supply of compressed air.

38. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the brake means further comprises:

disc brakes provided on at least the pair of front wheels; and

air over hydraulic brake actuation means for allowing an operator to control the application of the disc brake means.

39. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 38 further comprising a rear axle proportioning valve adapted for distributing braking action between the front disc brakes and rear axle brakes depending upon the distribution of the load on the frame.

40. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 further comprising a front suspension means and a rear suspension means each comprising at least one stabilizer bar and at least one shock absorber.

41. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the cab comprises a curved windshield.

42. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 41 wherein the cab further comprises:

two entry doors, each of the entry doors comprising a crank operated, vertically sliding window;

a padded dashboard;

a brake warning indicator;

a side illumination lamp; and

a heater.

43. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 42 wherein the cab further comprises a protective roof plate.

44. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the maximum vertical height is about fifty-five (55) inches.

45. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the distance between the centerline of the front axle and the centerline of the rear axle is in the range from about eighty (80) inches to about one-hundred and fifty (150) inches.

46. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 45 wherein the means for steering is further for turning the front wheels to a turning angle in the range from 44.degree. to about 49.degree..

47. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 45 wherein the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle is about ten (10) inches.

48. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the body means comprises a medical assistance and transport body.

49. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the body means comprises a personnel transporter.

50. A low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways and transporting a variety of things therein as defined in claim 33 wherein the body means comprises a water tank.

51. A method of fabricating a low profile vehicle adapted for operating under low clearances, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an operator's cab;

providing a normal profile vehicle frame, the vehicle frame being rigid and having front and rear wheel attachment points;

attaching a frame extension to the frame forward of the front wheel attachment point to provide a support surface and such that the support surface is lower than the vehicle frame;

modifying the cab such that the combined height of the cab and the height of the frame extension above the ground does not exceed the maximum vertical height allowed for the low profile vehicle;

attaching the cab to the frame extension; and

connecting control lines between operating controls provided in the cab and the vehicle components allow an operator to maneuver the low profile vehicle under low clearances from within the cab.

52. A method of fabricating a low profile vehicle adapted for operating under low clearances as defined in claim 51 wherein the cab comprises a windshield, and seats and wherein the step of modifying the cab comprises the steps of:

removing the windshield;

removing the doors; and

removing the seats.

53. A method of fabricating a low profile vehicle adapted for operating under low clearances as defined in claim 51 wherein the cab comprises two doors, and front, back, and side walls, and wherein the step of modifying the cab comprises the steps of:

shortening the doors; and

shortening the cab front wall and side walls.

54. A method of fabricating a low profile vehicle adapted for operating under low clearances as defined in claim 51 further comprising the steps of:

installing a cab roof with a substantially flat metallic plate; and

installing a cab floor with a substantially flat metallic plate.

55. A method of fabricating a low profile vehicle adapted for operating under low clearances as defined in claim 51 further comprising the steps of:

removing a portion from the length of the frame; and

rejoining the resulting portions of the frame to produce a shorter frame.

56. A method of fabricating a low profile vehicle adapted for operating under low clearances as defined in claim 51 wherein the step of attaching the cab to the frame extension comprises the step of attaching the cab to the frame such that the maximum vertical height of the cab attached to the frame extension does not exceed about fifty-five (55) inches.

57. A method of fabricating a low profile vehicle adapted for operating under low clearances as defined in claim 51 further comprising the step of installing a body on the frame.

58. A method of fabricating a low profile vehicle adapted for operating under low clearances as defined in claim 51 further comprising the step of installing a personnel carrier body on the frame.

59. A method of fabricating a low profile vehicle adapted for operating under low clearances as defined in claim 51 further comprising the step of installing a fuel and lubrication supply body on the frame.

60. A method of converting a mass produced, normal profile vehicle comprising a frame, a pair of forward wheels and a pair of rear wheels, an operator's cab, a plurality of control lines between the operator's cab and components on the vehicle, the conversion resulting in a low profile utility vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

disconnecting the control lines between the cab and the components on the vehicle;

removing the cab from the frame;

cutting the cab down to less than its original height to produce a modified cab;

attaching a frame extension forward of the front wheels to form a split level frame;

attaching the modified cab to the frame extension such that the maximum vertical height of the cab attached to the frame extension is less than about eighty (80) inches; and

reconnecting the control lines between the cab and the vehicle components such that an operator in the cab can maneuver the low profile vehicle in areas of low clearance.

61. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 wherein mass produced utility vehicle comprises a steering wheel assembly, an accelerator cable, a clutch pedal assembly, a brake pedal assembly, and a gear shift link rod, and wherein the step of disconnecting comprises the steps of:

removing the steering wheel assembly;

disconnecting the accelerator cable;

removing the clutch pedal assembly;

removing the brake pedal assembly; and

removing the gear shift link rod.

62. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 wherein the mass produced vehicle comprises a windshield, seats and a bumper and wherein the step of cutting the cab down comprises the steps of:

removing the windshield;

removing the doors;

removing the seats; and

removing the front bumper.

63. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 wherein the cab comprises a front, back and side walls, and wherein the step of cutting down the cab comprises the steps of:

shortening the doors;

shortening the cab front wall and side walls; and

providing a curved windshield.

64. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 63 wherein the step of cutting down the cab further comprises the steps of:

replacing the cab roof with a substantially flat metallic plate; and

replacing the cab floor with a substantially flat metallic plate.

65. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 further comprising the step of orienting a steering wheel longitudinally with the frame of the vehicle.

66. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 further wherein the mass produced normal profile vehicle comprises a diesel engine and wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

providing dual fuel filters each having a heating element;

providing an automatic glow plug;

providing an air intake pre-cleaner chamber;

providing an exhaust particulate trap; and

providing an exhaust brake.

67. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 further comprising the step of providing a lockup rear differential and dual rear wheels.

68. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 further comprising the steps of:

providing disc brakes on a pair of wheels; and

providing an air over hydraulic brake actuation system.

69. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 further comprising the steps of:

removing a portion from the length of the frame; and

rejoining the resulting portion of the frame to produce a shorter frame.

70. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 wherein the step of attaching the modified cab to the frame extension comprises the step of attaching the modified cab to the frame such that the maximum vertical height of the cab attached to the frame extension is about fifty-five (55) inches.

71. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 further comprising the step of installing a body on the frame.

72. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 71 wherein the step of installing a body on the frame comprises the step of installing a personnel carrier body on the frame.

73. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 71 wherein the step of installing a body on the frame comprises the step of installing a fuel and lubrication supply body on the frame.

74. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 71 wherein the step of installing a body on the frame comprises the step of installing a scissor lift body on the frame.

75. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 71 wherein the step of installing a body on the frame comprises the step of installing a water tank body on the frame.

76. A method of converting a mass produced utility vehicle to a low profile utility vehicle as defined in claim 60 further comprising the step of replacing the tires.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to self propelled vehicles used to transport articles and personnel in locations where the vertical clearance is limited, such as in below ground mining and aircraft support operations. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of converting normal profile vehicles to low profile self propelled vehicles and the resulting vehicles.

2. The Prior Art

Several modern industries have a need for self propelled low profile vehicles. Examples of such industries are the mining and aircraft maintenance and support industries. For example, both military and commercial aircraft require ground support vehicles which are capable of maneuvering under aircraft wings and fuselages. In the mining industry, vehicles are required to maneuver in low clearance mine roadways to transport personnel, maintenance equipment, fuel and lubricates, and other items from one location to another in the mining operation.

Low profile vehicles are generally defined as those having a maximum vertical height of eighty, and usually less than about sixty, inches or less. The vertical height of a vehicle is generally measured from the underlying road or ground surface to the highest rigid structure on the vehicle.

Not only must a low profile vehicle be able to pass under low clearances, but it must also carry payloads of anywhere in the range from hundreds to thousands of pounds reliably over rough road conditions. Thus, a low profile vehicle should be as thoroughly engineered and tested as normal profile vehicles which are mass produced by the tens of thousands.

Moreover, normal profile vehicles which are intended for use on city streets and highways are generally built so that the operator's cab is raised to the highest practical vertical height to improve visibility of the surrounding traffic from the operator's cab. Normal profile vehicles, such as those which are intended to be operated on city streets and highways generally have a vertical height in the range from eighty to one-hundred and twenty inches. Thus, it is widely recognized among those having skill in the art that normal profile vehicles do not have application in industries requiring low profile vehicles.

The general recognition in the pertinent industries that low profile vehicles are a necessity under certain conditions has caused some manufacturers to produce specialized low profile vehicles. It is the usual case that specific industries, profile vehicles are custom built for specific industries, e.g., vehicles are designed and built individually, or in quantities only in the tens, specifically for the mining or for the aircraft support industries. This is in contrast to the tens, or hundreds, of thousands of a particular chassis of a normal profile vehicle which will customarily be produced by a manufacturer.

Manufacturers of such specialized low profile vehicles include Eimco Mining Machinery International of Canada; A. L. Lee Corp. of Lester, W.V.; and Getman Corporation of Bangor, Mich.

The market for such specifically designed and custom built low profile vehicles is very limited with some manufacturers producing only a few of each model of low profile vehicle each year. Thus, each low profile vehicle is generally built on an individual basis, or in very few numbers, to fill the need of a particular customer or class of customers.

It is widely acknowledged that producing such small numbers of specifically designed low profile vehicles is inherently inefficient. Thus, the cost of each low profile vehicle is very high compared to vehicles which are mass produced and directed to a larger number of users.

Moreover, since so few low profile vehicles are built by each manufacturer, the design and fabrication of the vehicles requires that simple and readily available components, material, and fabrication techniques be used. For example, in mass produced vehicles where tens of thousands are manufactured, such as normal profile trucks, the frame, engine, drive train components, and body parts are all specifically designed and extensively tested to ensure that they work together properly and in a trouble free manner.

In contrast, low profile vehicles are designed by each manufacturer and built in small numbers from the "ground up" with no other perspective in mind but to produce the vehicle for the intended specific end use. Thus, low profile vehicle manufacturers are left to obtain components such as engines, drive trains, and brake systems from other sources where they are mass produced. The remaining components used in low profile vehicles, such as frames and body parts, must be individually fabricated by the vehicle manufacturer.

As recognized in the arts devoted to design and production of normal profile vehicles, the compatibility of vehicle components is crucial to making a vehicle perform most efficiently. Ensuring that vehicle components are compatible requires a great deal of design, engineering, and testing effort before production of the vehicle begins. Such extensive design, engineering, and testing efforts are prohibitively expensive in view of the small numbers of low profile vehicles which are manufactured. Unfortunately, the use of "high quality" and individual components does not ensure that the components will work well together.

Since the frames, bodies, and other components of prior art low profile vehicles must be designed and fabricated in small numbers, they are of simple construction and are fitted with components which are not ideally suited for use therewith. In the case of body parts, large flat pieces of sheet metal are generally attached to a simple geometric framework giving the completed low profile vehicle a "boxy" and "unfinished" appearance when compared to mass produced normal profile vehicles.

Moreover, the fact that each prior art low profile vehicle is individually designed and built causes most manufacturers to omit the design, fabrication and installation of many desirable features into their low profile vehicles. Such omitted features may include performance enhancing features such as drive train, exhaust system, and suspension, braking, and fuel system improvements.

Also omitted from prior art low profile vehicles are even basic amenities for the comfort and safety of the low profile vehicle operator such as cab environmental control, roll down windows, padded dashboard, windshield wipers, and windshield washers. In some cases, low profile vehicles do not provide the operator with any enclosed cab at all.

Further drawbacks which are evident with some prior art low profile vehicles is that the driver and steering wheel are offset from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, in some cases by as much as 90.degree.. Thus, the low profile vehicle operator must sit and steer sideways. Still further, some manufacturers of low profile vehicles utilize a two piece articulated frame scheme which increases the cost of producing and maintaining the low profile vehicle.

Still another drawback inherent in prior art low profile vehicles is the fact that a new chassis is generally designed for each application. For example, a two person transport, a twelve person transport, and a large two ton equipment transport would each be designed from the ground up using all different components. Disadvantageously, this scheme also requires that an owner of such vehicles maintain a different complete parts inventory and trained repair technicians for each of the different vehicles.

In view of the foregoing, it would be an advance in the art to provide a low profile vehicle which includes the desirable features present in normal profile vehicles while providing the low profile vehicle at a lower cost than prior art low profile vehicles. It would be a further advance in the art to provide a method of converting normal profile vehicles for use as low profile vehicles. It would also be an advance in the art to provide a low profile vehicle conversion which allows low profile vehicles to be produced more efficiently than are prior art low profile vehicles which are designed and built in small numbers for specific end uses.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel low profile vehicle for use in a variety of applications, such as mining applications. The present invention also provides a novel method for converting a normal profile vehicle into a low profile vehicle. The present invention results in a low profile vehicle which costs less to fabricate and operates more efficiently than prior art low profile vehicles.

In accordance with the present invention, selected components and assemblies found in a normal profile vehicle's original frame are retained and/or modified for use in a completed low profile vehicle in accordance with the present invention. Such components and assemblies include features heretofore unavailable in low profile vehicles.

In particular, while carrying out the method of the present invention, the operator's cab of the original normal profile vehicle is removed and the control lines between the cab and various vehicle components are disconnected. To the forward end of the frame of the normal profile vehicle is added a frame extension to form a split level frame of the present invention.

The present invention incorporates a split level rigid frame utilizing much of the ladder-type frame of the normal profile vehicle chassis. The split level frame is fabricated by attaching a frame extension to the existing ladder-type frame of the normal profile vehicle in a position forward of the front wheels.

The frame extension provides a lower frame surface than the remaining frame of the original normal profile vehicle. The higher rearward portion of the frame supports a power train, other operating components, and a body of some type.

A section of the cab which was removed from the original normal profile chassis is modified and attached to the frame extension. The lower level of the frame extension allows the modified cab to be secured to the frame extension and not exceed the maximum height allowed for the low profile vehicle. The control lines are also reconnected to provide control functions to the operator's cab.

Retaining and reusing, in modified form, the operator's cab allows the desirable features found therein to be incorporated into a low profile vehicle at a much lower cost than possible with prior art low profile vehicles which are uniquely designed for particular end uses. Furthermore, the components originally included in the normal profile vehicle chassis operate together much more efficiently than components which are often included in prior art low profile vehicles.

Moreover, the original normal profile vehicle includes many advantageous features and components which are not included in the completed low profile vehicle of the present invention. Still further, the extensive engineering and testing which is invested in a mass produced normal profile vehicle results in a more reliable and efficient low profile vehicle after the conversion of the present invention.

In view of the forgoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a method for converting a normal profile vehicle into a low profile vehicle which can be adapted for use in a variety of applications requiring a low profile vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for converting a normal profile vehicle into a low profile vehicle which may be carried out more efficiently and more economically than fabricating a low profile vehicle in accordance with the teachings of the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of converting a normal profile vehicle into a low profile vehicle which retains the desirable features of the normal profile vehicle.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a low profile vehicle adapted for maneuvering below ground on mining roadways which includes features not previously available in low profile vehicles.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method of converting a normal profile vehicle into a low profile vehicle wherein the operator's cab of the normal profile vehicle is retained and modified for use in the low profile vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a low profile vehicle which utilizes a common chassis which is capable of supporting several bodies and which requires only a single repair parts inventory.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more fully apparent during an examination of this disclosure and by practicing the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a completed low profile vehicle which was converted from a normal profile vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a normal profile vehicle chassis suitable for being converted to a low profile vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cab assembly of the normal profile vehicle chassis illustrating the step of removing the cab from the frame in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a step of the present invention wherein a frame extension is attached to the frame of the normal profile vehicle.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the cab assembly of the present invention undergoing the cut down step of the present