A common structural member for use at several locations within a truck body is comprised of an elongated member having a uniform cross-section. The common structural member has a flat surface with stiffening ribs and a first pair of mutually parallel walls along its longitudinal edges. A longitudinal T-slot extends along a first one of the parallel walls, while a longitudinal first groove extends along the second one of the walls. A longitudinal notch or second groove is situated at the second wall, and one of the notch or grooves is arranged at right angles to the T-slot while the other of the notch or grooves is arranged parallel to the T-slot. Each of the notch and grooves is adapted to accept a sheet metal panel therein. The T-slot comprises an inset channel, a slot perpendicularly intersecting said channel, and a recess opposing the slot. The T-slot further comprises at least one enlarged aperture adapted to accept a bolt or a nut therethrough for insertion into the T-slot recessed channel. In another embodiment, the common member further comprises a second pair of mutually parallel walls joined perpendicularly to the first pair of mutually parallel walls, thereby forming four longitudinal edges. Either a T-slot or a groove is situated at each of the longitudinal edges, with each of the T-slot or grooves having a particular orientation, relative to each other, such that the common member can be used at several locations throughout a truck body.
The coach body construction comprises an upper structure having extruded profiles, which are connected detachably to one another by corner connectors and are made of an aluminum alloy, and a lower structure. The lower structure is composed of longitudinal and transverse supports which are made of an extruded aluminum alloy and are detachably connected to one another and to the upper structure by corner connectors. In interaction with the upper structure, it is of inherently sturdy construction. The corner connectors are, in particular, screw-on corner connectors.
A channel member forming the structure of a compartment structure for a vehicle. A generally C-shaped channel member is used to define compartments and also provide load carrying capability and attachment features for a compartment structure of a vehicle. The channel member includes a plurality of external T slots useful for mounting components and shelves within the compartment, and at least one internal T slot for mounting components within the interior of the C channel. Also, a method and apparatus for attaching the compartment structure to a transverse structural member is shown and described.
A truck body is disclosed for mounting on a standard truck frame. The body includes extruded attachment components which run the full length of the body. The attachment components have T-slots formed beneath their surfaces for permitting attachment of optional equipment to the truck body. The attachment components are designed to conform to the shape of the truck body in an aesthetically pleasing manner. One type of extruded attachment component includes an integral hinge pin for rotatably supporting a toolbox lid.
An arrangement of equipment elements to facilitate the maintenance of a work vehicle. The work vehicle has a support structure with a power source mounted on an end of the support structure and a vehicle body mounted on the support structure and enveloping at least a portion of the power source. The arrangement comprises a center compartment located at the rear of the vehicle body and configured to allow access to the power source. A first compartment on one side of the center compartment contains wet equipment elements. A second compartment on another side of the center compartment contains dry equipment elements. Another embodiment of the arrangement of equipment elements to facilitate maintenance includes an additional compartment on a side of the work vehicle proximate to the rear of the work vehicle.
