Abstract: A stairway assembly is pivoted between deployed and stowed positions. The stairway in one form includes a sliding support from which the stairway is suspended at a location spaced from a stairway pivot. A link, which may be adjustable in length, couples the coupler to the stairway. A snubber is provided to limit vibration of the stairway when stowed. An actuator, which may comprise an electric motor, is positioned above and overlies a portion of a platform of the stairway. Extension and retraction of the actuator pivots the stairway between stowed and deployed positions.

Abstract: A method of controlling a retractable stairway assembly for a vehicle includes monitoring at least one vehicle status condition such as (a) whether the vehicle is stopped, (b) whether the parking brake is set, (c) whether the cab is tilted in excess of a threshold, and (d) whether excess current is being required by a motor used to shift the stairway between stowed and deployed positions in the event an electric motor is used for this purpose. In the event any of these monitored conditions are not in a predetermined state, deployment of the stairway from a stowed position is blocked. Deployment and stowing of the stairway may also be interrupted depending upon vehicle status and other conditions. Interior and exterior vehicle alarms may be activated depending on vehicle status conditions and the mode of operation of the stairway.

Abstract: A truck door frame and door installation assembly and method for making the door frame are disclosed. Specifically, a door frame constructed of a monolithic piece of sheet metal completely bounds a door opening. The door frame is attached to an underlying sidewall frame structure. The door frame has a pilot hole therethrough for receiving a protruding alignment element from a door positioner and supporter. Other truck cab assembly components, such as the roof structure and firewall assembly, are attachable to the door frame. A door installation assembly and method for adjusting and installing a door in the closed position is also provided. In particular, a piano hinge having a first flap is mounted to a fore side edge of a door. The second flap of the hinge is mounted to an exterior hinge receiving surface of the door frame and extends forwardly and substantially perpendicularly to the fore side edge and first flap when the door is closed.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a truck with a sleeping compartment includes a bed positioned within the sleeping compartment and most preferably at an upper berth position. A bed shifter is provided for shifting the bed between bed sleeping and bed storage positions. More specifically, the upper bed sleeping surface of the bed is raised toward the ceiling of the vehicle when the bed is shifted between the sleeping and storage positions, with the side portions of the bed similarly being raised as this shifting occurs. The bed shifter may be designed to tilt the bed as shifting occurs so that, when in the bed storage position, the upper bed surface more closely follows the contour of a vehicle with a downwardly sloped or otherwise configured ceiling. Bed shifting elements of variable length may be provided to shift the bed by varying the length of these elements.

Abstract: An opening is provided through the front of a truck cab assembly during the manufacture process for allowing access to the interior of the truck cab for installing components therein. The opening most preferably substantially extends from sidewall to sidewall in the horizontal direction, and substantially from the roof structure to the floor structure in the vertical direction. On an assembly line, the front opening is preferably oriented perpendicularly to the direction of travel of truck cabs along the assembly line during a major portion of the vehicle truck cab assembly process. A firewall-dashboard assembly which facilitates easier installation and assembly of certain components is also disclosed. Specifically, the firewall is pre-assembled and combined with a dashboard sub-assembly prior to mounting these components to the truck cab. The firewall-dashboard assembly preferably contains at least the instrument panel, and the brake, clutch, and accelerator mechanisms.

Abstract: A reinforced coach joint for joining a roof of a truck to the sidewalls and/or rearwall of the truck involves clamping inwardly projecting flanges of the components to be joined between elongated reinforcing elements. Preferably the reinforcing elements define respective upwardly and downwardly opening channels that extend substantially around the periphery of the sidewalls, at least in a sleeper compartment area of a truck, and the rearwall of the truck. In a specific form, a lower reinforcing element has major sections with an h-shaped construction with an inner leg that projects upwardly above the elevation of the roof flange. This upwardly projecting reinforcing leg may engage a reinforcing leg of a sidewall reinforcing element positioned above the roof flange to further rigidify the construction.