AN EXPANDING BODY FOR TRAVELLERS' VANS.
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An Interesting Product, in which the Sides Can be Extended and the Roof Raised to Give Increased Space in the Interior.
TIURING the past few years increasing use has been made
of the motor vehicle in the form of a showroom, and many important companies—we have in mind a number of confectionery makers—have found that distinct advantages accrue from the policy of displaying a wide range of products in the interior of a suitably equipped van body, and thus 'bringing them under the direct notice of the potential customer. This type of vehicle does not, of course, disVace the traveller's runabout, which is a handy little unit, and its field of use must necessarily be more confined ; but it does enable a considerably wider range of goods to be carried, and, for this reason alone, its value is immeasurably greater. '
If the mobile showroom has a disadvantage at all it is that, in some instances, the interior body space is somewhat restricted, but this difficulty cartainly does not arise in the ease cf a novel traveller's van body that has recently been brought out in the United States. The accompanying illustrations are sufficient clearly to indicate its out
standing features, which are extending sides and roof.
It is aptly named the Expand° body, and the idea was conceived by Mr. R. E. Rohne, the wholesale manager of the branch of the Bee Motor Car Co. at Los Angeles, California. During the time that a van with a body of this description is actually running on the road the sides and roof occupy their normal positions, and the vehicle thus conforms to legal restrictions as regards width. So long as it is on the public highway the sides must not be extended, but so soon as the premises of customers or prospective buyers are reached additional spacecan be given to the interior by expanding the sides, whilst increased top light can be obtained by raising the roof, which is connected to the main shell of the body by concertina-like ends, between which large rectangular windows are fitted.
To expand the body for loading or for use as a saleroom a, lever in the cab is held hard over to the left, with the engine idling. In about 30 seconds the body is fully expanded, a positive automatic stop being provided to render the operation foolproof. The rear doors are opened from the inside.
To get the vehicle ready for the road once more the same lever merely has to be pushed to the right. lIere, again, an automatic stop is provided to prevent the possibility of damage. If desired the body can be opened or closed by means of n hand crank, by which means either operation can be performed in 90 seconds.
The side panels are a sliding fit in the body superstructure, and the ingress of dust or moisture is thereby avoided. The panels are, of course, completely boxed in, so that when they slide into their enclosed positions a body within a body is leally the net result. The half sections of the body are fitted up with movable panels and drawers; shelves, cupboards, etc.; for storing various commodities are available in plenty.
The van we illustrate has a normal floor space 9 ft. long, 5 ft. wide and 7 ft. 2 ins, high, but the width is increased to 9 ft. 6 ins. (the half sections are each 2 ft. 3 ins. wide and 5 ft. deep) when the sides are expanded. There is ample room in the interior for two folding chairs and a desk, and a traveller or salesman and client can conduct their business transactions in comfort and complete privacy ; all the windows are constructed of opaque glass to this end.
Ample natural light is given to the interior by lights above the side panels, in the rear door and in the expanding roof. Two powerful electric lights are installed in the body to enable business to be conducted after dark or to permit stock to be inspected or display arrangements altered after the day's duties are performed. It should be mentioned that when the sides are expanded, either by engine or hand power, the roof is automatically and simultaneously raised.
The driver's compartment is roomy and comfortable and contains a door in the back partition which leads to the showroom. Above the roof of the cab is a luggage rail.