Abstract:
A mid-sized firefighting and fire rescue vehicle capable of accessing a range of off-road wildland environments that is also “street legal” for rapid on-road transportation. The vehicle is configured to be outfitted as needed with any of a variety of different firefighting or fire rescue systems packaged as removable modules, fixed in place in the bed of the vehicle. The vehicle achieves stability and ruggedness through the use of three military type axles, two of which (the rear axles) are both drive axles. The vehicle is further configured with an open bed structured to receive, position, and retain an integrated, modularly structured, firefighting or fire rescue system in such a manner as may be switched out with alternate systems as required for the type of service into which the vehicle is called. The vehicle has a narrow gauge (width) that allows it to access remote and obstructed areas but is still large enough to adequately carry personnel and equipment safely to and from most wildland fire environments. The bed of the vehicle utilizes a quick load and unload system that includes either rails or alignment guide posts in a manner that allows the user to quickly change the vehicle&#39;s primary function.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.: 61/056,337; filed May 27, 2008; the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to vehicles utilized in conjunction with firefighting and fire rescue operations. The present invention relates more specifically to modular vehicular systems that can access extreme wildland environments and transport a variety of modularized firefighting and fire rescue equipment while still offering a street legal configuration. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    There are many different types of motorized vehicles currently in use in the field of firefighting and fire rescue. Very large and complex machinery has been developed over time to provide firefighters with the tools required to control and extinguish fires as well as assist in the rescue of individuals caught within the fires. Most of the vehicles and machinery developed are suitable for use primarily in urban environments or in unobstructed open areas. A problem frequently faced by firefighting agencies is accessibility to confined, hilly, forested, off-road areas. Very few of the vehicles developed for use in urban areas lend themselves to use within such so-called “wildland” environments. 
         [0006]    While many fire departments and firefighting agencies utilized standard off-road Jeep® type vehicles, these vehicles are capable of little more than transporting individuals closer to the wildland areas and seldom are able to venture into and through these areas to the location of the fire. These off-road vehicles are typically too wide to allow easy access to remote wildland areas, especially heavily forested areas. There are smaller vehicles that firefighting agencies do employ against fires in backwoods or wildland areas, but these vehicles must typically be brought in as close as possible on flatbed trailers and the like where they are unloaded and pressed into service. In other words, these smaller vehicles are generally not configured to be “street legal” and are not designed for rapid transport over paved roads. 
         [0007]    In addition to the accessibility problem described above, fire fighting agencies with fixed budgets find it difficult to obtain an maintain the variety of different types of equipment that is often required to fully respond to a variety of different types of fires. It is difficult enough to maintain a range of equipment configurations applicable to urban environments, much less duplicate all of the different types of equipment for wildlands environments. The cost ends up being prohibitive. In summary therefore, the main problem associated with fighting wildland fires is getting the right type of equipment to the right location without the need for maintaining a fleet of intermittently used vehicles. 
         [0008]    It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a mid-sized firefighting and fire rescue vehicle capable of accessing a range of off-road wildland environments (sandy or soft ground surfaces, hilly terrain, wooded areas, boulder strewn areas, etc.) that was also configured for on-road operation (“street legal”) and which could be outfitted as needed with any of a variety of different firefighting or fire rescue systems. It would be desirable if such a vehicle was stable and rugged in off-road terrain and at the same time could rapidly travel over long highway distances to and from the scene of the fire. It would be desirable if such a vehicle could change out the type of firefighting or fire rescue equipment it carried as needed for the type of fire or type of service it was called to provide. It would be beneficial if the manufacture of such a vehicle could derive from and depend upon a certain level of existing off-road drive train technologies, especially those configured for narrow track vehicles historically utilized in the U.S. Military. It would be beneficial if these proven vehicle technologies could be integrated into a modern off-road vehicle systems and more modern firefighting systems. Currently there are no firefighting or fire rescue vehicles that provide both the accessibility and the versatility needed for the modern day firefighting agency to fully address the extreme wildlands fire. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention therefore provides a mid-sized firefighting and fire rescue vehicle capable of accessing a range of off-road wildland environments and is also “street legal” for rapid on-road operation. The vehicle is configured to be outfitted as needed with any of a variety of different firefighting or fire rescue systems packaged as removable modules, fixed in place in the bed of the vehicle. The vehicle of the present invention provides stability and ruggedness in off-road terrain and at the same time is capable of rapidly travelling over long highway distances to and from the scene of the fire. The vehicle achieves this stability and ruggedness through the use of three military type axles, two of which (the rear axles) are both drive shaft linked axles. The use of three axles (six wheels) provides better weight distribution in areas with sandy soil or soft ground. The vehicle is further configured with an open bed structured to receive, position, and retain an integrated, modularly structured, firefighting or fire rescue system in such a manner as the modular system may be switched out with alternate systems as required for the type of fire or type of environment into which the vehicle is called to service. The vehicle has a narrow gauge (width) that allows it to access remote and obstructed areas but is still large enough to adequately carry personnel and equipment safely to and from most wildland fire environments in any of the variety of efficiently structured removable modules. 
         [0010]    The bed of the vehicle utilizes a quick load and unload system comprising either rails or alignment guide posts in a manner that allows the user to change the vehicle&#39;s primary function very quickly. This makes the vehicle versatile and highly cost effective for a variety of uses. Different modules can be slid on and off (or lifted on and off) the vehicle quickly and can be rigidly attached (latched down) during transport and actual use. Included as typical examples of the removable modules utilized are (without limitation): (a) a pumper module with foam delivery system (a CAFS—Compressed Air Foam System); (b) a pumper module with water tank; (c) an ambulance module with personnel transport; (d) a cargo module for carrying rescue and firefighting equipment; (e) a work crew module for transporting fire fighters into remote areas; (f) an extraction module with cherry picker and winching capability; (g) a ladder module with extendable ladder for multistory or elevated rescues; (h) a pump module with ground controlled articulating water or CAFS enabled boom; and (i) trailer modules that could be configured as any of the above modules that could operate as standalone systems or which could operate in conjunction with modules position on the vehicle. 
         [0011]    In summary, therefore, the present invention has as its primary objective, solving the problem of getting the right firefighting and fire rescue equipment to the right location within a wildlands environment, without the need for maintaining an extensive fleet of different trailer transported vehicles. A further objective is to provide an off-road vehicle in a street legal configuration that is structured to receive and retain a variety of modularly configured firefighting and fire rescue systems. Further objectives and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the motor vehicle of the present invention incorporating a typical removable module of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the motor vehicle of the present invention showing the drive train components of the vehicle. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a detailed top plan view of the vehicle bed of the present invention showing a first manner of receiving and retaining the removable modules. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a detailed rear plan view of the vehicle bed of the present invention showing a second manner of receiving and retaining the removable modules. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a detailed top plan view of a compressed air foam system module of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a detailed top plan view of a high flow water pumper module of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a detailed top plan view of an ambulance module of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a detailed top plan view of a work crew transport module of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the vehicle of the present invention incorporating an example of a power boom module (extendable bucket) of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is side view of a trailer component of the present invention configured to receive and retain a module of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    The vehicle of the present invention, as indicated above, is designed to be a street legal vehicle that meets all the necessary vehicular standards for on-road transportation. However, an objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that is smaller than the standard fire rescue vehicle and which incorporates a number of features and components that enable it to facilitate firefighting and fire rescue operations in off-road (wildland) conditions and in tighter confinement. The basic structure of the vehicle, as described in more detail herein below, derives heavily from the geometry and structure of the older M151 military Jeep® type vehicle. The vehicle of the present invention will, in the preferred embodiment, incorporate three axles; one front and two rears, and will utilize military type axles like those utilized in the M151 vehicles. These military style axles allow for the two rear axles to be tied together with a short drive shaft allowing both rear axles to be under power from the engine thereby enabling much greater traction and mobility. The M151 military jeep and the M151 style axles are narrower than standard axles used in most current fire rescue vehicles. These enable the body of the vehicle to be narrower and therefore allow access confined areas (such as in off-road conditions) and yet still be configured for full vehicle functionality and street legal operation. 
         [0023]    The preferred embodiments described herein and in the attached drawing figures are presented to show the basic concept of integrating removable system modules onto the bed of a mid-sized off-road/on-road vehicle.  FIG. 1  is a side view of a motor vehicle of the present invention structured as described above, and incorporating a typical removable module of the present invention. Vehicle  10  shown in  FIG. 1  is generally composed of engine compartment  12 , vehicle cab  14 , and vehicle bed  16 . The three axles mentioned above are shown in profile along the left hand side of the vehicle in the view in  FIG. 1  as front left wheel  18 , mid left wheel  20 , and rear left wheel  22 . The drive train connecting these wheels and their axles with the engine of the vehicle is described in more detail below. 
         [0024]    Vehicle cab  14  in the preferred embodiment is a two person cab having a driver&#39;s seat and a single passenger seat. Cab  14  may be fully enclosed as shown including cab door  24  and cab window  28 . Alternately, cab door  24  may removed for open air operation, although many environments where the vehicle of the present invention may operate would benefit from a fully enclosed cab. Vehicle bed  16  is a generally open with bed side walls  26  and an optional or removable tailgate (not shown). It is into vehicle bed  16  that the removable modules of the present invention are positioned, retained, transported, and used. 
         [0025]    As indicated above, it is one aspect of the present invention that vehicle  10  be street legal, thereby incorporating all of the necessary lighting and safety elements that are required of any street legal motor vehicle in the United States. Examples of these include headlights  30  and bumper  32  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Other features such as turn signals and safety restraints would likewise be included. In addition to the vehicle equipment necessary for the vehicle to be street legal, the preferred embodiment of the present invention would also include emergency vehicle equipment in the nature of standard emergency lighting, audible sirens, and emergency RF communications systems. All of these features are readily adaptable for the mid-size configuration of the vehicle. 
         [0026]    Schematically disclosed in  FIG. 1  is module interface  34  which is shown generally positioned external to and behind vehicle cab  14 . The size and shape of modular interface  34  may vary significantly depending on the particular application of the vehicle and the manner in which the removable modules are to be connected. In general, however, module interface  34  comprises one or more panels offering a plurality of different types of electrical and conduit connectors for joining power and control systems of vehicle  10  with the necessary power and control systems of the removable modules. Preferred embodiments of module interface  34  are described in more detail below. 
         [0027]    Shown position on vehicle  10  in  FIG. 1  is a generic example of a removable module, primarily comprising module frame  36 . This box-like frame structure is intended to frame and surround the components necessary for the operation of the particular modular firefighting or fire rescue system being utilized. In this example shown in  FIG. 1 , a liquid sprayer is generically configured within module frame  36 . Frame  36  is generally supported by means of four upright frame supports  38  positioned as each corner of the module. Frame platform  40  provides an upper surface onto which nozzle rotation platform  48  and pressure nozzle  42  are positioned and operate. Within the confines of module frame  36  are generically positioned liquid tank  44  and liquid pump system  46 . As indicated above, the removable module shown in  FIG. 1  is intended to be generic for the purposes of showing the manner in which the module (and any of the modules described herein) may be positioned on and connected to motor vehicle  10 . 
         [0028]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 2  for a top plan view of the motor vehicle of the present invention primarily disclosing the drive train components of the vehicle. Vehicle  10  shown in  FIG. 2  is once again comprised generally of three discrete sections including; vehicle engine compartment  12 , vehicle cab  14 , and vehicle bed  16 . In this top plan view, each of the six wheels of the vehicle are shown in dashed outline form. These include; front left wheel  18 , front right wheel  19 , mid left wheel  20 , mid right wheel  21 , rear left wheel  22 , and rear right wheel  23 . Vehicle bed  16  is shown in profile with bed side walls  26 . Module interface  34  is shown positioned adjacent to (and in most applications, connected with) module frame  36 . Also shown in  FIG. 2 , in association with vehicle cab  14 , are windshield  70  and cab roof panels  72 . In a preferred embodiment, roof panels  72  may be removable and/or comprise safety glass components for improved operator visibility. 
         [0029]    The power train of vehicle  10  is shown generally in dashed outline form in  FIG. 2  as it would be positioned beneath the frame and body of the vehicle. In this view, vehicle engine  50  is shown in conjunction with vehicle engine compartment  12 . Extending rearward from engine  50  is vehicle transmission  52 . Extending further from vehicle transmission  52  is primary drive shaft  54 . Drive shaft  54  is initially connected to first rear differential  56 . First rear differential  56  drives first right drive axle  62  and first left drive axle  64  to power the forwardly positioned axle of the two rear drive axles of the vehicle. 
         [0030]    Extending from first rear differential  56  in the manner of a power takeoff (PTO) drive shaft, is secondary drive shaft  58 . This secondary drive shaft  58  drives second rear differential  60  which in turn drives second right drive axle  66  and second left drive axle  68 . These latter drive axles power the rear most drive axle of the vehicle, and operate in conjunction with the first rear differential and its associated drive axles. 
         [0031]    In addition to the primary drive train described above, the vehicle of the present invention incorporates a power takeoff (PTO)  53  positioned in association with transmission  52 . Power takeoff  53  incorporates its own takeoff drive shaft  55  which is directed up into module interface  34  where it terminates as power takeoff drive coupling  57 . This coupling is designed to connect with a coordinating drive shaft associated with any of a number of different removable modules of the present invention. As described in more detail below, many of the removable modules require motorized rotational power to operate the systems they incorporate. In some instances this motorized power can be supplied by a motor contained within the removable module. In the preferred embodiment it may often be easier to make a connection between the removable module and the power takeoff drive shaft components by way of power takeoff drive coupling  57  to reduce the equipment required within the removable module itself. 
         [0032]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3 and 4  for a detailed description of two alternate methods by which the removable modules of the present invention may be positioned and retained within vehicle bed  16 .  FIG. 3  discloses in a top plan view detail, a first sliding rail method for connecting the removable modules of the present invention into the vehicle bed  16 . In this view, vehicle bed  16  is shown with bed side walls  26  and a rear end opening (with or without tailgate) into the enclosed bed positioned above bumper  32 . On the floor of vehicle bed  16  are positioned two parallel rails  74  and  76  configured to receive a plurality of rollers configured on the base of the removable module. Rails  74  and  76  are preferably of channel rail configuration defining an interior channel between two side rails. Removable module frame  36  is shown in dashed line detail in  FIG. 3  positioned as it would be fully within the confines of vehicle bed  16 . On the base of module frame  36  are positioned four horizontal rail rollers  78  and four vertical rail rollers  80 . Rollers  80  are positioned and sized to fit within the interior slot or channel of rails  74  and  76  and provide the vertical (weighted) support for the removable module. Horizontal rail rollers  78  are positioned to enclose rails  74  and  76  on their outside edges thereby maintaining the lateral placement of the removable module within the bed  16 . The removable module, and more specifically module frame  36 , may be lifted into place at the rear of the vehicle, whereby vertical rail rollers  80  engage the open center slots or channels associated with rails  74  and  76 . The removable module may then be rolled into vehicle bed  16  with horizontal rail rollers  78  engaging the outside edges of rails  74  and  76 . Once in place within vehicle bed  16 , other means for securing the removable module within the vehicle may be provided. Such securing mechanisms could be any of a number of different means for preventing the lateral (primarily front to back) movement of the module out the rear of the vehicle. Examples of such stabilizing means could include fixable blocks positioned within the rails or simply the closure of vehicle bed  16  with a tailgate or the like (not shown). Other means might include set pins or tie down straps to keep the removable module fixed in its position within vehicle bed  16 . 
         [0033]    Also shown in  FIG. 3  in the top plan view presented, is module interface  34 . A number of interconnection devices and panels are disclosed and suggested in this view. Included are pneumatic/hydraulic quick disconnects  82  positioned in a side accessible location on module interface  34  as well as electrical/control plug connectors  84  positioned on an opposite side accessible location. Also shown in  FIG. 3  is power takeoff drive shaft coupling  83  which, as described above, provides rotational power to any of a number of components that might be incorporated into the systems contained within the removable modules of the present invention. An example of such use of a power takeoff is described in more detail below. 
         [0034]    Further shown in  FIG. 3  are electrical/control plug connectors  86  which are in an in-line configuration, potentially suitable for automatic connection with connectors positioned on the removable module. In a similar manner, pneumatic/hydraulic quick disconnects  88  are configured in-line with the direction the removable module may be slid into the vehicle bed. Depending upon the type of connection and the requirements for attachment, these rearward facing connectors may automatically engage as the removable module is inserted into the vehicle on the rails as described above. It is anticipated that the connection panels shown might be variously situated on or through existing walls and floorboards of the vehicle of the preferred embodiment. Once again, the interface panel shown and described herein is intended to provide clarity for the manner in which the interconnection between the vehicle and the removable modules may be accomplished. 
         [0035]    The interconnect structures mentioned briefly above are but examples of the manner in which the power and control systems of the vehicle of the present invention may be connected to the various removable modules of the present invention. It is anticipated that in some cases automatic connections might be provided in the manner of the in-line connectors described above. It is also anticipated however that flexible cable and hose connections incorporating quick disconnect couplings may be manually positioned and connected once the removable module is fixed in place within the vehicle bed. Various requirements for different removable modules may lend themselves to either the in-line automatic connection described or the manually connected flexible cables and hose couplings. As one objective of the present invention is versatility with respect to the reception of a variety of different removable modules, module interface  34  is, in the preferred embodiment, a versatile structure with a large number of differently configured connectors and connection panels. 
         [0036]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 4  for a detailed description of an alternate manner of connecting the removable modules of the present invention with the motor vehicle. The view in  FIG. 4  is at the rear of vehicle  10  looking forward into vehicle bed  16 . In this view, vehicle cab  14  is shown behind vehicle bed  16  with bed side walls  26  shown on either side. Bumper  32  is positioned at the base of vehicle bed  16 . Module interface  34  is seen in this plan view as it might be positioned on the back of vehicle cab  14 . Module frame  36  shown in dashed outline form in  FIG. 4  in this particular manner of placement, being lowered into vehicle bed  16  from above. This vertical placement of module frame  36  is facilitated by the preferenced alignment between left rear alignment/connector post  92  and left rear module alignment/connection socket  96 , as well as right rear alignment/connector post  94  and right rear module alignment/connection socket  98 . Alignment posts  92  and  94  are fixed in position on drop in module platform  90  which is itself fixed into the bottom of vehicle bed  16 . The view shown discloses only two of the preferred four or more mating alignment posts and sockets. 
         [0037]    The manner of insertion and retention of the removable module shown in  FIG. 4  allows for the immediate prevention of the lateral movement of the module within the vehicle bed because of the multiple (four in the preferred embodiment) placement of the alignment connector posts. As these four posts align with the four sockets configured within the base of the removable module, the specific centering of the module within the vehicle bed is accomplished. In addition, the posts and sockets may contain retention devices such as locking pins or the like that once in place may be set to fix and retain the removable module vertically within the vehicle bed. Alternately, other mechanisms for retaining the removable module within the bed may be utilized as described above in conjunction with the first, rail based manner of placement. 
         [0038]    Also shown in  FIG. 4  in the rearward facing plan view are the various connection panels associated with module interface  34 . In this view, pneumatic/hydraulic quick disconnects  82  positioned on the side of module interface  34  is seen opposite electrical/control plug connectors  84 . Power takeoff drive shaft coupling  83  is shown positioned where it may receive a coupled drive shaft configured on certain removable modules of the present invention. Likewise, pneumatic/hydraulic quick disconnects  88  are shown in a position where they may be automatically utilized with an in-line connection made with the removable module. Finally, electrical/control plug connectors  86  are likewise shown in a rearward facing orientation on the back panel of module interface  34 . 
         [0039]    Reference in now made to  FIGS. 5 and 6  for two further examples of a typical removable module of the present invention. These examples are intended to provide indications of the manner in which power and control connections may be made between the vehicle of the present invention and the removable modules. The examples provided in  FIGS. 5 and 6  (and those additional modules described thereafter) are intended to suggest a wider range of possible modules that could be configured and integrated into the overall system of the present invention. Variations on the individual modules for a particular application, as well as variations that define further modules and applications are anticipated. 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 5  a compressed air foam module is generally shown in schematic form. In  FIG. 5 , vehicle bed  16  is again viewed from above with module interface  34  positioned opposite the tailgate section of the vehicle bed  16 . Bed side walls  26  define module frame  36  in its position placed up against module interface  34 . In  FIG. 5 , positioned within module frame  36  are the basic components of a compressed air foam system (CAFS). Such systems are typically utilized in conjunction with firefighting activities and involve a combination of compressed air with foam making chemicals, typically in liquid form. In the schematic configuration shown in  FIG. 5  CAFS module  100  is primarily composed of an electric or gas operated motor  102  which is positioned to turn air compressor  104 . Air compressor  104  pumps and compresses air within compressed air tank  106  where it is supplied through a regulated valve to liquid foam tank  108 . The regulated valve positioned on top of liquid foam tank  108  draws the liquid up into a stream of compressed air and thereafter into appropriate delivery tubes to pressure nozzle  42 , which is positioned on nozzle rotation platform  48  (shown in dashed line detail). Liquid foam tank  108  is configured with an accessible fill port  109 . 
         [0041]    Operation of the system components described is carried out by control instrumentation  110  which is preferably accessible from both outside and inside the vehicle. Control instrumentation includes operation of motor  102  as well as control over the electromechanically operated valve positioned in associated with liquid foam tank  108 . In this manner, known to those skilled in the art, delivery of the compressed air foam compound onto the area surrounding the vehicle can easily be accomplished. As mentioned above, motor  102  could in an alternate embodiment be replaced with a connection to the power takeoff drive shaft coupling  83  positioned in module interface  34 . An example of such an alternate power coupling is described below in association with  FIG. 6 . 
         [0042]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 6  for a detailed description of a high flow water pumper module configured for placement and connection with the vehicle of the present invention. In this view (the same top plan view as that shown in  FIG. 5 ), module frame  36  encloses and positions a number of components suitable for providing a pressurized flow of water for firefighting operations. Included in a first embodiment of this pumper module  112  is an electric or gas motor  114   a  that connects to and drives high pressure water pump  116 . Alternately, motor  114   a  may be avoided and substituted with power takeoff drive shaft connection  114   b . Drive shaft connection  114   b  may be connected to power takeoff drive shaft coupling  83  in module interface  34  as described above. In this manner, pump  116  is driven either by power provided by the vehicle or by a separate electrical or gasoline powered motor positioned within the removable pumper module  112 . In either case, pump  116  is configured to draw stored water from water tank  118  having fill port  119  and to direct the pressurized water through the appropriate tubing to pressure nozzle  42  positioned on nozzle rotation platform  48 . 
         [0043]    Alternately, pumper module  112  may be connected to an available external water source such as a fire hydrant, by way of water hydrant coupling  117 . The operation of the system in either case is controlled through control instrumentation  120 . The removable module shown in  FIG. 6 , although configured in the example for the pumping of water, may be configured for the pumping and spraying of any of a number of liquid fire retardant or extinguishing compounds. 
         [0044]    Once again it is understood that both of the systems shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  may include a further alternate embodiment associated with the removable modules directed towards the pressurized dispensing of fluids obtained from external sources such as compressed air foam tanks and/or water supplies. In either case, the systems described might be connected to an outside source of the fluid, such as in the case of  FIG. 6  where the water pump may be connected to an outside hydrant next to which the vehicle is positioned. This ability to pump water through the system, either from a tank held on the vehicle, or from an outside water source such as a hydrant, provides the kind of versatility normally associated only with the larger type of firefighting vehicles. Appropriate valves for re-directing the flow of water from one or the other of the water sources would be utilized in order to take advantage of available water from an outside source. 
         [0045]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7 and 8  to further alternate removable modules appropriate for use in conjunction with the vehicle of the present invention. The modules shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  are directed towards fire rescue and fire crew transport rather than firefighting components and systems.  FIG. 7  represents an ambulance module embodiment of the present invention, while  FIG. 8  represents a work crew transport module. Vehicle bed  16  shown in  FIG. 7  is joined with a larger (primarily longer) module suitable for enclosing an individual that may require rescue as well as an attendant individual providing rescue services. Vehicle bed  16  is shown in this top plan view within bed side walls  26  and positioned against module interface  34 . Module floor/platform  124  provides the basic floor structure for ambulance module  122 . Stretcher/bed  126  is configured along one side of ambulance module  122  while attendant seat  128  is configured on the opposing side. Medical equipment storage  130  may also be provided in the remaining space associated with the enclosure defined by ambulance module  122 . 
         [0046]    Folding access steps  132  positioned on steps hinge  134  fold in and out of the ambulance enclosure to allow access and egress by both the rescued individual and the attendant. Otherwise, ambulance module  122  is a simple enclosure in the manner of a camper shell type enclosure that fits on the back of the vehicle of the present invention within the confines of vehicle bed  16 . Attachment may be by either of the means described above and may be supplemented by appropriate hooks, straps, and other securing devices. Connection between the removable module and module interface  34  may take the form of simple electrical connections or may include conduit connections associated with the circulation of cooled or warmed air between the cab of the vehicle and the ambulance module enclosure. Such connection may take the form of a rigid plenum that incorporates electrical fans for directing the flow (circulation) of air into and out from the module, or may take the form of flexible hoses that pump the air between the vehicle and the module. Alternately, the module may retain its own climate control system such as with a roof based air conditioning device. As the removable modules shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  each involve carrying passengers, the preferred embodiment of each would include radio and/or intercom communication connections between the module and the vehicle cab. Alternately, or in addition, the removable modules could incorporate their own stand alone emergency radio system or other RF communication system. Further power and/or control connections between the vehicle of the present invention and the ambulance module may be anticipated. 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  describes a work crew transport module similar in most respects to the structure and configuration of the ambulance module identified in  FIG. 7 . In place of the stretcher/bed found in the ambulance module, additional smaller folding jump seats  140 ,  142 ,  144 , and  146  are provided. Dispersed between these jump seats are a number of cargo boxes  148 ,  150  and  152  suitable for holding the equipment or supplies associated with the work crew&#39;s assigned tasks. Like the ambulance module, work crew module  136  incorporates a module floor/platform  138  to the rear of which is attached folding access steps  154  mounted on steps hinge  156 . Connections similar to those between the ambulance module and the vehicle of the present are anticipated between the removable work crew transport module and the vehicle. Climate control systems may either be shared or operated separately. 
         [0048]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 9  for a description of an example of a power boom module fitted to the vehicle of the present invention.  FIG. 9  shows a side view of vehicle  10  including vehicle engine compartment  12 , vehicle cab  14 , and vehicle bed  16  with extension boom module  160  in place. Extension boom module  160  includes module frame  36  as described above in conjunction with other removable modules. In addition, however, this module includes hydraulic/electric lift system  162  which incorporates hydraulic/electric extension boom  164 . In this example, a worker “cherry picker” bucket  166  is attached to the end of hydraulic/electric extension boom  164 . Alternate embodiments structured in generally the same manner include ladder components in place of the worker bucket  166 . Further alternate embodiments might provide an extensible spray nozzle or other liquid dispensing pressurized fluid system positioned at the end of the extendable boom. 
         [0049]    Vehicle front boom support platform  168  provides the necessary support for the boom and its attachment when in a lowered configuration. Boom support/pivot  170  allows the extension boom to rotate through 360° for full access to the area surrounding the vehicle. Heavy duty boom support platform  172  is positioned in the base of extension boom module  160  and provides the necessary support to maintain the lift system in place within the vehicle while in use. Side stabilizers (not shown) as are known in the art may be provided on the sides of the vehicle for ground contact to further stabilize the vehicle when the boom is extended. Module interface  34  is shown positioned to the rear of vehicle cab  14  and may provide the necessary hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or electric power to operate the lift system incorporated in the removable module. 
         [0050]    Reference is finally made to  FIG. 10  for a brief description of a trailer accessory vehicle that may be configured to receive the removable modules of the present invention in much the same manner as the vehicle bed of the primary transport vehicle of the present invention. In  FIG. 10  module frame  36  is positioned within vehicle trailer  180  and specifically within the confines of vehicle trailer bed  182 . A special trailer module interface  184  provides the same array of panels and connectors to convey power and control to the removable module, just as with the primary vehicle connection described above. Module frame  36  is placed within vehicle trailer bed  182  and connects to trailer module interface  184 . Trailer tow bar  186  extends forward from vehicle trailer bed  182  and presents trailer towing hitch  188  for connection to the primary vehicle. Trailer left wheel  194  is shown in this side view with a corresponding wheel (not shown) on the opposite side of the trailer in this single axle system. Trailer connector  190  is shown as an example of the flexible cable and/or tubing connector that extends from trailer module interface  184  through appropriate quick disconnects to the primary vehicle. Vehicle towing hitch  174  shown in  FIG. 9  is positioned as appropriate for connection to trailer towing hitch  188 . Connector quick disconnect  192  as an example, is provided to make the necessary power and control connections between the trailer and the primary vehicle. 
         [0051]    Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiments, this description has been provided by way of explanation only, and is not intended to be construed as a limitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize modifications of the present invention that might accommodate specific firefighting and fire rescue environments and requirements. Those skilled in the art will further recognize additional means for constructing suitable removable modules to accommodate various commonly used firefighting and fire rescue systems and tools. Such modifications, as to structure, orientation, geometry, and even composition and construction techniques, where such modifications are coincidental to the type of firefighting and fire rescue environment present, do not necessarily depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.