GB2526914A

GB2526914A - Panel

Info

Publication number: GB2526914A
Application number: GB1506141.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Wilson
Original assignee: Gray and Adams Ltd
Current assignee: Gray and Adams Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-10
Filing date: 2015-04-10
Publication date: 2015-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-10
Also published as: GB201506141D0; GB2526914B

Abstract

An insulating panel 1 for a refrigerated body of a trailer, particularly for transporting perishable freight, includes an attachment sheet, for example floor board 10, and a structural member 20 attached to and extending along a portion of the attachment sheet. Structural member 20 is a polygonal, for example square, section formed from a forming sheet, preferably a planar sheet of metal or a high-strength composite material, and comprises an overlapped portion 24 formed from the forming sheet and extending at least partially over a side 22 of section 20, preferably at least 75% of the width of side 22. Overlapped portion 24 can receive and anchor a fastener 30 to secure structural member 20 to a trailer chassis 50. Panel 1 may have additional insulation (70, Figure 2), for example expanded polyurethane or extruded polystyrene foam, between attachment sheet 10 and a base sheet (60, Figure 2).

Description

PANEL

[0001] There is disclosed a panel for a trailer. In particular, there is disclosed an insulating panel for a refrigerated body of a trailer for transporting perishable freight.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Refrigerated bodies for transportation trailers are used to transport perishable freight at specific temperatures. Refrigerated bodies are typically cuboid shaped and are often retrofitted to an existing trailer chassis. They can be customised in many ways in order to meet customer needs. Some refrigerated bodies have multiple compartments with different temperatures in each compartment. The trailer is able to transport goods requiring different specific temperatures such as goods requiring temperatures below freezing, goods requiring temperatures of around 5 degrees C (i.e. chilled temperatures) and goods requiring ambient temperatures.

[0003] Certain refrigerated bodies are provided with multiple access points to enable ease of use. A range of interior bulkheads, shelving, sidewall protection and load restraint systems may also be incorporated into the refrigerated body design.

[0004] Refrigerated bodies usually include a number of insulated panels. The panels are formed from a number of layers of different material often including wood, steel, plastics materials, and fibreglass. The specific panel construction is dependent on the location of the panel when the refrigerated body is installed on a trailer. Side panels will require structural integrity in order to adequately support the roof of the refrigerated body. Floor panels require supports to enable the refrigerated body to be securely attached to the chassis of the trailer. Supports are formed from box sections, pipes, or rods. The insulating properties of the panels will depend upon the required refrigerating capabilities of the refrigerated body.

[0005] Refrigerated trailers are typically cooled using a mechanical refrigeration system or a refrigerant such as carbon dioxide. Insulated panels forming the body contribute to the overall effectiveness of the refrigerated body and improving the insulating capacity of the insulated panels can offset the energy requirements of the cooling system and reduce the cost of maintaining a particular temperature.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect there is provided a panel for a refrigerated body of a trailer, the panel comprising: an attachment sheet; and at least one structural member extending along a portion of the attachment sheet and being attached thereto; wherein the structural member is a polygonal section formed from a forming sheet, the polygonal section comprising an overlapped portion formed from the forming sheet extending at least partially over one side of the polygonal section, the overlapped portion being configured to receive and anchor a fastener to secure the structural member to a chassis of a trailer.

[0007] A benefit of the panel is that the structural member provides an overlapped portion for anchoring a fastener in order to secure the panel to the chassis of the trailer.

The overlapped portion provides additional lateral support to the panel without requiring additional welds which may be prone to degradation.

[0008] Optionally, the overlapped portion extends over a full width of one side of the polygonal section.

[0009] Optionally, the structural member is bonded to the attachment sheet.

[0010] Optionally, the panel is further provided with a base sheet, wherein the structural member is located between the attachment sheet and the base sheet is substantially parallel to the attachment sheet.

[0011] Optionally, the panel comprises one or more layers of insulating material, the insulating material residing in the space between the attachment sheet and the base sheet.

[0012] Optionally, the panel is further provided with a covering layer for covering an outer surface of the attachment sheet.

[0013] Optionally, the base sheet may be provided with a protective layer.

[0014] Optionally, the structural member is formed from a forming sheet material selected from: metal, alloy, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and a high strength composite material.

[0015] The structural member may be provided with a number of bores configured to receive the fastener. The bore may be provided with grooves adapted to couple with complementary ridges of the fastener.

[0016] Optionally, the fastener may be selected from: a bolt, a screw, a rivet, a dowel, a coupling and a pin.

[0017] Optionally, the panel is provided with a spacer located between the attachment sheet and the base sheet. In an example, if the spacer has a depth larger than the depth of the structural member, a structural member spacer is positioned between the structural member and the attachment sheet so that the attachment sheet and base sheet are arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement.

[0018] In an example, the structural member may be connected to a chassis coupling via the fastener. The chassis coupling may be configured for connection to the chassis of the trailer. A first end of the chassis coupling may include a bore for accepting the fastener. A second end of the chassis coupling may be adapted to be clamped to the chassis.

[0019] In a second aspect, there is provided a refrigerated body for a trailer comprising at least one panel according to the first aspect.

[0020] In a third aspect, there is provided a method of securing a panel to a trailer chassis, the method comprising: arranging a panel on a chassis of a trailer, the panel comprising: an attachment sheet; and at least one structural member extending along a portion of the attachment sheet and being attached thereto; wherein the structural member is a polygonal section formed from a forming sheet, the polygonal section comprising an overlapped portion formed from the forming sheet extending at least partially over one side of the polygonal section, the overlapped portion being configured to receive and anchor a fastener; fastening each of the at least one structural member to the chassis via a fastener so as to secure the structural member to a chassis of a trailer.

[0021] Optionally, the method further comprises: providing a chassis coupling; fastening the structural member to the chassis coupling at a first end of the chassis coupling; and clamping a second end of the chassis coupling to a portion of the chassis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-section view of an example of a panel; Figure 2 is a side view and a cross-section view of an example of a panel; and Figure 3 is a cross-section view of an example of a panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 shows a panel 1 including an attachment sheet in the form of a floor board 10 and a structural member in the form of a box section 20. The floor board 10 is a substantially planar quadrilateral sheet. The floor board 10 has a thickness of around 20 to 30 mm however it should be understood that the thickness of the floor board 10 will depend upon the structural requirements of the panel 1. The box section 20 extends along a portion of the floor board 10. The box section 20 may extend over a portion of the length of the floor board 10. The box section 20 may extend over at least 50% of the length of the floor board 10, or alternatively at least 75% of the length of the floor board 10. In one example, the box section 20 may extend across a length or a width of the floor board 10.

The box section 20 thereby provides a lateral support for the floor board 10 and increases the structural rigidity of the panel 1. The box section 20 is bonded to the floor board 10.

The box section 20 may be bonded to the floor board 10 in numerous ways such as using an adhesive. The box section 20 also provides a means for connecting the panel 1 to the chassis 50 of a trailer (not shown).

[0024] The box section 20 is a polygonal section formed from a forming sheet. The forming sheet is a planar sheet of material such as a metal, an alloy, carbonised steel, alloyed steel, stainless steel, or a high strength composite material. The forming sheet is a single piece of planar material. The polygonal section is formed by folding the forming sheet such that the polygonal section has a number of sides 22. In one example, the polygonal section has four sides. The polygonal section includes an overlapped portion 24. The overlapped portion 24 is formed from the forming sheet extending at least partially over one side 22 of the polygonal section.

[0025] The overlapped portion 24 provides a number of benefits. One of the benefits is that the overlapped portion 24 provides anchoring point 26 being double the thickness compared with a standard box section. The wall thickness t of the box section defines a contact surface 28 and anchoring point 26 for the fastener or bolt 30. The bolt 30 cannot anchor effectively in a box section 20 having wall thickness t. By overlapping a portion of the box section 20, the overlapped portion 24 has a thickness of approximately 2t. The double thickness portion provides sufficient contact surface 28 to anchor the bolt 30 and enable the panel 1 to be attached to a chassis 50 of a trailer.

[0026] The anchor point 26 is configured to receive and anchor a bolt 30 to secure the box section 20 to a chassis 50 of a trailer. Furthermore, the overlapped portion 24 provides a strengthened polygonal section.

[0027] The overlapped portion 24 extends over at least a portion of one side 22 of the polygonal section. In another example, the overlapped portion 24 may extend over the full width of one side 22 of the polygonal section. Alternatively, the overlapped section 24 only extends over a third width of one side 22, or a half width of one side 22 of the polygonal section. The overlapped portion 24 must be sufficient to receive a bolt 30 and thereby provide a double thickness for anchoring the bolt 30.

[0028] The bolt 30 is received though a number of bores 26i, 26, 26i in the box section 20. The fastener is typically a bolt, but other fastening means are envisaged such as a screw, a rivet, a dowel, a coupling and a pin.

[0029] In an example having a bolt type bolt 30, the 26i, 26, 26i bores in the box section are provided with internal grooves to couple with the bolt 30 and fasten the box section to the chassis 50 of the trailer.

[0030] The panel 1 may be connected to the chassis 50 directly via the bolt 30, or in a preferred arrangement, the panel 1 and chassis 50 are connected via a chassis coupling 40. A benefit of a chassis coupling 40 is that the chassis coupling 40 is able to be clamped to the chassis 50 which avoids penetrating the chassis 50 with a hole to accommodate a bolt 30. Penetrating the chassis 50 may affect the structural integrity of the chassis 50.

[0031] The chassis coupling 40 has a first end 42 and a second end 46. In one example, the first 42 and second end 46 are offset to accommodate the chassis 50. The first end 42 of the chassis coupling 40 is provided with an aperture 44 for accepting the bolt. The second end 46 of the chassis coupling 40 is shaped to allow it to be clamped to the chassis flange 52.

[0032] In an example, the panel 1 is further provided with a base sheet 60 as shown in Figure 2(a) and 2(b). Figure 2(a) shows a side view of a panel 1. Figure 2(b) shows a cross section view along line A-A (shown in Figure 2(a)). The panel includes a floor board 10, a box section 20, a base sheet 60, a bolt 30 (for example, a bolt) and a chassis coupling 40. The panel 1 is clamped to a chassis 50.

[0033] The base sheet 60 and the floor board 10 are arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement, separated by the box section 20 which is located between the floor board 10 and the base sheet 60. The base sheet 60 provides further rigidity to the panel 1. The base sheet 60 also forms a cavity 70 between the floor board 10 and the base sheet 60.

[0034] The cavity 70 between the base sheet 60 and the floor board 10 may be filled with layers of insulating material. Examples of the types of insulating materials used include Styrofoam RTM, and expanded polyurethane.

[0035] An example of a panel 101 is shown in Figure 3. The panel 101 includes further coatings 80, coverings or layers 90 adapted for different purposes. For example, a panel 101 adapted for use as a floor panel may be covered with a coating 80 of rubberised material to provide a non-slip surface. In another example, the panel 101 may include a protective covering 90 extending substantially over the base sheet 60. The protective covering 90 may be a steel or polymer skin.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a panel adapted for refrigerated bodies and comprises additional insulating. The panel includes a top surface or coating 80 formed from a material such as GRP/polyester or aluminium tread plate. The top surface 80 has a nominal thickness of around 4 mm. The floor board 10 is formed from plywood with a nominal thickness of around 24 mm. A base sheet 60 is formed from plywood having a nominal thickness of around 9 mm. The base sheet 60 is provided with a protective skin 90 formed from steel or a polymer. The floor board 10 and the base sheet 60 are separated by a box section 20 in combination with a half depth plywood bearer or spacer 100. The floor board 10 and base sheet 60 are separated at other positions along the length of the panel by a full depth plywood bearer or spacer 110. The half depth and full width plywood bearers 100, 110 are used to separate the floor board 10 and the base sheet 60 in a spaced apart substantially parallel manner. The cavity 70 between the floor board 10 and the base sheet 60 is filled with insulating material 72 such as Styrofoam RTM or expanded polyurethane.

[0037] A refrigerated body is formed from at least one panel 1, 101 including a floor board 10 and a box section 20. Panels for the remaining sides of the refrigeration body do not necessarily include box sections 20. Side and roof panels may be formed from panels formed from other materials. The floor of the refrigerated body includes at least one box section 20. The size of the panel 1, 101 will dictate the number of box sections 20 required to provide adequate lateral structural support and provide an adequate number of attachment points for connecting the refrigerated body to the chassis 50 of a trailer. By way of example, there are nominally six support members 20 in each 13.6m long floor panel 1, 101. The number of box sections 20 is reduced pro-rata as the floor panel 1, 101 length is reduced. The exact panel size and thickness will depend on the requirements of the refrigerated body and the required use of the refrigerated body (i.e. is the refrigerated body design for ambient, chilled or frozen conditions). Two side panels, a roof panel, and two end panels are used to form the refrigerated body.

[0038] A benefit of the panels 1, 101 described above is that the box sections 20 include an overlapped portion 24 having a thickness double that of the wall thickness t of the box section 20. The overlapped portion 24 provides a suitable anchoring point 26 for a bolt 30 to enable the panel 1, 101 to be securely attached to a chassis 50 of a trailer. The box section 20 does not require welding or further processing, and this saves on manufacturing costs. The overlapped portion 24 provides improved lateral strength to the panel 1, 101.

[0039] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be applicable interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention [0040] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words comprise" and contain and variations of them mean including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0041] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0042] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A panel for a refrigerated body of a trailer, the panel comprising: an attachment sheet; and at least one structural member extending along a portion of the attachment sheet and being attached thereto; wherein the structural member has a polygonal section formed from a forming sheet, the polygonal section comprising an overlapped portion formed from the forming sheet extending at least partially over one side of the polygonal section, the overlapped portion being configured to receive and anchor a fastener to secure the structural member to a chassis of a trailer.
2. A panel according to claim 1, wherein the structural member is bonded to the attachment sheet.
3. A panel according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the panel is further provided with a base sheet, wherein the structural member is located between the attachment sheet and the base sheet is substantially parallel to the attachment sheet.
4. A panel according to claim 3, wherein the base sheet is provided with a protective layer.
5. A panel according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the panel comprises one or more layers of insulating material, the insulating material residing in a space between the attachment sheet and the base sheet.
6. A panel according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the panel is provided with a spacer located between the attachment sheet and the base sheet.
7. A panel according to claim 6, further provided with a structural member spacer positioned between the structural member and the attachment sheet so that the attachment sheet and base sheet are arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement.
8. A panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel is further provided with a covering layer for covering an outer surface of the attachment sheet.
9. A panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the structural member is provided with a number of bores configured to receive the fastener and wherein the bore is provided with grooves adapted to couple with complementary ridges of the fastener.
10. A panel according to any preceding claim, wherein a chassis coupling is provided for connecting the panel to a chassis of a trailer.
11. A panel according to claim 10, wherein the chassis coupling has a first end and a second end, the first end is provided with a bore for accepting the fastener, and the second end is adapted to clamp to the chassis.
12. A panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the overlapped portion extends over at least 75% full width of one side of the polygonal section.
13. A refrigerated body for a trailer comprising at least one panel according to any preceding claim.
14. A refrigerated body comprising a panel and a trailer chassis, the refrigerated body comprising: a panel arranged on a chassis of a trailer, the panel comprising: an attachment sheet; and at least one structural member extending along a portion of the attachment sheet and being attached thereto; wherein the structural member is a polygonal section formed from a forming sheet, the polygonal section comprising an overlapped portion formed from the forming sheet extending at least partially over one side of the polygonal section, the overlapped portion being configured to receive and anchor a fastener; and wherein each of the at least one structural members is fastened to the chassis via a fastener so as to secure the structural member to a chassis of a trailer.
15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising: providing a chassis coupling; fastening the structural member to the chassis coupling at a first end of the chassis coupling; and clamping a second end of the chassis coupling to a portion of the chassis.Amendments to the claims have been made as followsCLAIMS1. A panel for a refrigerated body of a trailer, the panel comprising: an attachment sheet; and at least one structural member extending along a portion of the attachment sheet and being attached thereto; wherein the structural member has a polygonal section formed from a forming sheet, the polygonal section comprising an overlapped portion formed from the forming sheet extending at least partially over one side of the polygonal section, the overlapped portion being configured to receive and anchor a fastener to secure the structural member to a chassis of a trailer.2. A panel according to claim 1, wherein the structural member is bonded to the attachment sheet.3. A panel according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the panel is further provided with a base sheet, wherein the structural member is located between the attachment sheet and the base sheet is substantially parallel to the attachment sheet.0 4. A panel according to claim 3, wherein the base sheet is provided with a protective layer.5. A panel according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the panel comprises one or more layers of insulating material, the insulating material residing in a space between the attachment sheet and the base sheet.6. A panel according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the panel is provided with a spacer located between the attachment sheet and the base sheet.7. A panel according to claim 6, further provided with a structural member spacer positioned between the structural member and the attachment sheet so that the attachment sheet and base sheet are arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement.8. A panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel is further provided with a covering layer for covering an outer surface of the attachment sheet.9. A panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the structural member is provided with a number of bores configured to receive the fastener and wherein the bore is provided with grooves adapted to couple with complementary ridges of the fastener.10. A panel according to any preceding claim, wherein a chassis coupling is provided for connecting the panel to a chassis of a trailer.11. A panel according to claim 10, wherein the chassis coupling has a first end and a second end, the first end is provided with a bore for accepting the fastener, and the second end is adapted to clamp to the chassis.12. A panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the overlapped portion extends over at least 75% full width of one side of the polygonal section.13. A refrigerated body for a trailer comprising at least one panel according to any preceding claim.14. A refrigerated body comprising a panel and a trailer chassis, the refrigerated body comprising: a panel arranged on a chassis of a trailer, the panel comprising: an attachment sheet; and at least one structural member extending along a portion of the attachment sheet and being attached thereto; wherein UD the structural member is a polygonal section formed from a forming sheet, the polygonal section comprising an overlapped portion formed from the forming sheet extending at least partially over one side of the polygonal section, the o overlapped portion being configured to receive and anchor a fastener; and wherein each of the at least one structural members is fastened to the chassis via a (\J fastener so as to secure the structural member to a chassis of a trailer.15. A method of securing a panel according to any of claims ito 12 to a trailer chassis, the method comprising: arranging a panel on a chassis of a trailer, the panel comprising: an attachment sheet; and at least one structural member extending along a length of the attachment sheet and being attached thereto; wherein the structural member is a polygonal section formed from a forming sheet, the polygonal section comprising an overlapped portion formed from the forming sheet extending at least partially over one side of the polygonal section, the overlapped portion being configured to receive and anchor a fastener; fastening each of the at least one structural member to the chassis via a fastener so as to secure the structural member to a chassis of a trailer.
16. A method according to claim 15, further comprising: providing a chassis coupling; fastening the structural member to the chassis coupling at a first end of the chassis coupling; and clamping a second end of the chassis coupling to a portion of the chassis. IC) a) aD (4