US20060059791A1 - Trailer construction and joint for use therewith - Google Patents
Trailer construction and joint for use therewith Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060059791A1 US20060059791A1 US10/915,208 US91520804A US2006059791A1 US 20060059791 A1 US20060059791 A1 US 20060059791A1 US 91520804 A US91520804 A US 91520804A US 2006059791 A1 US2006059791 A1 US 2006059791A1
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- wall
- wing
- connecting side
- pivot
- plank
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- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
- B62D33/04—Enclosed load compartments ; Frameworks for movable panels, tarpaulins or side curtains
- B62D33/046—Enclosed load compartments ; Frameworks for movable panels, tarpaulins or side curtains built up with flat self-supporting panels; Fixed connections between panels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
- B62D25/02—Side panels
Abstract
A wall for a truck bed and particularly for dump trucks includes planks joined to one another along their lengths and a cap member joined to the upper plank along their lengths. Adjacent planks are joined along respective connecting sides by engagement of a pivot of a first plank within a pivot-receiving slot of a second plank, rotation of the planks with respect to one another about the pivot and attachment by snap-fit engagement. The first plank connecting side includes an arcuate wing and the second plank connecting side includes an arcuate extension, the wing and extension being received respectively in a wing-receiving slot formed in the second plank and an extension-receiving slot formed in the first plank during the relative rotation of the planks. The cap member is joined to the upper plank in a similar manner except that attachment is by welding rather than snap-fit engagement.
Description
- 1. Technical Field
- The invention relates to tractor trailers and the construction of trailer walls thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to the structural members used to form such a trailer wall. Specifically, the invention relates to such structural members or planks which are assembled by rotatably engaging one another along their lengths to rotate into position and lock into place by a snap fit engagement.
- 2. Background Information
- The construction of trailer walls and the structural elements used therein come in a variety of forms. For example, some trailer walls are formed with a plurality of vertical support members with a metal skin attached on the outside thereof. This option provides a smooth exterior of the truck for reduction of wind resistance during travel and the vertical members additionally provide structures to which tie down members such as ropes and chains may be attached to secure loads inside the trailer. One disadvantage of this configuration is that objects such as the cargo may create dents from inside the trailer which show on the outside, thus reducing aesthetic appeal and increasing wind resistance. In addition, there is a tendency for the skin to wear out over time.
- An alternate option is the use of vertical planks which may create in essence an interior skin and an exterior skin, or solid planks to create a solid wall. In comparison to horizontal planks, these vertical planks generally require more pieces to create a given wall, thereby lengthening the assembly period for such a wall. In addition, the multiple joints between the plurality of vertical planks creates potential weak areas which can be more flexible than a single piece of skin or horizontally elongated planks. Further, vertical joints are less preferable for use with trailer walls used on a dump truck, as the vertical joints create wear areas as the material in the truck abrades the wall at the joints when dumped rearwardly in a direction generally perpendicular to the vertical joints.
- The present invention is concerned with the problems noted above as well as with providing improved joints between the structural members of a trailer wall.
- The present invention provides a wall comprising a first elongated member having a connecting side with a pivot and a cantilevered arcuate wing; and a second elongated member having a connecting side for connecting to the first member connecting side; the second member connecting side having a pivot-receiving slot for rotatably receiving the pivot and an arcuate wing-receiving slot for receiving the wing during relative rotation of at least one of the first and second members with respect to the other.
- The present invention also provides a wall comprising a first hollow double-walled elongated member having a connecting side with first and second projections defining there between an interior space; a second hollow double-walled elongated member having a connecting side with a narrowed portion including a terminal wall; the first projection rotatably engaging the second member adjacent the narrowed portion whereby via rotation of at least one of the first and second members with respect to the other member about the first projection, the narrowed portion is receivable within the interior space; and the two connecting sides being adapted to connect to one another to join the first and second members together.
- The present invention further provides a method of forming a wall comprising the steps of rotating at least one of a first member and a second member with respect to the other member whereby a pivot and a cantilevered arcuate wing of the first member are respectively received by a pivot-receiving slot and an arcuate wing-receiving slot of the second member; and connecting the two members rigidly together.
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FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a truck incorporating the trailer wall of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the truck with portions cut away to show the trailer wall from the rear end. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the plank which is the main structural member of the trailer wall. -
FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the plank ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the cap member of the trailer wall. -
FIG. 5A is an end elevational view of a first embodiment of the base member. -
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary end elevational view of two planks prior to engagement during assembly of the trailer wall. -
FIG. 6A shows a further stage of assembly and is similar toFIG. 6 except that the two planks are engaged and one plank is being rotated with respect to the other plank. -
FIG. 6B shows a further stage of assembly and is similar toFIG. 6A except showing a further degree of rotation and additional engagement between the two planks. -
FIG. 6C shows the two planks assembled after complete rotation of the two planks with respect to one another and the formation of the snap fit engagement between the two planks. -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the trailer wall indicated inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 7A is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled portion ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the trailer wall indicated inFIG. 2 and includes the first embodiment of the cap member. -
FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled portion ofFIG. 8 showing the upper joint between the plank and cap member. -
FIG. 8B is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled portion ofFIG. 8 showing the lower joint between the plank and cap member. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar toFIG. 7A except showing glue and a seal between the two planks. -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the trailer wall indicated inFIG. 2 and includes the first embodiment of the base member. -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view similar toFIG. 8 but shows a second embodiment of the cap member. -
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a second embodiment of the base member joined with a plank and attached to the trailer bed. - The bed wall of the present invention is indicated generally at as is shown particularly in
FIGS. 1-5 .Wall 10 is typically used with acab 12, which most preferably has the capability of dumping contents out of the bed.Wall 10 includes a plurality ofplanks 14 and may also includecap member base member planks 14 andcap member 16 are elongated and when assembled,planks 14 are disposed atop one another in lengthwise fashion withcap member 16 sitting atop theupper plank 14, as seen inFIGS. 1-2 .Wall 10 may be used with beds which fully enclose a load although the exemplary embodiment is a bed with an open top. Additionally, the bed may be carried on a straight truck as shown inFIG. 1 or as part of a trailer traditionally pulled by a tractor. - With reference to
FIGS. 3-4 ,plank 14 includes a pair of opposed walls or sides which are substantially flat and parallel to one another and elongated in the elongated direction ofplank 14. These opposed walls include anouter wall 18 and aninner wall 19 which is thicker thanouter wall 18, althoughwalls inner wall 19 is disposed along the interior of the bed to resist denting and to provide additional material for a more durable wall.Plank 14 further includes a first connectingside 20 and a second connectingside 22 in opposed relation to first connectingside 20. In the figures, first connectingside 20 is shown in an upper position and second connectingside 22 is shown in a lower position althoughplank 14 may be inverted to reverse these relative locations. Preferably,planks 14 extend in a horizontal direction, but may also be disposed so that they are elongated in a vertical or other direction. First connectingside 20 includes afirst edge 24 adjacentouter wall 18 and an opposedsecond edge 26 adjacentinner wall 19. Second connectingside 22 includes afirst edge 28 adjacentouter wall 18 and an opposedsecond edge 30 adjacentinner wall 19 which are thus in positions corresponding tofirst edge 24 andsecond edge 26 of first connectingside 20.Plank 14 also includes a series of strengtheningribs 32 extending betweenwalls Plank 14 defines a plurality ofhollow chambers 33 which are generally bound byouter wall 18,inner wall 19 and strengtheningribs 32. One ofhollow interiors 33 is bounded on one end by the structure forming a narrowedportion 54 ofplank 14 along first connectingside 20, narrowedportion 54 being further defined below. - In accordance with one of the main features of the invention and with continued reference to
FIGS. 3-4 , the structure of one of the joints ofplank 14 is described.Plank 14 defines a pivot-receiving slot or opening 34 adjacentfirst edge 24 of first connectingside 20.Plank 14 further includes anarcuate extension 36 which separates pivot-receivingslot 34 from an arcuate wing-receivingslot 38.Slot 38 is bounded on the outer part of its curvature by anarcuate wall 40 so thatextension 36 andwall 40 defineslot 38 therebetween.Extension 36,slot 38 andwall 40 are disposed adjacentfirst edge 24 of first connectingside 20.Plank 14 further includes an engaging member in the form of a taperedwall 42 which tapers inwardly frominner wall 19 adjacentsecond edge 26 of first connectingside 20.Tapered wall 42 defines aslot 44 bounded on one side by aledge 46 and elongated in the elongated direction ofplank 14.Plank 14 further includes aterminal wall 48 along first connectingside 20 which extends perpendicular to sides 18.Terminal wall 48 defines ashallow channel 50 bounded on either side by a pair ofshort projections 52. The structure along first connectingside 20 constitutes narrowedportion 54 ofplank 14. - In accordance with one of the main features of the invention and with continued reference to
FIGS. 3-4 , the structure of the other joint ofplank 14 is described. Along second connectingside 22,plank 14 includes afirst projection 56 adjacentfirst edge 28 and a second projection or engagingmember 58 alongsecond edge 30 wherebyfirst projection 56 andsecond projection 58 are in opposed relation to one another and substantially aligned withrespective walls First projection 56 terminates in apivot 60 which is rounded and extends inwardly towardsecond edge 30. Anarcuate wing 62 extends inwardly fromfirst projection 56 towardsecond edge 30 and is spaced frompivot 60 wherebyplank 14 defines an arcuate extension-receivingslot 64 betweenpivot 60 andwing 62.First projection 56 andsecond projection 58 define aninterior space 66 therebetween.Plank 14 defines a relativelyshallow slot 67 at the base ofsecond projection 58 oppositeinterior space 66.Second projection 58 also includes an inwardly extendingledge 68. - With reference to
FIG. 5 ,cap member 16 is described.Cap member 16 includes an invertedU-shaped portion 70 having anouter wall 72 and an opposedinner wall 73 extending downwardly from an interveningcap wall 74 which is thicker thanwalls lower end 76 ofinner wall 73 is anextension wall 78 which tapers downwardly and inwardly fromlower end 76. Together,extension wall 78 andinner wall 73 form aninterior wall 80.Extension wall 78 terminates in atip 82 which angles inwardly frominterior wall 80 in a direction generally towardsouter wall 72.Outer wall 72 terminates in a structure which is similar to the structure ofplank 14 adjacentfirst edge 28 of second connectingside 22. More specifically,wall 72 terminates in apivot 84 which is rounded and extends inwardly towardinner wall 73. Anarcuate wing 86 extends inwardly and downwardly fromouter wall 72 and is spaced frompivot 84 wherebywing 86 andpivot 84 define an arcuate extension-receivingslot 88 therebetween. Spaced upwardly fromwing 86 and extending inwardly fromwall 72 is a knob orprojection 90 having alower ledge 92 whereby aspace 94 is defined betweenledge 92 andwing 86. - With reference to
FIG. 5A ,base member 17 is very similar toplank 14 except that the bottom end thereof is squared off. As such,base member 17 includes anouter wall 110 and aninner wall 112 in opposed relation to one another, each of which are substantially flat and parallel to one another and elongated in the elongated direction ofbase member 17. Likeplank 14,inner wall 112 is thicker thanouter wall 110, although the wall thicknesses may be varied as desired. The thicker inside wall is used for the same purpose as related toplank 14 and also provides a better structure for welding to the trailer bed as later discussed. Becausebase member 17 is squared off on the bottom, it includes only one connectingside 114 which is the same as first connectingside 20 ofplank 14 and is numbered in the same manner. Thus, the main distinction betweenplank 14 andbase member 17 is abottom wall 116 which is substantially flat and perpendicular towalls - In accordance with one of the main features of the invention and with reference to
FIGS. 6-6C , the assembly ofwall 10 is described.FIG. 6 shows twoplanks 14 prior to engagement with one of the planks moving in the direction of Arrow A toward the other plank to initiate the assembly process.FIG. 6 additionally shows that the second connectingside 22 of oneplank 14 is approaching the first connectingside 20 of theother plank 14 and in particular, pivot 60 of the oneplank 14 is moving toward the pivot-receivingslot 34 of theother plank 14.FIG. 6 also shows thatsides 18 of oneplank 14 are substantially perpendicular toside 18 of theother plank 14. However, theplank 14 which is moving in the direction of Arrow A need not be disposed perpendicularly as described. For instance, thatplank 14 may be angled so thatwing 62 is disposed somewhat belowpivot 60 as it approaches theother plank 14, among other suitable initial positions. -
FIG. 6A shows the twoplanks 14 engaged with one another. In particular,pivot 60 has been received within pivot-receivingslot 34,wing 62 has been received within wing-receivingslot 38 andextension 36 has been received within extension-receivingslot 64. This engagement has occurred by moving the two planks toward one another (as shown inFIG. 6 ) and rotating one of the planks in the direction of Arrow B inFIG. 6A about an axis 96 (FIGS. 3 and 6 A) which extends in the elongated direction of theplanks 14. More particularly, rotation in the direction of Arrow B has causedwing 62 to enter part way into wing-receivingslot 38 andextension 36 to enter part way into extension-receivingslot 64. Rotation in the direction of Arrow B has also moved thesecond projection 58 of the oneplank 14 towardsecond edge 26 of first connectingside 20 of theother plank 14. -
FIG. 6B shows the two planks in a further stage of assembly, having rotated an additional amount in the direction of Arrow C wherebysecond projection 58 is in contact with taperedwall 42 of theother plank 14. In addition,FIG. 6B showssecond projection 58 moving away from taperedwall 42 in the direction indicated by Arrow D as rotational force in the direction of Arrow C is further applied, thereby allowingsecond projection 58 to slide along the outer surface of taperedwall 42.Slot 67 facilitates the bending ofprojection 58 to aid in the movement ofprojection 58 in the direction of Arrow D. -
FIG. 6C shows the twoplanks 14 in a joined position, wherebyledges projections 52 of theother plank 14 abuts or is closely adjacent to the strengtheningrib 32 adjacent second connectingside 22 of the oneplank 14.Channel 50 of the other plank is thus additionally bounded by saidrib 32 of the oneplank 14.FIG. 6C also showssides respective sides other plank 14, thus forming parallel and substantially flat walls on the interior and exterior. During assembly, narrowedportion 54 of theother plank 14 is received withininterior space 66 of the oneplank 14 to facilitate the formation of the substantially flat interior and exterior walls ofwall 10. - It is noted that even without the snap fit engagement between
ledges respective planks 14, in a position analogous to that ofFIG. 6C , the two joinedplanks 14 may not move in a linear fashion along any line perpendicular toaxis 96. The engagement provided bypivot 60,wing 62 andextension 36 through rotational engagement of the twoplanks 14 creates a joint preventing such linear movement. The only possible linear movement of the two joinedplanks 14 with respect to one another is alongaxis 96. Such movement is more a theoretical matter than a practical one, however, as a tremendous force would be required to overcome the frictional engagement between the two joinedplanks 14 to provide such movement. -
Cap member 16 is joined to aplank 14 along first connectingside 20 thereof in a very similar manner as described with reference to the joining of twoplanks 14 and as shown inFIGS. 6-6C . To joincap member 16 toplank 14, the same procedure shown inFIGS. 6 and 6 A is followed except thatcap member 16 takes the place of the oneplank 14 which moves in the direction of Arrow A inFIG. 6 and rotates in the direction of Arrow B inFIG. 6A .Cap member 16 then rotates in a manner similar to that shown inFIG. 6B with respect toplank 14 and ends up in a joined position analogous toFIG. 6C . However,cap member 16 does not include a member analogous tosecond projection 58 which engages taperedwall 42 of theother plank 14 and provides a snap fit engagement betweenrespective ledges interior wall 80 comes to rest oninner wall 19 of theplank 14 to whichcap member 16 is joined. The joined position ofcap member 16 andplank 14 is shown inFIG. 8 with enlargements of the joining areas shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B . With reference toFIG. 8A , the final engagement betweenplank 14 andcap member 16 adjacent first connectingside 20 ofplank 14 differs from the plank-to-plank joint in that only one ofprojections 52 engagescap member 16. In particular, this oneprojection 52 engagesledge 92 ofcap member 16. With reference toFIG. 8B ,cap member 16 is joined toside 19 by aweld 98. - Where a bed is used for hauling a slurry or any material having sufficient liquid to cause a leakage problem, it may be desired to have walls which are sealed to the flow of liquid. With reference to
FIG. 9 , the present invention provides such an option. Specifically, glue or seals may be used between adjoiningplanks 14.FIG. 9 showsglue 100 at four different locations, that is locations where two adjoiningplanks 14 are in contact or are closely adjacent one another. Specifically, one of the glue locations is between the rotationally engaging structure. Another glue location is adjacent the snap fit engagement. Additionally, glue may be used betweenprojections 52 and the adjacent strengtheningrib 32 of an adjoiningplank 14. Glue may also be inserted in the other interior spaces defined between the twoplanks 14, such aschannel 50. Another option is to use aseal 102 typically of a polymeric material.Seal 102 is shown disposed inchannel 50, although another seal may be used in aninterior space 104 betweenplanks 14. - With reference to
FIG. 10 , the connection betweenbase member 17 and atrailer bed 118 is described.Trailer bed 118 includes anupper wall 120, alower wall 122 in opposed relation towall 120 and aside wall 124 extending betweenwalls Base member 17 is connected totrailer bed 118 withinner wall 112 ofbase member 17 flat againstside wall 124 oftrailer bed 118. Welds shown at 126 and 128secure base member 17 totrailer bed 118. As is evident,base member 17 could be replaced byplank 14 whereby second connectingside 22 ofplank 14 would be exposed and might project belowlower wall 122, but otherwise there would no real distinction between usingplank 114 in place ofbase member 17. - With reference to
FIG. 11 ,cap member 130 is described.Cap member 130 is similar to capmember 16 exceptextension wall 78 which tapers from the U-shaped portion ofcap member 16 is replaced by an L-shaped portion wherebycap member 130 is generally rectangular in cross-section except for a portion which is filled by a portion of aplank 14 whencap member 130 is attached to saidplank 14. More particularly,cap member 130 includes an invertedU-shaped portion 132 having anouter wall 134 and an opposedinner wall 136, each extending downwardly from an interveningcap wall 138.Inner wall 136 is longer thanouter wall 134. Cap member 13 includes a connectingwall 140 which extends perpendicularly from alower end 142 ofinner wall 136 and generally towardouter wall 134. Connectingwall 140 has aterminal end 144.Cap member 130 is connected to anupper plank 14 in the same manner as iscap member 16 except that instead of weldingtip 82 ofcap member 16 toinner wall 19 ofplank 14, connectingwall 140 ofcap member 130 is welded atweld 145 toside wall 19 ofplank 14 adjacentterminal end 144 of connectingwall 140.Outer wall 134 terminates in a structure which is the same as the structure at the terminal end ofouter wall 72 ofcap member 16 and the terminal structure is numbered in the same manner as that ofcap member 16. - With reference to
FIG. 12 ,base member 146 is described, which is a second embodiment of a base member for use withwall 10. Whereasbase member 17 is configured to attach totrailer bed 118 so thatwall 10 extends upwardly alongsidetrailer bed 118,base member 146 is configured so thatwall 10 sits atoptrailer bed 118.Base member 146 is a generally U-shaped member having afirst leg 148 and asecond leg 150 spaced fromleg 148, each leg extending from an interveningbase 152 and defining aninterior space 154 therebetween.Base member 146 further includes an arcuate stabilizing arm orsupport 156 extending fromsecond leg 150 away frominterior space 154. A connectingportion 158 ofsecond leg 150 is disposed between stabilizingarm 156 andbase 152. Adjacent the intersection of connectingportion 158 andbase 152, afirst rib 160 extends from connectingportion 158 away frominterior space 154 and asecond rib 162 extends frombase 152 away frominterior space 154.First rib 160 andsecond rib 162 define aconcave rest 164 therebetween. - When assembled, a
plank 14 sits atop connectingportion 158 ofsecond leg 150 ofbase member 146.Pivot 60 of second connectingside 22 ofplank 14 is seated withinconcave rest 164 andsecond projection 58 is seated on connectingportion 158 and spaced inwardly frombase 152.Inner wall 19 ofplank 14 rests against the upper portion of arcuate stabilizingarm 156 and is connected thereto by aweld 166.Plank 14 is also connected tobase member 146 by aweld 168 alongsecond rib 162 andpivot 60. - With continued reference to
FIG. 12 ,base member 146 is connected totrailer bed 118 as follows.Side wall 124 oftrailer bed 118 is received withininterior space 154 ofbase member 146 wherebyside wall 124 andbase 152 are closely adjacent or abut one another.Second leg 150 ofbase member 146 sits atopupper wall 120 oftrailer bed 118.First leg 148 ofbase member 146 is disposed belowlower wall 122 oftrailer bed 118 and is attached thereto by a weld 170. Aflat floor liner 172 lies atopupper wall 120 oftrailer bed 118 and is positioned so that respective edges ofliner 172 andsecond leg 150 ofbase member 146 abut one another to form a flat floor surface disposed aboveupper wall 120.Base member 146 is attached toliner 172 along the above-rated abutting edges by a weld 174.Liner 172 may be eliminated if desired in which casesecond leg 150 would be attached directly toupper wall 120 oftrailer bed 118. - Thus,
wall 10 provides a rigid joint betweenadjacent planks 14 and between aplank 14 and acap member 16 to provide a sturdy wall having a flat exterior surface to minimize wind resistance during travel and a flat interior surface formed by respectiveinterior walls 18 which are relatively thick to provide durability. In addition, in the preferred embodiment,planks 14 are elongated in a horizontal direction such that the joints between the planks are generally aligned with the direction of the material being dumped out of the rear of the bed, to prevent undue wear from joints which are transverse to that flow, as discussed in the background of the present application. In addition, whilewall 10 may be formed of solid members having the same joints described herein,wall 10 is a generally hollow member which provides a relatively lightweight wall which is simultaneously strong and durable. As with the joinder ofcap member plank 14, the joinder between twoplanks 14 could use a weld to tie them together as opposed to a snap fit engagement described herein. However, the snap fit engagement provides a simple, economical and sure means of securing the planks together and eliminates the need for welding the two planks together, which can be a time-consuming process. Other fasteners such as screws or rivets may be used to join adjacent planks together or a plank to a cap member, although again this is a time-consuming process and in addition is less preferable in use with relativelythin walls planks 14. In addition, rivets, bolts or screws would be at odds with creating a flat interior wall, since such fasteners would either present a projection into the interior of the bed or need to be countersunk, which would weakenwall 10. -
Wall 10 also provides a secure connection to the trailer bed of a truck whether attached to the side of a trailer bed or atop the trailer bed.Wall 10 includes a novel base member configured to receive one ofplanks 14 wherebyplank 14 is securely seated atop the base member and the base member is securely attached to the trailer bed. - Each
member forming wall 10 is preferably formed of metal although other suitable materials may be used depending on the use of the wall. For instance, plastic may be used for certain applications. While metal is preferred for use with a wall, the invention is not limited to the formation of walls and has applicability to the formation of walls generally. - A variety of alterations to the exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example,
wing 62 and wing-receivingslot 38 could be eliminated wherebyonly pivot 60 of oneplank 14 would rotationally engage theother plank 14 within pivot-receivingslot 34. Due to the inward extension ofpivot 60, once the twoplanks 14 have been joined,pivot 60 engagesextension 36 or may engage an analogous structure in order to prevent separation of the twoplanks 14 adjacentfirst edge 24 of one plank andfirst edge 28 of the other plank. In addition,cap member 16 could be connected to aplank 14 with a snap fit engagement. However, in order to provide acap member 16 which is wider thanplanks 14 and to simultaneously provide superior support against inward rotation ofcap member 16, it would be necessary to include additional structure to provide a snap fit engagement, whereby such structure would be alonginner wall 19. While this is feasible, it is preferable to provide a plurality ofplanks 14 which are substantially identical and thus interchangeable, which expedites assembly and eliminates the production and related costs of an altered plank similar toplank 14. - In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
- Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims (23)
1. A wall comprising:
a first elongated member having a connecting side with a pivot and a arcuate wing; and
a second elongated member having a connecting side for connecting to the first member connecting side; the second member connecting side having a pivot-receiving slot for rotatably receiving the pivot and an arcuate wing-receiving slot for receiving the wing during relative rotation of at least one of the first and second members with respect to the other.
2. The wall of claim 1 wherein the pivot-receiving slot and the wing-receiving slot are separated by an arcuate extension; and wherein the pivot and the arcuate wing define there between an arcuate extension-receiving slot for receiving the extension during the relative rotation.
3. The wall of claim 2 wherein the first and second members are joined together by a snap-fit engagement.
4. The wall of claim 3 wherein the first member connecting side has first and second opposed edges; wherein the pivot and wing are adjacent the first edge; wherein a projection is adjacent the second edge; wherein the second member connecting side has first and second opposed edges; wherein the extension, pivot-receiving slot and the wing-receiving slot are each adjacent the first edge of the second member connecting side; and wherein the projection adjacent the second edge of the first member forms a snap-fit engagement with the second member adjacent the second edge of the second member connecting side when the first and second members are joined together.
5. The wall of claim 1 wherein the first member connecting side includes a projection spaced from the wing whereby the projection and the wing define an interior space there between; and wherein the second member connecting side includes a narrowed portion receivable within the interior space.
6. The wall of claim 5 wherein the first member connecting side has first and second edges; and wherein the pivot and wing are adjacent the first edge of the first member connecting side and the projection is adjacent the second edge thereof.
7. The wall of claim 6 wherein the second member connecting side has first and second edges; wherein the pivot-receiving slot and arcuate wing-receiving slot are adjacent the first edge; and wherein the narrowed portion includes a tapered wall adjacent the second edge of the second member connecting side.
8. The wall of claim 7 wherein the tapered wall includes an outwardly extending ledge and the projection includes an inwardly extending ledge adapted to connect to the ledge of the tapered wall in a snap-fit engagement.
9. The wall of claim 5 wherein the narrowed portion bounds a hollow interior of the second member.
10. The wall of claim 9 wherein each of the first and second members have a pair of spaced walls each extending from the respective connecting sides; and wherein each of the members is substantially hollow.
11. The wall of claim 10 wherein the second member includes a strengthening rib extending between and connected to each of the spaced walls; and wherein the strengthening rib, the narrowed portion and the spaced walls define the hollow interior of the second member.
12. The wall of claim 5 wherein each of the members is substantially hollow; wherein a pair of spaced walls extends respectively from the connecting side of each member; wherein a strengthening rib connects the spaced walls of the first member adjacent the connecting side thereof; wherein the narrowed portion includes a terminal wall which bounds a hollow interior of the second member and which is disposed adjacent the strengthening rib when the members are connected together.
13. The wall of claim 12 wherein a pair of spaced projections extend outwardly from the terminal wall and define there between a channel which faces the strengthening rib.
14. The wall of claim 13 wherein the spaced projections abut the strengthening rib when the two members are joined.
15. A wall comprising:
a first hollow double-walled elongated member having a connecting side with first and second projections defining there between an interior space;
a second hollow double-walled elongated member having a connecting side with a narrowed portion including a terminal wall;
the first projection rotatably engaging the second member adjacent the narrowed portion whereby via rotation of at least one of the first and second members with respect to the other member about the first projection, the narrowed portion is receivable within the interior space; and
the two connecting sides being adapted to connect to one another to join the first and second members together.
16. The wall of claim 15 wherein the second projection and the narrowed portion are connected together by a snap fit engagement.
17. The wall of claim 15 wherein the first projection terminates in a pivot.
18. The wall of claim 17 wherein the connecting side of the second member includes a cantilevered arcuate extension defining a pivot-receiving slot for receiving the pivot during the rotation.
19. The wall of claim 18 wherein the first projection includes a cantilevered arcuate wing; wherein the wing and the pivot define there between an arcuate extension-receiving slot for receiving the extension during the rotation.
20. The wall of claim 19 wherein the connecting side of the second member includes an arcuate wing-receiving slot for receiving the wing during the rotation.
21. A method of forming a wall comprising the steps of:
rotating at least one of a first member and a second member with respect to the other member whereby a pivot and a cantilevered arcuate wing of the first member are respectively received by a pivot-receiving slot and an arcuate wing-receiving slot of the second member;
connecting the two members rigidly together.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the connecting step includes forming a snap fit engagement between the two members to provide the rigid connection.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein the first and second members are generally hollow; wherein the rotating step includes receiving a narrowed portion of the second member within an interior space defined between the wing and a projection of the first member; the narrowed portion including a terminal wall.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/915,208 US20060059791A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2004-08-10 | Trailer construction and joint for use therewith |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/915,208 US20060059791A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2004-08-10 | Trailer construction and joint for use therewith |
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US20060059791A1 true US20060059791A1 (en) | 2006-03-23 |
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US10/915,208 Abandoned US20060059791A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2004-08-10 | Trailer construction and joint for use therewith |
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Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1878622A1 (en) | 2006-07-14 | 2008-01-16 | Dr.Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Mounting device for a mounted part of a motor vehicle |
EP1918178A1 (en) * | 2006-11-06 | 2008-05-07 | Kögel Fahrzeugwerke GmbH | Box body, kit for and commercial vehicle with such a box body, frame profile for such a box body and method for manufacturing a box body |
EP2886426A1 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2015-06-24 | Schmitz Cargobull AG | Tongue and groove connection of a superstructure of a commercial vehicle and method for forming such a connection |
JP2015123881A (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2015-07-06 | 日本フルハーフ株式会社 | Coupling structure of cargo chamber upper side part of vehicle |
US10052993B2 (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2018-08-21 | Pegasus Vans & Trailers, Inc. | Belt discharge body |
ES2686396A1 (en) * | 2017-06-12 | 2018-10-17 | Remolques Y Volquetes, S.L. | PROCEDURE OF PHYSICAL UNION BETWEEN PANELS MEMBERS OF A BODYWORK OF INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES AND VEHICLE BODYWORK INDUSTRIAL (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US10625790B2 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2020-04-21 | Sti Holdings, Inc. | Spline joints and container having same |
US11174099B2 (en) * | 2017-10-20 | 2021-11-16 | China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd., CIMC R&D CENTER | Threshold assembly and container |
WO2022104444A1 (en) * | 2020-11-17 | 2022-05-27 | Randon S.A. Implementos E Participações | Modular cargo container for a tilting trailer, panel for a cargo container structure and manufacturing and assembly method |
US11427262B1 (en) * | 2022-01-17 | 2022-08-30 | Clifford O. McWilliams | Modular trailer system |
JP7403376B2 (en) | 2020-04-10 | 2023-12-22 | Jfe機材フォーミング株式会社 | scaffolding board |
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US3043407A (en) * | 1958-04-28 | 1962-07-10 | Marryatt Lane & Co Inc | Grids |
US3100556A (en) * | 1959-07-30 | 1963-08-13 | Reynolds Metals Co | Interlocking metallic structural members |
US3116950A (en) * | 1962-03-07 | 1964-01-07 | Fruehauf Corp | Auxiliary floor for livestock trailers |
US3301147A (en) * | 1963-07-22 | 1967-01-31 | Harvey Aluminum Inc | Vehicle-supporting matting and plank therefor |
US3380216A (en) * | 1965-10-21 | 1968-04-30 | Pike Trailer Co | Trailer enclosure construction |
US3555762A (en) * | 1968-07-08 | 1971-01-19 | Aluminum Plastic Products Corp | False floor of interlocked metal sections |
US3886705A (en) * | 1971-03-09 | 1975-06-03 | Hoeganaes Ab | Hollow structural panel of extruded plastics material and a composite panel structure formed thereof |
US4425001A (en) * | 1979-01-22 | 1984-01-10 | Ambrogio Mauri | Carriage body for public transportation vehicles |
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US5791714A (en) * | 1996-08-16 | 1998-08-11 | Sundowner Trailers, Inc. | Floor system for towable horse trailers |
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US20010009085A1 (en) * | 1998-11-19 | 2001-07-26 | Keith Boyer | Composite joinery |
US6513297B2 (en) * | 2001-01-04 | 2003-02-04 | Michael Kloepfer | Wall constructions |
US6834911B2 (en) * | 2001-01-30 | 2004-12-28 | Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft | Mobile work machine comprising accessible platforms |
US20030011211A1 (en) * | 2001-06-22 | 2003-01-16 | East Manufacturing | Smooth side body structure and method |
US20050062314A1 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2005-03-24 | Searfoss Timothy K. | Trailer cover system |
US7021012B2 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2006-04-04 | Karl Zeng | Watertight decking |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1878622A1 (en) | 2006-07-14 | 2008-01-16 | Dr.Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Mounting device for a mounted part of a motor vehicle |
US20080014016A1 (en) * | 2006-07-14 | 2008-01-17 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Ag | Fastening device for fastening an add-on part |
EP1918178A1 (en) * | 2006-11-06 | 2008-05-07 | Kögel Fahrzeugwerke GmbH | Box body, kit for and commercial vehicle with such a box body, frame profile for such a box body and method for manufacturing a box body |
EP2886426A1 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2015-06-24 | Schmitz Cargobull AG | Tongue and groove connection of a superstructure of a commercial vehicle and method for forming such a connection |
JP2015123881A (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2015-07-06 | 日本フルハーフ株式会社 | Coupling structure of cargo chamber upper side part of vehicle |
US10052993B2 (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2018-08-21 | Pegasus Vans & Trailers, Inc. | Belt discharge body |
ES2686396A1 (en) * | 2017-06-12 | 2018-10-17 | Remolques Y Volquetes, S.L. | PROCEDURE OF PHYSICAL UNION BETWEEN PANELS MEMBERS OF A BODYWORK OF INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES AND VEHICLE BODYWORK INDUSTRIAL (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US11174099B2 (en) * | 2017-10-20 | 2021-11-16 | China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd., CIMC R&D CENTER | Threshold assembly and container |
US10625790B2 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2020-04-21 | Sti Holdings, Inc. | Spline joints and container having same |
US11136073B2 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2021-10-05 | Sti Holdings, Inc. | Spline joints and container having same |
US11643153B2 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2023-05-09 | Sti Holdings, Inc. | Spline joints and container having same |
JP7403376B2 (en) | 2020-04-10 | 2023-12-22 | Jfe機材フォーミング株式会社 | scaffolding board |
WO2022104444A1 (en) * | 2020-11-17 | 2022-05-27 | Randon S.A. Implementos E Participações | Modular cargo container for a tilting trailer, panel for a cargo container structure and manufacturing and assembly method |
US11427262B1 (en) * | 2022-01-17 | 2022-08-30 | Clifford O. McWilliams | Modular trailer system |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CONNY, MICHAEL A.;MAIORANA, JAMES A.;ARNOLD, JAMES S.;REEL/FRAME:015681/0448 Effective date: 20040503 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |