US20110115256A1 - Trailer Side Rail - Google Patents
Trailer Side Rail Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110115256A1 US20110115256A1 US13/012,642 US201113012642A US2011115256A1 US 20110115256 A1 US20110115256 A1 US 20110115256A1 US 201113012642 A US201113012642 A US 201113012642A US 2011115256 A1 US2011115256 A1 US 2011115256A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- side rail
- openings
- wall
- rail structure
- rub
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 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
- B62D25/20—Floors or bottom sub-units
- B62D25/2054—Load carrying floors for commercial vehicles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P7/00—Securing or covering of load on vehicles
- B60P7/06—Securing of load
- B60P7/08—Securing to the vehicle floor or sides
- B60P7/0807—Attachment points
- B60P7/0815—Attachment rails or trellis
Definitions
- the present invention is related to a trailer, and more specifically, to a side rail of a flatbed trailer.
- the present invention relates to a one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure for use in forming a portion of a flat bed trailer.
- Loads of various types are transported by flat bed trailers.
- the flat bed trailers are designed to transport loads having many different sizes and configurations. In order to safely transport a load, the load must be secured against movement relative to the flat bed trailer.
- Load securing systems have been developed to retain a load against movement relative to a flat bed trailer. Such load securing systems have included retaining straps, and/or chains which are connected to opposite sides of the trailer. In addition, stakes or posts have previously been utilized, either separately or in combination with retaining straps and/or chains, to secure a load on a flat bed trailer.
- Retaining straps have been provided with ratchet type assemblies which are positioned along the length of the strap to tighten the strap onto the load.
- a winch assembly may be anchored to one side of the flat bed trailer and connected to a strap to tension the strap.
- Over center buckles have also been utilized to tension straps.
- Known flat bed trailers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,487 and in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2002/0025237.
- the side rail structure for use in a flat bed trailer integrally formed as one piece.
- the side rail structure includes an outer side rail wall and a rub rail which is integrally formed as one piece with the outer side rail wall.
- the rub rail may include an outer side wall which extends along and is spaced from the outer side rail wall.
- Upper and lower connector walls may be provided to connect the outer side wall of the rub rail to the outer side rail wall. Holes may be formed in the connector walls to facilitate connection of straps, chains and/or stakes with the flat bed trailer.
- the one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure may include a floor section.
- the one piece, integrally formed side rail structure may be formed of extruded metal.
- the one piece side rail structure includes features which may be utilized together as disclosed herein or may be utilized separately.
- the side rail structure may advantageously include a floor section which is integrally formed as one piece with the side rail wall and with the rub rail.
- the floor section may, if desired, be formed separately from the side rail wall and the rub rail. It should be understood that many different prior art features may be utilized in association with the one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a flat bed trailer
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic pictorial illustration of a one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure used in the flat bed trailer of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic fragmentary sectional view, taken generally along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 , illustrating the manner in which the one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure is used to form a portion of the flat bed trailer;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic pictorial illustration, generally similar to FIG. 2 but on a reduced scale, illustrating the manner in which a strap for securing a load is used with the side rail structure;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic pictorial illustration, similar to FIG. 2 but on a reduced scale, illustrating the manner in which a post or stake is used with the side rail structure.
- a flat bed trailer 10 ( FIG. 1 ) has a generally known construction and is utilized to carry many different types of loads.
- a rear portion (not shown) of the flat bed trailer is supported in a known manner by wheels which are connected with either a single axle or tandem axles.
- a retractable double leg support 12 is provided at a front end portion of a flat bed trailer 10 to support the front end portion of the flat bed trailer when the trailer is parked.
- the general construction of the flat bed trailer 10 is similar to the construction disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,226,465 and 6,527,487.
- a longitudinally extending side rail structure 20 ( FIG. 2 ) is utilized in the construction of the flat bed trailer 10 .
- the side rail structure 20 is integrally formed as one piece of metal (aluminum).
- the side rail structure 20 may be formed in many different ways, the side rail structure 20 may advantageously be extruded as a single piece of metal.
- the side rail structure 20 includes a floor section 22 .
- the floor section 22 partially forms an upper side surface 24 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the flat bed trailer 10 .
- a load is positioned on the upper side surface 24 of the flat bed trailer.
- An outer side rail wall 28 ( FIG. 2 ) extends downward from the floor section 22 .
- the outer side rail wall 28 extends along the entire length of the flat bed trailer 10 .
- the floor section 22 is coextensive with the outer side rail wall 28 .
- the outer side rail wall 28 extends perpendicular to the floor section 22 .
- a rub rail 30 projects outward from the outer side rail wall 28 and is coextensive with the outer side rail wall.
- the rub rail 30 protects the outer side rail wall 28 from engagement with objects in the environment around the flat bed trailer 10 .
- the floor section 22 , outer side rail wall 28 and rub rail 30 are integrally formed as one piece.
- the specific side rail structure 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 was extruded as a single piece of metal.
- the rail rub 30 includes an outer rub rail wall 34 which extends along the outer side rail wall 28 .
- the outer rub rail wall 34 of the rub rail 30 extends parallel to the outer side rail wall 28 .
- the outer rub rail wall 34 of the rub rail 30 may be skewed relative to the outer side rail wall 28 .
- the outer rub rail wall 34 of the rub rail 30 has a generally flat outer side surface 38
- the outer rub rail wall 34 may be formed with a different configuration if desired.
- the outer rub rail wall 34 may have an arcuate side surface which bulges outwardly in a direction away from the outer side rail wall 28 .
- the outer rub rail wall 34 ( FIG. 2 ) of the rub rail 30 is connected to the outer side rail wall 28 by an upper connector wall 42 and a lower connector wall 44 .
- the upper and lower connector walls 42 and 44 extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the outer side rail wall 28 and perpendicular to the outer rub rail wall 34 of the rub rail 30 .
- the upper and the lower connector walls 42 and 44 may be skewed relative to each other and/or to the outer side rail wall 28 so that the channel 48 has a configuration other than the illustrated rectangular configuration.
- An upper series 52 of openings is formed in the upper connector wall 42 .
- a lower series 54 of openings is formed in the lower connector wall 44 .
- the openings in the upper series 52 of openings are aligned with correspondingly configured openings in the lower series 54 of the openings.
- the upper series 52 of openings include a plurality of spaced apart relatively small rectangular openings 58 and a plurality of relatively large generally rectangular openings 60 having end surfaces 62 . If desired, the end surfaces 62 may have an arcuate configuration.
- the lower series 54 of openings includes a plurality of relatively small rectangular openings which are aligned with and have the same size and configuration as the openings 58 in the upper series 52 of openings.
- the lower series 54 of openings also includes a plurality of relatively large openings which are aligned with and have the same size and configuration as the openings 60 in the upper series 52 of openings.
- the openings 58 and 60 are cut in the connector walls 42 and 44 after formation (extrusion) of the side rail structure 20 .
- the openings 58 and 60 have been illustrated as having the same rectangular configuration, the openings 58 and 60 may have different configurations if desired.
- the openings 58 and/or 60 may have a circular configuration.
- the openings 58 and/or 60 may have a triangular configuration.
- the floor section 22 ( FIG. 2 ) has a generally flat upper side surface 24 with upwardly extending ribs 66 .
- the ribs 66 extend parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the side rail structure 20 and to the outer side rail wall 28 .
- the ribs 66 provide projections which retard sliding of the load in a direction transverse to the longitudinal central axes of the ribs.
- the flat upper side surface 24 of the floor section 22 is disposed in a plane which extends across and is tangential to an arcuate upper side surface 68 on the outer rub rail wall 34 of the rub rail 30 .
- the upper connector wall 42 is disposed below the plane of the upper side surface 24 of the floor section 22 and below the upper side surface 68 on the outer rub rail wall 34 of the rub rail 30 .
- a corner 72 formed at the intersection of the floor section 22 and outer side rail 28 is disposed above and extends parallel to the upper connector wall 42 of the rub rail 30 .
- the corner 72 extends parallel to the ribs 66 and the upper side surface 68 of the outer rub rail wall 34 of the rub rail 30 .
- Mounting webs 74 , 76 , and 78 extend downward from the floor section 22 and extend parallel to the outer side rail wall 28 .
- Flanges 80 , 82 , and 84 are formed on the lower (as viewed in FIG. 2 ) end portions of the webs 74 , 76 , and 78 .
- the flanges 80 , 82 , and 84 extend throughout the length of the side rail structure 20 and extend parallel to the floor section 22 .
- a mounting rib 88 extends inwardly, that is toward the left as viewed in FIG. 2 , from the outer side rail wall 28 .
- the mounting rib 88 has a lower side surface which is disposed in a coplanar relationship with lower side surfaces of the flanges 80 , 82 and 84 on the mounting webs 74 , 76 , and 78 .
- a mounting rib 92 extends inward, that is toward the left as viewed in FIG. 2 , from the inner side of the outer side rail wall 28 .
- the mounting rib 92 extends parallel to the mounting rib 88 and the flanges 80 , 82 and 84 on the mounting webs, 74 , 76 and 78 .
- the flat bed trailer 10 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending I-beams 100 ( FIG. 3 ). Although only one I-beam 100 is shown in FIG. 3 , it should be understood that the flat bed trailer 10 includes a plurality of parallel I-beams. A transversely extending tubular frame member 104 extends perpendicular to the I-beams 100 and extends through openings formed in the I-beams. Although only one frame member 104 is shown in FIG. 3 , it should be understood that the flat bed trailer 10 includes a plurality of parallel frame members which extends perpendicular to the I-beams 100 . Welds 106 connect webs 108 of the I-beams 100 to frame members 104 .
- Longitudinally extending hollow floor sections 110 are positioned longitudinally of the flat bed trailer 10 in abutting parallel relationship with flanges 112 on the upper end portions of the I-beams 100 .
- the floor sections 110 cooperate with the flanges 112 on the I-beams 100 to form the floor or deck of the flat bed trailer 10 .
- the floor sections 110 are each welded to the frame member 104 .
- the manner in which the floor sections 110 cooperate with the frame members 104 and I-beams 100 is the same as is disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0025237.
- the side rail structure 20 has a length which is greater than the desired length of the flat bed trailer 10 .
- the initial extrusion is cut to form the side rail structure 20 with a length which is the same as the desired length of the flat bed trailer 10 .
- the openings 58 and 60 are then formed in the rub rail 30 .
- the openings may be cut into the upper and lower connector walls 42 and 44 with a router.
- the openings 58 and 60 may be formed in a different manner if desired.
- the side rail structure 20 is connected to the frame member 104 ( FIG. 3 ) at welds between the mounting flanges 80 , 82 and 84 ( FIG. 2 ) on the mounting webs 74 , 76 , and 78 and the frame member.
- the side rail structure 20 is connected to the frame member 104 at a weld between the mounting ribs 88 and 92 ( FIG. 2 ) and the frame member 104 ( FIG. 3 ).
- the side rail structure 20 extends for the entire length of the flat bed trailer 10 and is welded to each of the frame members 104 which are disposed in the flat bed trailer. Although only a single side rail structure 20 is illustrated in FIGS.
- FIG. 1-3 there is a second side rail structure 20 disposed along the opposite longitudinally extending side of the flat bed trailer 10 .
- the two identical, parallel side rail structures 20 are welded to the frame members 104 in the same manner as described in conjunction with the side rail structure 20 of FIG. 3 .
- a plurality of straps or belts 120 may be used to secure a load to the flat bed trailer 10 .
- the straps 120 may extend through openings 58 and/or 60 in the upper and lower connector walls 42 and 44 of the rub rail 30 and have hooks which engage the outer rub rail wall 34 and/or the lower connector wall 44 of the rub rail.
- the straps may be secured to the flat bed trailer utilizing winches which are mounted on an I-beam 100 disposed adjacent to the side rail structure 20 .
- a chain having hooks may be utilized.
- posts 130 may be inserted through aligned of openings in the upper and lower connector walls 42 and 44 of the side rail structure 20 .
- the posts 130 may extend through the relatively small rectangular opening 58 ( FIG. 2 ) in the upper connector wall 42 of the rub rail 30 and through the aligned relatively small opening in the lower connector wall 44 . It is contemplated that a combination of straps and/or chains and posts may be utilized to secure a load on a flat bed trailer 10 .
- the present invention provides a side rail structure 20 for use in a flat bed trailer 10 .
- the side rail structure 20 is integrally formed as one piece.
- the side rail structure 20 includes an outer side rail wall 28 and a rub rail 30 which is integrally formed as one piece with the outer side rail wall.
- the rub rail 30 may include an outer rub rail wall 34 which extends along and is spaced from the outer side rail wall 28 .
- Upper and lower connector walls 42 and 44 may be provided to connect the outer rub rail wall 34 of the rub rail 30 to the outer side rail wall 28 . Holes 58 and/or 60 may be formed in the connector walls 42 and 44 to facilitate connection of straps 120 , chains and/or stakes 130 with the flat bed trailer 10 .
- the one piece, integrally formed, side rail structures 20 may include a floor section 22 .
- the one piece, integrally formed side rail structure 20 may be formed of extruded metal.
- the one piece side rail structure 20 includes features which may be utilized together as disclosed herein or may be utilized separately.
- the side rail structure 20 may advantageously include a floor section 22 which is integrally formed as one piece with the outer side rail wall 28 and with the rub rail 30 .
- the floor section 22 may, if desired, be formed separately from the outer side rail wall 28 and the rub rail 30 . It should be understood that many different prior art features may be utilized in association with the one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure 20 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
An improved side rail structure is used to form a portion of a flat bed trailer. The side rail structure is integrally formed as one piece. The side rail structure includes an outer side rail wall which is integrally formed as one piece with a rub rail. A flooring section may also be formed as one piece with the outer side rail wall. The one piece side rail structure may be formed of extruded metal.
Description
- This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/502,816, filed Jul. 14, 2009, titled “Trailer Side Rail,” which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/649,579, filed Jan. 4, 2007, titled “Side Rail Structure,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention is related to a trailer, and more specifically, to a side rail of a flatbed trailer.
- The present invention relates to a one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure for use in forming a portion of a flat bed trailer.
- Loads of various types are transported by flat bed trailers. The flat bed trailers are designed to transport loads having many different sizes and configurations. In order to safely transport a load, the load must be secured against movement relative to the flat bed trailer.
- Load securing systems have been developed to retain a load against movement relative to a flat bed trailer. Such load securing systems have included retaining straps, and/or chains which are connected to opposite sides of the trailer. In addition, stakes or posts have previously been utilized, either separately or in combination with retaining straps and/or chains, to secure a load on a flat bed trailer.
- Retaining straps have been provided with ratchet type assemblies which are positioned along the length of the strap to tighten the strap onto the load. Alternatively, a winch assembly may be anchored to one side of the flat bed trailer and connected to a strap to tension the strap. Over center buckles have also been utilized to tension straps. Known flat bed trailers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,487 and in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2002/0025237.
- An improved side rail structure for use in a flat bed trailer integrally formed as one piece. The side rail structure includes an outer side rail wall and a rub rail which is integrally formed as one piece with the outer side rail wall. The rub rail may include an outer side wall which extends along and is spaced from the outer side rail wall.
- Upper and lower connector walls may be provided to connect the outer side wall of the rub rail to the outer side rail wall. Holes may be formed in the connector walls to facilitate connection of straps, chains and/or stakes with the flat bed trailer. If desired, the one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure may include a floor section. The one piece, integrally formed side rail structure may be formed of extruded metal.
- The one piece side rail structure includes features which may be utilized together as disclosed herein or may be utilized separately. For example, the side rail structure may advantageously include a floor section which is integrally formed as one piece with the side rail wall and with the rub rail. However, the floor section may, if desired, be formed separately from the side rail wall and the rub rail. It should be understood that many different prior art features may be utilized in association with the one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure.
- The foregoing and other features of the invention will become more apparent upon a consideration of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a flat bed trailer; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic pictorial illustration of a one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure used in the flat bed trailer ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic fragmentary sectional view, taken generally along the line 3-3 ofFIG. 1 , illustrating the manner in which the one piece, integrally formed, side rail structure is used to form a portion of the flat bed trailer; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic pictorial illustration, generally similar toFIG. 2 but on a reduced scale, illustrating the manner in which a strap for securing a load is used with the side rail structure; and -
FIG. 5 is a schematic pictorial illustration, similar toFIG. 2 but on a reduced scale, illustrating the manner in which a post or stake is used with the side rail structure. - A flat bed trailer 10 (
FIG. 1 ) has a generally known construction and is utilized to carry many different types of loads. A rear portion (not shown) of the flat bed trailer is supported in a known manner by wheels which are connected with either a single axle or tandem axles. A retractabledouble leg support 12 is provided at a front end portion of aflat bed trailer 10 to support the front end portion of the flat bed trailer when the trailer is parked. The general construction of theflat bed trailer 10 is similar to the construction disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,226,465 and 6,527,487. - In accordance with one of the features of the present invention, a longitudinally extending side rail structure 20 (
FIG. 2 ) is utilized in the construction of theflat bed trailer 10. Theside rail structure 20 is integrally formed as one piece of metal (aluminum). Although theside rail structure 20 may be formed in many different ways, theside rail structure 20 may advantageously be extruded as a single piece of metal. - The
side rail structure 20 includes afloor section 22. Thefloor section 22 partially forms an upper side surface 24 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of theflat bed trailer 10. During use of thetrailer 10, a load is positioned on theupper side surface 24 of the flat bed trailer. - An outer side rail wall 28 (
FIG. 2 ) extends downward from thefloor section 22. The outerside rail wall 28 extends along the entire length of theflat bed trailer 10. Thefloor section 22 is coextensive with the outerside rail wall 28. The outerside rail wall 28 extends perpendicular to thefloor section 22. - A
rub rail 30 projects outward from the outerside rail wall 28 and is coextensive with the outer side rail wall. Therub rail 30 protects the outerside rail wall 28 from engagement with objects in the environment around theflat bed trailer 10. Thefloor section 22, outerside rail wall 28 andrub rail 30 are integrally formed as one piece. The specificside rail structure 20 illustrated inFIG. 2 was extruded as a single piece of metal. - The
rail rub 30 includes an outerrub rail wall 34 which extends along the outerside rail wall 28. The outerrub rail wall 34 of therub rail 30 extends parallel to the outerside rail wall 28. However, the outerrub rail wall 34 of therub rail 30 may be skewed relative to the outerside rail wall 28. Although the outerrub rail wall 34 of therub rail 30 has a generally flatouter side surface 38, the outerrub rail wall 34 may be formed with a different configuration if desired. For example, the outerrub rail wall 34 may have an arcuate side surface which bulges outwardly in a direction away from the outerside rail wall 28. - The outer rub rail wall 34 (
FIG. 2 ) of therub rail 30 is connected to the outerside rail wall 28 by anupper connector wall 42 and alower connector wall 44. The upper andlower connector walls side rail wall 28 and perpendicular to the outerrub rail wall 34 of therub rail 30. This results in a generally rectangular channel orpassage 48 being formed by therub rail 30 and outerside rail wall 28. However, the upper and thelower connector walls side rail wall 28 so that thechannel 48 has a configuration other than the illustrated rectangular configuration. - An
upper series 52 of openings is formed in theupper connector wall 42. Similarly, alower series 54 of openings is formed in thelower connector wall 44. The openings in theupper series 52 of openings are aligned with correspondingly configured openings in thelower series 54 of the openings. Theupper series 52 of openings include a plurality of spaced apart relatively smallrectangular openings 58 and a plurality of relatively large generallyrectangular openings 60 having end surfaces 62. If desired, the end surfaces 62 may have an arcuate configuration. - The
lower series 54 of openings includes a plurality of relatively small rectangular openings which are aligned with and have the same size and configuration as theopenings 58 in theupper series 52 of openings. Thelower series 54 of openings also includes a plurality of relatively large openings which are aligned with and have the same size and configuration as theopenings 60 in theupper series 52 of openings. Theopenings connector walls side rail structure 20. - Although the
openings openings openings 58 and/or 60 may have a circular configuration. Alternatively, theopenings 58 and/or 60 may have a triangular configuration. - The floor section 22 (
FIG. 2 ) has a generally flatupper side surface 24 with upwardly extendingribs 66. Theribs 66 extend parallel to a longitudinal central axis of theside rail structure 20 and to the outerside rail wall 28. Theribs 66 provide projections which retard sliding of the load in a direction transverse to the longitudinal central axes of the ribs. - The flat
upper side surface 24 of thefloor section 22 is disposed in a plane which extends across and is tangential to an arcuateupper side surface 68 on the outerrub rail wall 34 of therub rail 30. Theupper connector wall 42 is disposed below the plane of theupper side surface 24 of thefloor section 22 and below theupper side surface 68 on the outerrub rail wall 34 of therub rail 30. A corner 72 formed at the intersection of thefloor section 22 andouter side rail 28 is disposed above and extends parallel to theupper connector wall 42 of therub rail 30. The corner 72 extends parallel to theribs 66 and theupper side surface 68 of the outerrub rail wall 34 of therub rail 30. - Mounting
webs floor section 22 and extend parallel to the outerside rail wall 28.Flanges FIG. 2 ) end portions of thewebs flanges side rail structure 20 and extend parallel to thefloor section 22. - In addition, a mounting
rib 88 extends inwardly, that is toward the left as viewed inFIG. 2 , from the outerside rail wall 28. The mountingrib 88 has a lower side surface which is disposed in a coplanar relationship with lower side surfaces of theflanges webs rib 92 extends inward, that is toward the left as viewed inFIG. 2 , from the inner side of the outerside rail wall 28. The mountingrib 92 extends parallel to the mountingrib 88 and theflanges - In addition to the
side rail structure 20, theflat bed trailer 10 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending I-beams 100 (FIG. 3 ). Although only one I-beam 100 is shown inFIG. 3 , it should be understood that theflat bed trailer 10 includes a plurality of parallel I-beams. A transversely extendingtubular frame member 104 extends perpendicular to the I-beams 100 and extends through openings formed in the I-beams. Although only oneframe member 104 is shown inFIG. 3 , it should be understood that theflat bed trailer 10 includes a plurality of parallel frame members which extends perpendicular to the I-beams 100.Welds 106 connectwebs 108 of the I-beams 100 to framemembers 104. - Longitudinally extending
hollow floor sections 110 are positioned longitudinally of theflat bed trailer 10 in abutting parallel relationship withflanges 112 on the upper end portions of the I-beams 100. Thefloor sections 110 cooperate with theflanges 112 on the I-beams 100 to form the floor or deck of theflat bed trailer 10. Thefloor sections 110 are each welded to theframe member 104. The manner in which thefloor sections 110 cooperate with theframe members 104 and I-beams 100 is the same as is disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0025237. - As initially extruded, the
side rail structure 20 has a length which is greater than the desired length of theflat bed trailer 10. The initial extrusion is cut to form theside rail structure 20 with a length which is the same as the desired length of theflat bed trailer 10. Theopenings 58 and 60 (FIG. 2 ) are then formed in therub rail 30. The openings may be cut into the upper andlower connector walls openings - The
side rail structure 20 is connected to the frame member 104 (FIG. 3 ) at welds between the mountingflanges FIG. 2 ) on the mountingwebs side rail structure 20 is connected to theframe member 104 at a weld between the mountingribs 88 and 92 (FIG. 2 ) and the frame member 104 (FIG. 3 ). Theside rail structure 20 extends for the entire length of theflat bed trailer 10 and is welded to each of theframe members 104 which are disposed in the flat bed trailer. Although only a singleside rail structure 20 is illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 , there is a secondside rail structure 20 disposed along the opposite longitudinally extending side of theflat bed trailer 10. The two identical, parallelside rail structures 20 are welded to theframe members 104 in the same manner as described in conjunction with theside rail structure 20 ofFIG. 3 . - It is contemplated that a plurality of straps or belts 120 (
FIG. 4 ) may be used to secure a load to theflat bed trailer 10. Thestraps 120 may extend throughopenings 58 and/or 60 in the upper andlower connector walls rub rail 30 and have hooks which engage the outerrub rail wall 34 and/or thelower connector wall 44 of the rub rail. Alternatively, the straps may be secured to the flat bed trailer utilizing winches which are mounted on an I-beam 100 disposed adjacent to theside rail structure 20. Of course, rather than utilizing straps to secure the load to theflat bed trailer 10, a chain having hooks may be utilized. - In place of or in addition to straps or chains to secure the load, posts 130 (
FIG. 5 ) may be inserted through aligned of openings in the upper andlower connector walls side rail structure 20. The posts 130 (FIG. 5 ) may extend through the relatively small rectangular opening 58 (FIG. 2 ) in theupper connector wall 42 of therub rail 30 and through the aligned relatively small opening in thelower connector wall 44. It is contemplated that a combination of straps and/or chains and posts may be utilized to secure a load on aflat bed trailer 10. - In view of the foregoing description, it is apparent that the present invention provides a
side rail structure 20 for use in aflat bed trailer 10. Theside rail structure 20 is integrally formed as one piece. Theside rail structure 20 includes an outerside rail wall 28 and arub rail 30 which is integrally formed as one piece with the outer side rail wall. Therub rail 30 may include an outerrub rail wall 34 which extends along and is spaced from the outerside rail wall 28. - Upper and
lower connector walls rub rail wall 34 of therub rail 30 to the outerside rail wall 28.Holes 58 and/or 60 may be formed in theconnector walls straps 120, chains and/orstakes 130 with theflat bed trailer 10. If desired, the one piece, integrally formed,side rail structures 20 may include afloor section 22. The one piece, integrally formedside rail structure 20 may be formed of extruded metal. - The one piece
side rail structure 20 includes features which may be utilized together as disclosed herein or may be utilized separately. For example, theside rail structure 20 may advantageously include afloor section 22 which is integrally formed as one piece with the outerside rail wall 28 and with therub rail 30. However, thefloor section 22 may, if desired, be formed separately from the outerside rail wall 28 and therub rail 30. It should be understood that many different prior art features may be utilized in association with the one piece, integrally formed,side rail structure 20.
Claims (10)
1. A one piece, integrally formed, extruded side rail structure for use in forming a portion of a flat bed trailer, said one piece, integrally formed, extruded side rail structure comprising a generally horizontal floor section, an outer side rail wall integrally formed as one piece with said floor section, and a rub rail which extends parallel to and is spaced apart from the outer side rail wall by an upper and a lower connector wall.
2. The side rail structure of claim 1 , wherein the rub rail is comprised of a seamless tube with a substantially rectangular cross section comprising the upper connector wall, the outer side rail wall, the lower connector wall and the rub rail.
3. The side rail structure of claim 1 , wherein the upper connector wall is disposed below the plane of an upper side surface of the floor section, forming a corner at the intersection of the floor section and the outer side rail wall.
4. The side rail structure of claim 1 , wherein the rub rail further comprises an upper series of openings formed in the upper connector wall.
5. The side rail structure of claim 4 , wherein the rub rail further comprises a lower series of openings formed in the lower connector wall.
6. The side rail structure of claim 5 , wherein the upper series of openings comprises a plurality of substantially rectangular openings and the lower series of openings comprises a plurality of substantially rectangular openings aligned with the upper series of openings.
7. The side rail structure of claim 6 , further comprising a securement strap which passes through an opening of the upper series of openings and an opening of the lower series of openings to secure a load.
8. The side rail structure of claim 6 , wherein the pluralities of substantially rectangular openings have arcuate ends.
9. The side rail structure of claim 6 , further comprising at least one securement stake received by at least one of the openings in the upper series of openings.
10. The side rail structure of claim 1 , further comprising at least one mounting flange protruding downwardly from a lower surface of the floor section for contacting with a frame member of the trailer.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/012,642 US20110115256A1 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2011-01-24 | Trailer Side Rail |
US13/198,167 US8915684B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2011-08-04 | Cargo deck |
US13/491,308 US8439427B2 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2012-06-07 | Trailer side rail |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
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US12/502,816 US7896427B2 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2009-07-14 | Trailer side rail |
US13/012,642 US20110115256A1 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2011-01-24 | Trailer Side Rail |
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US12/502,816 Continuation US7896427B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2009-07-14 | Trailer side rail |
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US13/198,167 Continuation-In-Part US8915684B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2011-08-04 | Cargo deck |
US13/491,308 Continuation US8439427B2 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2012-06-07 | Trailer side rail |
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US12/502,816 Active US7896427B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2009-07-14 | Trailer side rail |
US13/012,642 Abandoned US20110115256A1 (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2011-01-24 | Trailer Side Rail |
US13/491,308 Active US8439427B2 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2012-06-07 | Trailer side rail |
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US11/649,579 Active US7568754B2 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2007-01-04 | Side rail structure |
US12/502,816 Active US7896427B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2009-07-14 | Trailer side rail |
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US13/491,308 Active US8439427B2 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2012-06-07 | Trailer side rail |
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Cited By (1)
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EP2735479A3 (en) * | 2012-11-27 | 2014-10-29 | MAN Truck & Bus AG | Fixing device for equipment components in a motor vehicle |
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US8915684B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2014-12-23 | Fontaine Trailer Company, Inc. | Cargo deck |
US7568754B2 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2009-08-04 | Fontaine Trailer Company | Side rail structure |
CA2627422A1 (en) * | 2008-03-27 | 2009-09-27 | Donat Messier | Trailer floor |
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US8398109B2 (en) * | 2010-01-15 | 2013-03-19 | Altair Engineering, Inc. | Heavy-duty trailer |
US8393838B2 (en) | 2010-05-26 | 2013-03-12 | Wilson Trailer Company | Interconnecting trailer side rail and tie down plate |
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US8714895B2 (en) | 2010-09-29 | 2014-05-06 | Raildecks (2009), Inc. | Collapsible intermodal transport platform |
US8342784B2 (en) | 2010-09-29 | 2013-01-01 | Raildecks (2009), Inc. | Collapsible intermodal transport platform |
US9004832B1 (en) | 2012-05-14 | 2015-04-14 | Raildecks (2009), Inc. | Intermodal container |
DE102012221564A1 (en) * | 2012-11-26 | 2014-05-28 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Car body part |
US9493105B2 (en) | 2015-01-19 | 2016-11-15 | Doepker Industries Ltd. | Securement system for transporting cargo |
US20220105967A1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2022-04-07 | Trinity Rail Group, Llc | Railcar Extensions for Increased Structure Width |
US11351925B2 (en) * | 2019-04-15 | 2022-06-07 | Ron Johnson | Multipurpose rail system |
USD944181S1 (en) * | 2019-10-02 | 2022-02-22 | Rhino Rack Australia Pty Limited | Side extrusion for roof rack |
US11459045B1 (en) * | 2020-03-09 | 2022-10-04 | Doonan Specialized Trailer, LLC | Continuous contact rub rail |
USD955000S1 (en) * | 2020-08-27 | 2022-06-14 | Henry H. Bilge | Outside corner adjustable support assembly for mounting wall panels unto an existing wall |
US11865962B2 (en) | 2020-11-11 | 2024-01-09 | Fontaine Commercial Trailer, Inc. | Trailer assembly |
US20220177053A1 (en) * | 2020-12-04 | 2022-06-09 | Canadian Tire Corporation Limited | Cargo bed rail |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20120306233A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
US7568754B2 (en) | 2009-08-04 |
US8439427B2 (en) | 2013-05-14 |
US20080164723A1 (en) | 2008-07-10 |
US7896427B2 (en) | 2011-03-01 |
US20090273204A1 (en) | 2009-11-05 |
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