Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
?l015CA 02265405 2005-11-2363632-14870 T JThis invention is generally directed toâa novelsidewall for a trailer body. More particularly, theinvention relates to joined composite panels for trailerbodies, wherein each composite panel includes a plasticcore member sandwiched between thin metal skins andjoined together by novel joints.Trailers of the general type disclosed hereininclude a variety of types of sidewalls.â A typical well-known construction is a panelâtype trailer which includesaluminum side posts. Generally, it is desirable to have?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03a relatively thin trailer sidewall so that the totalinside dimensions of the trailer body can be increased tocarry the optimum amount of cargo. In addition, it isdesirable to have a trailer sidewall which islightweight.QBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA general object of the present invention is toprovide a novel joint configuration for joining a pair ofcomposite panels together in a trailer sidewall, whereina plurality of such joined panels may be used to form thetrailer sidewall.An object of the present invention is to provide anovel sidewall for use-in a trailer body, which sidewallis simple in design and economical to manufacture whileat the same time providing maximum interior space in thetrailer body. _Another object of the present invention is toprovide a novel sidewall having a plurality of joinedcomposite panels, wherein each composite panel includes aplastic core member sandwiched between thin metal skins.A further object of the present invention is toprovide a novel sidewall for use in a trailer body, whichsidewall is easily attached to the roof and the floor ofthe trailer body. 9These and other objects and features of the presentinvention will become more apparent from a reading of the2?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03following descriptions.Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, thepresent invention discloses a sidewall of a trailer whichis formed from at least two composite panels joinedtogether by a novel joining configuration. Each panel isformed from inner and outer thin metal skins and aplastic core sandwiched between the skins.In several embodiments, at least one of the skinshas at least one end coined to as to compress the corebetween the skins to define a coined end section. Alogistics plate and a splicing member are used to jointhe panels together and are secured thereto by rivets.The logistics plate and/or the splicing member sitagainst the coined end sections. The splicing member mayhave flat top and bottom portions to facilitate in theattachment of the panels to the top and bottom rails ofthe trailer.In other embodiments, a logistics plate member issecured by rivets to the panels for joining themtogether. The splicing member is eliminated and instead,the outer skin of at least one panel is extended to liebehind the logistics plate.In another embodiment, the inner skin may haverolled or formed grooves to provide a smooth transitionfrom a logistics plate having rolled edges.In yet other embodiments, one end of each panel hasa thickness which is less than the other end of theThe skins at the greater thickness end of thepanel.panel freely project beyond an end of the core member.?1015202530CA 02265405 2005-11-2363632-1487The lesser thickness end is inserted between the skins ofthe other panel at the greater thickness end and securedthereto by rivets. To form the lesser thickness, the end ofthe panel may be coined or the panel may taper from one endto the other end. An insert member, made of hard plastic ormetal, may be used between the skins where the rivet isinserted in any of the embodiments to substantially preventcompression of the panels.According to one aspect of the present invention,there is provided a joint between side panels adapted foruse in a sidewall of a trailer body,comprising: a pair ofpanels, each said panel having opposite sides and oppositeends, each said panel being comprised of an inner skin, anouter skin and a core member between said inner skin andsaid outer skin, each said panel having an outer surface, alogistics plate member attached to said panels for joiningsaid panels together and for spacing at least a portion ofsaid panel ends apart from each other a predetermineddistance, said logistics plate member having a plurality ofapertures therethrough for acceptance of an associatedmember, and a splicing member associated with said outerskins for joining said outer skins together, said splicingmember being attached to said outer surface of said panels,said splicing member having a top and a bottom, a topportion proximate to said top of said splicing member beinggenerally flat, a bottom portion proximate to said bottom ofsaid splicing member being generally flat, and anintermediate portion which bulges outwardly between saidflat top portion and said flat bottom portion.According to another aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a trailer body comprising: atop, a floor, and side walls, top rails connecting each said?1015202530CA 02265405 2005-11-2363632-1487side wall and said top, bottom rails connecting each saidside wall and said floor, each said side wall comprised ofat least a pair of panels, each said panel having oppositesides and opposite ends and being comprised of an innerskin, an outer skin and a core member between said innerskin and said outer skin, each said panel having an outersurface, a logistics plate member attached to said panelsfor joining said panels together and for spacing at least aportion of said panel ends apart from each other apredetermined distance, said logistics plate member having aplurality of apertures therethrough for acceptance of anassociated member, and a splicing member associated withsaid outer skins for joining said outer skins together, saidsplicing member being attached to said outer surface of saidpanels, said splicing member having a top and a bottom, atop portion proximate to said top of said splicing memberbeing generally flat, a bottom portion proximate to saidbottom of said splicing member being generally flat, and anintermediate portion which bulges outwardly between saidflat top portion and said flat bottom portion, said flat topportion of said splicing member facilitating attachment ofsaid splicing member to said top rail, said flat bottomportion of said splicing member facilitating attachment ofsaid splicing member to said bottom rail.According to still another aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a trailer body comprising: atop, a floor, and side walls, top rails connecting each saidside wall and said top, bottom rails connecting each saidside wall and said floor, each said side wall comprised ofat least a pair of panels, each said panel having oppositesides and opposite ends and being comprised of an innerskin, an outer skin and a core member between said innerskin and said outer skin, a member associated with said4a?l015202530CA 02265405 2005-11-2363632-1487inner skins of said panels for joining said inner skinstogether and for spacing at least a portion of said panelends apart from each other a predetermined distance, and asplicing member associated with said outer skins of saidpanels for joining said outer skins together, said splicingmember having a top portion proximate to a top of saidsplicing member, said top portion being generally flat andbeing connected to said top rail, a bottom portion proximateto a bottom of said splicing member, said bottom portionbeing generally flat and being connected to said bottomrail, and an intermediate portion which bulges outwardlybetween said top portion and said bottom portion.According to yet another aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a joint between side panelsadapted for use in a sidewall of a trailer body, comprising:a pair of panels, each said panel having opposite sides andopposite ends, each said panel being comprised of an innerskin, an outer skin and a core member between said innerskin and said outer skin; a member for joining said panelstogether and for spacing at least a portion of said panelends apart from each other a predetermined distance; and asplicing member for joining said panels together, saidsplicing member having, a top and a bottom, a first portionproximate to said top of said splicing member which isgenerally flat, and a second portion which bulges outwardlyfrom said first portion and extends toward said bottom ofsaid splicing member.According to a further aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a trailer body comprising: atop; a floor; side walls, each said side wall comprised ofat least a pair of panels, each said panel having oppositesides and opposite ends and being comprised of an inner4b?l0l5202530CA 02265405 2005-11-2363632-1487skin, an outer skin and a core member between said innerskin and said outer skin; top rails connecting each saidside wall and said top; bottom rails connecting each saidside wall and said floor; a member for joining said panelstogether and for spacing at least a portion of said panelsends apart from each other a predetermined distance; and asplicing member for joining said panels together, saidsplicing member having, a top and a bottom, a first portionproximate to said top of said splicing member which isgenerally flat, said first portion facilitating attachmentof said splicing member to said top rails, and a secondportion which bulges outwardly from said first portion andextends toward said bottom of said splicing member.According to yet a further aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a joint between side panelsadapted for use in a sidewall of a trailer body, comprising:a pair of panels, each said panel having opposite sides andopposite ends, each said panel being comprised of an innerskin, an outer skin and a core member between said innerskin and said outer skin; a member for joining panelstogether and for spacing at least a portion of said panelends apart from each other a predetermined distance; and asplicing member for joining said panels together, saidsplicing member having, a top and a bottom, a first portionproximate to said bottom of said splicing member which isgenerally flat, and a second portion which bulges outwardlyfrom said first portion and extends toward said top of saidsplicing member.According to still a further aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a trailer body comprising: atop; a floor; side walls, each said side wall comprised ofat least a pair of panels, each said panel having opposite4c?10152025CA 02265405 2005-11-2363632-1487sides and opposite ends and being comprised of an innerskin, an outer skin and a core member between said innerskin and said outer skin; top rails connecting each saidside wall and said top; bottom rails connecting each saidside wall and said floor; a member for joining said panelstogether and for spacing at least a portion of said panelsends apart from each other a predetermined distance; and asplicing member for joining said panels together, saidsplicing member having, a top and a bottom, a first portionproximate to said bottom of said splicing member which isgenerally flat, said first portion facilitating attachmentof said splicing member to said bottom rails, and a secondportion which bulges outwardly from said first portion andextends toward said top of said splicing member.BRIEF DESRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe organization and manner of the structure andoperation of the invention, together with further objectsand advantages thereof, may best be understood by referenceto the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numeralsidentify like elements in which:FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a trailer havinga plurality of joined panels forming the sidewalls of thetrailer which incorporates the features of the invention,with the trailer connected to a tractor;FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a pair of joinedpanels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown inFIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a firstembodiment of the invention;4d?CA 02265405 2005-11-2363632-1487FIGURE 3 is a perspective View of a pair of joinedpanels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown inFIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a second4e?10152025CA 02205405 1999-05-03.embodiment of the invention;FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a pair of joinedpanels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown inFIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a thirdembodiment of the invention; JFIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a pair of joinedpanels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown inFIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a.fourthembodiment of the invention;FIGURE 6 is a crossâsectional view of the joinedpanels shown in FIGURE 5 along line 6-6;FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pair ofjoined panels used in forming a sidewall of the trailershown in FIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of afifth embodiment of the invention;FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a pair of joinedpanels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown inFIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a sixthembodiment of the invention;FIGURE 9 is a crossâsectional view of the joinedpanels shown in FIGURE 8 along line 9-9;FIGURE 10 is a crossâsectional view of a panel usedin forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in FIGURE 1which incorporates the features of a seventh embodimentof the invention;FIGURE 11 is a crossâsectional view of a pair ofpanels shown in FIGURE 10 joined together, for use informing a sidewall of the trailer shown in FIGURE 1 whichincorporates the features of the seventh embodiment of?101520CA 02265405 1999-05-03the invention;FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional View of a panel usedin forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in FIGURE 1which incorporates the features of a eighth embodiment ofthe invention;FIGURE 13 is a crossâsectional View of a pair ofpanels shown in FIGURE 12 joined together, for use informing a sidewall of the trailer shown in FIGURE 1 whichincorporates the features of the eighth embodiment of theinvention;FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of a trailer havinga plurality of joined panels forming the sidewalls of thetrailer which incorporates the features of the invention;FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of apair of joined panels used in forming a sidewall of thetrailer shown in FIGURE 14 which incorporates thefeatures of a ninth embodiment of the invention; andFIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view of a pair ofjoined panels used in forming a sidewall of the trailershown in FIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of atenth embodiment of the invention.?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03D3IAlLED_DEEQEIRIIQN_QE_IHE_RREEEREELL£mEEHZU??EIWhile the invention may be susceptible to embodimentin different forms, there is shown in the drawings, andherein will be described in detail, specific embodimentswith the understanding that the present disclosure is tobe considered an exemplification of the principles of theinvention, and is not intended to limit the invention tothat as illustrated and described herein.Turning now to the drawings, a trailer 20, 20aconstructed in accordance with the present invention isshown in FIGURES 1 and 14. The trailer 20 of FIGURE 1 isshown connected to a tractor 21 by conventional means,such as a fifth wheel assembly. The trailer 20a ofFIGURE 14 can likewise be connected to a tractor. Thetrailer 20, 20a includes a body 22, 22a formed from apair of rectangular sidewalls 24, 24a, a front wall 26,26a, rear doors 28, 28a, a top panel or roof 30, 30a anda floor 32, 32a. The floor 32, 32a is supported by aconventional rear undercarriage assembly 34, 34a and hasa landing gear 36, 36a secured thereunder. The top panel30, 30a and an upper portion of the sidewalls 24, 24a aresecured to a top rail 38, 38a and the floor 32, 32a andlower portion of the sidewalls 24, 24a are secured to abottom rail 40, 40a.The top rail 38a, as shown in FIGURE 14, is anL-shaped member having a first flat portion 39a and asecond flat portion 41a. The first portion 39a isperpendicular to the second portion 41a. The first?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03portion 39a of the top rail 38a attaches to the top panelor roof 30a while the second portion 41a of the top rail38a attaches to the sidewalls 24a; The bottom rail 40a,as shown in FIGURE 14, is of similar construction to thetop rail 38a and attaches to the floor 32a and thesidewalls 24a in a similar manner as the top rail 38aattaches to the roof 30a and the sidewalls 24a. The topand bottom rails 38a, 40a maybe formed out of aluminum byan extrusion process.Each sidewall 24, 24a includes a plurality ofvertical upstanding composite side panels 42, 42a joinedtogether by a novel joint configuration 44, 44a. Eachcomposite side panel 42, 42a includes a plastic coremember sandwiched between an inner thin metal skin and anouter thin metal skin and bonded thereto by-a suitableknown adhesive or other like means. One advantage of thecomposite panel 42, 42a used in the present invention isthat it can be coined or stepped down easily by applyingpressure to the area to be coined or stepped down,whereas in the prior art aluminum sidewalls, the aluminumsidewall could not be easily coined.The inner skin and the outer skin are preferablyapproximately 0.026 inches thick. The skins arepreferably made of aluminum; galvanized, full hardenedsteel, such as AISI Grade E full hard steel because ofits cost effectiveness, or the like. Preferably, theouter skin is made of ASTM G90 galvanized steel and theinner skin is made of ASTM G60 galvanized steel.Aluminum may be used, but it may be too soft for some?10152025CA 02205405 1999-05-03.purposes and strength and punch resistance aresacrificed, however, aluminum is lightweight. Typically,each panel 42, 42a is four feet in width, but can be-longer or shorter depending on the application. At leasttwo panels are joined together by the novel jointconfiguration 44, 44a to form the sidewall 24, 24a of thetrailer body 22, 22a.Each core member is made of some type ofcompressible non-metal material, preferablythermoplastic, such as polypropylene or high densitypolyethylene. These materials are relatively inexpensiveas compared to aluminum found in prior trailer wallconstructions. In addition, because a composite panel42, 42a is used, the weight of the trailer constructionis reduced over trailers having aluminum sidewalls.Attention is now directed to the various embodimentsof the novel joint configuration 44, 44a used in formingthe trailer sidewalls 24, 24a as shown in FIGURES 2-13,15-16. A first embodiment of the joint configuration 144is shown in FIGURE 2. A second embodiment of the jointconfiguration 244 is shown in FIGURE 3; a thirdembodiment of the joint configuration 344 is shown inFIGURE 4; a fourth embodiment of the joint configuration444 is shown in FIGURES 5 and 6; a fifth embodiment ofthe joint configuration 544 is shown in FIGURE 7; a sixthembodiment of the joint configuration 644 is shown inFIGURES 8 and 9; a seventh embodiment of the jointconfiguration 744 is shown in FIGURE 11; an eighthembodiment of the joint configuration 844 is shown in?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03FIGURE 13; a ninth embodiment of the joint configuration944 is shown in FIGURE 15; and a tenth embodiment of thejoint configuration 1044 is shown in FIGURE 16. Likeelements are denoted with like reference numerals withthe first embodiment being in the one hundreds, thesecond embodiment being in the two hundreds, the thirdembodiment being in the three hundreds, the fourthembodiment being in the four hundreds, the fifthembodiment being in the five hundreds, the sixthembodiment being in the six hundreds, the seventhembodiment being in the seven hundreds, the eighthembodiment being in the eight hundreds, the ninthembodiment being in the nine hundreds and the tenthembodiment being in the ten hundreds. As shown in thedrawings, only a portion of two joined panels 142a, l42b;242a, 242b; 342a, 342b; 442a, 442b; 542a, 542b; 642a,642b; 742a, 742b; 842a, 842b; 942a, 942b; 1042a, 1042bare shown. It is to be understood that a plurality ofpanels may be used to form each sidewall 124, 224, 324,424, 524, 624, 724, 824, 924; 1024. In addition, thenovel joint 144, 244, 344, 444, 544, 644, 744, 844, 944,1044 is only shown between one end of the two panels142a, l42b; 242a, 242b; 342a, 342b; 442a, 442b; 542a,542b; 642a, 642b; 742a, 742b; 842a, 842b; 942a, 942b;1042a, 1042b. It is to be understood that a like jointis provided between each adjacent end of each panel usedto form the trailer sidewall.Directing attention to the first embodiment of thenovel joint configuration 144 shown in FIGURE 2, first10?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03and second composite panels 142a, 142b are shown and arejoined together by a logistics plate 152 on the inside ofthe trailer 20 which extends along the entire height ofthe panels 142a, 142b and by a splicing member 154 on theoutside of the trailer 20 which extends along the entireheight of the panels 142a, 142b. The ends 156a, 156b ofthe panels 142a, 142b are spaced apart from each otherwhen joined by the logistics plate 152 and the splicingmember 154 such that an air pocket 158 is formed betweenthe logistics plate 152 and the splicing member 154.Each end of the inner skins 148a, 148b of each panel142a, 142b have an end section 160a, 160b (only one'ofwhich is shown on each panel 142a, 142b) which is coinedor stepped down with an intermediate section 161a, 161bof each panel 142a, 142b remaining planar. The outerskin 150a, 150b of the panels 142a, 142b is not coinedand remains planar. When the end section 160a,*160b ofeach inner skin 148a, 148b is coined, the core member146a, 146b is squeezed or compressed between the innerand outer skins 148a, 150a; 148b, 150b and the coremember 146a, 146b may slightly extrude outwardly from theends of the skins 148a, 150a; 148b, 150b and into the airpocket 158 formed between the panels 142a, 142b.The logistics plate 152 is a flat member having aninner surface and an outer surface and which has aplurality of spaced openings or slots 162 therethroughalong an intermediate portion of the logistics plate 152.The slots 162 provide a means for which equipment can beengaged, for example by a clip or a hook, to the sidewall11?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-0324 of the trailer 20. The logistics plate 152 ispreferably formed from a heavier and stronger materialthan the material that is used for the skins 148a, 150a;148b, 150b to provide the sidewall with strength andrigidity. When the logistics plate 152 is joined withthe inner skins 148a, 148b of the panels 142a, 142b, theouter surface of the logistics plate 152 sits against theinner surfaces of the inner end sections 160a, 160b suchthat the inner surface of the logistics plate 152 isflush with the inner surfaces of the intermediatesections 161a, 161b of the inner skins 148a, 148b toprovide a co-planar surface along the length of thesidewall 24 in the interior of the trailer 20, Becausethe ends of the logistics plate 152 are flush with theintermediate sections 161a, 161b of the inner skins-148a,'148b, snagging of cargo on the edges of the logisticsplate 152 is substantially prevented. The logisticsplate 152 bridges the gap between the panels 142a, 142bsuch that the slots 162 align with the air pocket 158 sothat clips or hooks can be engaged with the slots 162.The splicing member 154, which is like a post, isattached to the outer surface of the outer skins 150a,150b and extends to clear the top and bottom rails 38, 40of the trailer 20. The splicing member 154 has flat endportions 164 which lie against the outer surfaces of theouter skins 150a, 150b and an intermediate portion 166âwhich bulges outwardly from the end portions 164. Whenthe splicing member 154 is joined with the outer surfacesof the outer skins 150a, 15Gb of the panels 142a, 142b,12?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03the inner surfaces of the end portions 164 lie againstthe planar outer skins 150a, 15Gb and the intermediateportion 166 bulges outwardly from the sidewall. Thesplicing member 154 bridges the gap formed between theâpanels 142a, 142b such that the bulging intermediateportion 166 aligns with the air pocket 158. Because thebulge is provided on the outside of the trailer 20, a 9Smooth inner surface is provided within the trailer 20.This allows for more width within the inside of thetrailer 20 to load freight therein.The logistics plate 152 and splicing member 154 areattached to the first and second panels 142a, 142b bysuitable means, such as rivets 168, which extend throughthe logistics plate 152, the respective coined sections160a, 160b of the panels 142a, l42b and the end portions164 of the splicing member 154. The splicing member 154seals the junction between the panels 142a, 142b on theexterior of the trailer 20 so as to seal the interiorfrom moisture.Attention is now directed to the second embodimentof the novel joint configuration 244 shown in FIGURE 3.In this embodiment, first and second composite panels242a, 242b are joined together by a logistics plate 252on the inside of the trailer 20 which extends along theentire height of the panels 242a, 242b and by a splicingmember 254 on the outside of the trailer 20 which extendsalong the entire height of the panels 242a, 242b. The_ends 256a, 256b of the panels 242a, 242b are spaced apartfrom each other to provide a gap therebetween when joined13?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03by the logistics plate 252 and the splicing member 254such that an air pocket 258 is formed between thelogistics plate 252 and the splicing member 254.Each end of the outer skins 250a, 250b of each panel242a, 242b have an end section 263a, 263b (only one ofwhich is shown on each panel 242a, 242b) which is coinedor stepped down with an intermediate section 265a, 265bof each panel 242a, 242b remaining planar. The innerskin 248a, 248b of the panels 242a, 242b is not coinedand remains planar. When the end section 263a, 263b ofeach outer skin 250a, 250b is coined, the core member246a, 246b is squeezed or compressed between the skins248a, 250a; 248b, 250b and the core member 246a, 246b mayslightly extrude outwardly from the ends 256a, 256b ofthe panels 242a, 242b and into the air pocket 258.The logistics plate 252 acts like a post and has endportions 270 which are flat and an intermediate portion272 which bulges inwardly from the end portions 270. Thebulging intermediate portion 272 has a plurality ofspaced openings or slots 274 therethrough. The slots 274provide a means for which equipment can be engaged, forâexample by a clip or a hook, to the trailer sidewall.The logistics plate 252 is preferably formed from aheavier and stronger material than the material that isused for the skins 248a, 250a, 248b,_250b to provide thesidewall 24 with strength and rigidity. When thelogistics plate 252 is joined with the inner skins 248a,248b of the panels 242a, 242b, the outer surface of theend portions 270 sits against the inner surface of the14?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03inner skins 248a, 248b such that the intermediate portion272 bulges to the inside of the trailer 20. Thelogistics plate 252 bridges the gap formed between thepanels 242a, 242b such that the bulging intermediateportion 272 which has the slots 274 therethrough alignswith the gap.The splicing member 254 is flat and extends to clearthe top and bottom rails 38, 40 of the trailer 20. Whenthe splicing.member is joined with the outer skins 250a,250b of the panels 242a, 242b, the inner surface of thesplicing member 254 sits against the coined end sections263a, 263b such that the outer surface of the splicingmember 254 is flush with the outer surface of therespective intermediate sections 265a, 265b of the outerskins 250a, 250b to provide a co-planar surface along thelength of theâsidewall 24 on the outside of the trailer20. The splicing member 254 bridges the gap formedbetween the panels 242a, 242b.The logistics plate 252 and the splicing member 254are attached to the respective first and second panels242a, 242b by suitable means, such as rivets 268, throughthe end portions 270 of the logistics plate 252, therespective coined sections 263a, 263b of the panels 242a,242b and the splicing member 254. The splicing member.254 seals the junction between the panels 242a, 242b onthe exterior of the trailer 20 so as to seal the interiorfrom moisture,Directing attention to the third embodiment of thenovel joint configuration 344 shown in FIGURE 4, first15?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03and second composite panels 342a, 342b are joinedtogether by a logistics plate 352 on the inside of thetrailer 20 which extends along the entire height of thepanels 342a, 342b and by a splicing member 354 on theoutside of the trailer 20 which extends along the entireheight of the panels 342a, 342b. .The ends 356a, 356b ofthe panels 342a, 342b are spaced apart from each other toprovide a gap therebetween when joined by the logisticsplate 352 and the splicing member 354 such that an airpocket 358 is formed between the logistics plate 352 andthe splicing member 354.Each end of the inner skins 348a, 348b of each panel342a, 342b has an end section 360a, 360b (only one ofwhich is shown on each panel 342a, 342b) which is coinedor stepped down with an intermediate section 361a, 361b ~of each panel 342a, 342b remaining planar. Each end ofthe outer skins 350a, 35Gb of each panel 342a, 342b havean end section 363a, 363b (only one of which is shown oneach panel 342a, 342b) which is coined or stepped downwith an intermediate section 365a, 365b of each panel342a, 342b remaining planar. When the end sections 360a,363a; 360b, 363b are coined, the respective core members346a, 346b are squeezed or compressed between the skins»348a, 348b; 350a, 350b and may slightly extrude outwardlyfrom the ends 356a, 356b of the panels 342a, 342b andinto the air pocket 358. _The logistics plate 352 and the splicing member 354are identical in construction to the second embodiment ofthe logistics,plate 252 and the splicing member 254 shown16?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03and described with respect to FIGURE 3. Therefore, thespecifics of the construction of the logistics plate 352and the splicing member 354 are not repeated herein andinstead, the reference numerals are denoted with likenumerals and are shown in the drawings.When the logistics plate 354 is joined with theinner skins 348a, 348b of the panels 342a, 342b, theouter surfaces of the flat end portions 370 sit againstthe inner surfaces of the respective coined end sections360a, 360b such that the inner surfaces of the endportions 370 are flush with the inner surfaces of theintermediate sections 361a, 36lb of the inner skins 348a,348b and the intermediate portion 372 of the logisticsplate 352 bulges to the inside of the trailer 20. Theends 356a, 356b of the panels 342a, 342b are spaced apartfrom each other. Because the inner surfaces of the endportions 370 are flush with the inner surfaces of theintermediate sections 361a, 36lb of the skins 348a, 348b,snagging of cargo on the edges of the logistics plate 352is substantially prevented. The logistics plate 352bridges the gap formed between the panels 342a, 342b suchthat the bulging intermediate portion 372, which has theopenings or slots 372 therein, aligns with the air pocket358.When the flat splicing member 354 is joined with theouter skins 350a, 35Gb of the panels 342a, 342b, theinner surface of the splicing member 354 sits against theouter surfaces of the coined end sections 363a, 363b suchthat the outer surface of the flat splicing member 354 is17?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03flush with the outer surfaces of the intermediatesections 365a, 365b of the outer skins 350a, 350b toprovide a co-planar surface along the length of thesidewall 24 on the outside of the trailer 20. Thesplicing member 354 bridges the gap formed between thepanels 342a, 342b.The logistics plate 352 and the splicing member 354are attached to the respective first and second panels342a, 342b by suitable means, such as rivets 368, throughthe end portions 370 of the logistics plate 352, thecoined portions of the panels 342a, 342b and the splicingmember 354. The splicing member 354 seals the junctionbetween the panels 342a, 342b on the exterior of thetrailer 20 so as to seal the interior from moisture.Attention is now directed to the fourth embodimentof the novel joint configuration 444 shown in FIGURES 5and 6. In this embodiment, first and second compositepanels 442a, 442b are joined together by a logisticsplate 452 on the inside of the trailer 20 which extendsalong the entire height of the panels 442a, 442b and thesplicing member provided in the previous embodiments hasbeen eliminated.At one end of the first panel 442a, as shown inFIGURES 5 and 6, the outer skin 450a has a length that is.substantially longer than the length of the inner skin448a. The ends of the inner and outer skins 448a, 450afreely project beyond the end of the core member 446a soas to leave an open area between the inner and outerskins 448a, 450a at the ends of the first panel 442a. At18?10152025'446a,'446b.CA 02265405 1999-05-03the other end of the panel 442a (not shown), the innerand outer skins 448a, 448b freely project beyond the endof the core member 446a the same distance so as to leavean open area between the inner and outer skins 448a,450a.At one end of the second panel 442b, the inner andouter skins 448b, 450b are of the same length and freelyproject beyond the end of the core member 446b the sameamount so as to leave an open area between the inner andouter skins 448b, 450b. This structure is identical tothe end of panel 442a which is not shown. At the .opposite end of.the second panel 442b, the constructionis identical to the end of the first panel 442a shown inFIGURES 5 and 6.The logistics plate 452 is formed by extruded orformed aluminum; The logistics plate 452 has flat endportions 470 with an intermediate portion 472 that bulgesinwardly therefrom. The end portions 470 areapproximately the same thickness as the thickness of thecore members 446a, 446b and each have a length which isapproximately equal to the distance between the end ofeach inner skin 448a, 448b to the respective core membersThe bulging intermediate portion 472 has athickness which is substantially less than the thicknessof the end portions 470 and has a plurality of spacedopenings or slots 474 along the length thereof.To assemble the logistics plate 452 with the firstand second panels 442a, 442b, the end portions 470 of thelogistics plate 452 are inserted between the inner and19?101592025CA 02265405 1999-05-03outer skins 448a, 450a; 448b, 450b of the first andsecond panels 442a, 442b such that the ends of the endportions 470 generally abut against the ends of the coremembers 446a, 446b. The ends of the inner skins 448a,448b sit adjacent to the junction between the respectiveend portions 470 and the bulging intermediate portion 472of the logistics plate 452. The outer skin 450a of thefirst panel 442a extends behind the logistics plate 452and lies against the outer skin 450b of the second panel442b. The outer skin 450a may lie against outer skin450b on the inside thereof or the outside thereof. Anair pocket 458 is formed between the bulging intermediateportion 472 of the logistics plate 452 and the outer skin450a of the first panel 442a. The slots 472 align withthe air pocket 458 so that clips, hooks or the like canbe attached thereto for attaching equipment to thelogistics plate 452. Rivets 468 are engaged through therespective inner skins 448a, 448b, the respective endportions 470 of the logistics plate 452, the respectiveouter skins 450a, 4S0b and the extension of the outerskin 450a. 0The extension of the first panel outer skin 450aeliminates the need for the separate splicing member asused in the first, second and third embodiments. Theouter skin 450a is very thin, however, and, as such, doesnot provide as much reinforcement as the splicing memberprovides. The extension of the first panel outer skin450a seals the junction between the panels 442a, 442b onthe exterior of the trailer 20 so as to seal the interior20?l0152025CA 02205405 1999-05-03from moisture.Directing attention to the fifth embodiment of thenovel joint configuration 544 shown in FIGURE 7, thisembodiment is the same as the joint configuration 444shown in the fourth embodiment except that the flat endportions 570 of the logistics plate 552 are not the samethickness as the core members 546a, 546b. Instead, theflat end portions 570 and the bulging intermediateportion 572 of the logistics plate 552 are of asubstantially uniform thickness.To fill the space between the respective endportions 570 of the logistics plate 552 and therespective outer skins 550a, 550b, an insert 576 isprovided in each such space. Each insert 576 is made ofhigh density plastic or metal and completely fills thespace between the outer skin 550a, 550b and the endportion 570 of the logistics plate 552. The rivets 568are engaged through the respective inner skins 548a,- 548b, the respective end portions 570 of the logisticsplate 552, the respective inserts 576 and the respectiveouter skins 550a, 550b. When the rivets 568 are insertedthrough the panels 542a, 542b, the insert 576âsubstantially prevents compression of the panels 542a,542b, which can occur during the insertion of a rivetbecause the core member 546a, 546b is made of acompressible material.Alternatively, the logistics plate 552 could beattached to the inner surface of the inner skins 548a,548b with the respective inserts 576 completely filling21?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03the space between the skins 548a, 550a; 548b, 550b. Inaddition, the logistics plate 552 could be attached tothe inner surface of the inner skins 548a, 548b, theinsert 576 eliminated, and the core member 546a, 546bused to completely fill the space between the skins 548a,550a; 548a, 550a.Directing attention to the sixth embodiment of thenovel joint configuration 644 shown in FIGURES 8 and 9,first and second composite panels 642a, 642b are joinedtogether by a logistics plate 652 on the inside of thetrailer 20 which extends along the entire height of thepanels 642a, 642b and, like the fourth and fifthembodiments, the splicing member provided in the previousembodiments has been eliminated. »At each end of the first panel 642a, the-outer skin650a has a length that is substantially longer than thelength of the inner skin 648a. The ends of the inner andouter skins 648a, 650a freely project beyond the end of4 the core member 646a so as to leave an open area betweenuthe inner and outer skins 648a, 650a at each end of thefirst panel 642a.The second panel 642b is similarly constructed tothe first panel 642a. At each end of the second panel642b, the outer skin 650b has a length that issubstantially longer than the length of the inner skin64Bb.freely project beyond the end of the core member 646b soThe ends of the inner and outer skins 648b, 650bas to leave an open area between the inner and outerskins 648b, 650b at each end of the second panel 642b.22?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03The logistics plate 652 is identical in constructionto that described with respect to the fourth embodiment.Thus, a repetition of the construction of the logisticsplate 652 is not repeated herein.To assemble the logistics plate 652 with the firstand second panels 642a, 642b, the flat end portions 670of the logistics plate 652 are inserted between the innerand outer skins 648a, 650a; 648b, 650b of the first andsecond panels 642a, 642b such that the ends of the endportions 670 generally abut against the ends of the coremembers 646a, 646b. The ends of the inner skins 648a,648b sit adjacent to the junction between the respectiveend portions 670 and the bulging intermediate portion 672of the logistics plate 652. The outer skin 650b of thesecond panel 642b extends behind the logistics plate 652and lays against the outer skin 650a of the first panel642a. The outer skin 650a of the first panel 642aextends behind the logistics plate 652 and lies againstthe outer skin 650b of the second panel 642b. The outerskin 650a may lie against outer skin 650b on the insideor the outside of outer skin 650b. An air pocket 658 isformed between the bulging intermediate portion 672 ofthe logistics plate 652 and the outer skin 650a of thefirst panel 642a. The openings or slots 672 align withthe air pocket 658 so that clips or the like can beattached thereto for attaching equipment to the logisticsplate 652. Rivets 668 are engaged through the respectiveinner skins 648a, 648b, the respective end portions 670of the logistics plate 652 and the respective outer skins23?CA 02265405 2005-11-2363632-1487650a, 650b and the extensions of the outer skins 650a,650b,Because the outer skin 650a of the first panel 642aoverlays the outer skin 650b of the second panel 642b, abend 678 is provided in the outer skin 650a of the firstpanel 642a so that the outer skins 650a, 650b lie againsteach other. This forms a double thickness behind theintermediate portion 672 of the logistics plate 652 toprovide more strength and rigidity than when a singlethickness is used, such as that shown in the fourth andfifth embodiments. The extension of the outer skins650a, 650b of the first and second panels 642a, 642beliminates the need for the separate splicing member asshown in the previous embodiments. If desired, inserts,like those provided in the fifth embodiment, may beprovided. [The extensions of the outerâskins 650a, 650bseal the junction between the panels 642a, 642b on theexterior of the trailer 20 so as to seal the interiorâfrom moisture. _In the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments of thenovel composite joint configurations 444, 544, 644, therivets 468, 568, 668 are engaged by using the method andapparatus disclosed in co-pending United States PatentApplication Serial No. 08/620,999, entitled "Method ofPunching A Composite Plate", which is commonly owned bythe assignee herein. If desired, holes can be providedthrough the logistic panel 452, 552, 652 and the panels442a, 442b; 542a, 542b; 642a, 642b.?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03Attention is now directed to the seventh embodimentof the novel joint configuration 744, shown in FIGURE 11,which has first and second composite panels 742a, 742b.One of the panels 742b is shown in FIGURE 10. It is tobe understood that the other panels used to construct thetrailer sidewall are identical in construction. At oneend of the panel 742b, as shown in FIGURE 10, the innerand outer skins 748b, 750b are longer than its associatedcore member 746b so as to freely project beyond the endof the core member 746b. At the opposite end of thepanel 742b, the inner and outer skins 748b, 750b arestepped down or coined so as to provide an end portion780b which has a thickness that is less than thethickness of the remainder of the panel 742b. The edgeof the core member 746b is generally flush with the endof the coined end portion 780b of the panel 742b,however, when the skins 748b, 750b are coined, some corematerial may extrude outwardly therefrom._ As.shown.iniFIGUREW11, to.connect the panels 742a,742b together to form a sidewall 24 of the trailer 20,the coined end portion 780b of one panel 742b is insertedbetween the freely projecting inner and outer skins 748a,753a of the adjacent panel 742a. When interconnectedtogether, the outer surface of the inner skin 748b ofpanel 742b lies against the inner surface of the innerskin 748a-of panel 742a and the outer surface of theouter skin 750b of panel 742b lies against the innersurface of the outer skin 750a of panel 742a. When thepanels 742a, 742b are joined together, because of the25?l0152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03coined end portion 780b, the inner surfaces and outersurfaces of the panels 742a, 742b are smooth and flushalong the length thereof on the inside and outside of thetrailer 20. An insert, like that disclosed in the fifthenbodiment, may replace the core material between theskins in the coined end portion 780b, if desired. Rivets768 are engaged through the freely projecting ends of theinner and outer skins 748a, 750a and the coined endportion 780b.Attention is now directed to the eighth embodimentof the novel joint configuration 844, shown in FIGURE 13,which has first and second composite panels 842a, 842b.One of the panels 842a is shown in FIGURE 12. It is tobe understood that the other panels used to construct thetrailer sidewall 24 are identical in construction. Ateach end of the panel 842b, as shown in FIGURE 12, theinner and outer skins 848b, 850b are longer than itsassociated core member 846b so as to freely projectbeyond the ends of the.core member 846b. The panel 842btapers from one end to the other end such that thedistance D1 between the inner and outer skins 848b, 850bat one end is greater than the distance D2 between theinner and outer skins 848b, 850b at the other end. Thus,the core member 846b tapers from one end of the panel842b to the other end of the panel 842b.As shown in this embodiment, an insert 876, like theinsert 576 in the fifth embodiment, is provided betweenthe freely projecting skins 848b, 850b at the end of thepanel 842b which has the lesser thickness. The insert26?10152025CA 02265405 2005-11-2363632-1487876 completely fills the space between the inner andouter skins 848b, 85Gb and is made of high densityplastic, metal or the like. When the rivets 868 areinserted through the panels 842a, 842b, the insert 876substantially prevents compression of the panels 842a,842b, which can occur during the insertion of a rivetbecause the core member 846a, 846b is made of acompressible material. Alternatively, the insert 876could be eliminated and the core member 846b extended tofill the space.To connect the panels together to form a sidewall 24the trailer 20, the smaller end of one panel 842b isinserted into the larger end of the adjacent panel 842a.When interconnected together, the outer surface of theinner skin 848b of panel 842b lies against the innersurface of the inner skin 848a of panel 842a and theouter surface of outer skin 8S0b of panel 842b liesagainst the inner surface of the outer skin 850a of panel842a_.In the seventh and eighth embodiments of the noveljoint configuration 744, 844, each rivet 768, 868 isengaged with the panels by using the method and apparatusdisclosed in co-pending United States Patent ApplicationSerial No. 08/620,999. During this punching process,the core material may extrude and fill any gaps betweenthe end of the panel and the core member of the otherpanel. If desired, holes can be provided through theskins of the one panel and the reduced portion of the27?10152025__top, bottom and side portions 970, 97g, 974.CA 02265405 1999-05-03other panel through which the rivets are engaged.Directing attention to the ninth embodiment of thenovel joint configuration 944 shown in FIGURE 15, thisembodiment is the same as the joint configuration 144shown in the first embodiment except that theconstruction of the splicing.member 954 is different. Itis to be understood that the splicing member 954described with respect to this embodiment can be used onany of the embodiments in which a splicing member isprovided, e.g., FIGURE 5.The splicing member 954, which is like a post, isattached to the outer surface of the outer skins 950a,950b and is mounted under and extends between the top andbottom rails 38a, 40a of the trailer 20a. The splicingmember has a flat top portion 970, a flat bottom portion(972 and flat side portions 974 which lie against theouter surfaces of the outer skins 950a, 950b, and anintermediate portion 966 which bulges outwardly from theWhen thesplicing member 954 is joined with the outer surfaces ofthe outer skins 950a, 950b of the panels 942a, 942b, the _inner surfaces of the side portions 974 lie against theplanar outer skins 950a, 950b and the intermediateportion 966 bulges outwardly from the sidewall. Thebulging intermediate portion 966 of the splicing member954 bridges the air pocket 958 formed between the panels942a, 942b and aligns with the air pocket 958. Thebulging intermediate portion 966 provides for more spacewithin the air pocket 958 to allow for the attachment of28?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03members, such as clip or hooks, to the slots 962 of thelogistics plate member 952. Because the bulge isprovided on the outside of the trailer 20a, a smoothinner surface is provided within the trailer 20a. Thisallows for more width within the inside of the trailer20a to load freight therein.The flat top portion 970 and the flat bottom portion972 of the splicing member 954 facilitate connection ofthe panels 942a, 942b to the top and bottom rails 38a,40a of the trailer 20a. In order to connect thesidewalls 24a to the roof 30a, the roof 30a is laid ontop of the edges of the sidewalls 24a. Each top rail 38ais connected by seating the first portion 39a against theroof 30a and the second portion 41a against therespective sidewalls 24a. The second portion 41a of eachtop rail 38a sits over the flat top portion 970 of eachsplicing member 954 provided along the length of therespective sidewalls 24a. Each bottom rail 40a connectsthe floor 32a and the respective sidewalls 24a in thesame manner as each top rail 38a connects the roof 30aand the respective sidewalls 24a. The flat top portions970 and the flat bottom portions 972 facilitate in theconnection of the panels 942a, 942b to the top and bottomrails 38a, 40a of the trailer 20a because they allow therails 38a, 40a, which have flat second portions 41a, toeasily be positioned against the splicing member 954. Ifthe splicing members 954 did not have the flat top andbottom portions 970, 972, but rather have the bulgingintermediate portion 966 extending the entire height of29?10152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03each splicing member 954, the rails 38a, 40a would haveto be formed to include bulges to fit over the bulgingintermediate portion 966 of each splicing member 954.Thus, the use of the flat top and bottom portions 970,972 on the splicing member 954 allows for a much easierconnection between the splicing member 954 than if theflat top and bottom portions 970, 972 were not a part ofthe splicing member 954.The logistics plate 952 and the splicing member 954are attached to the first and second panels 942a, 942b bysuitable means, such as rivets 968, which extend throughthe logistics plate 952, the respective coined sections960a, 960b of the panels 942a, 9425, the respective coremembers 946a, 946b, the respective outer skins 950a,950b, and the respective side portions 974 of thesplicing member 954. The splicing member 954 seals thejunction between the panels 942a, 942b on the exterior ofthe trailer 20a so as to seal the interior from moisture.Moreover, because the flat top and bottom portions 970,972 are seated under the top and bottom rails 38a, 40a,âmoisture does not penetrate into the interior of thetrailer 20a and cause damage to the freight of thetrailer 20a or to the trailer 20a itself.In the first, second, third and ninth embodiments ofthe novel composite joint constructions 144, 244, 344,944, to engage the rivets 168, 268, 368, 968 with thelogistics plate 152, 252, 352, 952 the splicing member154, 254, 354, 954 and the respective first and secondpanels 142a, 142b; 242a, 242b; 342a, 342b; 942a, 942b30?10~152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03each rivet 168, 268, 368, 968 is engaged by using themethod and apparatus disclosed in coâpending UnitedStates Patent Application Serial No. 08/620,999, whichdisclosure has been incorporated by reference. Coiningthe ends of the panels 142a, 142b; 242a, 242b; 342a,342b; 942a, 942b as described herein, condenses theplastic core member 146a, 146b; 246a, 246b; 346a, 346b;946a, 946b sufficiently to support clamping force orpressure from the rivets 168, 268, 368, 968 withoutsubsequent loosening. If desired, holes can be providedthrough the logistic panel 152, 252, 352, 952 and thesplicing member 154, 254, 354, 954 through which therivets 168, 268, 368, 968 are engaged.In addition, in the first, second, third and ninthembodiments of the composite joint configurations 144,244, 344, 944, it is envisioned that an insert, asdiscussed herein with respect to the fifth embodimentshown in FIGURE 7, can be provided in the construction ofthese embodiments of the trailer sidewalls.Attention is now directed to the tenth embodiment ofthe novel joint configuration 1044 shown in FIGURE 16.In this embodiment, first and second composite panels1042a, 1042b are joined together by a logistics plate1052 on the inside of the trailer 20 which extends alongthe entire height of the panels 1042a, 1042b and thesplicing member provided in the first, second, third andninth embodiments has been eliminated.At one end of the first panel 1042a, as shown inFIGURE 16, the outer skin 1050a has a length that is,31?10152025_skin 1048a.CA 02265405 1999-05-03substantially longer than the length of the inner skin1048a. The end of the outer skin 1050a freely projectsbeyond the end of the core member 1046a and the innerAt the other end of the panel 1042a (notshown), the inner skin 1048a, the outer skin 1050a andthe core member 1046a all extend the same length in anidentical structure to the end of the second panel 1042bshown in FIOURE 16.At one end of the second panel 1042b, as shown inFIGURE 16, the inner skin 1048b, the outer skin 1050b andthe core member 1046b all extend the same length. At theopposite end of the second panel 1042b (not shown), theconstruction is identical to the end of the first panel1040a shown in FIGURE 16.Each end of the inner skins 1048a, 1048b of eachpanel 1042a, 1042b has an end section 1074a, 1074b (onlyone of which is shown on each panel 1042a, 1042b) whichincludes a groove 1076a, 1076b formed therein proximateto, but spaced from, the end of the panels lOg2aL 1042b.The remainder of the inner skins 1048a} 1048b of thepanels 1042a, 1042b remain planar. When the groove1076a, 1076b is formed in the end section 1074a, 1074b ofeach inner skin 1048a, 1048b, the core member 1046a,1046b is squeezed or compressed between the inner andouter skins 1048a, 1050a; 1048b, 1050b and the coremember 1046a, 1046b may slightly extrude outwardly fromthe ends of the skins 1048a, 1050a; 1048b, 1050b and intothe air pocket 1058 formed between the panels 1042a,1042b. The grooves 1076a, 1076b may be formed by32?10'152025CA 02265405 1999-05-03coining.The logistics plate 1052 acts like a post and is amember having a flat intermediate portion 1078 withopposite edges 1080a, 1080b which are rolled. Aplurality of spaced openings or slots 1062 are providedthrough the flat intermediate portion 1078 of thelogistics plate 1052. The slots 1062 provide a means forwhich equipment can be engaged, for example by a clip ora hook, to the sidewalls 24 of the trailer 20. Thelogistics plate 1052 is preferably formed from a heavierand stronger material than the material that is used forthe skins 1048a, 1050a; 1048b, 1050b to provide thesidewall with strength and rigidity.When the logistics plate 1052 is joined with theinner skins 1048a, 1048b of the panels 1042a, 1042b, therolled edges 1080a, 1080b of the logistics plate 1052 sitwithin the respective grooves 1076a, 1076b in the endsections 1074a, 1074b, and the flat intermediate portion1078 spans the air pocket 1058 such that the slots 1062align with the air pocket 1058 so that clips or hooks canbe engaged with the slots 1062. The rolled edges 1080a,1080b, when seated in the grooves 1076a, 1076b, provide asmooth transition from the logistics plate 1052 to theinner skins 1048a, 1048b to substantially preventsnagging of cargo on the edges of the logistics plate1052. Rivets 1068 are engaged through the ends of thelogistics plate 1052, the respective inner skins 1048a,1048b, the respective core members 1046a, 1046b and therespective outer skins 1050a, 1050b.33?101520CA 02265405 1999-05-03The extension of the first panel outer skin 1050aeliminates the need for the separate splicing member asused in the first, second, third and ninth embodimentsdescribed herein. The outer skin 1050a is very thin,however, and, as such, does not provide as muchreinforcement as the splicing member provides. Theextension of the first panel outer skin 1050a seals thejunction between the panels 1042a, 1042b on the exteriorof the trailer 20 so as to seal the interior of thetrailer 20 from moisture.While preferred embodiments of the present inventionare shown and described, it is envisioned that those«skilled in the art may devise various modifications ofthe present invention without departing from the spiritand scope of the appended claims. For example, in any ofthe embodiments which uses a logistics plate, thelogistics plate may be flat or bulge inwardly. Also, inany of the embodiments which uses a splicing member, thesplicing member may be flat or bulge outwardly and mayhave the flat top and bottom portions if a bulge isprovided. An insert could be provided in any of theembodiments or eliminated in the embodiments where it isshown.34
