Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02551863 1997-09-10
VNO 98/10974 P~T'/~J597I1591'~
COMPO~IT~ JOII~TT CONF'iG~'J~A~'ION
This is a divisior~al or Canadian Patent Application
No. 2, 264, 311 filed S~p'~°;r~~~~~ ~ U, ~_ _ . .
S BAC'kGROL71~TD OF THE TN"v'Eiv'TIOIy
This invention is generally directed to a novel
sidewall for a trailer body. More particularly, the
invention relates to joined composite panels for trailer
bodies, wherein each composite panel includes a plastic
IO core member sandwiched between thin metal skins and
joined together by novel joints.
Trailers cf the general type disclosed herein
include a variety of types of sidewails. A typical well-
k.:-~own construction is a panel-type trailer which includes
Z5 aluminum side posts. Generall;~, it is desirable to have
a relativel;~ thin trailer sidewall sa that the total
inside dimensions cf the trailer body can be increased to
carry the optimum amount of cargo. In addition, it is
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desirable to have a trailer sidewall which is
lightweight.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF TF~E INVENTION ,,
A general object of the present invention is to
provide a novel joint configuration for joining a pair of
composite panels together in a trailer sidewall, wherein
a plurality of such joined panels may be used to form the
trailer sidewall.
An object of the present invention is to provide a
novel sidewall for use in a trailer body, which sidewall
is simple in design and economical to manufacture while
at the same time providing maximum interior space in the
trailer body.
Another object of the present invention is to
provide a novel sidewall having a plurality of joined
composite panels, wherein each composite panel includes a
plastic core member sandwiched between thin metal skins.
These and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more apparent from a rAading of the
following descriptions.
Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the
present invention discloses a sidewall of a trailer which
is formed from at least two composite panels joined
together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is
formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a
plastic core sandwiched between the skins. In several
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CA 02551863 1997-09-10
embodiments, at least one of the skins has at least one
end coined to as to compress the core between the skins
to define a coined end section. A logistics plate and a
splicing member are used to join the panels together and
are secured thereto by rivets. The logistics plate
and/or the splicing member sit against the coined end
sections. In other embodiments, a logistics plats member
is secured by rivets to the panels for joining. them
together. The splicing member is eliminated and instead,
the outer skin of at least one panel is extended to lie
behind the logistics plate. In yet other embodiments,
one end of each panel has a thickness which is less than
the other end of the panel. The skins at the greater
thickness end of the panel freely project beyond an end
of the core member. The lesser thickness end is inserted
between the skins of the other panel at the greater
thickness end and secured thereto by rivets. To form the
lesser thickness, the end of the panel may be coined or
the panel may taper from one end to the other end: An
insert member, made of hard plastic or metal, may be used
between the skins where the rivet is inserted in any of
the embodiments to substantially prevent compression of
the panels.
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According to one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a joint between side panels adapted for
use in a sidewall of a trailer body and the like,
comprising: a first panel having an end, said first panel
comprising an inner skin, an outer skin and a core member
between said inner skin and said outer skin, said inner skin
of said first panel having an inner surface for facing
toward an interior of said trailer body and an outer surface
for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said
outer skin of said first panel having an inner surface for
facing toward the interior of said trailer body and an outer
surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer
body, said inner skin and said outer skin of said first
panel at said end of said first pane L extending beyond an
end of said core member of said first panel; a second panel
having an end, said second panel comprising an inner skin,
an outer skin and a core member between said inner skin and
said outer skin, said inner skin of said second panel having
an inner surface for facing toward the interior of said
trailer body and an outer surface for facing away from the
interior of said trailer body, said outer skin of said
second panel having an inner surface for facing toward the
interior of said trailer body and an outer surface for
facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said
inner skin and said outer skin of said second panel at said
end of said second panel extending beyond an end of said
core member of said second panel; and a logistics plate
member having first and second end portions and an
intermediate portion therebetween, said first end portion
being attached to said inner surface of one of said skins of
said panels, said second end portion being attached to said
inner surface of one of said skins of said panels.
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According to another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a joint between side panels
adapted for use in a sidewall of a trailer body and the
like, comprising: a first panel having an end, said first
panel having an inner skin, an outer skin and a yore member
between said inner skin and said outer skin, said inner skin
of said first panel having an inner surface for facing
toward an interior of said trailer body and an outer surface
for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said
outer skin of said first panel having an inner surface for
facing toward the interior of said trailer body and an outer
surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer
body, said inner skin and said outer skin of said first
panel at said end of said first panel extending beyond an
end of said core member of said first panel, said outer skin
of said first panel at said end of said first panel
extending beyond said inner skin of said first panel at said
end of said first panel; a second panel having an end, said
second panel having an inner skin, an outer skin and a core
member between said inner skin and said outer skin, said
inner skin of said second panel having an inner surface for
facing toward the interior of said trailer body and an outer
surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer
body, said outer skin of said second panel having an inner
surface for facing toward the interior of said trailer body
and an outer surface for facing away from the interior of
said trailer body, said inner skin and said outer skin of
said second panel at said end of said second panel extending
beyond an end of said core member of said second panel, said
outer skin of said first panel lying against said outer skin
of said second panel; and a logistics plate member having
first and second end portions, said first end portion being
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CA 02551863 1997-09-10
attached to said inner surface of said inner skin of said
first panel, said second end portion being attached to said
inner surface of said inner skin of said second panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The organization and manner of the structure and
operation of the invention, together with further objects
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and advantages thereof, may best be understood by
reference to the following description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals identify like elements in which: '
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a trailer having a
plurality of joined panels forming the sidewalls of the
trailer which incorporates the features of the invention,
with the trailer connected to a tractor;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a pair of joined
panels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in
FIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a first
embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a pair of joined
panels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in
FIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a second
embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a pair of joined
panels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in
FIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a third
embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a pair of joined
panels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in
FIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a fourth
embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the joined
panels shown in FIGURE 5 along line 6-6; ,
FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fair of
joined panels used in forming a sidewall of t he trailer
shown in FIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a
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fifth embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a pair of joined
panels used in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in
FIGURE 1 which incorporates the features of a sixth
embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of the joined
panels shown in FIGURE 8 along line 9-9;
FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view of a panel used
in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in FIGURE 1
which incorporates the features of a seventh embodiment
of the invention;
FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of
panels shown in FIGURE 10 joined together, for use in
forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in FIGURE 1 which
incorporates the features of the seventh embodiment of
the invention;
FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view of a panel used
in forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in FIGURE 1
which incorporates the features of a eighth embodiment of
the invention; and
FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of
panels shown in FIGURE 12 joined together, for use in
forming a sidewall of the trailer shown in FIGURE 1 which
incorporates the features of the eighth embodiment of the
invention.
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E L T 0 F RE D
While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment
in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and
herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to
be considered an exemplification of the principles of the
invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to
that as illustrated and described herein.
Turning now to the drawings, a trailer 20
constructed in accordance with the present invention is
shown in FIGURE 1 connected to a tractor 21 by
conventional means, such as a fifth wheel assembly. The
trailer 20 includes a body 22 formed from a pair of
rectangular sidewalls 24, a front wall 26, rear doors 28,
a top panel or roof 30 and a floor 32. The floor 32 is
supported by a conventional rear undercarriage assembly
34 and has a landing gear 36 secured thereunder. The top
panel 30 and an upper portion of the sidewalls 22 are
secured to a top rail 38 and the floor 32 and lower
portion of the sidewalls 22 are secured to a bottom rail
40.
Each sidewall 22 includes a plurality of vertical
upstanding composite side panels 42 joined together by a
novel joint configuration 44. Each composite side panel
42 includes a plastic core member 46 sandwiched between
an inner thin metal skin 48 and an outer thin metal skin
50 and bonded thereto by a suitable known adhesive or
other like means. One advantage the composite panel 42
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used in the present invention is that it can be coined or
stepped down easily by applying pressure to the area to
be coined or stepped down, whereas in the prior art
aluminum sidewalls, the aluminum sidewall could not be
easily coined.
The inner skin 48 and the outer skin 50 are
preferably approximately 0.026 inches thick. The skins
48, 50 are preferably made of aluminum; galvanized, full
hardened steel, such as AISI Grade E full hard steel
because of its cost effectiveness, or the like.
Preferably, the outer skin 50 is made of ASTM G90
galvanized steel and the inner skin 48 is made of ASTM
G60 galvanized steel. Aluminum may be used, but it may
be too soft for some purposes and strength and punch
resistance are sacrificed, however, aluminum is
lightweight. Typically, each panel 42 is four feet in
width, but can be longer or shorter depending on the
application. At least twv panels 42a, 42b are joined
together by the novel joint configuration 44 to form the
sidewall 24 of the trailer body 22.
Each core member 46 is made of some type of
compressible non-metal material, preferably
thermoplastic, such as polypropylene or high density
polyethylene. These materials are relatively inexpensive
as compared to aluminum found in prior trailer wall
constructions. In addition, because a composite panel 42
is used, the weight of the trailer construction is
reduced over trailers having aluminum sidewalls.
Attention is now directed to the various embodiments
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of .the novel joint configuration 44 used in forming the
trailer sidewalls 24 as shown in FIGURES 2-13. A first
embodiment of the joint configuration 144 is shown in
FIGURE 2. A second embodiment of the joint configuration
244 is shown in FIGURE 3; a third embodiment of the joint . .
configuration 344 is shown in FIGURE 4; a fourth
embodiment of the joint configuration 444 is shown in
FIGURES 5 and 6; a fifth embodiment of the joint
configuration 544 is shown in FIGURE 7; a sixth
embodiment of the joint configuration 644 is shown in
FIGURES 8 and 9; a seventh embodiment of the joint
configuration 744 is shown in FIGURE 10; and a eighth
embodiment of the joint configuration 144 is shown in
FIGURE 13. Like elements are denoted with like reference
numerals with the first embodiment being in the one
hundreds, the second embodiment being in the two
hundreds, the third embodiment being in the three
hundreds, the fourth embodiment being in the four
hundreds, the fifth embodiment being in the five
hundreds, the sixth embodiment being in the six hundr~:ds,
the seventh embodiment being in the seven hundreds and
the eighth embodiment being in the eight hundreds. As
shown in the drawings, only a portion of two joined
panels 142a, 142b; 242a, 242b; 342a, 342b; 442a, 442b;
542a, 542b; 642a, 642b; 742a, 742b; 842a, 842b are shown.
It is to be understood that a plurality of panels may be
used to form each sidewall 124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624,
724, 824. In addition, the novel joint 144, 24, 344,
444, 544, 644, 744, 844 is only shown between one end of
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the two panels 142a, 142b; 242a, 242b; 342a, 342b; 442a,
442b; 542a, 542b; 642a, 642b; 742a, 742b; 842a, 842b. It
is to be understood that a like joint is provided between
each adjacent end of each panel used to form the trailer
sidewall.
Directing attention to the first embodiment of the
novel joint configuration 144 shown in FIGURE 2, first
and second composite panels 142a, 142b are shown and are
joined together by a logistics plate 152 on the inside of
the trailer 20 which extends along the entire height of
the panels 142a, 142b and by a splicing member 154 on the
outside of the trailer 20 which extends along the entire
height of the panels 142a, 142b. The ends 156a, 156b of
the panels 142a, 142b are spaced apart from each other
when joined by the logistics plate 152 and the splicing
member 154 such that an air pocket 158 is formed between
the logistics plate 152 and the splicing member 154.
Each end of the inner skins 148a, 148b of each panel
142a, 142b have an end section 160a, 160b (only one of
which is shown on each panel 142a, 142b) which is coined
or stepped down with an intermediate section 161a, 161b
of each panel 142a, 142b remaining planar: The outer
skin 150a, 150b of the panels 142a, 142b is not coined
and remains planar. When the end section 160a, 160b of
each inner skin 148a, 148b is coined, the core member
146a, 146b is squeezed or compressed between the inner
and outer skins 148a, 150a; 148b, 150b and the core
member 146a, 146b may slightly extrude outwardly from the
ends of the skins 148a, 150a; 148b, 150b and into the air
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pocket 158 formed between the panels 142a, 142b.
The logistics plate 152 is a flat member having an
inner surface and an outer surface and which has a
plurality of spaced openings or slots 162 therethrough
along an intermediate portion of the logistics plate 152.
The slots 162 provide a means for which equipment can be
engaged, for example by a clip, to the sidewall 24 of the
trailer 20. The logistics plate 152 is preferably formed
from a heavier and stronger material than the material
that is used for the skins 148a, 150a; 148b, 150b to
provide the sidewall with strength and rigidity. When
the logistics plate 152 is joined with the inner skins
148a, 148b of the panels 142a, 142b, the outer surface of
the logistics plate 152 sits against the inner surfaces
of the inner end sections 160a, 160b such that the inner
surface of the logistics plate 152 is flush with the
inner surfaces of the intermediate sections 161a, 161b of
the inner skins 148a, 148b to provide a co-planar surface
along the length of the sidewall 24 in the interior of
the trailer 20. Because the ends of the logistics plate
152 are flush with the intermediate sections 161a, 161b
of the inner skins 148a, 148b, snagging of cargo on the
edges of the logistics plate 152 is substantially
prevented. The logistics plate 152 bridges the gap
between the panels I42a, 142b such that the slots 162
align with the air pocket 158 so that clips can be .
engaged with the slots 162. .
The splicing member 154, which is like a post, is
attached to the outer surface of the outer skins 150a,
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150b and extends to clear the top and bottom rails 38, 40
of the trailer 20. The splicing member 154 has flat end
portions 164 which lie against the outer surfaces of the
outer skins 150a, 150b and an intermediate portion 166
which bulges outwardly from the end portions 164. When
the splicing member 154 is joined with the outer surfaces
of the outer skins 150a, 150b of the panels 142a, 142b,
the inner surfaces of the end portions 164 lie against
the planar outer skins 150a, 150b and the intermediate
portion 166 bulges outwardly from the sidewall. The
splicing member 154 bridges the gap formed between the
panels 142a, 142b such that the bulging intermediate
portion 166 aligns with the air pocket 158. Because the
bulge is provided on the outside of the trailer 20, a
smooth inner surface is provided within the trailer 20.
This allows for more width within the inside of the
trailer 20 to load freight therein.
The logistics plate 152 and splicing member 154 are
attached to the first and second panels 142a, 142b by
suitable means, such as rivets 168, which extend through
the logistics.plate 152, the respective coined sections
160a, 160b of the panels 142a, 142b and the end portions
164 of the splicing member 154. The splicing member 154
seals the junction between the panels 142a, 142b on the
exterior of the trailer 20 so as to seal the interior
from moisture.
Attention is now directed to the second embodiment
of the novel joint configuration 244 shown in FIGURE 3.
In this embodiment, first and second composite panels
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242a, 242b are joined together by a logistics plate 252
on the inside of the trailer 20 which extends along the
entire height of the panels 242a, 242b and by a splicing
member 254 on the outside of the trailer 20 which extends
along the entire height of the panels 242a, 242b. The
ends 256a, 256b of the panels 242a, 242b are spaced apart
from each other to provide a gap therebetween when joined
by the logistics plate 252 and the splicing member 254
such that an air pocket 258 is formed between the
IO logistics plate 252 and the splicing member 254.
Each end of the outer skins 250a, 250b of each panel
242a, 242b have an end section 263a, 263b (only one of
which is shown on each panel 242a, 242b) which is coined
or stepped down with an intermediate section 265a, 265b
of each panel 242a, 242b remaining planar. The inner
skin 248a, 248b of the panels 242a, 242b is not coined
and remains planar. When the end section 263a, 263b of
each outer skin 250a, 250b is coined, the core member
246a, 246b is squeezed or compressed between the skins
248a, 250a; 248b, 250b and the core member 246a, 246b may
slightly extrude outwardly from the ends 256a, 256b of
the panels 242a, 242b and into the air pocket 258.
The logistics plate 252 acts like a post and has end
portions 270 which are flat and an intermediate portion
272 which bulges inwardly from the end portions 270. The
bulging intermediate portion 272 has a plurality of
spaced openings or slots 274 therethrough. The slots 274 .
provide a means for which equipment can be engaged, for
example by a clip, to the trailer sidewall. The
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logistics plate 252 is preferably formed from a heavier
and stronger material than the material that is used for
the skins 248a, 250a, 248b, 250b to provide the sidewall
24 with strength and rigidity. When the logistics plate
252 is joined with the inner skins 248a, 248b of the
panels 242a, 242b, the outer surface of the end portions
270 sits against the inner surface of the inner skins
248a, 248b such that the intermediate portion 272 bulges
to the inside of the trailer 20. The logistics plate 252
bridges the gap formed between the panels 242a, 242b such
that the bulging intermediate portion 272 which has the
slots 274 therethrough aligns with the gap.
The splicing member 254 is flat and exten3s to clear
the top and bottom rails 38, 40 of the trailer 20. When
the splicing member is joined with the outer skins 250a,
250b of the panels 242a, 242b, the inner surface of the
splicing member 254 sits against the coined end sections
263a, 263b such that the outer surface of the splicing
member 254 is flush with the outer surface of the
respective intermediate sections 265a, 265b of the outer
skins 250a, 250b to provide a co-planar surface along the
length of the sidewall 24 on the outside of the trailer
20. The splicing member 254 bridges the gap formed
between the panels 242a, 242b.
The logistics plate 252 and the splicing member 254
are attached to the respective first and second panels
242a, 242b by suitable means, such as rivets 268, through
the end portions 270 of the logistics plate 252, the
respective coined sections 263a, 263b of the panels 242a,
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242b and the splicing member 2-54. The splicing member
254 seals the junction between the panels 242a, 242b on
the exterior of the trailer 20 so as to seal the interior
from moisture.
Directing attention to the third embodiment of the
novel joint configuration 344 shown in FIGURE 4, first
and second composite panels 342a, 342b are joined
together by a logistics plate 352 on the inside of the
trailer 20 which extends along the entire height of the
panels 342a, 342b and by a splicing member 354 on the
outside of the trailer 20 which extends along the entire
height of the panels 342a, 342b. The ends 356a, 356b of
the panels 342a, 342b are spaced apart from each other to
provide a gap therebetween when joined by the logistics
plate 352 and the splicing member 354 such that an air
pocket 358 is formed between the logistics plate 352 and
the splicing member 354.
Each end of the inner skins 348a, 348b of each panel
342a, 342b has an end section 360a, 360b (only one of
which is shown on each panel 342a, 342b) which is coined
or stepped down with an intermediate section 361a, 361b
of each panel 342a, 342b remaining planar. Each end of
the outer skins 350a, 350b of each panel 342a, 342b have
an end section 363a, 363b (only one of which is shown on
each panel 342a, 342b) which is coined or stepped down
with an intermediate section 365a, 3s5b of each panel
342a, 342b remaining planar. When the end sections 360a,
363a; 360b, 363b are coined, the respective core members
346a, 346b are squeezed or compressed hetween the skins
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348a, 348b; 350a, 350b and may. slightly extrude outwardly
from the ends 356a, 356b of the panels 342a, 342b and
into the air pocket 358.
The logistics plate 352 and the splicing member 354
are identical in construction to the second embodiment of
the logistics plate 252 and the splicing member 254 shown
and described with respect to FIGURE 3. Therefore, the
specifics of the construction of the logistics plate 352
and the splicing member 354 are not repeated herein and
instead, the reference numerals are denoted with like
numerals and are shown in the drawings.
When the logistics plate 354 is joined with the
inner skins 348a, 348b of the panels 342a, 342b, the
outer surfaces of the flat end portions 370 sit against
the inner surfaces of the respective coined end sections
360a, 360b such that the inner surfaces of the end
portions 370 are flush with the inner surfaces of the
intermediate sections 361a, 361b of the inner skins 348a,
348b and the intermediate portion 372 of the logistics
plate 352 bulges to the inside of the trailer 20. The
ends 356a, 356b of the panels 342a, 342b are spaced apart
from each other. Because the inner surfaces of the end
portions 370 are flush with the inner surfaces of the
intermediate sections 361a, 361b of the skins 348a, 348b,
' 25 snagging of cargo on the edges of the logistics plate 352
is substantially prevented. The logistics plate 352
bridges the gap formed between the panels 342a, 342b such
that the bulc~,-ing intermediate portion 372, which has the
openings or slots 372 therein, aligns with the air docket
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3 5.8 .
When the flat splicing member 354 is joined with the
outer skins 350a, 350b of the panels 342a, 342b, the
inner surface of the splicing member 354 sits against the
outer surfaces of the coined end sections 363a, 363b such
that the outer surface of the flat splicing member 354 is
flush with the outer surfaces of the intermediate
sections 365a, 365b of the outer skins 350a, 350b to
provide a co-planar surface along the length of the
l0 sidewall 24 on the outside of the trailer 20. The
splicing member 354 bridges the gap formed between the
panels 342a, 342b.
The logistics plate 352 and the splicing member 354
are attached to the respective first and second panels
342a, 342b by suitable means, such as rivets 368, through
the end portions 370 of the logistics plate 352, the
coined portions of the panels 342a, 342b and the splicing
member 354. The splicing member 354 seals the junction
between the panels 342a, 342b on the exterior of the
trailer 20 so as to seal the interior from moisture.
In the first, second and third embodiments of the
novel composite joint constructions 144, 244, 344, to
engage the rivets 168, 268, 368 with the logistics plate
152, 252, 353, the splicing member 154, 254, 354 and the
respective first and second panels 142a, 142b; 242a,
242b; 342a, 342b, each rivet 168, 268, 368 is engaged by .
using the method and apparatus disclosed in co-pending
United States Patent Application Serial No. 08/620,999
entitled "Method Of Punching A Composite Plate", which is
16 '
CA 02551863 1997-09-10
commonly owned by the assignee herein.
Coining the ends of the panels 142a, 142b;
242a, 242b; 342a, 342b, as described
herein, condenses the plastic core
member 246a, 146b; 246a, 246b; 346a, 346b sufficiently to
support clamping force or pressure from the rivets 168,
268, 368 without subsequent loosening. If desired, holes
can be provided through the logistic panel 152, 252, 352
and the splicing member 154, 254, 354 through which the
rivets 168, 268, 368 are engaged.
In addition, in the first, second and third
embodiments of the composite joint configurations 144,
244, 344, it is enz~isioned that an insert, as discussed
hereinbelow with ;aspect to the fifth embodiment shown in
FIGURE 7, can be p_~ovided in the construction of these
embodiments of the trailer sidewalls.
Attention is now directed to the fourth embodiment
of the novel joint configuration 444 shown in FIGURES 5
and 6. In this embodiment, first and second composite
panels 442a, 442b are joined together by a logistics
plate 452 on the inside of the trailer 20 which extends
along the entire height of the panels 442a, 442b and the
splicing member provided in the previous embodiments has
been eliminated.
At one end of the first panel 442a, as shown in
FIGURES 5 and 6, the outer skin 450a has a length that is
substantially longer than the length of the inner skin
448a. The ends of the inner and outer skins 448a, 450a
freely project beyond the end of the core member 446a so
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as, to leave an open area between the inner and outer
skins 448a, 450a at the ends of the first panel 442a. At
the other end of the panel 442a (not shown), the inner
and outer skins 448a, 448b freely project beyond the end
of the core member 446a the same distance so as to leave
an open area between the inner and outer skins 448a,
450a.
At one end of the second panel 442b, the inner and
outer skins 448b, 450b are of the same length and freely
project beyond the end of the core member 446b the same
amount so as to leave an open area between the inner and
outer skins 448b, a50b. This structure is identical to
the end of panel 442a which is not shown. At the
opposite end of the second panel 442b, the construction
is identical to the end of the first panel 442a shown in
FIGURES S and 6.
The logistics plate 452 is form by extruded or
formed aluminum. The logistics plate 452 has flat end
portions 470 with an intermediate portion 472 that bulges
inwardly therefrom. The end portions 470 are
approximately the same thickness as the thickness of the
core members 446a, 446b and each have a length which is
approximately equal to the distance between the end of
each inner skin 448a, 448b to the respective core members
446a, 446b. The bulging intermediate portion 472 has a
thickness which is substantially less than the thickness
of the end portions 470 and has a plurality of spaced
openings or slots 474 along the length thereof.
To assemble the logistics plate 452 with the first
18
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.". " PCT/US97/15917
and second panels 442a, 442b, the end portions 470 of the
logistics plate 452 are inserted between the inner and
outer skins 448a, 450a; 448b, 450b of the first and
second panels 442a, 442b such that the ends of the end
portions 470 generally abut against the ends of the core
members 446a, 446b. The ends of the inner skins 448a,
448b sit adjacent to the junction between the respective
end portions 470 and the bulging intermediate portion 472
of the logistics plate 452. The outer skin 450a of the
first panel 442a extends behind the logistics plate 452
and lies against the outer skin 450b of the second panel
442b. The outer skin 450a may lie against outer skin
450b on the inside thereof or the outside thereof. An
air pocket 458 is formed between the bulging intermediate
portion 472 of the logistics plate 452 and the outer skin
450a of the first panel 442a. The slots 472 align with
the air pocket 458 so that clips or the like can be
attached thereto for attaching equipment to the logistics
plate 452. Rivets 468 are engaged through the respective
inner skins 448a, 448b, the respective end portions 470
of the logistics plate 452, the respective outer skins
450a, 450b and the extension of the outer skin 450a.
The extension of the first panel outer skin 450a
eliminates the need for the separate splicing member as
' 25 used in the first, second and third embodiments. The
outer skin 450a is very thin, however, and, as such, does
not provide as much reinforcement as the splicing member
provides. The extension of the first panel outer skin
450a seals the junction between the panels 542a, 542b on
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WO 98/10974 PCTNS97/15917
the exterior of the trailer 20 so as to seal the interior
from moisture.
Directing attention to the fifth embodiment of the
novel joint configuration 544 shown in FIGURE 7, this
embodiment is the same as the joint configuration 444
shown in the fourth embodiment except that the fiat end
portions 570 of the logistics plate 552 are not the. same
thickness as the core members 546a, 546b. Instead, the
flat end portions 570 and the bulging intermediate
portion 572 of the logistics plate 552 are of a
substantially uniform thickness.
To fill the space between the respective end
portions 570 of the logistics plate 552 and the
respective outer skins 550a, 550b, an insert 576 is
provided in each such space. Each insert 576 is made of
high density plastic or metal and completely fills the
space between the outer skin 550a, 550b and the end
portion 570 of the logistics plate 552. The rivets 568
are engaged through the respective inner skins 548a,
548b, the respective end portions 570 of the logistics
plate 532, the respective inserts 576 and the respective
outer skins 550a, 550b. When the rivets S68 are inserted
through the panels 542a, 542b, the insert 57f
substantially prevents compression of the panels 542a,
542b, which can occur during the insertion of a rivet
because the core member 546a, 546b is made of a .
compressible material. ,
Alternatively, the logistics plate 552 could be
attached to the inner surface of the inner skins 548a,
CA 02551863 1997-09-10
WO 98110974 PCTIUS97/15917
548b with the respective inserts 576 completely filling
the space between the skins 548a, 550a; 548b, 550b. In
addition, the logistics plate 552 could be attached to
the inner surface of the inner skins 548a, 548b, the
insert 576 eliminated, and the core member 546a, 546b
used to completely fill the space between the skins 548a,
550a; 548a, 550a.
Directing attention to the sixth embodiment of the
novel joint configuration 644 shown in FIGURES B and 9,
first and second composite panels 642a, 642b are joined
together by a logistics plate 652 on the inside of the
trailer 20 which extends along the entire height of the
panels 642a, 642b and, like the fourth and fifth
embodiments, the splicing member provided in the previous
embodiments has been eliminated.
At each end of the first panel 642a, the outer skin
650a has a length that is substantially longer than the
length of the inner skin 648a. The ends of the inner and
outer skins 648a, 650a freely project beyond the end of
the core member 646a so as to Leave an open area between
the inner and outer skins 648a, 650a at each end of the
first panel 642a.
The second panel 642b is similarly constructed to
the first panel 642a. At each end of the second panel
642b, the outer skin 650b has a length that is
substantially longer than the length of the inner skin
648b. The ends of the inner and outer skins 648b, 650b
freely project beyond the end of the core member 646b so
as to leave an open area between the inner and outer
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WO 98110974 ~ ~ PCTIIJS97/15917
skins 648b, 650b at each end of the second panel 642b.
The logistics plate 652 is identical in construction
to that described with respect to the fourth embodiment.
Thus, a repetition of the construction of the logistics
plate 652 is not repeated herein.
To assemble the logistics plate 652 with the first
and second panels 642a, 642b, the flat end portions 670
of the logistics plate 652 are inserted between the inner
and outer skins 648a, 650a; 648b, 650b of the first and
second panels 642a, 642b such that the ends of the end
portions 670 generally abut against the ends of the core
members 646a, 646b. The ends of the inner skins 648a,
648b sit adjacent to the junction between the respective
end portions 670 and the bulging intermediate portion 672
of the logistics plate 652. The outer skin 650b of the
second panel 642b extends behind the logistics plate 652
and lays against the outer skin 650a of the first panel
642a. The outer skin 650a of the first panel 642a
extends behind the logistics plate 652 and lies against
the outer skin 650b of the second panel 642b. The outer
skin 650a may lie against outer skin 650b on the inside
or the outside of outer skin 650b. An air pocket 65s is
formed between the bulging intermediate portion 672 of
the logistics plate 652 and the outer skin 650a of the
first panel 642a. The openings or slots 672 align with
the air pocket 658 so that clips or the like can be
attached thereto for attaching equipment to the logistics
plate 652. Rivets 668 are engaged through the respective
inner skins 648a, 648b, the respective end portions 670
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~WO 98/10974 ~ PCT/US97I15917
of. the logistics plate 652 and the respective outer skins
650a, 650b and the extensions of the outer skins f50a,
650b.
Because the outer skin 650a of the first panel 642a
overlays the outer skin 650b of the second panel 642b, a
bend 678 is pxovided in the outer skin 650a of the first
panel 642a so that the outer skins 650a, 650b lie against
each other. This forms a double thickness behind the
intermediate portion 672 of the logistics plate fi52 to
provide more strength and rigidity than when a single
thickness is used, such as that shown in the fourth and
fifth embodiments. The extension of the outer skins
650a, 650b of the first and second panels 642a, 642b
eliminates the need for the separate splicing member as
shown in the previous embodiments. If desired, inserts,
like those provided in the fifth embodiment, may be
provided. The extensions of the outer skins 650a, b50b
seal the junction between the panels 642a, 642b on the
exterior of the trailer 20 so as to seal the interior
from moisture.
In the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments of the
novel composite joint configurations 444, 544, 644, the
rivets 468, 568, 668 are engaged by using the method and
apparatus disclosed in co-pending United States latent
Application Serial No. 08/620,999, which disclosure has
been herein incorporated by reference. If desired, hales
can be provided through the logistic panel 452, 552, 652
and the panels 442a, 442b; 542a, 542b; 642a, 642b.
Attention is now directed to the seventh embodiment
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of~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 to
be understood that the other panels used to construct the
trailer sidewall are identical in construction. At one
end of the panel 742b, as shown in FIGURE 10, the inner
and outer skins 748b, 750b are longer than its associated
core member 746b so as to freely project beyond the end
of the core member 746b. At the opposite end of the
panel 742b, the inner and outer skins 748b, 750b are
stepped down or coined so as to provide an end portion
780b which has a thickness that is less than the
thickness of the remainder of the panel 742b. The edge
of the core member 746b is generally flush with the end
of the coined end portion 780b of the panel 742b,
however, when the skins 748b, 750b are coined, some core
material may extrude outwardly therefrom.
As shown in FIGURE 11, 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 inserted
between the freely projecting inner and outer skins 748a,
750a of the adjacent panel 742a. When interconnected
together, the outer surface of the inner skin 748b of
panel 742b lies against the inner surface of the inner
skin 748a of panel 742a and the outer surface of the
outer skin 750b of panel 742b lies against the inner ,
surface of the outer skin 750a of panel 742a. when the ..
panels 742a, 742b are joined together, because of the
coined end portion 780b, the inner surfaces and outer
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WO 98/10974 PCTIUS97/15917
surfaces of the panels 742a, 742b are smooth and flush
along the length thereof on the inside and outside of the
trailer 20. An insert, like that disclosed in the fifth
embodiment, may replace the core material between the
skins in the coined end portion 780b, if desired. Rivets
768 are engaged through the freely projecting ends of the
inner and outer skins 748a, 750a and the coined end
portion 780b.
Attention is now directed to the eighth embodiment
of 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 to
be understood that the other panels used to construct the
trailer sidewall 24 are identical in construction. At
each end of the panel 842a, as shown in FI~GUF~E 12, the
inner and outer skins 848a, 850a are longer than its
associated core member 846a so as to freely project
beyond the ends of the core member 846a. The panel 842b
tapers from one end to the other end such that the
distance D1 between the inner and outer skins 848b, 850b
at one end is greater than the distance D2 between the
Inner and outer skins 848b, 850b at the other end. Thus,
the core member 846b tapers from one end of the panel
842b to the other end of the panel 842b.
As shown in this embodiment, an insert 876, like the
insert 576 in the fifth embodiment, is provided between
the freely projecting skins 848b, 850b at the and of the
panel 842b which has the lesser thickness. The insert
876 completely fills the space between the inner and
CA 02551863 1997-09-10
outer skins 848b, 850b and is made of high density
plastic, metal or the like. When the rivets 868 are
inserted through the panels 842a, 842b, the insert 876
substantially prevents compression of the panels 842a,
842b, which can occur during the insertion of a rivet
because the core member 846a, 846b is made of a
compressible material. Alternatively,.the insert 876
could be eliminated and the core member 846b extended to
fill the space.
To connect the panels together to form a sidewall 24
the trailer 20, the smaller end of one panel 842b is
inserted into the larger end of the adjacent panel 842a.
When interconnected together, the outer surface of the
inner skin 848b of panel 842b lies against the inner
surface of the inner skin 848a of panel 842a and the
outer surface of outer skin 850b of panel 842b lies
against the inner surface of the outer skin 850a of panel
842a.
In the seventh and eighth embodiments of the novel
joint configuration 744, 844, each rivet 768, 868 is
engaged with the panels by using the method and apparatus
disclosed in co-pending United States Patent Application
Serial No. 08/620,999. During this
punching process, the core material may
extrude and fill any gaps between the end of
the panel and the core member of the other
panel. If desired, holes can be provided through the
skins of the one panel and the reduced portion of the
ether panel through which the rivets are engaged.
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WO 98/10974 PCT/US97/iS917
While preferred embodiments of the present invention
are shown and described, it is envisioned that those
skilled in the art may devise various modifications of
the present invention without departing from the spirit
and scope of the appended claims. For example, in any of
the embodiments which uses a logistics plate, the
logistics plate may be flat or bulge inwardly. Also, in
any of the embodiments which uses a splicing member, the
splicing member may be flat or bulge outwardly. An
insert could be provided in any of the embodiments or
eliminated in the embodiments where it is shown.
27
