Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Body shell
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-17
2001-03-13
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Body shell
C296S191000, C296S185100, C052S582100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199939
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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 core member sandwiched between thin metal skins and joined together by novel joints.
Trailers of the general type disclosed herein include a variety of types of sidewalls. A typical well-known construction is a panel-type trailer which includes aluminum side posts. Generally, it is desirable to have a relatively thin trailer sidewall so that the total inside dimensions of the trailer body can be increased to carry the optimum amount of cargo. In addition, it is desirable to have a trailer sidewall which is lightweight.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE 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 strong, 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 reading of the following descriptions.
Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention discloses a novel joint between a pair of panels which are adapted for use in a sidewall of a trailer body and the like. First and second panels, each of which include an inner metal skin, an outer metal skin and a plastic core sandwiched therebetween, are joined together to form the joint. Each of the inner skin and the outer skin of the first panel have a first extending portion thereof which extends beyond an end of the core a predetermined distance. The first extending portions lay against each other and are bonded to each other. Each of the inner skin and said outer skin of the second panel have a second extending portion thereof which extends beyond the opposite end of the core a predetermined distance. The second extending portions lay against each other and are bonded to each other. Joining structure for joining the panels together along the first and second extending portions is provided. In a first embodiment, the joining structure includes a plastic or metal bar between the first and second extending portions. A plurality of rivets are provided through the first and second extending portions and the bar. In a second embodiment, the second extending portions sit against the first extending portions and a generally U-shaped metal member is mounted against the second extending portions. A plurality of rivets are provided through the first and second extending portions.
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Friedman Carl D.
McDermott Kevin
Trexler, Bushnell Giangiorgi, Blackstone & Marr, Ltd.
Wabash Technology Corporation
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