A sidewall of a trailer 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. A logistics plate 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. An insert may be used between the skins where the rivets are inserted to substantially prevent compression of the panels.
This application is a Continuation of copending application Ser. No. 09/108,536, entitled "Composite Joint Configuration" and filed on Jul. 1, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,651, which, in turn, is a Continuation-in-Part of Ser. No. 08/712,770, entitled "Composite Joint Configuration" and filed Sep. 12, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,693.
A semi-trailer sidewall construction includes a horizontally aligned base rail, a horizontally aligned top rail, a plurality of vertical posts coupled between the top and bottom rails at spaced apart intervals along a length of the top and bottom rails, a plurality of outside panels coupled between the top and base rails, and a plurality of inside panels coupled between the top and bottom rails. The vertical posts include first and second thicknesses with the first thickness being less than the second thickness. Separate outside panels are coupled to pairs of vertical post within the spaced apart intervals, and separate inside panels are coupled to pairs of vertical post within the spaced apart intervals. The outside and inside panels are spaced apart a distance defined by the first post thickness.
A method of attaching a logistics rail to a trailer sidewall is disclosed. The trailer sidewall includes an inner skin, an outer skin, a member mounted between the inner and outer skins, and a core between the inner and outer skins. A vertical channel is formed between the inner skin and the member. The inner skin is cut to expose the channel. Thereafter, the logistics rail is inserted within the member. The logistics rail has a plurality of slots therethrough so that items can be attached to the trailer sidewall. Finally, the logistics rail is attached to the member.
The improved composite panel trailer sidewall construction of the present invention includes panels that are embossed to create recessed grooves adjacent to but spaced apart from the edges of the panels. Posts are used to join the panels, with the lateral wings of the posts seating in the recessed grooves on the interior of the trailer to minimize the thickness of the container sidewalls. The posts increase the rigidity of the joints between the panels as compared to flat splicer plates of comparable weight and material. With the lateral wings of the posts seated in the recessed grooves, a relatively smooth interior container sidewall free of snag points and protrusions is also achieved.
A hatch cover adapted to be positioned over and close a hatch opening on a railroad hopper car. The hatch cover includes a rigid panel sized to cover the hopper car hatch opening. The panel for the hatch cover includes an inner skin, an outer skin, and a core material sandwiched between and adhered to the inner and outer skins. Edge structure is secured to the panel for protecting edges of the panel.
The present invention provides a novel joint which includes an anchoring system between composite plate side walls of a trailer body. The anchoring system includes track members which are provided at multiple points on each side wall. Beams extend between the respective track members by attachments and are attached thereto. The beams can be moved up and down along the tracks and support cargo or a removable deck which supports the cargo. The track members can also be removed from the joints without dismantling the entire joint. Splicing members are attached at the joints on the outside of the trailer body.
