초록 ▼

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. In several embodiments, at least one of the skins has at least one end co

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. In several 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 may sit against the coined end sections. The splicing member may have flat top and bottom portions to facilitate in the attachment of the panels to the top and bottom rails of the trailer. In other embodiments, 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. In yet another embodiment, the inner skin may have rolled or formed grooves to provide a smooth transition from a logistics plate having rolled edges. An insert may be used between the skins where the rivets are inserted in any of the embodiments to substantially prevent compression of the panels.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The invention claimed is:] [1.]1. A joint between side panels adapted for use in a sidewall of a trailer body and the like, comprising: a pair of panels, each said panel having opposite sides and opposite ends, each said panel being comprised of an inner skin, an outer skin and a core member betwe

[ The invention claimed is:] [1.]1. A joint between side panels adapted for use in a sidewall of a trailer body and the like, comprising: a pair of panels, each said panel having opposite sides and opposite ends, each said panel being comprised of an inner skin, an outer skin and a core member between said inner skin and said outer skin, each said panel having an outer surface, a logistics plate member attached to said panels for joining said panels together and for spacing at least a portion of said panel ends apart from each other a predetermined distance, said logistics plate member having a plurality of apertures therethrough for acceptance of an associated member, and a splicing member associated with said outer skins for joining said outer skins together, said splicing member being attached to said outer surface of said panels, said splicing member having a top and a bottom, a top portion proximate to said top of said splicing member being generally flat, a bottom portion proximate to said bottom of said splicing member being generally flat, and an intermediate portion which bulges outwardly between said flat top portion and said flat bottom portion.