U.S. patent application number 10/915208 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-23 for trailer construction and joint for use therewith.
Invention is credited to James S. Arnold, Michael A. Conny, James A. Maiorana.
Application Number | 20060059791 10/915208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36072373 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060059791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conny; Michael A. ; et
al. |
March 23, 2006 |
Trailer construction and joint for use therewith
Abstract
A wall for a truck bed and particularly for dump trucks includes
planks joined to one another along their lengths and a cap member
joined to the upper plank along their lengths. Adjacent planks are
joined along respective connecting sides by engagement of a pivot
of a first plank within a pivot-receiving slot of a second plank,
rotation of the planks with respect to one another about the pivot
and attachment by snap-fit engagement. The first plank connecting
side includes an arcuate wing and the second plank connecting side
includes an arcuate extension, the wing and extension being
received respectively in a wing-receiving slot formed in the second
plank and an extension-receiving slot formed in the first plank
during the relative rotation of the planks. The cap member is
joined to the upper plank in a similar manner except that
attachment is by welding rather than snap-fit engagement.
Inventors: |
Conny; Michael A.; (Beloit,
OH) ; Maiorana; James A.; (Hartville, OH) ;
Arnold; James S.; (Uniontown, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100
4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Family ID: |
36072373 |
Appl. No.: |
10/915208 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 25/02 20130101;
B62D 33/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/071 |
International
Class: |
E04B 7/16 20060101
E04B007/16 |
Claims
1. A wall comprising: a first elongated member having a connecting
side with a pivot and a arcuate wing; and a second elongated member
having a connecting side for connecting to the first member
connecting side; the second member connecting side having a
pivot-receiving slot for rotatably receiving the pivot and an
arcuate wing-receiving slot for receiving the wing during relative
rotation of at least one of the first and second members with
respect to the other.
2. The wall of claim 1 wherein the pivot-receiving slot and the
wing-receiving slot are separated by an arcuate extension; and
wherein the pivot and the arcuate wing define there between an
arcuate extension-receiving slot for receiving the extension during
the relative rotation.
3. The wall of claim 2 wherein the first and second members are
joined together by a snap-fit engagement.
4. The wall of claim 3 wherein the first member connecting side has
first and second opposed edges; wherein the pivot and wing are
adjacent the first edge; wherein a projection is adjacent the
second edge; wherein the second member connecting side has first
and second opposed edges; wherein the extension, pivot-receiving
slot and the wing-receiving slot are each adjacent the first edge
of the second member connecting side; and wherein the projection
adjacent the second edge of the first member forms a snap-fit
engagement with the second member adjacent the second edge of the
second member connecting side when the first and second members are
joined together.
5. The wall of claim 1 wherein the first member connecting side
includes a projection spaced from the wing whereby the projection
and the wing define an interior space there between; and wherein
the second member connecting side includes a narrowed portion
receivable within the interior space.
6. The wall of claim 5 wherein the first member connecting side has
first and second edges; and wherein the pivot and wing are adjacent
the first edge of the first member connecting side and the
projection is adjacent the second edge thereof.
7. The wall of claim 6 wherein the second member connecting side
has first and second edges; wherein the pivot-receiving slot and
arcuate wing-receiving slot are adjacent the first edge; and
wherein the narrowed portion includes a tapered wall adjacent the
second edge of the second member connecting side.
8. The wall of claim 7 wherein the tapered wall includes an
outwardly extending ledge and the projection includes an inwardly
extending ledge adapted to connect to the ledge of the tapered wall
in a snap-fit engagement.
9. The wall of claim 5 wherein the narrowed portion bounds a hollow
interior of the second member.
10. The wall of claim 9 wherein each of the first and second
members have a pair of spaced walls each extending from the
respective connecting sides; and wherein each of the members is
substantially hollow.
11. The wall of claim 10 wherein the second member includes a
strengthening rib extending between and connected to each of the
spaced walls; and wherein the strengthening rib, the narrowed
portion and the spaced walls define the hollow interior of the
second member.
12. The wall of claim 5 wherein each of the members is
substantially hollow; wherein a pair of spaced walls extends
respectively from the connecting side of each member; wherein a
strengthening rib connects the spaced walls of the first member
adjacent the connecting side thereof; wherein the narrowed portion
includes a terminal wall which bounds a hollow interior of the
second member and which is disposed adjacent the strengthening rib
when the members are connected together.
13. The wall of claim 12 wherein a pair of spaced projections
extend outwardly from the terminal wall and define there between a
channel which faces the strengthening rib.
14. The wall of claim 13 wherein the spaced projections abut the
strengthening rib when the two members are joined.
15. A wall comprising: a first hollow double-walled elongated
member having a connecting side with first and second projections
defining there between an interior space; a second hollow
double-walled elongated member having a connecting side with a
narrowed portion including a terminal wall; the first projection
rotatably engaging the second member adjacent the narrowed portion
whereby via rotation of at least one of the first and second
members with respect to the other member about the first
projection, the narrowed portion is receivable within the interior
space; and the two connecting sides being adapted to connect to one
another to join the first and second members together.
16. The wall of claim 15 wherein the second projection and the
narrowed portion are connected together by a snap fit
engagement.
17. The wall of claim 15 wherein the first projection terminates in
a pivot.
18. The wall of claim 17 wherein the connecting side of the second
member includes a cantilevered arcuate extension defining a
pivot-receiving slot for receiving the pivot during the
rotation.
19. The wall of claim 18 wherein the first projection includes a
cantilevered arcuate wing; wherein the wing and the pivot define
there between an arcuate extension-receiving slot for receiving the
extension during the rotation.
20. The wall of claim 19 wherein the connecting side of the second
member includes an arcuate wing-receiving slot for receiving the
wing during the rotation.
21. A method of forming a wall comprising the steps of: rotating at
least one of a first member and a second member with respect to the
other member whereby a pivot and a cantilevered arcuate wing of the
first member are respectively received by a pivot-receiving slot
and an arcuate wing-receiving slot of the second member; connecting
the two members rigidly together.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the connecting step includes
forming a snap fit engagement between the two members to provide
the rigid connection.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein the first and second members are
generally hollow; wherein the rotating step includes receiving a
narrowed portion of the second member within an interior space
defined between the wing and a projection of the first member; the
narrowed portion including a terminal wall.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The invention relates to tractor trailers and the
construction of trailer walls thereof. More particularly, the
invention relates to the structural members used to form such a
trailer wall. Specifically, the invention relates to such
structural members or planks which are assembled by rotatably
engaging one another along their lengths to rotate into position
and lock into place by a snap fit engagement.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] The construction of trailer walls and the structural
elements used therein come in a variety of forms. For example, some
trailer walls are formed with a plurality of vertical support
members with a metal skin attached on the outside thereof. This
option provides a smooth exterior of the truck for reduction of
wind resistance during travel and the vertical members additionally
provide structures to which tie down members such as ropes and
chains may be attached to secure loads inside the trailer. One
disadvantage of this configuration is that objects such as the
cargo may create dents from inside the trailer which show on the
outside, thus reducing aesthetic appeal and increasing wind
resistance. In addition, there is a tendency for the skin to wear
out over time.
[0005] An alternate option is the use of vertical planks which may
create in essence an interior skin and an exterior skin, or solid
planks to create a solid wall. In comparison to horizontal planks,
these vertical planks generally require more pieces to create a
given wall, thereby lengthening the assembly period for such a
wall. In addition, the multiple joints between the plurality of
vertical planks creates potential weak areas which can be more
flexible than a single piece of skin or horizontally elongated
planks. Further, vertical joints are less preferable for use with
trailer walls used on a dump truck, as the vertical joints create
wear areas as the material in the truck abrades the wall at the
joints when dumped rearwardly in a direction generally
perpendicular to the vertical joints.
[0006] The present invention is concerned with the problems noted
above as well as with providing improved joints between the
structural members of a trailer wall.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a wall comprising a first
elongated member having a connecting side with a pivot and a
cantilevered arcuate wing; and a second elongated member having a
connecting side for connecting to the first member connecting side;
the second member connecting side having a pivot-receiving slot for
rotatably receiving the pivot and an arcuate wing-receiving slot
for receiving the wing during relative rotation of at least one of
the first and second members with respect to the other.
[0008] The present invention also provides a wall comprising a
first hollow double-walled elongated member having a connecting
side with first and second projections defining there between an
interior space; a second hollow double-walled elongated member
having a connecting side with a narrowed portion including a
terminal wall; the first projection rotatably engaging the second
member adjacent the narrowed portion whereby via rotation of at
least one of the first and second members with respect to the other
member about the first projection, the narrowed portion is
receivable within the interior space; and the two connecting sides
being adapted to connect to one another to join the first and
second members together.
[0009] The present invention further provides a method of forming a
wall comprising the steps of rotating at least one of a first
member and a second member with respect to the other member whereby
a pivot and a cantilevered arcuate wing of the first member are
respectively received by a pivot-receiving slot and an arcuate
wing-receiving slot of the second member; and connecting the two
members rigidly together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a truck incorporating
the trailer wall of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the truck with portions
cut away to show the trailer wall from the rear end.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the plank which is the main
structural member of the trailer wall.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the plank of FIG.
3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the cap member of the
trailer wall.
[0015] FIG. 5A is an end elevational view of a first embodiment of
the base member.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary end elevational view of two planks
prior to engagement during assembly of the trailer wall.
[0017] FIG. 6A shows a further stage of assembly and is similar to
FIG. 6 except that the two planks are engaged and one plank is
being rotated with respect to the other plank.
[0018] FIG. 6B shows a further stage of assembly and is similar to
FIG. 6A except showing a further degree of rotation and additional
engagement between the two planks.
[0019] FIG. 6C shows the two planks assembled after complete
rotation of the two planks with respect to one another and the
formation of the snap fit engagement between the two planks.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the
trailer wall indicated in FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 7A is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled
portion of FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the
trailer wall indicated in FIG. 2 and includes the first embodiment
of the cap member.
[0023] FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled
portion of FIG. 8 showing the upper joint between the plank and cap
member.
[0024] FIG. 8B is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled
portion of FIG. 8 showing the lower joint between the plank and cap
member.
[0025] FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to
FIG. 7A except showing glue and a seal between the two planks.
[0026] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a
portion of the trailer wall indicated in FIG. 2 and includes the
first embodiment of the base member.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 8 but shows a
second embodiment of the cap member.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a second
embodiment of the base member joined with a plank and attached to
the trailer bed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The bed wall of the present invention is indicated generally
at as is shown particularly in FIGS. 1-5. Wall 10 is typically used
with a cab 12, which most preferably has the capability of dumping
contents out of the bed. Wall 10 includes a plurality of planks 14
and may also include cap member 16 or 130 and a base member 17 or
146. In the preferred embodiment, planks 14 and cap member 16 are
elongated and when assembled, planks 14 are disposed atop one
another in lengthwise fashion with cap member 16 sitting atop the
upper plank 14, as seen in FIGS. 1-2. Wall 10 may be used with beds
which fully enclose a load although the exemplary embodiment is a
bed with an open top. Additionally, the bed may be carried on a
straight truck as shown in FIG. 1 or as part of a trailer
traditionally pulled by a tractor.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 3-4, plank 14 includes a pair of
opposed walls or sides which are substantially flat and parallel to
one another and elongated in the elongated direction of plank 14.
These opposed walls include an outer wall 18 and an inner wall 19
which is thicker than outer wall 18, although walls 18 and 19 may
have the same thickness or vary as desired. Preferably, inner wall
19 is disposed along the interior of the bed to resist denting and
to provide additional material for a more durable wall. Plank 14
further includes a first connecting side 20 and a second connecting
side 22 in opposed relation to first connecting side 20. In the
figures, first connecting side 20 is shown in an upper position and
second connecting side 22 is shown in a lower position although
plank 14 may be inverted to reverse these relative locations.
Preferably, planks 14 extend in a horizontal direction, but may
also be disposed so that they are elongated in a vertical or other
direction. First connecting side 20 includes a first edge 24
adjacent outer wall 18 and an opposed second edge 26 adjacent inner
wall 19. Second connecting side 22 includes a first edge 28
adjacent outer wall 18 and an opposed second edge 30 adjacent inner
wall 19 which are thus in positions corresponding to first edge 24
and second edge 26 of first connecting side 20. Plank 14 also
includes a series of strengthening ribs 32 extending between walls
18 and 19 and being perpendicular thereto. Plank 14 defines a
plurality of hollow chambers 33 which are generally bound by outer
wall 18, inner wall 19 and strengthening ribs 32. One of hollow
interiors 33 is bounded on one end by the structure forming a
narrowed portion 54 of plank 14 along first connecting side 20,
narrowed portion 54 being further defined below.
[0031] In accordance with one of the main features of the invention
and with continued reference to FIGS. 3-4, the structure of one of
the joints of plank 14 is described. Plank 14 defines a
pivot-receiving slot or opening 34 adjacent first edge 24 of first
connecting side 20. Plank 14 further includes an arcuate extension
36 which separates pivot-receiving slot 34 from an arcuate
wing-receiving slot 38. Slot 38 is bounded on the outer part of its
curvature by an arcuate wall 40 so that extension 36 and wall 40
define slot 38 therebetween. Extension 36, slot 38 and wall 40 are
disposed adjacent first edge 24 of first connecting side 20. Plank
14 further includes an engaging member in the form of a tapered
wall 42 which tapers inwardly from inner wall 19 adjacent second
edge 26 of first connecting side 20. Tapered wall 42 defines a slot
44 bounded on one side by a ledge 46 and elongated in the elongated
direction of plank 14. Plank 14 further includes a terminal wall 48
along first connecting side 20 which extends perpendicular to sides
18. Terminal wall 48 defines a shallow channel 50 bounded on either
side by a pair of short projections 52. The structure along first
connecting side 20 constitutes narrowed portion 54 of plank 14.
[0032] In accordance with one of the main features of the invention
and with continued reference to FIGS. 3-4, the structure of the
other joint of plank 14 is described. Along second connecting side
22, plank 14 includes a first projection 56 adjacent first edge 28
and a second projection or engaging member 58 along second edge 30
whereby first projection 56 and second projection 58 are in opposed
relation to one another and substantially aligned with respective
walls 18 and 19. First projection 56 terminates in a pivot 60 which
is rounded and extends inwardly toward second edge 30. An arcuate
wing 62 extends inwardly from first projection 56 toward second
edge 30 and is spaced from pivot 60 whereby plank 14 defines an
arcuate extension-receiving slot 64 between pivot 60 and wing 62.
First projection 56 and second projection 58 define an interior
space 66 therebetween. Plank 14 defines a relatively shallow slot
67 at the base of second projection 58 opposite interior space 66.
Second projection 58 also includes an inwardly extending ledge
68.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 5, cap member 16 is described. Cap
member 16 includes an inverted U-shaped portion 70 having an outer
wall 72 and an opposed inner wall 73 extending downwardly from an
intervening cap wall 74 which is thicker than walls 72 and 73.
Extending downwardly from a lower end 76 of inner wall 73 is an
extension wall 78 which tapers downwardly and inwardly from lower
end 76. Together, extension wall 78 and inner wall 73 form an
interior wall 80. Extension wall 78 terminates in a tip 82 which
angles inwardly from interior wall 80 in a direction generally
towards outer wall 72. Outer wall 72 terminates in a structure
which is similar to the structure of plank 14 adjacent first edge
28 of second connecting side 22. More specifically, wall 72
terminates in a pivot 84 which is rounded and extends inwardly
toward inner wall 73. An arcuate wing 86 extends inwardly and
downwardly from outer wall 72 and is spaced from pivot 84 whereby
wing 86 and pivot 84 define an arcuate extension-receiving slot 88
therebetween. Spaced upwardly from wing 86 and extending inwardly
from wall 72 is a knob or projection 90 having a lower ledge 92
whereby a space 94 is defined between ledge 92 and wing 86.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 5A, base member 17 is very similar to
plank 14 except that the bottom end thereof is squared off. As
such, base member 17 includes an outer wall 110 and an inner wall
112 in opposed relation to one another, each of which are
substantially flat and parallel to one another and elongated in the
elongated direction of base member 17. Like plank 14, inner wall
112 is thicker than outer wall 110, although the wall thicknesses
may be varied as desired. The thicker inside wall is used for the
same purpose as related to plank 14 and also provides a better
structure for welding to the trailer bed as later discussed.
Because base member 17 is squared off on the bottom, it includes
only one connecting side 114 which is the same as first connecting
side 20 of plank 14 and is numbered in the same manner. Thus, the
main distinction between plank 14 and base member 17 is a bottom
wall 116 which is substantially flat and perpendicular to walls 110
and 112.
[0035] In accordance with one of the main features of the invention
and with reference to FIGS. 6-6C, the assembly of wall 10 is
described. FIG. 6 shows two planks 14 prior to engagement with one
of the planks moving in the direction of Arrow A toward the other
plank to initiate the assembly process. FIG. 6 additionally shows
that the second connecting side 22 of one plank 14 is approaching
the first connecting side 20 of the other plank 14 and in
particular, pivot 60 of the one plank 14 is moving toward the
pivot-receiving slot 34 of the other plank 14. FIG. 6 also shows
that sides 18 of one plank 14 are substantially perpendicular to
side 18 of the other plank 14. However, the plank 14 which is
moving in the direction of Arrow A need not be disposed
perpendicularly as described. For instance, that plank 14 may be
angled so that wing 62 is disposed somewhat below pivot 60 as it
approaches the other plank 14, among other suitable initial
positions.
[0036] FIG. 6A shows the two planks 14 engaged with one another. In
particular, pivot 60 has been received within pivot-receiving slot
34, wing 62 has been received within wing-receiving slot 38 and
extension 36 has been received within extension-receiving slot 64.
This engagement has occurred by moving the two planks toward one
another (as shown in FIG. 6) and rotating one of the planks in the
direction of Arrow B in FIG. 6A about an axis 96 (FIGS. 3 and 6A)
which extends in the elongated direction of the planks 14. More
particularly, rotation in the direction of Arrow B has caused wing
62 to enter part way into wing-receiving slot 38 and extension 36
to enter part way into extension-receiving slot 64. Rotation in the
direction of Arrow B has also moved the second projection 58 of the
one plank 14 toward second edge 26 of first connecting side 20 of
the other plank 14.
[0037] FIG. 6B shows the two planks in a further stage of assembly,
having rotated an additional amount in the direction of Arrow C
whereby second projection 58 is in contact with tapered wall 42 of
the other plank 14. In addition, FIG. 6B shows second projection 58
moving away from tapered wall 42 in the direction indicated by
Arrow D as rotational force in the direction of Arrow C is further
applied, thereby allowing second projection 58 to slide along the
outer surface of tapered wall 42. Slot 67 facilitates the bending
of projection 58 to aid in the movement of projection 58 in the
direction of Arrow D.
[0038] FIG. 6C shows the two planks 14 in a joined position,
whereby ledges 46 and 68 of the respective planks are engaged in a
snap fit engagement. In this joined position, projections 52 of the
other plank 14 abuts or is closely adjacent to the strengthening
rib 32 adjacent second connecting side 22 of the one plank 14.
Channel 50 of the other plank is thus additionally bounded by said
rib 32 of the one plank 14. FIG. 6C also shows sides 18 and 19 of
each plank aligned with respective sides 18 and 19 of the other
plank 14, thus forming parallel and substantially flat walls on the
interior and exterior. During assembly, narrowed portion 54 of the
other plank 14 is received within interior space 66 of the one
plank 14 to facilitate the formation of the substantially flat
interior and exterior walls of wall 10.
[0039] It is noted that even without the snap fit engagement
between ledges 46 and 68 of respective planks 14, in a position
analogous to that of FIG. 6C, the two joined planks 14 may not move
in a linear fashion along any line perpendicular to axis 96. The
engagement provided by pivot 60, wing 62 and extension 36 through
rotational engagement of the two planks 14 creates a joint
preventing such linear movement. The only possible linear movement
of the two joined planks 14 with respect to one another is along
axis 96. Such movement is more a theoretical matter than a
practical one, however, as a tremendous force would be required to
overcome the frictional engagement between the two joined planks 14
to provide such movement.
[0040] Cap member 16 is joined to a plank 14 along first connecting
side 20 thereof in a very similar manner as described with
reference to the joining of two planks 14 and as shown in FIGS.
6-6C. To join cap member 16 to plank 14, the same procedure shown
in FIGS. 6 and 6A is followed except that cap member 16 takes the
place of the one plank 14 which moves in the direction of Arrow A
in FIG. 6 and rotates in the direction of Arrow B in FIG. 6A. Cap
member 16 then rotates in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 6B
with respect to plank 14 and ends up in a joined position analogous
to FIG. 6C. However, cap member 16 does not include a member
analogous to second projection 58 which engages tapered wall 42 of
the other plank 14 and provides a snap fit engagement between
respective ledges 46 and 68. Instead, tip 82 of interior wall 80
comes to rest on inner wall 19 of the plank 14 to which cap member
16 is joined. The joined position of cap member 16 and plank 14 is
shown in FIG. 8 with enlargements of the joining areas shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B. With reference to FIG. 8A, the final engagement
between plank 14 and cap member 16 adjacent first connecting side
20 of plank 14 differs from the plank-to-plank joint in that only
one of projections 52 engages cap member 16. In particular, this
one projection 52 engages ledge 92 of cap member 16. With reference
to FIG. 8B, cap member 16 is joined to side 19 by a weld 98.
[0041] Where a bed is used for hauling a slurry or any material
having sufficient liquid to cause a leakage problem, it may be
desired to have walls which are sealed to the flow of liquid. With
reference to FIG. 9, the present invention provides such an option.
Specifically, glue or seals may be used between adjoining planks
14. FIG. 9 shows glue 100 at four different locations, that is
locations where two adjoining planks 14 are in contact or are
closely adjacent one another. Specifically, one of the glue
locations is between the rotationally engaging structure. Another
glue location is adjacent the snap fit engagement. Additionally,
glue may be used between projections 52 and the adjacent
strengthening rib 32 of an adjoining plank 14. Glue may also be
inserted in the other interior spaces defined between the two
planks 14, such as channel 50. Another option is to use a seal 102
typically of a polymeric material. Seal 102 is shown disposed in
channel 50, although another seal may be used in an interior space
104 between planks 14.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 10, the connection between base
member 17 and a trailer bed 118 is described. Trailer bed 118
includes an upper wall 120, a lower wall 122 in opposed relation to
wall 120 and a side wall 124 extending between walls 120 and 122.
Base member 17 is connected to trailer bed 118 with inner wall 112
of base member 17 flat against side wall 124 of trailer bed 118.
Welds shown at 126 and 128 secure base member 17 to trailer bed
118. As is evident, base member 17 could be replaced by plank 14
whereby second connecting side 22 of plank 14 would be exposed and
might project below lower wall 122, but otherwise there would no
real distinction between using plank 114 in place of base member
17.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 11, cap member 130 is described. Cap
member 130 is similar to cap member 16 except extension wall 78
which tapers from the U-shaped portion of cap member 16 is replaced
by an L-shaped portion whereby cap member 130 is generally
rectangular in cross-section except for a portion which is filled
by a portion of a plank 14 when cap member 130 is attached to said
plank 14. More particularly, cap member 130 includes an inverted
U-shaped portion 132 having an outer wall 134 and an opposed inner
wall 136, each extending downwardly from an intervening cap wall
138. Inner wall 136 is longer than outer wall 134. Cap member 13
includes a connecting wall 140 which extends perpendicularly from a
lower end 142 of inner wall 136 and generally toward outer wall
134. Connecting wall 140 has a terminal end 144. Cap member 130 is
connected to an upper plank 14 in the same manner as is cap member
16 except that instead of welding tip 82 of cap member 16 to inner
wall 19 of plank 14, connecting wall 140 of cap member 130 is
welded at weld 145 to side wall 19 of plank 14 adjacent terminal
end 144 of connecting wall 140. Outer wall 134 terminates in a
structure which is the same as the structure at the terminal end of
outer wall 72 of cap member 16 and the terminal structure is
numbered in the same manner as that of cap member 16.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 12, base member 146 is described,
which is a second embodiment of a base member for use with wall 10.
Whereas base member 17 is configured to attach to trailer bed 118
so that wall 10 extends upwardly alongside trailer bed 118, base
member 146 is configured so that wall 10 sits atop trailer bed 118.
Base member 146 is a generally U-shaped member having a first leg
148 and a second leg 150 spaced from leg 148, each leg extending
from an intervening base 152 and defining an interior space 154
therebetween. Base member 146 further includes an arcuate
stabilizing arm or support 156 extending from second leg 150 away
from interior space 154. A connecting portion 158 of second leg 150
is disposed between stabilizing arm 156 and base 152. Adjacent the
intersection of connecting portion 158 and base 152, a first rib
160 extends from connecting portion 158 away from interior space
154 and a second rib 162 extends from base 152 away from interior
space 154. First rib 160 and second rib 162 define a concave rest
164 therebetween.
[0045] When assembled, a plank 14 sits atop connecting portion 158
of second leg 150 of base member 146. Pivot 60 of second connecting
side 22 of plank 14 is seated within concave rest 164 and second
projection 58 is seated on connecting portion 158 and spaced
inwardly from base 152. Inner wall 19 of plank 14 rests against the
upper portion of arcuate stabilizing arm 156 and is connected
thereto by a weld 166. Plank 14 is also connected to base member
146 by a weld 168 along second rib 162 and pivot 60.
[0046] With continued reference to FIG. 12, base member 146 is
connected to trailer bed 118 as follows. Side wall 124 of trailer
bed 118 is received within interior space 154 of base member 146
whereby side wall 124 and base 152 are closely adjacent or abut one
another. Second leg 150 of base member 146 sits atop upper wall 120
of trailer bed 118. First leg 148 of base member 146 is disposed
below lower wall 122 of trailer bed 118 and is attached thereto by
a weld 170. A flat floor liner 172 lies atop upper wall 120 of
trailer bed 118 and is positioned so that respective edges of liner
172 and second leg 150 of base member 146 abut one another to form
a flat floor surface disposed above upper wall 120. Base member 146
is attached to liner 172 along the above-rated abutting edges by a
weld 174. Liner 172 may be eliminated if desired in which case
second leg 150 would be attached directly to upper wall 120 of
trailer bed 118.
[0047] Thus, wall 10 provides a rigid joint between adjacent planks
14 and between a plank 14 and a cap member 16 to provide a sturdy
wall having a flat exterior surface to minimize wind resistance
during travel and a flat interior surface formed by respective
interior walls 18 which are relatively thick to provide durability.
In addition, in the preferred embodiment, planks 14 are elongated
in a horizontal direction such that the joints between the planks
are generally aligned with the direction of the material being
dumped out of the rear of the bed, to prevent undue wear from
joints which are transverse to that flow, as discussed in the
background of the present application. In addition, while wall 10
may be formed of solid members having the same joints described
herein, wall 10 is a generally hollow member which provides a
relatively lightweight wall which is simultaneously strong and
durable. As with the joinder of cap member 16 or 130 with a plank
14, the joinder between two planks 14 could use a weld to tie them
together as opposed to a snap fit engagement described herein.
However, the snap fit engagement provides a simple, economical and
sure means of securing the planks together and eliminates the need
for welding the two planks together, which can be a time-consuming
process. Other fasteners such as screws or rivets may be used to
join adjacent planks together or a plank to a cap member, although
again this is a time-consuming process and in addition is less
preferable in use with relatively thin walls 18 and 19 of planks
14. In addition, rivets, bolts or screws would be at odds with
creating a flat interior wall, since such fasteners would either
present a projection into the interior of the bed or need to be
countersunk, which would weaken wall 10.
[0048] Wall 10 also provides a secure connection to the trailer bed
of a truck whether attached to the side of a trailer bed or atop
the trailer bed. Wall 10 includes a novel base member configured to
receive one of planks 14 whereby plank 14 is securely seated atop
the base member and the base member is securely attached to the
trailer bed.
[0049] Each member forming wall 10 is preferably formed of metal
although other suitable materials may be used depending on the use
of the wall. For instance, plastic may be used for certain
applications. While metal is preferred for use with a wall, the
invention is not limited to the formation of walls and has
applicability to the formation of walls generally.
[0050] A variety of alterations to the exemplary embodiment may be
made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For
example, wing 62 and wing-receiving slot 38 could be eliminated
whereby only pivot 60 of one plank 14 would rotationally engage the
other plank 14 within pivot-receiving slot 34. Due to the inward
extension of pivot 60, once the two planks 14 have been joined,
pivot 60 engages extension 36 or may engage an analogous structure
in order to prevent separation of the two planks 14 adjacent first
edge 24 of one plank and first edge 28 of the other plank. In
addition, cap member 16 could be connected to a plank 14 with a
snap fit engagement. However, in order to provide a cap member 16
which is wider than planks 14 and to simultaneously provide
superior support against inward rotation of cap member 16, it would
be necessary to include additional structure to provide a snap fit
engagement, whereby such structure would be along inner wall 19.
While this is feasible, it is preferable to provide a plurality of
planks 14 which are substantially identical and thus
interchangeable, which expedites assembly and eliminates the
production and related costs of an altered plank similar to plank
14.
[0051] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0052] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown or described.
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