U.S. patent application number 12/215529 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for frame for building a vehicular body with a load bearing support system.
Invention is credited to William Taylor.
Application Number | 20080309107 12/215529 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35907762 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080309107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; William |
December 18, 2008 |
FRAME FOR BUILDING A VEHICULAR BODY WITH A LOAD BEARING SUPPORT
SYSTEM
Abstract
A skeleton or frame for building a vehicular body of a cargo
vehicle with a load bearing support system for supporting one or
more levels of accessories to provide one or more additional levels
of load bearing surfaces. The frame comprises at least two side
portions comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced sidewall
posts and at least one transverse member connecting the two side
frames for mounting various panels (e.g., a roof, floor, wall,
door, window, sunroof, refrigerator unit, air conditioner unit,
etc.) and accessories (e.g., a shelf, drawer, bin, cabinet,
platform, cot, sliding rack, bucket, bench and the like).
Inventors: |
Taylor; William; (Linden,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI, LLP
666 FIFTH AVE
NEW YORK
NY
10103-3198
US
|
Family ID: |
35907762 |
Appl. No.: |
12/215529 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11203778 |
Aug 15, 2005 |
7407216 |
|
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12215529 |
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60601514 |
Aug 13, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 1/00 20130101; B62D
33/04 20130101; B62D 33/044 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/3 |
International
Class: |
B60P 3/00 20060101
B60P003/00 |
Claims
1. A frame for building a vehicular body of a cargo box or vehicle
with a load bearing support system, comprising: at least two
opposing side portions, each side portion comprising a plurality of
longitudinally spaced sidewall posts, each sidewall posts connected
to another sidewall posts of the same respective side member by one
or more stabilization bar member to provide stability and alignment
of said plurality of longitudinally spaced sidewall posts; and at
least one transverse member, said at least one transverse member
connects opposing sidewall posts in the respective opposing side
portions to form said frame for mounting a panel of said vehicular
body and comprising said load bearing support system for supporting
one or more levels of accessories, thereby providing one or more
additional levels of load bearing surfaces for said cargo
vehicle.
2. The frame of claim 1, wherein said at least one transverse
member is an adjustable transverse member such that the length of
said at least one transverse member is adjustable.
3. The frame of claim 1, wherein said panel comprises one or more
of the following: a roof, a wall, a refrigerator unit, a floor, an
air conditioner unit, a sunroof, a door or a window.
4. (canceled)
5. The frame of claim 1, wherein said accessory is molded with one
or more support arms, wherein each support arm comprises a bracket
at the proximal end for connecting said support arm to a vertical
member.
6. The frame of claim 1, wherein said accessory is at least one of
the following: a shelf, a bench, a cot, a platform, a drawer, a
bin, a bucket, a sliding rack, a cabinet, a hook, or a rack.
7. The frame of claim 1, wherein said accessory is a load bearing
surface, wherein said load bearing surface is connected to one or
more said sidewall posts, and wherein said load bearing surface is
held at an angular position with respect to said sidewall posts
from about 0 to about 180 degrees.
8. The frame of claim 1, wherein said at least one transverse
member comprises a bracket at each end for connecting said at least
one transverse member to opposing vertical members of the
respective opposing side frames.
9. The frame of claim 1, wherein said at least one transverse
member is a telescopic member comprising an outer member and an
inner member, wherein said inner member is insertable into said
outer member and moves with respect to said outer member to adjust
the length of said at least one transverse member.
10. The frame of claim 1, wherein at least one or more of said
members or said sidewall posts are non-uniform in size or shape to
build said vehicular body of varying dimensions.
11. The frame of claim 1, wherein the number of said plurality of
longitudinally spaced sidewall posts and the longitudinal spacing
between said each sidewall posts in each opposing side portion
varies to build said vehicular body of varying dimensions.
12. The frame of claim 1, wherein said plurality of longitudinal
spaced sidewall posts, said one or more stabilization bar member
and said at least one transverse member are constructed of at least
one of the following suitable load bearing material: steel,
aluminum, plastic, vinyl, plastic resin, fiberglass, and fiberglass
reinforced plywood.
13. The frame of claim 1, wherein said cargo vehicle is one of the
following: truck, van, trailer, train, plane, freight, container
vessel or ship.
14. The frame of claim 1, wherein at least one level of accessories
comprises a load bearing surface, wherein said load bearing surface
is one of the following: a shelf, bench, cot, platform, drawer,
bin, bucket, sliding rack, cabinet, hook, or rack.
15. The frame of claim 1, wherein said members and sidewall posts
of said frame are manufactured in a predetermined size and are cut
accordingly to build said vehicular body of varying dimensions.
16. The frame of claim 1, further comprising a cross brace formed
of at least two stabilization bar members.
17. The frame of claim 16, wherein said cross brace connects at
least two different longitudinally spaced sidewall posts.
18. The frame of claim 1, further comprising a cross brace formed
of at least two transverse members.
19. The frame of claim 18, wherein said cross brace connects said
opposing side portions.
20. A frame for building a vehicular body of a cargo vehicle with a
load bearing support system manufactured by the process comprising
the steps of: assembling at least two opposing side portions,
wherein each side portion comprises a plurality of longitudinally
spaced load bearing sidewall posts, by connecting each said
sidewall posts to another sidewall post within each respective side
portion by one or more stabilization bar member to provide
stability and alignment of said plurality of longitudinally spaced
sidewall posts; and connecting opposing sidewall posts in the
respective opposing side portions by at least one transverse member
to form said frame for mounting a panel of said vehicular body with
said load bearing support system for supporting one or more levels
of accessories, thereby providing one or more additional levels of
load bearing surfaces for said cargo vehicle.
21. The process of claim 20, wherein said at least one transverse
member is an adjustable transverse member such that the length of
said at least one transverse member is adjustable.
22. The process of claim 20, wherein said accessory is at least one
of the following: a shelf, a bench, a cot, a platform, a drawer, a
bin, a sliding rack, a cabinet, a bucket, or a rack.
23. The process of claim 20, wherein said at least one transverse
member is a telescopic member comprising an outer member and an
inner member, wherein said inner member is insertable into said
outer member and moves with respect to said outer member to adjust
the length of said at least one transverse member.
24. The process of claim 20, wherein said panel comprises one or
more of the following: a roof, a wall, an air conditioner unit,
refrigerator unit, a floor, a door, a sunroof or a window.
25. The process of claim 20, wherein said cargo vehicle is one of
the following: truck, van, trailer, train, plane, freight,
container vessel and ship.
26. (canceled)
27. The process of claim 20, wherein said sidewall posts and said
members of the support system are manufactured in a predetermined
size and are cut accordingly to build said vehicular body of
varying dimensions.
28. The process of claim 20, wherein at least one level of
accessories comprises a load bearing surface, wherein said load
bearing surface is one of the following: a shelf, bench, cot,
platform, drawer, bin, bucket, sliding rack, cabinet, hook, or
rack.
29. The process of claim 20, wherein said plurality of longitudinal
spaced sidewall posts, said one or more stabilization bar member
and said at least one transverse member are constructed of at least
one of the following suitable load bearing material: steel,
aluminum, plastic, vinyl, plastic resin, fiberglass, and fiberglass
reinforced plywood.
30. The process of claim 20, wherein the number of said plurality
of longitudinally spaced sidewall posts and the longitudinal
spacing between said each sidewall posts in each opposing side
portion varies to build said vehicular body of varying
dimensions.
31. A kit for assembling a frame for building a vehicular body with
a load bearing support system for use in a cargo vehicle, the kit
comprising: a plurality of load bearing sidewall posts for forming
at least two opposing side portions; one or more stabilization bar
members for connecting said vertical members of each respective
side portion to provide stability and alignment of said plurality
of load bearing sidewall posts; and at least one transverse member
for connecting said opposing sidewall posts in the respective
opposing side portion to form said frame for mounting a panel of
said vehicular body and comprising said load bearing support system
for supporting one or more levels of accessories, thereby providing
one or more additional levels of load bearing surfaces for said
cargo vehicle.
32. The kit of claim 31, wherein said sidewall posts and members of
the support system are manufactured in a predetermined size and are
cut accordingly to build said vehicular body of varying
dimensions.
33. The kit of claim 31, wherein said at least one transverse
member is an adjustable transverse member such that the length of
said at least one transverse member is adjustable.
34. The kit of claim 31, wherein said accessory is at least one of
the following: a shelf, a bench, a cot, a platform, a drawer, a
cabinet, a sliding rack, a bin, a hook, a bucket, or a rack.
35. The kit of claim 31, wherein said at least one transverse
member is a telescopic member comprising an outer member and an
inner member, wherein said inner member is insertable into said
outer member and moves with respect to said outer member to adjust
the length of said at least one transverse member.
36. (canceled)
37. The kit of claim 31, wherein said kit further comprises
instructions for assembling said frame for building said vehicular
body with said load bearing support system for use in said cargo
vehicle.
38. The kit of claim 31, wherein said load bearing surface is one
of the following: a shelf, rack, bin, bench, cot, drawer, cabinet,
bucket, hook, sliding rack, and platform.
39. The kit of claim 31, wherein said panel comprises one or more
of the following: a roof, a wall, a refrigerator unit, an air
conditioner unit, a floor, a door or a window.
40. The kit of claim 31, wherein the number of said plurality of
longitudinally spaced sidewall posts in each opposing side portion
varies to build said vehicular body of varying dimensions.
41. The kit of claim 31, wherein said plurality of load bearing
sidewall posts, said one or more stabilization bar member and said
at least one transverse member are constructed of at least one of
the following suitable load bearing material: steel, aluminum,
plastic, vinyl, plastic resin, fiberglass, and fiberglass
reinforced plywood.
42. The kit of claim 31, further comprising a cross brace formed of
at least two stabilization bar members.
43. The kit 42, wherein said cross brace connects at least two
different longitudinally spaced load bearing sidewall posts.
44. The kit of claim 31, further comprising a cross brace formed of
at least two transverse members.
45. The kit of claim 44, wherein said cross brace connects said
opposing side frames.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority benefit under Title 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of provisional application No. 60/601,514,
filed Aug. 13, 2004, which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a vehicular body
frame, more particularly, to a frame for building a vehicular body
with a load bearing support system for use in cargo vehicles.
[0003] Although a large variety of box truck designs exist, they
all include the common features of large interior space defined by
the sidewalls, front and back walls, a roof, and a floor. The steel
truck mainframe supports the flooring, which can include a wooden
or metal platform secured to the main frame. The floor is normally
bowed from front to rear in order to compensate for and provide
some flexibility for heavy loads carried within the cargo area. The
sidewalls and roof usually comprise material with little load
bearing capability, such as fiberglass, plywood, thin sheet metal,
fiberglass reinforced plywood, etc. The primary cargo load bearing
structure for trucks of this type include the flooring and main
frame. Typically, metal steel or aluminum bars mount at the box
corners and along the edges of the box for the purpose of
transferring carrying forces outward and downward to the main
frame. Also, the sidewalls have been corrugated with vertically
extending channels, or a portion of the sidewall may be fitted with
a series of longitudinally spaced vertically extending channel
members riveted to the inside or outside of the side walls, in an
attempt to strengthen the sidewalls. However, these measures are
generally ineffective in strengthening the sidewalls for carrying
loads.
[0004] The box trucks have great utility, particularly for delivery
companies that pickup, haul, and deliver a number and variety of
packages of varying sizes, shapes, and weight. Currently, these
cargo boxes and box trucks do not come with pre-built support
system. The support system is generally individually built and
installed by third parties after the cargo boxes and box trucks are
built by the manufacturer. There is currently no standardized frame
that can be used to build a vehicular body with a load bearing
support system.
[0005] Currently, there is no mechanism to quickly and efficiently
assemble or construct a permanent or temporary building structure
with a load bearing system. Accordingly, the present invention
proceeds upon the desirability of providing a skeleton or frame for
mounting walls, roof, window, door, floor to build a mobile,
permanent or temporary building structure (e.g., shed, warehouse,
enclosure, shack, office, classroom, show room, exhibition hall,
booth, garage, a field hospital, clinic, modular building structure
and the like, collectively referred to herein as an enclosed
structure) with a load bearing support system. The load bearing
support system of the present invention provides one or more levels
of accessories, such as shelves, hooks, racks, platforms, bins,
drawers, cots, cabinets, sliding racks, hangars, benches and the
like within and/or outside the building structure. Preferably,
accessories can easily and reliable rotated or moved to their
stored or utility positions. Also, the accessories are removably
attachable so that they can be easily and efficiently reconfigured
to meet a particular application.
[0006] Further, the present invention proceeds upon the
desirability of providing a frame for mounting panels, sidewalls,
roof and floor to build a vehicular body of a cargo box or cargo
vehicle and mounting a load bearing support system for use in such
cargo box or cargo vehicle. The load bearing support system of the
present invention provides one or more levels of accessories, such
as shelves, hooks, racks, sliding racks, cabinets, platforms, bins,
drawers, cots, hangars, benches and the like within and/or outside
the cargo area of the vehicle. Preferably, accessories can be
easily and reliably rotated to their stored and utility positions.
Also, the accessories are removably attachable so that they can be
easily and efficiently reconfigured to meet a particular cargo or
storage need. For example, one or more shelves can be moved up or
down to accommodate varying sized packages.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a frame or skeleton for building a vehicular body of cargo
box or vehicle with a load bearing support system that overcomes
the aforementioned shortcomings of the present cargo vehicles and
cargo box.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide the
frame as aforesaid, wherein the load bearing support system
utilizes substantially all of the cargo space of the vehicle, both
vertically and horizontally.
[0009] Further object of the present invention is to provide the
frame as aforesaid, wherein the load bearing support systems
provides one or more levels of load bearing surfaces. The
additional levels of load bearing surfaces can be benches, cots,
shelves, platforms, bins, drawers, cabinets, sliding racks and the
like.
[0010] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
the frame as aforesaid, wherein the vehicular body parts, such as
side walls, end panels, floor, roof, door, windows, racks and the
like are mountable onto the frame.
[0011] Once the frame of the present invention is built and
installed on the cargo vehicle, the accessories, such as shelves,
platforms, benches, cots, bins, drawers, hangars, sliding racks,
cabinets, hooks, etc., can be easily mounted to the frame as more
fully described herein. This procedure reduces the amount of time
and labor needed to complete the installation.
[0012] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the frame comprises a series of longitudinally spaced load bearing
vertical members formed into at least two opposing side portions.
The vertical members of the respective opposing side portions are
connected by one or more stabilization bar members to provide
stability and alignment. For a cargo vehicle application, each side
portion is supported directly by the vehicular chassis. Transverse
members extending across the cargo area couple directly or
indirectly to the top portions of the opposing vertical members in
the respective opposing side portions and preferably support the
roof.
[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the frame for building a vehicular body of a cargo box or vehicle
with a load bearing support system as aforesaid comprises a number
of brackets for connecting and supporting multiple levels of
accessories, such as shelves, platforms, benches, bins, drawers,
sliding racks, hangars, cabinets, hooks, etc. One end of the
bracket forms a pair of opposed ears that fit on either side of the
vertical member channel or rib. The upper part of the ears pivot
about the axis of a longitudinal bolt or pin held in the vertical
member. In the down or utility position, the bracket abuts the
channel or rib inboard face. The bracket can rotate upward about
the through bolt to the storage position where it can be held
safely by a suitable device in the storage position. One shelf
section preferably spans and connects to at least two brackets. A
series of vertically spaced holes in the vertical member and
through bolts can be provided to enable vertical adjustment and
mounting of the various shelves simply by removing and
repositioning the through bolt to a different vertical member
through hole.
[0014] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a process
for manufacturing a frame for building a vehicular body of a cargo
box or vehicle with a load bearing support system. This process
comprises the step of assembling at least two side portions, which
include two or more longitudinally spaced vertical members. Each
vertical member is connected to another vertical member within each
respective side portion by one or more stabilization bar members.
The stabilization bars provide stability and alignment of the
longitudinally spaced vertical members. Additionally, the process
comprises the step of connecting the opposing vertical members in
the respective opposing side portion by at least one transverse
member to form a frame for building a vehicular body with a load
bearing support system for supporting one or more levels of
accessories. Thereby, the frame for building a vehicular body with
a load bearing support system provides one or more additional
levels of load bearing surfaces for the cargo vehicle.
[0015] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a kit for
assembling the frame for building a vehicular body with a load
bearing support system for use in a cargo vehicle. The kit
comprises one or more load bearing vertical members for forming at
least two opposing side portions; one or more stabilization bar
members for connecting the vertical members of each respective side
portion; and at least one transverse member for connecting the
opposing vertical members in the respective opposing side portion
to form a frame for building a vehicular body with a load bearing
support system for supporting one or more levels of accessories.
Thereby, the frame for building a vehicular body with a load
bearing support system provides one or more additional levels of
load bearing surfaces. The kit can comprise members of the frame
which are manufactured in a predetermined size and cut accordingly
to build cargo boxes with varying dimensions and features.
Alternatively, the kit can comprise members that are manufactured
in a number of predetermined sizes to build cargo boxes with
various dimensions and features. The kit also comprises
instructions for assembling the frame to build a vehicular body
having a load bearing support system of the present invention.
[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the frame for building a vehicular body with a load bearing support
system of the present invention as aforesaid, further comprises a
plurality of open bins as the accessories. This embodiment of the
invention allows a cargo vehicle, cargo box, or shed, and the like,
to become a showroom to display products to customers.
[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the frame for building on vehicular body with a load bearing
support system comprises a side portion with at least one cross
brace form of at least two stabilization bar members. The ends of
the each stabilization bar member can be attached to different
vertical members within the same side portion. Additionally, the
stabilization bar members can be attached to each other where they
cross, or to another vertical member, or to both.
[0018] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the
cross brace can be formed from at least two transverse members.
Each transverse member can be attached to the stabilization bar
member or to top of the vertical member of the frame. Each end of
the respective cross brace can be attached to a different vertical
member or to a different stabilization bar member. The transverse
members can be constructed and attached in a way to facilitate
expansion and contraction of the present invention. The attached
cross brace provides added stability and facilitates the load
bearing aspect of the present invention.
[0019] Various other objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing
detailed description, and the novel features will be particularly
pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The following detailed description, given by way of example,
and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto,
will best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a pictorial perspective view of a box truck
without the walls/roof of the cargo area incorporating an
embodiment of the frame or skeleton for building a vehicular body
cover or panel with a load bearing support system of the present
invention supporting multiple levels of shelves 400;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cut-a-way perspective view of a cargo area of
the box truck, cargo box, shed or modular building structure
incorporating an embodiment of the frame or skeleton for building a
movable, permanent or temporary structure with a load bearing
support system of the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 3A-D are perspective views of various embodiments of
the vertical member 210 of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
vertical member 210 of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5A-5B are perspective views of an embodiment of the
transverse member 220 of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shelf
400 of the present invention;
[0027] FIGS. 7A-7B are perspective views of an embodiment of the
support arm 420 of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a pictorial perspective view of an enclosed
structure without the right side wall built using the frame with a
load bearing support system in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shelf
400 of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a pictorial perspective view of a box truck
without the walls/roof of the cargo area incorporating a frame in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for building
body covers, panels or shells with a load bearing support system
comprising multiple platforms 400;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a pictorial perspective of a frame in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention for building a cargo
box or an enclosed structure with a load bearing support system for
constructing a cargo box or an enclosed structure;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a pictorial perspective of a frame in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention for building an
enclosed structure or cargo box with a load bearing support
system;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a pictorial perspective view of a box truck
without the right side wall of the cargo area built using the frame
with a load bearing support system in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a pictorial perspective view of a box truck
without the walls/roof of the cargo area constructed using the
frame with a load bearing support system in accordance with
embodiment of the present invention comprising multiple levels of
shelves 400 and a refrigerator or air conditioner unit 500.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a pictorial perspective of the side portion of
the present invention with a cross brace attached; and
[0036] FIG. 16 is a pictorial perspective of the side portion of
the present invention without a stabilization bar member and with
two attached cross braces.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The frame or skeleton 200 for building a vehicular body with
a load bearing support system 205 of the present invention is
applicable to box trucks, as well as any mobile workshops,
delivery, service, and cargo vehicles, such as trailers, vans,
trains, planes, freights, container vessels, ships and the like.
Further, the frame or skeleton 200 for building an enclosed
structure 600 with a load bearing support system of the present
invention is applicable to building a field hospital, a garage, a
shed, a warehouse, a box car, a trailer box, a cargo box and the
like.
[0038] A box truck 100 and an enclosed structure 600 incorporating
the skeleton or frame 200 for building a vehicular body 610 or
exterior panels 610 with a load bearing support system 205 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is shown in
FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 10-14. The frame 200 of the present invention
having a load bearing support system 205 can be used to mount or
build a vehicular body, such as sidewalls 110 (only one shown for
clarity in FIG. 2), a rear wall 120, a front wall 130, a roof 150,
a floor 140 preferably with wheel wells 160, a fuel port cover 170
and one or more doors (not shown) on the rear wall 120 and/or one
of the sidewalls 110. In accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, the frame 200 having a load
bearing support system 205 can be used to mount exterior panels 610
(e.g., roof 150, door 620, walls, floor 140, window 640, sunroof
630, roll-on-cover 650 and the like).
[0039] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 10-14, the frame 200 comprises a
plurality of sidewall posts 210, one or more transverse members
220, and one or more stabilization bar members 230 to form a load
bearing support system 205. The sidewall posts 210 support the
accessories, such as shelves 400 (and other accessories (not
shown), including but not limited to benches, racks, sliding racks,
cabinets, bins, buckets, cots, hangars, hooks, platforms, drawers,
and like), and transfer the dynamic and static loads directly onto
the floor 140 of the enclosed structure 600 or the floor 140 and/or
mainframe/chassis of the box truck 100. The sidewall posts 210,
transverse members 220, accessories or shelves 400, stabilization
bar members 230 and other components noted herein are made, formed
or molded of suitable load bearing material including but not
limited to metal (i.e., steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, etc.),
wood, vinyl, plastic, plastic resin, fiberglass, fiberglass
reinforced plywood (FRP) and the like.
[0040] It is appreciated that the longitudinal spacing between the
sidewall posts 210 and the number of sidewall posts 210 can vary to
build vehicular body of varying dimensions, i.e., the cargo area or
the length of the box truck 100 or the enclosed structure 600. That
is, the longitudinal spacing and the number of sidewall posts 210
can be selected based on the desired dimensions of the cargo area
of the cargo vehicle 100 or the enclosed structure 600.
[0041] Each sidewall post 210 in the set is connected to other
sidewall posts 210 in the set by one or more stabilization bar
members 230 to form a side portion 300. The panels 610 are mounted
thereon to form a side panels or sidewalls 110, a rear wall 120 and
a front wall 130. In accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the side panels or sidewalls 110 can be constructed in
predetermined dimensions and one or more side potion 300 can be
connected, such as using one or more stabilization bar members 230,
to vary the length of the side portion 300 for a particular
application. It is appreciated that the respective sidewalls 300
can have the same or different number of the sidewall posts 210,
e.g., to account for a side door on one of the sidewalls 110.
Preferably, one or more sidewall posts 210, in the respective
sidewalls posts 110 mounted on the side portion 300 of the frame
200, are located in laterally respective opposing position. The
stabilization bar members 230 are used to maintain the
predetermined longitudinal spacing between the sidewall posts 210
and to provide alignment and stability. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1, each sidewall posts 210 can be connected to another
sidewall posts 210 in the set by at least two stabilization bar
members 230, the first stabilization bar member 230 connecting the
top portion of the sidewall posts 210 of the side portion 300 and
the second stabilization bar member 230 connecting the middle or
bottom portion of the sidewall posts 210 of the side frame 300. The
stabilization bar members 230 can be connected to the vertical
members 210 using self-locking bolts, bolts and nuts, latches,
clasps, clips or any other comparable fastening means. In
accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the first
stabilization bar member 230 is angled, i.e., L-shaped, so as to
cover the top of the sidewall posts 210, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the sidewall posts 210 can be formed or molded as an elongated
tube, post or channel 212, comprising one or more face portions 213
and two opposing side portions 215 having a plurality of
predetermined spaced holes or openings 216 to receive any known
connection or mounting means, including but not limited to bolts,
pins, clips, rivets, clasps, etc. Exemplary sidewall posts 210 are
shown in FIGS. 3A-D and 4, such as a rectangular tube or post, a
u-shaped channel, or a u-shaped channel having side flanges and the
like. Preferably, each sidewall posts 210 has at least two
predetermined spaced holes or openings 214 on the face portion 213
to facilitate easy and quick installation of the first and second
stabilization bar members 230 via any known connection and mounting
means. For example, the openings 214 and 216 in the vertical
members can be threaded to receive a bolt 235 or the like, the
sidewall posts 210 can be formed or molded with nuts (not shown)
behind and axially aligned with the openings 214 and 216, or the
nuts can be welded onto the sidewall posts 210 so that bolts 235
with lock washers (or self-locking bolts) can be easily and quickly
threaded into the nuts to secure the stabilization bar member 230
onto the sidewall posts 210.
[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the sidewall posts 210, stabilization bar members 230, and the
transverse members 220, can be manufactured in a predetermined size
and cut accordingly to fit a particular application, i.e., cut to
build the box truck 100 of varying dimensions and features
including the refrigeration or air conditioner unit 500 (as shown
in FIG. 14), a window (not shown), a door (not shown), or provide
the cargo floor 140 with a bowed design (the arc in the floor 140
is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Alternatively, the sidewall posts
210, the stabilization bar members 230, and the transverse members
220, can be manufactured in a number of predetermined sizes to
provide the cargo space of varying dimensions and features. In
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
sidewall post 210 comprises a telescopic inner portion and a
telescopic outer portion (not shown), wherein the outer portion
slides over the inner portion in one direction to shorten the
sidewall posts 210, and slides in the other direction to lengthen
the sidewall posts 210.
[0044] Once the side portion 300 are constructed, e.g., two side
portions 300 for the box truck application or the building
structure application (e.g., a shed, a field hospital, a warehouse,
a modular building structure, a temporary building, etc.), they are
connected using one or more transverse members 220 to form a frame
200 for mounting panels or vehicular body covers 610 with a load
bearing support system 205 of the present invention. In accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, a transverse member
220 connects a sidewall posts 210 in one side portion 300 to a
sidewall posts 210 in the other side portion 300, which are located
in laterally respective opposing positions. Preferably, one or more
transverse members 220 are used to connect one or more laterally
respective sidewall posts 210 in the opposing side portion 300. In
an exemplary box truck application, as shown in FIG. 1, four
transverse members 220 are used to connect four laterally
respective sidewall posts 210 in the opposing side portion 300 to
form a frame or skeleton 200 for a vehicular body covers or panels
610 with a load bearing support system 205 of the present
invention. Alternatively, one or more transverse members 220 are
connected to the respective first stabilization bar member 230
located near the top of the opposing side portions 300 (not
shown).
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5A-B, the transverse member 220 can be
formed or molded as an elongated beam, strut, rib, tube, and the
like, having a bracket 226 at each end. Alternatively, the brackets
224 are welded, riveted or connected by other comparable means to
each end of the transverse member 220. The brackets 226 are used to
connect the transverse members 220 to the sidewall posts 210 by any
known means, such as bolts/nuts, clips, latches, hooks, rivets,
depressions/protrusions which, clips or fits into one or more
openings 214 or 216 on the sidewall posts 210. Preferably, the
bracket 226 can be formed or molded as a u-channel comprising a
face portion 227 and two opposing side portions 228, for securing
the transverse member 220 to the sidewall posts 210.
[0046] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the bracket 226 comprises one or more holes or openings 229 on its
opposing side portions 228 and/or one or more holes on its face
portion 227 (not shown). The holes 229 on the respective opposing
side portions 228 of the bracket 226, and the holes 216 on the
respective opposing side portions 215 of the sidewall posts 210,
are axially aligned. As shown in FIG. 1, the bracket 226 is then
bolted or screwed (or by other comparable means) onto the sidewall
posts 210 through the axially aligned holes to securely attach the
transverse member 220 to the sidewall posts 210. Alternatively, the
holes on the face portion 227 of the bracket 226, and the holes 214
on the face portion 213 of the sidewall posts 210, are axially
aligned. The bracket 226 is then bolted or screwed (or by other
comparable means) onto the sidewall posts 210 through the axially
aligned holes to securely attach the transverse member 220 to the
sidewall posts 210.
[0047] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the transverse member 220 comprises a telescopic inner member 224
and a telescopic outer member 222. The proximal end of the inner
member 224 is inserted inside the outer member 222 via its proximal
end to adjust the length of the transverse member 220. Each inner
member 224 and outer member 222 comprises a bracket 226 at its
distal end, which can be formed or molded together with its
corresponding inner member 224 and outer member 222. Alternatively,
the brackets 226 are welded, riveted, or connected by other
comparable means to the distal ends of the inner members 224 and
outer members 222, respectively. The length of the transverse
members 220 can be adjusted by inserting or pulling the inner
member 224 further into or out of the outer member 222. For
example, the proximal end of the inner member 224 is inserted
deeper into the outer member 222 to shorten the transverse member
220, and vice-versa, to lengthen the transverse member 220. In
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, opposing
faces of the inner members 224 and outer members 222 comprise a
plurality of hole pairs, preferably near the proximal end, for
securing the outer member 222 to the inner member 224 to maintain
desired length of the transverse member 220. Preferably, the inner
member 224 has a plurality of hole pairs and the outer member 222
has two hole pairs, as shown in FIG. 5A. For example, the outer
members 222 can be formed or molded with nuts 223 on one of the
opposing faces having the holes and each nut 223 being axially
aligned with one of the holes. Alternatively, the nuts 223 can be
welded onto the outer members 222 so that self-locking bolts (not
shown), or bolts with lock washers (not shown), can easily and
quickly be inserted through matching hole pairs of the inner
members 224 and outer members 222 and threaded into the nuts to
secure the outer member 222 to the inner member 224. Conversely,
the inner member 224 can have a plurality of holes and the outer
member 222 can include clips which can be removably inserted into
the holes of the inner member 224 to adjust the length of the
transverse member 220 and securely connect the outer member 222 to
the inner member 224.
[0048] Once the frame 200 for building an enclosed structure 600 or
a vehicular body with a load bearing support system 205 of the
present invention is built, the panels or body covers 610 (e.g.,
floor, sidewalls, roof, front wall, rear wall, doors, windows and
the like), the accessories 400 (e.g., shelves, benches, hangars,
drawers, platforms, hooks, clips, bins, buckets, cots, racks,
sliding racks, cabinets and the like), the transverse member 220,
inner member 224, outer member 222, and support arms 420 can be
mounted on the opposite sides of the sidewall posts 210 forming or
defining the cargo space or area 210, to provide one or more
additional levels of load bearing surfaces (depending on the
particular application of the present invention). For example, as
shown in FIG. 10, one or more transverse members 220 can be
connected at different levels of the sidewall posts 210 to provide
one or more levels of load bearing surfaces or platforms 400 in
addition to the floor 140 of the cargo vehicle 100. It is
appreciated that such multiple platforms 400 can be used to
transport breads, bakery goods and the like.
[0049] Turning now to FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention, each shelf 400 comprises a shelf member 410
having an upturned lip or edge 415 at the distal end and two or
more support arms 420 attached to underside of the shelf member
410. The upturned edge 415 functions to keep the cargo or packages
from sliding off the shelves 400 during transport or loading.
Additionally, in the utility position, the shelves 400 can be
angled slightly upward to keep the cargo from sliding off the
shelves 400. The shelves 400 can be angled, with respect to the
vertical member 210 (as shown for example in FIG. 1) anywhere from
about 0 to about 180 degrees, depending on whether the utility of
the shelves is for display (angled more than 90 degrees) or for
transport (angled less than 90 degrees). For example, as shown in
FIG. 7A, the distal end of the support arm 420 can be angled
slightly upward by .theta. degrees, so that the distal end is
higher than the proximal end. The shelf member 410 and one or more
support arms 420 can be formed or molded together as a single
piece. Alternatively, the support arms 420 can bolted, riveted,
welded, latched, hooked, clipped or connected by other comparable
means, to the shelf member 410.
[0050] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
each support arm 420 can be formed or molded as a rectangular
shaped tube as shown in FIG. 7B, an L-shaped bar, a U-channel
having side flanges as shown in FIGS. 3A-B, a pair of U-channels,
and the like, having a bracket 430 at its proximal end. Preferably,
the shelf 410 comprises two or more indentations or cut-out
portions 417 for receiving the brackets 430, as shown in FIGS. 6
and 9, thereby enabling the shelf to be mounted flush against the
sidewall posts 210. Preferably, the upturned edge 415 also
comprises two or more indentations or cut-out portions to enable
the shelf to be mounted flush against the sidewall posts 210.
Alternatively, the bracket 430 is welded, riveted or connected by
other comparable means to the proximal end of the each support arm
420. Preferably, the bracket 430 can be formed or molded as a
U-channel comprising a face portion 431 and two opposing side
portions 432 for securing the shelf 400 to the sidewall posts
210.
[0051] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, each
opposing side portion 432 of the bracket 430 comprises one or more
holes or openings 433, preferably two holes. The holes 433 on the
two opposing side portions 228 of the bracket 430, and the selected
holes 216 on the respective opposing side portions 215 of the
sidewall posts 210, are axially aligned. As shown in FIG. 1, the
bracket 430 is then bolted or screwed (or by other comparable
means) onto the sidewall posts 210 through the first axially
aligned pair of holes 433 located towards the top of the bracket to
securely and rotatably mount the supporting arm 420 and the shelf
400 to the vertical member 210. Preferably, the bracket 430 does
not extend beyond the bottom of the support arm 420 so as to
minimize the protrusion of the bracket when the shelves 400 are in
their storage position. Additionally, the side portions 432 of the
bracket 430 preferably extend beyond the shelf member 410, as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 6, so that the pivot axis of the shelves 400 are
above the shelf member 410. This arrangement advantageously
provides that when the shelf 400 is rotated upward to its storage
position, it is substantially vertical or parallel to the sidewall
110 of the box truck 100 thereby minimizing the storage space. It
is appreciated that the shelf 400 is rotated downward to its
utility position, which is established when the bracket 430 engages
the vertical member 410, particularly the front face portion 213 of
the sidewall posts 210, thereby advantageously requiring the load
bearing sidewall posts 210 to support the shelves 400 and the
cargo/packages thereon. This also enables the frame 200 for
building a vehicular body or an enclosed structure 600 (e.g., shed,
garage, field hospital, warehouse, modular building, temporary
structure and the like) with a load bearing support system 205 of
the present invention to carry more cargo than the conventional
racking system.
[0052] To ensure that the shelves 400 stay in their utility
position, the bracket 430 is additionally bolted, clipped, hooked,
screwed, retained via a retaining pin (or by other comparable
means) onto the sidewall posts 210, through the second axially
aligned pair of holes 433 located towards the bottom of the
bracket, to securely mount the supporting arm 420 and the shelf 400
to the sidewall posts 210. Accordingly, the bolt, screw or
retaining pin is removed from the second axially aligned pair of
holes 433 to allow upward rotation of the shelves 400 to their
storage position. The supporting arm 420 can additionally include a
spring mechanism to keep the shelves 400 in their storage position
unless the retaining pin or bolt is inserted into the second
axially aligned pair of holes 433. Alternatively, the shelves 400
are restrained in their storage position by a hook (or by other
comparable means) attached to the side portion 300.
[0053] Although the various embodiments of the present invention
are described in conjunction with the box truck 100 and enclosed
structure 600, it is appreciated that the frame 200 for building a
vehicular body or exterior panels 610 with a load bearing support
system 205 has a wide range of applications in permanent and
temporary housing (e.g., warehouses, field hospitals, modular
building), delivery, service and cargo vehicles, such as cargo
planes, vans, trailers, trains, container ships, service trucks, or
emergency vehicles wherein the shelves 400 are replaced with
benches or cots, and the like, to hold patients.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 11, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention, a skeleton or frame 200 can be utilized to
build a box truck, trailer, refrigeration unit, cargo box, enclosed
structure, building, shed, warehouse, and the like. That is, for a
box truck application, the sidewalls 110, the rear wall 120, the
front wall 130, the floor 140 and the roof 150 can be attached to
at least one of the following: the stabilization bar member 230,
the sidewall posts 210 and the transverse member 220 of the frame
200 via any connection means, such as bolts, latches, rivets,
hooks, clips, clasps, pins, etc. In other words, the frame 200 of
the present invention can serve as a load bearing support system
205 for mounting any accessories, such as walls, roofs, shelves,
doors, windows, floors, refrigeration or air conditioner unit 500,
ladder racks and the like, to pre-build any structure or vehicular
body of cargo box or cargo vehicle.
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 15, there is shown an embodiment of the
side portion 300 of the frame 200 of the present invention. The
side portion 300 comprises at least three sidewall posts 210 and at
least two stabilization bar members 230 forming a cross brace 260.
The cross brace 260 provides added stability and facilitates
alignment of the longitudinally spaced sidewall posts 210. In
accordance with an aspect of the present invention, each
stabilization bar member 230 comprises a tension wire or cable for
adjusting the tension of the cross brace 260. Additionally, each
stabilization bar member 230 can comprise a wire, a flat bar or
round bar made of any durable material, such as metal, plastic,
wood, etc. Each end of the respective stabilization bar members 230
can be attached to a different sidewall post 210 within the same
side portion 300 by a bolt, rivet, screw, clip, nail, glue, epoxy,
or by any other means. Furthermore, where the stabilization bar
members "cross", they can attach to each other, to another vertical
member 210, or to both, by a bolt, screw, rivet, nail, clip, glue,
epoxy, or by any other means.
[0056] In accordance with aspect of the present invention, the
transverse members 220 can form a cross brace (not shown) but
similar to the cross brace 260. Each end of the respective
transverse members can be attached to a different vertical member
210 (not shown), or, alternatively, to a different stabilization
bar member 230 by a bolt, rivet, screw, clip, nail, glue, epoxy, or
by any other means. Similarly to the cross brace 260 shown in FIG.
15, where the transverse members "cross", they can attach to each
other, to another transverse member 220 (not shown), or to both, by
a bolt, screw, rivet, nail, clip, glue, epoxy, or by any other
means.
[0057] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
although FIG. 16 shows a side portion 300 with three vertical
members 210 and two cross braces 260, it is appreciated that one or
more cross braces 260 can be used to attached two or more sidewall
posts 210. Although not shown, this applies equally to the cross
brace formed from the transverse members 220. This facilitates
expansion and contraction of the frame 200 of the present invention
to accommodate building covers or panels 610 for cargo vehicles or
cargo boxes of varying dimension. The cross brace 260 also provides
added stability. As discussed herein, the stabilization bar members
230 can comprise a tension wire or cable. These stabilization bar
members 230 can be loosened, unattached, and then reattached to
different parts of the same respective vertical members 210 and
retightened, to allow the vertical members 210 in the same
respective side portion 300 to move closer to one another. This
embodiment of the present invention frees up cargo space in the
cargo area of the box truck 100 (not shown). Preferably, the end of
the stabilization bar member 230 can be vertically adjusted on the
sidewall posts 210 using any known means, e.g., a slide hole or
multiple holes, etc.
[0058] It will be understood that other and further improvements
and changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *