U.S. patent application number 14/028711 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for refrigerated trailer door having an automotive-style handle and locking mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to Johnson Truck Bodies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Johnson Truck Bodies, LLC. Invention is credited to Peter J. Johnson, John A. Marino.
Application Number | 20140013666 14/028711 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46651444 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140013666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Peter J. ; et
al. |
January 16, 2014 |
REFRIGERATED TRAILER DOOR HAVING AN AUTOMOTIVE-STYLE HANDLE AND
LOCKING MECHANISM
Abstract
A door for a refrigerated trailer including a door pan formed of
fiberglass reinforced plastic, the door pan having an inner surface
and an outer surface. A door sheet is formed of fiberglass
reinforced plastic and has an inner surface and an outer surface. A
foamed plastic core is provided between the inner surfaces of the
door pan and the door sheet. A housing is mounted between the inner
surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet and is substantially
encapsulated within the foamed plastic core. An automotive-style
handle and locking mechanism is mounted to the housing.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Peter J.; (Bloomer,
WI) ; Marino; John A.; (Rice Lake, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson Truck Bodies, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Johnson Truck Bodies, LLC
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
46651444 |
Appl. No.: |
14/028711 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13397524 |
Feb 15, 2012 |
8556321 |
|
|
14028711 |
|
|
|
|
61443948 |
Feb 17, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
49/25 ; 49/35;
49/460 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05F 15/77 20150115;
F25D 23/02 20130101; F25D 23/028 20130101; E05B 83/02 20130101;
E05B 79/06 20130101; E05B 83/00 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
E05B 81/16 20130101; E05B 85/18 20130101; E05B 85/103 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
49/25 ; 49/460;
49/35 |
International
Class: |
E05B 65/12 20060101
E05B065/12; E05F 15/20 20060101 E05F015/20 |
Claims
1. A door for a refrigerated trailer comprising: a door pan having
an inner surface and an outer surface; a door sheet having an inner
surface and an outer surface; a core provided between the inner
surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet; a housing mounted
between the inner surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet; and
an automotive-style handle and locking mechanism mounted to the
housing.
2. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 1,
wherein the door pan is formed of fiberglass reinforced
plastic.
3. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 1,
wherein the door sheet is formed of fiberglass reinforced
plastic.
4. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 1,
wherein the core further comprises a foamed plastic core.
5. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 1,
wherein the housing is substantially encapsulated within the foamed
plastic core.
6. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 1,
wherein the housing is formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic.
7. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 1,
wherein the locking mechanism includes a receiver for receiving
signals for unlocking and/or locking the automotive-style handle
and locking mechanism.
8. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 7,
wherein the locking mechanism includes a key hole into which a key
is inserted for manually locking and/or unlocking the door.
9. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 1,
wherein the locking mechanism includes a key hole into which a key
is inserted for manually locking and/or unlocking the door.
10. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 1,
wherein the locking mechanism includes a handle having an outer
surface which is substantially flush with the outer surface of the
door sheet.
11. A door for a refrigerated trailer comprising: a door pan having
an inner surface and an outer surface; a door sheet having an inner
surface and an outer surface; a housing mounted between the inner
surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet; and an
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism mounted to the
housing.
12. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 11,
further comprising a foamed plastic core provided between the inner
surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet.
13. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 12,
wherein the housing is substantially encapsulated within the foamed
plastic core.
14. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 11,
wherein the door pan and the door sheet are formed of a fiberglass
reinforced plastic.
15. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 11,
wherein the housing is formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic.
16. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 11,
wherein the locking mechanism includes a receiver for receiving
signals for unlocking and/or locking the automotive-style handle
and locking mechanism.
17. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 16,
wherein the locking mechanism includes a key hole into which a key
is inserted for manually locking and/or unlocking the door.
18. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 11,
wherein the locking mechanism includes a key hole into which a key
is inserted for manually locking and/or unlocking the door.
19. The door for a refrigerated trailer as defined in claim 11,
wherein the locking mechanism includes a handle having an outer
surface which is substantially flush with the outer surface of the
door sheet.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/397,524, filed Feb. 15, 2012, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/443,948,
filed Feb. 17, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a door having an
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism for a refrigerated
trailer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A prior art refrigerated trailer includes a body formed from
a pair of rectangular sidewalls, at least one door provided in a
sidewall, a front wall, a rear frame, at least one door supported
in the rear frame, a roof or top panel, and a floor structure. The
doors are hingedly mounted by hinges. The body defines an interior
cargo compartment for carrying cargo. A refrigeration unit is
mounted in the front wall and provides conditioned air to the
interior cargo compartment. The floor structure may be supported by
conventional axles and wheels, or may be supported by a rear
undercarriage assembly and a landing gear. The trailer can be
connected to a tractor having a cab by conventional means, such as
a fifth wheel assembly. Each of the sidewalls, front wall and roof
includes a foamed plastic core between first and second skins
formed from fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) (this structure is
commonly known in the industry as a composite plate).
[0004] Conventional door lock mechanisms include an elongated,
cylindrical lockrod which extends along the height of the
respective door. A generally U-shaped bearing plate is provided
proximate each end of the lockrod and the bearing plates are
secured to the respective door by fasteners, such as rivets. The
lockrod rotates within the bearing plates, and a handle is provided
for manipulating the position of the lockrod. The handle is
provided partway up the lockrod on the respective door. A cam which
is integrally formed at each end of the lockrod is configured to
engage corresponding keeper on the body, thereby locking the doors
into a closed position. Each keeper is attached to the body by
suitable means, such as a weldment. Brackets are typically provided
on the doors for engaging and securing the handles. Typically, the
brackets are configured such that padlocks can be engaged with the
brackets, thereby locking the handles in place on the doors (and
thereby locking the doors in the closed position).
[0005] Because the handles are provided partway up the doors and
extend outwardly from the doors, when the doors are swung to the
open position, the handles may bear against the body, possibly
causing damage. In addition, the handles are large and heavy, which
makes the handles difficult for an operator to use.
[0006] The present disclosure provides a locking mechanism which
addresses various disadvantages presented by the prior art. Other
features and advantages will become apparent upon a reading of the
attached specification, in combination with a study of the
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention recognizes and addresses
considerations of prior art constructions and methods. One
embodiment of a door for a refrigerated trailer includes a door pan
formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic, the door pan having an
inner surface and an outer surface. A door sheet is formed of
fiberglass reinforced plastic and has an inner surface and an outer
surface. A foamed plastic core is provided between the inner
surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet. A housing is mounted
between the inner surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet and
is substantially encapsulated within the foamed plastic core. An
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism is mounted to the
housing.
[0008] In another embodiment, a refrigerated trailer includes a
body defining an interior cargo compartment, a refrigeration unit
mounted on the body for providing conditioned air to the interior
cargo compartment, and at least one door hingedly mounted to the
body. The at least one door includes a door pan formed of
fiberglass reinforced plastic, the door pan having an inner surface
and an outer surface, a door sheet formed of fiberglass reinforced
plastic having an inner surface and an outer surface, a foamed
plastic core provided between the inner surfaces of the door pan
and the door sheet, a housing mounted between the inner surfaces of
the door pan and the door sheet and substantially encapsulated
within the foamed plastic core, and an automotive-style handle and
locking mechanism mounted to the housing.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method of forming a door for a
refrigerated trailer includes providing a door pan formed of
fiberglass reinforced plastic, providing a door sheet formed of
fiberglass reinforced plastic, attaching the door pan to the door
sheet such that a space is formed therebetween, cutting an access
aperture into the door pan such that the space can be accessed,
inserting a housing through the access aperture in the door pan and
securing the housing to the door sheet, mounting a wire through the
door pan and the housing, injecting foam into the space, thereby
substantially encapsulating the housing within the foam, cutting
aligned holes through the door pan and the housing, cutting an
access aperture through the door sheet, inserting an
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism through the access
aperture in the door sheet, mounting the automotive-style handle
and locking mechanism to the housing and the wire and at least
through the aligned holes, inserting a foam plug through the access
opening in the door pan, and attaching a panel over the access
opening in the door pan.
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerated trailer which
incorporates the features of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a left (or curbside) side elevational view of the
refrigerated trailer;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a right (or street side) elevational view of the
refrigerated trailer;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the components
that form the doors of the refrigerated trailer;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of portions of the door of FIG.
3;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an alternate perspective view of portions of the
door of FIG. 3; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the door along line 7-7
of FIG. 3.
[0019] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent same or
analogous features or elements of the invention according to the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in
different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be
described in detail, a specific embodiment with the understanding
that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification
of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit
the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.
Therefore, unless otherwise noted, features disclosed herein may be
combined together to form additional combinations that were not
otherwise shown for purposes of brevity.
[0021] A refrigerated trailer 20 includes a body 22 generally
formed from a pair of rectangular sidewalls 24, a front wall 26, a
rear frame 28, a wall or door (not shown) supported in the rear
frame 28, a roof or top panel 30, and a floor structure (not
shown). The body 22 defines an interior cargo compartment for
holding and transporting cargo. A refrigeration unit 32 is mounted
in the front wall 26 and provided conditioned air to the interior
cargo compartment. The floor structure may be supported by
conventional axles and wheels or may be supported by a conventional
rear undercarriage assembly and landing gear. The trailer 20 can be
connected to a cab by suitable means, or to a tractor having a cab
(not shown) by conventional means, such as a fifth wheel assembly.
Each of the sidewalls 24, front wall 26, roof 32 and rear
wall/doors includes a foamed plastic core between first and second
skins formed from fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) (this
structure is commonly known in the industry as a composite plate)
as shown in FIG. 7.
[0022] A plurality of doors 34 are provided in the sidewalls 24 as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As discussed, a door(s) (not shown) can
also be provided in the rear of the body 22. Each door 34
(including the rear door(s)) is hingedly mounted to the body 22 by
hinges 36 provided at the top and bottom corners of one side of
each door 34.
[0023] Each door 34 is formed of a foamed plastic core 146 provided
in a space between a door pan 166 and a door sheet 168. The door
34, along with the equipment used to foam each door 34, preferably
contain foam with a foam expansion pressure of 8 PSI. The door pan
166 and the door sheet 168 are formed from fiberglass reinforced
plastic (FRP). Referring additionally to FIGS. 4-6, an
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 is mounted to a
housing 180 which is provided in the space. An example of such an
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 is shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,111,880 which disclosure is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0024] Each door 34 includes the door pan 166, the door sheet 168,
right and left backing channels 170, 172, an inner backing plate
174, an outer backing plate 176, the automotive-style handle and
locking mechanism 152 mounted to the housing 180 and the foamed
plastic core 146. The inner backing plate 174 and the outer backing
plate 176 are assembled together to form a latch housing 180. The
backing channels 170, 172 and the latch housing 180 are mounted
between the door pan 166 and the door sheet 168. The
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 is mounted to the
latch housing 180.
[0025] The door pan 166 is formed of FRP and includes a rectangular
planar base wall 182 and a skirt 184 depending therefrom. The skirt
184 includes a top wall 184a which extends perpendicularly from an
upper edge of the base wall 182, a bottom wall 184b which extends
perpendicularly from a lower edge of the base wall 182, a right
side wall 184c which extends perpendicularly from the right side
edge of the base wall 182, and a left side wall 184d which extends
at an angle relative to the left side edge of the base wall 182.
The base wall 182 and the skirt 184 form a recess 186 into which
the backing channels 170, 172 and the latch housing 180 are
mounted. A lip 188 extends outwardly and generally perpendicularly
from the skirt 184. The lip 188 includes an upper flange 188a which
extends outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the end of the
top wall 184a, a lower flange 188b which extends outwardly and
generally perpendicularly from the end of the bottom wall 184b, a
right side flange 188c which extends outwardly and generally
perpendicularly from the end of the left side wall 184c, and a
right side flange 188d which extends outwardly and generally
perpendicularly from the end of the right side wall 184c.
[0026] The left side wall 184d has an upper section 190a which
extends from the top wall 184a downwardly, a lower section 190b
which extends from the bottom wall 184b upwardly and is planar with
the upper section 190a, and a recessed section 190c provided
between the upper and lower sections 190a, 190b and extends into
the recess 186. The recessed section 190c includes an upper wall
192a which extends generally perpendicular to the upper section
190a and inwardly toward the recess 186, a lower wall 192b which
extend generally perpendicular to the lower section 190b and
inwardly toward the recess 186, and an intermediate wall 192c
extending between the inner ends of the upper and lower walls 192a,
192b and which is parallel to, but offset from, the upper and lower
sections 190a, 190b. A strike hole 194 is provided through the
intermediate wall 190c.
[0027] A wire access hole 196 is provided through the base wall 182
proximate to the top edge thereof. An elongated access aperture 198
is provided through the base wall 182 proximate to, but spaced
from, the recessed section 190c. A shallow depression 200 surrounds
the access aperture 198 and extends into the recess 186. An access
panel 202, formed of FRP, seats within the depression 200 and is
secured by suitable means, such as adhesive, over the elongated
access aperture 198. As a result, a flush inner surface of the door
34 is provided.
[0028] The door sheet 168 is a rectangular planar sheet of FRP
material. The door sheet 168 has an access aperture 204
therethrough which is proximate to one of the sides of the door
sheet 168. The door sheet 168 is shaped to correspond to the outer
perimeter shape of the lip 188 of the door pan 166 such that when
the door sheet 168 is seated on the lip 188, an interior space is
provided. Hinges 36 are mounted on the door sheet 168 on the side
opposite to the access aperture 204 for attaching the door 34 to
the body 22.
[0029] The right backing channel 170 is generally U-shaped and has
a height which is approximately the same as the height of the base
wall 182 of the door pan 166. The backing channel 170 includes a
generally rectangular base wall 170a having a right leg 170b
extending perpendicularly from the right edge thereof and along the
entire height of the base wall 170a, and a left leg 170c extending
perpendicularly from the left edge thereof and along the entire
height of the base wall 170a. The left leg 170c has a width (the
distance the leg extends from the base wall 170a) which is less
than the left leg 170b. The base wall 170a of the backing channel
170 seats against the base wall 182 of the door pan 166 and the
right leg 170b seats against the right side wall 184c of the door
pan 166. The backing channel 170 does not cover the wire access
hole 196.
[0030] The left backing channel 172 is generally U-shaped and has a
height which is approximately the same as the height of the base
wall 182 of the door pan 166. The backing channel 172 includes a
generally rectangular base wall 172a having a right leg 172b
extending perpendicularly from the right edge thereof and along the
entire height of the base wall 172a, an upper left leg 172c
extending perpendicularly from the upper portion of the left edge
of the base wall 172a, and a lower left leg 172d extending
perpendicularly from the lower portion of the left edge of the base
wall 172a. The upper left leg 172c and the lower left leg 172d are
planar and have the same width (the distance the legs extends from
the base wall 170a). The right leg 172 has a width which is less
than the legs 172c, 172d. Each left leg 172c, 172d has a plurality
of spaced-apart apertures provided therethrough. A space 206 is
provided between the lower end of the upper left leg 172c and the
upper end of the lower left leg 172d. A cutout 208 is provided in
the base wall 172a and joins with the space 206. The base wall 172a
seats against the base wall 182 of the door pan 166 and the left
legs 172c, 172d of the backing channel 172 are positioned proximate
to the left side wall 184d of the door pan 166. Since the left side
wall 184d of the skirt 184 is angled, a space is provided between
the left legs 172c, 172d and the left side wall 184d. The
space/cutout 206/208 align with the recessed section 190c of the
left side wall 184d.
[0031] The inner backing plate 174 is formed of FRP and includes a
rectangular base wall 210, a top wall 212a which extends
perpendicularly from an upper edge of the base wall 210, a bottom
wall 212b which extends perpendicularly from a lower edge of the
base wall 210, and a side wall 212c which extends perpendicularly
from a side edge of the base wall 210. A wiring aperture (not
shown) is provided through the inner backing plate 174. A
three-sided flange 214 extends perpendicularly outwardly from the
top, base and bottom walls 212a, 210, 212b. A three-sided flange
216 extends perpendicularly outwardly from the top, side and bottom
walls 212a, 212b, 212c. The outer backing plate 176 is formed of
FRP and has a base wall 218 and a side wall 220 which is
perpendicular to the base wall 218. An access hole 222 is provided
through the side wall 220 and aligns with the strike hole 194. As
best shown in FIG. 5 (in which the inner backing plate 174 is not
shown), a plurality of spaced apart apertures 224, 226, 228 are
provided through the base wall 218. The base wall 218 of the outer
backing plate 176 seats against the three-sided flange 216 of the
inner backing plate 174, and the side wall 220 of the outer backing
plate 176 seats against the three-sided flange 214 of the inner
backing plate 174 to form an enclosure in which at least a portion
of the automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 is seated.
The inner backing plate 174 and the outer backing plate 176 are
suitably secured together, for example by adhesive, to form the
latch housing 180.
[0032] The base wall 210 of the inner backing plate 174 is
proximate to the access opening 198 in the door pan 166. The side
wall 220 of the outer backing plate 176 seats against the legs
172c, 172d of the backing channel 172.
[0033] The automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 is a
standard automotive handle and lock constructed for opening and
closing an automobile side door which is known in the art. The
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 is mounted to the
outer backing 176 and is accessed through access aperture 204 in
the door sheet 168.
[0034] The automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152
includes a handle base 230 seated in aperture 228 and a handle 232
swing ably connected to the handle base 230. The handle 232 has a
horizontally long shape and one end thereof is swingably connected
to the handle base 230. The handle 232 is mounted to the door sheet
168 such that its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the height
of the door 34. The handle 232 is swingable between its initial
position in which an outer surface of the handle 232 lies
substantially flush with the door sheet 168, and its opening
position reached when the handle 232 is pulled away from the door
sheet 168.
[0035] The automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 also
includes known mechanical and electronic assemblies 234 for
interconnecting the handle 232 and the locking assembly on the
trailer when the door 34 is in the closed and locked position. The
mechanical and electronic assemblies 234 preferably includes a
receiver 236 for receiving signals for unlocking/locking the
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 as is known in
the art, a key hole 238 into which a key is inserted for manually
locking/unlocking the door 34, and a linkage 240 (see FIG. 6 which
shows the outer backing plate 176 as transparent so the inner
components can be seen) which extends through the access hole 222
in the outer backing plate 176. The receiver 236 may be wired to
locks in the tractor/cab to receive signals therefrom (which may be
generated by a key fob). The linkage 240 is connected to a rotary
strike 242 that is seated within the recessed portion 190c. This
rotary strike 242 interacts with a corresponding lock (not shown)
on the body 22 to maintain the door 34 in the closed and locked
position as is known in the art. The handle 132 can be easily
grasped by a user and pulled to open the door 34 in the same way
that a car door handle is activated.
[0036] A wire 244 (shown broken in FIGS. 4 and 5) is inserted
through a receptacle in the wire access hole 196 and is in
electrical connection with the automotive-style handle and locking
mechanism 152. The wire 244 provides electrical signals from the
tractor/cab to the automotive-style handle and locking mechanism
152 and supplies power from the power supply in the tractor/cab or
on the trailer to the automotive-style handle and locking mechanism
152.
[0037] Now that the specifics of the door 34 have been described,
the method of forming the door 34 is described.
[0038] The access aperture 198 is cut into the base wall 182 of the
door pan 166. The backing channels 170, 172 are mounted in the
recess 186 of the door pan 166 and are secured thereto by suitable
means, such as adhesive.
[0039] The door pan 166 is attached to the door sheet 168 by
suitable means, for example by adhesive, and clamped in a press.
Thereafter, the door sheet 168 is trimmed to conform to the shape
of the lip 188 on the door pan 166.
[0040] The outer backing plate 176 is attached to the inner backing
plate 174 by suitable means, for example by adhesive, and the latch
housing 180 is formed. The wiring aperture is drilled into the
inner backing plate 174.
[0041] Next, the access aperture 204 is cut into the door sheet
168. The latch housing 180 is inserted through the access aperture
198 in the door pan 166 and using the access aperture 204 in the
door sheet 168, the latch housing 180 is properly positioned within
the recess 186 using an alignment plug (not shown). When properly
positioned, the apertures 224, 226, 228 in the outer backing plate
176 align with the access aperture 204 in the door sheet 168. The
outer backing plate 176 is secured to the door sheet 168 by
suitable means, for example by adhesive.
[0042] The wire access hole 196 is drilled in the base wall 182 of
the door pan 166 and the wiring receptacle is inserted
therethrough. The wire 244 is run into the inner backing plate 174
through the wiring aperture. Thereafter, the wiring aperture in the
inner backing plate 174 is sealed by suitable means by a user
through the access aperture 204. As a result, the enclosure formed
by the latch housing 180 is completely separated from the remainder
of the interior space between the door pan 166 and the door sheet
168.
[0043] A foaming plug (not shown) is then installed in the access
aperture 198 in the door pan 166. Foam is injected into the recess
186 through the foaming plug by suitable known means. The door 34,
along with the door foaming equipment, preferably contains foam
with a foam expansion pressure of 8 PSI. This provides sufficient
structural rigidity to the resulting door 34. As a result, the
latch housing 180 is substantially encapsulated by foam on three
sides. The remaining side of the latch housing 180 abuts against
the FRP door sheet 168.
[0044] Next, the strike hole 194 in the door pan 166 and the access
hole 222 in the outer backing plate 176 are cut by suitable means
and in this process, any foam in this pathway is removed.
[0045] The automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 is
then inserted through the access aperture 204 in the door sheet 168
and is mounted to the inner backing plate 174 by suitable means,
such as adhesive. The automotive-style handle and locking mechanism
152 is connected to wire 244. The linkage 240 is installed through
the aligned holes 194, 222. A rotary strike gasket 246 is installed
into the strike hole 194 and the rotary strike 242 is installed
therein and connected to the linkage 240. The handle 232 and base
230 are mounted through the access aperture 204 in the door sheet
168. A cover plate 250 is secured to the outer surface of the door
sheet 168 to cover the access aperture 204.
[0046] A foam plug 248 is inserted through the access opening 198
to encapsulate the remainder of the automotive-style handle and
locking mechanism 152 on its inner side. The access panel 202 seats
over the access opening 198 and is attached thereto by suitable
means, such as adhesive. Thereafter, the hinges 36 are installed
and the completed door 34 is attached to the body 22.
[0047] The door 34 can be unlock by pressing the "Unlock" button on
the key fob or using the keyed lock 238 on the automotive-style
handle and locking mechanism 152. The handle 232 is pulled to
release the automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 and
thereafter, is used to pull the door 34 open. The door 34 can be
closed by pushing the door 34 closed to engage automotive-style
handle and locking mechanism 152. The door 34 is locked by pressing
the "Lock" button on the key fob or using the keyed lock 238 on the
automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152.
[0048] The doors 34 formed by the present invention can be up to
four, five or six inches thick. This results in a thicker door 34
than prior art trailer doors, which can result in increased
insulating properties.
[0049] The doors 34 are easy to operate and include the
aesthetically appealing automotive-style handle and locking
mechanism 152. The doors 34 provide ergonomics which potentially
result in reduced fatigue and improved efficiencies of delivery
route personnel. The automotive-style handle and locking mechanism
152 is lightweight and has a low profile to improve fuel mileage.
The automotive-style handle and locking mechanism 152 can be
electronically controlled through a key fob. The ease and
convenience of the electronic lock decreases the chance of product
theft.
[0050] While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are
described above, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that various modifications and variations can be made in the
present invention without departing from the scope and spirit
thereof. It is intended that the present invention cover such
modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of
the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *