U.S. patent application number 15/229263 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-08 for quick-install van.
This patent application is currently assigned to CIMC Vehicles Group Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is CIMC Vehicles Group Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Xiaoming Su, Xiaoyi Wang, Renyong Xu, Yan Xu, Jianguo Zhang.
Application Number | 20180037404 15/229263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61071393 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180037404 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Xiaoyi ; et
al. |
February 8, 2018 |
Quick-Install Van
Abstract
Presented is an improved cargo trailer and refrigerated trailer
construction that in addition to providing an aerodynamic trailer
also provides for a system that may be quickly assembled. The
quick-install trailer includes six rigid frames including a roof
frame, a floor frame, a front and rear frame, and two side frames.
The frames interconnect with each other and provide support for the
sidewalls that may be insulated. Rivets or self-tapping screws may
be used to secure the various components together.
Inventors: |
Wang; Xiaoyi; (Qingdao,
CN) ; Xu; Renyong; (Qingdao, CN) ; Zhang;
Jianguo; (Qingdao, CN) ; Xu; Yan; (Qingdao,
CN) ; Su; Xiaoming; (Qingdao, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CIMC Vehicles Group Co., Ltd. |
Qingdao |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
CIMC Vehicles Group Co.,
Ltd.
Qingdao
CN
|
Family ID: |
61071393 |
Appl. No.: |
15/229263 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 33/046 20130101;
B60P 3/20 20130101; B62D 33/048 20130101; B65D 90/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/12 20060101
B65D088/12; B65D 88/74 20060101 B65D088/74; B65D 90/00 20060101
B65D090/00 |
Claims
1. A quick-assemble cargo container with an exterior and an
interior space, the cargo container comprising: a sidewall panel
bounded by a front frame post, a rear frame post, and a top rail
post extending between the front frame post and the rear frame
post; each of the posts including a first span defining a uniform
cross section, the uniform cross section having: a middle wall
extending from the exterior to the interior space, a first tongue
bite portion and a second tongue bite portions, the tongue bite
portions flanking the middle wall; an exterior wall extending from
the first tongue bite portion perpendicularly to the middle wall,
and an interior wall extending from the second tongue bite portion
obliquely to both the middle wall and the exterior wall.
2. The cargo container of claim 1, wherein interior wall of the
front frame post includes a screw aperture.
3. The cargo container of claim 1, wherein the uniform cross
section includes a receiving wall extending parallel to the middle
wall, the receiving wall and middle wall forming a pocket adapted
to receive a flange from an interior decorative plate.
4. The cargo container of claim 1, wherein the uniform cross
section includes a receiving wall extending parallel to the middle
wall, a junction wall extending parallel to the exterior wall and
connecting the receiving wall to the middle wall, the first tongue
bite portion defined by the junction wall, the receiving wall, and
the exterior wall.
5. The cargo container of claim 4, wherein the uniform cross
section includes a first securing wall and a second securing wall,
the securing walls extending parallel to the exterior wall and from
the middle wall; the second tongue bite portion defined by the
first securing wall, the second securing wall, and the middle
wall.
6. The cargo container of claim 5, wherein uniform cross section
includes the second securing wall connecting the middle wall to the
interior wall.
7. The cargo container of claim 1, further comprising each of the
posts including a second span further defining the uniform cross
section, the uniform cross section including a center wall of the
second span extending parallel to the middle wall of the first
span, the center wall flanked by a first flange and a second
flange, the first flange secured in the first tongue bite portion,
and the second flange secured in the second tongue bite
portion.
8. The cargo container of claim 7, further comprising the uniform
form cross section including a sealing strip adjacent to the first
flange.
9. The cargo container of claim 7, further comprising the uniform
cross section including an angled wall of the second span extending
away from the second flange adjacent to the interior wall.
10. The cargo container of claim 10, further comprising the
interior wall including a first screw aperture aligned with the a
second screw aperture of the angled wall.
11. A corner of sidewall for a quick-assemble container with an
interior, the corner comprising: a first panel oriented
perpendicular to a second panel; a first post directly connected
both the first panel and a second post; the second post directly
connected to the second panel; the first post having a first
exterior wall adjacent to an exterior side of the first panel, a
first interior wall originating proximate to and extend away from
an interior side of the first panel, a first end wall extending
between the first exterior wall and first interior wall, and a
first tongue bite portion adjacent the first end wall; the second
post having a second exterior wall extending from the first panel
to the second panel, a first portion of the second exterior wall
coplanar with the first exterior wall, a second interior wall
parallel and adjacent to the first interior wall, a second end wall
extending between the second exterior wall and the second interior
wall, and a second tongue bite portion adjacent to the second end
wall and interlocking with the first tongue bite portion.
12. The corner of claim 11, wherein the first panel is a side panel
and the second panel is a front panel.
13. The corner of claim 11, wherein the first panel is a side panel
and the second panel is a roof panel.
14. The corner of claim 11, further comprising a fastener extending
through both the first interior wall and the second interior wall,
and a sealing strip located adjacent to both the first tongue bite
portion and the second tongue bite portion and located between the
first end wall and the second end wall.
15. The corner of claim 11, wherein the first post includes a third
tongue bite portion adjacent the first end wall and distant from
the first tongue bite portion, the second post includes a fourth
tongue bite portion adjacent to the second end wall, and the third
tongue bite portion interlocks with the fourth tongue bite
portion.
16. The corner of claim 11, further comprising an interior plate
with a flange, and wherein the first post includes a third end wall
spaced apart and parallel the first end wall, the first end wall
and third end wall forming a pocket, the flange of the interior
plate secured within the pocket.
17. The corner of claim 11, wherein the second exterior wall is
convex, and a portion of the second interior wall is coplanar with
the first exterior wall.
18. The corner of claim 11, wherein both the first exterior wall
and the second exterior wall include portions adjacent to the first
tongue bite portion, and both the first interior wall and the
second interior wall include portions adjacent to the third tongue
bit portion.
19. The corner of claim 11, wherein the first post includes a
junction wall extending perpendicular to the first end wall, a
third end wall extending from the junction wall parallel to the
first end wall between the first panel and the first end wall.
20. The corner of claim 19, wherein the junction wall, the third
end wall, and the first exterior wall form the first tongue bite
portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to insulated and dry
goods trailers that can be quickly assembled and that also allow
for damaged portions of the trailers to be quickly replaced with
standardized components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Temporary structures such as tents, camping trailers, and
canopies often have features that allow for their rapid assembly or
deployment, however more permanent and robust structures such as a
houses and cargo trailers typically lack features that allow for
simplified and quick construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides an improved cargo trailer and
refrigerated trailer construction that in addition to providing an
aerodynamic trailer also provides for a system that may be quickly
assembled. The quick-install trailer includes six rigid frames
including a roof frame, a floor frame, a front and rear frame, and
two side frames. The frames interconnect with each other and
provide support for the sidewalls that may be insulated. Rivets or
self-tapping screws may be used to secure the various components
together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 shows perspective view of the six frames of the
quick-install trailer.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows an upper vertical sectional view along the
length of the quick-install trailer.
[0006] FIG. 3 shows a lower vertical sectional view along the
length of the quick-install trailer.
[0007] FIG. 4 shows an upper vertical sectional view along the
width of the quick-install trailer.
[0008] FIG. 5 shows a lower vertical sectional view along the width
of the quick-install trailer.
[0009] FIG. 6 shows a lower lengthwise horizontal section through
the forward portion of an aerodynamic quick install trailer.
[0010] FIG. 7 shows a lower lengthwise horizontal section through
the rear portion of an aerodynamic quick install trailer.
[0011] FIG. 8 shows an upper lengthwise vertical section through
the front portion of an aerodynamic quick install trailer.
[0012] FIG. 9 shows a top plan sectional view through a front
corner of an aerodynamic quick-install trailer.
[0013] FIG. 10 shows a lengthwise vertical section through an
insulated and aerodynamic quick-install trailer.
[0014] FIG. 11 shows a widthwise vertical section through an
insulated and aerodynamic quick-install trailer.
[0015] FIG. 12 shows a lengthwise horizontal section through an
insulated and aerodynamic quick-install trailer.
[0016] FIG. 13 is an exploded view lengthwise vertical view of the
front portion an aerodynamic quick-install trailer.
[0017] FIG. 14 is an isolated view of the posts of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The present invention may be used with any type of cargo
container that experiences drag and is particularly suited for
containers that travel at high speeds and are frequently loaded and
unloaded. However, for descriptive purposes the present invention
will be described in use with over-the-road trailers.
[0019] FIG. 1 show the frames of the of the quick-install trailer.
The front frame 1 is constructed from a top horizontal piece and a
bottom horizontal piece connected together by two vertical
portions. In one embodiment, the two horizontal pieces are
interchangeable with each other such that the top horizontal piece
may be used as the bottom horizontal piece. By allowing the frame
piece to be installed in two possible configurations, the assembly
process may be simplified. The roof frame 2 is configured to be
secured to the front wall 1, the right side wall 3, the left side
wall 4, and the rear frame 6. The left and right side walls (3 and
4) are identical to each other in one embodiment of the invention
such that a single design of a piece may be used for both the left
and right side walls. By using interchangeable components, the
impact of damaged or miss formed components on the
assembly/construction process is minimized. The floor 5 is bounded
by the side walls (3 and 4) along with the front wall 1 and the
rear frame 6. The rear frame 6 may include additional features such
as reinforcements for door attachments (on the sides for swinging
doors or the top for a roll up door), and the rear frame may also
include structures for lights or attachment points for a rear
underride guard.
[0020] FIGS. 2 and 3 show upper and lower vertical sectional views,
respectively, along the length of the quick-install trailer. The
lower front portion of the quick install trailer includes a front
bottom rail cover plate 11 that is configured to be secured to the
front bottom rail 12. In the illustrated example, the front bottom
rail cover plate 11 includes an upper connector, a middle
connector, and a lower connector that are adapted to interact and
be secured to the front bottom rail 12. As seen in FIG. 3, the
front bottom rail 12 includes complimentary features to the
connectors of the front bottom rail cover plate. The front bottom
rail 12 is generally T-shaped with additional flange on the forward
most portion of the front bottom 12 that is adapted to connect to
the front wall honeycomb panel 15. In one embodiment, the front
bottom rail 12 is constructed from a highly resilient material such
as metal while the front bottom rail cover plate 11 is constructed
from a lightweight, but less resilient, material such as
plastic.
[0021] In addition to the front bottom rail 12 connecting to the
front wall honeycomb panel 15 the front top rail 13 secures the top
of the panel 15. The front top rail 13 is secured to an exterior
portion and top of the front wall honeycomb panel 15 while a
decorative plate 14 of the top rail is secured to the interior of
the panel 15. The decorative plate includes forward extending
flange that is adapted to be secured into a pocket of the front top
rail 13 that is located above the panel 15. The decorative plate 14
and the front top rail 13 cooperate to form a smooth, snag free
surface from the roof 2 of the trailer to the panel 15. The front
top rail 13 also cooperates with the roof front rail 21 to form a
substantially smooth and aerodynamic exterior surface between the
panel 15 and the roof 2.
[0022] A sealing strip 22 is utilized between the roof front rail
21 and the front top rail 13 to seal the interior of the cargo
container. The sealing strip 22 is located on the leading edge of
the cargo container and is expected to be subjected to a
substantial amount of liquid in the form of rain, snow, and road
spray so the sealing strip is preferably constructed of a material
that will not rust, rot, or corrode when exposed to water, salt, or
other chemicals commonly applied to road surfaces. Located near the
sealing strip 22 in FIG. 2 is the "tongue bite" section of the
front rail 21 and front top rail 13. A small flange from the front
rail 21 is inserted into and tightly fits into a groove on the top
rail 13.
[0023] On the rear of the trailer connected to the roof 2 is a rear
gutter header 61 that is located about the rear door sill 62. The
rear door sill 62 is preferably constructed of a highly resilient
material that is capable of supporting machinery or vehicles that
may be used in the loading and unloading of the cargo container.
The front cross member 71 of the floor is secured to the front
bottom rail 12 with self-tapping screws. Self-tapping screws 81 are
also used to secure the front top rail 13 to the roof front rail 21
and rear gutter header 61 to the roof 2. While the self-tapping
screws 81 are used to secure the inside portions of the container,
the "tongue bite" features act to secure the exterior portions
without exteriorly visible fasteners.
[0024] FIGS. 4 and 5 show upper and lower, respectively, vertical
sectional views along the width of the quick-install trailer. The
overall structure of the sidewalls shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is
substantially similar to the front wall structures shown in FIGS. 2
and 3. By utilizing substantially similar shapes and designs, the
installation/assembly process is simplified and errors or defects
in the manufacturing process are more likely to be noticed and
corrected. Similar materials may be used with both the front wall
constructions and the side walls. Similar to the front bottom rail
12 and front bottom rail cover plate 11, the sidewall construction
includes a bottom side rail cover 41 and a bottom side rail 42. The
structures of FIGS. 4 and 5 also use the "tongue bite" structure to
secure the exterior edges of container without exteriorly visible
fasteners. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the bottom
rails (12 and 42) are formed of extruded metal and are extruded
from the same die but cut to different lengths. By utilizing the
same tooling for multiple disparate components of the cargo
container, the manufacturing process is simplified and the total
cost of producing the cargo container is reduced.
[0025] Like the front top rail 13, decorative plate 14, and roof
front rail 21, the side wall construction includes a top side rail
43, a decorative plate 44 of the top side rail, and a roof side
rail 23. A sealing strip 22 is also used between the roof side rail
23 and the top side rail 43. The sidewall construction includes a
decorative floor plate 52 that overlaps a portion of the floor 51
and interlocks with a scuff plate that protects the lower section
of the honeycomb panel 45. Resilient floor cross members 72 are
secured to the bottom side rail 42 with self-tapping screws 81. In
one embodiment, the cross members 72 are I-beams with end flanges
secured to the side bottom rail 42.
[0026] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a horizontal sectional view of front and
side walls. The construction of the vertical posts that connect the
floor to the roof is substantially similar to the side rails shown
in FIGS. 2 through 5. By standardizing components, the amount of
tooling needed to produce the cargo containers is reduced and the
assembly process of creating the containers is also simplified. In
one embodiment, the cross section of items 17, 21 and 23 are
identical, and the cross section of items 46, 43, and 13 are also
identical. In the rear of the trailer, the rear post sectional
material 46 is secured to the rearmost portion of the honeycomb
panel 45. A left corner post 63 has a portion with a cross section
substantially similar to that of items 17, 21, and 23 and is
adapted to be secured to the rear post sectional material 46. The
corner post 63 of the rear frame is constructed of resilient
materials and may include apertures adapted to receive connectors
used to secured doors onto the corner post 63. Similar to the
previously described figures, self-tapping screws 81 are used to
connect many of the pieces of the quick-install cargo
container.
[0027] FIGS. 8 and 9 show vertical and horizontal cross sections,
respectively, of the forward portions of a second embodiment of the
quick-install trailer. In the alternate embodiment, rivets 100 are
utilized instead of self-tapping screws to secure the various
components together. In other embodiments, adhesive glues or spot
welding is used to secure the components together. The rails/posts
105 of the alternate embodiment include a curved exterior shape
that provides the trailer with an aerodynamic profile while the
interior has corner cutout section that acts to maximize the
interior space of the cargo container and better accommodate
rectangular containers. As in the previous embodiment, the side
wall section/top front rail (110 in FIGS. 8 and 9) is configured to
interlock with the rails posts 105 and with a sealing strip 115
structured to provide a weathertight seal.
[0028] FIGS. 10 through 13 illustrate a third embodiment of the
invention with posts and rails that accommodate substantially
thicker panels used in refrigerated trailers. The bottom rail cover
plate 211 and front bottom rail 212 are substantially similar to
the cover plate 11 and bottom rail disclosed in relation to FIGS.
2-5. The bottom rail 212 is secured to a cross member 219 via bolts
or nuts 220. The front top rail 213 of FIGS. 10-13 has the same
exterior shape as the roof front rail 21 of FIGS. 2-5, but lacks
the interior side in order to accommodate a thick insulating front
panel 215. A fixed front top cover 214 acts to join the insulating
front panel 215 with the roof panel 223. Rivets 221 are used to
secure the top cover 214 to the panels (215, 223). A scuff 224 is
also secured to the insulating front panel 215 and the floor foam
board 225. Below the floor foam board 225 is an additional
insulating panel. As best seen in FIG. 12, the front side rail 234
includes a catch section that is adapted to receive a sunk portion
of the front wall side rail 233. The complimentary portions help
secure the front side rail 234 to the front wall side rail 233.
Additionally, a rivet 221 is used to mechanically fasten the two
rails together. As shown in the figures, the rivet is sized so that
it is flush with, or sunk into, the forward surface formed by the
exteriors of the front side rail 234 and front wall side rail 233.
Items 230 and 231 along with 213 and 216 have structures and
features similar to those described in regards to FIG. 12.
[0029] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view lengthwise vertical view of
the front portion an aerodynamic quick-install trailer. Adhesive
(237 and 238) is used to help secure the front wall foam cover 215
to the front bottom rail 212, the scuff 224, the front top rail 213
and the front top cover 214. While mechanical fasteners are only
minimally utilized on the exterior of the trailer to help the
trailer maintain its refined appearance, rivets 221 may be used on
the interior of container to provide a mechanical connection
between the scuff 224 and front top cover 214.
[0030] FIG. 14 shows the posts of FIG. 6 in greater detail. The
first post 300 includes a middle wall 305 extending from the
exterior space 310 to the interior space. Flanking the middle wall
305 are a first tongue bite portion 320 and a second tongue bite
portion 325. Extending, from the first tongue bite portion 320 is
an exterior wall 330 that is perpendicular to the middle wall 305.
An interior wall 335 extends from the second tongue bite portion
325 obliquely (or not perpendicularly) to both the middle wall 305
and the exterior wall 330. The interior wall 335 includes a screw
aperture through which a screw 340 may be inserted. The first post
300 also includes a receiving wall 345 extending parallel to the
middle wall 305. The middle wall 305 and the receiving wall 345
forming a pocket 350 that receives a flange 355 of an interior
decorative plate 360. A junction wall 365 extends between the
middle wall 305 and the receiving wall 345 further defining the
pocket 350. The first tongue bite portion 320 is defined by the
junction wall 365, the receiving wall 345, and the exterior wall
330. Extending from the middle wall 305 parallel to the exterior
wall 330 are a first securing wall 370 and a second securing wall
375. The middle wall 305, the first securing wall 370, and the
second securing wall 375 form the second tongue bite portion 325.
The second securing wall 375 connects the interior wall 335 to the
middle wall 305. The second post 380 (or span) has a center wall
385 flanked by a first flange 390 and a second flange 395. The
first flange 390 is secured in the first tongue bite portion 320
while the second flange 395 is secured in the second tongue bite
portion 325. A sealing strip 400 is adjacent to the first flange
390. The second post 380 also includes an angled wall 405 extending
away from the second flange 395 parallel and adjacent to the
interior wall 335. The angled wall 405 also has an aperture for the
screw 340 or fastener. The second post 380 has a convex exterior
wall 410 that extends between the first panel and the second panel.
A portion of the convex exterior wall 410 is coplanar with the
exterior wall 330 to form an aerodynamic connection.
[0031] It should be understood that the programs, processes,
methods and system described herein are not related or limited to
any particular type components unless indicated otherwise. Various
combinations of general purpose, specialized or equivalent
components may be used with or perform operations in accordance
with the teachings described herein. In view of the wide variety of
embodiments to which the principles of the present invention can be
applied, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments
are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope
of the present invention. For example, more, fewer or equivalent
elements may be used in the embodiments.
* * * * *