U.S. patent number RE46,722 [Application Number 14/882,156] was granted by the patent office on 2018-02-20 for system and method for partitioning cargo areas.
This patent grant is currently assigned to FG Products, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is FG Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chad Nelson, Roger Nelson.
United States Patent |
RE46,722 |
Nelson , et al. |
February 20, 2018 |
System and method for partitioning cargo areas
Abstract
An improved bulkhead and partition system in which at least two
panels are independently attached to mounting members such that
each panel can be moved independently. In a preferred embodiment,
two bulkheads or panels are slidably attached to separate pairs of
ceiling-mounted rails in a refrigerated trailer such that each
bulkhead or panel can be independently slid toward the front of a
trailer or toward the rear of a trailer to define, in cooperation
with a removable center partition wall, a plurality of different
cargo areas to be maintained at different temperatures.
Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate
without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed
side-by-side and fastened together to make a full-width
bulkhead.
Inventors: |
Nelson; Roger (Rice Lake,
WI), Nelson; Chad (Rice Lake, WI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FG Products, Inc. |
Rice Lake |
WI |
US |
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Assignee: |
FG Products, Inc. (Rice Lake,
WI)
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Family
ID: |
1000002783112 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/882,156 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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13453378 |
Apr 23, 2012 |
RE46663 |
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13248396 |
Sep 29, 2011 |
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11938124 |
Nov 9, 2007 |
7445412 |
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11693292 |
Mar 29, 2007 |
7338239 |
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11083041 |
Mar 17, 2005 |
7214017 |
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10638268 |
Aug 7, 2003 |
6923610 |
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09909484 |
Jul 20, 2001 |
6626625 |
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60219534 |
Jul 20, 2000 |
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Reissue of: |
12250219 |
Oct 13, 2008 |
7607874 |
Oct 27, 2009 |
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Reissue of: |
12250219 |
Oct 13, 2008 |
7607874 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P
3/205 (20130101); B61D 17/048 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60P
7/14 (20060101); B60P 3/20 (20060101); B61D
17/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;410/121,129-131,135,140
;296/24.4,24.41 ;220/529-531,534,543,544,552 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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298 20 764 |
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Feb 1999 |
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DE |
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2238988 |
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Jun 1991 |
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GB |
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Other References
Advertisement for "Flex-Lite: and Floater II" by F/G Products,
Refrigerated Transporter, Jun. 1996, p. 65. cited by applicant
.
Reexamination No. 95/000,326, Brief of Appellant Randall Mfg, with
addendum, filed Dec. 21, 2012, in Court of Appeals, Docket No.
12-1611, pp. 1-105. cited by applicant .
Trade Literature describing Randall Bulkhead Systems believed to
have been offered for sale prior to Jul. 20, 2001. cited by
applicant .
Trade Literature describing Tempar Bulkhead Systems believed to
have been offered for sale prior to Jul. 20, 2001. cited by
applicant .
Trade Literature describing ROM Bulkhead Systems believed to have
been offered for sale prior to Jul. 20, 2001. cited by applicant
.
Trade Literature describing Bulkhead Seals believed to have been
offered for sale prior to Jul. 20, 2001. cited by applicant .
Trade Literature describing Donovan Bulkhead Systems believed to
have been offered for sale prior to Jul. 20, 2001. cited by
applicant .
Trade Literature describing FG Products Bulkhead Systems believed
to have been offered for sale prior to Jul. 20, 2001. cited by
applicant .
Trade Literature describing ISOWALL Insulation Partition Walls
believed to have been offered for sale prior to Jul. 20, 2001.
cited by applicant .
Trade Literature describing LOAD-LOK Cargo Restraint Systems
believed to have been offered for sale prior to Jul. 20, 2001.
cited by applicant .
Trade Literature describing Schmitz Cargobull Bulkhead Systems
believed to have been offered to sale prior to Jul. 20, 2001. cited
by applicant .
Information Disclosure Statement filed by Third Party Requester,
May 27, 2008, 3 pages (023RX1). cited by applicant .
Advertisement for "Floater II Insulated Bulkhead" by F/G Products,
Refrigerated Transporter, Feb. 1995, p. 57. cited by applicant
.
Advertisement for "The Loadmaker by ROM" Refrigerated Transporter,
Feb. 1987, p. 49. cited by applicant .
Advertisement for "The Loadmaker with DuroSeal Protection"
Refrigerated Transporter, Feb. 1997, p. 21. cited by applicant
.
Advertisement for "The Tough One" by Randall Industries,
Refrigerated Transport, Dec. 1994, p. 25. cited by applicant .
Moveable Bulkheads for Multi-Temperature Service:, Refrigerated
Transport, Nov. 1978, pp. 93-95. cited by applicant .
Tesco Turns Inventory From Vendors to Store Shelves on a 30-Hour
Cycle, Refrigerated Transport Jan. 1997 p. 12-13. cited by
applicant .
Advertisement for "Insulated Products" by Donovan, Refrigerated
Transport, Apr. 1997, p. 27. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Wehner; Cary
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Gardella Grace P.A.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
.Iadd.Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for
the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,874. The reissue application
numbers are: reissue application Ser. No. 13/248,396, divisional
reissue application Ser. No. 13/453,378 and divisional reissue
application Ser. No. 14/882,156 (the present application).
.Iaddend.
This application .Iadd.is a divisional reissue application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/453,378. U.S. application Ser. No.
13/453,378 is a divisional reissue application of U.S. application
Ser. No. 13/248,396, now abandoned. U.S. application Ser. No.
13/248,396 was a reissue application of U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,874,
which issued on Oct. 27, 2009. U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,874 was filed as
U.S. application Ser. No. 12/250,219 on Oct. 13, 2008. U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/250,219 .Iaddend.is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/938,124, filed on Nov. 9, 2007 by Nelson et
al., now U.S. Pat. No. 7,445,412, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/693,292, filed on Mar. 29, 2007 by Nelson
et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,239, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/083,041, filed on Mar. 17, 2005 by
Nelson et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 7,214,017, which is a divisional
of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/638,268, filed on Aug. 7, 2003 by
Nelson et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,610, which is a continuation
of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/909,484, filed on Jul. 20, 2001 by
Nelson et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,625, which claims benefit to
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/219,534, filed on Jul.
20, 2000 by Nelson et al., the complete disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
.[.1. An apparatus for separating spaces in a cargo trailer,
comprising: first and second half-width bulkhead panels that are
mountable in an interior space of the trailer, wherein when the
panels are mounted in the trailer, the first and second half-width
bulkhead panels are releasably securable together in a side-by-side
abutting configuration to form a full-width bulkhead that extends
between opposing sidewalls of the trailer; a plurality of straps
and buckles arranged on rearward faces of the first and second
half-width bulkhead panels so as to releasably secure the first and
second panels together in the side-by-side abutting configuration
when the panels are mounted in the trailer, the plurality of straps
and buckles including at least one upper strap that engages an
upper buckle and at least one lower strap that engages a lower
buckle; and a mounting system to movably support the first and
second half-width bulkhead panels in the trailer, the mounting
system attachable to at least one of a wall or a ceiling of the
trailer, wherein when the panels are mounted in the trailer, the
mounting system provides each of the first and second half-width
bulkhead panels with a first degree of freedom to convey the panels
in a longitudinal direction independently of one another and that
provides each of the first and second panels with a second degree
of freedom to raise the panels independently..].
.[.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the first and second
half-width bulkhead panels are releasably secured together in the
side-by-side abutting configuration, the panels seal together along
adjacent peripheral edges of the panels to define the full-width
bulkhead..].
.[.3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second panels
comprise seal members arranged along the adjacent peripheral edges
so that the first and second panels seal together along the
adjacent peripheral edges when the first and second panels are
releasably secured together in the side-by-side abutting
configuration..].
.[.4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting system permits
the each of the first and second panels to be hingedly raised
independently..].
.[.5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein when the first and second
panels are mounted in the trailer in a first operative position,
the first and second panels extend in a substantially vertical
direction in the trailer..].
.[.6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the panels are mounted
in the trailer in a second operative position, at least one of the
panels is hingedly raised to extend in a substantially non-vertical
direction in the trailer..].
.[.7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting system further
comprises: a first trolley assembly engageable with a first set of
two longitudinal rails mountable in the trailer, wherein the first
panel is attachable to the first set of two longitudinal rails by
the first trolley assembly, a second trolley assembly engageable
with a second set of two longitudinal rails mountable in the
trailer, wherein the second panel is attachable to the second set
of two longitudinal rails by the second trolley assembly, and an
end rail mountable proximate to rear ends of the first and second
sets of longitudinal rails along the ceiling of the trailer to
extend generally laterally between opposing sidewalls of the
trailer..].
.[.8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a first lift
mechanism to raise a lower edge of the first panel toward the
ceiling when the first and second panels are mounted in the
trailer, at least a portion of the first lift mechanism being
mountable to the end rail when the end rail is mounted along the
ceiling of the trailer, the first lift mechanism being engageable
with a first strap or rope that is coupled proximate to the lower
edge of the first panel so as to raise the lower edge of the first
panel when the first strap or rope is manually pulled, and a second
lift mechanism to raise a lower edge of the second panel toward the
ceiling when the first and second panels are mounted in the
trailer, at least a portion of the second lift mechanism being
mountable to the end rail when the end rail is mounted along the
ceiling of the trailer, the second lift mechanism being engageable
with a second strap or rope that is coupled proximate to the lower
edge of the second panel so as to raise the lower edge of the
second panel when the second strap or rope is manually
pulled..].
.[.9. The apparatus of claim 7: wherein the first trolley assembly
comprises two trolleys movably mountable to the first set of two
longitudinal rails, a hinge rod extending between the two trolleys,
and hinge plates that engage the hinge rod and are attachable to
the first panel, and wherein the second trolley assembly comprises
two trolleys movably mountable to the second set of two
longitudinal rails, a hinge rod extending between the two trolleys
of the second trolley assembly, and hinge plates that engage the
hinge rod of the second trolley assembly and are attachable to the
second panel..].
.[.10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first lift
mechanism to raise the first panel to a stowed position proximate
the ceiling when the first and second panels are mounted in the
trailer, the first lift mechanism comprising a movable cam to
engage a first strap or rope coupled to the first panel, and a
second lift mechanism to raise the second panel to a stowed
position proximate the ceiling when the first and second panels are
mounted in the trailer, the second lift mechanism comprising a
movable cam to engage a second strap or rope coupled to the second
panel..].
.[.11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a first safety
restraint attachable between the mounting system and the first
panel to secure the first panel is in its stowed position when the
first and second panels are mounted in the trailer, the first
safety restraint being different from the first lift
mechanism..].
.[.12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first safety
restraint comprises a safety chain mountable to at least one rail
of the mounting system..].
.[.13. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a second
safety restraint attachable between the mounting system and the
second panel to secure the second panel is in its stowed position
when the first and second panels are mounted in the trailer, the
second safety restraint being different from the second lift
mechanism..].
.[.14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second safety
restraint comprises a safety chain mountable to at least one rail
of the mounting system..].
.[.15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the movable cam of the
first lift mechanism is adjustable to lock the first strap or rope
in a fixed position to thereby secure the first panel in its stowed
position when the first and second panels are mounted in the
trailer..].
.[.16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the first and second
half-width bulkhead panels are mounted in the trailer, an upper
edge of the first half-width bulkhead panel is movable forwardly in
the trailer as a lower edge of the first half-width bulkhead panel
is hingedly moved rearwardly in the trailer..].
.[.17. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a first safety
restraint attachable between the mounting system and the first
panel to secure the first panel is in a stowed position proximate
to the end rail when the first and second panels are mounted in the
trailer, the first safety restraint being different from the first
lift mechanism..].
.[.18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first safety
restraint comprises a safety chain mountable to at least one rail
of the mounting system..].
.[.19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a second
safely restraint attachable between the mounting system and the
second panel to secure the second panel is in a stowed position
proximate to the end rail when the first and second panels are
mounted in the trailer, the second safety restraint being different
from the second lift mechanism..].
.[.20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second safety
restraint comprises a safety chain mountable to at least one rail
of the mounting system..].
.Iadd.21. An apparatus for separating spaces in a cargo trailer,
comprising: first and second panels for separating a cargo space,
each of the first and second panels extending in a direction
generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cargo trailer
and being positionable laterally to one another when in a first
operative position inside the cargo space, wherein when the first
and second panels are in the first operative position, the first
and second panels abut one another along adjacent peripheral edges;
means for fastening the first and second panels together when the
first and second panels are in the first operative position; and a
mounting system for mounting the first and second panels, the
mounting system being attached to at least one of a wall or a
ceiling of the cargo space, wherein the mounting system provides
each of the first and second panels with a first degree of freedom
to be moved independently in a longitudinal direction and provides
each of the first and second panels with a second degree of freedom
to be raised independently, the mounting system comprising a first
longitudinal mounting means, a second longitudinal mounting means
parallel to the first longitudinal mounting means, and a
latitudinal mounting means perpendicular and proximate to the first
and second longitudinal mounting means, the latitudinal mounting
means extending substantially across a width the cargo trailer; and
a first lift means to raise a lower edge of the first panel to a
stowed position proximate the ceiling when the first and second
panels are mounted in the trailer, at least a portion of the first
lift means being mounted to the latitudinal mounting means when the
latitudinal mounting means is mounted along the ceiling of the
trailer, and a second lift means to raise a lower edge of the
second panel to a stowed position proximate the ceiling when the
first and second panels are mounted in the cargo trailer, at least
a portion of the second means being mounted to the latitudinal
mounting means when the latitudinal mounting means is mounted along
the ceiling of the cargo trailer. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein: the means for
fastening comprises one or more straps that releasably secure the
first and second panels together in a side-by-side configuration to
provide a full-width bulkhead that extends between opposing
sidewalls of the cargo space; and the first longitudinal mounting
means comprises a first set of two trolleys and two longitudinal
rails to guide movement of the first panel and the second
longitudinal mounting means comprises a second set of two trolleys
and two longitudinal rails to guide movement of the second panel,
wherein the mounting system provides each of the first and second
panels with the second degree of freedom to independently raise
lower edges of the first and second panels into stowed positions
proximate the ceiling of the cargo space. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. An apparatus for separating cargo areas in a trailer,
comprising: first and second panels that are mountable in an
interior space of the trailer, wherein when the first and second
panels are mounted in the trailer, the first and second panels
extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal
axis of the trailer, and when the first and second panels are in a
first operative position, the first and second panels abut one
another along adjacent peripheral edges; means for fastening the
first and second panels together when the first and second panels
are in the first operative position; and a mounting system to
movably support the first and second panels in the trailer, the
mounting system attachable to at least one of a wall or a ceiling
of the trailer, wherein when the panels are mounted in the trailer,
the mounting system provides each of the first and second panels
with a first degree of freedom to convey the panels in a
longitudinal direction independently of one another and that
provides each of the first and second panels with a second degree
of freedom to raise the first and second panels independently, the
mounting system comprising a first set of two longitudinal rails to
guide movement of the first panel, the first set of two
longitudinal rails being mounted to at least one of a first
sidewall or the ceiling of the interior space of the trailer, a
second set of two longitudinal rails to guide movement of the
second panel, the second set of two longitudinal rails being
mounted to at least one of a second sidewall or the ceiling of the
interior space of the trailer, an end rail extending along the
ceiling of the interior space of the trailer and generally
perpendicular to the first and second sets of two longitudinal
rails proximate to rear ends of the first set of two longitudinal
rails and the second set of two longitudinal rails to extend
generally laterally between opposing sidewalls of the interior
space of the trailer, and a first lift device to raise the first
panel into a stowed position proximate the ceiling of the trailer,
at least a portion of the first lift device being mounted to the
end rail; and a second lift device to raise the second panel into a
stowed position proximate the ceiling of the trailer, at least a
portion of the second lift device being mounted to the end rail.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the mounting system
further comprises: a first trolley assembly engageable with the
first set of two longitudinal rails, wherein the first panel is
attachable to the first set of two longitudinal rails by the first
trolley assembly; and a second trolley assembly engageable with the
second set of two longitudinal rails mountable in the trailer,
wherein the second panel is attachable to the second set of two
longitudinal rails by the second trolley assembly. .Iaddend.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to movable partitions and panels,
and, more particularly, to partitions and bulkheads which can be
used to separate or insulate cargo during transportation or
storage. The invention also relates to segregation of cargo into a
plurality of areas that are maintained at different temperatures,
commonly known as multi-temperature transport.
BACKGROUND
Perishable items such as produce and meat are often transported in
refrigerated trailers, railcars, or ocean-going containers that can
be transported on ships, trains or trucks. Such cargo transport
devices are typically equipped with a refrigeration unit which
conditions the air inside the cargo space, thereby maintaining
desired temperatures and humidities during transportation or
storage. Refrigerated trailers, railcars and containers are
typically configured so as to enclose a single, large cargo space.
Their refrigeration units will accordingly maintain the entire
cargo space at the same temperature and humidity unless the cargo
area is somehow divided. However, when the perishable cargo does
not fill the entire trailer, cooling the entire cargo area is
unnecessary and costly. It causes unnecessary strain and wear on
the refrigeration unit, increases fuel consumption, raises
transportation costs, and lengthens the time necessary to cool the
perishable cargo after any temperature aberration.
Movable partitions and bulkheads having a specialized construction
which permits the cargo space of trailers, rail cars, and
containers to be readily divided into sections of varying sizes are
known. Such bulkheads and partitions have been widely used to
separate cargo areas for multi-temperature transport. The structure
and configuration of partition and bulkhead systems differ somewhat
depending on whether they are being deployed in a trailer, railcar,
or container. Partitions currently used in refrigerated truck
trailers typically extend from floor to ceiling and are generally
comprised of modular wall sections. The modular sections are often
mounted in channels or grooves on the trailer floor, held in place
by friction, or otherwise mechanically fastened in place so as to
compartmentalize trailers and truck bodies for multi-temperature
food distribution. The panels are used to divide the trailer or
body both longitudinally, along the long axis of the trailer, and
laterally, across the width of the trailer. Some partition systems
include panels that can be readily removed and placed along the
sidewall of the trailer when not in use.
Insulated bulkheads are panels that extend across the width of a
trailer to form separate fore and aft cargo areas. Like partitions,
insulated bulkheads allow a refrigerated hauler to carry two or
more loads at different temperatures within the same trailer or
cargo container. For instance, bulkheads may be used to separate
fresh food products from frozen or dry goods. Bulkheads are
optionally equipped with walk-through doors similar to those used
in partitions to permit ingress to and egress from each conditioned
cargo area. Due to the functional similarities between bulkheads
and panels, the latter are sometimes referred to as bulkheads.
SUMMARY
The present invention includes an improved partition system in
which at least two panels are independently attached to one or more
mounting assemblies such that each panel can be moved
independently. In a preferred embodiment, two bulkheads or panels
are slidably attached to separate pairs of ceiling-mounted rails in
a refrigerated trailer such that each bulkhead or panel can be
independently slid toward the front of a trailer or toward the rear
of a trailer to define, in cooperation with a removable center
partition wall, a plurality of different cargo areas to be
maintained at different temperatures. In another preferred
embodiment, two panels in the form of half-width bulkheads are
releasably secured to one another and independently, slidably
attached to ceiling of the trailer such that each half-width
bulkhead can be independently raised and lowered with a minimum of
fore and aft clearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trailer containing center
partition panels extending along the long axis of the trailer, two
horizontal panels, and a rail and trolley system for moving the
horizontal panel in the axial direction;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of rail system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rail system, trolley assembly
slideably attached to the rail system, and a panel hingedly
attached to the rail system;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rail systems, trolley assembly,
and panel after the panel has been raised into a stowed position by
a lift mechanism; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lift mechanism.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of two panels placed side-by-side to
make a full-width bulkhead.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the panel shown in FIG. 6 being
raised and moved independently.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings
indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, the trailer 10 encloses a cargo space. The
cargo space is separated into a plurality of zones or areas 12, 14
that can optionally be maintained at different temperatures. Center
partition panels 16 extend along the long axis of the trailer and
separate the trailer into a left zone 12 and a right zone 14. The
partition panels 16 can have various interfitting modular
constructions, as is known in the art. Lateral panels 18, 20 extend
laterally from the center partitions 16 to the left and right
trailer walls. The right panel 20 is mounted forward of the left
panel 18, thereby decreasing the volume of the right zone 14
relative to the left zone 12. Accordingly, the volume of air in the
right zone 14 that must be temperature controlled is minimized,
which in turn maximizes efficiency and reduces strain on the
temperature control system.
The panels 18, 20 are slidably attached to the rails 22, 23 with a
trolley assembly 24. The panels are hingedly attached to trolley
assembly 24, and the trolley assemblies are slidably attached to
the rails 22, 23. The trolley assemblies permit the panels 18, 20
to be moved in the fore and aft direction and to be "raised" like
garage doors and secured to the ceiling when not in use, as shown
in FIG. 4 and described in more detail below.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the panel, trolley
assembly, and rail system can be implemented in a wide variety of
configurations. For instance, the rails may be advantageously
installed on the side walls of the trailer, thereby enabling the
panels 18, 20 to open like a standard household door. The mounting
assembly is preferably a trolley assembly, but may optionally be
replaced with any mechanism that permits rotational, slideable, or
hinged movement between the rails and the bulkhead. It is not
necessary that the trolley or other mounting assembly permit
continuous slidable movement of the bulkhead relative to the rails.
Similarly, the rails may be replaced with other receiving members
that cooperate with the selected mounting means. It is not
necessary that the receiving means be unitary, continuous, or
disposed along the long axis of the trailer. For instance, the
receiving means can be a series of individual receptacles disposed
along the ceiling of the trailer.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rail assembly shown in FIG. 1. In the
depicted embodiment, the receiving members comprise longitudinal
rails 22, 23 having an internal channel adapted to receive a
slidable member, preferably a roller. End rails 26 provide a mount
for the ends of the longitudinal rails 22, 23 and also function as
a trolley stop. Fixed to the end rails 26 are lift mechanisms 28
and safety chains 30, the functionality of which is described
below. Mounting flanges 31 permit the rails to be fastened to the
trailer walls or ceiling with standard fasteners.
Here again, various modifications can be readily made without
departing from the invention. For instance, end rails 26 can be
replaced with end caps or can be omitted entirely. The end rails 26
can also be advantageously replaced with half-width movable rails
that span and slidably engage the two longitudinal rails on the
left 22 and the two longitudinal rails on the right 23,
respectively. Each moveable rail can be fitted with lift mechanisms
28 and safety chains 30 such that each moveable rail can be slid
into position relative to each panel before each is lifted into an
inoperative or stowed position. Additional longitudinal rails 22,
23 can be added to accommodate additional panels or panels of
different widths.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the panels 18, 20, the trolley
assembly 24, and the rails 22, 23. The trolley assembly consists of
hinge plates 36 that are fixedly secured to the panels 18, 20, a
hinge rod 32, and trolleys 34. The trolleys 34 serve to suspend the
panel from the rails 22. Trolleys 34 include rollers 35 which
permit the bulkhead to be slid into a desired longitudinal
position, as shown in FIG. 1. The hinge mechanism 32, 36 permits
the panel to rotate about the hinge rod 32, as shown in FIG. 4.
The panel is moved from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the
position shown in FIG. 4 by lifting the bottom of the panel 18 up
and to the rear of the trailer. The panel 18 is moved fore or aft,
as needed, to position the base of the panel 18 proximate to the
strap 38 having a hook 40. The hook 40 is secured to the base 42 of
panel 18, preferably by attachment to a cooperating receptacle. The
strap 38 is pulled downward to raise the base 42 of the panel to
the ceiling of the trailer. The chains 30 can be attached to the
base 42 of the panel 18 to safeguard against unintended release of
the panel 18 from the stowed position.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the assemblies may be advantageously
modified to provide additional or different functionalities. The
trolley assembly .[.32, 34, 36.]. .Iadd.24 .Iaddend.can optionally
be replaced with any known mounting mechanism that cooperates with
the rails. The mounting means may comprise a post or flange
integrally molded into the panel 18 and adapted to be received into
the rails 22. As further examples, the mounting means may include
i) a flat slidable member that engages an interior surface of the
rail member and is hingedly attached to the bulkhead, ii) an
integral, one piece, arcuate tab attached to the top of the
bulkhead that can be inserted into one of a plurality of
longitudinally arranged receiving means at a predetermined angle
such that the tab locks the bulkhead into place as the bulkhead is
lowered into a vertical position, iii) a hinge member that
releasably locks into one of a plurality of longitudinally disposed
receiving means, or iv) any other known mounting mechanism suitable
for such mechanical attachment. Likewise, rails 22, 23 can be
replaced with other mechanisms that cooperate with the selected
mounting mechanism. For example, the rails 22, 23 may be replaced
with a continuous rail having a plurality of axially disposed
apertures for receiving cooperatively configured mounting means or
a series of independently mounted receiving members for receiving
cooperatively configured mounting means. As noted above, the rail
members can optionally be mounted on a vertical surface, such as a
trailer wall. Mounting members can thus be selected to enable the
bulkheads to swing open like a door, slide in the axial direction
in which the rail members are mounted, or be readily removed and
reinstalled in another set of receiving members. The foregoing
modifications are illustrative only and are not intended to
comprise a comprehensive list of all modifications that can be made
to the instant apparatus without departing from the invention.
FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the strap 38 and cooperating locking
mechanism shown in FIG. 4. The strap 38 is positioned over guide
pins 44, 46. Flange 48 is rigidly attached to cam 50. In use, the
left portion 52 of the strap 38 is attached to the base 42 of the
panel 18 either directly or through a suitable cooperating
attachment means such as a hook and a mateable receptacle. The
right portion 54 of the strap 38 is pulled downward until the panel
18 is in the desired stowage position. Then the flange 48 is forced
upward by action of a spring (not shown), thereby forcing cam 50
against strap 38 and locking the strap in place. To lower the
bulkhead 18, the right portion 54 of the strap 38 is pulled
downward, which in turn forces flange 48 downward to the depicted,
open position. The strap is then free to travel over guide pins 44,
46 as long as the right portion of the strap is maintained in the
depicted, vertical position in substantial tension, which holds
flange 48 in the open position. When the end of the strap portion
54 is raised upwards and to the rear of the trailer, spring force
causes the flange and cam assembly to rotate counterclockwise,
causing the cam 50 to lock the strap 38 in place. Accordingly, the
base 42 of the bulkhead 18 is lowered toward the floor of the
trailer by holding the strap portion 54 in a vertical position as
the strap is pulled over pins 44, 46 by the weight of the
bulkhead.
The panels 18 and 20 may be advantageously used without center
partition panels 16, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The panels 18 and 20
may be placed side-by-side and fastened together to make a
full-width bulkhead. The panels 18 and 20 may be secured relative
to one another with a variety of known means. In this
implementation, the panels 18 and 20 are secured by straps 62, 64,
66, and 68, and buckles 70 and 72. Alternatively, the panels can be
secured with cooperating channels, grooves, flanges, polymeric
seals, locking pins, or the like. The panels 18 and 20 may also be
equipped with coated nylon seals 74 along the peripheral edges to
enhance the seal between the panels 18 and 20 when fastened
together.
FIG. 7 illustrates how a user can advantageously separate the
panels 18 and 20 by releasing straps 66 and 68 from buckles 70 and
72. The top one of either panel 18 or 20 can be slid forward as the
bottom is raised rearwardly (indicated by the arrows) permitting
the panel to be lifted and stowed even when pallets and cargo are
stacked close to the panel.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
additional modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments
are within the scope of the following claims.
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