Stressed-skin cargo carrier

An improved lightweight open dump body of the type supportable near the ends thereof, comprising:

• a transversally stressed, longitudinal body fixedly joined at one end to a first closure member and openably joined at the other end to a second closure member, said body comprising a seamless center panel and a pair of seamless side panels extending substantially the length of said body and supported near their lower edges by a pair of support rails and near their upper edges by a pair of top rails,
• whereby said body adequately supports itself throughout its length without the use of circumferential support members along said body.

In an improved open dump body at least partially circumscribed by a top rail assembly, said assembly comprising an initially unstressed outer rail portion supported by means for receiving an initially tensioned inner rail portion, whereby said rail assembly will bow outwardly upon joinder of said inner and outer rail portions and release of said initial tension.

An improved dump truck of the type supported by a truck frame, comprising:

• a transversally arcuate, longitudinal body fixedly joined at one end to a first closure member and openably joined at the other end to a second closure member, said body comprising a seamless center panel joined to a pair of support rails in turn joined to a pair of seamless side panels extending the length of the body and supported on opposing edges by a pair of top rails, said body being further supported by a pair of bottom rails,
• whereby said body adequately supports itself throughout its length without the use of circumferential support members along said body.