Back to results
US 6,412,854 B2Granted
Composite joint configuration
AssigneeWabash Technology Corporation
InventorRodney P. Ehrlich
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sidewall of a trailer is formed from at least two composite panels joined together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a plastic core sandwiched between the skins. A logistics plate is secured by rivets to the panels for joining them together. The splicing member is eliminated and instead, the outer skin of at least one panel is extended to lie behind the logistics plate. An insert may be used between the skins where the rivets are inserted to substantially prevent compression of the panels.
Claims25
A joint between side panels adapted for use in a sidewall of a trailer body and the like, comprising:
- a first panel having an end, said first panel comprising an inner skin, an outer skin and a core member between said inner skin and said outer skin, said inner skin of said first panel having an inner surface for facing toward an interior of said trailer body and an outer surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said outer skin of said first panel having an inner surface for facing toward the interior of said trailer body and an outer surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said inner skin and said outer skin of said first panel at said end of said first pane L extending beyond an end of said core member of said first panel;
- a second panel having an end, said second panel comprising an inner skin, an outer skin and a core member between said inner skin and said outer skin, said inner skin of said second panel having an inner surface for facing toward the interior of said trailer body and an outer surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said outer skin of said second panel having an inner surface for facing toward the interior of said trailer body and an outer surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said inner skin and said outer skin of said second panel at said end of said second panel extending beyond an end of said core member of said second panel;
- and
- a logistics plate member having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion therebetween, said first end portion being attached to said inner surface of one of said skins of said panels, said second end portion being attached to said inner surface of one of said skins of said panels.
1 more element
A joint between side panels adapted for use in a sidewall of a trailer body and the like, comprising:
- a first panel having an end, said first panel having an inner skin, an outer skin and a core member between said inner skin and said outer skin, said inner skin of said first panel having an inner surface for facing toward an interior of said trailer body and an outer surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said outer skin of said first panel having an inner surface for facing toward the interior of said trailer body and an outer surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said inner skin and said outer skin of said first panel at said end of said first panel extending beyond an end of said core member of said first panel, said outer skin of said first panel at said end of said first panel extending beyond said inner skin of said first panel at said end of said first panel;
- a second panel having an end, said second panel having an inner skin, an outer skin and a core member between said inner skin and said outer skin, said inner skin of said second panel having an inner surface for facing toward the interior of said trailer body and an outer surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said outer skin of said second panel having an inner surface for facing toward the interior of said trailer body and an outer surface for facing away from the interior of said trailer body, said inner skin and said outer skin of said second panel at said end of said second panel extending beyond an end of said core member of said second panel, said outer skin of said first panel lying against said outer skin of said second panel;
- and
- a logistics plate member having first and second end portions, said first end portion being attached to said inner surface of said inner skin of said first panel, said second end portion being attached to said inner surface of said inner skin of said second panel.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.