Smooth side body structure and method

• US 20080122254A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 05/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: EAST Manufacturing Corporation
• Original Assignee: EAST Manufacturing Corporation
• Inventors: Booher, Howard
• Granted Patent: US 7,950,722 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/186.1
• CPC Class Codes: B21C 23/145 Interlocking profiles
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 29/008 predominantly of light alloys, e.g. extruded
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/023 Sideboard or tailgate structures vehicle side panels in general B62D25/02
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/04 Enclosed load compartments ; Frameworks for movable panels, tarpaulins or side curtains side curtains per se B60J5/065; tarpaulins per se B60J7/00, B60P7/04
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/044 built up with profiles of constant elongated shape, e.g. extruded, mechanically interconnected by coupling members, e.g. by clamping, riveting or bolting
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/046 built up with flat self-supporting panels; Fixed connections between panels B62D29/045, B62D33/048 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/08 Interconnections of wall parts; Sealing means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A method for constructing a wall structure for a bulk commodity carrying truck body or trailer is defined. The method includes arranging a plurality extruded aluminum panels to define a wall structure, wherein each of the plurality of panels includes a flat inner wall, an outer wall spaced-apart from the inner wall, and first and second end walls that extend between and interconnect the inner and outer walls. The arranging step includes locating the panels in a series with first and second end walls of adjacent panels abutted with each other and defining a seam. The method further includes fixedly securing the adjacent panels together by welding the seam and arranging the wall structure as part of the bulk commodity carrying truck body or trailer with each seam extending vertically. A wall structure and panel for same are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a wall structure for a bulk commodity carrying truck body or trailer, said method comprising:

arranging a plurality extruded aluminum panels to define a wall structure, wherein each of said plurality of panels comprises a flat inner wall, an outer wall spaced-apart from said inner wall, and first and second end walls that extend between and interconnect the inner and outer walls, said arranging step comprising locating the panels in a series with first and second end walls of adjacent panels abutted with each other and defining a seam, said method further comprising fixedly securing said adjacent panels together by welding along said seam where said first and second end walls are abutted; and

,

arranging said wall structure as part of the bulk commodity carrying truck body or trailer with each of said seams extending vertically.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first and second end walls of each panel comprise respective first and second flat wall sections that are abutted when said adjacent panels are abutted.

3. The method as set forth in claim 2, wherein one of said first and second end walls comprises a projecting flange and the other of said first and second end walls comprises a groove adapted to receive said projecting flange of said adjacent panel when the first and second flat wall sections are abutted.

4. The method as set forth in claim 3, wherein the flange and groove are offset relative to a midpoint between said inner and outer walls such that said first and second flat wall sections can only be abutted when the flat inner walls of the adjacent panels are oriented in a common direction

5. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said first and second end walls comprises a projecting flange and the other of said first and second end walls comprises a groove adapted to receive said projecting flange of said adjacent panel.

6. The method as set forth in claim 5, wherein the flange and groove are offset relative to a midpoint between said inner and outer walls such that said first and second end walls of the adjacent panels can only be abutted when their flat inner walls are oriented in a common direction.

7. The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein said flat inner wall and said outer wall are different thicknesses, and wherein said arranging step comprises locating the panels so that the inner walls and outer walls define respective inner and outer faces of the wall structure.

8. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said flat inner wall and said outer wall are different thicknesses, and wherein said arranging step comprises locating the panels so that the inner walls and outer walls define respective inner and outer faces of the wall structure.

9. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said step of welding comprises welding along the seam defined between the abutted first and second end walls to connect the flat inner walls of the adjacent panels.

10. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising welding one-piece extruded aluminum bottom and top rails to bottom and top edges of said wall structure, respectively.

11. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein said bottom rail comprises a channel that receives said bottom edge of said wall section.

12. A wall structure manufactured according to the method of claim 1.

13. A wall structure for a bulk commodity carrying truck body or trailer, said wall structure comprising:

a plurality extruded aluminum panels arranged vertically to define a wall structure, wherein each of said plurality of panels comprises a flat inner wall, an outer wall spaced-apart from said inner wall, and first and second end walls that extend between and interconnect the inner and outer walls, said panels arranged in a series with first and second end walls of adjacent panels abutted with each other and defining a vertically extending seam, wherein each said seam between adjacent panels is welded.

14. The wall structure as set forth in claim 13, wherein said first and second end walls of each panel comprise respective first and second flat wall sections that are abutted when said adjacent panels are abutted.

15. The wall structure as set forth in claim 13, wherein one of said first and second end walls comprises a projecting flange and the other of said first and second end walls comprises a groove adapted to receive said projecting flange of the adjacent panel when the first and second flat wall sections are abutted.

16. The wall structure as set forth in claim 15, wherein the flange and groove are offset relative to a midpoint between said inner and outer walls such that said first and second flat wall sections can only be abutted when the inner walls of the adjacent panels are oriented in a common direction.

17. A panel for a wall structure of a commodity carrying trailer or truck body, said panel comprising:

an extruded aluminum structure comprising a flat inner wall, an outer wall spaced-apart from said inner wall, and first and second end walls that extend between and interconnect the inner and outer walls;

one of said first and second end walls comprising a projecting flange located between said flat inner wall and said outer wall, and the other of said first and second end walls comprising a groove located between said flat inner wall and said outer wall.

18. The panel as set forth in claim 17, wherein said first and second end walls comprise respective flat portions adapted to be abutted with another panel.

19. The panel as set forth in claim 18, wherein said flange and groove are offset from a midpoint between said flat inner wall and said outer wall.

20. The panel as set forth in claim 17, wherein said flange and groove are offset from a midpoint between said flat inner wall and said outer wall.