BUTT JOINT FOR TRAILER SIDE WALL

• US 20100019537A1
• Filed: 10/08/2009
• Published: 01/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wabash National LP (Wabash National Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Wabash National LP (Wabash National Corporation)
• Inventors: Wylezinski, Andrzej
• Granted Patent: US 8,256,827 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/186.100
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/046 built up with flat self-supporting panels; Fixed connections between panels B62D29/045, B62D33/048 take precedence

Abstract

A sidewall of a trailer includes a side panel, an outer member, a base rail. The side panel is positioned within the channel. The outer member has a planar inner surface, The base rail has an upper portion offset from a lower portion. An outer surface of the upper portion of the base rail is generally parallel to and spaced from the inner surface of the outer member. A channel is defined by an outer surface of the upper portion of the base rail and the inner surface of the outer member. The side panel is positioned within the channel. The lower portion of the base rail is positioned beneath the channel.

Claims

1. A sidewall of a trailer comprising:

a side panel;

an outer member having a planar inner surface;

a base rail having an upper portion offset from a lower portion, an outer surface of said upper portion of said base rail is generally parallel to and spaced from said inner surface of said outer member;

a channel defined by an outer surface of said upper portion of said base rail and said inner surface of said outer member, said side panel being positioned within said channel; and

said lower portion of said base rail is positioned beneath said channel.

2. A sidewall as defined in claim 1, wherein said outer member further includes a rail.

3. A sidewall as defined in claim 1, wherein said outer member includes a protrusion positioned above said lower portion of said base rail and extending inwardly.

4. A sidewall as defined in claim 3, wherein said protrusion extends to an inner surface of said base rail.

5. A sidewall as defined in claim 3, wherein said outer member further includes an adhesive cavity.

6. A sidewall as defined in claim 3, wherein said outer member is secured to said base rail using fasteners.

7. A sidewall as defined in claim 3, wherein said outer member is secured to said base rail using adhesive.