Abstract: A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.

Abstract: A thermal insulated composite wall panel for use in insulated trailers, containers and insulated compartments, including a first liner panel, a second liner panel having a layer of fibers and at least one structural polymer resin layer disposed coplanar to and bonded with the layer of fibers, thereby forming a laminate liner panel, and an insulated core layer disposed intermediate to and bonded with the first and the second liner panels. The layer of fibers is adjacent the insulated core layer and is lofted prior to being bonded to the insulated core layer.

Abstract: A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating. if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.

Abstract: A method of coating an undercarriage of a cargo carrying vehicle, the method comprising the steps of applying primer to at least a portion of the suspension or the undercarriage, wherein the primer is either epoxy, alkyd or modified alkyd, and applying polyurea/polyurethane blend to at least a portion of the primer.

Abstract: A method of making an embossed liner panel for use as an interior liner of a cargo carrying vehicle is provided. A reinforced thermoplastic polymer feedstock, an impression mat having a textured surface, and a release film are provided. The materials are stacked such that the film is provided between the feedstock and the mat. The stacked materials are fed into a laminator and a roller therein moves the stacked materials therethrough. The laminator heats and compresses the materials to emboss the textured surface of the mat onto the feedstock to form the embossed liner panel. Thereafter, the mat is released from the feedstock and collected for reuse. The mat is a separate component from the roller of the laminator.

Abstract: A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.

Abstract: A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating. if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.

Abstract: A method of coating an undercarriage of a cargo carrying vehicle, the method comprising the steps of applying primer to at least a portion of the suspension or the undercarriage, wherein the primer is either epoxy, alkyd or modified alkyd, and applying polyurea/polyurethane blend to at least a portion of the primer.

Abstract: A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating. if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.

Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor, a roof and a side wall extending vertically upward between the floor and roof. The side wall includes a substantially gas impermneable outer liner panel and a substantially gas impermeable inner liner panel. The inner liner panel includes at least one glass and polymer layer and one gas impermeable barrier layer. The inner liner panel can also be used to form the roof and replace the outer liner panel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making an embossed thermoplastic liner panel for use as a textured interior liner of a cargo carrying vehicle.

Abstract: An automated sidewall assembly machine is provided for attaching a sidewall panel to a top and bottom rail of a wheeled trailer. The machine comprises a frame, a carriage for longitudinal movement relative to the frame, an automated punch mounted proximate the frame and an automated riveting press mounted proximate the frame so that the sidewall assembly is movable by the carriage with respect to the frame, the automated punching machine and the automated riveting machine so that holes can be punched through one or more of the sidewall, the bottom rail and the top rail and rivets can be inserted into the punched holes to be mashed. A sensor is operably mounted to the sidewall assembly machine so that information obtained by the sensor can be used to drive the carriage, the automated punching machine and the automated riveting press.

Abstract: A method of coating an undercarriage of a cargo carrying vehicle, the method comprising the steps of applying primer to at least a portion of the suspension or the undercarriage, wherein the primer is either epoxy, alkyd or modified alkyd, and applying polyurea/polyurethane blend to at least a portion of the primer.

Abstract: Several embodiments of sidewall assemblies having side posts and plastic liners affixed to an outer side sheet of a van or trailer. The liners have edges extending in contacting relationship with the edge portions of the side posts in connected relationship. Protuberances and foam material extend between the plastic liners and the side sheet for added strength. Slots may be provided in the posts for securement purposes.

Abstract: An automated floor assembly machine is provided for attaching longitudinally aligned floor boards to transverse positioned cross-members of a wheeled trailer. The machine comprises a carriage for longitudinal movement relative to the floor boards, a drill mounted on the carriage so that the drill is vertically and laterally movable with respect to the carriage, a fastener driver mounted on the carriage so that the fastener driver is vertically and laterally movable with respect to the carriage, a sensor operably mounted to the carriage so that the transverse mounted cross-members are detectable by the sensor, a drive motor in communication with the carriage for moving the carriage longitudinally along the floor boards into alignment with the cross-members, and a control system having a processor in operative communication with the carriage, the drill, the fastener driver, the sensor, and the drive motor.

Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor, a roof and a side wall extending vertically upward between the floor and roof. The side wall includes a substantially gas impermneable outer liner panel and a substantially gas impermeable inner liner panel. The inner liner panel includes at least one glass and polymer layer and one gas impermeable barrier layer. The inner liner panel can also be used to form the roof and replace the outer liner panel.

Abstract: A cargo body for transport by a cargo vehicle includes a floor, side walls and optionally a roof wall, where at least one wall has a plurality of elongated posts. The posts attach an outer skin to inner wall panels. The front face of each elongated post has a recessed trough opening to a cargo area defined by the walls and the floor.

Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor and a side wall extending vertically upward from a side edge of the floor. The side wall includes at least one vertical post. A pair of adjacent liner panels, formed from a tough material attached to a stiff backer, attach to the post.

Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor, a roof and a side wall extending vertically upward between the floor and roof. The side wall includes a substantially gas impermeable outer liner panel and a substantially gas impermeable inner liner panel. The inner liner panel includes at least one glass and polymer layer and one gas impermeable barrier layer. The inner liner panel can also be used to form the roof and replace the outer liner panel.

Abstract: Several embodiments of sidewall assemblies having side posts and plastic liners affixed to an outer side sheet of a van or trailer. The liners have edges extending in contacting relationship with the edge portions of the side posts in connected relationship. Protuberances and foam material extend between the plastic liners and the side sheet for added strength. Slots may be provided in the posts for securement purposes.