Abstract: A cargo container is disclosed having removable panels secured between roof bows that extend across the width of the cargo container. The roof bows may be constructed out of a metal or high strength composite material while the panels may be constructed from a similar high strength material or a lightweight plastic depending on the intended use of the trailer. A top sheet over the roof bows maybe required to secure the panels to the bows, or the top sheet may be optional for additional protection from the weather. Insulation may also be placed between the top sheet and panels if the container is to be used to carry refrigerated cargo.

Abstract: A cargo container is disclosed having removable panels secured between roof bows that extend across the width of the cargo container. The roof bows may be constructed out of a metal or high strength composite material while the panels may be constructed from a similar high strength material or a lightweight plastic depending on the intended use of the trailer. A top sheet over the roof bows maybe required to secure the panels to the bows, or the top sheet may be optional for additional protection from the weather. Insulation may also be placed between the top sheet and panels if the container is to be used to carry refrigerated cargo.

Abstract: An improved structural panel and connector sidewall construction is presented. While maintaining the benefits of standard structural panel designs, a two post connector construction achieves many benefits of traditional sidewall designs, including simplified replacement of damaged panels. The novel sidewall construction also achieves the important objective of providing smooth trailer walls without rivets and minimal recesses, protrusions and snag points. The easy panel replacement of the novel sidewall construction is achieved by utilizing interlocking posts as connectors. An interior post and an exterior post interlock to form a panel connector. Adhesive is also used to secure the posts together, and the strength of the adhesive bond is aided by the posts having a substantial area of contact with each other. The posts of the panel connectors may be designed to be easily separable by bonding the two posts together with a thermally degradable adhesive.

Abstract: A backup device for limiting the rotation of converter dollies about a trailer hitch is presented. A dolly mounted, laterally extending moveable bar is selectively pressed against the vertical members of the trailer's underride guard in order to prevent rotation of the dolly relative to the trailer. The bar is retracted from the trailer to allow significant rotation of the dolly during normal forward operation. The backup device is operable with many makes and models of trailers because the laterally extending bar provides a large area that the trailer underride guard may contact. In addition to being operable with many models of trailers, the present invention does not require specific features to be added onto a trailer pulling the converter dolly. Additionally, the large contact area of the laterally extending bar allows the device to function with dollies that are significantly rotated about a trailer hitch. The backup device is also robust, aerodynamic, and self contained.

Abstract: A tube shaped cargo container and method of manufacture. The cargo container is manufactured by a process that includes pultruding or extruding a seamless container with two sides, a roof, and a floor. Doors, landing gear, structural supports, another side, and a wheel assembly may be added after the pultrusion/extrusion process. The cargo container may include rounded side/floor and side/roof connections. The cargo container may include one or two rounded ends.

Abstract: A cargo container that includes a U-shaped panel, and/or an L-shaped panel is disclosed. The cargo container has a top, bottom, and two sides, each U-shaped and/or L-shaped panels forms part of the top and a side, or the bottom and a side. The cargo container may further include doors with hinges and/or doors that slide. Landing gear may support the container when not in transit. The U-shaped and/or L-shaped panels may be inhomogeneous in size and thickness to reinforce the areas of highest stress concentration such as the container edges or the attachment location of the landing gear. The cargo container may also have a bottom floor with a greater thickness than each of the significantly parallel sides, or a bottom floor with parallel or interconnected support protrusions. The U-shaped and/or L-shaped panels may include internal support structures. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing U-shaped and/or L-shaped panels.

Abstract: The improved composite panel trailer sidewall of the present invention provides a recessed groove or a pair of recessed grooves on the interior of the panel that are spaced apart from the edges of the panel. Slots are cut in the composite panel in the recessed groove or between the recessed grooves. An interior vertical support having logistics slots is seated in the recessed groove or grooves to provide additional locations to secure and divide cargo without creating snag points in the interior of the trailer.

Abstract: An aerodynamic cargo container with rounded rear doors is disclosed. The aerodynamic cargo container includes an angled rear area that reduces base drag when the container is transported. The rear sliding door allows for partial opening of the door and allows for operation of the door when the rear of the container is in close proximity to another object. The crash attenuating skirt deflects vehicles away from the cargo container. A pair of cargo doors may define the curved contour of the trailer rear section. These doors may have a plurality of pivoted and segmented sections that assume the curved contour of a stationary edge when the doors are moved to a closed position.

Abstract: The improved composite panel trailer sidewall construction of the present invention includes panels that are embossed to create recessed grooves adjacent to but spaced apart from the edges of the panels. Posts are used to join the panels, with the lateral wings of the posts seating in the recessed grooves on the interior of the trailer to minimize the thickness of the container sidewalls. The posts increase the rigidity of the joints between the panels as compared to flat splicer plates of comparable weight and material. With the lateral wings of the posts seated in the recessed grooves, a relatively smooth interior container sidewall free of snag points and protrusions is also achieved.

Abstract: The improved sheet and post container sidewall construction of the present invention includes a post with a novel cross section that increases the rigidity of the post at a minimum thickness. The cross section of the post includes a central wall connected to lateral wings that attach to the outer protective skin of a container. The central wall is connected to the lateral wings by a connecting segment that lies inside the lateral edges of the central wall, creating a channel between the central wall and the lateral wings. This channel enables the vertical edge of a liner to be held securely in place behind the central wall. The cross section of the structural post also provides increased rigidity because the thickness of the metal of the post is doubled along a significant portion of the lateral edges of the central wall. This configuration provides increased rigidity for the post and achieves the important objective of providing smooth container walls free of recesses, potential protrusions and snag points.