Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique composite trailer and van type container for the transport and management of bulk freight utilizing steel and aluminum components to take advantage of the durability and light weight of aluminum components and the proven strength and fabrication ease of structural steel. More particularly, the composite trailer and container comprises the integration of two dissimilar metals secured together by using a bi-metal intermediate element. The bi-metal intermediate element provides for the welding of different metals together thereby forming a superior bond between the intermediate element and dissimilar metals. This construction also makes it possible to eliminate the galvanic corrosion so often experienced with contact between different metals.

Abstract: Composite of trailer construction utilizing steel and aluminum components to take advantage of the durability and light weight of aluminum components and the proven strength and fabrication ease of structural steel. More particularly, the process of the present invention is directed towards an apparatus and method of securing two dissimilar metals together in a trailer construction by using a bi-metal intermediate element which is provided for the welding of the like materials to form a superior bond between the bi-metal and the respective dissimilar materials.

Abstract: A dump trailer for the transportation of containers including a frameless trailer frame to receive and hold a rail transportable container for overland transport. A support system engageable on a fifth wheel of a tractor having a telescopically extensible hoist assembly and interconnected draft arms contains support and locking flanges to secure the container to the trailer and a pair of container contents transport guides extending over the trailer's frame to its free end during dumping.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a contoured contiguous I-beam from an extruded aluminum I-beam shape. The beam fabrication method reshaped an extruded aluminum I-beam over a contoured web insert defining a continuous load dispensing beam shaped transition within the curved portion of the beam for use in high load capacity trailer frame construction.

Abstract: A coupler device for use on frameless dump trailers to guide and position the dump body on the fifth wheel plate. The coupler is comprised of a coupler saddle having an inverted generally U-shaped cavity that engages and registers with an upstanding coupler positioned on the fifth wheel plate of the trailer providing multiple axis positioning of the frameless dump body.

Abstract: A flat bed trailer formed of a pair of horizontally spaced longitudinally extending I-beams and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending members engaged in the I-beams adjacent their upper portions supports a floor formed of aluminum extrusions with longitudinally extending edge portions having recessed longitudinally extending channels in which light reflecting tape such as SCOTCH LITE, manufactured by the 3M Company of Minneapolis, Minn., is permanently positioned. A rear edge member extends across the back end of the flat bed trailer and carries a rear cap longitudinally thereof, both the rear edge and rear cap members having channels therein and continuous sections of light reflecting tape or the like disposed therein.

Abstract: A dump trailer having a chassis with ground engaging wheels under one end, a heavy duty hoist on the other end and a dump body pivoted to the chassis at the wheel supported end and adapted to be elevated by the heavy duty hoist incorporates a floor structure in the body including longitudinal and transverse frame members and provides resilient cushions on each of the transverse frame members of the body where they rest on the chassis when the body is in normal transport position.

Abstract: An I-beam fabrication device that positions and aligns two distinct T-shaped beam portions together in a predetermined longitudinally curved configuration and automatically welds the beam portions into a single integral prestressed I-beam capable of increased load capacity.

Abstract: A flat bed trailer formed of a pair of horizontally spaced longitudinally extending I-beams and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending tubular members positioned in longitudinally spaced apertures in the I-beams inwardly of their upper portions with the sides of the tubular members being welded to the portions of the I-beams defining the apertures and with the uppermost portions of the tubular members positioned in abutting relation under the upper portions of said I-beams.

Abstract: A movable rear cross bar for use on a horizontal rear discharge trailer. The movable rear cross bar is pivotally secured to the upper rear corners of the trailer side walls providing temporary additional clearance for oversized material being discharged from the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer with a unitized floor construction is formed of a pair of horizontally spaced, longitudinally extending beams and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending cross frame members positioned in aligned longitudinally spaced openings in the upper portions of said beams. A floor is positioned on the upper surfaces of the beams and cross frame members and welded thereto. The cross frame members are cross sectionally U-shaped and with the floor form closed shapes imparting unusual rigidity to the flat bed trailer.

Abstract: A pusher plate for a horizontally discharging semi-trailer is formed with a forwardly and downwardly extending support on the material engaging face thereof arranged to slidably engage the floor of the semi-trailer so as to hold the pusher plate in a vertical position in the semi-trailer body in which it is movably positioned.

Abstract: A horizontally discharging semi-trailer is formed with a body structure capable of resisting distortion from loads and the operation of a longitudinally movable pusher plate arranged to move the contents of the semi-trailer horizontally so as to discharge the same therefrom.