Abstract: An animal transporting vehicle, such as a horse trailer, includes a wall defining a window opening or aperture that extends between the exterior and interior surfaces of the wall. A guard assembly for protecting the aperture includes a guard member pivotally mounted on one side of the aperture by a hinge assembly which includes cooperating surfaces that engage a projecting portion on a lower sill of the window opening to support the guard assembly in the window opening. A weather tight door is also pivotally mounted for movement from an open position permitting ventilation through the aperture to a closed position overlying the guard assembly and providing a weather tight closure for the window opening.

Abstract: An end unit for use on vehicles having modular floors, such as truck beds, trailers, and the like. The end unit according to the present invention includes a load bearing portion having an integrated reinforcing rib that extends along the edge of the load bearing portion that stiffens the load bearing portion against point loads and impact loads. The end unit also includes a resilient bumper attached to the edge of the load bearing portion in engagement with the reinforcing rib, and a sealing member that seals the interface between the bumper and the end unit that seals the interface against the entry of moisture and contaminants. The reinforcing rib includes an elongated cavity which protects the bumper attachment hardware from rust, dirt and corrosion.

Abstract: An improved modular wall panel system for enclosing towable trailers such as horse trailers and livestock trailers, but equally applicable to recreational vehicles. The present system includes at least two elongated wall panels that are attached to the frame of the trailer in adjacent side by side relationship with their edges cooperating to define a seam therebetween. The panels are typically constructed of extruded aluminum, and have a pair of ends and elongated top and bottom edges extending between said ends. The top edge of the lower panel includes a longitudinally extending top lip which includes a longitudinal groove, and the bottom edge of the higher adjacent panel includes a downwardly extending bottom lip extending along the bottom edge and includes a bottom groove. The top and bottom edges include a series of abutment surfaces that cooperate to align the adjacent panels. The top lip groove and the bottom lip groove cooperating to define an enclosed longitudinal channel extending along said seam.