Abstract: A cargo carrier is disclosed which includes walls including a plurality of adjacent plates with outer surfaces, at least a selected pair of the adjacent plates being spaced from each other by a predetermined amount. A joint is provided for joining the selected pair of adjacent plates, which includes an inner strip extending between the adjacent plates, the inner strip overlying at least a marginal portion of each plate. An outer strip extends between the adjacent plates and defines a generally vertical axis located generally centrally of the space, the outer strip overlying the inner strip and having an outer surface and an inner surface which faces the inner strip. The inner surface includes a pair of adjacent surface portions which respectively taper from the outer strip toward the inner strip in respectively opposite directions such that the maximum dimension between the inner and outer strip is substantially coincident with the vertical axis.

Abstract: A trailer body construction includes a floor, a roof, and a pair of sidewalls, each sidewall having at least two groups of generally flat, rectilinear plates of lightweight metallic material of a predetermined width and height aligned in side by side relation. The plates of each group have a uniform thickness with the plates of a first of the two groups being appreciably thicker than the plates of the second of the two groups. The groups of plates are selectively arranged in each sidewall so as to achieve enhanced strength at selected regions of maximum deformation induced stress. A plurality of joining panels of metallic material are situated on only the exterior surface of each sidewall for joining and strengthening respective adjacent pairs of plates.

Abstract: An over-the-road vehicle in the nature of a trailer or a van has a body provided with an open end formed by oppositely disposed side pillars, a header and a sill. A pair of doors are hinged to the pillars with channel members secured near the opposite door edges having bearings at the ends in which locking rods are secured against edgewise movement while being pivotally mounted within the channel members. The ends of the rods are supported in cantilever from the ends of the channel members having on the ends a cam finger which engages cams within castings secured to the header and sill by which the doors are moved to secured closed position when the rods are rotated. When a load is applied to the inner surface of the door, the ends of the locking rods will bend from the ends of the channel members providing a bending moment from the channel ends to the ends of the rods.

Abstract: A trailer having a front undercarriage assembly including lower members or "feet" that are adapted to automatically retract when the trailer is coupled to a tractor. Direct mechanical linkages are provided throughout the retracting mechanism to insure positive operation of the apparatus. In addition, a novel latching mechanism is disclosed that is adapted to automatically lock the vehicles in the coupled position and permit convenient disengagement of the trailer from the tractor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a support structure for a thin sheet metal roof skin for an over-the-road trailer or van. The roof skin is supported on transverse roof bows which are secured to side rails mounted on the top of side wall posts. The bows are of slightly convex form and are of V-section at the center to maximize strength and minimize snagging. The bows are formed to a unique configuration at the ends and are secured by rivets to the rails. The attachment edge of the skin is vertically spaced from the ends of the bows so as to reduce vibration and stress transfer from the skin to the top of the posts.

Abstract: A cargo container formed of extruded light metal framing members and cooperating panels is made in subassemblies composed of parts which are secured together primarily by riveting, the subassemblies also being secured to one another primarily by riveting, although certain key fastenings are made by welding, and parts are limitedly telescopable prior to welding, to accommodate variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances.Fastening means for securing cargo within the container, and for securing the container against displacement in a vehicle during transportation, are integrated with rigid framing elements.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a solution to the problem of distortion and deformation of the floor of a lightweight shipping container. Heretofore, relatively heavy loading of lightweight shipping containers has caused the floor thereof to deflect sufficiently to distort the side walls and end walls of the container and often permanently deform the floor. In practicing the present invention, the floor boards adjacent the side walls of the container are modified so as to increase the resistance thereof to shear loads and thus minimize deflection.