Trailer construction and joint for use therewith

Abstract

A wall for a truck bed and particularly for dump trucks includes planks joined to one another along their lengths and a cap member joined to the upper plank along their lengths. Adjacent planks are joined along respective connecting sides by engagement of a pivot of a first plank within a pivot-receiving slot of a second plank, rotation of the planks with respect to one another about the pivot and attachment by snap-fit engagement. The first plank connecting side includes an arcuate wing and the second plank connecting side includes an arcuate extension, the wing and extension being received respectively in a wing-receiving slot formed in the second plank and an extension-receiving slot formed in the first plank during the relative rotation of the planks. The cap member is joined to the upper plank in a similar manner except that attachment is by welding rather than snap-fit engagement.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to tractor trailers and the construction of trailer walls thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to the structural members used to form such a trailer wall. Specifically, the invention relates to such structural members or planks which are assembled by rotatably engaging one another along their lengths to rotate into position and lock into place by a snap fit engagement.

2. Background Information

The construction of trailer walls and the structural elements used therein come in a variety of forms. For example, some trailer walls are formed with a plurality of vertical support members with a metal skin attached on the outside thereof. This option provides a smooth exterior of the truck for reduction of wind resistance during travel and the vertical members additionally provide structures to which tie down members such as ropes and chains may be attached to secure loads inside the trailer. One disadvantage of this configuration is that objects such as the cargo may create dents from inside the trailer which show on the outside, thus reducing aesthetic appeal and increasing wind resistance. In addition, there is a tendency for the skin to wear out over time.

An alternate option is the use of vertical planks which may create in essence an interior skin and an exterior skin, or solid planks to create a solid wall. In comparison to horizontal planks, these vertical planks generally require more pieces to create a given wall, thereby lengthening the assembly period for such a wall. In addition, the multiple joints between the plurality of vertical planks creates potential weak areas which can be more flexible than a single piece of skin or horizontally elongated planks. Further, vertical joints are less preferable for use with trailer walls used on a dump truck, as the vertical joints create wear areas as the material in the truck abrades the wall at the joints when dumped rearwardly in a direction generally perpendicular to the vertical joints.

The present invention is concerned with the problems noted above as well as with providing improved joints between the structural members of a trailer wall.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a wall comprising a first elongated member having a connecting side with a pivot and a cantilevered arcuate wing; and a second elongated member having a connecting side for connecting to the first member connecting side; the second member connecting side having a pivot-receiving slot for rotatably receiving the pivot and an arcuate wing-receiving slot for receiving the wing during relative rotation of at least one of the first and second members with respect to the other.

The present invention also provides a wall comprising a first hollow double-walled elongated member having a connecting side with first and second projections defining there between an interior space; a second hollow double-walled elongated member having a connecting side with a narrowed portion including a terminal wall; the first projection rotatably engaging the second member adjacent the narrowed portion whereby via rotation of at least one of the first and second members with respect to the other member about the first projection, the narrowed portion is receivable within the interior space; and the two connecting sides being adapted to connect to one another to join the first and second members together.

The present invention further provides a method of forming a wall comprising the steps of rotating at least one of a first member and a second member with respect to the other member whereby a pivot and a cantilevered arcuate wing of the first member are respectively received by a pivot-receiving slot and an arcuate wing-receiving slot of the second member; and connecting the two members rigidly together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a truck incorporating the trailer wall of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the truck with portions cut away to show the trailer wall from the rear end.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the plank which is the main structural member of the trailer wall.

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the plank of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the cap member of the trailer wall.

FIG. 5A is an end elevational view of a first embodiment of the base member.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary end elevational view of two planks prior to engagement during assembly of the trailer wall.

FIG. 6A shows a further stage of assembly and is similar to FIG. 6 except that the two planks are engaged and one plank is being rotated with respect to the other plank.

FIG. 6B shows a further stage of assembly and is similar to FIG. 6A except showing a further degree of rotation and additional engagement between the two planks.

FIG. 6C shows the two planks assembled after complete rotation of the two planks with respect to one another and the formation of the snap fit engagement between the two planks.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the trailer wall indicated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled portion of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the trailer wall indicated in FIG. 2 and includes the first embodiment of the cap member.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled portion of FIG. 8 showing the upper joint between the plank and cap member.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled portion of FIG. 8 showing the lower joint between the plank and cap member.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 7A except showing glue and a seal between the two planks.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the trailer wall indicated in FIG. 2 and includes the first embodiment of the base member.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 8 but shows a second embodiment of the cap member.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a second embodiment of the base member joined with a plank and attached to the trailer bed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The bed wall of the present invention is indicated generally at as is shown particularly in FIGS. 1-5. Wall 10 is typically used with a cab 12, which most preferably has the capability of dumping contents out of the bed. Wall 10 includes a plurality of planks 14 and may also include cap member 16 or 130 and a base member 17 or 146. In the preferred embodiment, planks 14 and cap member 16 are elongated and when assembled, planks 14 are disposed atop one another in lengthwise fashion with cap member 16 sitting atop the upper plank 14, as seen in FIGS. 1-2. Wall 10 may be used with beds which fully enclose a load although the exemplary embodiment is a bed with an open top. Additionally, the bed may be carried on a straight truck as shown in FIG. 1 or as part of a trailer traditionally pulled by a tractor.

With reference to FIGS. 3-4, plank 14 includes a pair of opposed walls or sides which are substantially flat and parallel to one another and elongated in the elongated direction of plank 14. These opposed walls include an outer wall 18 and an inner wall 19 which is thicker than outer wall 18, although walls 18 and 19 may have the same thickness or vary as desired. Preferably, inner wall 19 is disposed along the interior of the bed to resist denting and to provide additional material for a more durable wall. Plank 14 further includes a first connecting side 20 and a second connecting side 22 in opposed relation to first connecting side 20. In the figures, first connecting side 20 is shown in an upper position and second connecting side 22 is shown in a lower position although plank 14 may be inverted to reverse these relative locations. Preferably, planks 14 extend in a horizontal direction, but may also be disposed so that they are elongated in a vertical or other direction. First connecting side 20 includes a first edge 24 adjacent outer wall 18 and an opposed second edge 26 adjacent inner wall 19. Second connecting side 22 includes a first edge 28 adjacent outer wall 18 and an opposed second edge 30 adjacent inner wall 19 which are thus in positions corresponding to first edge 24 and second edge 26 of first connecting side 20. Plank 14 also includes a series of strengthening ribs 32 extending between walls 18 and 19 and being perpendicular thereto. Plank 14 defines a plurality of hollow chambers 33 which are generally bound by outer wall 18, inner wall 19 and strengthening ribs 32. One of hollow interiors 33 is bounded on one end by the structure forming a narrowed portion 54 of plank 14 along first connecting side 20, narrowed portion 54 being further defined below.

In accordance with one of the main features of the invention and with continued reference to FIGS. 3-4, the structure of one of the joints of plank 14 is described. Plank 14 defines a pivot-receiving slot or opening 34 adjacent first edge 24 of first connecting side 20. Plank 14 further includes an arcuate extension 36 which separates pivot-receiving slot 34 from an arcuate wing-receiving slot 38. Slot 38 is bounded on the outer part of its curvature by an arcuate wall 40 so that extension 36 and wall 40 define slot 38 therebetween. Extension 36, slot 38 and wall 40 are disposed adjacent first edge 24 of first connecting side 20. Plank 14 further includes an engaging member in the form of a tapered wall 42 which tapers inwardly from inner wall 19 adjacent second edge 26 of first connecting side 20. Tapered wall 42 defines a slot 44 bounded on one side by a ledge 46 and elongated in the elongated direction of plank 14. Plank 14 further includes a terminal wall 48 along first connecting side 20 which extends perpendicular to sides 18. Terminal wall 48 defines a shallow channel 50 bounded on either side by a pair of short projections 52. The structure along first connecting side 20 constitutes narrowed portion 54 of plank 14.

In accordance with one of the main features of the invention and with continued reference to FIGS. 3-4, the structure of the other joint of plank 14 is described. Along second connecting side 22, plank 14 includes a first projection 56 adjacent first edge 28 and a second projection or engaging member 58 along second edge 30 whereby first projection 56 and second projection 58 are in opposed relation to one another and substantially aligned with respective walls 18 and 19. First projection 56 terminates in a pivot 60 which is rounded and extends inwardly toward second edge 30. An arcuate wing 62 extends inwardly from first projection 56 toward second edge 30 and is spaced from pivot 60 whereby plank 14 defines an arcuate extension-receiving slot 64 between pivot 60 and wing 62. First projection 56 and second projection 58 define an interior space 66 therebetween. Plank 14 defines a relatively shallow slot 67 at the base of second projection 58 opposite interior space 66. Second projection 58 also includes an inwardly extending ledge 68.

With reference to FIG. 5, cap member 16 is described. Cap member 16 includes an inverted U-shaped portion 70 having an outer wall 72 and an opposed inner wall 73 extending downwardly from an intervening cap wall 74 which is thicker than walls 72 and 73. Extending downwardly from a lower end 76 of inner wall 73 is an extension wall 78 which tapers downwardly and inwardly from lower end 76. Together, extension wall 78 and inner wall 73 form an interior wall 80. Extension wall 78 terminates in a tip 82 which angles inwardly from interior wall 80 in a direction generally towards outer wall 72. Outer wall 72 terminates in a structure which is similar to the structure of plank 14 adjacent first edge 28 of second connecting side 22. More specifically, wall 72 terminates in a pivot 84 which is rounded and extends inwardly toward inner wall 73. An arcuate wing 86 extends inwardly and downwardly from outer wall 72 and is spaced from pivot 84 whereby wing 86 and pivot 84 define an arcuate extension-receiving slot 88 therebetween. Spaced upwardly from wing 86 and extending inwardly from wall 72 is a knob or projection 90 having a lower ledge 92 whereby a space 94 is defined between ledge 92 and wing 86.

With reference to FIG. 5A, base member 17 is very similar to plank 14 except that the bottom end thereof is squared off. As such, base member 17 includes an outer wall 110 and an inner wall 112 in opposed relation to one another, each of which are substantially flat and parallel to one another and elongated in the elongated direction of base member 17. Like plank 14, inner wall 112 is thicker than outer wall 110, although the wall thicknesses may be varied as desired. The thicker inside wall is used for the same purpose as related to plank 14 and also provides a better structure for welding to the trailer bed as later discussed. Because base member 17 is squared off on the bottom, it includes only one connecting side 114 which is the same as first connecting side 20 of plank 14 and is numbered in the same manner. Thus, the main distinction between plank 14 and base member 17 is a bottom wall 116 which is substantially flat and perpendicular to walls 110 and 112.

In accordance with one of the main features of the invention and with reference to FIGS. 6-6C, the assembly of wall 10 is described. FIG. 6 shows two planks 14 prior to engagement with one of the planks moving in the direction of Arrow A toward the other plank to initiate the assembly process. FIG. 6 additionally shows that the second connecting side 22 of one plank 14 is approaching the first connecting side 20 of the other plank 14 and in particular, pivot 60 of the one plank 14 is moving toward the pivot-receiving slot 34 of the other plank 14. FIG. 6 also shows that sides 18 of one plank 14 are substantially perpendicular to side 18 of the other plank 14. However, the plank 14 which is moving in the direction of Arrow A need not be disposed perpendicularly as described. For instance, that plank 14 may be angled so that wing 62 is disposed somewhat below pivot 60 as it approaches the other plank 14, among other suitable initial positions.

FIG. 6A shows the two planks 14 engaged with one another. In particular, pivot 60 has been received within pivot-receiving slot 34, wing 62 has been received within wing-receiving slot 38 and extension 36 has been received within extension-receiving slot 64. This engagement has occurred by moving the two planks toward one another (as shown in FIG. 6) and rotating one of the planks in the direction of Arrow B in FIG. 6A about an axis 96 (FIGS. 3 and 6A) which extends in the elongated direction of the planks 14. More particularly, rotation in the direction of Arrow B has caused wing 62 to enter part way into wing-receiving slot 38 and extension 36 to enter part way into extension-receiving slot 64. Rotation in the direction of Arrow B has also moved the second projection 58 of the one plank 14 toward second edge 26 of first connecting side 20 of the other plank 14.

FIG. 6B shows the two planks in a further stage of assembly, having rotated an additional amount in the direction of Arrow C whereby second projection 58 is in contact with tapered wall 42 of the other plank 14. In addition, FIG. 6B shows second projection 58 moving away from tapered wall 42 in the direction indicated by Arrow D as rotational force in the direction of Arrow C is further applied, thereby allowing second projection 58 to slide along the outer surface of tapered wall 42. Slot 67 facilitates the bending of projection 58 to aid in the movement of projection 58 in the direction of Arrow D.

FIG. 6C shows the two planks 14 in a joined position, whereby ledges 46 and 68 of the respective planks are engaged in a snap fit engagement. In this joined position, projections 52 of the other plank 14 abuts or is closely adjacent to the strengthening rib 32 adjacent second connecting side 22 of the one plank 14. Channel 50 of the other plank is thus additionally bounded by said rib 32 of the one plank 14. FIG. 6C also shows sides 18 and 19 of each plank aligned with respective sides 18 and 19 of the other plank 14, thus forming parallel and substantially flat walls on the interior and exterior. During assembly, narrowed portion 54 of the other plank 14 is received within interior space 66 of the one plank 14 to facilitate the formation of the substantially flat interior and exterior walls of wall 10.

It is noted that even without the snap fit engagement between ledges 46 and 68 of respective planks 14, in a position analogous to that of FIG. 6C, the two joined planks 14 may not move in a linear fashion along any line perpendicular to axis 96. The engagement provided by pivot 60, wing 62 and extension 36 through rotational engagement of the two planks 14 creates a joint preventing such linear movement. The only possible linear movement of the two joined planks 14 with respect to one another is along axis 96. Such movement is more a theoretical matter than a practical one, however, as a tremendous force would be required to overcome the frictional engagement between the two joined planks 14 to provide such movement.

Cap member 16 is joined to a plank 14 along first connecting side 20 thereof in a very similar manner as described with reference to the joining of two planks 14 and as shown in FIGS. 6-6C. To join cap member 16 to plank 14, the same procedure shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A is followed except that cap member 16 takes the place of the one plank 14 which moves in the direction of Arrow A in FIG. 6 and rotates in the direction of Arrow B in FIG. 6A. Cap member 16 then rotates in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 6B with respect to plank 14 and ends up in a joined position analogous to FIG. 6C. However, cap member 16 does not include a member analogous to second projection 58 which engages tapered wall 42 of the other plank 14 and provides a snap fit engagement between respective ledges 46 and 68. Instead, tip 82 of interior wall 80 comes to rest on inner wall 19 of the plank 14 to which cap member 16 is joined. The joined position of cap member 16 and plank 14 is shown in FIG. 8 with enlargements of the joining areas shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. With reference to FIG. 8A, the final engagement between plank 14 and cap member 16 adjacent first connecting side 20 of plank 14 differs from the plank-to-plank joint in that only one of projections 52 engages cap member 16. In particular, this one projection 52 engages ledge 92 of cap member 16. With reference to FIG. 8B, cap member 16 is joined to side 19 by a weld 98.

Where a bed is used for hauling a slurry or any material having sufficient liquid to cause a leakage problem, it may be desired to have walls which are sealed to the flow of liquid. With reference to FIG. 9, the present invention provides such an option. Specifically, glue or seals may be used between adjoining planks 14. FIG. 9 shows glue 100 at four different locations, that is locations where two adjoining planks 14 are in contact or are closely adjacent one another. Specifically, one of the glue locations is between the rotationally engaging structure. Another glue location is adjacent the snap fit engagement. Additionally, glue may be used between projections 52 and the adjacent strengthening rib 32 of an adjoining plank 14. Glue may also be inserted in the other interior spaces defined between the two planks 14, such as channel 50. Another option is to use a seal 102 typically of a polymeric material. Seal 102 is shown disposed in channel 50, although another seal may be used in an interior space 104 between planks 14.

With reference to FIG. 10, the connection between base member 17 and a trailer bed 118 is described. Trailer bed 118 includes an upper wall 120, a lower wall 122 in opposed relation to wall 120 and a side wall 124 extending between walls 120 and 122. Base member 17 is connected to trailer bed 118 with inner wall 112 of base member 17 flat against side wall 124 of trailer bed 118. Welds shown at 126 and 128 secure base member 17 to trailer bed 118. As is evident, base member 17 could be replaced by plank 14 whereby second connecting side 22 of plank 14 would be exposed and might project below lower wall 122, but otherwise there would no real distinction between using plank 114 in place of base member 17.

With reference to FIG. 11, cap member 130 is described. Cap member 130 is similar to cap member 16 except extension wall 78 which tapers from the U-shaped portion of cap member 16 is replaced by an L-shaped portion whereby cap member 130 is generally rectangular in cross-section except for a portion which is filled by a portion of a plank 14 when cap member 130 is attached to said plank 14. More particularly, cap member 130 includes an inverted U-shaped portion 132 having an outer wall 134 and an opposed inner wall 136, each extending downwardly from an intervening cap wall 138. Inner wall 136 is longer than outer wall 134. Cap member 13 includes a connecting wall 140 which extends perpendicularly from a lower end 142 of inner wall 136 and generally toward outer wall 134. Connecting wall 140 has a terminal end 144. Cap member 130 is connected to an upper plank 14 in the same manner as is cap member 16 except that instead of welding tip 82 of cap member 16 to inner wall 19 of plank 14, connecting wall 140 of cap member 130 is welded at weld 145 to side wall 19 of plank 14 adjacent terminal end 144 of connecting wall 140. Outer wall 134 terminates in a structure which is the same as the structure at the terminal end of outer wall 72 of cap member 16 and the terminal structure is numbered in the same manner as that of cap member 16.

With reference to FIG. 12, base member 146 is described, which is a second embodiment of a base member for use with wall 10. Whereas base member 17 is configured to attach to trailer bed 118 so that wall 10 extends upwardly alongside trailer bed 118, base member 146 is configured so that wall 10 sits atop trailer bed 118. Base member 146 is a generally U-shaped member having a first leg 148 and a second leg 150 spaced from leg 148, each leg extending from an intervening base 152 and defining an interior space 154 therebetween. Base member 146 further includes an arcuate stabilizing arm or support 156 extending from second leg 150 away from interior space 154. A connecting portion 158 of second leg 150 is disposed between stabilizing arm 156 and base 152. Adjacent the intersection of connecting portion 158 and base 152, a first rib 160 extends from connecting portion 158 away from interior space 154 and a second rib 162 extends from base 152 away from interior space 154. First rib 160 and second rib 162 define a concave rest 164 therebetween.

When assembled, a plank 14 sits atop connecting portion 158 of second leg 150 of base member 146. Pivot 60 of second connecting side 22 of plank 14 is seated within concave rest 164 and second projection 58 is seated on connecting portion 158 and spaced inwardly from base 152. Inner wall 19 of plank 14 rests against the upper portion of arcuate stabilizing arm 156 and is connected thereto by a weld 166. Plank 14 is also connected to base member 146 by a weld 168 along second rib 162 and pivot 60.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, base member 146 is connected to trailer bed 118 as follows. Side wall 124 of trailer bed 118 is received within interior space 154 of base member 146 whereby side wall 124 and base 152 are closely adjacent or abut one another. Second leg 150 of base member 146 sits atop upper wall 120 of trailer bed 118. First leg 148 of base member 146 is disposed below lower wall 122 of trailer bed 118 and is attached thereto by a weld 170. A flat floor liner 172 lies atop upper wall 120 of trailer bed 118 and is positioned so that respective edges of liner 172 and second leg 150 of base member 146 abut one another to form a flat floor surface disposed above upper wall 120. Base member 146 is attached to liner 172 along the above-rated abutting edges by a weld 174. Liner 172 may be eliminated if desired in which case second leg 150 would be attached directly to upper wall 120 of trailer bed 118.

Thus, wall 10 provides a rigid joint between adjacent planks 14 and between a plank 14 and a cap member 16 to provide a sturdy wall having a flat exterior surface to minimize wind resistance during travel and a flat interior surface formed by respective interior walls 18 which are relatively thick to provide durability. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, planks 14 are elongated in a horizontal direction such that the joints between the planks are generally aligned with the direction of the material being dumped out of the rear of the bed, to prevent undue wear from joints which are transverse to that flow, as discussed in the background of the present application. In addition, while wall 10 may be formed of solid members having the same joints described herein, wall 10 is a generally hollow member which provides a relatively lightweight wall which is simultaneously strong and durable. As with the joinder of cap member 16 or 130 with a plank 14, the joinder between two planks 14 could use a weld to tie them together as opposed to a snap fit engagement described herein. However, the snap fit engagement provides a simple, economical and sure means of securing the planks together and eliminates the need for welding the two planks together, which can be a time-consuming process. Other fasteners such as screws or rivets may be used to join adjacent planks together or a plank to a cap member, although again this is a time-consuming process and in addition is less preferable in use with relatively thin walls 18 and 19 of planks 14. In addition, rivets, bolts or screws would be at odds with creating a flat interior wall, since such fasteners would either present a projection into the interior of the bed or need to be countersunk, which would weaken wall 10.

Wall 10 also provides a secure connection to the trailer bed of a truck whether attached to the side of a trailer bed or atop the trailer bed. Wall 10 includes a novel base member configured to receive one of planks 14 whereby plank 14 is securely seated atop the base member and the base member is securely attached to the trailer bed.

Each member forming wall 10 is preferably formed of metal although other suitable materials may be used depending on the use of the wall. For instance, plastic may be used for certain applications. While metal is preferred for use with a wall, the invention is not limited to the formation of walls and has applicability to the formation of walls generally.

A variety of alterations to the exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, wing 62 and wing-receiving slot 38 could be eliminated whereby only pivot 60 of one plank 14 would rotationally engage the other plank 14 within pivot-receiving slot 34. Due to the inward extension of pivot 60, once the two planks 14 have been joined, pivot 60 engages extension 36 or may engage an analogous structure in order to prevent separation of the two planks 14 adjacent first edge 24 of one plank and first edge 28 of the other plank. In addition, cap member 16 could be connected to a plank 14 with a snap fit engagement. However, in order to provide a cap member 16 which is wider than planks 14 and to simultaneously provide superior support against inward rotation of cap member 16, it would be necessary to include additional structure to provide a snap fit engagement, whereby such structure would be along inner wall 19. While this is feasible, it is preferable to provide a plurality of planks 14 which are substantially identical and thus interchangeable, which expedites assembly and eliminates the production and related costs of an altered plank similar to plank 14.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A wall comprising:

a first elongated member having a connecting side with a pivot and a arcuate wing; and

a second elongated member having a connecting side for connecting to the first member connecting side; the second member connecting side having a pivot-receiving slot for rotatably receiving the pivot and an arcuate wing-receiving slot for receiving the wing during relative rotation of at least one of the first and second members with respect to the other.

2. The wall of claim 1 wherein the pivot-receiving slot and the wing-receiving slot are separated by an arcuate extension; and wherein the pivot and the arcuate wing define there between an arcuate extension-receiving slot for receiving the extension during the relative rotation.

3. The wall of claim 2 wherein the first and second members are joined together by a snap-fit engagement.

4. The wall of claim 3 wherein the first member connecting side has first and second opposed edges; wherein the pivot and wing are adjacent the first edge; wherein a projection is adjacent the second edge; wherein the second member connecting side has first and second opposed edges; wherein the extension, pivot-receiving slot and the wing-receiving slot are each adjacent the first edge of the second member connecting side; and wherein the projection adjacent the second edge of the first member forms a snap-fit engagement with the second member adjacent the second edge of the second member connecting side when the first and second members are joined together.

5. The wall of claim 1 wherein the first member connecting side includes a projection spaced from the wing whereby the projection and the wing define an interior space there between; and wherein the second member connecting side includes a narrowed portion receivable within the interior space.

6. The wall of claim 5 wherein the first member connecting side has first and second edges; and wherein the pivot and wing are adjacent the first edge of the first member connecting side and the projection is adjacent the second edge thereof.

7. The wall of claim 6 wherein the second member connecting side has first and second edges; wherein the pivot-receiving slot and arcuate wing-receiving slot are adjacent the first edge; and wherein the narrowed portion includes a tapered wall adjacent the second edge of the second member connecting side.

8. The wall of claim 7 wherein the tapered wall includes an outwardly extending ledge and the projection includes an inwardly extending ledge adapted to connect to the ledge of the tapered wall in a snap-fit engagement.

9. The wall of claim 5 wherein the narrowed portion bounds a hollow interior of the second member.

10. The wall of claim 9 wherein each of the first and second members have a pair of spaced walls each extending from the respective connecting sides; and wherein each of the members is substantially hollow.

11. The wall of claim 10 wherein the second member includes a strengthening rib extending between and connected to each of the spaced walls; and wherein the strengthening rib, the narrowed portion and the spaced walls define the hollow interior of the second member.

12. The wall of claim 5 wherein each of the members is substantially hollow; wherein a pair of spaced walls extends respectively from the connecting side of each member; wherein a strengthening rib connects the spaced walls of the first member adjacent the connecting side thereof; wherein the narrowed portion includes a terminal wall which bounds a hollow interior of the second member and which is disposed adjacent the strengthening rib when the members are connected together.

13. The wall of claim 12 wherein a pair of spaced projections extend outwardly from the terminal wall and define there between a channel which faces the strengthening rib.

14. The wall of claim 13 wherein the spaced projections abut the strengthening rib when the two members are joined.

15. A wall comprising:

a first hollow double-walled elongated member having a connecting side with first and second projections defining there between an interior space;

a second hollow double-walled elongated member having a connecting side with a narrowed portion including a terminal wall;

the first projection rotatably engaging the second member adjacent the narrowed portion whereby via rotation of at least one of the first and second members with respect to the other member about the first projection, the narrowed portion is receivable within the interior space; and

the two connecting sides being adapted to connect to one another to join the first and second members together.

16. The wall of claim 15 wherein the second projection and the narrowed portion are connected together by a snap fit engagement.

17. The wall of claim 15 wherein the first projection terminates in a pivot.

18. The wall of claim 17 wherein the connecting side of the second member includes a cantilevered arcuate extension defining a pivot-receiving slot for receiving the pivot during the rotation.

19. The wall of claim 18 wherein the first projection includes a cantilevered arcuate wing; wherein the wing and the pivot define there between an arcuate extension-receiving slot for receiving the extension during the rotation.

20. The wall of claim 19 wherein the connecting side of the second member includes an arcuate wing-receiving slot for receiving the wing during the rotation.

21. A method of forming a wall comprising the steps of:

rotating at least one of a first member and a second member with respect to the other member whereby a pivot and a cantilevered arcuate wing of the first member are respectively received by a pivot-receiving slot and an arcuate wing-receiving slot of the second member;

connecting the two members rigidly together.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the connecting step includes forming a snap fit engagement between the two members to provide the rigid connection.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the first and second members are generally hollow; wherein the rotating step includes receiving a narrowed portion of the second member within an interior space defined between the wing and a projection of the first member; the narrowed portion including a terminal wall.