Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar extension for extending the width of a railcar comprises: a top portion for attaching to a railcar support; a first side portion coupled to the top portion, the first side portion comprising two parallel transverse walls connected by a longitudinal wall all extending perpendicular from the top portion and the two transverse walls are for attaching to the railcar support; a second side portion coupled to the first side portion, the second side portion comprising two parallel transverse walls connected by a longitudinal wall all extending downward from the first side portion and the two transverse walls are for attaching to the railcar support, and wherein the second side portion pivots with respect to the first side portion to conform to the railcar support; and a bottom portion coupled to the second side portion, the bottom portion for attaching to the railcar support.

Abstract: A trailer neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure including: (i) a first beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the first beam; and, (ii) and a first beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the first beam. A second beam reinforcement structure includes: (i) a second beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the second beam; and, (ii) and a second beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the second beam. Internal cross members extend between the first and second beam inner inserts. A first group of external cross members is located between the first beam outer insert and the left side rail, and a second group of external cross members is located between the second beam outer insert and the right side rail. Each external cross member comprises an inner segment connected to an outer segment.

Abstract: Tunnel 1 for a motor vehicle 2 made of a single part and including a main tunnel portion 3 and at least one lateral reinforcement element 5 located on the side of the main tunnel portion 3, wherein the lateral reinforcement element 5 is equipped with a groove 19 to provide high stiffness and high crash resistance and wherein the groove 19 extends over at least part of an inflexion region 15 between the longitudinally oriented part of the tunnel 1 and the upward oriented part of the tunnel 1 and extends over at least part of the front portion of the longitudinally oriented part of the tunnel 1.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a cargo body coupled to the chassis, a cargo support member, and a shelf assembly. The cargo support member is mounted to an outer wall of the cargo body and is disposed within the cargo body. The shelf assembly includes a tray and a strap. The tray is hingedly coupled to the cargo support member. The strap is coupled to the tray and the cargo support member. The strap is adjustable to reposition a forward end of the tray.

Abstract: A chassis frame module for an electric vehicle may include a chassis frame including a pair of side frames, a pair of inclined frames connected to front ends of the respective side frames, respectively, and a distance between the pair of inclined frames decreases toward the front, a front frame connected to the inclined frames, and a rear frame connected to rear ends of the pair of side frames, a battery disposed between the pair of side frames, and a plurality of wire assemblies disposed between the side frame and the battery and in a longitudinal direction of the side frame, and being configured to house a wire in an internal space thereof.

Abstract: A structure for assembling a vehicle having an axis of elongation, a frame rail and a cross member extending from the frame rail comprises a conduit extending along the axis of elongation of the vehicle. A conveyor is disposed in the conduit. At least one coupling attaches the conduit with at least one of the frame rail and the cross member.

Abstract: A modular trailer system comprising a plurality of curved panels, where each panel is elongate and has a first side with an angled projection and an opposing second side with an angled slot such that the angled projection of one panel is capable of fitting into the angled slot of another panel, allowing the panels to join together to form a continuously curved surface. The modular trailer system may further comprise a first top rail with an angled slot capable of receiving the angled projection of one of the plurality of curved panels and a second top rail with an angled projection capable of fitting into the angled slot of another of the plurality of curved panels. The plurality of curved panels, first top rail, and second top rail may be assembled together to form an elongate trailer body with a partially circular cross section, such that the trailer body has a continually rounded bottom and sides and an open top.

Abstract: A vehicular body structure includes a polymeric deck panel. The deck panel includes an adjacent ridge and valley with a leg shared therebetween, a crossbeam footprint crosswise to the adjacent ridge and valley, and a rib extending along the adjacent ridge and valley. Outside the crossbeam footprint, the rib extends along the ridge, approaching the crossbeam footprint, the rib extends along the leg into the valley, and across the crossbeam footprint, the rib extends along the valley.

Abstract: An example reinforced wood flooring for use in forming a truck trailer or container floor may include a wood member. The wood member may include a plurality of wood strips that are attached together. The wood member may also have a top surface and a bottom surface. An essentially water impermeable fiber-reinforced thermoplastic underlay may be adhered to the bottom surface of the wood member.

Abstract: A dump body pivot pin, suspension node, and rear frame connection comprises a dump body pivot pin boss, a rear suspension connection boss, outer and inner upper rear frame tube connection bosses, outer and inner lower rear frame tube connection bosses, upper and lower beams, a beam connection web, and a support tube connection boss. The dump pivot pin boss has a pivot bore, a pin bore center axis, and inner and outer flat surfaces. The rear suspension connection boss includes a suspension connection center axis and inner and outer flat surfaces. The upper beam connects the outer and inner upper rear frame tube connection bosses to the dump body pivot pin boss. The lower beam connects the outer lower rear frame connection boss to the rear suspension connection boss and the dump body pivot pin boss and the inner lower rear frame tube connection boss to the dump body pivot pin boss.

Abstract: A cargo body includes a floor, a roof, a first sidewall extending between the floor and the roof, and a second sidewall extending between the floor and the roof, the second sidewall cooperating with the first sidewall, the floor, and the roof to define a cargo receiving volume. The floor is defined by at least one composite panel including a core and a pair of skins sandwiching the core.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vehicle and method of controlling a display therein. Herein, the vehicle supports auto driving. The present invention includes sensors, a display including a display area formed on a glass of the vehicle and a controller configured to cause the display to display data obtained via at least one of the sensors on the display area based on an operation mode of the vehicle and vehicle passenger information.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rail system coupled to a floor pan and a floor covering having a bridge. The vehicle further includes one or more anchors that couple a seating assembly to the rail system and are configured to displace the bridge as the anchors traverse the rail system.

Abstract: A kit for illuminating chain slots on a trailer includes a plurality of brackets, each having a first arm and a second arm. The second arm is oriented at an angle to the first arm and has a mounting area. A tool is provided for positioning a bracket adjacent a respective chain slot on the trailer and for holding the bracket in place adjacent the chain slot until the bracket is attached to the trailer. The tool has a portion configured to engage with the mounting area of the bracket. Lights are also provided, each light configured to be attached to a respective mounting area of the bracket after the bracket has been attached to the trailer and the portion of the tool has been disengaged from the mounting area. An electrical conductor is configured to connect the plurality of lights to an electrical wiring harness of the trailer.

Abstract: A passenger seat module in which one or more of the modules can be installed in the cabin of a vehicle, such as an airplane, train, bus, automobile, etc. The passenger seat module includes a passenger seat, such as an adjustable reclining seat. A movable console having a table top is positioned in front of the seat and is slidably coupled to at least one rail mounted in the floor of the vehicle or to the module. The rail extends from the front of the module to about proximate the front portion of the seat, such that the console is slidable along the rail between the front of the module and a position just in front of the seat. The video monitor may be liftable substantially vertically through an opening in the table between a stowed position below the table to a viewing position above the table.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vehicle and method of controlling a display therein. Herein, the vehicle supports auto driving. The present invention includes sensors, a display including a display area formed on a glass of the vehicle and a controller configured to cause the display to display data obtained via at least one of the sensors on the display area based on an operation mode of the vehicle and vehicle passenger information.

Abstract: A floor panel has: a floor panel main body whose central portion and both outer side portions in a vehicle transverse direction are joined together, and that is formed by plural plate members being joined together at the central portion and the both outer side portions in the vehicle transverse direction. Among the second joining portions, a position of a central joining portion at the central portion in the vehicle transverse direction of the floor panel main body is offset in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to positions of outer side joining portions at the both outer side portions in the vehicle transverse direction of the floor panel main body. A different-type member joining portion, which is formed by plate members being joined together, is provided at at least one of the central portion, one of the outer side portions, and another of the outer side portions.

Abstract: A hook device for securing or releasing a deck panel used in a cargo section of a trailer, the hook device including: a guide bracket configured with at least first and second sides, the guide bracket including a groove formed on the first side and extending to the second side; and a hook configured to operate within the groove to secure or release the deck panel, the hook configured to secure the deck panel in a stored position when the hook is on the first side of the guide bracket and to release the deck panel in a work position when the hook is on the second side of the guide bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates, in a first aspect, to a flat semi-finished product made of metal (1), wherein said semi-finished product comprises at least out structured section (2) and at least one non-structured section, wherein said semi-finished product has non-structured edge sections (4) and exhibits a high strength. The semi-finished product made of metal (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it is designed as one piece and predetermined sections (2) are structured and predetermined sections are non-structured, wherein at least one non-structured section (4) is designed as a connecting region for positive or non-positive connection or for connecting by bonding. Furthermore, methods for producing the semi-finished products according to the invention are provided.

Abstract: A reinforcement assembly is provided for a pickup truck bed. The reinforcement is assembled to a cross member that supports the pickup truck bed. The reinforcement includes a bridge spanning a channel defined by the cross member. The reinforcement assembly is suspended on tabs that are received in recesses defined by a front weld flange and a rear weld flange. A urethane isolator is utilized to secure the cross member to a frame component.

Abstract: A cargo bed assembly for a pickup truck includes an aluminum truck bed above a pair of frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed 6000-series aluminum cross-members extend along a width of the truck bed and contact the underside of the truck bed. The cross-members include longitudinal channels. Each cross-member contacts a pair of extruded 6000-series aluminum spacers underneath the cross-member at spaced locations to align with the frame rails. The spacers contact the frame rails and at least partially surround a portion of the outer surface of the cross-members to separate the cross-members from the frame rails.

Abstract: A deck plate assembly is provided for mounting between the first and second frame members of a truck. The assembly includes a horizontally disposed deck plate which is positioned between the first and second frames. Structure is provided for securing the deck plate to the first and second frame members.

Abstract: A pickup truck including a cargo box having a truck bed and a rear sill adjacent the rear of the truck bed. The sill attaches beneath the truck bed. The sill includes a drain trough on its upper surface facing the underside of the truck bed. The drain trough includes a groove extending along the length of the sill. A plurality of apertures is formed in the sill within the groove. The apertures are formed toward an inner surface of a side panel of the sill. The drain trough irrigates liquid (e.g., e-coating paint) that resides between the truck bed and the sill to collect in the groove and exit the groove via the apertures, enabling the liquid to drain down the inner surface instead of an exterior visible surface of the sill.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a loading floor, a height adjusting device for the loading floor with a guide, on which the loading floor is mounted pivotably on a front end portion about a pivot axis and movably for a movement with a component in vertical direction and the loading floor with the guide can be mounted in at least two different height positions, at least two support elements formed in a different vertical orientation for supporting a rear end portion of the loading floor in the at least two different height positions. The guide includes, but is not limited to a first guideway for moving the front end portion towards the top and a second guideway for moving the front end portion towards the bottom and the first and second guideway are formed spatially separated on the guide.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a flooring apparatus provides improved fraction, improved wear resistance and improved structural support. The flooring apparatus may include an elongated member that includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface may include a cutout portion that extends along at least a portion of a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. One or more inserts are positioned at least partially within the cutout portion. The insert may include a texturized top surface and may be constructed of a polymer material or other material with improved traction and, in certain embodiments, improved wear resistance.

Abstract: A composite wood floor board assembled adjacent to another composite wood floor board, each the board comprising: a top layer of laminated hardwood comprising: a top side; a bottom side; a first lateral side; and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, wherein at least one of the first and second lateral sides is formed without shiplap lips; and a bottom layer comprising a planar fiber-reinforced polymer composite that is bonded to the bottom side of the top layer of the laminated hardwood and reinforces the top layer, wherein the bottom layer of fiber-reinforced polymer composite extends laterally outwardly by a distance up to two inches (2?) from the first lateral side of the top layer, and wherein a part of the bottom layer of the composite wood floor board is bonded to the top layer with a first adhesive and a part of the bottom layer is bonded with a second adhesive or sealant.

Abstract: A heavy goods vehicle has a dropped frame that includes an upper skin, a lower skin and lateral beams between the skins. The frame is self-supporting. In a vehicle independent real wheel motors are provided. The vehicle may be a diesel-electric hybrid. The dropped body is suitable for delivery and collection vehicles, and particularly refuse vehicles.

Abstract: A composite lap joint for the assembly of a first and a second floor board from a plurality of boards, used to make the floor for a vehicular trailer, each board composed of a layer of wood at the top side and a layer of fiber reinforced composite at the bottom side, wherein the composite layer is at least partly bonded to the wood layer; the composite layer of a first board forming a lip, wherein the lip is a lateral extension of the composite layer and the lip is disposed under the bottom side recess of an adjacent second board to form a composite joint, whereby the joint provides improved flexibility, moisture sealing ability at the seam of the joint and higher strength to the edges of the boards.

Abstract: The combination of a cargo carrying vehicle and a deck panel. The cargo carrying vehicle has a storage space and a plurality of parallel elongate load beams in the space. A lower surface of the deck panel engages each of the first and second elongate load beams. The body has a plurality of discrete components depending from the lower surface that are abuttable to the load beams to thereby limit shifting of the deck panel. The upper surface has at least a first opening and the lower surface has at least a first complementary projection. A second deck panel, the same as the first deck panel, can be stacked on the first deck panel so that a corresponding at least first projection on the second deck panel extends into the at least first opening to maintain the first and second deck panels in a predetermined stacked relationship.

Abstract: A connecting structure for a heavy vehicle may include a floor frame, a side pillar, and a skirt rail having a side rail to be selectively connected with the floor frame and an upper rail to be selectively connected with the side pillar, wherein the floor frame and the side rail may be joined together by a first fastening member and the side pillar and the skirt rail may be joined to each other by a second fastening member.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis for motor homes, busses and similar vehicles is provided. In an embodiment, the chassis includes anti-camber to counteract the bending action provided by the engine being mounted rear ward of the rear axle(s) of the vehicle such that the rear axle(s) act as a fulcrum causing crowning of the chassis. Further, embodiments of the invention utilize through the frame construction for lateral support members to increase storage space of a basement region and to increase strength of the welded joints of the various structural members.

Abstract: A floor module for a motor vehicle having a floor trough, which has, in the area of at least two side edges, at least one contact surface in each case for supporting the floor trough on a support structure component of a motor vehicle body and at least one formfitting device shaped onto the floor trough, by which the floor trough is at least temporarily fastenable on the support structure component.

Abstract: A load carrying body for a vehicle includes a curved metal plate floor (10) and a floor attachment system that attaches the floor to opposite sides of the body so that the floor is suspended between the sides. The floor attachment system includes a plurality of tensile members (38) which are the principal means for transferring forces from the floor to the remainder of the body. Each tensile member is coupled at one end to one of the sides of the body of the vehicle and at the other end to a side edge of the floor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo area having folding seats and rear doors. The rear doors are provided with a seat stopper on an inner side. The seat stopper presses a seat back plate from above when the door is closed and the seat back plate is folded down to prevent the seat back plate from being lifted.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present development, a platform trailer includes a chassis comprising first and second aluminum beams each including an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The first and second beams are arranged parallel to each other and each extend from a forward end to a rear end in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The first and second beams are each defined with an arch comprising an upwardly oriented apex located between the forward and rear ends. At least one axle assembly connected to the chassis and includes a left wheel and tire assembly and a right wheel and tire assembly. A platform is supported on the first and second beams of the chassis. The platform includes spaced-apart left and right side rails and a plurality of extruded aluminum panels that each extend from a left lateral end abutted with said left side rail to a right lateral end abutted with said right side rail.

Abstract: Self-powered apparatus are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a front chassis portion and a rear chassis portion. The front chassis portion is to be coupled to the rear chassis portion. The front chassis portion is substantially the same as the rear chassis portion. When the front and rear chassis portions are coupled, the front chassis portion includes a first end of the apparatus and the rear chassis portion includes a second end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A truck body floor includes a truck body floor frame and a floor plate attached to and supported by the truck body floor frame. The truck body floor frame includes two frame rails extending along a longitudinal length of the truck body floor, and a plurality of bolster structures attached to both of the two frame rails and extending across a width of the truck body floor. The plurality of bolster structures includes at least one layered bolster structure having an inner bolster and an outer bolster that is at least partially flush with and attached to the inner bolster.

Abstract: A platform trailer includes first and second aluminum beams. The first and second beams are defined with an arch. A platform is supported on the first and second beams. The platform includes a plurality of extruded aluminum panels that each extend from a left lateral end abutted with the left side rail to a right lateral end abutted with the right side rail. The extruded aluminum panels are abutted in series with the first end wall of one panel abutted with the second end wall of an adjacent abutted panel such that the respective upper walls of adjacent abutted panels of the platform together define an upper, cargo supporting surface of the platform. The platform is arched to correspond with the arch of the first and second beams. A method for constructing the platform trailer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite structure (10) includes a first outer skin (12); a second outer skin (14); and a core (16) sandwiched between the first outer skin (12) and the second outer skin (14). The core (16) includes a plurality of spaced apart ridges (18) between the first outer skin (12) and the second outer skin (14), each of the spaced apart ridges (18) extending from one end (20) of the composite structure (10) to an opposite end (22); and a plurality of connecting elements (24) between the first outer skin (12) and the second outer skin (14) configured to intersect with the ridges (18) to form open channels (26) within the core (16).

Abstract: A composite laminate comprises a plurality of composite plies including at least a first composite ply and a second composite ply. The first composite ply and the second composite ply each comprises a plurality of fibers in a thermoplastic matrix comprising polyethylene. The plurality of composite plies are bonded together to form the composite laminate.

Abstract: The invention provides a laminated floor panel for a vehicle cabin. The panel comprises a core (1) shaped as a honeycomb and wrapped in outside metal walls (2, 3, 4). A fastener element (5) for fastening vehicle cabin equipment is set back in the panel, being made integrally in a traffic wall (2) of the panel by machining, the traffic wall (2) being derived from a metal plate (9) from which the fastener element (5) and the side walls (4) of the panel are formed by removing material from the metal plate (9).

Abstract: A floor system configured for use with a storage container such as a trailer. The floor system includes an upper floor section including a plurality of upper floor boards made of glass fiber reinforced polymer, and a lower floor section including a plurality of lower floor boards made of glass fiber reinforced polymer. The upper floor boards are configured to extend along a length of the trailer and the lower floor boards are configured to extend across the width of the trailer.

Abstract: A connecting structure for a heavy vehicle may include a floor frame, a side pillar, and a skirt rail having a side rail to be selectively connected with the floor frame and an upper rail to be selectively connected with the side pillar, wherein the floor frame and the side rail may be joined together by a first fastening member and the side pillar and the skirt rail may be joined to each other by a second fastening member.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for safely lifting large off-highway truck bodies and also allows for lifting these truck bodies inside off-highway truck service bays with limited overhead lifting clearances. The invention minimizes the stresses on the truck body and on the lifting cables/slings. This lifting apparatus and method incorporates temporary lifting eyes installed through lifting hole receivers in the truck body floor. The temporary lifting eyes can be designed such that their strength is gained thru interlocking steel members versus simply welding.

Abstract: Floor boards and wood flooring for truck trailers and containers as well as methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example wood floor for truck trailers and containers may include a wood member having a top surface and a bottom surface. The wood member may include a plurality of wood strips that are attached together. A coating essentially impermeable to liquid water and water vapor may cover the bottom surface. The coating may include crosslinking polyvinyl acetate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a cargo space situated behind a seat arrangement and an adjustable loading panel arranged inside the cargo space is provided. Guides for adjustably accommodating the loading panel are located in the cargo space. Mounted in the loading panel is an actuating handle, which can be moved through exposure to a spring action for swiveling at least one eccentric mounted in the loading panel out of a position that fixes the loading panel in place into a position that releases the loading panel for adjustment purposes, and for adjusting the loading panel. The configuration makes it possible to ergonomically load the cargo space with the continuous adjustment and automatic braking of the loading panel.

Abstract: A side rail of a floor assembly of a trailer, such as a flatbed trailer, including a channel formed in a top wall of the side rail and an aperture formed in the top wall of the side rail at a location spaced-apart from the channel. The channel extends along a length of the side rail and is configured to receive a first cargo restraint device therein. The aperture is configured to receive a second cargo restraint device therein.

Abstract: A vehicle having a structural bed configured to serve as a structural load-bearing member is provided. The structural bed extends rearward from a cab structure of the vehicle and includes a core layer. First and second outer layers flank the core layer and span substantially the entirety of the core layer. The first and second outer layers are composed of a material that has a higher strength than the core layer. The thickness of the core layer may be at least approximately 10 times greater than each of the thicknesses of the first and second outer layers, respectively. The composite structural bed may be integrated with mass-efficient structures to produce an efficient load-bearing structure for a vehicle.

Abstract: An aerial lift (10) having a platform (12) surrounded by a kick plate (14) adjacent the platform with a pair of spaced apart cross members (22) supported on the kick plate and extending transversely of the platform, each cross member (22) being secured to the kick plate (14) by engaging with the kick plate on opposite sides of the platform (12) and having an upwardly projecting stop (26) at each end thereof for sideways location of material(s) D supported on the cross members (22).

Abstract: A mounting system for a shipping container or trailer floor having a plurality of apertures positioned to align with mounting holes of machinery having a first diameter to be mounted to the container floor, wherein the diameter of the container floor apertures are larger than the first diameter to allow a margin of error in the alignment with the machinery mounting holes. Non-circular threaded fasteners are located on the bottom surface of the container floor for receiving bolts for mounting machinery to the container floor, and a plurality of non-circular edged bases, each sized for receiving a non-circular threaded fastener such that the non-circular threaded fastener cannot rotate within non-circular edged base. The system also collects spilled machinery liquids for later removal.