Abstract: A roof rail for a vehicle is provided that is made of only one piece and is solid across its length. The roof rail may be made using a co-injection molding process, a two-shot injection molding process or an extrusion molding process.

Abstract: A cargo container is disclosed having removable panels secured between roof bows that extend across the width of the cargo container. The roof bows may be constructed out of a metal or high strength composite material while the panels may be constructed from a similar high strength material or a lightweight plastic depending on the intended use of the trailer. A top sheet over the roof bows maybe required to secure the panels to the bows, or the top sheet may be optional for additional protection from the weather. Insulation may also be placed between the top sheet and panels if the container is to be used to carry refrigerated cargo.

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 system for reducing the air resistance of a truck, particularly an articulated vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a cargo space that is limited downward by a loading floor and in the height thereof by a roof wall spaced apart therefrom. The aim is to provide a system that minimizes the face area of the truck and thus the fuel consumption in dependence on the actual cargo space used. According to one embodiment, the roof wall is height-adjustable opposite the loading floor.

Abstract: A vehicle undercover is provided with a fixed section fixed to a front body and a rotating section, one end of which is rotatably coupled to the fixed section and the other end of which vertically moves relative to the front body so as to be able to open and close a lower opening, in which the fixed section closes a part of the lower opening and the rotating section closes a remaining part of the lower opening, which is not closed by the fixed section. Such a configuration improves aerodynamic performance of a vehicle and improves workability of maintenance operation.

Abstract: An aerodynamic nose cone front trailer that uses a topographical view for reference extending the trailer front all the way to the hitch. The trailer design reduces wind resistance while improving the fuel economy and improving the handling.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a multipurpose transport system, a roof assembly, and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals. Roof assemblies according to the disclosure are mountable on a top portion of a transport system. In some embodiments, roof assemblies include two or more panels, one or more panel movements assemblies operably connected each of the two or more panels, and one or more actuation assemblies. The two or more panels extend from a first side of the roof assembly to and second side of the roof assembly in a louvered configuration. Each of the two or more panels are moveable between a first position and a second position. Further aspects of the disclosure are directed towards multipurpose transport systems and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals using systems according to the disclosure.

Abstract: A roof assembly of a trailer includes a plurality of roof panels. Each roof panel includes a main body, a first flange extending downwardly from a first lateral edge of the main body, and a second flange extending downwardly from a second lateral edge of the main body. Illustratively, flange and the main body are made from a single, or one-piece, sheet of material.

Abstract: A roof bow for a trailer body for use with a commercial motor vehicle is provided, including a top wall, a floor, and a pair of side walls cooperating to define a cargo space, and a plurality of supports each extending substantially across the trailer body between the side walls. The top wall includes an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the supports are connected to the exterior surface of the top wall such that at least a substantial portion of the interior surface of the top wall is generally smooth. The roof bow has a uniform cross-sectional shape along its length and having a crown joining with side walls and a pair of attachment pads, the bow forming an interior cavity with the pads having inwardly extending leg extensions.

Abstract: A trailer which is sized to be towed behind a motorcycle. The trailer includes a cargo bay for storing luggage, spare parts, tools or other cargo. The trailer is preferably towed behind a motorcycle in a group of motorcycles. In the unfortunate event that one of the motorcycles breaks down or a rider is unable to continue operating his or her motorcycle, the cargo bay can be converted to a towing configuration for towing the disabled motorcycle. This allows the group of motorcycles to continue riding, and the disabled motorcycle can be towed to a repair location at a more convenient time for the entire group of riders.

Abstract: A base support assembly for the cargo bed of a pickup truck mounted on the truck including a pair of parallel side by side slotted side guide rails installed on a respective cargo bed sidewall and a pair of U-shaped end support frames each having a pair of legs pivotally mounted to each of the opposite ends of the side guide rails so as to able to be swung up to an erect position or lowered down position after the base support assembly is installed on the pickup truck cargo bed side walls. An elongated slotted top guide rail may be connected at either end to the top of each end support frame. The end frames can be collapsed into a support for a rigid tonneau cover by lowering the end support frames.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved top rail for a container body, e.g. a truck body, are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, a support structure is disposed at least partially within a channel of the top rail to provide increased strength to the top rail and to protect the top rail and container body from damage. Examples of support structures include support blocks, such as composite blocks, and support rails, such as metal rails. In an exemplary embodiment, a low-profile light source can be installed on the top rail and/or the support structure.

Abstract: A base support assembly for the cargo bed of a pickup truck mounted on the truck including a pair of parallel side by side slotted side guide rails installed on a respective cargo bed sidewall and a pair of U-shaped end support frames each having a pair of legs pivotally mounted to each of the opposite ends of the side guide rails so as to able to be swung up to an erect position or lowered down position after the base support assembly is installed on the pickup truck cargo bed side walls. An elongated slotted top guide rail may be connected at either end to the top of each end support frame. The end frames can be collapsed into a support for a rigid tonneau cover by lowering the end support frames.

Abstract: A trailer roof assembly includes a horizontal roof member and a vertical wall member. An arcuate member is connected on a first end with the vertical wall member and on a second end with the horizontal roof member. The arcuate roof member includes a nub that extends outwardly and abuts the horizontal roof member. A fastener extends through the horizontal roof member and the arcuate member into a channel disposed on an underside of the arcuate member. A trim piece is disposed in the channel hiding the fastener from view.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a multipurpose transport system, a roof assembly, and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals. Roof assemblies according to the disclosure are mountable on a top portion of a transport system. In some embodiments, roof assemblies include two or more panels, one or more panel movements assemblies operably connected each of the two or more panels, and one or more actuation assemblies. The two or more panels extend from a first side of the roof assembly to and second side of the roof assembly in a louvered configuration. Each of the two or more panels are moveable between a first position and a second position. Further aspects of the disclosure are directed towards multipurpose transport systems and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals using systems according to the disclosure.

Abstract: A cap for the cargo bed of a pickup truck assembled on the truck including a base support frame comprised of a pair of parallel side by side slotted side guide rails and a hoop support frame pivotally mounted to each of the opposite ends of the side guide rails so as to able to be swung up to an erect position after the base support frame is installed on the pickup truck cargo bed side walls. An elongated slotted top guide rail is connected at either end to the top of each hoop support frame. Flexible side panels are inserted in respective slots on the side guide rails and top guide rail assuming a convex shape to cover the cargo bed. End panels close off either end of the cap, a rear panel may be hinged to the rear hoop support frame to be operable and may be transparent to provide a window. The hoop support frames and end panels may be adjustable in width to be matched to the cargo bed width.

Abstract: A roof assembly for a storage container, such as a truck trailer, includes a sheet having a plurality of laterally-extending corrugations formed therein. Illustratively, each corrugation is configured to progressively flatten outwardly from a longitudinal centerline of the roof assembly towards an outer end of the sheet. The longitudinal centerline of the roof assembly extends perpendicular to each corrugation. The outer end of the sheet is configured to be coupled to a sidewall of the truck trailer.

Abstract: A roof assembly is provided for a storage container having two opposing side walls that together define a length of the storage container. The roof assembly includes a plurality of roof panels arranged atop and between the two opposing side walls along the length of the storage container in side-by-side relationship. Each of the plurality of roof panels has opposite sides and opposite ends. Each of the opposite ends of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be secured to a top of a corresponding one of the two opposing side walls of the storage container. Each of the opposite sides of each of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be attached to the side of an adjacent one of the plurality of roof panels.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved top rail for a container body, e.g. a truck body, are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, a support structure is disposed at least partially within a channel of the top rail to provide increased strength to the top rail and to protect the top rail and container body from damage. Examples of support structures include support blocks, such as composite blocks, and support rails, such as metal rails. In an exemplary embodiment, a low-profile light source can be installed on the top rail and/or the support structure.

Abstract: A trailer includes a pair of vertical, spaced apart opposing sidewalls and a roof sheet extending between and mounted atop the sidewalls. The sidewalls and roof sheet cooperate to define a cargo space. The roof sheet has an interior surface facing the cargo space and an opposing exterior surface. A plurality of bows are mounted to the exterior surface of the roof sheet and extend between the sidewalls. The plurality of bows support the roof sheet. Each bow includes at least three contact portions attached to the exterior surface of the roof sheet. A rib portion interconnects the contact portions and defines a channel between the rib portion and the exterior surface of the roof sheet.

Abstract: A cap for the cargo bed of a pickup truck assembled on the truck including a base support frame comprised of a pair of parallel side by side slotted side guide rails and a hoop support frame pivotally mounted to each of the opposite ends of the side guide rails so as to able to be swung up to an erect position after the base support frame is installed on the pickup truck cargo bed side walls. An elongated slotted top guide rail is connected at either end to the top of each hoop support frame. Flexible side panels are inserted in respective slots on the side guide rails and top guide rail assuming a convex shape to cover the cargo bed. End panels close off either end of the cap, a rear panel may be hinged to the rear hoop support frame to be operable and may be transparent to provide a window. The hoop support frames and end panels may be adjustable in width to be matched to the cargo bed width.

Abstract: The invention provides a roof reinforcement member including an extruded aluminum alloy part which is upwardly convex and extends in a vehicle lateral direction. The extruded aluminum alloy part includes a pair of upper and lower flanges approximately parallel-facing each other as seen in a cross-section thereof and a pair of webs formed to stand along the vehicle height direction. The pair of flanges and the pair of webs form a closed sectional part. The pair of flanges each have a projecting flange portion. In the cross-section, the lower flange is thicker than the upper flange and/or the lower flange is wider than the upper flange, and the neutral axis of upward/downward bending is positioned lower than the middle of the height of the cross-section. This arrangement can reduce the stress generated on the lower side of the cross-section when the extruded aluminum alloy part is bent, so that the extruded aluminum alloy part can be effectively made stronger against deformation.

Abstract: There is provided a roof structure of a vehicular body. The roof structure includes right and left side roof rails disposed on opposing sides of the vehicular body. The roof structure further includes a plurality of roof reinforcements installed in a spaced-apart relationship between the side roof rails and extending along a lateral direction across the vehicular body and a roof panel attached to the roof reinforcements, wherein at least one roof reinforcement of the plurality of roof reinforcements is a first roof reinforcement having a maximum width portion wider than a closest relative spacing between the first roof reinforcement and an adjacent roof reinforcement of the plurality of roof reinforcements on a first side of the first roof reinforcement.

Abstract: An enclosed freight body of a van-style cargo vehicle for transporting cargo comprises a side wall assembly, an end wall assembly and a roof assembly, and a multi-piece corner cap assembly interconnecting converging portions of the side wall assembly, the end wall assembly and the roof assembly together. The multi-piece corner cap assembly includes a rigid reinforcing member structurally interconnecting the side wall assembly and the end wall assembly, and a protective cover member attached to each of the side wall assembly, the end wall assembly and the roof assembly so as to cover the rigid reinforcing member from outside of the freight body. Also, the protective cover member is made of a flexible impact resistant material, while the rigid reinforcing member is made of a high stiffness and high strength material. The multi-piece corner cap system provides a combination of stiffness, strength, impact resistance and cost effectiveness.

Abstract: A roof assembly is provided for a storage container having two opposing side walls that together define a length of the storage container. The roof assembly includes a plurality of roof panels arranged atop and between the two opposing side walls along the length of the storage container in side-by-side relationship. Each of the plurality of roof panels has opposite sides and opposite ends. Each of the opposite ends of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be secured to a top of a corresponding one of the two opposing side walls of the storage container. Each of the opposite sides of each of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be attached to the side of an adjacent one of the plurality of roof panels.

Abstract: A shipping container (20) includes a floor (40) and opposite side walls (42, 44), with each side wall including a panel supporting element (68, 70) at or near an upper region of the side, wall for supporting a plurality of removable rigid cover panels (30). Each cover panel (30) has opposite side edges (60, 66) and first and second ends (56, 58). The panel supporting elements of the side walls are configured to at least partially receive the side edges of the cover panels to support the cover panels at the upper region of the side walls. The cover panels are configured to be removably supported at the panel supporting elements in adjacent relationship, whereby the first end (56) of at least one of the cover panels engages the second end (58) of another of the cover panels.

Abstract: An open-top cargo box for a truck trailer that is selectively coverable with bow-supported tarpaulin system. The cargo box has an interior cavity defined by front and rear walls connected together by a pair of longitudinally extending side walls. Each side wall has an upper horizontal surface defining a plurality of spaced-apart apertures therein. Each aperture has a first cross-sectional shape and a first size. The bows that support the tarpaulin include vertically oriented ends, each of which has a second cross-sectional shape and a second size. The second shape and size of the ends of the bows is smaller than the first shape and size of the apertures. Consequently, if the side walls of the cargo box spread apart under pressure exerted by a load carried in the cavity, the ends of the bows slidably move within the apertures in the side walls in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the side walls. The side walls may be reinforced proximate the apertures.

Abstract: A roof rack having movable cross bars that have a low profile when aligned with the side bars, but are raised when generally perpendicular to the side bars. The height variation is achieved using ribs that are provided on a bottom side of the cross bars. When the cross bars are aligned with the side bars, the ribs fit into slots that are provided in the side bars. As a result, each cross bar has a very low profile with respect to the roof of the vehicle. When each cross bar is rotated to a position generally perpendicular to the side bars, the ribs within the cross bar are no longer aligned with the slots in the side bar. Instead, the ribs rest on an upper surface of the side bar, and thus, provide a significant gap between the cross bar and vehicle roof.

Abstract: A system for retraction and deployment of a covering over at least a portion of a vehicle interior is disclosed, such as might be employed in commercial or sport utility style vehicles to provide a convertible hardtop over a portion of the vehicle that can be retracted for open air and ease of access, or closed for physical and environmental protection. The system provides: first and second roof panels; first and second sidewall panels; and posterior and anterior roll bars, each roll bar having at least one channel whereby the first and second roof panels and the first and second sidewall panels are guided between a deployed position and a stowed position, such that when the panels are in the deployed position the vehicle is enclosed and when the panels are in a stowed position the vehicle is at least partially open.

Abstract: A trailer edge rail system for use with a trailer having a removable cover includes a mount having a first end adapted to be secured to an edge of the trailer. The mount also includes at least one protrusion extending generally upwardly and parallel to a face of the edge of the trailer. The protrusion acts as a guide and aids in preventing an object (such as a snowmobile or the like) from being loaded too close to or driven off the edge of the trailer. A lip extends generally outwardly and transverse to the protrusion. In the preferred embodiment, the first end includes a C-shaped bracket. Alternatively, the first end may be molded with the trailer. The edge-rail system also preferably includes a longitudinally disposed cavity sized and shaped to accept one or more wires, hoses, or lights.

Abstract: A combination trailer and rooftop carrier for transporting objects has a frame having an axle and wheel assembly. The frame has a trailer hitch to couple the frame to a vehicle. A main storage compartment is coupled to the frame and axle wheel assembly. A lid assembly is removably coupled to the main storage compartment wherein the lid assembly may be removed and coupled to a roof top mounting rack on a vehicle to form the rooftop carrier.

Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle, comprising a vertical face, a curved top flange extending in a first direction, and a straight bottom flange extending in the first direction. Preferably, the roof bow is monolithic with a plurality of apertures in the vertical face that provide clearance for ductwork, wiring, etc. Additionally, the roof bow may comprise horizontally and vertically-extending indented embossments, and rolled embossments about the apertures. Side flanges may additionally extend in the first direction and attach to side walls of the vehicle via an angled connector.

Abstract: Automobile body performing with reduced aerodynamic lift while speeding, and therefore having a fuselage of a parallelogram shape where the fuselage is made with roof projected backward and also having its body rear plate, or otherwise rear half of the car's bottom plate, slanted upward toward its car's rear end to create a body of parallelogram shape at the side section. Reducing aerodynamic lift which normally occurs while a car is moving at a high speed, will happen when separation of air flow around the top and bottom of the car's body will distributed with less than a standard difference in length, speed, and air density of both parts, and will result in more or less equality in air pressure occurring around the top and bottom of the automobile fuselage.