Abstract: A cargo body panel includes an interior side, an exterior side, a primary recess, a secondary recess positioned within the primary recess, and a logistics track. The interior side defines an interior plane. The exterior side defines an exterior plane. The primary recess includes a primary recess interior side defining a primary recess interior plane and a primary recess exterior side defining a primary recess exterior plane. The primary recess interior plane is recessed from the interior plane in a direction toward the exterior plane. The secondary recess includes a secondary recess interior side defining a secondary recess interior plane and a secondary recess exterior side defining a secondary recess exterior plane. A distance between the secondary recess interior plane and the interior plane is greater than a distance between the primary recess interior plane and the interior plane. The secondary recess exterior plane is non-coplanar with the exterior plane.

Abstract: A container including a first panel with a first edge having a first protrusion with a first contoured profile with at least one projection, a second panel with a second edge having a second protrusion with a second contoured profile with at least one projection, and a spline with a first channel that defines a recess with an interior profile, and a second channel separate from the first channel that defines a recess with an interior profile. The first and second channels receive the first and second protrusions, respectively, such that the first contoured profile is complementary to a portion of the interior profile and the second contoured profile is complementary to a portion of the interior profile. The first and second panel include a mid-section extending from the first and second edges, respectively. The first and second edges have a greater thickness than the thickness of the mid-sections.

Abstract: A composite molded cargo body panel including a core, an interior skin secured to a first side of the core having a thickness, and exterior skin secured to a second side of the core, and a recess. The core thickness at the recess is reduced compared to a maximum core thickness, and the recess defines a support surface. A pocket is formed in the recess, with the core thickness at the pocket being less than the core thickness at the recess. A logistics insert is attached to the support surface of recess so that, at the recess, the logistics insert extends across the pocket.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a storage container including a roof and two opposing side walls. At least one of the roof and the two side walls comprises a panel member including an inner skin, an outer skin, and a core between the inner skin and the outer skin. The panel member also including an inner skin trailing edge extending beyond the core and the outer skin and an outer skin leading edge, opposite the inner skin trailing edge, extending beyond the core and the inner skin. A viscoelastic tape is provided along the trailing edge and leading edge to maintain the position of the panel. Multiple panels can be joined with an adhesive material, with the viscoelastic tape maintaining the connection between the panels while the adhesive material sets and preventing the adhesive material from exiting past the trailing and leading edges.

Abstract: A cargo body panel includes a composite construction including an interior skin, an exterior skin, and a core positioned between the interior and exterior skins. The panel has parallel first and second edges spaced in a first direction. A pocket is formed by the interior skin at a location spaced away from the first and second edges, the pocket extending parallel to the first and second edges to define a length. The pocket is wide enough to accommodate a logistics profile insert having a width that exceeds a depth of the pocket, the depth measured into the panel, perpendicular to both the first direction and the length.

Abstract: A cargo body panel includes an interior side, an exterior side, a primary recess, a secondary recess positioned within the primary recess, and a logistics track. The interior side defines an interior plane. The exterior side defines an exterior plane. The primary recess includes a primary recess interior side defining a primary recess interior plane and a primary recess exterior side defining a primary recess exterior plane. The primary recess interior plane is recessed from the interior plane in a direction toward the exterior plane. The secondary recess includes a secondary recess interior side defining a secondary recess interior plane and a secondary recess exterior side defining a secondary recess exterior plane. A distance between the secondary recess interior plane and the interior plane is greater than a distance between the primary recess interior plane and the interior plane. The secondary recess exterior plane is non-coplanar with the exterior plane.

Abstract: A container including a first panel with a first edge having a first protrusion with a first contoured profile with at least one projection, a second panel with a second edge having a second protrusion with a second contoured profile with at least one projection, and a spline with a first channel that defines a recess with an interior profile, and a second channel separate from the first channel that defines a recess with an interior profile. The first and second channels receive the first and second protrusions, respectively, such that the first contoured profile is complementary to a portion of the interior profile and the second contoured profile is complementary to a portion of the interior profile. The first and second panel include a mid-section extending from the first and second edges, respectively. The first and second edges have a greater thickness than the thickness of the mid-sections.

Abstract: A chassis and skin of a delivery Autonomous Ground Vehicle include an aluminum structure and polymer panels affixed to the AGV by fasteners. The panels are mutually overlapping. A method of assembly includes hooks and clips to put and hold the panels in place during assembly.

Abstract: A thermal radiation shield for the floors and roofs of trailer reefer units. The shield includes a low-emissivity, heat reflecting film that includes a metal coating layer, preferably vapor deposited, further protected by a layer of durable PET film.

Abstract: A carbody of a railcar includes an underframe, a side bodyshell, and a roof bodyshell. At least one of the underframe, the side bodyshell, and the roof bodyshell includes: an outer plate portion facing a car outside; and a reinforced portion joined to an inside surface of the outer plate portion and forming at least one internal space between the reinforced portion and the outer plate portion. At least one sound absorbing hole communicating with the internal space is formed on the outer plate portion.

Abstract: A frameless dump trailer is provided. The frameless dump trailer includes a forward body portion and a rear body portion. Each body portion is formed from two or more panels joined together with butt-joint welds. The forward portion is first formed by welding planar sections together. After the body portion is formed from the plurality of planar panels, the larger planar portion is rolled in a rolling system to define the arcuate shape of trailer body. Then, the forward and rear body portions are welding together with a transversely extending butt-weld.

Abstract: A composite molded cargo body panel including a core, an interior skin secured to a first side of the core having a thickness, and exterior skin secured to a second side of the core, and a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses are dispersed along a first direction at intervals in the interior skin, with the core thickness at each of the plurality of recesses being reduced compared to a maximum core thickness, and each of the plurality of recesses defines a support surface. A pocket is formed in each of the plurality of recesses, with the core thickness at the pocket being less than the core thickness at each of the plurality of recesses. A plurality of logistics inserts are attached to the respective support surfaces of the plurality of recesses so that, at each of the plurality of recesses, the logistics insert extends across the pocket.

Abstract: A cargo body includes a floor configured to support a cargo load and a roof positioned above the floor. The roof includes a roof panel having a composite construction including a first skin, a second skin, and a core positioned between the first and second skins. The cargo body includes first and second lateral sidewalls, each having an upper rail extending along an upper edge thereof. An edge portion of the roof panel is joined to one of the first and second upper rails.

Abstract: A cargo body includes a floor configured to support a cargo load and a roof positioned above the floor. The roof includes a roof panel having a composite construction including a first skin, a second skin, and a core positioned between the first and second skins. The cargo body includes first and second lateral sidewalls, each having an upper rail extending along an upper edge thereof. An edge portion of the roof panel is joined to one of the first and second upper rails.

Abstract: A trailer wall apparatus includes at least one logistics post. In another aspect, a vertically elongated cargo-securing or logistics post is attached adjacent to a vertically elongated depression within a sandwich panel of a cargo container, the sandwich panel employing at least one core sheet including alternating peaks and valleys therein in addition to attached interior and exterior face sheets. A further aspect employs a logistics post including internal lips which contact against and/or assist with alignment to diagonal surfaces of a depression in a container or trailer wall.

Abstract: Sensor systems, methods and machine readable medium are provided for a cargo vehicle. A plurality of sensors are arranged about an opening associated with a door through which packages are unloaded from a vehicle or trailer. The plurality of sensors are configured to measure an unpacked depth of the vehicle or trailer. A processor is provided in communication with each of the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to receive measured data generated by the plurality of sensors, determine an empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer based on the measured data as packages are being unpacked from the vehicle or trailer, and generate instructions regarding loading packages in a subsequent vehicle or trailer based on the determined empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer.

Abstract: A cargo transportation system includes a sandwich panel and a channel. In another aspect, a cargo-securing or logistics track, or tie-down slat, is attached to a continuously slotted channel which is secured within a sandwich panel of a cargo container, which employs at least one core sheet including alternating peaks and valleys therein in addition to attached interior and exterior face sheets. Yet another aspect of a cargo transportation system includes an interior face sheet flange of a sandwich panel overlapping a flush mounted lateral segment of a slotted channel.

Abstract: A container apparatus includes a sandwich structure. In another aspect, a cargo-securing or logistics track is attached to a sandwich structure of a container apparatus which employs at least one core sheet including alternating peaks and valleys therein in addition to at least one adhesively bonded outer face sheet. Yet another aspect of a container apparatus includes a depression in a sandwich structure adapted to receive a flush mounted track or post therein. Another aspect of a container apparatus includes a ship-lap and/or bent peripheral flange at a panel-to-panel interface seam.

Abstract: A cargo body includes sidewalls constructed of pairs of panels secured together at respective joints. Each panel is an assembled panel having a core, an interior skin, and an exterior skin. Each of the joints is formed as a lap joint in which edge portions of first and second panels overlap each other. The first panel has a reduced-thickness core portion throughout the edge portion in which a core thickness measured between the interior and exterior skins is less than half of a maximum core thickness of the first panel. The second panel has a reduced-thickness core portion throughout the edge portion in which a core thickness measured between the interior and exterior skins is less than a maximum core thickness of the second panel.

Abstract: A railcar bodyshell includes: a plurality of modules into which at least one of a floor portion, side portion, and roof portion of the bodyshell is divided in a car longitudinal direction; and an elongated member extending in the car longitudinal direction, the plurality of modules being attached to the elongated member. The elongated member includes a groove portion for fixing the plurality of modules to the elongated member the groove portion extending in the car longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A cargo body includes sidewalls constructed of pairs of panels secured together at respective joints. Each of the plurality of panels is a composite panel having a core, an interior skin secured to a first side of the core facing the cargo receiving volume, and an exterior skin secured to a second opposite side. Each joint includes an interior splice plate and an exterior splice plate, and co-facing edge portions of the adjacent pair of panels are sandwiched between the interior and exterior splice places. Each edge portion defines a region of reduced core thickness in which a core thickness measured between the respective interior and exterior skins is less than a maximum core thickness. A recess is formed by the pair of interior or exterior skins to receive the corresponding splice plate, such that the corresponding one of the interior and exterior splice plate is nested into the recess.

Abstract: A method of constructing a wall assembly of an operator cab involves: fastening a generally planar inner surface of a sheet-metal exterior wall body of the wall assembly to a generally planar outer surface of a sheet-metal structural wall body of the wall assembly; and fastening a generally planar inner surface of the sheet-metal structural wall body to a generally planar outer surface of a sheet-metal interior wall body of the wall assembly. Also, a method of constructing an operator cab involves: fastening a floor body to first and second spaced-apart sheet-metal wall assemblies; fastening a rear wall body to the first and second sheet-metal wall assemblies and to the floor body; fastening a front wall body to the first and second sheet-metal wall assemblies and to the floor body; and fastening a ceiling body to the first and second sheet-metal wall assemblies. Operator cabs and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A base rail of a trailer includes an upper portion configured to be coupled to the inner surface of a sidewall of a trailer. The upper portion includes a plurality of spaced-apart ridges configured to extend inwardly away from an inner surface of the upper portion and into a storage area of the trailer. The base rail also includes a lower portion configured to be coupled to the floor assembly of the trailer, and a bumper guard coupled to the inner surface of the upper portion and positioned between spaced-apart ridges.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting bulk material has a container mounted on a chassis and wheeled suspension. The container has opposing sidewalls, a floor, a front wall, and a rear opening. The trailer further has an unloading system comprising a plow and a plow motor system. The plow is disposed in the container and shaped and sized to span substantially a transverse cross-section of the container. The plow motor system is operable to move the plow longitudinally in the container to urge or push the bulk material in the container toward and out of the rear opening of the container. At least one of the sidewalls comprises a removable panel installed longitudinally along a bottom of the sidewall, wherein an inward-facing surface of the removable panel and an inward-facing surface of the sidewall are substantially co-planar.

Abstract: A structural support and hinge member for a trailer tarpaulin latching system includes a mounting face, a support bracket, and a pivot defining a pivot axis.

Abstract: There are often difficulties in producing materials that are wide and long, such as from the availability of properly dimensioned feedstock materials, processing costs, engineering challenges, and the like. As such, new methods for joining materials are needed. The present invention relates to composite materials, such as a sandwich composite, articles prepared from a composite material, and methods for preparing articles, that employ an edge joint. The edge joint may be employed for attaching the composite material to another composite material, or for attaching it to a monolithic material.

Abstract: A logistics assembly is configured to be coupled to a sidewall of a trailer. The logistics assembly includes a logistics strip configured to be coupled to an inside surface the sidewall of the trailer and a splicing plate configured to be coupled to an outside surface the sidewall of the trailer. The splicing plate is spaced-apart from the logistics strip to define a channel therebetween, and the logistics strip includes a plurality of vertically-spaced slots aligned with the channel. The logistics assembly further includes an insert engaged with the logistics strip and the splicing plate. The insert is configured to block access from inside the trailer through at least one slot of the logistics strip in order to prevent debris from entering through the slot and into a channel between the logistics strip and the splicing plate.

Abstract: A sidewall construction arrangement for a trailer includes a plurality of upstanding panels. Each panel includes two opposing flanges. The flanges are disposed on opposing lateral edges of the panel. Adjacent flanges of two adjacent panels partially overlap each other. Each of a plurality of vertically oriented logistics posts includes two lateral margins. A first of the margins is attached to a respective first of the flanges of the two partially overlapping panels. A second of the margins of the post is attached to each of the first and second flanges of the two partially overlapping panels.

Abstract: An ejector for a refuse vehicle including a structural frame, a first shoe, and a second shoe. The structural frame includes a first side plate offset from a second side plate, and the distance between the first side plate and the second side plate defines a side plate spacing. The first shoe is coupled to the first side plate and includes a first surface configured to interface with a first ejector track. The second shoe is coupled to the second side plate and includes a second surface configured to interface with the second ejector track. A lateral spacing between the first surface and the second surface is less than or equal to the side plate spacing such that loading imparted on the structural frame is transmitted directly into the first ejector track and the second ejector track.

Abstract: An inner wall liner of a wall panel of a refrigerated trailer includes a liner sheet formed of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and a scuff plate formed of FRP. The scuff plate and the liner sheet are fused together such that the scuff plate is coupled to a bottom portion of the liner sheet. The inner liner further includes an upper wall plate formed of FRP. The upper wall plate and the liner sheet are fused together such that the upper wall plate is coupled to an upper portion of the liner sheet.

Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

Abstract: A cart includes a support body; and two side frames being rectangular wherein each side frame includes two spaced vertical bumpers and two spaced horizontal cross rails, each bumper has a cross section of about rectangle, each bumper includes a top hole and a plurality of spaced side holes along one surface facing an other bumper of the same side frame, each cross rail has a cross section of rectangle, and each cross rail includes a plurality of threaded holes so as to threadedly secure the side frames to both sides of the support body respectively. The cart further includes at least one side container and at least one corner top holder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a composite panel and a method of manufacturing the composite panel. The composite panel includes first and second fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) layers. The composite panel also includes a core layer disposed between the first and second FRP layers. The core layer includes one of: a honeycomb material and a foam material. The composite panel further includes an exterior layer disposed on a surface of the first FRP layer opposite the core layer and an interior layer disposed on a surface of the second FRP layer opposite the core layer. The layers are cured together in one processing step.

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 method for bonding sidewall panels each comprising first and second skins and a core member sandwiched therebetween. The first skin has a main portion and an overlapping portion extending beyond the core member. The second skin has a main portion and an overlapped portion not extending beyond the core member. The method comprises the following steps. First, an entire exterior surface of the first skin and only an exterior surface of the main portion of the second skin of each of said sidewall panels are painted. Then, the sidewall panels are oriented such that the overlapping portion of the first skin of one sidewall panel is planarly aligned with the overlapping portion of the second skin of another sidewall panel. Next, the overlapping portion of the first skin of one sidewall panel is adhesively bonded to the overlapped portion of the second skin of another sidewall panel.

Abstract: A connector securing a liner to a scuff in a container sidewall is disclosed. The connector is adapted to receive and secure various thicknesses of liners and scuffs. The connector is made of a light weight, high strength flexible material and well suited to secure non-metallic scuffs and non-metallic linings. The connector includes a transition piece that utilizes clamping force (pre-tightening force) to connect two different thicknesses of panels made of continuous glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic material. The connector includes a thick lower opening adapted to secure the scuff and a thin upper opening adapted to secure the liner. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the width of the lower opening is between 5.0 mm and 5.5 mm while the width of the upper opening is between 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm.

Abstract: A modular headboard system is provided. The modular headboard system can be positioned on a vehicle, such as a truck, trailer, rail car, or on a shipping structure such as a shipping pallet. The modular headboard system can also be used in association with a cover system for covering or enclosing cargo during shipping on a vehicle or shipping structure. The modular headboard system comprises a plurality of component members that are assembled to form a headboard. The headboard system comprises a headboard, a pair of wings connected to opposite sides of the headboard and extending at least partially above the headboard, and a headboard extension member disposed at the top of the headboard and connected to the wings. The wings and the headboard extension member can be releasably connected to the headboard for easily assembly and disassembly of the headboard system.

Abstract: A wagon has two side walls, two end walls and a base. At least a portion of one or each side wall has two side wall parts in the form of panels. Each panel has a respective constant wall thickness and is joined together. In some embodiments, the panels can be integrally formed. The side wall panels are also each of a different material thickness. A bridging member in the form of an angled bracket is arranged to interconnect the respective side wall panels by being separately connected to each side wall panel.

Abstract: Presented is a composite panel container sidewall construction that provides additional interior logistics slots in the sidewalls of the container for securing cargo loaded into the container. The sidewall is constructed from posts, outer sheets, inner liners, and logistics panels. The outer sheets have inward protrusions that are secured into pockets in the posts. The logistic panels may include logistic slots that may be used to secure cargo or tie downs to the sidewall of the trailer.

Abstract: An improved panel and sidewall construction is presented. The sidewall includes a post with a pocket, and in the pocket external liners of the sidewall are secured. Flexible interior panels are secured in the posts with two protrusions that extend laterally and inwardly from the post. The posts also include slots for logistics panel that serve as a tie-down points for securing cargo.

Abstract: A sidewall construction arrangement for a trailer includes a plurality of upstanding panels. Each panel includes two opposing flanges. The flanges are disposed on opposing lateral edges of the panel. Adjacent flanges of two adjacent panels partially overlap each other. Each of a plurality of vertically oriented logistics posts includes two lateral margins. A first of the margins is attached to a respective first of the flanges of the two partially overlapping panels. A second of the margins of the post is attached to each of the first and second flanges of the two partially overlapping panels.

Abstract: A logistics strip defining at least one opening therethrough may be bonded to an inner surface of a storage container side wall. At least one channel may be formed in the inner surface of the side wall. A bonding medium may be applied to an underside of the logistics strip along opposite sides thereof with the at least one opening positioned therebetween. The at least one opening may then be aligned over the at least one channel. The underside of the logistics strip may then be contacted with the inner surface of the side wall such that the bonding medium contacts and bonds to the inner surface of the side wall on both sides of the at least one channel.

Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

Abstract: A sidewall construction arrangement for a trailer includes a plurality of upstanding sidewall panels. Each of a plurality of vertically oriented posts is disposed between and engages a respective substantially coplanar pair of the panels. Each post has an exterior surface that is entirely continuous in a vertical cross-sectional view throughout a portion of the post that extends beyond the panels in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A butt joint assembles side panels of a trailer to the base rail of the trailer to form a side wall. The butt joint positions the side panels over the base rail and vertically aligns the outer surfaces of the side panels and the base rail, which provides for an improved trailer side wall.

Abstract: A sidewall construction arrangement for a trailer includes a plurality of upstanding panels. Each panel includes two opposing flanges. The flanges are disposed on opposing lateral edges of the panel. Adjacent flanges of two adjacent panels partially overlap each other. Each of a plurality of vertically oriented logistics posts includes two lateral margins. A first of the margins is attached to a respective first of the flanges of the two partially overlapping panels. A second of the margins of the post is attached to each of the first and second flanges of the two partially overlapping panels.

Abstract: A sting trailer has a camera scaffold concealing hidden cameras in a cargo compartment of the trailer. The camera scaffold conceals cameras and wiring so that the cameras are not visible from the interior of the trailer.

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: An inner wall liner of a wall panel of a refrigerated trailer includes a liner sheet formed of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and a scuff plate formed of FRP. The scuff plate and the liner sheet are fused together such that the scuff plate is coupled to a bottom portion of the liner sheet. The inner liner further includes an upper wall plate formed of FRP. The upper wall plate and the liner sheet are fused together such that the upper wall plate is coupled to an upper portion of the liner sheet.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an insulated structural panel including a superinsulating, desiccant-filled, vacuum-sealed insulating panel sandwiched between a pair of composite panels. The composite panels are configured to impart structural strength to the panel without introducing heat transfer pathways through the vacuum-sealed insulating panel. The desiccant material disposed within the vacuum-sealed insulating panel is capable of absorbing moisture within the vacuum established within the vacuum-sealed insulating panel and thereby reducing the degradation of the vacuum-sealed panel's insulating capacity.