Abstract: A flange 52b is provided on a plate by bending the plate, the flange being substantially orthogonal to the plate, and a recessed portion, where the flange is missing, is provided between two flanges. A flange 62c is provided by bending another plate, and a raised portion is provided which protrudes from a parallel side 62b to flange 62c at an end portion of flange 62c. An end portion of flange 52c and end portion of flange 62c are abutted, and end portion of plate 60 is abutted to an outer side of the circular arc portion of flange 52b from the plate. The raised portion is abutted to the recessed portion, and respective abutted portions are welded. Where two plates in which a flange is provided by bending the plate are intended to be welded, the occurrence of a space in a welding portion can be prevented.

Abstract: A sidewall of a trailer is formed from at least two composite panels joined together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a plastic core sandwiched between the skins. A logistics plate and overlapping outer skins of the panels are used to join the panels together and are secured thereto by rivets.

Abstract: A filler panel for inserting within a vehicle body section that has a plurality of slats positioned substantially parallel with respect to one another, and each slat has a slat connector mechanism. The apparatus further has a molded encasing exhibiting a shape suitable for insertion into the vehicle body section, and the molded encasing contains each of the plurality of slats secured substantially parallel with respect to one another within the molded encasing such that each connector mechanism associated with each of the plurality of slats protrudes from the encasing such that each connector mechanism is positioned to be affixed to the vehicle body section.

Abstract: A light-weight, highly rigid, high-strength environment-friendly fiber-reinforced plastic (hereinafter, CFRP) board having a surface quality that can endure long-term use suitable for use in automobiles and the like is provided. A method for making the same is also provided. The CFRP board includes a board member formed from a woven fabric as a reinforcing base material, the woven fabric including carbon fibers; and at least one of a gel coat and a paint provided on the board member, wherein the NSIC value of the surface of the CFRP board is 30% or more.

Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor and a side wall extending vertically upward from a side edge of the floor. The side wall includes at least one vertical post. A pair of adjacent liner panels, formed from a tough material attached to a stiff backer, attach to the post.

Abstract: The body panels of the present invention are designed to crumple in a predisposed manner upon impact. The body panels are preferably made from a polymeric material. Further, the body panels can include a sheet of colored material attached to the polymeric material so that no painting of the panel is necessary. Preferably, the colored material is on an exterior surface of the panel. The colored material could be made from a thermoplastic with molded in color. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a polymeric material reinforced with spaced reinforcing fibers. An alternative embodiment of the body panel includes a sheet of polymeric material that is reinforced with spaced mechanical ribs that are preferably molded into the sheet of material. Another alternative embodiment of the body panel includes alternating sections of high density polymeric foam and low density polymeric foam.

Abstract: A tailored blank article having a lead-in opening structure, which is free from water leakage even through a lead-in opening is located at a step formed on one surface of the tailored blank article consisting of two metal plates with different thicknesses butt-welded together. The lead-in opening structure includes a recessed portion formed in the stepped surface of the tailored blank article along a peripheral edge of the opening, a sealing material filled in the recessed portion to undergo leveling of the peripheral edge of the opening including the step, and a seal plate covering the sealing material and attached to the tailored blank article.

Abstract: A piece of motor vehicle bodywork (4, 5, 11) having an outside face directed towards the outside of the vehicle and an inside face opposite the outside face, the piece of bodywork being constituted in that it is constituted by a skin made of a material that allows light to pass, the inside face of the skin being covered at least in part by an opaque coating.

Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor, a roof and a side wall extending vertically upward between the floor and roof. The side wall includes a substantially gas impermeable outer liner panel and a substantially gas impermeable inner liner panel. The inner liner panel includes at least one glass and polymer layer and one gas impermeable barrier layer. The inner liner panel can also be used to form the roof and replace the outer liner panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a road or rail vehicle comprised of a lightweight perimeter frame with panel-like elements, which define a floor, a roof, side walls, and front and rear end elements. In this design the panels are made from high-strength materials wherein the panels are the primary structural elements and the perimeter frame is used primarily as a means of attaching the panels. However, the perimeter chassis is reinforced with heavier sections in certain areas to distribute concentrated forces and impact loads into the structural panels from the vehicle suspension, powertrain, doors, seating, and major access panels or hatches. The body/chassis structure is configured with front and rear chassis subcomponents to which all suspension, steering, engine, and powertrain elements are mounted, in a manner to allow the entire sub-assemblies at the front and rear of the vehicle to be easily installed and removed from the chassis structure.

Abstract: A semi-trailer sidewall construction includes a horizontally aligned base rail, a horizontally aligned top rail, a plurality of vertical posts coupled between the top and bottom rails at spaced apart intervals along a length of the top and bottom rails, a plurality of outside panels coupled between the top and base rails, and a plurality of inside panels coupled between the top and bottom rails. The vertical posts include first and second thicknesses with the first thickness being less than the second thickness. Separate outside panels are coupled to pairs of vertical post within the spaced apart intervals, and separate inside panels are coupled to pairs of vertical post within the spaced apart intervals. The outside and inside panels are spaced apart a distance defined by the first post thickness.

Abstract: A floor panel structure of a vehicle body where a vehicle floor has floor panels with their peripheral edges linked to a plurality of frame members that are disposed in a vehicle body lengthwise direction and a vehicle body crosswise direction and linked to an engine or a suspension is disclosed. The floor panel has a joint where at least part of its peripheral edge is joined to the frame member, a groove formed along the entire length of the joint and a high-rigidity area formed within the low-rigidity area. The low-rigidity area forms a vibration blocking area along the entire length of the joint by using a difference in rigidity from the high-rigidity area.

Abstract: A stanchion cover having an upholstered cover for providing a flat cargo surface in a sport utility vehicle or minivan in the area of removable or stowable seats. The cover also includes improvements in providing cargo storage compartments for common and safety accessories as well as providing ways to utilize the seat stanchions to provide cargo anchor for specific applications.

Abstract: A releasable connection is provided between two adjoining components, particularly body shell parts of a vehicle body. A releasable connection ensuring an exact positioning of the two parts as well as a fast and simple mounting is provided. The releasable connection includes at least one base plate which is held in position on a first body shell component and has at least one projecting pin. A receiving device is fastened to an opposite second body shell component and has a rotatable slotted sleeve part. An end-side profiled head section of the at least one pin is guidable through openings of the second component, of the receiving device and of the sleeve part. As a result of radial rotation of the sleeve part about an angle ?, a fastening of the first and second body shell components with respect to one another takes place.

Abstract: A metal trailer interlocking panel attached to a trailer frame used in the construction of an enclosed or paneled trailer, preferably in a horizontal and stacked orientation, includes an upper groove assembly and a conforming and interlocking lower groove assembly, an inner surface welded to a vertical trailer frame member and an outer surface having a lower slot member and an upper slot member forming a sliding channel within which is slid a horizontal outer panel insert riveted to the panel. In the event the panel insert is damaged by hail, road debris, branches or other accidental means, or a simple change in aesthetics or display medium is desired, the panel insert may be exchanged without requiring replacement ofthe panel.

Abstract: A sidewall of a trailer is formed from at least two composite panels joined together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a plastic core sandwiched between the skins. A logistics plate and a splicing member are used to join the panels together and are secured thereto by rivets.

Abstract: A vehicle bodywork component intended in particular for automotive construction is formed in the manner of a sandwich having an outer layer made from a synthetic sheet or an aluminum sheet and an inner synthetic layer, which is applied by foaming to the outer layer. The outer layer may be formed from a plurality of pieces of different colors. These may abut directly against one another. In another example, a trim or cover strip is between the pieces, which are fixedly connected to one another by the foam applied against them. The trim or cover strip may have a web-like projection which is partly enclosed in foam when the synthetic layer is applied by foaming, in order to secure the trim or cover strip in place.

Abstract: In a protector mounted on a panel body, a protector body has a surface facing the panel body. A plurality of fixing members are provided on the protector body and are operable to fix the protector on the panel body. A protrusion is protruded from the surface of the protector body at a position between each adjacent fixing members. The protrusion is arranged so as to generate a pressing force against the panel body which is originated from stresses occurred when the protector is mounted on the panel body with the fixing members.

Abstract: The improved sheet and post container sidewall construction of the present invention includes a post with a novel cross section that increases the rigidity of the post at a minimum thickness. The cross section of the post includes a central wall connected to lateral wings that attach to the outer protective skin of a container. The central wall is connected to the lateral wings by a connecting segment that lies inside the lateral edges of the central wall, creating a channel between the central wall and the lateral wings. This channel enables the vertical edge of a liner to be held securely in place behind the central wall. The cross section of the structural post also provides increased rigidity because the thickness of the metal of the post is doubled along a significant portion of the lateral edges of the central wall. This configuration provides increased rigidity for the post and achieves the important objective of providing smooth container walls free of recesses, potential protrusions and snag points.

Abstract: A laser welded blank for use in applications calling for an engineered or tailor welded blank, such as in vehicle door panel assemblies. Two sheet metal pieces of different thicknesses are in edge-to-edge abutment such that an interface is formed therebetween, however, the mating edges are not parallel. Instead, a first segment of the interface is flush on a first side of the laser welded blank, while a second segment is flush on a second side of the blank. This arrangement permits an adjacent component, such as a rubber seal, located on one side of the laser welded blank to extend across or contact the interface at the first segment, while another component located on the other side of the blank may extend across or contact the interface at the second segment. Because both components are in flush contact with the interface, there is a reduction of air gaps, leaks, etc.

Abstract: An automotive door panel assembly is provided, comprising a door trim panel. The door trim panel is comprised of an outer trim panel surface; an inner trim panel surface; and at least one tubular stake. The tubular stake includes outer tubular walls protruding from the inner trim panel surface. The tubular stake including a seal sleeve flow channel connecting the outer trim panel surface to the inner trim panel surface. The panel assembly includes an overmold material applied to the outer trim panel surface. The overmold material fills the seal sleeve flow channel and generates an overmold seal sleeve skin on the outer tubular walls. A door main panel assembly is included having at least one clip hole. The tubular stake is positioned within the at least one clip hole. The overmold seal sleeve skin removably engages the at least one clip hole to form a primary seal between the door trim panel and the door main panel assembly.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle includes an outer panel, an integrally formed inner structural panel, and at least one reinforcing panel. The inner structural panel is coupled to the outer panel and includes a support surface facing the outer panel. The inner structural panel also includes spaced apart upper and lower walls extending laterally along the support surface, a pair of end walls extending between the upper and lower walls, and a plurality of ribs spaced apart and disposed between the upper and lower walls. The plurality of ribs also extends laterally between the end walls. The reinforcing panel is disposed between the outer and inner structural panels. The reinforcing panel is secured to the integrally formed inner structural panel between a portion of the plurality of ribs to add rigidity to the tailgate assembly.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a single type of vehicle frame member may be used for both first and second vehicle types, where the frame member includes at least one window frame opening defined therein. In making the first vehicle type, the window frame opening(s) is/are filled with windows in a known manner. When making the second vehicle type, one or more of the frame openings is/are filled with a colored polymer based insert which is of a color(s) which compliments the exterior color(s) of the vehicle. In other example embodiments (which may or may not be used in conjunction with the aforesaid embodiment), an attachment member for mounting an insert in a frame opening is designed to allow at least part of the attachment member to slide relative to an insert to which it is mounted. In certain instances, the attachment member may include a spring biased clip, while in other instances it may include a slidable stud support.

Abstract: Plastic-metal hybrid materials are included in the construction of highway tractor sleeper sides and back panel assemblies. Sleeper panels are traditionally constructed of two elements, the panel assemblies and the interior trim. A molded panel becomes both the interior of the structure and the decorative interior surface. This allows interior components to be directly mounted to the integral structural panels. The resulting sleeper will have stronger engagement to the mounted components such as cabinetry as well as part number reduction.

Abstract: A smooth side trailer body or body structure comprised of a plurality of extruded panel members positioned adjacent one another. The extruded panels are arranged perpendicular to the floor of a trailer. The panels are held to the floor by a bottom rail. A top rail portion may be used to hold the panels together to form a more rigid wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mount for securing a part to a support and for enabling the part to be positioned relative to its surroundings. The mount comprises: two pieces (6, 20) that are movable relative to each other parallel to a positioning axis (Y), one piece being for securing to the part and the other to the support; retaining means (22a, 26, 28) which prevent the two moving pieces from moving relative to each other and which release them only when the part (2) exerts against the support (4) a force that is greater than a given threshold in a direction parallel to the positioning axis; and locking means (31) suitable for being actuated to prevent the two moving pieces from moving relative to each other. The invention also provides a method of assembling a part to a support by means of such a mount.

Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor and a side wall extending vertically upward from a side edge of the floor. The side wall includes at least one vertical post. A pair of adjacent liner panels, formed from a tough material attached to a stiff backer, attach to the post.

Abstract: A body panel mounting system for a vehicle has panel supports, a hinge bar, a latch bar, a support bracket, fastening collars, fastening brackets, and fasteners. The panel supports are coupled to the body panel and are adapted to receive the hinge bar and the latch bar. The support bracket is attached to the vehicle chassis and is adapted to removeably receive the hinge bar. The fastening collars slideably couple to the latch bar. The fastening brackets are coupled to the chassis of the vehicle and are adapted to receive the fasteners. The fastener couples the latch bar to the vehicle chassis via the fastening collars.

Abstract: A body panel mounting system for a vehicle has panel supports, a hinge bar, a latch bar, a support bracket, fastening collars, fastening brackets, and fasteners. The panel supports are coupled to the body panel and are adapted to receive the hinge bar and the latch bar. The support bracket is attached to the vehicle chassis and is adapted to removeably receive the hinge bar. The fastening collars slideably couple to the latch bar. The fastening brackets are coupled to the chassis of the vehicle and are adapted to receive the fasteners. The fastener couples the latch bar to the vehicle chassis via the fastening collars.

Abstract: A cargo body having a plurality of overlapping sidewall panels, each having an integrally formed post. The sidewall panels include a main portion and an integrally formed post portion. Consecutive sidewall panels are overlapped and fastened to create a sidewall of the cargo body.

Abstract: A composite pickup box for an automotive vehicle is constructed of extruded floor beams combined with extruded wall sections and extruded corner sections. An outer skin is attached to the wall sections in such manner as to cover the exterior portions of the wall sections and corner sections.

Abstract: A side structure included in a railroad car is provided with an window opening, and door openings formed on the longitudinally opposite sides of the window opening, respectively. The side structure excluding parts corresponding to the window opening and the door openings are divided into a plurality of sections. A first section extends vertically between the window opening and the door opening, a second section extends vertically between the window opening and the door opening, and a third section of a width substantially equal to that of the window opening extends under the window opening. Each of the sections has a core attached to the inner surface of an outer panel, and rim members having a substantially Z-shaped cross section and surround the core. An inner panel is attached to the core and the rim members so as to cover the inner surface of the core.

Abstract: A mountable vehicle body part has a visible outer surface and includes a outer plastic sheet, an inner fiber-reinforced layer made of plastic, and a protective layer disposed between the plastic sheet and the fiber-reinforced layer. The protective layer is made of plastic and prevents direct contact between the fibers fiber-reinforced layer and the plastic sheet. The protective layer prevents the fibers from marring the outer surface of the plastic sheet.

Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor and a side wall extending vertically upward from a side edge of the floor. The side wall includes a plurality of generally vertical posts. Each post defines an interior surface disposed in a generally common plane and a recessed portion. A scuff band is received within the recessed portions so that at least a portion of the scuff band is outward of the common plane.

Abstract: A composite part for use as a vehicle panel comprises an outer wall, a foamed backing and a reinforcement insert embedded in the foamed backing. The foamed backing leaves portions of the reinforcement insert exposed to form at least two fastening regions. The reinforcement insert has at least two fastening regions for fastening the composite part to an adjacent composite part. A first fastening region is located at a first distance from the rear surface of the outer wall, and a second fastening region is located at a second distance from the rear surface of the outer wall that is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A motor vehicle storage apparatus includes a base and at least one storage panel for storing a variety of articles thereon. The base has at least one slot capable of engaging a portion of the storage panel and retaining the storage panel in a vertical position. The storage panel may be removable mounted within the motor vehicle storage apparatus or stored outside the storage apparatus. The storage panel has at least one attachment location for attaching articles thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile work machine, especially a mobile concrete pump, comprising a chassis (10) and accessible platforms (22) which are positioned on carrier brackets (26) projecting laterally from the chassis. The aim of the invention is to produce and mount said platforms (22) in a simple manner. To this end, the platforms consist of hollow profiled rails (30, 30′, 32) having a downward-facing profile wall (34) which rests against the carrier brackets (26), the rails being detachably connected to the brackets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel joint which includes an anchoring system between composite plate side walls of a trailer body. The anchoring system includes track members which are provided at multiple points on each side wall. Beams extend between the respective track members by attachments and are attached thereto. The beams can be moved up and down along the tracks and support cargo or a removable deck which supports the cargo. The track members can also be removed from the joints without dismantling the entire joint. Splicing members are attached at the joints on the outside of the trailer body.

Abstract: A sidewall of a trailer is formed from at least two composite panels joined together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a plastic core sandwiched between the skins. A logistics plate and a splicing member are used to join the panels together and are secured thereto by rivets.

Abstract: A clip assembly (36, 60) mounts a cladding panel to a body. The clip assembly includes a clip (36) and a key guide (60). The clip (36) has a head (38) and a shaft (40). The head (38) is adapted for attaching to a flange of the cladding panel. The key guide (60) has a hollow body (62) sized to receive and retain the shaft (40) in a first and second engagement position. The key guide (60) is configured to be inserted into a slot (52, 56) on the body structure and upon rotation is retained within the slot. One end of the cladding engages the pilot aperture (56) and an opposite end engages a slot (52). The cladding is adjustable relative to the body structure while in a first engagement position and is held in place for further fastening when in a second engagement position.

Abstract: A shipping container main storage unit is disclosed comprising a floor; a perimeter wall supported by a floor perimeter edge; an access opening within the perimeter wall; and a roof fastened to a top edge of a cap, a side edge of the cap fastened to the perimeter wall. The perimeter wall includes at least one pair of wall channels for slidingly receiving at least one clear wall panel, the pair of wall channels fastened to the floor at a first end and to the cap at a second end, and an effective space for slidingly withdrawing the wall panel is located between the roof and the perimeter wall upon removal of the cap. The invention is envisioned for use with semi-trailers, railroad cars, intermodal freight containers and air cargo containers.

Abstract: A body panel mounting system for a vehicle has panel supports, a hinge bar, a latch bar, a support bracket, fastening collars, fastening brackets, and fasteners. The panel supports are coupled to the body panel and are adapted to receive the hinge bar and the latch bar. The support bracket is attached to the vehicle chassis and is adapted to removeably receive the hinge bar. The fastening collars slideably couple to the latch bar. The fastening brackets are coupled to the chassis of the vehicle and are adapted to receive the fasteners. The fastener couples the latch bar to the vehicle chassis via the fastening collars.

Abstract: A vehicle body panel and a method for manufacturing a vehicle body panel includes a thin plastic film that is applied to a deep-drawn, film-like exterior covering before a back-foamed layer is applied to the exterior covering. When the film hardens, it improves the structural stability of the film, preventing indentations due to varying levels of shrinkage of the back-foamed layer from becoming visible on the exterior covering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for fixing a car body element to the structure of a motor vehicle. The inventive device is of the type that comprises a panel (10) formed by a sheet (11) which defines a support face that is adapted to co-operate with the car body clement and,which comprises means (14, 15) for locking to the car body clement and frangible means (16) for releasing the car body element. Said device also comprises an element (30) for quarter-turn fixing in an opening in the structure which is used to hold the assembly formed by the panel (10) and the car body element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assemblage of two pieces of bodywork each having a flange for coming into contact with the flange of the other piece, the flange of a first piece having a slot while the flange of a second piece carries a tenon presenting an engagement shape and extending towards the first piece. The assemblage also a fastener member for taking up a position against the flange of the first piece and which has an engagement shape complementary to that of the tenon so as to engage therewith. The invention also provides a piece of bodywork belonging to such an assemblage.

Abstract: A side structure (21) included in a railroad car is provided with an window opening (22), and door openings (23, 24) formed on the longitudinally opposite sides of the window opening (22), respectively. The side structure (21) excluding parts corresponding to the window opening (22) and the door openings (23, 24) are divided into a plurality of sections. A first section (S1)1 extends vertically between the window opening (22) and the door opening (23), a second section (S12) extends vertically between the window opening (22) and the door opening (24), and a third section (S13) of a width substantially equal to that of the window opening (22) extends under the window opening (22). Each of the sections has a core (2) attached to the inner surface of an outer panel (1), and rim members (3) having a substantially Z-shaped cross section and surrounding the core (2). An inner panel (4) is attached to the core (2) and the rim members (3) so as to cover the inner surface of the core (2).

Abstract: A vehicle bodywork component intended in particular for automotive construction is formed in the manner of a sandwich having an outer layer made from a synthetic sheet or an aluminum sheet and an inner synthetic layer, which is applied by foaming to the outer layer. The outer layer may be formed from a plurality of pieces of different colors. These may abut directly against one another. In another example, a trim or cover strip is between the pieces, which are fixedly connected to one another by the foam applied against them. The trim or cover strip may have a web-like projection which is partly enclosed in foam when the synthetic layer is applied by foaming, in order to secure the trim or cover strip in place.

Abstract: An at least partially moveable motor-vehicle outer skin is already known per se. An actuator formed of a polymer and/or ion-exchanging and/or other material exhibiting various conformations is provided so that the outer skin can be moved. This material is moveable as a result of physical or chemical effects. The novel outer skin of a motor vehicle requires no expensive tools for the production thereof. The flat section of the outer skin of the bodywork of a motor vehicle is made of a flexible material. A flexible material such as material for convertible top covers is easily moveable yet the surface thereof cannot be increased. This material is tensed at least over one part of the rib of the motor vehicle, e.g. over a space frame. At least one mechanically moveable adjusting element is provided beneath or on top of the edge of the section enabling the outer skin to be deformed. The adjusting element is normally connected to the rib of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body panel structure comprises an outer panel, an inner panel facing the outer panel, and a trim of a cabin interior. In the vehicle body panel structure, at least one surface of a back surface of the outer panel, both surfaces of the inner panel, and a surface of the trim facing the outer panel has both functions of heat insulation and heat dissipation by partially providing a heat insulation section to insulate heat for the at least one surface.

Abstract: A body panel assembly having an inner panel and an outer panel. The outer panel has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the inner panel. An adhesive is disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel. A portion of the outer panel is hemmed to the inner panel to join the inner and outer panels together. A scrim pad may be provided between inner and outer panels to inhibit galvanic corrosion.