LOGISTICS PANEL FOR USE IN A SIDE WALL OF A TRAILER AND METHOD TO FORM THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention is generally related to side walls for trailers. More specifically, the invention relates to composite panels for use in the formation of sidewalls for trailers, where the composite panels have logistical openings provided therethrough in different positions where the adjacent composite panels are joined together. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A semi-trailer 20 of the prior art is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The semi-trailer 20 can be connected to a tractor 45 by conventional means, such as a fifth wheel assembly (not shown). The semi-trailer 20 includes a body 21 formed of a pair of rectangular side walls 22, a front wall 23, rear doors 24, an upper panel or roof 25 and a bottom or floor panel 26. The floor 26 is supported by a conventional rear frame assembly 27 and has a landing gear 28 secured below. The roof 25 and an upper portion of the side walls 22 are secured to an upper rail 29. The floor 26 and a lower portion of the side walls 22 are secured to a bottom rail 30. Each side wall 22 includes a plurality of elements.
vertical right composite panels 31. Each composite panel 31 includes a core member 32 sandwiched between an inner thin layer 33 and an outer thin layer 34 and fixed thereto by means of an adhesive or other similar known suitable means. Each composite panel 31 preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.295 inches. The thin layers, 33, 34 are preferably made of aluminum, full hardened, galvanized steel, such as EIS grade EIS hard steel because of its cost effectiveness, or the like. Preferably, the inner and outer thin layers 33, 34 are made of galvanized steel. Aluminum can be used, but this can be very soft for some purposes and hardness and puncture resistance are sacrificed, however, aluminum is lightweight. Each core member 32 is made of some type of non-compressible metal material, preferably thermoplastic, such as polypropylene or high density polyethylene. These materials are relatively inexpensive as they are compared to the aluminum found in the wall constructions of the previous semi-trailers. In addition, because a composite panel 31 is used, the weight of the construction of the semi-trailer is reduced on semi-trailers having aluminum side walls. Each composite panel 31 preferably has a
width of forty-eight inches from a first lateral end thereof to an opposite lateral end thereof, but it will be understood that composite panels 31 may have a width that is longer or shorter. As shown, the end portions 38, 39 of each composite panel 31 are wedged or staggered to reduce the thickness of the composite panels 31 at their end portions 38, 39. The end portions 38, 39 are not always staggered or minted in the prior art. Each end portion 38, 39 of each composite panel 31 is preferably approximately 1.3 inches wide and has a thickness of approximately 0.215 inches such that the end portions 38, 39 are preferably minted or staggered by approximately 0.080 inches. Each composite panel 31 also has a defined height from an upper end 46 thereof to a bottom end 47 thereof. The composite panels 31 are bonded together by a bonding configuration 35, preferably of the type disclosed in any of US Patent Nos. 4,958,472, 5,860,693, 5,997,076, 6,220,651, 6,412,854 and 6,986, 546, all of which are proprietary. of the assignee of the present application. Typically, the joint configuration 35 includes an inner post or log member 36 and an outer post or splice member 37.
The inner post 36 is an elongated member which is secured to the inner thin layers 33 of the adjacent composite panels 31 at the end portions 38, 39 thereof. The inner post 36 joins the adjacent composite panels 31 together, as well as spacing the ends of the adjacent composite panels 31 from one another such that there is a space or air pocket 40 between the adjacent composite panels 31. The inner post 36 is seated against the end portions 38, 39. The inner post 36 has a plurality of openings or slots 41 extending therethrough which are in communication with the space 40. The openings 41 are provided such that the equipment, such as fasteners, hooks, or any other suitable article, may be coupled with the openings 41. The inner post 36 preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.074 inches. The outer post 37 is an elongated member which is secured to the outer thin layers 34 of the adjacent composite panels 31 at the end portions 38, 39. The outer post 37 joins the adjacent composite panels 31 together, spacing the ends of the panels. adjacent composite panels 31 together, and seals the joint between the adjacent composite panels 31 on the exterior of the trailer 20 to seal the interior of the trailer 20 from moisture. As shown, the outer post 37 has a
intermediate spreading portion 42 which widens outward from the outer thin layers 34. The spreading portion 42 is aligned with the space 40 provided between the adjacent composite panels 31, and is provided to give more room in the space 40 to allow the coupling of the equipment with or through the openings 41 of the inner post 36. The outer post 37 preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.050 inches. The inner and outer posts 36, 37 are fixedly secured to the adjacent composite panels 31 by suitable means, such as rivets 43 and / or by a suitable adhesive or bonding agent (not shown). The outer and inner posts 36, 37 preferably extend along an entire height of the adjacent composite panels 31, generally from the roof 25 to the floor 26. The bottom rail 30 may have a portion 44 thereof extending to up from the 26th floor for a predetermined distance inside the trailer 20. The portion 44 is generally positioned to face or abut against the inner thin layers 33 of the composite panels 31 and, thus, also faces or abuts against the inner post 36 The portion 44, otherwise known as the base rail, is fixedly secured to a lower portion of the adjacent composite panels 31, as well as
the inner and outer posts 36, 37 by suitable means, such as rivets 43 and / or by a suitable adhesive or adherent agent (not shown). It should be noted that while a specific example of the junction configuration 35 has been described and illustrated, this junction configuration 35 is merely an example. The attachment configuration 35 is thus proposed to generally include any joint configuration that secures the adjacent composite panels 31 together in any manner. The junction configuration 35 does not yet need to provide logistical openings therethrough for the coupling of equipment and does not need to space the ends of the adjacent composite panels 31 each other. The end portions 38, 39 also do not need to be interleaved or wedged. As stated in the foregoing, each composite panel 31 typically has a width of four feet (48 inches) such that a distance between the openings 41 of the adjacent interior posts 36 is slightly larger than four feet, typically approximately fifty inches. . Customer demand, however, has required the provision of logistical openings, such as the openings 41 of the interior posts 36, at distances that are shorter than those provided between the adjacent composite panels 31. For example, some
customers have required logistical openings to be provided approximately every sixteen to seventeen inches along an interior of trailer 20, while other customers have required logistical openings to be provided approximately every twenty-four to twenty-five inches along an interior of the interior. trailer 20. Since trailer manufacturers 20 have not found this feasible cost to manufacture and store wide variants of composite panels 31, for example, those of sixteen, twenty-four and forty-eight inches in width, manufacturers have instead cut or separated the forty-eight-inch composite panels 31 in the proper widths and with the proviso that the joint configurations 35 secure the two or three pieces cut from the forty-eight-inch composite panels 31 with a single purpose in order to provide the openings logistics in the desired locations along the wall 22 within the inside the trailer 20. Such a trailer 20 is illustrated partially in FIGS. 3 and 4. This solution to the client's requirements, however, has a number of disadvantages that include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following disadvantages. First, the trailer 20 with all these extra attachment configurations 35 will be added to the weight of the trailer 20.
Second, the extra openings must be provided through the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 so as to allow the fastening members, such as the rivets 43, to extend therethrough and secure the portion 44 to the composite panels. 31 and to the interior and exterior posts, 36, 37, possibly weakening the structural integrity of the bottom rail 30. Third, it costs more money to manufacture such a trailer 20 since manufacturing invariably requires increased man hours, reduced performance, increased cost, more trim, and more material (eg, the amount of rivets 43 used) per trailer 20. Fourth, the appearance of trailer 20 is not necessarily attractive and fifth, trailer 20 may have potential flight paths that would allow moisture to enter the trailer. Within the trailer 20. Thus, it is desirable to provide a method for manufacturing a sidewall 22 of the trailer 20 that overcomes or minimizes these disadvantages, per se. or that also allows the trailer manufacturer to comply with the demands / requirements of the customer. The present invention provides such a method and such a side wall of a trailer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a logistics panel having a composite panel, a logistics plate and a splice plate. The composite panel is formed of
thin inner and outer layers and a core member secured therebetween. A set of openings is formed through the composite panel and defines at least one opening that extends through the inner and outer thin layers and the core member and between the end portions. The log plate has a plurality of logistical openings provided therethrough. The logistics plate is secured to the composite panel, such that the logistic openings are in alignment with the set of openings and the set of openings is accessible through the logistics plate. The splice plate is secured to the composite panel, the log plate, or both, and is positioned to cover the set of openings, such that the set of openings is inaccessible through the splice plate. In some embodiments, the log plate is secured to the inner thin plate of the composite panel and the splice plate is secured to the outer thin layer of the composite panel. In other embodiments, the log plate is secured to the outer thin layer of the composite panel and the splice plate is secured to the log sheet. Also, in some embodiments, the composite panel has an intermediate portion of reduced thickness and the log sheet is secured to the composite panel in the intermediate portion of reduced thickness.
The adjacent logistic panels are secured to each other by joining constructions and the logistic panels are attached to the top and bottom rails in order to form a side wall of a trailer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The characteristics of the invention that are believed to be novel are described in detail hereinafter. The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, can be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers identify similar elements. in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art trailer having a plurality of bonded composite panels forming the side walls of the trailer, with the trailer connected to a tractor; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of joined composite panels of the prior art used in forming a sidewall of a trailer; FIG. 3 is an inside side view of the pair of bonded composite panels of the prior art used in forming the side wall of the trailer shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an outer side view of the pair of bonded composite panels of the prior art used in forming the side wall of the trailer shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a flowchart that identifies the steps of a first embodiment of a method for forming a logistic panel according to the invention; FIG. 6 is a side view of a composite panel used in the formation of the logistic panel according to the first method mode; FIG. 7 illustrates a step of forming sets of openings through the composite panel of FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 8 is a side view of a logistics plate used in the formation of the logistics panel according to the first method mode; FIG. 9 is a side view of a splice plate used in the formation of the logistic panel according to the first embodiment of the method; FIG. 10 illustrates a step of applying a tape to an exterior surface of the log plate of FIG. 8 according to the first embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 11 illustrates a step of applying a tape to an inner surface of the splice plate of FIG. 9 according to the first method of the method of
invention; FIG. 12 illustrates a step of applying an adhesive to the exterior surface of the log plate of FIG. 10 according to the first embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 13 illustrates a step of applying an adhesive to the inner surface of the splice plate of FIG. 11 according to the first embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 14 illustrates a step of securing the log plate of FIG. 12 to the inner thin layer of the composite panel of FIG. 7 according to the first embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 15 illustrates a step of securing the splice plate of FIG. 13 to the outer thin layer of the composite panel of FIG. 14 according to the first embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 16 is a flowchart that identifies the steps of a second embodiment of a method for forming a logistic panel according to the invention; FIG. 17 illustrates the steps of securing the log plate of FIG. 12 to an intermediate portion of reduced thickness of the inner thin layer of the composite panel, and of securing the splice plate to FIG. 13 to the outer thin layer of the composite panel according to the second
embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 18 is a flow chart identifying the steps of a third embodiment of a method for forming a logistic panel according to the invention; FIG. 19 illustrates the steps of securing the log plate of FIG. 12 to the outer thin layer of the composite panel of FIG. 7 and securing the splice plate of FIG. 13 to the log sheet according to the third embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 20 is a flowchart that identifies the steps of a fourth embodiment of a method for forming a logistic panel according to the invention; FIG. 21 illustrates the steps of securing the log plate of FIG. 12 to an intermediate portion of reduced thickness of the outer thin layer of the composite panel, and of securing the splice plate of FIG. 13 to the log sheet according to the fourth embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 22 is a flowchart that identifies the steps of a fifth embodiment of a method for forming a logistic panel according to the invention; FIG. 23 is a side view of the logistic panel formed according to the fifth embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 24 illustrates the steps of securing the plate
logistics to the outer thin layer of the composite panel, and to secure the splice plate of FIG. 13 to the log sheet according to the fifth embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 25 is a flowchart that identifies the stages of a sixth embodiment of a method for forming a logistic panel according to the invention; FIG. 26 illustrates the steps of securing the log sheet to the intermediate reduced thickness portion of the outer thin layer of the composite panel, and securing the splice plate of FIG. 13 to the log sheet according to the sixth embodiment of the method of the invention; FIG. 27 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating a pair of adjacent logistic panels formed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention that are joined together; FIG. 28 is an internal cross-sectional perspective view of the attached adjacent logistic panels of FIG. 27 that are secured to a bottom rail; FIG. 29 is an external perspective cross-sectional view of the attached adjacent logistic panels of FIG. 27 that are secured to the bottom rail; FIG. 30 is a side view of an interior of a side wall of a trailer formed in accordance with methods of the invention;
FIG. 31 is a side view of an exterior of a side wall of the trailer formed in accordance with methods of the invention; FIG. 32 is an interior side view illustrating the composite panels having sets of openings provided therethrough which are secured to adjacent composite panels prior to the log sheets in alignment with the sets of openings that are secured to the composite panels or to the panels. top and bottom rails; FIG. 33 is an outer side view illustrating composite panels having sets of openings provided therethrough that are secured to adjacent composite panels before the splice plates in alignment with the sets of openings that are secured to the composite panels or the top and bottom rails; FIG. 34 is an external perspective view illustrating the composite panels having set of openings provided therethrough which are secured to adjacent composite panels and to the upper and bottom rails before the logistic and splice plates in alignment with the sets of openings that are secured to composite panels; FIG. 35 is an external perspective view
illustrating the composite panels having sets of openings provided therethrough which are secured to adjacent composite panels and the top and bottom rails before the splice plates in alignment with the sets of openings that are secured to the composite panels; FIG. 36 illustrates the logistic panel of FIG. 15 formed according to the first embodiment of the method of the invention, but with an alternative configuration of the splice plate; and FIG. 37 illustrates the logistic panel of FIG. 24 formed in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the method of the invention, but with an alternative configuration of the splice plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED MODALITIES While this invention may be susceptible to modality in different forms, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present description is to be considered an exemplary embodiment. of the principles of the invention, and it is not proposed to limit the invention to that as illustrated. Attention is now invited to the various methods to form a logistic panel 174 to be used in the formation of a side wall of a trailer that will fulfill
the demands / requirements of the customer, but which will also overcome the disadvantages associated with the method for forming the side wall 22 of the trailer 20. A first embodiment of a method 100 for forming a logistic panel 174 to be used in the formation of a side wall 122 of a trailer 20 is described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 5-15. A second embodiment of a method 200 for forming a logistic panel 274 is described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. A third embodiment of a method 300 for forming a logistics panel 374 is described herein and is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. A fourth embodiment of a method 400 for forming a logistic panel 474 is described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21. A fifth embodiment of a method 500 for forming a logistic panel 574 is described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 24. A sixth embodiment of a method 600 for forming a logistic panel 674 is described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26. Similar elements are denoted with similar reference numbers with the first modality that is in the hundreds, the second modality that is in the two hundred, the third modality that is in the three hundred, the fourth modality that is in the four hundred, the fifth modality that is in the five hundred and the sixth modality that is in the six hundred. It will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
The attention is invited to the FIGS. 5-15 and the first method of method 100. FIG. 5 provides a flow diagram of the method 100 and FIGS 6-15 show the step-by-stage formation of the logistic panel 174. First, in step 101, a composite panel 31 having thin inner and outer layers 33, 34 and a core member 32 provided therebetween, as illustrated in FIG. 6, is formed in a known manner. In step 102 at least one set of openings 148 is formed through the composite panel 31, as desired, between the ends of the composite panel 31, as illustrated in FIG. 7. If, for example, a customer demands / requires logistical openings every sixteen to seventeen inches along the inside of the trailer 20, two sets of openings 148 are provided, with a set of openings 148 that are approximately one third of the route between the ends of the composite panel 31 and the other set of openings 148 that are approximately two-thirds of the way between the ends, as shown in FIG. 7. If, however, a customer demands / requires logistical openings every twenty-four or twenty-five inches along the interior of trailer 20, a single set of openings 148 would generally be provided midway between the ends of composite panel 31. Of course, if desired, more than one or two sets of
openings 148 could be provided. Each set of openings 148 can be formed through the composite panel 31 in any appropriate manner, including, but not limited to, punching or cutting. For convenience, the further description of the method 100 will be described with reference to only a set of openings 148 with understanding that where more than one set of openings 148 provided, the identical steps would be performed in relation to the other set (s). (s) of openings. The set of openings 148 extends from a position below the upper end 46 of the composite panel 31 to a position above the bottom end 47 of the composite panel 31. The position below the upper end 46 of the composite panel 31 is a position that is provided in, or preferably below, where the top rail 29 of the trailer 20 will be secured to the composite panel 31. The position above the bottom end 47 of the composite panel 31 is a position that is provided at, or preferably above, where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to composite panel 31. Openings assembly 148 includes at least one opening 149, but may include many openings 149. For purposes of illustration, FIG. 7 illustrates each set of openings 148 having four openings separate 159. Where more than one opening 149 is
provided, the openings 149 are separated from the adjacent openings 149 by a predetermined distance along the height of the composite panels 31. As illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the openings 149 is preferably elongated and has rounded top and bottom ends, although this need not be the exact configuration of the openings 149. The openings 149 of each set of openings 148 are arranged linearly along the axis of the height of the composite panel 31. In step 103, a log plate 150 is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 8, which is similar to the inner post 36, but which has a reduced comparative height to the inner post 36. The log plate 150 has top and bottom ends 151, 152, first and second opposite sides 153, 154 and a plurality of openings 155 provided therethrough from an inner surface 156 to an outer surface 157 thereof. The openings 155 are the logistic openings and are separated from each other by a predetermined distance along the height of the log plate 150. The plurality of opening 155 are generally equivalent in size and shape to the plurality of openings 41 provided through the inner post 36, but are preferably smaller in size than the opening (s) 149 provided through
the composite panels 31, for reasons that will be discussed herein. The log plate 150 preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.074 inches. In step 104, a splice plate 158 is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 9, which is similar to the outer post 37, but which has a reduced comparative height to the outer post 37. The splice plate 158 has flat upper and bottom portions 159, 160, flat side portions 161, 162 and an intermediate spreading portion. 163 which widens outward from the upper, bottom and flat side portions 159, 160, 161, 162. The splice plate 158 further includes the upper and bottom ends 164, 165 and the first and second opposite sides 166, 167 , as well as an inner surface 168 and an outer surface 169. The splice plate 158 preferably has a thickness of about 0.050 inches. In step 105, a tape 170 is applied to the outer surface 157 of the log plate 150 along the outer perimeter thereof, for example, along the upper and bottom ends 151, 152 and along the first and second sides 153, 154 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The tape 170 is preferably a PCV foam tape and has a minimum thickness, for example 0.0625 inches thick. The tape 170 is preferably not as wide as all the extension of the openings 155 provided to
through the log plate 150. In step 106, a tape 171m which is preferably the same as the tape 170, is applied to the inner surface 168 of the splice plate 158 along the outer perimeter thereof, for example , along the upper and background ends 164, 165 and along the first and second sides 166, 167, as illustrated in FIG. 11. In step 107, a score of fixing adhesive 172 is applied around the outer perimeter of the outer surface 157 of the log plate 150 and the inside to the tape 170, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The fixing adhesive 172 may be applied continuously or may be applied in several locations on the outer surface 157. The fixing adhesive 172 may have a thickness that is larger than, less than or equal to the thickness of the tape 170. In step 108, a score of fixing adhesive 173, which is preferably the same as the adhesive adhesive 172, is applied around the outer perimeter of the outer surface 168 of the splice plate 158 and the inside to the tape 171, as is illustrated in FIG. 13. The fixing adhesive O 273 can be applied continuously or can be applied in various applications on the interior surface 168. The fixing adhesive 173 can
having a thickness that is greater than, less than or equal to the thickness of the tape 171. In step 109, the log sheet 150 is secured to the inner thin layer 33 of the composite panel 31 by aligning the plurality of openings 155 in the plate logistics 150 with the opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 and upon causing the fixing adhesive 172 applied to the log sheet 150 to come in contact with the inner thin layer 33 of the composite panel 31, as illustrated in FIG. . 14. At the opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 are thus accessible through the plurality of the openings 155 of the log plate 150. In order to secure the log plate 150 to the inner thin cup 33, it is must apply pressure to one or both of the log plate 150 and the composite panel 31. This provides that the upper end 151 of the log plate 150 is positioned at, or preferably below, where the top rail 29 of the trailer 20 will be secured to the panel compound 31. This additionally provides that the bottom end 52 of the log plate 150 is positioned at, or preferably above where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the composite panel 31. The belay causes the adhesive 172 to flow outwardly , and the tape 170 acts as a dam as it stops or substantially prevents the bonding adhesive 172 from running / flowing outward from the outer perimeter
of the outer surface 157 when the pressure is applied. Under pressure, the tape 170 is compressed such that the tape 170 and the adhesive 172 each have substantially the same thickness, preferably approximately 0.010 inches. In step 110, the splice plate 158 is secured to the outer thin layer 34 of the composite panel 31 by aligning the intermediate spreading portion 163 with the opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 and by causing attachment adhesive wing 173 applied. to the junction plate 158 to come into contact with the outer thin layer 34, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 is thus inaccessible through the splice plate 158. In order to ensure the securing of the splice plate 158 to the outer thin layer 34 of the composite panel 31, pressure must be applied to one or both of the splice plate 158 and the composite panel 31. The upper end 164 of the splice plate 158 is positioned at, or preferably below, where the top rail 29 will be secured to the composite panel 31; and the bottom end 65 of the splice plate 158 is positioned at, or preferably above, where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the composite panel 31. This additionally seals the opening (s) 149 through the composite panel 31 to seal the inside of the trailer 20 from moisture. The securing causes the adhesive 173 to flow outward, and the tape 171
it acts as a dam as it stops or substantially prevents the fixing adhesive 173 from running / fluid out of the outer perimeter of the inner surface 168 when the pressure is applied. Under pressure, the tape 170 is compressed such that the tape 171 and the adhesive 173 each have substantially the same thickness, preferably approximately 0.010 inches. As a result, the logistics panels 174 are formed by steps 101-110. Where the opening (s) 149 are provided through the logistic panels 174, the logistic panels 174 have a thickness of approximately 0.315 inches, which includes the composite splice thickness 31, the thickness of the tape 170 and the adhesive 172, and the thickness of the tape 171 and the adhesive 173, but not the thickness of the log plate 150 or the splice plate 158. It should be noted that steps 101-110 of the method 110 could be performed in any other logical order, for example the thin steps 103, 105, 107 and 109 could be performed before the steps 104, 106, 108 and 110 are performed, or vice versa. It should also be noted that some of the steps 101-110 could be performed in substantially the same time as some of the other stages 101-110 where possible. In other words, the order in which steps 101-110 are performed as described hereinabove and is illustrated in the
FIG. 5 can be altered when feasible while the logistic panel 174 is formed as desired. The attention is invited to the FIGS. 16 and 17 and the second embodiment of method 200 to form a logistic panel 274. The method includes steps 101-108 and 110 of method 100 and, therefore, the description of these steps will not be repeated herein for purposes of brevity. The method 200 further includes step 211 and step 209, which is a modification of step 109 of method 100. In step 211 of method 200, a portion of inner thin layer 33 of composite panel 31 is off-center in order to forming an intermediate portion of reduced thickness 275 of the composite panel 31 either before, after, or substantially at the same time as, performing step 102, along a height of the composite panel 31. The intermediate portion of the reduced thickness 275 of the panel Composite 31 preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.215 inches. As such, the set of openings 148 is provided through the intermediate portion of reduced thickness 275. The intermediate portion of reduced thickness 275 can be formed by wedging or staggering the inner thin layer 33, which can cause the core member 32 provided between the inner and outer thin layers 33, 34 to be compressed. The reduced thickness intermediate portion 275 extends from a position below the
upper end 46 to a position above the bottom end 47 of the composite panel 31. The position below the upper end 46 is provided in, or preferably below the top rail 29 of the trailer 20 will be secured to the composite panel 31. The position above the bottom end 47 is provided at, or preferably above, where portion 44 of bottom rail 30 will be secured to composite panel 31. Step 209 of method 200 secures log plate 150 to intermediate layer reduced thickness portion 275 thin interior 33 of the composite panel 31 when aligning the plurality of openings 155 of the log plate 150 with the opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 and causing the fixing adhesive 172 applied to the log plate 150 to come into contact with the portion intermediate of reduced thickness 275. The opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 are thus accessible through the plurality of openings 155 of the logistics plate 150. In order to secure the securing, one or both of the log plate 150 and the composite panel 31 may be applied pressure. The log plate 150 assurance ensures that the log plate 150 will not extend as far into the interior of the trailer 20 as it will be in the interior of the trailer 20 using the method 100, and can still be, depending on the thickness of the tape 70, the adhesive 172 and the logistic plate 150, flush
with the inner surface of the inner thin layer 33 of the composite panel 31. This further provides that the upper end 151 of the log plate 150 is positioned at, or preferably below, where the top rail 29 will be secured to the composite panel 31. This also provides that the bottom end 152 of the log plate 150 is positioned at, or preferably above, where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the composite panel 31. If the log plate 150 is flush or substantially flush with the inner surface of the inner thin layer 33, the log plate 150 can be extended down where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the log panel 274 since the log plate 150 would then not interfere with the connection of the rail portion 44 of background 30 to the logistics panel 274. Thus, the logistics panel 274 is formed by steps 101-108, 209, 110 and 221 of the method 200. Where the opening (s) 1 49 is provided through the logistics panels 274, the logistics panels 274 have a thickness of approximately 0.235 inches, which includes the thickness of the composite panel 31 the thickness of the tape 170 and the adhesive 172, and the thickness of the tape 171 and the adhesive 173, but not the thickness of the log plate 150 or the splice plate 158. It should be noted that steps 101-108, 209, 110 and 211 of the method 200 could be performed in any other order
logical, for example, steps 103, 105, 107 and 209 could be performed before steps 104, 106, 108 and 110 are performed, or vice versa. It should also be noted that some of the steps 101, 108, 209, 110 and 211 could be performed or substantially at the same time as some of the other steps 101-108, 110 and 211 where possible. In other words, the order in which steps 101-108, 209, 110 and 211 are performed as described hereinabove and as illustrated in FIG. 16 can be altered when feasible while log panel 274 is formed as desired. Attention is now invited to FIGS 18 and 19 and to the third modality of method 300. Method 300 includes steps 101-104, 106 and 108 of method 100 and, therefore, the description of these steps will not be repeated in the present for purposes of brevity. The method 300 further includes steps 305, 307, 309 and 310 which are modifications of steps 105, 107, 109 and 110, respectively of method 100. In step 305, tape 170 is applied to inner surface 165 of the log plate 150 along the outer perimeter thereof, for example, along the upper and bottom ends 151, 152 and along first and second sides 153, 154. Next, in step 307, an account of adhesive
of fixing 172 is applied around the outer perimeter of the inner surface 156 of the log plate 160 and the inside to the tape 170. The fixing adhesive 172 can be applied continuously or can be applied in various applications on the inner surface 156. fixing adhesive 172 may have a thickness that is greater than, less than, or equal to the thickness of the tape 170. In step 309, the logistics plate 150 is secured to the outer thin layer 34 of composite panel 31 by aligning the plurality opening 155 of the composite panel 150 with the opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 and upon causing the fixing adhesive 172 applied to the log sheet 150 to come into contact with the outer thin layer 34 of the composite panel 31. The opening ( s) 39 the composite panel 31 are thus accessible through plurality of the openings 155 of the log plate 150. In order to ensure the securing of the log plate 150 to the outer thin layer 34 d the composite panel 31, pressure one or both of the log plate 150 and the composite panel 31 can be applied. This provides that the upper end 151 of the log plate 150 is positioned at or preferably below, where the top rail 29 will be secured to the composite panel 31, and provides that the bottom end 152 of the log plate 150 is positioned at, or preferably above, where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be
adhesive secured to the composite panel 31. The securing causes the adhesive 172 to flow outwardly with the tape 170 acting as a dam as it stops or substantially prevents the fixing adhesive 172 from running / fluid out of the outer perimeter of the inner surface 156 when the pressure It is applied. Under pressure, the tape 170 is compressed such that the tape 170 and the adhesive 172 each have substantially the same thickness, preferably or approximately 0.010 inches. In step 310, the splice plate 158 is secured to the log plate 150 by aligning the intermediate spreading portion 163 of the splice plate 158 with the plurality of openings 155 of the log plate 150 and by causing the attachment adhesive 173 applied to the junction plate 158 come into contact with the outer surface 157 of the log plate 150. The opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 are thus inaccessible through the splice plate 158. In order to ensure securing the splice plate 158 to the log plate 150, pressure one or both of the splice plate 158 and the composite panel 31 can be applied. This promotes that the upper end 164 of the splice plate 158 is placed in or , preferably below, where the top rail 29 will be secured to the composite panel 31 and the bottom end 165 of the junction plate 158 be positioned at, or preferably at the top where
the portion 44 of the phono rail 30 will be secured to the composite panel 31. This additionally seals the opening (s) 149 through the composite panel 31 to seal the interior of the trailer 20 from moisture. The securing causes the adhesive 172 to flow outwardly with the tape 171 acting as a dam as it stops or substantially prevents the fixing adhesive 173 from flowing / flowing out of the outer perimeter of the inner surface 168 when the pressure is applied. Under pressure, the tape 171 is compressed such that the tape 171 and the adhesive 173 each have substantially the same thickness, preferably approximately 0.010 inches. Thus, logistic panel 374 is formed by steps 101-104, 305, 106, 307, 108, 309 and 310 of method 300. It should be noted that steps 101-104, 305, 106, 307, 108,
309 and 310 of method 300 could be performed in any other logical order, for example steps 103, 305, 307 and 309 could be performed before steps 104, 106, 108 and
310 are made, or vice versa. It should also be noted that some of the steps 101-104, 305, 106, 307, 108, 309 and 310 could be performed substantially at the same time as some of the other steps 101-104, 305, 106, 307, 108, 309 and 310 when possible. In other words, the order e that steps 101-104, 305, 106, 307, 108, 309 and 310 are performed as described hereinabove and as illustrated in FIG. 18 can be altered when feasible
JJ
while the 374 logistics panel is formed as desired. The attention is invited to the FIGS. 20 and 21 and the fourth embodiment of method 400. Method 400 includes steps 101-104, 106 and 108 of method 100 and steps 305, 307 and 310 of method 300 and, therefore, the description of these steps will not be repeated in the present for purposes of brevity. Method 400 further includes steps 409 and 411. Step 409 is a modification of steps 209 and 3009 of methods 200 and 300, and step 411 is a modification of step 211 of method 200. In step 411, a portion of the outer thin layer 34 of the composite panel 31 is off-centered so as to form a reduced thickness intermediate portion 475 of the composite panel 31 either before, after or substantially at the same time, performing step 104 along a height of the composite panel 31. The reduced thickness intermediate portion 475 of the composite panel 31 preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.215 inches. As such, the set of openings 148 is provided through the intermediate portion of reduced thickness 475. The intermediate portion of reduced thickness 575 can be formed by wedging or staggering the outer thin layer 34 of the composite panel 31, can cause the member core 32 provided between the inner and outer thin layers 33, 34 made compressed. The intermediate portion of thickness
reduced 475 thus extends from a position below the upper end 46 to a position above the bottom end 47 of the composite panel 31. The position below the upper end 46 is a position that is provided in, preferably below, where the upper rail 29 of the trailer 20 will be secured to the composite panel 31. The position above the bottom end 47 of the composite panel 31 is in a position that is provided at, or preferably above, where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the composite panel 31 In step 409, the log plate 150 is secured to the intermediate portion of reduced thickness 475 by aligning the plurality of openings 155 of the log plate 150 with the opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 or by causing the adhesive fastener 172 applied to the log plate 150 come into contact with the intermediate portion of reduced thickness 175. The opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 are thus accessible at through the plurality of openings 155 of the log plate 150. In order to ensure the securing of the log plate 150 to the intermediate portion of reduced thickness 175, pressure can be applied to one or both of the log plate 150 and the composite panel 31. This provides that the upper end 151 of the log plate 150 is positioned at, or preferably below, where the top rail 29 will be secured to the composite panel 31. If the plate
Logistics 150 is flush or substantially flush with the outer surface of the outer thin layer 34 of the composite panel 31, the log plate 150 can be extended above where the top rail 29 will be secured to the logistics panel 374, since the logistic plate 150 then did not interfere with the connection of the top rail 29 to the log panel 374. This additionally provides that the bottom end 152 of the log plate 150 is positioned at, preferably top where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the composite panel 31. If the log plate 150 is flush or substantially flush with the outer surface of the outer thin layer 34 of the composite panel 31, the log plate 150 may extend down where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the logistic panel. 474, since the log plate 150 then did not interfere with the connection of the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 to the logistic panel 474. The adhesive causes the adhesive 172 to flow outwardly with the tape 170 applied to the log plate 150 which acts as a dam since it stops or substantially prevents the fixing adhesive 172 from flowing / flowing out of the outer perimeter of the inner surface 156 when the pressure It is applied. Under pressure the tape 170 is compressed such that the tape 170 and the adhesive 172 each have substantially the same thickness, preferably approximately 0.010 inch.
Thus, logistic panel 474 is formed by steps 101-104, 305, 106, 307, 108, 409, 310 and 411 of method 400. It should be noted that steps 101-104, 305, 106, 307, 108, 409, 310 and 411 of method 400 could be performed in any logical order, for example steps 103, 305, 307 and 409 could be performed before steps 104, 106, 108 and 310 are performed, or vice versa. It should also be noted that some of the steps 101-104, 305, 106, 307, 108, 409, 310 and 411 could be performed in substantially the same time as some of the other stages 101-104, 305, 106, 307, 108, 409, 310 and 411 whenever possible. In other words, the purpose for which the steps are performed as described hereinabove and as illustrated in FIG. 20 can be altered whenever feasible as long as the log panel 474 is formed as desired. The attention is invited to the FIGS. 22-24 and the fifth modality of method 500. Method 500 includes steps 101, 102, 104, 106 and 108 of method 100 and, therefore, the description of these steps will not be repeated herein for purposes of brevity . The method 500 further includes steps 503, 505, 507, 509 and 510. Step 503 is a modification of step 103 of method 100. Step 505 is a modification of steps 105 and 305 of methods 100 and 300. Step 507 is a modification of steps 107 and 307 of methods 100 and 300. Step 509 is a step
modification of steps 109 and 309 of methods 100 and 300. Step 510 is a modification of steps 110 and 310 of methods 100 and 300. In step 503, a log plate 550 is provided as illustrated in FIG. . 23, which is different in configuration of the log plate 150. The log plate 550 has a reduced height that is comparable to the reduced height of the log plate 150. The log plate 550 has top and bottom ends 551, 552, first and second opposite sides 553, 554 and a plurality of openings 555 provided from an interior surface 556 to an exterior surface 557 thereof. The openings 555 are the logistic openings and are spaced apart from each other and by a predetermined distance along the height of the log plate 550. The plurality of openings 550 are generally equivalent in size and shape to the plurality of openings 41 provided through of the inner post 36, but are preferably smaller in size than the opening (s) 149 provided through the composite panels 31, for reasons that will be discussed herein. The plurality of openings 555 is provided on one or more hat-shaped portions 576 of the log plate 550. If more than one hat-shaped portion 576 is provided, the adjacent hat-shaped portions 576 are separated from each other by a
predetermined distance. Each hat-shaped portion 576 has the first and second portions 577, 578, which are flat to one another and extending toward each other of the first and second opposite sides 553, 554, third and fourth portions 579, 580, which are parallel to each other, perpendicular to the first and second portions 577, 578, and extending inwardly from the ends of the first and second portions 577, 578, respectively, and a fifth portion 581 that is parallel to the first and second portions 577, 578 and connecting the third and fourth portions 579, 580 with one. The plurality of openings 555 extend through the fifth portion 581, the third, fourth and fifth portions 579, 580, 581 of the hat-shaped portion 566 are generally sized to fit into the opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31. As such, the outer surface 557 of the fifth portion 581 is preferably inserted from the interior surfaces 556 of the first and second portions 577, 578 by approximately 0.285 inches. In step 505, the tape 170 is applied to the inner surface 556 of the log plate 550 along the outer perimeter thereof, for example, along the upper and bottom ends 551, 552 and along the first and second sides 553, 554. In step 507, the fixing adhesive count
172 is applied around the outer perimeter of the inner surface 556 inside the tape 170, but outside the third and fourth portions 579, 580. The fixing adhesive 172 can be applied continuously or can be applied in several locations on the inner surface 556. The fixing adhesive 172 may have a thickness that is greater than, less than, or equal to the thickness of the tape 170. In step 509, the log plate 550 is secured to the outer thin layer 34 upon insertion of the third, fourth and fifth portions 579, 580, 581 of the hat-shaped portion (s) 576 in the opening (s) 159 of the composite panel 31. The third and fourth portions 579, 580 are preferably adjusted to tightly pressed against the walls defining the opening (s) 149 and causing the fixing adhesive 172 applied to the log plate 550 to come into contact with the outer thin layer 3. The opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 are accessible through the plurality of openings 555 of the log plate 550. In order to ensure the securing of the log plate 150 to the outer thin layer 34, pressure can be applied to one or both of the log plate 550 and the composite panel 31. The plurality of openings 555 through the log plate 550 is thus accessible from the inside of the trailer 20. The securing of the composite panel 550
provides that the upper end 551 of the log plate 550 is positioned at, or preferably below, where the top rail 29 will be secured to the composite panel 31, and that the bottom end 552 of the log plate 550 be positioned at, or preferably above where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the composite panel 31. The securing causes the adhesive 172 to flow outwardly with the tape 170 acting as a dam as it stops or substantially prevents the fixing adhesive 172 from flowing / flowing out of the outer perimeter of the inner surface 550 when the pressure is applied. Under pressure, the tape 170 is compressed such that the tape 170 and the adhesive 172 each have substantially the same thickness, preferably approximately 0.010 inches. In step 510, the splice plate 158 is secured to the log plate 550 by aligning the intermediate spreading portion 163 of the splice plate 158 with the plurality of openings 555 of the log plate 550 and causing the fixing adhesive 173 applied to the junction plate 158 come into contact with the outer surface 557 of the log plate 550. The opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 are inaccessible through the splice plate 158. In order to ensure the Assurance, one or both pressure can be applied to the splice plate 158 and the composite panel 31. Securing the splice plate 158
provides that the upper end 164 of the splice plate 158 is positioned at, or preferably below, where the upper rail 29 will be secured to the composite panel 31, and that the bottom end 165 of the splice plate 158 will be positioned in, or preferably above, where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the composite panel 31. This further seals the opening (s) 149 through the composite panel 31 to seal the interior of the trailer 20 from moisture. The securing causes the adhesive 173 to flow outwardly with the tape 171 which acts as a dam since it stops or substantially prevents the fixing adhesive 173 from flowing / flowing out from the outer perimeter of the inner surface 168 when the pressure is applied. Under pressure, the tape 171 is compressed such that the tape 171 and the adhesive 173 each have substantially the same thickness, preferably approximately 0.010 inches. Thus, logistical panel 574 is formed by steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 509 and 510 of method 500. It should be noted that steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 509 and 510 of the method 500 could be performed in any other logical order, for example the steps 503, 505, 507 and 509 could be performed before the steps 104, 106, 108 and 510 are performed, or vice versa. It should also be noted that some of the steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 509 and 510 can be performed in
substantially the same time as some of the other steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 509 and 510 when possible. In other words, in the order in which the steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 509 and 510 are performed as described hereinabove and as illustrated in F'IG. 22 can be altered whenever it is while the 574 log panel is formed as desired. The attention is invited to the FIGS. 25 and 26 and the sixth modality of method 600. Method 600 includes stages 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 510 and 411 of methods 100, 400 and 500 and, therefore, the description of these stages will not be repeated herein for purposes of brevity. Method 600 further includes step 609 which is a modification of steps 509 and method 500. In step 609, log plate 550 is secured to the intermediate portion of reduced thickness 475 of outer thin layer 34 when inserting third , fourth and fifth portions 579, 580, 581 of the log plate 550 in the opening (s) 140 of the composite panel 31. The third and fourth portions 579, 780 are preferably fixed tightly against the walls defining the opening (s) 149 and cause the fixing adhesive 162 applied to the log plate 550 to come into contact with the reduced thickness intermediate portion 475 of the outer thin layer 34.
opening (s) 149 of the composite panel 31 are thus accessible through the plurality of openings 555 of the log plate 550. In order to ensure the securing, it can be applied under pressure to one or both of the log plate 550 and the panel compound 31. The securing of the log panel 550 provides that the upper end 551 of the log plate 550 is positioned at, or preferably below, where the top rail 29 will be secured to the composite panel 31. If the log plate 550 is flush or substantially flush with the outer surface of the outer thin layer 34, the log plate 550 can extend up where the top rail 29 will be secured to the log panel 674, as the log plate 550 would then not interfere with the connection of the top rail 29 to the panel logistic 674. The securing of the log plate 550 further provides that the bottom end of the log plate 550 is placed, in, or preferably above, where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 will be secured to the composite panel 31. If the log plate 550 is flush or substantially flush with the outer surface of the outer thin layer 34 the log plate 550 can be extended downward where the portion 44 of the phono track 30 will be secured to the logistics panel 674, since the log plate 550 would then not interfere with the connection of the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 to the logistics panel 674. The securing causes the adhesive 172 to flow
outwardly with the tape 170 acting as a dam as it stops or substantially prevents the fixing adhesive 172 from flowing / flowing out of the outer perimeter of the inner surface 556 when the pressure is applied. Under pressure, the tape 170 is compressed such that the tape 170 and the adhesive 172 each have substantially the same thickness, preferably approximately 0.010. Thus, logistic panel 674 is formed by steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 609, 514 and 411 of method 600. It should be noted that steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 609, 514 and 411 of method 600 could be performed in any other logical order, for example steps 503, 505, 507 and 609 could be performed before steps 104, 106, 108 and 510 is done, or vice versa. It should also be noted that some of the steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 609, 514 and 411 could be performed in substantially the same time as some of the other steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 609, 514 and 411 whenever possible. In other words, the order in which the steps 101, 102, 503, 104, 505, 106, 507, 108, 609, 514 and 411 are performed as described hereinabove as illustrated in FIG. 25 can be altered as long as the logistic panel 674 is formed as desired. It should be noted that the configuration of the panels
150, 550 could be altered as desired while providing the openings 155, 555 therethrough and preferably encompassing the opening (s) 149. To form the side wall 22 of the trailer 20, a plurality of Logistical panels 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 can be secured together using a joining configuration, such as the joint configurations disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,958,472, 5,860,693, 5,997,076, 6,220,651, 6,412,854 and 6,986,546. It should be noted that any of the logistic panels 174, 274, 274, 474, 574, 674 can be secured with any one of the logistical panels 174, 274, 274, 474, 574, 674 if desired. In other words, the logistics panel 674 need not be secured in conjunction with another logistics panel 674, but can be secured in conjunction with any of the logistical panels 174, 274, 274, 474, 574, 674. FIG. 27 illustrates two logistic panels 174 that are joined together by a joining configuration 35. To form the side wall 22 of the trailer 20, each logistic panel 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 is secured to the top and bottom rails 29, 30 of the trailer 20. Each log panel 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 can be secured to the top rail 29 in the same well-known manner
that the composite panel 31 of the prior art is secured to the top rail 29, for example by adhesive and / or fasteners. FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate two logistic panels 174 that have been cut in half in height, secured to the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30. Each log panel 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 is secured to the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 in the same well known manner that the composite panel 31 of the prior art is secured to the bottom rail 30, for example by adhesive and / or fasteners. FIGS 30 and 31 illustrate the formed side wall 22 of the trailer 20. It should be noted that, if desired, only a portion of the methods 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 to form the logistic panels 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 need to be made before the connection of the logistics panels 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 to each other with the joint construction 35, and before the connection of the logistic panels 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 to both the top and bottom rails 29, 30. For example, FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate the logistics panels 174 which are secured together by the joint construction 35 before the log and splice plates 150, 158 are secured thereto. FIG. 34 then shows the logistical panels 174 secured to the top and bottom rails 29, 30 before the logistic and splice plates 150, 158 are
insured to them. FIG. 35 then shows the log plates 150 that are secured to the logistic panels 174 before the splice plates 158 are secured thereto. Again it is to be understood that the steps taken in the formation of the side wall 22 of the trailer 20 can be performed in any logical order, for example, the formation of the registration plates 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 do not need be completed as described hereinabove before securing them to each other with the junction construction 35 or to the top and bottom rails 29, 30. In other words, the order in which the steps are performed to form the side wall 22 as described hereinabove can be altered whenever feasible so long as the side wall 22 of the trailer 20 is formed as desired. With the side wall 22 of the trailer 20 thus formed, the logistical openings 41 are provided at the junction of the adjacent logistic panels 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 by the joining constructions 35, and one or more sets of openings logistical 155, 555 are provided between the logistical openings 41. The logistical openings 41, 155, 555 are accessible through the interior of the trailer 20 in order to allow the coupling of equipment, such as fasteners or hooks, to the logistic plates 36, 150, 550. As explained earlier in this, the
logistical openings 155, 555 are preferably smaller than the opening (s) 149 provided through the composite panels 31 because it is preferable for the equipment to only fit the log sheets 150, 550, and not the inner or outer thin layers 33 , 34 or the core member 32 of the composite panels 31, since coupling the equipment with any portion of the composite panels 31 could possibly impair or damage the integrity of the composite panels 31. It should be noted, however, that the The size of the logistical openings 155, 555 through the logistics plate could be equivalent to the opening (s) 149 through the composite logs 31 such that the equipment could be coupled with any of the inner and outer thin layers 33, 34 or the core member 32 of the composite panels 31. It should be further noted that while the logistical openings 155, 555 provided through the composite panels These 31 are illustrated as being rectangular in configuration, other configurations of the logistical openings 155, 555 can be used as desired, for example, the openings 155, 555 could be circular in configuration. The configuration of the opening (s) 149 through the composite panels 31 can also be altered as desired. The configuration of the logistical openings 155, 555 and the opening (s) 149 is mainly dependent on the equipment to be coupled with
the log plate 150, 550. It is noted that in each of the logistical panels 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674, the splice plate 158 is described and illustrated as having an intermediate spreading portion 163. The portion of intermediate spreading 163 is provided in order to provide more space or distance between the splice plate 158 and the logistic openings 155, 555 of the logistic plates 150, 550 for the coupling of the equipment to the logistic plates 150, 550. It has been determined that a minimum distance of about 0.30 inches between the outer surface 157, 557 of the log plate 150, 550, where the logistical openings 155, 555 are provided, and the inner surface 168 of the splice plate 158 is typically necessary to allow the appropriate coupling of the equipment of the log plates 150, 550. In each case where the intermediate spreading portion 163 is provided on the splice plate 158, the The exact configuration of the broadening portion 163 can be altered to ensure that this distance is achieved. Due to the thickness of the tape 170 layer and adhesive 172 (approximately 0.010 inch) and due to the thickness of the tape layer 171 and the adhesive 173 (approximately 0.010 inch), it is not necessary in any of the logistic panels 174, 574 provide the
splice plate 158 with the intermediate spreading portion 163 since the distance between the outer surface 157, 557 of the log plate 150 550, where the logistical openings 155 555 are provided, and the inner surface 168 of the splice plate 158 is of approximately 0.315 inches. Thus, in connection with the log panels 174, 574, the splice plate 158 can be a flat piece similar to the log plate 150, as illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37. This is beneficial for a number of reasons, including that this provides the outer surface of the side wall 22 of the trailer 20 with a smoother, more burnished finish and also allows the exterior surface of the side wall 22 of the trailer 20. make painting easier. Of course, if desired, other modifications could be made to the thicknesses of the parts of the other logistical panels 274, 374, 474, 674 in order to make the splice plate 158 thereof also be a flat piece similar to the log plate 150 as opposed to include the intermediate spreading portion 163. It is also noted that in each of the logistic panels 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 described and illustrated, that the log plates 150, 550 and the Junction plates 158 are provided in a vertical manner on the side wall 22 of the trailer 20, for example, running generally from proximal to the bottom rail 30 straight towards
up to next the top rail 29. If desired, the laying of the log plates 150, 550 and the splice plates 158 could be changed to be horizontal, as illustrated in FIG. 38, or even diagonal, if desired It should be noted that while it is discussed in each of the embodiments that the tape 170, 171 are provided, that the tapes 170, 171 need not be provided, if desired. The tapes 170, 171 are provided primarily to act as a prey to stop or substantially prevent the fixing adhesives 172, 173 from flowing / flowing out of the outer perimeters of the log plates 150, 550 and the splice plates 550, but it is not necessary preventing adhesives 172, 173 from running / flowing or running / flowing from adhesives 172, 173 could be controlled by other means, for example, the amount of adhesives 172, 173 used, the placement of adhesives 172, 173, etc. . Thus, methods 100, 200 can be performed without step 105 and / or without step 106; the methods 300, 400 can be performed without step 305 and / or without step 106; and methods 500, 600 can be performed without step 505 and / or without step 106. It should be further noted that while adhesives 172, 173 are described and illustrated herein as securing log sheets 150, 550 and Splice plates 158 to composite panels 31 a for one to
another, it is to be understood that the log plates 150, 550 and the splice plates 158 could alternatively be attached to the composite panels 31 or to each other by fasteners (not shown), such as a rivet, in a manner that is well known in the art, such as fasteners and adhesives 172, 173 are considered to be equivalent in this invention (since both propose to permanently secure the log plates 150, 550, the splice plates 158 and the composite panels 31 together). Of course, unless additional alterations were made to the logistics panels 174, 574 these panels 174, 574 would then preferably need to have a splice plate 158 formed with the intermediate spreading portion 163 in order to ensure that the appropriate amount of space provided (such as the extra 0.020 inch space provided by the adhesives 172, 173 would not be more proportionate) to allow the equipment to be coupled with the log plates 150, 550. Also, if desired, the adhesives 172, 173 could be used in conjunction with fasteners. It should also be noted that, if desired, in connection with the formation of the logistics panels 374, 474, 574,674, the logistics panels 150, 550 and the splice plate 158 could be formed integrally if desired, thereby removing the need to secure the panels
logistic 150, 550 and the splice plate 158 together using the tape 171 and the fixing adhesive 173 (or any other type of fasteners as discussed hereinabove). Furthermore, it should be noted that, if desired, in relation to the logistics panels 474, 474, 574, 674, the splice panel 158 could be configured in a manner to enlarge the flat side end portions 161, 162 such that the tape 171 and the fixing adhesive 173 could be used to secure the splice panel 158 to the outer thin layer 34 of the composite panel 31, rather to the logistic panels 150, 550, in generally the same manner in which the panel of splice 158 is secured to the outer thin layer 34 of the composite panel 31 in relation to the log panels 174, 274. The invention thus provides methods 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 to form the logistic panels 174, 274, 374, 474, 574, 674 for use in forming a side wall 22 of a trailer 20. The side wall 22 would have logistical slots provided in shorter intervals, for example, intervals of 16 to 17 inches or intervals of 24 to 25 inches, qu and those sidewalls of a trailer where the logistical slots are provided only in the thirty-fifth junction configurations which join the adjacent composite panels.
with just, that provides the logistic slots at intervals of, for example, forty-eight to fifty inches. The methods 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 allow a manufacturing process and more efficient comparative to the method of the prior art as it is unnecessary to be and / or stack composite panels of varying widths. Thus, labor and / or hours personnel are saved in the formation of the trailers 20; Less clipping is created through training, the increased profile is realized and less material is used. Trailers 20 are also lighter in weight compared to trailers of the prior art, have improved aesthetics, and retain all the benefits realized by trailers of the prior art. Also, the log plates 150, 550 will not contain the base rail portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 outside the side walls 22 as will occur with the side walls of the prior art trailers at each connection of the adjacent composite panels in width reduced 31. It should be further noted that while the invention is described with respect to the type of trailer 20 described and illustrated herein, that the invention could also be used with other types of trailers or trucks or the like, where the logistic openings they are required for the coupling of the equipment. The invention can also be used in trailers that have a rail
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base high, which extends further up from the floor 26 that makes the bottom rail 30 of the trailer 20. Such a side wall of a trailer is described and illustrated in the US patent No. 7,114,762, issued on October 3, 2006 and entitled "Side all Of To Semi-Trailer Having A High Baserail", the invention of which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In such side wall, the log plate 150, 550 and the splice plate 158 would extend to an up position where an upper end of the high base rail is provided, similar to as the log plate 150, 550 the splice plate 158 extend to an up position where the portion 44 of the bottom rail 30 is provided. While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, it is contemplated that those skilled in the art can devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the foregoing description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.