Vehicle with large planar composite panels
US6745470B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4998
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle trailer includes large side panels that are attached to a trailer superstructure. A method and apparatus for making the panels includes forming composite panels that are lightweight and economical to manufacture. In one embodiment, the superstructure has grooves for receiving the composite panels. The composite panels preferably fit together via a tongue and groove configuration. Alternatively, the superstructure has support beams that have threaded receiving holes. Each composite panel then includes threaded inserts aligned with the receiving holes and that attach to the receiving holes. In both embodiments, each composite panel preferably includes at least an outer colored layer, a sheet of polymeric material attached to the colored layer and an inner layer attached to the polymeric material. Other layers can be added depending upon the use of the vehicle. For instance, a layer of insulating foam can be added if the vehicle is to be refrigerated. Further, an additional structural support layer can be added to increase the strength of the walls.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.