CA2160404A1 - Trailer floor bed assembly - Google Patents
Trailer floor bed assemblyInfo
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- CA2160404A1 CA2160404A1 CA 2160404 CA2160404A CA2160404A1 CA 2160404 A1 CA2160404 A1 CA 2160404A1 CA 2160404 CA2160404 CA 2160404 CA 2160404 A CA2160404 A CA 2160404A CA 2160404 A1 CA2160404 A1 CA 2160404A1
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- beams
- floor bed
- bed assembly
- floor
- trailer
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a truck trailer having a light weight floor bed assembly for supporting cargo during transport. The floor bed assembly includes a plurality of substantially coplanar, and uniformly spaced cross beams that support a floor bed. A pair of lightweight stiffening beams are arranged in substantially coplanar, and perpendicular relation relative to the individual cross beams and are further located intermediate the ends of the cross beams. The floor bed may be a conventional wood plank type floor or a flexible substrate.
Mounting brackets are welded about the perimeter of the cross beams to receive and hold the ends of the flexible belt on the cross beams.
Mounting brackets are welded about the perimeter of the cross beams to receive and hold the ends of the flexible belt on the cross beams.
Description
TRAILER FLOOR BED ASSEMBLY
SPECIFICATION
Technical Field The present invention relates to a light weight floor bed assembly for a truck trailer, and more specifically to a light weight floor bed which imparts improved performance characteristics to an overland vehicle which may haul same.
Background of the Prior Art Conventional truck trailers typically include a floor bed assembly having a plurality of cross beams such as the type shown in Figure 4. Each cross beam extends from one side of the trailer to the other and are oriented substantially perpendicular to the length of the trailer.
As a general matter, the beams are coplanar and spaced a uniform distance apart down the entire length of the trailer. Further, a pair of side rails ~oin the cross beams together. Wood planks are then secured to the top of the cross beams to form a trailer floor bed upon which cargo can be placed for transport. The wood planks normally run perpendicular to the length of the cross beams and parallel to the length of the trailer.
One readily recognizable problem with conventional trailer floor bed assemblies is their heavy weight which is caused by their bulky construction. As should be understood, a substantial portion of the weight of the trailer is attributed to the many cross beams needed to support the wood plank floor bed. As shown in Figure 4, a thirty foot trailer having a one and a half inch laminated oak plank floor bed requires thirty-one 4" I-shaped cross beams. Each cross beam is spaced roughly 12 inches apart on center. As would be expected, the large number and weight of these cross beams reduces both the fuel efficiency of the trailer and the maximum cargo load the trailer can carry on a given road.
Another problem with conventional trailer construction is that the wooden floor bed is stiff, relatively unflexible, and very unforgiving to fragile cargo during loading and transport. For example, the wood floor can damage cargo if the cargo is dropped on the floor during loading or if the trailer travels over a pothole, bump, curb or the like during transport, and this, in turn, causes a shifting of the cargo load.
A further shortcoming with conventional trailers is the limited life expectancy of the wooden floor beds utilized with same. In this regard, the integrity of the floor is diminished when cargo is secured on the floor by the use of nails or when the cargo shifts or bounces on the floor during shipping. Additionally, forklifts can also damage the floor during loading and unloading. Still further, the exposure of the floor to adverse weather conditions and other substances such as salt, grease and other harsh or caustic materials also attribute to the limited life expectancy of conventional wood plank floor beds.
A still further problem with conventional trailer construction is that the wooden floor beds are not easily repaired or replaced. For example, each wooden plank must be unbolted, discarded and replaced with a new plank.
Further, the new plank must have holes drilled in it that are coaxially aligned with the holes or studs formed in the individual cross beams. As a result, the replacement process is quite-labor intensive and therefore very costly, relatively speaking.
A still further problem with conventional trailer construction is that the wooden floors tend to leak a great deal. For example, water and grime is easily sprayed up from the road and onto a bottom surface of the wood floor.
This water and grime is then drawn up by a wicking action through holes in the planks or between the planks and onto the top surface of the floor. Consequently, the water and grime then comes into contact with the cargo where it may cause subsequent damage.
A still further shortcoming with conventional trailer construction is the manufacturing cost of the floor bed assembly. In this regard, this cost is substantially increased by the number of cross beams needed to support the floor bed and the ever increasing cost of wood. In view of the environmental concerns many have regarding the wasting of our natural forestry resources, and the disposal of contaminated wood planks, the prior art construction techniques are now considered less than ideal.
The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.
Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a truck trailer having a light weight floor bed assembly for supporting cargo during transport. More specifically, the floor bed assembly includes a plurality of coplanar, and substantial uniformly spaced cross beams that support a floor bed.
Further, the floor bed includes a pair of lightweight stiffening beams which are arranged in coplanar, substantially perpendicular relation to the individual cross beams. These stiffening beams are located intermediate the opposite ends of the cross beams. The floor bed may be manufactured of a conventional wood plank type floor or a flexible belt or substrate. Mounting brackets are welded around the perimeter of the individual cross beams to receive and releasably hold the peripheral edge, or ends of the flexible substrate. Further, floor boards can be employed to protect the stiffening beams. If employed, the flexible belt is preferably a multi-layered composition within which a reinforcement material is embedded.
One advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is its light weight construction. For example, the individual stiffening beams enable a substantial portion of the weight of the trailer to be eliminated because fewer cross beams are needed to support the floor bed. Additionally, the flexible substrate is also believed to reduce the number of cross beams needed to support the floor bed. As shown in Figure 3, a thirty foot trailer equipped with a floor bed assembly having a 3/4 inch steel reinforced rubber belt requires only 24 four inch I-shaped cross beams spaced approximately 24 inches apart on center.
As will be appreciated, this construction reduces the number of cross beams by about 25 percent, and subsequently reduces the weight of the trailer by about 590 pounds.
This reduction in weight of course increases the fuel efficiency of the trailer and the maximum cargo load transportable by the trailer on a given road. Further, the use of fewer cross beams also reduces the material costs associated with the construction of the floor bed assembly.
Another advantage of the present floor bed assembly is the flexibility of the floor bed. In this regard, the use of a flexible belt or substrate inhibits damage to the cargo during shipping, such as when the trailer travels over a pothole, bump, curb or the like by reducing the amount of vibration which is passed or transmitted to the cargo.
A further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is its relatively long life expectancy. In this regard, the multi-layered belt retains its integrity even after repeated shipments in which cargo is secured to the belt by the use of nails. Further, the reinforced belt is also not easily damaged by a forklift or from shifting and bouncing of the cargo on the floor. Still further, the mounting brackets inhibit damage to the sides and ends of the flexible belt. Additionally, the flexible belt also appears to resist the absorption of fluids that would otherwise decay, discolour or damage a trailer floor bed of conventional design.
2 ~ 60404 A still further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is the relative strength of the floor.
For example, the stiffening beams and flexible belt or substrate are believed to transfer a portion of the cargo weight applied near one cross beam to adjacent cross beams.
This load transfer characteristic is believed to increase the load carrying capacity of the floor bed assembly of the present invention.
A still further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is that the flexible substrate can be easily removed and replaced. For example, an entire floor can be unpinned, removed and a new flexible substrate installed, relatively quickly, given the few pins involved as compared to a wooden floor bed as was discussed earlier.
A still further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is that the flexible substrate is virtually leak proof. For example, a single piece of flexible substrate replaces scores of wood planks, thereby eliminating the many gaps which occur between these several planks. Still further, the flexible substrate is self sealing when nails are removed therefrom, and the mounting brackets also facilitate the weatherproof sealing of the perimeter of the trailer floor.
A still further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is that the flexible substrate provides a relatively nonskid surface which facilitates cargo handling and further improves the safety of persons walking on the floor.
A still further advantage of the present trailer is that it permits full width loading of the trailer floor bed.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in combination with the following drawings.
Brief Description of Drawinqs Figure 1 is a partial, perspective, environmental view showing a truck trailer equipped with the present floor bed assembly invention.
Figure 2 is a partial, perspective, plan view of the present floor bed assembly invention showing the cross beams; end clips; side rails; mounting brackets; flexible substrate; coupler and door sill thereof.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 3-3 of Figure 2, and showing the floor bed assembly mounted on a conventional subframe.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view of a conventional truck trailer floor bed assembly mounted on a conventional subframe.
Figure 5 is an enlarged, longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 5-5 of Figure 2, and showing the flexible substrate secured on the individual cross beams and stiffening beams, respectively.
Figure 6 is an enlarged, longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view of the present floor bed assembly, taken from a position along line 6-6 of Figure 2, and showing a conventional wood plank floor secured on the individual cross beams and stiffening beams, respectively.
Figure 7 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 7-7 of Figure 2, and showing an end of the flexible belt held by a side mounting bracket, and further illustrating a side rail with a conventional interior post construction.
Figure 8 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 8-8 of Figure 2, and showing an end of the flexible belt held by a side mounting bracket, and further illustrating a side rail with a conventional plate construction.
Figure 9 is a partial, enlarged, longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along 2t 60404 line 9-9 of Figure 2, and showing the flexible substrate, rear mounting bracket and rear door sill thereof.
Figure 10 is a partial, enlarged, longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 10-10 of Figure 2, and showing the flexible substrate, front mounting bracket and coupler thereof.
Figure 11 is a partial, transverse, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 11-11 of Figure 2, and showing the rear portion of the floor bed assembly supported by a conventional subframe.
Figure 12 is a partial, perspective plan view of the present floor bed assembly invention, and which includes floor boards that cover the stiffening beams, and wherein the flexible belt is divided into three discreet, longitudinally oriented sections.
Figure 13 is a fragmentary, transverse, vertical, cross-sectional view taken from a position along line 13-13 of Figure 12, and showing the rear portion of the floor bed assembly having a floor board construction.
Detailed Description:
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
The present invention relates to a light weight floor bed assembly shown generally by the numeral 10, in Figure 1. The floor bed assembly 10 forms the floor of a covered or van type truck trailer 20. The van trailer 20 includes a front end 21 defined by a front wall; a rear end 23, with rear doors; side walls 26 and 27 and a ceiling 28.
Although the invention is herein shown and described as a floor bed assembly for a truck trailer 20, it should be understood that the invention is applicable to other types of overland vehicles, such as automobiles, railroad cars, barges and aircraft.
As best shown in Figure 2, the floor bed assembly 10 includes a frame 40 having a plurality of beams 50 that support a floor bed 100 such as a flexible belt or substrate 110. The individual beams 50 are preferably positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and are thus referred to as cross beams. Each cross beam 50 is spaced a predetermined distance apart from its adjacent beam or beams. The spaced relationship of the individual cross beams 50 provides intermittent support for the floor bed 100. The plurality of cross beams 50 includes a leading beam 51 which is located toward the front of trailer 20 and a trailing beam 52 which is located at or near the rear of the trailer. Each of the cross beams 50 have a predetermined substantially uniform length dimension and have opposite ends 54, and 55, respectively.
The cross beams 50 are made of steel for strength and durability, and are selected as to size to meet the loading requirements specified by trailer industry standards. To meet accepted industry loading requirements for standard truck trailer design, the individual cross beams 50 are preferably three inch I-beams of the type used in standard truck trailer construction. As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, each cross beam has an upper flange 56, a lower flange 57 and a web 58. Each cross beam 50 has a total height of about 3.00 inches, a flange width of about 2.00 inches, a flange thickness of about 0. 12 inches, a web thickness of about 0.09 inches, and individually weighs about 2.52 pounds per linear foot. Further, each cross beam 50 is spaced roughly 12 inches apart on center from its adjacent cross beam.
The frame 40 includes a plurality of conventional end clips 60, a pair of conventional side rails 61 and 62;
a conventional coupler 70; and a conventional door sill 75.
One end clip 60 is integrally welded or otherwise fastened to each end 54 of the individual cross beams 50. The end clips 60 add strength to the cross beams 50 and further provide a surface for securing the side rails 61 and 62.
The side rails 61 and 62 support the trailer side walls 26 and 27, and can take the form of either a traditional interior post construction, as illustrated in Figure 7, or a traditional plate construction 63 as shown in Figure 8.
Individual side rails 61 or 62 are secured in a longitudinal orientation along each side of the frame 40.
The individual side rails 61 and 62 span from the leading cross beam 51 to the trailing cross beam 52, and are bolted or otherwise fastened to each of the end clips 60. The side rails 61 and 62 join the plurality of cross beams 50 together to form an integral and ridged frame 40 for supporting the floor bed 100. The leading cross beam 51 is integrally connected or mounted on the coupler 70 which has a king pin 71 for releasably connecting the trailer 10 to a tractor (not shown). The trailing cross beam 52 is integrally connected or mounted on the door sill 72.
The frame 40 also includes a pair of light weight stiffening beams 81 and 82. These are best seen in Figures 3 and 11. The individual stiffening beams 81 and 82 span in a longitudinal orientation from the coupler 70, to the door sill 75. The individual stiffening beams 81 and 82 are spaced about 50 inches apart on center, and substantially equidistantly from the longitudinal axis of the floor bed assembly 10.
Additionally, each stiffening beam 81 and 82 has an upper flange 83, a lower flange 84 and a web 85. Each stiffening beam 81 and 82 has a total height of about 4.00 inches; a flange width of about 2.00 inches; a flange thickness of about 0.12 inches; a web thickness of about 0.09 inches and a weight of about 3.19 pounds per linear foot.
The individual stiffening beams 81 and 82 are each an integral piece of metal, and are further positioned in a substantially coplanar orientation with, and substantially perpendicular to, the individual cross beams 50. As should be recognized, the stiffening beam web 85 has a height dimension which is greater than cross beam web 58. Each stiffening beam 81 and 82 is pierced to form a plurality of uniformly spaced apart holes or aperture 86 which are located at predetermined locations along the longitudinal dimension of each of the stiffening beams. Each hole 86 is I-shaped and is operable to matingly receive an individual cross beam 50. Further, it should be understood that each hole 86 is coaxially aligned with the aperture formed in the stiffening beam 82. Each coaxially aligned pair of holes 86 receives an individual cross beam 50 in substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the stiffening beams 81 and 82, respectively.
The cross beams 50 are welded or otherwise integrally mounted or fastened on the individual stiffening beams 81 and 82. This permits a portion of a load applied in a localized area to one cross beam 50 to be transferred through one or both of the stiffening beams 81 and 82 to one or more of the adjacent cross beams. By transferring the load in this fashion, it is believed that the individual cross beams 50 can be reduced in size and spaced a greater distance apart while still meeting trailer industry strength on loading standards.
As noted earlier, the floor bed 100 can be a conventional wood plank floor 101 as shown in Figure 6, or a flexible belt or substrate 110 as shown in Figure 5.
When the floor bed 100 is made of wood planks 101, the planks are secured to the upper flanges 56 and 83 of the individual cross beams 50, and optionally to the individual stiffening beams 81 and 82, by utilizing conventional fastening methods, such as by bolting the planks to the beams. When the floor bed 100 is formed of a flexible belt or substrate 110, the ends, or the peripheral edge 111-114 of the belt 110 is secured on the frame 40 by individual mounting brackets 121-124, respectively. This is shown most clearly in Figures 7-10. The individual mounting brackets 121-124 define the perimeter of the floor bed 100, and are subsequently flush with the cross beam ends 54 and 55 as shown in Figures 7 and 8, The front mounting bracket 123 is flush with the outer edge of the leading cross beam 51 as shown in Figure 9, and the rear mounting bracket 124 is flush with the outer edge of trailing cross beam 52 as shown in Figure 10. The individual side mounting brackets 121 and 122 each include a flange 125 which facilitates the alignment of the bracket with its respective side rail 61 or 62, respectively.
Further, each of the mounting brackets 121-124 has a U-shaped portion 126 that snugly receives in interfitted mating relation a peripheral edge of the flexible belt or substrate llO. The U-shaped portion 126 of each mounting bracket 121-124 has a bottom leg 127, and a top leg 128.
The side mounting brackets 121 and 122 are individually bolted or otherwise releasably fastened on one of side rails 61 or 62, respectively. The front mounting bracket 123 is welded or otherwise fastened on the leading cross beam 51, and the rear mounting bracket 124 is welded or otherwise fastened to the trailing cross beam 52. The top leg 128 of each of the respective mounting brackets 121-124 is spaced a predetermined distance apart from the bottom leg 127 to matingly receive the peripheral edge 111-114 of the flexible belt or substrate 110.
The individual mounting brackets 121-124 secure the flexible belt or substrate 110 in a predetermined, fixed orientation on the frame 40. The bottom and top legs 127 and 128 of the respective mounting brackets 121-124 each have a plurality of holes or apertures formed at predetermined locations along the length of each mounting bracket. Each hole formed in the lower leg 127 has a corresponding coaxially aligned hole formed in the upper leg 128 for receiving a pin or bolt 130 therein. The flexible belt 110 has a similar construction, that is, it has a plurality of holes or apertures formed therein and located near its peripheral edge or ends 111-114 and at predetermined locations corresponding to those of the mounting bracket legs 127 and 128, respectively. The peripheral edges or ends 111-114 of the flexible belt or substrate 110 are received between the mounting bracket legs 127 and 128, and the holes in the belt or substrate 110 are coaxially aligned with the holes formed in the respective mounting bracket legs 127 and 128. As should be understood, one pin or bolt 130 is inserted into these coaxially aligned apertures thereby securing the belt or substrate 110 in place. Additional holes are formed in the respective cross beams 50, in an intermediate section of the belt or substrate 110, and at predetermined coaxially aligned locations, to receive additional pins or bolts 131.
The pins or bolts further secure the belt or substrate 110 to the frame 40.
The upper surface of the floor bed 100 is substantially horizontal even though the upper flanges 83 of the respective stiffening beams 81 and 82 extend above the upper flanges 56 of individual cross beams 50. In this regard, when the floor bed 100 is formed of wood planking 101, slightly thinner wood planks 101 can be placed over the individual stiffening beams 81 and 82. Additionally, when the floor bed 100 is formed of a flexible belt or substrate 110, the lower surface of the flexible belt 110 can be routed in a longitudinal orientation to receive the upper flanges 83 of the respective stiffening beams 81 and 82.
An alternative design for providing a uniformly flat, or horizontally oriented upper surface of the floor bed 100 is to divide the wood planking 101 or flexible belt 110 into three longitudinally oriented sections, one on each side of the respective stiffening beams 81 and 82, and further secure one of a pair of longitudinally oriented floor boards 141 and 142 over each of the stiffening beam.
This is best illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. The individual floor boards 141 and 142 are the same thickness as the wood planking 101, or the flexible belt or substrate 110 so that the upper surface of the floor board is substantially flush with the upper surface of the wood planking or flexible belt. The floor boards 141 and 142 have a plurality of flanges that form a bottom surface which is shaped to matingly receive and supportably engage the individual stiffening beams 81 or 82 when secured on the respective cross beams 50. Each floor board 141 or 142 has opposite ends 83 and 84. Further, each end 83 or 84 forms a step 85 which spans the length of the individual floor boards. The peripheral edge or longitudinal ends 111 and 112 of the flexible belt or substrate 110 are each routed or otherwise shaped to matingly engage in interfitted relation the step 85 of the floor boards 141 or 142. The flexible belt or substrate 110 is secured on the floor boards 141 and 142 by means of pins or floor screw fasteners. The floor boards 141 and 142 are preferably manufactured from extruded aluminum thereby minimizing weight.
The flexible belt or substrate 110 is preferably a multi-layered, reinforced composition as shown in Figures 11 and 13. The belt 110 includes a top cover 115; a bottom cover 116; a middle or intermediate layer 117; and a reinforcement material such as steel cords 118 which are embedded in the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer 117 is manufactured from a gum rubber compound that penetrates and adheres to the individual steel cords 118.
A suitable commercially available product for use in this subcomponent is provided by The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Marysville, Ohio under the trade designation FLEXSTEELTM ST2500 or PLYLONTM 1000. Although the reinforcement member is shown and described as a single substantially planar array, or layer of steel cords 118, it should be understood that multiple layers of steel cords or single or multiple layers of a reinforcement mesh (not shown) could be~employed.
The flexible belt or substrate 110 is strong enough to carry a sizable load in tension. For example, a portion of a load being applied to a localized area of the belt or substrate 110 can be transmitted through the belt to one or more adjacent cross beams 50. As earlier discussed, this is believed to enable the cross beams 50 to be reduced in size, and spaced a greater distance apart while still meeting trailer industry loading standards.
Although the flexible belt or substrate 110 is shown as a continuous piece of material in Figures 2 and 3, it should be understood that more than one belt or substrate 110 may be joined together to form the floor bed 100. Discrete sections of the belt or substrate 110 can be joined together by conventional seaming methods such as by mechanical fasteners. If employed, the belt or substrate 110 forming the integral floor bed 100 are preferably joined along their peripheral edge, or longitudinal ends 111 and 112 so that flexible substrate extends from the front mounting bracket 123 to the rear mounting bracket 124.
The floor bed assembly 10 is mounted on a conventional trailer subframe 150 that supports the rear end 23 of the trailer 20 as shown in Figures 3, 11 and 13.
The subframe 150 includes a suspension 152; a slider assembly 154; and a pair of body rails 156 and 157. One example of a commercially available subframe 150 is the model H-8200 Slider Assembly manufactured by Hutchens Industries, Inc. of Springfield, Missouri. The individual body rails 156 and 157 are aligned substantially parallel to the length of trailer 20. The respective body rails 156 and 157 are centered about and spaced an equal 2 ~ 60404 predetermined distance from the longitudinal center line of trailer 20 to uniformly support the weight of the trailer.
An upper surface of each body rail 156 and 157 is integrally welded on the lower flange 57 of the respective cross beams 50 which are positioned above the individual body rails. The individual stiffening beams 81 and 82 are located slightly inside of the individual body rails 156 and 157. A wheel and axle assembly 160, of conventional design, is rotatably mounted on the suspension 152, as shown in Figure 1.
It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.
SPECIFICATION
Technical Field The present invention relates to a light weight floor bed assembly for a truck trailer, and more specifically to a light weight floor bed which imparts improved performance characteristics to an overland vehicle which may haul same.
Background of the Prior Art Conventional truck trailers typically include a floor bed assembly having a plurality of cross beams such as the type shown in Figure 4. Each cross beam extends from one side of the trailer to the other and are oriented substantially perpendicular to the length of the trailer.
As a general matter, the beams are coplanar and spaced a uniform distance apart down the entire length of the trailer. Further, a pair of side rails ~oin the cross beams together. Wood planks are then secured to the top of the cross beams to form a trailer floor bed upon which cargo can be placed for transport. The wood planks normally run perpendicular to the length of the cross beams and parallel to the length of the trailer.
One readily recognizable problem with conventional trailer floor bed assemblies is their heavy weight which is caused by their bulky construction. As should be understood, a substantial portion of the weight of the trailer is attributed to the many cross beams needed to support the wood plank floor bed. As shown in Figure 4, a thirty foot trailer having a one and a half inch laminated oak plank floor bed requires thirty-one 4" I-shaped cross beams. Each cross beam is spaced roughly 12 inches apart on center. As would be expected, the large number and weight of these cross beams reduces both the fuel efficiency of the trailer and the maximum cargo load the trailer can carry on a given road.
Another problem with conventional trailer construction is that the wooden floor bed is stiff, relatively unflexible, and very unforgiving to fragile cargo during loading and transport. For example, the wood floor can damage cargo if the cargo is dropped on the floor during loading or if the trailer travels over a pothole, bump, curb or the like during transport, and this, in turn, causes a shifting of the cargo load.
A further shortcoming with conventional trailers is the limited life expectancy of the wooden floor beds utilized with same. In this regard, the integrity of the floor is diminished when cargo is secured on the floor by the use of nails or when the cargo shifts or bounces on the floor during shipping. Additionally, forklifts can also damage the floor during loading and unloading. Still further, the exposure of the floor to adverse weather conditions and other substances such as salt, grease and other harsh or caustic materials also attribute to the limited life expectancy of conventional wood plank floor beds.
A still further problem with conventional trailer construction is that the wooden floor beds are not easily repaired or replaced. For example, each wooden plank must be unbolted, discarded and replaced with a new plank.
Further, the new plank must have holes drilled in it that are coaxially aligned with the holes or studs formed in the individual cross beams. As a result, the replacement process is quite-labor intensive and therefore very costly, relatively speaking.
A still further problem with conventional trailer construction is that the wooden floors tend to leak a great deal. For example, water and grime is easily sprayed up from the road and onto a bottom surface of the wood floor.
This water and grime is then drawn up by a wicking action through holes in the planks or between the planks and onto the top surface of the floor. Consequently, the water and grime then comes into contact with the cargo where it may cause subsequent damage.
A still further shortcoming with conventional trailer construction is the manufacturing cost of the floor bed assembly. In this regard, this cost is substantially increased by the number of cross beams needed to support the floor bed and the ever increasing cost of wood. In view of the environmental concerns many have regarding the wasting of our natural forestry resources, and the disposal of contaminated wood planks, the prior art construction techniques are now considered less than ideal.
The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.
Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a truck trailer having a light weight floor bed assembly for supporting cargo during transport. More specifically, the floor bed assembly includes a plurality of coplanar, and substantial uniformly spaced cross beams that support a floor bed.
Further, the floor bed includes a pair of lightweight stiffening beams which are arranged in coplanar, substantially perpendicular relation to the individual cross beams. These stiffening beams are located intermediate the opposite ends of the cross beams. The floor bed may be manufactured of a conventional wood plank type floor or a flexible belt or substrate. Mounting brackets are welded around the perimeter of the individual cross beams to receive and releasably hold the peripheral edge, or ends of the flexible substrate. Further, floor boards can be employed to protect the stiffening beams. If employed, the flexible belt is preferably a multi-layered composition within which a reinforcement material is embedded.
One advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is its light weight construction. For example, the individual stiffening beams enable a substantial portion of the weight of the trailer to be eliminated because fewer cross beams are needed to support the floor bed. Additionally, the flexible substrate is also believed to reduce the number of cross beams needed to support the floor bed. As shown in Figure 3, a thirty foot trailer equipped with a floor bed assembly having a 3/4 inch steel reinforced rubber belt requires only 24 four inch I-shaped cross beams spaced approximately 24 inches apart on center.
As will be appreciated, this construction reduces the number of cross beams by about 25 percent, and subsequently reduces the weight of the trailer by about 590 pounds.
This reduction in weight of course increases the fuel efficiency of the trailer and the maximum cargo load transportable by the trailer on a given road. Further, the use of fewer cross beams also reduces the material costs associated with the construction of the floor bed assembly.
Another advantage of the present floor bed assembly is the flexibility of the floor bed. In this regard, the use of a flexible belt or substrate inhibits damage to the cargo during shipping, such as when the trailer travels over a pothole, bump, curb or the like by reducing the amount of vibration which is passed or transmitted to the cargo.
A further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is its relatively long life expectancy. In this regard, the multi-layered belt retains its integrity even after repeated shipments in which cargo is secured to the belt by the use of nails. Further, the reinforced belt is also not easily damaged by a forklift or from shifting and bouncing of the cargo on the floor. Still further, the mounting brackets inhibit damage to the sides and ends of the flexible belt. Additionally, the flexible belt also appears to resist the absorption of fluids that would otherwise decay, discolour or damage a trailer floor bed of conventional design.
2 ~ 60404 A still further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is the relative strength of the floor.
For example, the stiffening beams and flexible belt or substrate are believed to transfer a portion of the cargo weight applied near one cross beam to adjacent cross beams.
This load transfer characteristic is believed to increase the load carrying capacity of the floor bed assembly of the present invention.
A still further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is that the flexible substrate can be easily removed and replaced. For example, an entire floor can be unpinned, removed and a new flexible substrate installed, relatively quickly, given the few pins involved as compared to a wooden floor bed as was discussed earlier.
A still further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is that the flexible substrate is virtually leak proof. For example, a single piece of flexible substrate replaces scores of wood planks, thereby eliminating the many gaps which occur between these several planks. Still further, the flexible substrate is self sealing when nails are removed therefrom, and the mounting brackets also facilitate the weatherproof sealing of the perimeter of the trailer floor.
A still further advantage of the present trailer floor bed assembly is that the flexible substrate provides a relatively nonskid surface which facilitates cargo handling and further improves the safety of persons walking on the floor.
A still further advantage of the present trailer is that it permits full width loading of the trailer floor bed.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in combination with the following drawings.
Brief Description of Drawinqs Figure 1 is a partial, perspective, environmental view showing a truck trailer equipped with the present floor bed assembly invention.
Figure 2 is a partial, perspective, plan view of the present floor bed assembly invention showing the cross beams; end clips; side rails; mounting brackets; flexible substrate; coupler and door sill thereof.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 3-3 of Figure 2, and showing the floor bed assembly mounted on a conventional subframe.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view of a conventional truck trailer floor bed assembly mounted on a conventional subframe.
Figure 5 is an enlarged, longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 5-5 of Figure 2, and showing the flexible substrate secured on the individual cross beams and stiffening beams, respectively.
Figure 6 is an enlarged, longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view of the present floor bed assembly, taken from a position along line 6-6 of Figure 2, and showing a conventional wood plank floor secured on the individual cross beams and stiffening beams, respectively.
Figure 7 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 7-7 of Figure 2, and showing an end of the flexible belt held by a side mounting bracket, and further illustrating a side rail with a conventional interior post construction.
Figure 8 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 8-8 of Figure 2, and showing an end of the flexible belt held by a side mounting bracket, and further illustrating a side rail with a conventional plate construction.
Figure 9 is a partial, enlarged, longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along 2t 60404 line 9-9 of Figure 2, and showing the flexible substrate, rear mounting bracket and rear door sill thereof.
Figure 10 is a partial, enlarged, longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 10-10 of Figure 2, and showing the flexible substrate, front mounting bracket and coupler thereof.
Figure 11 is a partial, transverse, vertical, cross-sectional view, taken from a position along line 11-11 of Figure 2, and showing the rear portion of the floor bed assembly supported by a conventional subframe.
Figure 12 is a partial, perspective plan view of the present floor bed assembly invention, and which includes floor boards that cover the stiffening beams, and wherein the flexible belt is divided into three discreet, longitudinally oriented sections.
Figure 13 is a fragmentary, transverse, vertical, cross-sectional view taken from a position along line 13-13 of Figure 12, and showing the rear portion of the floor bed assembly having a floor board construction.
Detailed Description:
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
The present invention relates to a light weight floor bed assembly shown generally by the numeral 10, in Figure 1. The floor bed assembly 10 forms the floor of a covered or van type truck trailer 20. The van trailer 20 includes a front end 21 defined by a front wall; a rear end 23, with rear doors; side walls 26 and 27 and a ceiling 28.
Although the invention is herein shown and described as a floor bed assembly for a truck trailer 20, it should be understood that the invention is applicable to other types of overland vehicles, such as automobiles, railroad cars, barges and aircraft.
As best shown in Figure 2, the floor bed assembly 10 includes a frame 40 having a plurality of beams 50 that support a floor bed 100 such as a flexible belt or substrate 110. The individual beams 50 are preferably positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and are thus referred to as cross beams. Each cross beam 50 is spaced a predetermined distance apart from its adjacent beam or beams. The spaced relationship of the individual cross beams 50 provides intermittent support for the floor bed 100. The plurality of cross beams 50 includes a leading beam 51 which is located toward the front of trailer 20 and a trailing beam 52 which is located at or near the rear of the trailer. Each of the cross beams 50 have a predetermined substantially uniform length dimension and have opposite ends 54, and 55, respectively.
The cross beams 50 are made of steel for strength and durability, and are selected as to size to meet the loading requirements specified by trailer industry standards. To meet accepted industry loading requirements for standard truck trailer design, the individual cross beams 50 are preferably three inch I-beams of the type used in standard truck trailer construction. As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, each cross beam has an upper flange 56, a lower flange 57 and a web 58. Each cross beam 50 has a total height of about 3.00 inches, a flange width of about 2.00 inches, a flange thickness of about 0. 12 inches, a web thickness of about 0.09 inches, and individually weighs about 2.52 pounds per linear foot. Further, each cross beam 50 is spaced roughly 12 inches apart on center from its adjacent cross beam.
The frame 40 includes a plurality of conventional end clips 60, a pair of conventional side rails 61 and 62;
a conventional coupler 70; and a conventional door sill 75.
One end clip 60 is integrally welded or otherwise fastened to each end 54 of the individual cross beams 50. The end clips 60 add strength to the cross beams 50 and further provide a surface for securing the side rails 61 and 62.
The side rails 61 and 62 support the trailer side walls 26 and 27, and can take the form of either a traditional interior post construction, as illustrated in Figure 7, or a traditional plate construction 63 as shown in Figure 8.
Individual side rails 61 or 62 are secured in a longitudinal orientation along each side of the frame 40.
The individual side rails 61 and 62 span from the leading cross beam 51 to the trailing cross beam 52, and are bolted or otherwise fastened to each of the end clips 60. The side rails 61 and 62 join the plurality of cross beams 50 together to form an integral and ridged frame 40 for supporting the floor bed 100. The leading cross beam 51 is integrally connected or mounted on the coupler 70 which has a king pin 71 for releasably connecting the trailer 10 to a tractor (not shown). The trailing cross beam 52 is integrally connected or mounted on the door sill 72.
The frame 40 also includes a pair of light weight stiffening beams 81 and 82. These are best seen in Figures 3 and 11. The individual stiffening beams 81 and 82 span in a longitudinal orientation from the coupler 70, to the door sill 75. The individual stiffening beams 81 and 82 are spaced about 50 inches apart on center, and substantially equidistantly from the longitudinal axis of the floor bed assembly 10.
Additionally, each stiffening beam 81 and 82 has an upper flange 83, a lower flange 84 and a web 85. Each stiffening beam 81 and 82 has a total height of about 4.00 inches; a flange width of about 2.00 inches; a flange thickness of about 0.12 inches; a web thickness of about 0.09 inches and a weight of about 3.19 pounds per linear foot.
The individual stiffening beams 81 and 82 are each an integral piece of metal, and are further positioned in a substantially coplanar orientation with, and substantially perpendicular to, the individual cross beams 50. As should be recognized, the stiffening beam web 85 has a height dimension which is greater than cross beam web 58. Each stiffening beam 81 and 82 is pierced to form a plurality of uniformly spaced apart holes or aperture 86 which are located at predetermined locations along the longitudinal dimension of each of the stiffening beams. Each hole 86 is I-shaped and is operable to matingly receive an individual cross beam 50. Further, it should be understood that each hole 86 is coaxially aligned with the aperture formed in the stiffening beam 82. Each coaxially aligned pair of holes 86 receives an individual cross beam 50 in substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the stiffening beams 81 and 82, respectively.
The cross beams 50 are welded or otherwise integrally mounted or fastened on the individual stiffening beams 81 and 82. This permits a portion of a load applied in a localized area to one cross beam 50 to be transferred through one or both of the stiffening beams 81 and 82 to one or more of the adjacent cross beams. By transferring the load in this fashion, it is believed that the individual cross beams 50 can be reduced in size and spaced a greater distance apart while still meeting trailer industry strength on loading standards.
As noted earlier, the floor bed 100 can be a conventional wood plank floor 101 as shown in Figure 6, or a flexible belt or substrate 110 as shown in Figure 5.
When the floor bed 100 is made of wood planks 101, the planks are secured to the upper flanges 56 and 83 of the individual cross beams 50, and optionally to the individual stiffening beams 81 and 82, by utilizing conventional fastening methods, such as by bolting the planks to the beams. When the floor bed 100 is formed of a flexible belt or substrate 110, the ends, or the peripheral edge 111-114 of the belt 110 is secured on the frame 40 by individual mounting brackets 121-124, respectively. This is shown most clearly in Figures 7-10. The individual mounting brackets 121-124 define the perimeter of the floor bed 100, and are subsequently flush with the cross beam ends 54 and 55 as shown in Figures 7 and 8, The front mounting bracket 123 is flush with the outer edge of the leading cross beam 51 as shown in Figure 9, and the rear mounting bracket 124 is flush with the outer edge of trailing cross beam 52 as shown in Figure 10. The individual side mounting brackets 121 and 122 each include a flange 125 which facilitates the alignment of the bracket with its respective side rail 61 or 62, respectively.
Further, each of the mounting brackets 121-124 has a U-shaped portion 126 that snugly receives in interfitted mating relation a peripheral edge of the flexible belt or substrate llO. The U-shaped portion 126 of each mounting bracket 121-124 has a bottom leg 127, and a top leg 128.
The side mounting brackets 121 and 122 are individually bolted or otherwise releasably fastened on one of side rails 61 or 62, respectively. The front mounting bracket 123 is welded or otherwise fastened on the leading cross beam 51, and the rear mounting bracket 124 is welded or otherwise fastened to the trailing cross beam 52. The top leg 128 of each of the respective mounting brackets 121-124 is spaced a predetermined distance apart from the bottom leg 127 to matingly receive the peripheral edge 111-114 of the flexible belt or substrate 110.
The individual mounting brackets 121-124 secure the flexible belt or substrate 110 in a predetermined, fixed orientation on the frame 40. The bottom and top legs 127 and 128 of the respective mounting brackets 121-124 each have a plurality of holes or apertures formed at predetermined locations along the length of each mounting bracket. Each hole formed in the lower leg 127 has a corresponding coaxially aligned hole formed in the upper leg 128 for receiving a pin or bolt 130 therein. The flexible belt 110 has a similar construction, that is, it has a plurality of holes or apertures formed therein and located near its peripheral edge or ends 111-114 and at predetermined locations corresponding to those of the mounting bracket legs 127 and 128, respectively. The peripheral edges or ends 111-114 of the flexible belt or substrate 110 are received between the mounting bracket legs 127 and 128, and the holes in the belt or substrate 110 are coaxially aligned with the holes formed in the respective mounting bracket legs 127 and 128. As should be understood, one pin or bolt 130 is inserted into these coaxially aligned apertures thereby securing the belt or substrate 110 in place. Additional holes are formed in the respective cross beams 50, in an intermediate section of the belt or substrate 110, and at predetermined coaxially aligned locations, to receive additional pins or bolts 131.
The pins or bolts further secure the belt or substrate 110 to the frame 40.
The upper surface of the floor bed 100 is substantially horizontal even though the upper flanges 83 of the respective stiffening beams 81 and 82 extend above the upper flanges 56 of individual cross beams 50. In this regard, when the floor bed 100 is formed of wood planking 101, slightly thinner wood planks 101 can be placed over the individual stiffening beams 81 and 82. Additionally, when the floor bed 100 is formed of a flexible belt or substrate 110, the lower surface of the flexible belt 110 can be routed in a longitudinal orientation to receive the upper flanges 83 of the respective stiffening beams 81 and 82.
An alternative design for providing a uniformly flat, or horizontally oriented upper surface of the floor bed 100 is to divide the wood planking 101 or flexible belt 110 into three longitudinally oriented sections, one on each side of the respective stiffening beams 81 and 82, and further secure one of a pair of longitudinally oriented floor boards 141 and 142 over each of the stiffening beam.
This is best illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. The individual floor boards 141 and 142 are the same thickness as the wood planking 101, or the flexible belt or substrate 110 so that the upper surface of the floor board is substantially flush with the upper surface of the wood planking or flexible belt. The floor boards 141 and 142 have a plurality of flanges that form a bottom surface which is shaped to matingly receive and supportably engage the individual stiffening beams 81 or 82 when secured on the respective cross beams 50. Each floor board 141 or 142 has opposite ends 83 and 84. Further, each end 83 or 84 forms a step 85 which spans the length of the individual floor boards. The peripheral edge or longitudinal ends 111 and 112 of the flexible belt or substrate 110 are each routed or otherwise shaped to matingly engage in interfitted relation the step 85 of the floor boards 141 or 142. The flexible belt or substrate 110 is secured on the floor boards 141 and 142 by means of pins or floor screw fasteners. The floor boards 141 and 142 are preferably manufactured from extruded aluminum thereby minimizing weight.
The flexible belt or substrate 110 is preferably a multi-layered, reinforced composition as shown in Figures 11 and 13. The belt 110 includes a top cover 115; a bottom cover 116; a middle or intermediate layer 117; and a reinforcement material such as steel cords 118 which are embedded in the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer 117 is manufactured from a gum rubber compound that penetrates and adheres to the individual steel cords 118.
A suitable commercially available product for use in this subcomponent is provided by The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Marysville, Ohio under the trade designation FLEXSTEELTM ST2500 or PLYLONTM 1000. Although the reinforcement member is shown and described as a single substantially planar array, or layer of steel cords 118, it should be understood that multiple layers of steel cords or single or multiple layers of a reinforcement mesh (not shown) could be~employed.
The flexible belt or substrate 110 is strong enough to carry a sizable load in tension. For example, a portion of a load being applied to a localized area of the belt or substrate 110 can be transmitted through the belt to one or more adjacent cross beams 50. As earlier discussed, this is believed to enable the cross beams 50 to be reduced in size, and spaced a greater distance apart while still meeting trailer industry loading standards.
Although the flexible belt or substrate 110 is shown as a continuous piece of material in Figures 2 and 3, it should be understood that more than one belt or substrate 110 may be joined together to form the floor bed 100. Discrete sections of the belt or substrate 110 can be joined together by conventional seaming methods such as by mechanical fasteners. If employed, the belt or substrate 110 forming the integral floor bed 100 are preferably joined along their peripheral edge, or longitudinal ends 111 and 112 so that flexible substrate extends from the front mounting bracket 123 to the rear mounting bracket 124.
The floor bed assembly 10 is mounted on a conventional trailer subframe 150 that supports the rear end 23 of the trailer 20 as shown in Figures 3, 11 and 13.
The subframe 150 includes a suspension 152; a slider assembly 154; and a pair of body rails 156 and 157. One example of a commercially available subframe 150 is the model H-8200 Slider Assembly manufactured by Hutchens Industries, Inc. of Springfield, Missouri. The individual body rails 156 and 157 are aligned substantially parallel to the length of trailer 20. The respective body rails 156 and 157 are centered about and spaced an equal 2 ~ 60404 predetermined distance from the longitudinal center line of trailer 20 to uniformly support the weight of the trailer.
An upper surface of each body rail 156 and 157 is integrally welded on the lower flange 57 of the respective cross beams 50 which are positioned above the individual body rails. The individual stiffening beams 81 and 82 are located slightly inside of the individual body rails 156 and 157. A wheel and axle assembly 160, of conventional design, is rotatably mounted on the suspension 152, as shown in Figure 1.
It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.
Claims (20)
1. A light-weight floor bed assembly for a trailer having a predetermined length dimension comprising:
a plurality of spaced apart support beams arranged in substantially coplanar relation; and a flexible substrate that is intermittently supported by the plurality of support beams to form a floor bed of the trailer.
a plurality of spaced apart support beams arranged in substantially coplanar relation; and a flexible substrate that is intermittently supported by the plurality of support beams to form a floor bed of the trailer.
2. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 1, and further comprising a stiffening beam made integral with the support beams, and wherein each support beam has opposed ends, and the stiffening beam is positioned between the ends of the support beams.
3. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 2, and wherein the stiffening beam is substantially coplanar with the support beams.
4. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 3, and wherein the stiffening beam is aligned substantially parallel to the length of the trailer, and the support beams are cross beams aligned substantially perpendicular to the length of the trailer and the stiffening beam.
5. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 4, and wherein the stiffening beam is an integral piece that spans from a leading support beam to a trailing support beam, and wherein the stiffening beam includes a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures which are individually located at predetermined locations along the length of the stiffening beam, and wherein the individual apertures matingly receives each of the cross beams.
6. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 5, and wherein the stiffening beam includes a pair of stiffening beams which are individually spaced substantially equidistantly from a longitudinal center line of the floor bed assembly, and wherein the apertures formed in one of the stiffening beams are coaxially aligned with the apertures in the other stiffening beam, and wherein the coaxially aligned apertures receive the individual cross beams in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the individual stiffening beams.
7. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 1, and further including a mounting bracket rigidly secured on one of the support beams, and wherein the flexible substrate has a peripheral edge that is secured in the mounting bracket, and wherein the flexible substrate is secured by the mounting bracket on the cross beams.
8. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 7, and wherein the flexible substrate spans from a leading support beam to a trailing support beam, and from one end of the support beams to an opposite end of the support beams.
9. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 8, and wherein the flexible substrate includes a top cover, an intermediate layer and a bottom cover, and wherein the intermediate layer further includes a reinforcement member.
10. A light-weight floor bed assembly for a trailer having a predetermined length dimension comprising:
a plurality of spaced apart support beams arranged in substantially coplanar relation;
a stiffening beam made integral with the support beams, and wherein each support beam has opposed ends, and wherein the stiffening beam is positioned between the ends of the support beams; and, a floor intermittently supported by the plurality of support beams to form a floor bed of the trailer.
a plurality of spaced apart support beams arranged in substantially coplanar relation;
a stiffening beam made integral with the support beams, and wherein each support beam has opposed ends, and wherein the stiffening beam is positioned between the ends of the support beams; and, a floor intermittently supported by the plurality of support beams to form a floor bed of the trailer.
11. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 10, and wherein the stiffening beam is substantially coplanar with the individual support beams.
12. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 11, and wherein the stiffening beam is aligned substantially parallel to the length of the trailer, and the respective support beams are cross beams which are aligned substantially perpendicular to the length of the trailer and the stiffening beam.
13. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 12, and wherein the stiffening beam is an integral piece that spans from a leading support beam, to a trailing support beam, and wherein the stiffening beam includes a plurality of uniformly spaced apertures which are individually located at predetermined locations along the length of the stiffening beam, and wherein each aperture matingly receives one of the cross beams.
14. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 13, and wherein the stiffening beam includes two stiffening beams spaced substantially equidistantly about a longitudinal center line of the floor bed assembly, and wherein the apertures in one stiffening beam are coaxially aligned with the apertures in the other stiffening beam, and wherein the coaxially aligned aperture mating receive the individual cross beams.
15. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 10, and wherein the floor is a flexible substrate.
16. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 15, and wherein the floor bed assembly further includes a mounting bracket which is rigidly secured on one of the support beams, and wherein the substrate has a peripheral edge that is received by the mounting bracket, and wherein the flexible substrate is secured directly on the support beams by the mounting bracket.
17. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 16, and wherein the flexible substrate spans from a leading support beam to a trailing support beam, and from one end of the support beams to an opposite end of the support beams.
18. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 17, and wherein the flexible substrate includes a top cover, an intermediate layer, and a bottom cover, and wherein the intermediate layer contains a reinforcement member.
19. A light weight floor bed assembly for a trailer, having a predetermined length and front and rear ends, the floor bed assembly comprising:
a plurality of uniformly spaced apart cross beams arranged in substantially coplanar relation, and wherein the cross beams are aligned substantially perpendicular to the length of the trailer, and wherein the plurality of cross beams includes a leading cross beam located toward the front end to the trailer and a trailing cross beam located toward the rear end of the trailer, and wherein the cross beans have first and second ends;
a stiffening beam spanning from the leading cross beam to the trailing cross beam and made integral with each of the plurality of cross beams, and wherein the stiffening beam is aligned in substantially coplanar relation relative to the individual cross beams, and wherein the stiffening beam is located intermediate the ends of the cross beams, and wherein the stiffening beam includes a plurality of apertures which matingly receiving the individual cross beams; and, a flexible substrate that forms a floor of the trailer, and wherein the flexible substrate is intermittently supported by and directly fastened on the cross beams, and wherein the flexible substrate spans from the leading cross beam to the trailing cross beam.
a plurality of uniformly spaced apart cross beams arranged in substantially coplanar relation, and wherein the cross beams are aligned substantially perpendicular to the length of the trailer, and wherein the plurality of cross beams includes a leading cross beam located toward the front end to the trailer and a trailing cross beam located toward the rear end of the trailer, and wherein the cross beans have first and second ends;
a stiffening beam spanning from the leading cross beam to the trailing cross beam and made integral with each of the plurality of cross beams, and wherein the stiffening beam is aligned in substantially coplanar relation relative to the individual cross beams, and wherein the stiffening beam is located intermediate the ends of the cross beams, and wherein the stiffening beam includes a plurality of apertures which matingly receiving the individual cross beams; and, a flexible substrate that forms a floor of the trailer, and wherein the flexible substrate is intermittently supported by and directly fastened on the cross beams, and wherein the flexible substrate spans from the leading cross beam to the trailing cross beam.
20. The floor bed assembly as claimed in Claim 19, and further including a mounting bracket rigidly secured on one of the cross beams, and wherein the flexible substrate has a peripheral edge that is received in the mounting bracket, and thus secured to the respective cross beams.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US32220494A | 1994-10-13 | 1994-10-13 | |
| US322,204 | 1994-10-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2160404A1 true CA2160404A1 (en) | 1996-04-14 |
Family
ID=23253873
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2160404 Abandoned CA2160404A1 (en) | 1994-10-13 | 1995-10-12 | Trailer floor bed assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2160404A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-10-12 CA CA 2160404 patent/CA2160404A1/en not_active Abandoned
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