Insert for logistics slot in logistics strip assembly

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9242591-B2
Application number	US-201414470461-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 27, 2014
Priority date	Sep 19, 2013
Publication date	Jan 26, 2016
Grant date	Jan 26, 2016

Abstract

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

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A logistics assembly configured to be coupled to a sidewall of a trailer, comprising:
a logistics strip configured to be coupled to an inside surface the sidewall of the trailer, the logistics strip including a plurality of vertically-spaced slots;
a splicing plate configured to be coupled to an outside surface the sidewall of the trailer and spaced-apart from the logistics strip to define a channel therebetween, wherein the plurality of vertically-spaced slots are aligned with the channel; and
an insert engaged with the logistics strip and the splicing plate, wherein the insert is configured to block access from inside the trailer through at least one slot of the logistics strip in order to prevent debris from entering through the slot and into a channel between the logistics strip and the splicing plate, wherein the insert is a deformable foam piece that is sized such that, upon compression, the foam piece is removably insertable through the at least one slot and thereafter expands to fill the channel.

2. The logistics assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insert is engaged with an edge of the logistics strip defining at least one of the plurality of slots.

3. The logistics assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insert defines a height and a width that is greater than a height and a width of the at least one slot.

4. The logistics assembly of claim 1 , wherein the foam includes an outer surface having an adhesive attached thereto, and wherein the foam is adhesively coupled to the splicing plate.

5. The logistics assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of inserts, and wherein each insert is configured for use with each one of the plurality of vertically-spaced slots of the logistics strip.

6. The logistics assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insert is configured to be deformed by hand and inserted from the inside of the trailer through the logistics slot and into the channel between the logistics strip and the splicing plate.

7. The logistics assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insert defines a length substantially the same as a length of the logistics strip such that the insert blocks each of the plurality of logistics slots of the logistics strip.

8. The logistics assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insert is adhesively coupled to the splicing plate.

9. A logistics assembly configured to be coupled to a sidewall of a trailer, comprising:
a logistics strip configured to be coupled to an inside surface the sidewall of the trailer, the logistics strip including a plurality of vertically-spaced slots;
a splicing plate configured to be coupled to an outside surface the sidewall of the trailer and spaced-apart from the logistics strip to define a channel therebetween, wherein the plurality of vertically-spaced slots are aligned with the channel; and
an insert engaged with the logistics strip and the splicing plate, wherein the insert is configured to block access from inside the trailer through at least one slot of the logistics strip in order to prevent debris from entering through the slot and into a channel between the logistics strip and the splicing plate, wherein the insert includes a plate configured to be placed over the slot and a lip configured to be placed within the slot in order to secure the insert over the slot.

10. The logistics assembly of claim 9 , wherein the insert is removably coupled to the logistics strip.

11. A logistics assembly configured to be coupled to a sidewall of a trailer, comprising:
a logistics strip configured to be coupled to an inside surface the sidewall of the trailer, the logistics strip including a plurality of vertically-spaced slots;
a splicing plate configured to be coupled to an outside surface the sidewall of the trailer and spaced-apart from the logistics strip to define a channel therebetween, wherein the plurality of vertically-spaced slots are aligned with the channel; and
an insert engaged with the logistics strip and the splicing plate, wherein the insert is configured to allow access from inside the trailer through at least one slot of the logistics strip in order to allow debris to enter through the slot and into a channel between the logistics strip and the splicing plate,
wherein the insert is positioned within the channel between the logistics strip and the splicing plate, and
wherein the insert includes a vertical portion adjacent to an inner surface of the splicing plate and a curved portion curved toward the outside surface of the logistics strip, and wherein debris which enters the channel is captured by the insert and urged to exit the logistics slot.

12. The logistics assembly of claim 11 , wherein the insert is aligned with a bottom-most slot of the plurality of logistics slots.

Assignees

• Wabash National Lp

Inventors

• Ehrlich Rodney P

Classifications

• B62D33/046

  built up with flat self-supporting panels; Fixed connections between panels (B62D29/045, B62D33/048 take precedence) · CPC title

• B60P7/0807 Primary

  Attachment points · CPC title