A vehicle is disclosed having a composite cargo body assembled in a manner that may improve thermal efficiency, fuel efficiency, and costs of manufacturing.

A semi-trailer for use in hauling grain has four sides and two sloped cargo areas, each having a hopper funnel made of a continuous, unitary polymer material. A door below each hopper is driven by a linear actuator that is disposed above the level of the door. The trailer sidewalls are made of a composite material having inner and outer panels attached to a center panel by adhesive.

The present disclosure provides a kit assembly for a truck body including a plurality of composite panels that may be shipped from a manufacturer to a customer for subsequent assembly of the truck body. The composite panels of the kit assembly may be flat, rigid, and lightweight to facilitate shipment. The composite panels of the kit assembly may also include embedded anchors and/or adhered connectors to facilitate alignment and subsequent assembly of the cargo body using common mechanical fasteners.

A device and method for the protection of a first member and second member from corrosion by utilizing a connector that bonds the members without allowing direct contact of the members.

A device and method for the protection of a first member and second member from corrosion by utilizing a connector that bonds the members without allowing direct contact of the members.

A semi-trailer for use in hauling grain has four sides and two sloped cargo areas, each having a hopper funnel made of a continuous, unitary polymer material. A door below each hopper is driven by a linear actuator that is disposed above the level of the door. The trailer sidewalls are made of a composite material having inner and outer panels attached to a center panel by adhesive.

A composite structure of a cargo body and a method of making the same are disclosed. The composite structure includes at least one anchor embedded between fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) layers. The embedded anchor includes a porous veil of nonwoven fibers in a polymer-rich matrix. Accessories may be coupled to the composite structure by anchoring mechanical fasteners into the embedded anchor.

The present disclosure relates to laminate composite panels comprising a first layer of fiberglass reinforced polyester (“FRP”) and a second layer of a polyurethane material. The polyurethane layer can comprise a reaction product between an aromatic polyester polyether polyol and a diisocyanate. The polyurethane is cured-in-place on a surface of the FRP, thus creating a laminate composite material wherein the layers are adhered together without application of a separate adhesive layer. The panels exhibit improved water resistance and strength properties. The laminate composite can be adhered to a second material such as wood, polystyrene, polyurethane, or non-wovens. Such panels are particularly suitable for use in recreational vehicles, motor homes, trailers, and as building materials. Methods of making such laminate composite materials are also provided.

An inflatable insulation panel includes a bladder configured to contain air, plurality of tethers disposed within an interior cavity of the bladder, and at least one reflective film disposed within the interior cavity of the bladder. The bladder includes a first wall, a second wall opposite of the first wall, and perimeter walls extending between and connected to perimeter edges of the first and second walls. The first and second walls and the perimeter walls collectively defining the interior cavity of the bladder. The plurality of tethers extend between and are connected to interior surfaces of the first and second walls. The plurality of tethers limit movement of the first and second walls away from one another when the bladder is inflated. The at least one reflective film is disposed between the interior surfaces of the first and second walls.

A composite structure of a cargo body and a method of making the same are disclosed. The composite structure includes at least one anchor embedded between fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) layers. The embedded anchor includes a porous veil of nonwoven fibers in a polymer-rich matrix. Accessories may be coupled to the composite structure by anchoring mechanical fasteners into the embedded anchor.