Connector Between Non-metallic Scuff and Lining

Abstract

A connector securing a liner to a scuff in a container sidewall is disclosed. The connector is adapted to receive and secure various thicknesses of liners and scuffs. The connector is made of a light weight, high strength flexible material and well suited to secure non-metallic scuffs and non-metallic linings. The connector includes a transition piece that utilizes clamping force (pre-tightening force) to connect two different thicknesses of panels made of continuous glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic material. The connector includes a thick lower opening adapted to secure the scuff and a thin upper opening adapted to secure the liner. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the width of the lower opening is between 5.0 mm and 5.5 mm while the width of the upper opening is between 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of connectors between scuffs and liners of containers and more particularly to connectors between non-metallic scuffs and non-metallic linings of refrigerated, insulated and dry good containers and transport vehicles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Insulated and refrigerated containers and dry van trailers are extensively used internationally. The interior walls of these containers are often protected by a lower scuff secured to an upper liner. The lower portions of the container typically experience far more wear and abuse than the upper portions, so the scuff typically has a more resilient, thicker construction than the liner.[0003]Increased energy costs and environmental requirements have caused thermoplastic non-metallic composite scuffs and liners to become more widely used due to their light weight, good shock resistance, wear resistance and low maintenance costs. These thermoplastic non-metallic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The connector effectively secures scuffs and liners of varying thicknesses, optimizing storage and reducing costs by allowing for a range of dimensions while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing snag risks, thus addressing inventory management issues and improving material usage.

Problems solved by technology

Increased energy costs and environmental requirements have caused thermoplastic non-metallic composite scuffs and liners to become more widely used due to their light weight, good shock resistance, wear resistance and low maintenance costs.

This forces manufacturers to store large quantities of scuff and liner combinations, leading to inventory management, purchasing, and daily material maintenance problems.

To avoid storage costs, the manufacturer may order or produce smaller quantities of the scuff and liner combinations, but then the manufacturer loses certain economies of scale resulting in higher prices per unit.

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