Ultra-lightweight trailer and method of construction

Abstract

A trailer body including a first rail member and a second rail member positioned parallel to one another. The trailer body may include at least two interlocking floor segments, where each interlocking floor segment may have a first end and a second end and are adapted to perpendicularly engage in between the first and second rail members. The trailer body may further include at least one horseshoe-shaped support member having a first end and a second end, whereby the first end of the horseshoe-shaped support member is securely engaged to the first rail member, and the second end of the horseshoe-shaped support member is securely to the second rail member.

Description

[0001] Ultra-lightweight Trailer and Method of Construction

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle body construction and more particularly to an improved construction of a trailer body that is light weight while maintaining the desired structural strength of the trailer body, and a method of construction or assembly of the trailer body.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0005] Freight companies utilize trailers to move a wide variety of goods from one location to a another thereby generating revenue. In determining the cost for moving these goods, one looks to the overall payload (weight of the load) or cube (volume of goods moved). The weight of the trailer will affect the payload and therefore the costs associated with moving the goods. The lighter the trailer, the more payload you can carry and the greater the cube or product you can fit into the trailer body.

[0006] Most roads however have weight restrictions as to how much weight can be in a trailer for transportation. Given the competitive nature of transporting goods, transportation entities are looking for advantages to reduce the weight of their payload and maximize their volume of moved goods on every shipment. Other impacts from the significant weight in a trailer, are fuel costs. The more a trailer load of goods weighs, the more fuel it takes to pull it. Furthermore, fuel costs rise while pulling heavy loads through start and stop traffic, and larger truck engines required to pull those heavy loads, burn more fuel.

[0007] Another consideration is that at the end of a trailer body's life, there is very little ability to repurpose the trailer. A trailer typically has a lifespan of 15 years after which a trailer is sold to a scrap yard. Currently new trailer bodies often have side paneling made from composite material in an effort to reduce the overall weight of the trailer body to address the weight restrictions, and to reduce fuel costs. However, the composite material in the paneling is not recyclable, so scrap yards have no use for these trailer bodies with the limited exception of the wood floor, which may or may not be recycled. As such, end-of-life trailers are environmentally damaging and not sustainable.

[0008] Furthermore, the method of construction of trailer bodies has also not changed dramatically over the years. Current semi-monocoque construction and or design of a trailer body often includes a web of many smaller components, which can complicate the assembly process, force reinforcing members to be made from dissimilar materials for strength and increases the number of component requirements.

[0009] The need for many multiples of components makes for a trailer body with complicated manufacturing process, excessive weight that requires more energy to traverse, a multitude of different materials and joining methods making recycling impractical, and a reduced life due to the interactions of dissimilar materials causing corrosion.

[0010] T raditional trailer bodies have evolved minimally over the past seventy years. Historically, trailer body construction has consisted of two upper side rails, two lower side rails, a series of posts and panel side walls. The upper and lower side rails, and posts hold the panel side walls in place, which results in a thin, ridged wall of the trailer body. This current construction of trailer body walls uses various materials riveted to steel reinforcements. The panel side walls are held in place at the top by steel roof bows between the upper rails, and a thin skin is then attached to the upper side rails and the roof bows. T raditional roof design is impacted by having to use of two upper side rails to hold the steel roof bows. This arrangement results in increased cost and materials to adequately secure the rails, bows and skin together.

[0011] The construction of the floor in a trailer body has also not varied significantly over time. The trailer body's floor is typically constructed out of laminated hardwood that runs the length of the trailer. The hardwood is often positioned over a series of steel cross-members. The crossmembers are fastened perpendicular to and therefore between the two lower side rails and this engagement secures the lower side rails in place. The series of cross-members may be constructed from 4” steel, by way of example only, and run across and down the length of the lower side rails. The laminated hardwood may then be perpendicularly secured on top of a crossmembers.

[0012] The current construction of a typical trailer floor may include steel cross-members running the width of the trailer riveted to the lower side rails, with a laminated hardwood floor secured to the cross-members. Currently the majority of trailer body components may be welded to the current steel floor cross members. As steel and aluminum can not be welded together, the use of aluminum in trailer body construction has typically not been considered.

[0013] Trailer body construction typically results in that the various trailer body elements help to distribute the load across the trailer. In particular, the construction combination of the floor and the crossmember allows for the load in the trailers to be distributed across the structure. Furthermore, the panel side walls and the resulting thin, ridged side wall act like a web to help distribute the load. Finally, the roof and roof bow are critical in holding the panel side walls in place, which take all the load. The roof of a trailer body has typically been constructed out of a thin skin of aluminum that is fastened all the way around the perimeter of the two upper rails. It is often bonded to a roof bow, which maintains the width between the two upper rails and therefore the roof. If a section of roof is missing, the entire trailer body structure is compromised, and the panel side wall can fold in half and collapse given the roof helps to support the load. The middle of the trailer will then often fall to the ground when this part of the trailer structure is compromised.

[0014] Typical improvements to trailer bodies have addressed a wide variety of aspects of trailer construction, including increasing the length of the trailer body and reducing the weight of the trailer body components. As such, prior art trailer bodies have tried to utilize thin panel side wall and posts, and or, different styled panels and liners on the inside of the trailer body to achieve some of these goals.

[0015] Other types of automotive transport containers include the cube or box trucks, and small cargo utility trailers that typically have traditional construction with some similar aspects to traditional trailer bodies using a combination of dissimilar materials and a large number of parts.

[0016] However, there has been little focus on developing a trailer body or automotive transport containers that would allow for the full recyclability of the majority of a trailer's components by using common materials in its construction, which would also help reduce the overall weight of the trailer body. Given the minimum adoption of design improvements and efforts to improve the sustainable aspect of trailer body design over the last seventy years, a shift to a revolutionary design to make any significant weight reduction in a trailer body, address the impact on fuel consumption and sustainability is required.

[0017] Thus, a trailer body having improved fuel economy / energy requirements for material transportation by reducing the overall weight, drag, and rolling resistance, making every part of the trailer functionally 100% recyclable, and increasing product life due to reduced corrosion is desirable.

[0018] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0019] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer body including a first rail member and a second rail member positioned parallel to one another. The trailer body may include at least two interlocking floor segments, where each interlocking floor segment may have a first end and a second end. The interlocking floor segments may be adapted to perpendicularly engage in between the first and second rail members. The trailer body may further include at least one horseshoe-shaped support member having a first end and a second end, whereby the first end of the horseshoe-shaped support member may securely engaged to the first rail member, and the second end of the horseshoe-shaped support member is securely to the second rail member.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect, each of the first and second rail members may further include a receiving channel and support leg wherein the first and second ends of the interlocking floor segments may engage and abut the receiving channel.

[0021] In accordance with another aspect, the interlocking floor segment may be a hollow profile that may have an upper surface, a bottom surface, a first side having a recessed groove and a second side having an engagement tongue.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect, wherein the recessed groove may extend down the first side and the engagement tongue extends down the second side whereby the recessed groove of the first interlocking floor segment may be complementary to the engagement tongue of the second interlocking segment, for interlocking engagement between the first and second sides of the at least two interlocking floor segments.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect, wherein the at least one horseshoe-shaped support member may be an uninterrupted surface defining two walls and a roof.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect, wherein the least one horseshoe-shaped support member may be a series of horseshoe members positioned adjacent to one another and securely connected to one another by a fastening means.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect, wherein the first and second rails, the interlocking floor segments and the horseshoe-shaped support member may be manufactured from aluminum and recyclable.

[0026] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0027] Many further features and combinations thereof concerning embodiments described herein will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein in the figures:

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a trailer body in a perspective view, in accordance with some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2a illustrates in an exploded view some of the components in the trailer body in accordance some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2b illustrates in an exploded view some of the components in the trailer body in accordance some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates in a perspective view the interlocking floor sections in accordance with some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates in an exploded view the interlocking floor sections in accordance with some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates in an exploded view the interlocking of the floor sections and the engagement with the first and second rail members in accordance with some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates in a cross-sectional view of the interlocking floor sections with the first and second rail members in accordance with some embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates in an exploded view the interlocking of the floor sections and the engagement with the first and second rail members in accordance with some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates in cross-sectional view the interlocking floor sections engagement with on another in accordance with some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates in an exploded view the interlocking floor segments with the first and second rail members of in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates in a perspective view the horseshoe shaped support member in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates in a perspective view the uninterrupted surface with coining in accordance with some embodiments.

[0041] FIG.12 illustrates in an exploded view the assembled multiple horseshoe shaped support members and the assembled interlocking floor sections in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 13 illustrates in a perspective view of the assembled multiple horseshoe shaped support members in accordance with some embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates in a cross-sectional view, the first or second rail support leg attachment to the horseshoe shaped support member in accordance with some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 15A illustrates in a cross-sectional view the subcomponents attachment to the trailer body floor in accordance with some embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 15B illustrates in a perspective view assembled trailer body floor in accordance with some embodiments.

[0045] It is understood that throughout the description and figures, like features are identified by like reference numerals. In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus are described through reference to the drawings. Applicant notes that the described embodiments and examples are illustrative and nonlimiting. Practical implementation of the features may incorporate a combination of some or all of the aspects, and features described herein should not be taken as indications of future or existing product plans.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2a and 2b and FIG. 3 there is illustrated, in a perspective and exploded views of some of the embodiments of the present invention, a trailer body 10. The trailer body 10 may include a first rail member 12 and a second rail member 14. The first and second rail members 12 and 14 respectively may be positioned parallel to one another.

[0049] The trailer body 10 may also include at least two interlocking floor segments 18. Each interlocking floor segment 18 may have a first end 20 and a second end 22 and are adapted to perpendicularly engage in between the first and second rail members 12 and 14.

[0050] The trailer body 10 may further include at least one horseshoe-shaped support member 24. The at least one horseshoe-shaped support member 24 may be further defined as having a first end 26 and a second end 28. The first end 26 of the horseshoe-shaped support member 24 may be securely engaged to the first rail member 12. The second end 28 of the horseshoe-shaped support member 24 may be securely to the second rail member 14. Referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7, the first and second rail members 12 and 14 may be further defined as a profile 16 having a receiving channel 30 and support leg 32. The support leg 32 of the first and second rail members 12 and 14 may extend perpendicular to the receiving channel 30 and may further include a first attachment zone 33 for securing the first and second ends 26 and 28 of the horseshoe-shaped support member 24 to the support leg 32.

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates the receiving channel 30 which may be configured to accept the first and second ends 20 and 22 of the interlocking floor segments 18. More specifically the receiving channel 30 may be a C-shaped ledge 34. The C-shaped ledge 34 may be further defined as having an upper wall 36, a lower wall 38 and a side wall 40. The C-shaped ledge 34 may have a defined internal edge 42.

[0052] The first and second ends 20 and 22 of the interlocking floor segments 18 may engage the C-shaped ledge 34. Specifically, the first and second ends 20 and 22 of the interlocking floor segments 18 may sit between the upper and lower walls 36 and 38 and abut the side wall 40. In this configuration the defined internal edge 42 is engages by the first and second ends 20 and 22 of the interlocking floor segments 18 whereby of the C-shaped ledge 34 may provides a secure sandwich-fit between the interlocking floor segments 18 and first and second rail members 12 and 14.

[0053] The first and second rail members 12 and 14 may be adapted to receive at least one securing means 44 for securing the first and second rail members 12 and 14 to either the first and second ends 20 and 22 of the interlocking floor segments 18. The securing means 44 may engage a first aperture 48 positioned through the receiving channel 30. More specifically the first aperture 48 may be positioned on the side wall 40 of the C-shaped ledge 34, so as to engage either the first or second ends 20 and 22 of the interlocking floor segments 18.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 8, each interlocking floor segment 18 may be further defined as a hollow profile 50 that may have an upper surface 52, a bottom surface 54, a first side 56 that may have a recessed groove 58 and a second side 60 that may have an engagement tongue 62. The recessed groove 58 may extend down the entire length of the first side 56 of the interlocking floor segment 18 therefore extending from the first end 20 to the second end 22. Similarly, the engagement tongue 62 may extend down the entire length of the second side 60 of the interlocking floor segment 18 thereby extending from the first end 20 to the second end 22.

[0055] The hollow profile 50 may also include a vertical support 64 extending between the upper surface 52 and the bottom surface 54 to provide additional strength within the hollow profile 50 if required. Furthermore, the interlocking engagement between the recessed groove 58 and the engagement tongue 62 forms or creates a second aperture 66 which may be adapted to receive the securing means 44. More specifically, the recessed groove 58 may include a first semi-circular indent 68 to correspond to a second semi-circular indent 69 of the engagement tongue 62. The engagement of the interlocking floor segments 18 mates the first and second semi circular indents 68 and 69 together thereby forming the second aperture 66.

[0056] The hollow profile 50 may be made from an aluminum extrusion so as to create a floor 70 that does not require any hardwood and does not require any steel crossmembers. Moreover, the orientation of the hollow profile 50 also assists the aluminum extrusions in eliminating the need for the conventional wood floor and steel crossmembers.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in assembling the floor 70 of the trailer body 10, the recessed groove 58 along the first side of a first interlocking floor segment 18 is complementary to the engagement tongue 62 of the second side 60 of a second interlocking segment 18 thereby creating a tongue-and-groove contact between the first and second interlocking floor segments 18. More specifically the engagement tongue 62 may slide down the recessed grove 62 for interlocking engagement between the first and second sides 56 and 60 of the two interlocking floor segments 18. Subsequent interlocking floor segments 18 may engage the first and second sides 56 and 60 in a similar fashion so as to build the floor 70 of the trailer body to any desired length.

[0058] The connected interlocking floor segments 18 may then be positioned in between the first and second rail members 12 and 14. More specifically the first end 20 of the assembled interlocking floor segments 18 may engage the first rail member 12 and the second end of the assembled floor segment engages the second rail member 14.

[0059] The second aperture 66 of the interlocking floor segments 18 may then line up with the first aperture 48 of the receiving channel 30. Both first and second apertures 66 and 48 are thereby positioned to receive the securing means 44. The securing means 44 may be further defined as having a length that extends down the length of the second aperture 66 therefore extending from the first end 20 to the second end 22 of the interlocking floor segments 18. More specifically, the securing means 44 may be further defined as a bolt 45 that extends through the aperture 66 running the length of the interlocking floor segments 18 and engaging the first aperture 48 of the receiving channel 30. Referring to FIG. 9, the securing means 44 may be secured to the first and second rails 12 and 14 with a mechanical fastener mechanism 71 , such as a nut and bolt type of connector by way of example only. In the instant configuration, the method of assembly is both quick and provides a stronger connection between the first and second rail members 12 and 14 and at least two interlocking floor segments 18, thereby sandwiching the trailer body floor 70 to the first and second rails 12 and 14. Furthermore, the instant configuration provides increased strength and tightness to the overall trailer body.

[0060] As noted above, the assembly of the hollow profiles 50 of interlocking floor segments 18 into a trailer body floor 70 may be achieved by sliding the interlocking floor segments 18 between the first and second rails 12 and 14 with the straightforward engagement and securement by the bolt 45 and the fastener mechanism 71 thereby dramatically altering the method of assembly of trailer flooring.

[0061] Referring FIG. 10 to FIG. 14, the at least one horseshoe-shaped support member 24 may be further defined as an uninterrupted surface 72 that may define two side walls 74 and a roof 76. The uninterrupted surface 72 may be made from an aluminum sheet or galvanized steel that may be formed into the horseshoe-shaped support member 24. More specifically the uninterrupted surface 72 may be a single sheet of aluminum.

[0062] The uninterrupted surface 72 may be coined thereby putting 'ribs' in the interrupted surface 72 and creating additional strength into the flexible uninterrupted surface 72 of the aluminum sheet. The uninterrupted surface 72 may also be dimpled so as to add additional strength. The resulting uninterrupted surface 72 may be a very ridged structure having two side walls 74 and roof 76. The at least one horseshoe-shaped support member 24 may also be made from any type of recyclable material, such as steel, any type of plastic or plastic composite material and may be formed through injection molding. For example, the horseshoe-shaped support member 24 may be composed of multilayered core or laminated core comprising of a plastic composite material positioned between aluminum or steel skins.

[0063] In assembling the at least one horseshoe-shaped support member 24, the at least one horseshoe-shaped support member 24 may be one to fifty-three separate aluminum horseshoeshaped support members 24, which define the roof 76 of the trailer in one support structure. More specifically, the least one horseshoe-shaped support member 24 may be a series of horseshoeshaped support members 78 positioned adjacent to one another and securely connected to one another by a fastening means 80. Moreover, each uninterrupted surface 72 of each horseshoeshaped support member 78 may have two continuous edges 82 that end at the first end 26 and the second end 28 and that engage with the horseshoe-shaped support member 78 adjacent to it.

[0064] Furthermore, the series of horseshoe-shaped support members 78 may be positioned such that they overlap one another when connected at a joint 88. The two continuous edges 82 may also include reinforcing ribs and or flanges formed into of horseshoe-shaped support members 78 to provide structural reinforcement. The number of horseshoe-shaped support members 78 positioned adjacent to one another may be as low as one to as high as fifty-three and will depend on the overall desired trailer length.

[0065] The seaming of the joint 88 between the series of horseshoe-shaped support members 78 can be done in a variety of methods. By way of example only, the seaming of the joint 88 may be done by an overlap and rivet, welded (spot, seam, GMAW / GTAW), friction welded, adhesive bonded joint, heat pressure joint and or butt joint. The seaming of the joint 88 may also be achieved using an intermediate joint that bridges between the adjacent horseshoe-shaped members 78. For example, the intermediate joint may be made from aluminum, plastic or other composite material.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 14, the first and second ends 26 and 28 of the uninterrupted surface 72 may each have corresponding second attachment zones 84 that may secure the uninterrupted surface 72 to the first attachment zones 33 of the support leg 32 of the first and second rails 12 and 14 with an attachment mechanism 86. In the instant configuration, the method of assembly is both quick and provides a strong connection between the first and second rail members 12 and 14, the at least two interlocking floor segments 18, and the first and second ends 26 and 28 of the uninterrupted surface 72, by encapsulating and or sandwiching the trailer body floor 70 to the first and second rails 12 and 14 with the attached first and second ends 26 and 28 of the uninterrupted surface 72.

[0067] The series of horseshoe-shaped support members 78 having the uninterrupted surface 72 (both with and without coining), coupled with the trailer body floor 70, created from interlocking floor segments 18, that may all be made from aluminum, may provide for a trailer body 10 that may be significantly lighter, easier to manufacture, with significantly less components to assemble, less individual part numbers to manage through the manufacturing process, no dissimilar metals touching each other, and no need for precious wood resources. More specifically, the trailer body 10 may be made from all aluminum, or a combination of aluminum and steel or a variety of combinations that allow for the structural requirements. Material selection may also be based on whether the trailer is anticipated for use in the automotive industry such as for cube trucks, small cargo trailers, bins, or carts, by way of example only. In the instance of a box truck, the actual truck frame and box or ‘trailer’ are a single unit. The actual truck frame provides the strength and platform for the at least one horseshoe-shaped support member 24 and is assembled with the truck frame. As such, the at least one horseshoeshaped support member 24 may have sufficient strength on its own to contain the relevant cargo and may not require rail members or the floor.

[0068] More specifically the disclosed construction method may allow for the entire floor 70 to be recyclable, as it may be made from the same base material, such as aluminum. It may reduce the overall weight of the sub-assembly, whereas the current trailer bodies can not be recycled, as their assembly includes a combination of steel, aluminum, and wood therefore contaminants to each other. As such, by making all of the trailer body 10 components out of like material, when possible, selecting materials based on the weight and strength benefits, reducing the number of components requirements by incorporating reinforcing features to the parts, and maximizing component size to reduce overall part count thereby simplifying assembly, the trailer body 10 may have significant less weight.

[0069] The trailer body 10 may be constructed with significantly less parts. For example, convention trailer bodies often require at least eight fasteners to fasten traditional steel cross members to the side rails of the trailer. The instant trailer body 10 only requires a single mechanical fastener mechanism 71 , such as a nut and bolt type of connector. Furthermore, conventional trailer body designs can have as many as 110 individual part numbers, where as the trailer body 10 has only five-part numbers. The efficient and quick assembly of the trailer body 10 also requires less man-power hours. Traditional assembly for a single trailer on average takes approximately 52 hours, where as, the average assembly time for the trailer body 10 is 8.5 hours.

[0070] Furthermore, an all-aluminum trailer body 10 may allow for the trailer body 10 to be easily recycled and retain a significantly higher value at end of life. More specifically, as aluminum is sold by weight, recycling a 5,000lb trailer body, results in 5,000lbs of aluminum scrap, which may be melted down and reused to make 5,000 lbs of new parts to build another trailer body of the same weight. Moreover, the instant trailer body 10 will save in fuel burned, metals mined, and slow deforestation, thereby supporting a sustainable future.

[0071] The interlocking floor segments18 may vary in height to accommodate particular weight requirements. As such, the dimensions of the first and second side rails 12 and 14 will change to accommodate and match the height of the interlocking floor segments 18. Finally, the number of securing means 44 and first apertures 48 will also adjust according to the length of the trailer body 10.

[0072] The standard length of the trailer is fifty-three feet long but can be a short as twenty-eight feet. The trailer body 10 of the instant invention may be used on dry freight vans or standard freight trailer, van bodies or covered delivery trucks, and enclosed utility trailers.

[0073] Referring to FIG 15a and 15b, the trailer body 10 may have the similar major subcomponents to that of a normal trailer, including but not limited to, a steel pickup plate, standard landing gear, slider suspension with steel slider rail, aluminum rear header with door and bumper. These major sub-components 92 may be made of steel and may require a new joining method that may not require a welded joint. More specifically, the pickup plate, landing gear, and slider rail may be bolted to the aluminum trailer body floor 70 with a threaded back plate 90. The threaded back plate 90 may be positioned within the hollow profile 50 and secured to the trailer body floor 70 with a mechanical fastener 94. Preferably the aluminum trailer body floor 70 may be positioned between the major sub-components and the backing plate, thereby secured by the mechanical fastener and eliminating the need for a welded joint.

[0074] Furthermore, the trailer body 10 may reduce the number of parts that are made from dissimilar metals by utilizing light-weight material such as aluminium for the majority of parts, and as such, reduce the points on the trailer body 10 that may be susceptible to electrolysis. Given the corrosive environment on roads, the use of aluminum in the trailer body floor 70 and specifically the first and second side rails 12 and 14 and the interlocking floor sections 18 instead of steel crossmembers and hardwood floors, may result in same metal contact point and therefore less places for electrolysis to occur between dissimilar metals.

[0075] The foregoing discussion provides example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0076] Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification.

[0077] As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A trailer body, comprising: a. a first rail member and a second rail member positioned parallel to one another; b. at least two interlocking floor segments, each having a first end and a second end, adapted to perpendicularly engage in between the first and second rail members; and c. at least one horseshoe-shaped support member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the horseshoe-shaped support member is securely engaged to the first rail member, and the second end of the horseshoe-shaped support member is securely to the second rail member.

2. The trailer body as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second rail members further comprise a receiving channel and support leg wherein the first and second ends of the interlocking floor segments engage and abut the receiving channel.

3. The trailer body as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first and second rail members are adapted to receive at least one securing means for securing the first and second rail members to either the first and second ends of the interlocking floor segments.

4. The trailer body as claimed in claim 2 wherein the receiving channel further comprises a first aperture adapted to receive the securing means whereby the securing means engages the first aperture in the receiving channel and engages either the first or second ends of the interlocking floor segment.

5. The trailer body as claimed in claim 2 wherein the receiving channel is C-shaped ledge having an upper wall, a lower wall, a side wall and a defined internal edge.

6. The trailer body as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first aperture is positioned in the side wall of the C-shaped ledge.

7. The trailer body as claimed in claim 2 wherein the support leg of the rail members extends perpendicular to the receiving channel and further comprising attachment zones forsecuring the first and second ends of the horseshoe-shaped support member to the support leg.

8. The trailer body as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interlocking floor segment is a hollow profile having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a first side having a recessed groove and a second side having an engagement tongue.

9. The trailer body as claimed in claim 8 wherein the recessed groove extends down the first side and the engagement tongue extends down the second side whereby the recessed groove of the first interlocking floor segment is complementary to the engagement tongue of the second interlocking segment, for interlocking engagement between the first and second sides of the at least two interlocking floor segments.

10. The trailer body as claimed in claim 9 wherein the interlocking engagement of the recessed groove and the engagement tongue of the first and second sides of the at least two interlocking floor segments forms a second aperture adapted to receive the securing means.

11. The trailer body as claimed in claim 8 wherein the recessed groove and the engagement tongue each further comprise a semi-circular indent, whereby the engagement of adjacent positioned interlocking floor segments forms the second aperture.

12. The trailer body as claimed in claim 3 wherein the securing means is a bolt for engagement through the first and second apertures.

13. The trailer body as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one horseshoe-shaped support member is an uninterrupted surface defining two walls and a roof.

14. The trailer body as claimed in claim 1 wherein the least one horseshoe-shaped support member is a series of horseshoe members positioned adjacent to one another and securely connected to one another by a fastening means.

15. The trailer body as claimed in claim 13 wherein the uninterrupted surface is coined, ribbed or corrugated.

16. The trailer body as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first and second ends of the uninterrupted surface have corresponding attachment zones to secure the uninterruptedsurface to the attachment zones of the support leg of the first and second rails with an attachment mechanism.

17. The trailer body as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second rails, the interlocking floor segments and the horseshoe-shaped support member are aluminum.

18. The trailer body as claimed in claim 1 wherein the trailer body is made entirely from recyclable materials.

19. The trailer body as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interlocking floor segments are adapted to engage steel floor components.

20. The trailer body as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a back plate for supporting the attachment of the steel components to the interlocking floor segments.

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