Durakon Industries, Inc.

Jerry J McCammon

Edward Zentner

Interior sidewall protection panels for a cargo van incorporate expansion absorbers which allow equalization the disparate thermal expansions of the sidewall panel and the cargo van without causing distortion of the panel. The sidewall protection panel includes a plurality of horizontally ribbed or convoluted regions which are interrupted by flat vertical strips or panels which align with the vertical braces or strainers on the interior of the cargo van. At the intersection of the horizontally ribbed regions with the flat vertical strips is a U-shaped expansion accommodating member. The sidewall protection panel is secured to the vertical strainers of the cargo van by semi-permanent, positive fastening means. Given a sidewall protection panel having a length of between six and eight feet (1.83 to 2.44 meters), a temperature rise of 60.degree. F. (33.degree. C.) may cause free expansion of a typical sidewall panel of from one-half to three-quarters of an inch (12.7 mm to 19.05 mm) more than the body of the van. The U-shaped expansion accommodating members absorb this disparate thermal expansion and eliminate unsightly and possibly damaging distortion of the sidewall panel. Furthermore, the positive securement of the panel to the cargo van strainers simplifies product design and installation and improves interior aesthetics.

Sidewall protection panel with expansion accommodating members

A cargo tie down assembly for disposition in the stake opening of a pickup truck or similar vehicle facilitates ready installation, secure mounting and easy removal. The tie down assembly includes a plastic base member having a flange which overlies the stake opening on the truck bed rail and a centering projection depending from the flange which is substantially complementarily to the size and shape of the stake opening and centers the member therewithin. The tie down also includes an integrally formed eyelet and flange member having an elongate threaded member which receives a conventional expandable toggle assembly. A through opening in the flange member receives the toggle and threaded member and a split collar on the flange member allows expansion of the toggle and its retention under the rail of the truck.

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Rochester Hills, MI, United States of America

Jerry J McCammon