Acf Industries, Incorporated

Robert F Sutter

Lowell L Malo

Gary L Harting

A plastic nailable steel flooring insert is provided including a generally vertical end closure closing one of the vertical openings which occurs at opposite ends of nailable steel flooring panels extending in a transportation vehicle to a position adjacent, but laterally spaced from, a generally vertical wall in the vehicle, and at least one gap closure flap attached to a first face of the end closure effective to engage the vehicle wall in interference fit and close the gap between the end closure and the vehicle wall. In engaged position the flap is at least partially deformed and thereby urges the insert into engagement with the nailable steel flooring panel and the vehicle wall. The insert may include a retainer portion to maintain engagement between the insert and the nailable steel flooring panel. The retainer portion may be mounted on the face of the insert facing the nailable steel flooring panel and may engage reinforcement located within the nailable steel flooring panel. Alternatively, the retainer portion may be mounted on the same face of the insert as the gap closure. Indexing tabs may be provided to facilitate insertion of the insert into the panel, and/or to aid in maintaining the insert in place.

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St. Louis, MO, United States of America

Robert F Sutter