| 摘要 |
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 DEG F. (33 DEG 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.
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