# How Titan Trailers Builds Stronger, Smoother Cargo Containers

> A design for a cargo trailer shaped like a rounded tube made from flat and curved aluminum panels that are welded together to create a smooth, unobstructed interior.

- **Patent:** US 11840398
- **Original title:** Quasi-cylindrical cargo container and construction
- **Owner:** Titan Trailers Inc
- **Granted:** 2023
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 3
- **Field:** mechanical, automotive

## What it does

This patent describes a method for constructing a quasi-cylindrical cargo container by joining curved and flat aluminum panels. The design uses two semi-cylindrical shells connected by flat extension panels to create a tube-like structure. The manufacturing process involves using external collars to compress the joints between panels while they are welded, ensuring a tight fit. The resulting container is unique because it lacks internal ribs or reinforcing bands, providing a completely smooth, hollow interior for cargo.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover standard rectangular or box-shaped cargo containers.
- Does not cover containers that rely on internal support ribs or annular bands for structural integrity.
- Does not cover containers made from materials other than those described, such as non-metallic composites.
- Does not cover non-welded assembly methods like bolting or riveting.

## The clever bit

The invention uses a specific assembly sequence where external collars compress the joints while the container is rotated, allowing for precise welding of both inner and outer seams without needing internal structural support.

## Real-world examples

1. Titan Trailers aluminum walking floor trailers
2. Bulk commodity transport trailers

## Why it matters

In the heavy-duty trucking and logistics industry, interior space and durability are critical. Traditional trailers often use internal ribs that snag cargo or limit volume. By creating a smooth, rib-free interior, this design allows for easier loading, cleaning, and more efficient use of space, which is highly valuable for bulk haulers.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How Titan Trailers Builds Stronger, Smoother Cargo Containers cover?

A design for a cargo trailer shaped like a rounded tube made from flat and curved aluminum panels that are welded together to create a smooth, unobstructed interior.

### Who owns patent US 11840398?

Titan Trailers Inc owns this patent, granted in 2023.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on December 12, 2043, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 11840398 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 3 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

In the heavy-duty trucking and logistics industry, interior space and durability are critical. Traditional trailers often use internal ribs that snag cargo or limit volume. By creating a smooth, rib-free interior, this design allows for easier loading, cleaning, and more efficient use of space, which is highly valuable for bulk haulers.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover standard rectangular or box-shaped cargo containers.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11840398/starship-mars-configuration

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US11840398

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._