Space filling device

A space filling device for use in a container for cargo shipment to prohibit shifting of the cargo is formed by flat first and second panels, with first and second slots formed in each so that, when assembled, an x-shaped structure is formed. When placed in the container, respective end edges of the panels are supported on the bed of the cargo container while the other of the panels' end edges engage the container's sidewalls. The panel side edges form a pair of x-shaped bases which serve to support the cargo against movement toward the end wall of the container. An anti-slip element may be included on the respective end edges, braces may engage the panels proximate respective end edges, and panel side edge guards may be included to prevent undue wear on the cargo. An auxiliary bearing penal may also be used adjacent at least one of the x-shaped bases. A plurality of x-shaped structures may be utilized in the present invention, with a corresponding plurality of bearing panels interposed between the x-shaped structures.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to a device which is employed to 
prevent cargo, which is being transported, from shifting during transit. 
More specifically, the present invention relates the field of lightweight, 
space filling devices which can be placed into a standard cargo container 
to occupy a large volume and restrain large masses or heavy cargo from 
movement within the cargo container, especially movement along the 
direction of travel of the cargo container. In particular, the present 
invention concerns large void fillers to be disposed in semi-truck trailer 
to prevent longitudinal shifting of cargo transported therein. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Industrialized countries rely upon transportation systems such as 
over-the-road trucks, trains, airplanes and boats for distribution and 
transportation of both large objects and bulky commodities. It is 
important to the safety of the transportation vehicle, whether it be a 
truck, car, boat or train, and to the safety of the cargo that the 
transported cargo is stabilized while being transported. If cargo shifts 
during transport, the cargo can be damaged and the inside of the cargo 
container can be damaged. Further, if the cargo is not sufficiently 
stabilized to avoid shifting, the cargo can unbalance the vehicle and 
create a dangerous situation. For example, if a vehicle is loaded so that 
the cargo is distributed evenly between the wheel base of the cargo 
container and the cargo slips forward while the vehicle is traveling 
downhill, the shifting cargo can cause the vehicle to lose control and 
often results in flipping the vehicle over. 
To avoid cargo shifting, cargos are packed as carefully as possible in the 
container to eliminate any open spaces within the cargo to minimize the 
possibility of the cargo shifting. In many circumstances, however, the 
weight of the cargo or the nature of the cargo and the size of the cargo 
container in which it is to be packed is such that open spaces within the 
cargo container cannot be eliminated. This is especially true where the 
cargo is heavy, as many vehicles are restricted by weight as to the amount 
of cargo that they can carry. In order to fill the open regions that 
remain in the cargo container, it is desirable to provide some type of 
restraining device or spacing device between the cargo and either the 
front wall or the back wall or the side wall of the cargo container. These 
devices have to be constructed to withstand the shifting forces typically 
encountered during transport. Likewise, they must be relatively 
lightweight and preferably capable of retro-fitting into any type of cargo 
container and not permanently mounted within the cargo container. It is 
also preferred the space filling devices can collapse or be dismantled 
into a smaller, more easily manageable size so that they can be removed 
and stored. 
One example of an existing space filling device which is in commercial use 
for truck trailers is a metal and wood system that is welded into the 
inside of the trailer. This is used for trucks which haul cans of 
beverages such as soda and beer. Since the weight of the canned beverage 
is such that, under some governmental regulations, large semi-trucks 
cannot be loaded completely. Furthermore, since the beer must be loaded 
between wheels for balance, void spaces are left between the cargo and 
both the front and back portions of the trailer. To accommodate this 
packaging of cargo in the middle of the trailer, metal rails are welded 
onto the sides of the front and the back of the trailer of the truck. A 
metal bar has one end inserted in one side rail and a second end inserted 
in the second side rail so that the bar extends across the cargo container 
parallel to the end walls. Likewise, a second metal bar is inserted in the 
back portion of the truck. The bars have large pieces of plywood attached 
to them. The bars are slid within the rails so that the plywood is secured 
against the cargo. The bars are then locked into place on the side rails. 
Although this device does restrain the cargo, this type of a cargo 
retaining device has some disadvantages. It is costly to install. It is 
permanent as it requires that the side rails be welded into the side walls 
of the truck. Many commercial trucking companies do not wish to have 
permanent side rails welded onto their trucks. Plus, this cargo retaining 
system is quite heavy as it requires metal side rails, metal bars and 
plywood for restraining the cargo. The weight added by the space filling 
device reduces the cargo weight which can be hauled. 
Although the above space filling device is suitable for use in retaining 
cargo for shipment, it is generally more complex to use and more permanent 
than is desirable. Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved space 
filling device that is lightweight and inexpensive, and that can be 
retro-fitted into a cargo container without the necessity of permanently 
affixing rails on the inside of the cargo container. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful space 
filling device that is inexpensive and cost efficient to use. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a space filling 
device that when assembled can retain heavy cargo but that can be easily 
disassembled for storage. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a space filling 
device which does not require permanent attachment to the cargo walls of 
the container. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a space filling 
device having a high strength to weight ratio that resists compressive 
forces when assembled and placed between the cargo and the cargo 
container. 
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a space 
filling device which is lightweight. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a transportation 
system consisting of a cargo container and a lightweight, inexpensive 
space filling device. 
According to the present invention, then, a space filling device is 
provided that is either in a disassembled or in an assembled state. When 
in the assembled state, the space filling device is adapt to be interposed 
in a cargo container between the cargo and the end wall thereof. Here, the 
cargo container has at least, two opposite parallel side walls, an end 
wall, and a bed. the bed. The space filling device is adapted to inhibit 
movement of the cargo during transit, especially forward or backward in 
the direction of travel. 
The space filling device broadly includes a first panel and a second panel. 
Each first panel and second panel has first panel end edges and first 
panel side edges that extend longitudinally between the first panel end 
edges to define a width. The first panel has a slot that extends from one 
of the first panel side edge toward the other first panel side edge at a 
distance that is less than the width of the first panel. The second panel 
has a second slot formed therein that extends from one of said second 
panel side edges to the other of said second panel side edges a distance 
that is less than the width of the second panel. The first and second 
panel are operative to mate with one another in the assembled state to 
form an x-shaped structure when the first slot and second slots are 
engaged. Accordingly, when in the assembled state within the cargo 
container, one of the first panel end edges is supported on the bed of the 
cargo container, and another of the first panel end edges engages a side 
wall of the container. One of the second panel end edges is supported on 
the bed of the container, and another of the second panel end edges 
engages a side wall with said first and second side edges forming a pair 
of x-shaped bases. Each of the respective x-shaped bases is operative to 
face and preferably engage either the end wall or the cargo. Thus, the 
space filling device is operative to inhibit movement of the cargo toward 
the end wall. 
The present invention is a cargo transportation system adapted to hold 
cargo during shipment. This cargo transportation system includes a 
container having a bed, a pair of spaced-apart, parallel sidewalls 
defining a container width therebetween and at least one end wall 
extending transversely between the sidewalls. The container has an 
interior which is operative to hold the cargo with the cargo disposed on 
the bed. The cargo transportation system also includes an x-shaped 
structure sized and adapted to be disposed between the cargo and the end 
wall. The x-shaped structure including a pair of flat panels each having a 
pair of opposite side edges defining a panel width therebetween and a pair 
of opposite end edges defining a panel length therebetween. The panel 
length is greater than the container width. Each of said panels having a 
slot formed in the panel. The slot extends from one of the first panel 
side edges toward another of the first panel side edge a distance less 
than the width of the respective panel. The panels being releasably joined 
to one another along a vertex by engagement of the slots. Whereby, when 
the x-shaped structure is disposed in the interior of the container, a 
first end edge of each of the panels is supported on said bed at a 
junction thereof with a respective sidewall. Additionally, a second end 
edge of each of the panels is supported against a respective said sidewall 
at a location above the bed. The first side edge of each said panel forms 
a first x-shaped base, and a second side edge of each panel forms a second 
x-shaped base. The first x-shaped base is adapted to be positioned facing 
the cargo with the second x-shaped base facing the end wall whereby the 
x-shaped structure forms a beam section along the vertex. The beam section 
is operative to resist compressive forces between the cargo and the end 
wall. 
More particularly, when in the assembled state, the first panel end edge 
and the second panel end edge that are supported on the bed of the cargo 
are located proximate the respective intersection of the bed and the side 
wall of the cargo container. To protect the cargo when the space filling 
device is in the assembled state, the side edges of the first and second 
panel can contain edge guards that can extend the length of the side 
edges, whereby the forces exerted on the side edges are partially absorbed 
by the edge guards. Each of the first and second panels can be formed of a 
unitary piece of panel material respectively. The preferred panel material 
is lightweight tri-wall corrugated cardboard. Other material can be 
employed such as corrugated cardboard, plywood, plastic, fiberglass or 
lightweight metal. 
A bearing panel can be interposed between the space filling device and the 
adjacent surface. The bearing panel has a first bearing surface and an 
opposite second bearing surface. The bearing panel is most often 
interposed between the cargo and one of the x-shaped bases formed by the 
first and second panels. The second bearing surface is in contact with the 
cargo and the first bearing surface is in contact with one of said 
x-shaped bases whereby the force exerted by the cargo is distributed 
throughout the bearing panel. 
For large void areas a plurality of space filling devices each having a 
disassembled state and an assembled state can be employed. Each space 
filling device is adapted when in the assembled state to be placed 
adjacent one another and interposed between cargo located in a cargo 
container and a end wall, two opposite parallel side walls, and a bed of 
the transportable cargo container to inhibit movement of said cargo during 
transit. When a plurality of space filling devices are employed a 
plurality of bearing panels can be located between adjacent ones of the 
plurality of space filling devices. Each of the plurality of bearing 
panels having a first bearing surface and an opposite second bearing 
surface. The bearing panel is interposed between the end wall and a space 
filling device and between each of the plurality of space filling devices 
and between the cargo and one of the x-shaped bases of one of the space 
filling devices. Thus, the force exerted by the cargo is distributed 
throughout the bearing panels. 
These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily 
appreciated and understood from a consideration the following detailed 
description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention when taken 
together with the accompanying drawings in, which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 
The present invention relates to devices which may be used to occupy the 
region between cargo loads and the end wall of a cargo container which is 
capable of transporting the cargo. These space filling devices are 
preferable lightweight, and yet must have sufficient strength to withstand 
and restrain the weight of the cargo if shifting occurs during transit. 
The present invention includes several embodiments of a space filling 
device, including a cargo transportation system, as well as several 
strengthening braces and panels which assist the exemplary embodiments in 
cases where there is extreme cargo weight involved. 
All of the embodiments of the present invention are used to restrain cargo. 
It should be appreciated, then that the space filling device 12 in FIG. 1 
is illustrative of the operational use of all the exemplary embodiments 
described herein. FIG. 1 shows a tractor trailer rig 10 loaded with cargo 
14. The cargo container 20 is shown as a trailer, but it should be 
understood that the cargo container could be any type of large container 
adapted to be transported by rail, air or on water. For example, the cargo 
container could be a railway car or an ocean-going shipping container used 
in common freighter shipping. In any event, the cargo container 20 has a 
container interior 27 and has a container bed 21 adapted to support cargo, 
two opposite end walls 23, 25 and two opposite side walls 22, 24 joined at 
corners 9, 11 to bed 21. At least one of the end walls 23, 25 extends 
transversely between the side walls 22, 24, and the side walls 22, 24 
which define a container width therebetween. The space filling device 12 
is shown interposed in the cargo container 20 between the end wall 23 and 
the cargo 14 in the open space 13 therebetween. The cargo 14 rests on the 
cargo container bed 21, and the cargo 14 has a front vertical cargo face 
16 that is substantially parallel to end wall 23 and perpendicular to the 
cargo bed 21. 
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention in the erected 
state formed by a pair of panels 30 and 50 depicted in FIG. 2. First panel 
30 and second panel 50, when mated with one another in the assembled 
state, form an x-shaped structure 17. With reference to FIG. 2, it may be 
seen that first panel 30 and second panel 50 are each formed as a flat 
rectangular-shaped panel, each of which have a pair of panel end edges 32, 
34 and 53, 54 which defines a length therebetween respectively for panels 
30 and 50. Thus, the first panel 30 has first panel end edges 32 and 34 
which are located opposite of each other; likewise, the second panel 50 
has second panel end edges 53 and 54 which are located opposite each 
other. The first panel 30 has a mid-portion 40 and first panel side edges 
37 and 39 which longitudinally extend between the first panel end edges 32 
and 34. The first panel 30 has a first panel front surface 42 and first 
panel back surface 44 and a thickness therebetween. Similarly, the second 
panel 50 has second panel side edges 57 and 59 which longitudinally extend 
between the second panel end edges 53 and 54. The second panel side edges 
57 and 59 are located on either side of the second panel's midportion 60. 
Like the first panel 30, the second panel 50 has a second panel front 
surface 62 and a second panel back surface 64 defining a thickness 
therebetween. 
Approximate the mid-portion 40 and midway between the first panel end edge 
32 and the first panel end edge 34 is the first panel slot 46. The first 
panel slot 46 is rectangular in shape and extends from the first panel 
front surface 42 to the first panel back surface 44 through the thickness 
therebetween. The first panel slot 46 has a first upper slot edge 47 which 
extends parallel to the first lower slot edge 49 a distance less than the 
width of the first panel 30. Preferably, the slot 46 extends half way 
across the width of the first panels 30 between the first panel side edges 
37 and 39 and terminates in a back slot edge 48. The first panel slot 46 
preferably runs substantially parallel to the first panel end edges 32 and 
34. 
It may further be seen that the second panel 50 has a second panel slot 66. 
The second slot 66 extends from the front panel surface 62 through the 
thickness of the second panel 50 to the back panel surface 64, again 
preferably half way across the width. Like the first panel slot 46, the 
second panel slot 66 is rectangular. The second panel slot 66 has a second 
slot edge 67 and a parallel second lower slot edge 69 and terminates in a 
second back slot edge 68. The second slot 66 extends from one of the 
second panel side edges toward the other second panel side edge a distance 
less than the width of the second panel 50. Again, the second panel slot 
66 preferably only extends 50 percent of the way between the second panel 
side edges 57 and 59 and runs substantially parallel to second panel end 
edges 53 and 54. 
Turning to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the intersection of the slots 46 and 66 of 
the first panel 30 and the second panel 50 can be clearly seen. The first 
panel slot 46 and the second panel slot 66 are preferably formed so that 
the distances between the upper slot edges 47 and 67 and the lower slot 
edges 49 and 69 are greater than the thickness of either the first panel 
30 or the second panel 50. This permits the first panel 30 and the second 
panel 50 to be positioned at various angles relative to one another when 
the space filling device 12 is in the erected state. Thus, because the 
first slot 46 and the second slot 66 are formed to be slightly larger than 
the thickness of the respective panel, the panels, when in the erected 
state, can be employed in cargo containers which have a variety of 
different cargo bed widths. The width of the cargo bed being measured 
between the cargo side walls. 
In the assembled state, the first panel 30 and second panel 50, each 
converge from their respective first panel end edges 32 and 34 and second 
panel end edges 53 and 54 to a vertex 87 proximate the mated engagement of 
slots 46 and 66. It is preferred that the angle between the panels 30 and 
50 in the assembled state be in the range of 45.degree. to 135.degree.. It 
should be thus appreciated that slots 46 and 66 permit the mated 
engagement of panels 30 and 50. by extending each slot 46 and 66 one half 
of the width of the respective panel, a first pair side edges, one on each 
panel, are coplanar to form a first x-shaped base for structure 17. 
Likewise, the second pair of side edges are co-planar and form an x-shaped 
base spaced from the first x-shaped base a distance equal to the width of 
the panels. While it is preferable to make the slots 46 and 66 of equal 
extension, that is one-half of the panel width, the x-shaped structure 17 
can be assembled so long as the combined extension of both slots 46 and 60 
equal or exceed the width of the panels. 
The assembled state of an alternative arrangement of the present invention 
is shown in FIG. 4. The first panel 130 has a first panel edge 132 that is 
supported on the bed 21 of cargo container 20. The other first panel end 
edge 134 engages the side wall 22 of cargo container 20. Likewise, one of 
the second panel end edges 152 is supported on the bed 21 of the cargo 
container 20, and the other of the second panel end edges 154 engages the 
other side wall 24 of the cargo container 20. The first side edge 137 and 
the second side edge 157 form an x-shaped base 106 that faces the end wall 
23 and is operative to engage the end wall 23 of the cargo container 20. 
Likewise, the first side edge 139 and the second side edge 159 form an 
x-shaped base 104 that faces the cargo and is operative to engage the 
cargo 14 and specifically the front vertical face 16 of the cargo 14 to 
inhibit movement of the cargo 14 towards the end wall 23. 
The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes end edge reinforcing 
bars 170 and side edge bar 171. The side edge bars 171 can be used with 
bars 170 or without. Side edge bars 171 are mounted proximate one or all 
of the side edges of the respective panels. The reinforcing bars 170 are 
preferably located proximate the respective end edges of the respective 
panels 30, 50. The reinforcing bars 170 can be formed of wood, plastic, 
metal or other strengthening material. The preferred reinforcing bar 170 
is formed of one foot by four feet of wood. These reinforcing bars 170 act 
to prevent buckling of the x-shaped structure which can occur if 
significant compressive forces are exerted thereon. The reinforcing bars 
170 can be mounted on the panels by adhesive or with screws or nails or 
the like. 
The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4 also includes a bearing panel 
180 which can be interposed between the x-shaped base 106 and the end wall 
23 of the cargo container 20 or between the cargo 14 and the x-shaped base 
104 of space filling device 112 as shown in FIG. 4. The bearing panel 180 
has side edges 181 and 183 that are substantially parallel one to another 
and substantially parallel with the side walls 22 and 24 of the cargo 
container 20. The bearing panel 180 also has end edges 182 and 184. The 
side edges 181 and 183 and end edges 182 and 184 form a perimeter around 
bearing panel 180. The bearing panel 180 also has a front panel surface 
185 and the back panel surface 186, forming a rectangular shape. It should 
be noted the bearing panel 180 could have a variety of geometric shapes 
selected depending on the geometric configuration of the front cargo face 
16. 
The bearing panel and the panels are preferably formed of similar material. 
A high strength to weight ratio is gained by using tri-wall corrugated 
cardboard such as that shown in the edge view of a panel in FIG. 15. Other 
lightweight material which can withstand the cargo weight can be employed. 
For example, lightweight metals such as aluminum and alloys thereof and 
fiberglass, plastics and the like can be employed to form the present 
invention. 
Cargo is often stacked within a cargo container in such a manner that there 
are void spaces between the walls of the cargo container and the cargo. 
Similarly, if the cargo is palletized there is often void spaces between 
the pallets of cargo. Thus, resulting in a front face of the cargo which 
is not uniformly solid but instead has void areas therein. One of the 
x-shaped bases of the present invention when in the erect state is adapted 
to engage and restrain the front cargo face. When there are voids in the 
cargo face 16, there are portions of the x-shaped base which are not 
engaging the cargo. These open areas in the cargo face may cause uneven 
stress points on the x-shaped base of the space filling device which faces 
the cargo. 
To evenly distribute the force exerted by the cargo on the x-shaped 
structure, a bearing panel can be interposed between the space filling 
device and the cargo. Similarly, the end wall of the cargo container can 
have an uneven surface such that only a portion of the x-shaped base of 
the space filling device engages the end wall. To prevent undue wear of 
the x-shaped base, a bearing panel may be interposed between the end wall 
and the x-shaped based of the x-shaped structure (see FIG. 14, for 
example). 
However, as is shown in these figures, it may be appreciated that the space 
filling device when in the assembled state conforms to the shape dictated 
by the width of the cargo bed as the panels 30 and 50 are of greater 
length then the width of the bed. The width of the cargo bed 21, i.e., the 
distance between the side walls 22 and 24 of a typical cargo container 20 
is usually between seven and eight feet. Thus, the length of the panels 
between the respective end edges can be standardized and used for most 
containers, particularly for most tractor-trailer applications. The depth 
of the open space 13 between the end wall 23 and the cargo 14, may of 
course, vary. To maintain a lightweight space filling device, the width of 
the panels is preferably not more than seven feet between the respective 
side edges. 
In FIG. 5, it can be seen that a plurality of space filling devices can be 
employed. If the longitudinally extending open space 13 between the end 
wall 23 and the cargo 14 is substantially more than seven feet, then a 
plurality of space filling devices 112 can be interposed between the end 
wall 23 and the cargo 14. Preferably, these devices have a bearing panel 
180 interposed between one x-shaped base of the first space filling device 
and the x-shaped base of the second space filling device 112 such that 
there is an even distribution of the forces exerted on each space filling 
device 112. 
As is clearly shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 14, the bearing panel 180 is adapted 
to extend substantially across the cargo bed 21 to cargo side walls 22 and 
24 such that the bearing panel side edges 181 and 183 are located 
proximate cargo side walls 22 and 24. The front bearing panel 180 has one 
end edge 182 that is located proximate the cargo bed 21. The front panel 
surface 185 is adapted to contact the x-shaped base 106 and the back panel 
surface 186 of the bearing panel 180 is adapted to engage front face 16 of 
cargo 14. 
In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the bearing panel 180 can be interposed 
between the x-shaped base 106 of a first space filling device 112 and 
between the x-shaped base 104 of a second space filling device 112'. 
Additionally, a second bearing panel 180' can be interposed between the 
x-shaped base 106' of the second space filling device 112' and the cargo 
14. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, another bearing panel 180 can be 
interposed between the end wall 23 and the front x-shaped base 104 of the 
space filling device 112. More specifically, the front panel surface 185 
of bearing panel 180 engages the x-shaped base 106 with side edges 181 and 
183 located proximate cargo side walls 22 and 24. The second bearing panel 
180 shown in FIG. 5 is interposed between the two space filling devices 
112 and 112'. Again, side edges 181 and 183 of bearing panel 180 are 
located proximate and parallel to cargo side walls 22 and 24. The x-shaped 
base 104 of space filling device 112 is in contact with the front panel 
surface 185 of the bearing panel 180. The back panel surface 186 of the 
bearing panel 180 is in contact with the space filling device 112' and 
more specifically the front x-shaped base 104'. The end edge 182 of 
bearing panel 180 is substantially parallel to cargo bed 21. Bearing panel 
180' is interposed between cargo 14 and space filling device 112' such 
that the front panel surface 185' of bearing panel 180 engages the 
x-shaped base 106' of the space filling device 112' and the back panel 
surface 186' of bearing panel 180' engages the cargo 14. Thus, a plurality 
of space filling devices can be employed to restrain cargo. The use of 
multiple space filling devices permits each individual space filling 
device to remain compact and lightweight, therefore being easily assembled 
and disassembled. 
An option joint support element 15 is shown in FIG. 6. The joint support 
element 15 is adapted to be mounted on first panel 30 and second panel 50 
to strengthen and stabilize the interconnection between the two panels 
when the space filling device is in the assembled state. The joint support 
element 15 is tubular in shape with a square-shaped cross-section. Each 
longitudinal corner is cut-away to provide a channel to receive the 
thickness of the respective panel. A cap 16 is removably secured to the 
open mount of element 15 so that when the space filling device 12 is in 
the erect state, the joint support 15 element can be slidably mounted onto 
the space filling device 12. Channels 16 and 16' engage the first panel 
30. Channels 17 and 17' engage the second panel 50. After the joint 
support element 15 is mounted onto the space filling device 12, cap 16 can 
be snap-fit onto the end of the joint support element 15 to stabilize the 
intersection of the two panels. Preferably, the cap element only projects 
slightly, if at all, outwardly of the first and second side edges of the 
respective panels. Opposite the cap 16 is a flat end surface 18 which 
interconnects the channels 16, 16', 17, and 17' one to another. 
FIG. 7(a) through 7(c) show anti-slip elements which can be mounted or 
securely attached onto the end edges of the respective panels. The 
anti-slip element can have a variety of structural configurations. The 
structure can be a channel structure such as shown in FIG. 7(a) or a 
tubular structure as shown in FIG. 7(b) or a coated structure as shown in 
FIG. 7(c) to name a few. FIG. 7(a) shows a clip-like channel structure 
adapted to cover the end edges and a margin portion of the front surface 
and back surface of the respective panel. This anti-slip element 199 is 
preferably formed of a high friction material. As is shown in FIG. 7(a), 
the anti-slip element has an open channel interior 200 adapted to retain 
the end edge of the panel, and a channel exterior 201 adapted to engage 
the interior 101 of the cargo container 20. The channel exterior 201 can 
have a tread or traction structure 203 that prevents slippage when the 
space filling device is in the assembled state and engaging the walls and 
bed of the cargo container 20. It should be noted that the anti-slip 
element can be placed on both end edges of the respective panels or 
alternatively can be placed only on the one end edge that is adapted to 
engage the cargo bed 21. 
FIG. 7(b) shows an anti-slip element 299 that is tubular and is circular in 
cross-section. This anti-slip element 299 has a tread-like structure both 
on the interior circumference of open channel interior 200 of the element 
and on the channel exterior 201 of the element. This anti-slip element 299 
is formed out of a material that is sufficiently rigid to maintain its 
configuration on the end edge. The channel ends 203 and 205 respectively 
frictionally engage the margin portion of the panel proximate the end 
edge. 
FIG. 7(c) shows an end edge that has been dipped in polymeric material to 
coat the end edge. This anti-slip element 399 also has a channel with a 
channel interior 300 and a channel exterior 301. The channel operates both 
to prevent slippage and as an edge guard such that the movement of the 
vehicle does not cause wear on the end edges of the panels. 
It is preferred that the space filling device is not permanently attached 
within the cargo container, as it is desirable to be able to retrofit any 
trailer or cargo container with a space filling device. In some instances, 
though, it may be necessary or desirable to have the space filling device 
removably secured to the cargo bed 21 of the cargo container 20. FIG. 8(a) 
shows a screw 90 adapted to be placed in bore 91 that extends through an 
end edge of a panel and into the container 21. Thus, the screw 90 can be 
mounted into a portion of the cargo bed 21 such that the end edge of the 
space filling device is secured to the cargo bed 21. Bores can be drilled 
along the length of the end edges as needed. FIG. 8(b) likewise shows a 
method of securing the end edge of the space filling device to the cargo 
bed 21 of the container 20. In FIG. 8(b), a bolt 119 is placed in bore 120 
which extends through the thickness of the panel. The bolt 119 is then 
secured by nut 109 to a mounting structure 123 which is securely mounted 
onto bed 21 by screw 123. 
FIGS. 9(a), 9(b) and 9(c) all show alternative edge guards. Like the 
anti-slip element, the edge guard can be made in various structural 
configurations. The edge guards have two functions: (1) to protect the 
edge (either the side or the end edge) of the panel from undue wear; and 
(2) to absorb some of the frictional forces encountered by the edge of the 
space filling device. Any structural configuration that accomplishes these 
goals can be employed. FIG. 9(a) shows a coated structure similar to FIG. 
7(c). FIG. 9(b) shows a clip-on channel structure. FIG. 9(c) shows a 
tubular structure of the edge guard. FIG. 9(a) shows a panel side edge 410 
that has an edge guard 499. The edge guard 499 is formed as a channel 400 
having a channel interior 401 and channel exterior 403. The channel 400 is 
formed by being dipped into a polymeric material somewhat similar to the 
rubberized material which coats pliers and hammers and other tools. 
FIG. 9(b) shows a rectangular shaped edge guard 599 which is formed as a 
resilient channel 500. The channel 500 has a channel interior 501 and a 
channel exterior 503. The channel interior 501 is adapted to engage the 
side edge of a panel. The channel exterior 503 is adapted to engage a 
surface such as an end wall or a cargo face or a bearing panel while 
preventing edge wear. 
FIG. 9(c) shows a tubular guard 699 which has a substantially semi-circular 
configuration. Again, the structure has a channel 600 with a channel 
interior 601 adapted to frictionally engage the margin portion 610 of the 
edge 611 and a channel exterior 603 which is adapted to engage a surface 
while preventing edge wear. As noted, these are optional edge guards which 
can be mounted on any of the embodiments of the present invention. 
FIGS. 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment to the present invention. In 
FIG. 10, the space filling device 312 is shown assembled and in FIG. 11 
and the panels forming space filling device 312 are shown dissembled. FIG. 
10 shows a space filling device 312 having a first channel 330 and a 
second panel 350 mateably engaged such that an x-shaped structure 363 is 
formed. In the assembled state, the first slot 346 is mateably engaged 
with the second slot 366. The x-shaped base 306 is in contact with the 
front panel surface 385 of bearing panel 380. The back panel surface 386 
of the bearing panel 380 engages the cargo 14. Located one on either side 
of the vertex 387 is first brace 190 and second brace 192 which are 
substantially parallel one to another and substantially parallel to side 
cargo walls 322 and 324. The first brace 190 is formed in a generally 
rectangular shape having a first brace 191 and 189 side edges and 193 and 
194 end edges. Brace end edge 193 is adapted to engage cargo bed 21, and 
brace end edge 194 is adapted to extend upwardly from the first panel 
front surface 362 when the space filling device is in the assembled state. 
Likewise, the second brace 192 has second brace side edges 195 and 196 and 
end edges 197 and 198. Each of the first panel 330 and the second panel 
350 have slots formed therein. These slots are more clearly shown in FIG. 
11. FIG. 11 shows that there are slots 355, 356, 357, and 358 formed in 
both the first panel 330 and the second panel 350 respectively. Likewise, 
first panel 330 and second panel 350 have slots 346 and 366. The slots 355 
and 356 are adapted to mateably engage the first brace 190. Likewise, in 
panel 350, the slots 357 and 258 are adapted to mateably engage the second 
brace 192. The braces 192 and 190 are particularly useful when the space 
filling device 312 is retaining heavy weight cargo as the braces 192 and 
190 provide additional resistance to compressive forces exerted by the 
cargo 14 while in transit. 
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show another alternative embodiment of the present 
invention. In FIG. 12, the space filling device 412 is in the assembled; 
in FIG. 13, the panels forming space filling device 412 are shown 
disassembled. The space filling device 412 is similar to those already 
described as it has a first panel 430 and a second panel 450 
interconnected at a vertex 487 by mateably engaging slots 446 and 466, 
FIG. 12 also shows a top panel 483 securably mounted by top slots 436 and 
476 form in the top panel 483 on to the space filling device 412. The 
space filling device has a slot 426 formed in first panel 430 and a slot 
486 formed in second panel 450 proximate end edges 431 and 451. Slots 426 
and slot 486 are adapted to mateably engage top slots 436 and 476 
respectively of top panel 403. Although not shown an additional bottom 
panel could be inserted parallel to the top panel 403 but on the opposite 
side of the vertex 487. Like the braces 190 and 192 the top panel 483 
functions to assist the space filling device 412 to resist and inhibit 
cargo movement. 
Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of 
particularity directed to the preferred embodiment of the present 
invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is 
defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so 
that modifications or changes may be made to the preferred embodiment of 
the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts 
contained herein.