Bulkheading construction

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed as new and useful is: 1.
A panelling arrangement for use as bulkheads, partitions and like load-retaining structures comprising a flexible panelling assembly formed of stretchable high tensile strength sheet material which is capable when linearly stretched to a degree not exceeding its elastic limit to absorb and resiliently cushion the force of a load embraced thereby, said panel assembly in its relaxed condition being of an overall length which substantially exceeds the expanse of the load face which bears against the panelling to thereby provide the same with oppositely extending side portions adapted to be held in fixed positions relatively to the load, said panelling in the region thereof intermediate said oppositely extending side portions thereof being wound upon itself about an axis extending transversely across the width of the panelling substantially midway between the opposite end-wise boundaries of said region whereby to provide said panelling with a self-contained coiled section for tensioning the same to a predetermined degree, and means for securing said panelling in its tensioned condition.
2.
A panelling arrangement as defined in claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means includes a blanket formed of said sheet material adhesively secured in overlying relation across said coiled section of the panelling and flatwise against the tensioned portion of the panelling which extend oppositely beyond either side of said coiled section whereby the load force directed against the tensioned panelling is transmitted primarily as a shear force to the adhesive bond between said blanket and its underlying oppositely extending portions of the panelling.
3.
A panelling arrangement as defined in claim 1 wherein said oppositely disposed said portions of said panelling have their outer ends respectively adhesively secured flatwise against the opposite interior side wall surfaces of a truck body or the like in which the load is confined and wherein said intermediate length of said panelling extends transversely across the space between said wall surfaces