Abstract: A center door assembly for a dump bed and a method for removing the door from the dump bed. A frame is mounted in a wall of the dump bed and has a pair of opposite and spaced apart channels. A pair of elastomeric inserts are removably mounted in the channels. A retractable door has a pair of edges slidably received in the inserts and is movable linearly within the channels between a closed position and an open position. A pivot linkage assembly is operatively connected to the door for linearly moving the door between the closed and open positions. The elastomeric inserts are removed from the channels through a bottom opening in the channels providing lateral space between the channels to enable the door to be removed from the frame. The elastomeric inserts are provided with bend areas enabling them to be compressed for removal from the channels.

Abstract: A trailer having an enclosed area with an integral toolbox is presented. The trailer includes a bulk tank with at least a first hopper and a second hopper. The first hopper has a first discharge port and the second hopper has a second discharge port. A discharge pipe is connected to the first and second discharge ports. A storage box is formed between and integral with the first hopper and the second hopper to define a storage chamber. A door is mounted on the storage box having open and close positions for respectively providing access to and blocking access to the storage chamber.

Abstract: A dump trailer comprising a U-shaped trailer body having a bottom wall and opposing side walls. The trailer includes a curved front wall and a pivotable tailgate. The front wall is U-shaped when viewed from the top and angles upwardly and forwardly from the bottom wall. A support structure provided adjacent the front wall operatively engages hitch and lift assemblies. The support structure includes spaced-apart supports secured to the front wall; and spaced-apart horizontal beams secured to the supports. The beams extend through apertures in the front wall and into the compartment. This enables the trailer body to be lowered relative to the ground, thus lowering the center of gravity of the trailer. A wheel assembly mounts to the rear end of the trailer via a mounting plate curved complementary to the bottom wall. Cut-outs in the plate reduce the overall weight of the trailer.

Abstract: A locking assembly and method of securing a dump truck tailgate to a sidewall of the dump truck, and a truck incorporating the same. The locking assembly includes a pressurized pin mechanism mounted on one of tailgate and the sidewall; and a spool mounted on the other of the tailgate and the sidewall. The spool is engageable with the pin mechanism to lock the locking assembly and secure the tailgate to the sidewall, and is disengageable from the pin mechanism to unlock the locking assembly and release the tailgate from its securement to the sidewall. A hinge assembly is provided on an opposite side of the tailgate from the locking assembly. The tailgate is selectively pivotable relative to the truck bed about a vertical axis extending through the hinge assembly or about a horizontal axis extending through both of the locking assembly and the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A lockable center door assembly for a dump trailer is provided. A frame is mounted in a wall of the dump trailer and has a pair of opposite and spaced apart channels. A retractable door has a pair of edges slidably received in the frame. A pivot linkage assembly is operatively connected to the door for linearly moving the door between the closed and open positions. A locking assembly movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position is operatively connected to the pivot linkage assembly for securing the door in either the closed or open position.

Abstract: A locking assembly and method of securing a dump truck tailgate to a sidewall of the dump truck, and a truck incorporating the same. The locking assembly includes a pressurized pin mechanism mounted on one of tailgate and the sidewall; and a spool mounted on the other of the tailgate and the sidewall. The spool is engageable with the pin mechanism to lock the locking assembly and secure the tailgate to the sidewall, and is disengageable from the pin mechanism to unlock the locking assembly and release the tailgate from its securement to the sidewall. A hinge assembly is provided on an opposite side of the tailgate from the locking assembly. The tailgate is selectively pivotable relative to the truck bed about a vertical axis extending through the hinge assembly or about a horizontal axis extending through both of the locking assembly and the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A rendering trailer includes a dump box with a center gate dividing the interior chamber of the trailer into forward and rearward compartments. A doorway is formed in the center gate to allow a person to pass therethrough to facilitate washing the forward and rearward compartments. A door is mounted on the center gate to open and close the doorway. The invention also includes a method of using the center gate and the gate itself.

Abstract: A retractable step assembly for a vehicle includes a track assembly mounted on a vehicle frame beneath a workbed, a step assembly, and a pivot assembly that engages the track and step assemblies together. The step assembly moves between a storage position where it is disposed between tracks of the track assembly, and an operational position where it extends outwardly from the tracks, through an aperture in the vehicle's wall panel, and angles downwardly toward the ground. A foldable handrail on the step assembly is selectively movable between a collapsed position and an extended position. The handrail is in the extended position when the step assembly is operational and folds to the collapsed position when the step assembly is stored. First and second supports are provided for the step assembly to rest upon when in either of the storage position and the operational position.

Abstract: A handrail assembly for a tank trailer and a yoke assembly forming a part thereof. Handrail assembly provides a safety device for an operator walking along a top wall of the tank trailer. The handrail assembly includes a top rail, a plurality of vertical members, a safety wire and, in most instances, a bottom rail. Each yoke assembly secures one of the top and bottom ends of the vertical members to either of the top and bottom rails or to a mounting bracket on the tank. Each yoke assembly includes a base member engaged partially in a bore of the vertical member, and a cradle member engaged with an exterior all of the top or bottom rails or mounting bracket. Base and cradle members are secured together by a pivot pin. Fluid-actuated cylinders extending between the vertical members and the tank move the handrail assembly between collapsed and expanded positions.

Abstract: A method of using a rendering trailer, the rendering trailer including a dump box or trailer body with a center gate dividing the interior chamber of the trailer body into forward and rearward compartments, from which dead animal parts may be respectively dumped in different locations. A doorway is formed in the center gate to allow a person to walk therethrough to facilitate washing the forward and rearward compartments. A rigid door is mounted on the center gate to open and close the doorway. Opening the door allows the person to walk through the doorway and wash the compartments. A hose may be draped over a sidewall of the trailer and pulled through the doorway to spray the forward compartment. Perforated panels may be mounted along lower ends of left and right side walls of the trailer body to allow water and other fluids to drain therethrough.

Abstract: A retractable stair assembly for a vehicle includes a track assembly mounted on a vehicle frame beneath a workbed, a step assembly, and first and second pivot assemblies that engage the track and step assemblies together. The step assembly moves between a storage position where it is disposed between tracks of the track assembly, and an operational position where it extends outwardly from the tracks, through an aperture in the vehicle's wall panel, and angles downwardly toward the ground. A foldable handrail on the step assembly moves between a collapsed position and an extended position. The handrail is in the extended position when the step assembly is operational and folds to the collapsed position when the step assembly is stored. A door is engaged with the track assembly and covers the aperture when the step assembly is stored. A flange extends from the door and supports a license plate thereon.

Abstract: A handrail assembly for a tank trailer and a yoke assembly for the same. Handrail assembly provides a safety device for an operator walking along a top wall of the tank trailer. The handrail assembly includes a top rail, a plurality of vertical members, a safety wire and, sometimes, a bottom rail. Each yoke assembly secures one of the top and bottom ends of the vertical members to either of the top and bottom rails or to a mounting bracket on the tank. Each yoke assembly includes a base member engaged partially in a bore of the vertical member, and a cradle member engaged with an exterior wall of the top or bottom rails or mounting bracket. Base and cradle members are secured together by a pivot pin. Fluid-actuated cylinders extending between the vertical members and the tank move the handrail assembly between collapsed and expanded positions.

Abstract: A trailer having an enclosed area with an integral toolbox is presented. The trailer includes a bulk tank with at least a first hopper and a second hopper. The first hopper has a first discharge port and the second hopper has a second discharge port. A discharge pipe is connected to the first and second discharge ports. A storage box is formed between and integral with the first hopper and the second hopper to define a storage chamber. A door is mounted on the storage box having open and close positions for respectively providing access to and blocking access to the storage chamber.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A retractable stair assembly for a vehicle includes a track assembly mounted on a vehicle frame beneath a workbed, a step assembly, and first and second pivot assemblies that engage the track and step assemblies together. The step assembly moves between a storage position where it is disposed between tracks of the track assembly, and an operational position where it extends outwardly from the tracks, through an aperture in the vehicle's wall panel, and angles downwardly toward the ground. A foldable handrail on the step assembly moves between a collapsed position and an extended position. The handrail is in the extended position when the step assembly is operational and folds to the collapsed position when the step assembly is stored. A door is engaged with the track assembly and covers the aperture when the step assembly is stored. A flange extends from the door and supports a license plate thereon.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A handrail assembly for a tank trailer and a yoke assembly for the same. Handrail assembly provides a safety device for an operator walking along a top wall of the tank trailer. The handrail assembly includes a top rail, a plurality of vertical members, a safety wire and, sometimes, a bottom rail. Each yoke assembly secures one of the top and bottom ends of the vertical members to either of the top and bottom rails or to a mounting bracket on the tank. Each yoke assembly includes a base member engaged partially in a bore of the vertical member, and a cradle member engaged with an exterior wall of the top or bottom rails or mounting bracket. Base and cradle members are secured together by a pivot pin. Fluid-actuated cylinders extending between the vertical members and the tank move the handrail assembly between collapsed and expanded positions.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A trailer including a body having a cavity formed by an upper surface and a lower surface, at least a portion of a coupling assembly disposed within the cavity and having a reinforcement plate proximate the lower surface, a distribution plate, at least one support beam, and a top plate, wherein the distribution plate is disposed atop the reinforcement plate, the at least one support beam is disposed atop the distribution plate, and the top plate is disposed atop the at least one support beam.