Abstract: A latching device to connect two adjacent members (e.g. sections of a stake type truck body) is provided. The latching device is comprised of two basic members, a latching assembly and a receiving member, each attached to one of the adjacent members. The latching assembly includes a latch rod which is slidably and rotatably attached to one of the members and a spring. The spring biases the latch rod away from the receiving member. The receiving member is connected to the second member and may have a slot therein. The latch rod has an engaging end which is received within the slot and has two engaging surfaces. These two engaging surfaces firmly engage two receiving surfaces of the receiving member when the latching device is latched.

Abstract: A latching device to connect two adjacent members (i.e. truck panels) is provided. The latching device is comprised of two parts, a movable latching member and a receiving member, each attached to adjacent panels. The movable latching member is comprised of a plate, a retaining bracket, a latch rod and a spring. The latch rod has a ring fixedly attached thereto and is rotatably and slidably received within the retaining bracket, which is in turn attached to the plate. The spring circumferentially surrounds a portion of the latch rod and has its ends abutting the bracket and the ring thereby biasing the rod toward its retaining position. The receiving means is connected to a second panel and has a slot therein. The latch rod has an engaging end which is received within the slot and firmly engages the slot.

Abstract: Provided is a brace for preventing a truck body from falling when raised above its chassis for maintenance, inspection or servicing. The brace includes a support column, one end of which is pivotally connected to a body longsill and the other end is retained by a release mechanism located on the body for holding the column in riding position. Provided on the chassis is a retainer for securely retaining the column when it extends between the body (when raised) and chassis as a brace to prevent the body from falling. A stop is provided for limiting the pivot angle of the column. The brace is installed in supporting position without an operator having to locate any portion of his body under the truck body while raised. This is accomplished by actuating the release mechanism to release the column. The body is then raised from remote control location and the column pivots until it abuts its stop mechanism which locates the lower end of the column above the retainer on the chassis.