Abstract: A mechanical drop-away ceiling may include a frame and a panel. The frame may be configured to be suspended above a floor. The frame may include a movable element movable between a closed position and an open position. The panel may be selectively retained at the frame by the movable element in the closed position and may be free to drop away from the frame when the movable element is in the open position.

Abstract: A contact strip lighting system for vehicular truck bodies, semi-trailer or trailer truck bodies and other installations where a plurality of lights are to be connected to a power source. The contact strip lighting system of this invention includes a laminated contact tape which consists of an inner or bottom layer having adhesive material for attachment to a truck body or other mounting surface and being constructed of insulating material to insulate an encapsulated conductor strip from the mounting surface. An intermediate layer is in the form of a single flat metallic conductor strip insulated between the bottom layer and top layer of the laminated strip. An outer or top layer is constructed of insulating material and is used to insulate the conductor strip and provided with a reflective outer surface to enable approaching vehicle operators to more readily see the truck body when the contact strip is attached thereto.

Abstract: A load body is provided defining at least one upstanding wall construction, including laterally spaced upstanding structural members spaced therealong and upper and lower downwardly and upwardly facing surfaces extending along upper and lower marginal portions of the one wall construction. Each pair of adjacent structural members includes adjacent marginal portions defining outwardly facing abutment and seal surfaces extending therealong and outwardly facing abutment surface portions spaced therealong, each spaced at least slightly from the corresponding abutment and seal surface toward the adjacent structural member.

Abstract: A body wall having a horizontal length and a vertical height and including a plurality of elongated upstanding panel members spaced along the wall and including adjacent laterally overlapped longitudinal side marginal strips. One marginal strip of each pair of overlapped side marginal strips is generally planar and the other marginal strip is slightly laterally offset to one side of the corresponding panel member and includes laterally spaced generally coplanar opposite longitudinal marginal border portions and a longitudinally extending central channel portion disposed between and formed integrally with the border portions with the central channel portion opening toward the aforementioned one marginal strip. Securing structure secures at least longitudinally spaced portions of each of the border portions of the other marginal strip to corresponding portions of the one marginal strip toward which the central channel portion of the other marginal strip opens.

Abstract: A drop center trailer having at least one compartment forward of the drop center portion is provided with a hinged gate and ramp assembly connected to the trailer between the drop center and the forward portions. When the trailer is used with decks in the forward compartment or with vertically movable decks over the drop center portion, the gate and ramp assembly is used to provide access between the various levels within the trailer. Furthermore, if a movable deck is used in the drop center portion and aligned with the flooring of the forward portion, the gate and ramp assembly can be swung adjacent to the side of the trailer to provide clearance for straight through loading of freight.

Abstract: A drop center livestock trailer is provided with a deck which is vertically adjustable within the trailer body to two separate positions for accommodating various forms of livestock and freight. A sectional gate structure which extends for either the full or a part of the inside trailer width is incorporated in the trailer for assuming a first position in which it acts as a gate limiting the movement of livestock in the trailer and a second position wherein it supports a ramp for facilitating the loading and unloading of the livestock. The ram is pivotally attached to one end of the movable deck and is supported by a lower section of the sectional gate structure. The ramp is allowed to drop from its normal horizontal to an inclined position by moving the lower section of the gate structure to an inclined position. Connected to the lower gate section is an upper gate section which is pivotally connected to the sidewalls of the trailer.

Abstract: A ramp leg guard for use with livestock trailers and the like including panels which are automatically positioned and latched along at least one side of a ramp structure when said ramp structure is moved to an open position for loading or unloading of the trailer. In one embodiment a single panel is provided on each side of the ramp with said ramp being used with a trailer of drop-center, pull type. In another embodiment double panel structure is provided on only one side of the ramp with the other side of the ramp being enclosed by the side of the trailer. Both embodiments employ spring loaded hinges to automatically retract the guard panels and the ramp structure as well as latch mechanism for positively retaining the guard panels in tight engagement with the ramp structure in the extended position.

Abstract: A boat dock assembled from portable sections hingedly connected to each other and provided with foldable and adjustably extensible leg assemblies. Each section is formed from tread retaining decking members made of extruded metal sections interconnected in close parallel spaced relation by interlocking elements. Pivotally separable half-shell foot elements are connected to the leg assemblies for stabilized support of the dock sections.