Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle body having a receiving hopper with a pendulum packer device mounted for arcuate movement therewithin, a tapered storage compartment for receiving refuse material from the receiving hopper, a tailgate assembly having a pneumatic mechanism for controlling the tailgate latch mechanism, and an ejection system for dumping the refuse material collected within the storage compartment, the storage compartment having a trough or channel associated with its top portion for housing the hydraulic cylinders associated with the pendulum packer device and the tailgate assembly. The hydraulic cylinder associated with the ejection system as well as the hydraulic tank and hydraulic fluid cooler associated with the vehicle body are all positioned over hazmat containment devices to contain any leakage from these components during normal operation. The tapered storage compartment is formed by joining two rectangular sheets of material to a pair of wedge shaped members.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle body having a receiving hopper with a pendulum packer device mounted for arcuate movement therewithin, a tapered storage compartment for receiving refuse material from the receiving hopper, a tailgate assembly having a pneumatic mechanism for controlling the tailgate latch mechanism, and an ejection system for dumping the refuse material collected within the storage compartment, the storage compartment having a trough or channel associated with its top portion for housing the hydraulic cylinders associated with the pendulum packer device and the tailgate assembly. The hydraulic cylinder associated with the ejection system as well as the hydraulic tank and hydraulic fluid cooler associated with the vehicle body are all positioned over hazmat containment devices to contain any leakage from these components during normal operation. The tapered storage compartment is formed by joining two rectangular sheets of material to a pair of wedge shaped members.

Abstract: A multipurpose trailer including a trailer structure, a wheel assembly and a hitch assembly is disclosed, wherein the lower level includes a first cargo space such as for containing and transporting livestock. An upper level is located above the lower level, and includes a second cargo space adapted and constructed to provide, for instance, living space for humans. A roof assembly is connected to the upper level, whereby the roof assembly is convertible between a first, closed position in which the roof assembly is folded over the second cargo space of the upper level, and a second, open position in which the roof assembly is open to the ambient environment.

Abstract: An animal-resistant container includes a body and a lid. The body has an interior volume in which refuse may be placed. At least one latch mechanism is secured in the body and at least one latch receptacle is secured in the lid. The latch mechanism is engaged with the latch receptacle to secure the lid to the body and prevent access to the interior volume. The latch mechanism can be actuated by a gripping arm of a refuse pickup vehicle to release the latch mechanism from the latch receptacle so that contents of the container can be emptied during automated collection. A tilt sensor detects tilting movement of the container, and the latch mechanism is prevented from actuation following detection of the tilting movement so that an animal intruder cannot tip over the container and gain entry into the container.

Abstract: A sheeting system for an open-topped goods container (11) of a vehicle (10) has a cover (15) including a generally rectangular main area (32) for covering the open top and a pair of generally triangular side flaps (20) to extend down over the opposed side walls of the container. Elastic cords (26) are arranged to pull each side flap (20) to a folded position where it overlies the main area (32). A pull-cord (40) is used to move each side flap to a deployed position overlying the side of the container and then the apex (23) of the flap is tied down to a fixed point to maintain the flap in that position. To stow the cover, the side flaps (20) are released to return to their folded positions whereafter the cover (15) is wound on to a roller (18) at one end of the container (11).

Abstract: A feed truck compartment lid control system. The system includes coupled feed compartment lids on an upper surface of a feed truck trailer and includes cylinders in proximity of the lids such that the cylinders require much less force and power, and thus much less air pressure, to open and close the lids. The cylinder arms are connected directly to elongated bars that couple a plurality of feed compartment lids to one another. At least one of the lids includes wheels to allow the lids to travel across the upper surface of the feed truck trailer as they are opened and closed.

Abstract: A cover system (10) for an open-topped container, such as a transfer trailer (T), includes a cover (11) carried by a support frame (13) pivotably mounted to the container. The support frame includes a triangular construct (20) at the opposite ends of the container to improve the rigidity of the cover system. A continuous drive shaft (28) extends along the length of the container and is connected to the support frame. A drive assembly (15) rotates the continuous drive shaft to pivot the cover between retracted and deployed positions. The drive assembly is reversible to accommodate covers mounted on either side of the container.

Abstract: A tarping system that automatically covers and prevents trash from spilling from a trash opening in the rear vertical panel of a CRC. The tarping system automatically draws a tarp from the lower edges of the trash opening up over the opening, effectively closing the opening completely. The lower edges of the tarp are secured around the lower side edges and bottom edge of the trash opening of the CRC and the upper edges are secured to a tarping bar. The tarping bar is spring-biased to automatically swing upward when the CRC is moved away from a trash compactor site, in the process collecting any trash that spills from the trash opening and preventing trash from slipping from the CRC at the bottom of the tarp.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a body assembly of a refuse vehicle includes forming a first, second and third components of the assembly. A first and second locating constructions are formed in the first component. The second component is formed so as to have a first mating structure which is adapted to mate with the first locating construction in the first component so as to uniquely locate the second component with respect to the first component. The third component is formed so as to have a second mating structure which is adapted to mate with the second locating construction in the first component so as to uniquely locate the third component with respect to the first component.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a transport container cover using a gantry assembly. The gantry assembly supports a cover assembly for housing a cover to be deployed over a load. The gantry assembly has a three telescoping sections including a base section fixed with respect to a truck, a top section fixed to the cover assembly and a middle section therebetween. The sections are adjustable to a height such that the cover will extend above the transport container and the load therein. A lift mechanism aids the movement of the gantry assembly upward along with the cover assembly. The sections telescope from one another as the lift mechanism rises, thereby allowing the cover to be raised several feet above the truck cab or container.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a container of a vehicle, wherein the container has a first end and a second end. The cover assembly comprises a retractable cover having a first end attached to a roller assembly and a second end attached to a cover support element, and rolling means adapted to roll the cover upon the roller assembly. The cover support element is supported by at least one pivot arm at an upper end thereof. The pivot arm is pivotable about a lower end thereof at a point intermediate the two ends of the container and adjacent the bottom of the container, between a first position in which the cover support element is adjacent the first end of the container and a second position in which the cover support element is adjacent the second end of the container. The roller assembly is mounted for movement between a lower position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roof door opening and closing device for a roof opening type container.

Abstract: A retractable cover system for a tipper trailer body (11) of a truck includes a cover (30) for the top of the trailer body (11), and a winder pulley (52) for controlling the movement of the cover (30) across the top of the trailer body (11). An endless cable (53) which connects to the cover (30), has its movement controlled by the winder pulley (52) and a plurality of support pulleys (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 59, 60) also support the movement of the endless cable (53). The arrangement of the support pulleys (44 to 48, 59, 60) and endless cable (53) is such that by operation of the winder pulley (52), the cover is retractably moved over the top of the trailer body (11).

Abstract: A contractible cover assembly for the load carrying body of a vehicle includes canopy frame cover structure mounted upon a plurality of drive train team members longitudinally moveable along laterally spaced guide track rails to extend or retract the canopy frame cover structure from an open stored position wherein the truck bed is substantially uncovered and the closed covering position wherein the truck bed is closed by the canopy frame cover structure. The laterally spaced guide rails may be mounted along the longitudinal side surface of a vehicle bed or the vertically extending sidewall portions of a vehicle bed for supporting the drive train team members during movement thereon. The canopy frame cover structure includes canopy frames having a rib portion integral with and bridging a pair of support legs, the rib portion having a length sufficient to extend traversely across the width of the vehicle cargo bed and the support legs being attached to and supported by the plurality of drive train members.

Abstract: The invention is a multipurpose adaptor box for a dump truck designed to fit into the dump truck box of a dump truck. The adaptor box has an exterior surface that surrounds an interior chamber so that the box defines essentially a bottom and four sides with an open top. The rear side of the adaptor box (i.e. the tailgate) includes a door means for providing access to the interior chamber. The door is swing mounted on hinges to the exterior surface of the adaptor box and has an opening passing through it that is designed to allow a leaf blower system to be attached to the adaptor box so that lawn refuse can easily be loaded into the adaptor box when desired. A removable opening cover, capable of being mounted to the door, is provided for covering the opening when it is not needed. The open top of the adaptor box is defined by the top edges of the side walls. A grate is used to cover the top opening to the adaptor box.

Abstract: A truck bed having a longitudinally movable bulkhead for ejecting material carried therein. A cab cover plate is pivotally attached to a carriage coupled to the bulkhead. A mechanism for pivoting the cab cover plate to remove the material carried thereon is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle cover system includes a cover member which covers the open top of the vehicle body. The cover member is mounted on a frame extending longitudinally down each side of the body. The central portion of the cover member is mounted to the body. Each frame is pivoted to the body along a hinge axis which is offset from and parallel to the center line of the cover member so that there is selective access to the interior of the body along each side when the cover is pivoted to its open position. The body is closed when the cover is pivoted to its closed position. The cover and its frame are moved to and from the open position by a handle. Resilient members are provided which react against the frame to urge the frame to the open position once the handle is actuated.

Abstract: A tiltable truck body is specially adapted for loading, transport, and unloading of recyclable waste materials. Plural interior waste compartments are separated by independently controlled inner doors. Side mounted buckets mounted on roller tracks and connected to a hydraulic drive assembly by hinged lift arms permit separable curbside loading and dumping of waste material in confined areas.

Abstract: A container of monococque construction having a peripheral wall comprised of concentric inner and outer walls, with the space between the walls being filled with a plastics material. At least one of the inner and outer walls is a spirally-wound tube having raised seams projecting into the space between the inner and outer walls. The container is particularly adapted to form the body of a waste compactor for use as a bulk container for both fluid and particulate materials.

Abstract: A truck cover having an improved telescopic arm assembly for drawing a cover across an open topped truck body or other vessel or container. The assembly is powered by a pneumatic, hydraulic or other power source and comprises a pair of pivoting telescopic arms motivated by actuators The activators cause the telescopic arms to move pivotally from one end of the container to the opposite end and during the pivotal movement to cause the telescopic arms to retract as they move to a vertical position and to extend as they move from the vertical position to the opposite end of the container. The extension and retraction of the telescopic arms during pivotal movement from one end of the container to the opposite end causes a flexible cover carried by the upper ends of the telescopic arms to be drawn across the container in a low trajectory resulting in improved ease and safety of operation and reduced opportunity for damage to the flexible cover.

Abstract: Vehicle for transporting refuse or the like comprising a container (2) secured to the frame (1) of the vehicle and provided with a rear foldable wall, the container (2) being transversely separated with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle into two parts, the front part (3) being secure to the frame (1) of the vehicle and the rear part (4) being connected to the frame (1) of the vehicle so as to tilt upwardly about a transversal axis (5) situated at the end of the vehicle; in the container (2) there is arranged a pusher plate (15) covering the inner cross-section of the container, connected to a pushing drive (16) and displaceably arranged from the end of the container situated on the driver side longitudinally at least up to the guiding area of the container (2).

Abstract: A mechanism to control opening/closing of a container door[s] is disclosed. The mechanism is generally located at one end of the container and utilizes a geometric arrangement of opposing fluid actuated cylinders, control members and pivot members to control movement of the doors. A control mechanism allows an operator to selectively open the doors simultaneously or independently. In the preferred embodiment, the control members are rigid members each attached at its top end to a respective door and at its bottom end to a respective pivot member rotatably mounted to the container. Distances between each of the control member bottom ends and a respective one of the rotatable mounts of the respective pivot member to the container for both control members are substantially equal.

Abstract: A tarp cover system is disclosed for an open-topped truck or trailer container, including a tarp cover member adapted to overlie the container to close the chamber therein, the front end portion of the cover member being fastened with the external surface of the container front wall. The rear end portion of the cover is fastened to the transverse portion of a generally U-shaped normally-vertically-oriented inverted bow member that extends transversely above the container and includes downwardly directed leg portions that extend downwardly for pivotal connection with a longitudinally displaceable carrier arrangement, whereby the bow member is displaceable in opposite directions longitudinally of the container to cover and uncover the container chamber, respectively. When the bow member is in the rear container-uncovering position, it may be pivoted rearwardly and downwardly about the lower ends of its leg portions toward a generally horizontal cover-tensioning position in which it is secured by tie lines.

Abstract: A shiftable cover for a manure spreader is provided that is easily shiftable between a closed position wherein the spillage of liquid and semiliquid manure from the spreader is inhibited, to an open position which allows for the direct top loading of the spreader. The cover includes a pair of hinged together shiftable plates and extensible piston and cylinder assemblies for shifting the plates between opened and closed positions within a minimum operating envelope. The plates are arranged so as to scrapingly engage the manure spreader top wall for self cleaning of the top wall and the cover during the shifting of the plates.

Abstract: Top closing doors are pivotally mounted on a trailer and are provided with a driving mechanism including a drive cylinder connected by a pin to an endless chain extended in figure-eight fashion around opposed sprockets at the ends of the trailer. The doors are driven by swinging arms connected to the sprockets so as to move in opposite directions during opening and closing and provide full 270.degree. opening movement. The chain includes a master drive link to provide driving stability and an adjustable link passing in guiding relationship to the master link and for providing the required driving tension. The master link is driven by a drive pin connected to a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A storage apparatus including a supporting frame, a bottom portion, sidewall portions, end portions and a roof portion, the bottom, sidewall, end and roof portions forming an enclosed chamber, one of the end portions being pivotally connected to at least one of the bottom, sidewall or roof portions, the roof portion including sections pivotally connected to other sections thereof, counter-balancing means operatively connected to the pivotally connected sections of the roof portion, a movable member vertically disposed within the chamber substantially parallel to the end portions and movable therebetween, means for moving the movable member including traversing means disposed adjacent substantially the full length of the junctures of the roof portion with the sidewall portions and disposed adjacent substantially the full length of the junctures of the sidewall portions with the bottom portion, and drive means operatively connected to the movable member through the traversing means.

Abstract: A front end loader which includes a refuse storage body mounted on a supporting vehicle with the storage body having an upper opening for the deposit of refuse within the body. Means are provided on the vehicle for picking up a refuse container and lifting the container to dump refuse therefrom into the storage body through the upper opening. Closure means are positioned adjacent the upper opening. Closure means are positioned adjacent the upper opening with the closure means being movable between an open and a closed position. The closure means are shaped and positioned to shield the opening from the wind when the closure means is in its open position and means are provided to exert a downward packing force on the closure means in moving it from its open to its closed position to exert a positive downward packing force on refuse which is contacted by the closure means.

Abstract: A front end loader includes a refuse storage body mounted on a supporting vehicle with the storage body having an upper opening for the deposit of refuse within the body. Closure members are movable between opened and closed positions adjacent the upper opening. The closure members shield the opening from the wind in their opened position and exert a downward packing force in moving from the opened to the closed position. The downward packing force is increased as the closure members approach the closed position. The free ends of the closure members provide a shearing action on the refuse overhanging the opening. Latching members latch the closure members to the storage body in the closed position of the closure member and move upwardly toward the opened position. The latching members may include first members on the storage body engageable with, and disengageable from, second members on the closure members.

Abstract: A wheeled container having a rectangular bottom and a semi-cylindrical cover, part of which is formed as a telescoping lid. The bottom has a low sill and upwardly extending end walls, the end opposite the wheel having a lifting handle and legs. In one embodiment the lid is guided and supported by a pair of curved tracks inside the end walls.