Abstract: A system and method for enabling a commodity trailer having conventional gravity discharge slide gates to operate with a pneumatic discharge configuration on an as-needed basis is provided. A pneumatic discharge gate, which supports a pneumatic discharge assembly, is configured to directly replace the gravity fed hopper gate and to be retained on the same hopper structure that supported the slide gate so that the slide gate and the pneumatic discharge gate, and the uses thereof, are fully interchangeable.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a commodity trailer having conventional gravity discharge slide gates to operate with a pneumatic discharge configuration on an as-needed basis is provided. A pneumatic discharge gate, which supports a pneumatic discharge assembly, is configured to directly replace the gravity fed hopper gate and to be retained on the same hopper structure that supported the slide gate so that the slide gate and the pneumatic discharge gate, and the uses thereof, are fully interchangeable.

Abstract: A side rail apparatus facilitates the securement of a load being carried on the bed or deck of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a side rail and a tie plate. The side rail has an upper horizontal member configured to be substantially continuous with the deck support surface when mounted to the vehicle, and a vertical member that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal member. The vertical member has a horizontally directed recess formed in a top outer edge thereof to create a generally horizontal slot with a side opening through which the tie plate is received. The shape of the tie plate and of the slot is such that the tie plate, once inserted in the slot, is self-retained therein and will not disengage while the securement device is attached and tightened. In addition, the placement of the slot in the vertical member of the side rail effectively prevents material of various types from accumulating in the slot such that the side rail apparatus is ready for use with minimal preparation and effort.

Abstract: A trap closure device for opening and closing a discharge opening of a hopper on a trailer or vehicle. The closure device includes a generally rectangular frame assembly which supports a horizontally sliding door assembly on plastic type rollers as the door travels to open and close the discharge opening at one end of the frame assembly. An operating shaft assembly is supported above the sliding door assembly near the other end of the frame assembly to provide increased ground clearance. The door assembly has a slightly inclined top surface that opens away from the discharge opening and thus reduces friction when opening the device. The shaft assembly includes a single shaft attached to front and rear straps that forcibly pull open the door assembly when the shaft is rotated in one direction and forcibly pull close the door assembly when the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A lock and release mechanism for vertically elevatable decks in a livestock trailer including a plurality of vertical rows of vertically spaced, pivotally mounted, locking pins located at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations along each side of the livestock trailer. Each of the locking pins is connected to an operating arm extending radially from the axis of the pivotal locking pins. An operating rod is pivotally connected with the arms at each location for movement of all of the locking pins from a locking position to a released out of the way position by an operator at ground level. The lock and release mechanism of this invention enables livestock or other cargo to be sequentially loaded on decks at trailer floor level and sequentially raised. The deck locking pins automatically pivot out of the path of deck supporting hooks during elevation of a deck and return to a position to support the deck hooks when a loaded deck is lowered.

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 generally horizontal load bed is provided including a longitudinal marginal edge and a plurality of cantilever support arms are spaced along the marginal edge of the support bed and pivotally supported therefrom at one set of corresponding ends of the arms for angular displacement of the arms relative to said load bed about upstanding axes for swinging between extended positions with the other set of corresponding ends of the arms projecting outwardly from the load bed marginal edge and folded positions with the arms generally paralleling the load bed marginal edge. An elongated extension panel assembly is provided and parallels the load bed marginal edge and overlies and is supported from the support arms.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated tailgate associated with a low bed, semi-trailer vehicle has a pivoted extension that is displaceable between an extended position coplanar with the ramp surface of the tailgate and a bumper position transverse to and underlying the ramp surface. A hydraulic actuating mechanism displacing the extension to the bumper position, simultaneously locks the tailgate mechanically to the frame of the semi-trailer vehicle.

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.