Abstract: A torque box chassis frame for firefighting vehicles or the like constituting a platform for extendible aerial ladders. The vehicle torque box chassis frame includes elongated lower and upper members significantly spaced from each other having rigid bracing structure interposed therebetween resulting in a rigid elongated box of significant rectangular cross section dimension. The torque box chassis frame rear end is defined by a rigid ladder turntable support including its own vertical rigid columns, and spaced outrigger support tubes for receiving hydraulic outrigger jacks are integrally defined on the torque box chassis frame to provide firm support of the torque box upon the ground eliminating the influence of the vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: A fire truck characterized by its reduced operating noise level and improved drive train includes a frame having front and rear regions. An occupant cab is mounted upon the frame front region, and the engine is located at the rear region having a transmission associated therewith. A gear box mounted upon the frame intermediate the front and rear regions includes a close coupled fire pump attached thereto and the gear box includes an input shaft directly connected to the engine transmission. An output shaft of the gear box is directly connected to the differential associated with the vehicle rear wheels, and shifting means within the gear box selectively connects the engine and transmission to the differential or the fire pump. The fire pump gear box eliminates an intermediary transfer case and provides significant cost and weight advantages as well as eliminating the need for special power transmitting components.

Abstract: Playground apparatus including a plurality of conventional playground swings which are supported for oscillatory or reciprocating movement above a ground surface by swing support structure. The apparatus further includes a target object which may be an inflated or air-filled spherical ball pendulously supported above the ground surface. The swings may be disposed so that the normal paths of their travel converge toward the target object so that participants using the swing may attempt to contact the target object as a play activity. Alternative target objects and swing configurations are disclosed.