Abstract: A system for routing an elongated line of an over the highway tractor having a connector for powering a component of a trailer. An elongated line, such as an electrical cable or an air hose, has a first mating connector that mates with a connector on the tractor that provides access to a source of air under pressure or electrical energy. The elongated line also includes a second mating connector that mates with a connector on a trailer. First and second releasable hooks are connected to the elongated line along the length of the line. The first and second hooks are secured to mounting points on the tractor to properly route the cable when the second connector is connected to the trailer and when the second connector is not connected to the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer towing device can be swivelled from an operative position into an inoperative position and back. During an adjusting from the operative position into the inoperative position, a socket for an electrical plug device of a trailer is continuously taken along. The coupling neck of the trailer towing device as well as the socket are covered in the vehicle in their inoperative position.

Abstract: A system for routing an elongated line of an over the highway tractor having a connector for powering a component of a trailer. An elongated line, such as an electrical cable or an air hose, has a first mating connector that mates with a connector on the tractor that provides access to a source of air under pressure or electrical energy. The elongated line also includes a second mating connector that mates with a connector on a trailer. First and second releasable hooks are connected to the elongated line along the length of the line. The first and second hooks are secured to mounting points on the tractor to properly route the cable when the second connector is connected to the trailer and when the second connector is not connected to the trailer.

Abstract: An aircraft ground power unit (GPU) is equipped with a device that warns personnel with a flashing light and a siren when the unsafe condition exists of the GPU being connected to both the tug and the aircraft at the same time. Similar devices can be used on other towed vehicles that can cause damage to vehicles or structures if towed away while still attached to the vehicle or structure.

Abstract: A system for routing an elongated line of an over the highway tractor having a connector for powering a component of a trailer. An elongated line, such as an electrical cable or an air hose, has a first mating connector that mates with a connector on the tractor that provides access to a source of air under pressure or electrical energy. The elongated line also includes a second mating connector that mates with a connector on a trailer. First and second releasable hooks are connected to the elongated line along the length of the line. The first and second hooks are secured to mounting points on the tractor to properly route the cable when the second connector is connected to the trailer and when the second connector is not connected to the trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting cable, hose and the like between a tractor and trailer of a tractor-trailer rig. The apparatus includes a base member attached to the frame of the tractor and a tubular sleeve member extending vertically therefrom. A support member has a portion insertable into the sleeve member for rotation therein and from an upper end of which extends, at an angle therewith, an arm portion. An attachment member is connected to the distal end of the arm member for attachment to cable, hose and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting cable, hose and the like between a tractor and trailer of a tractor-trailer rig. The apparatus includes a base member attached to the frame of the tractor and a tubular sleeve member extending vertically therefrom. A support member has a portion insertable into the sleeve member for rotation therein and from an upper end of which extends, at an angle therewith, an arm portion. An attachment member is connected to the distal end of the arm member for attachment to cable, hose and the like.

Abstract: The invention is for a wheeled platform on which components can be assembled to create architectures for task performing machines. The major components of a machine assembled on the wheeled platform are a propulsion component, a power supply component, and a task-performing component. Articulation between the components is provided by means of interfaces, and a coupling attachment is provided for linking controls and utilities between the components.

Abstract: This invention relates to a connecting device comprising first and second coupling members for connection to a towing and towed vehicle. The coupling members are lockingly engageable for connecting the vehicles in a towing relationship. A power supply conductor is provided for in use supplying power to rear lights of the towing vehicle. A pair of interengageable contacts are provided in the power supply conductor, one contact on each coupling member, the contacts engaging each other when the coupling members lockingly engage each other. A signal transmitter arrangement is provided for transmitting a control signal when power is supplied to a rear light provided on the towing vehicle. A signal receiver arrangement is provided for receiving the control signal and activating at least one rear light of the towed vehicle in accordance with the control signal.

Abstract: A double-castered wheel trailer having a pair of lockable caster wheels. The lockable caster wheels are adapted to be locked for a trailing mode of operation and a backing mode of operation. The double-castered wheel trailer further includes a multi-planar adapting hitch-to-trailer coupler. The multi-planar adapting hitch-to-trailer includes a horizontal pivot member adapted to be secured to a pair of hitch balls and pivot in a horizontal plane about the towing vehicle. Further included is a vertical swivel member coupled to the horizontal pivot member and the trailer frame to independently rotate the trailer frame about said horizontal pivot member.

Abstract: Motor vehicle 12 is towed by a second motor vehicle 10. The towed vehicle has a hydraulic or pneumatic suspension with rams 44 at wheels 46, pressure feed hoses 58, height sensors 60, and signal wires 62. Ride height is normally maintained by an electric motor and pump unit 48. Hydraulic control unit 52 and ECU (electrical control unit) 30 co-operate to pressurize and regulate the suspension when ignition switch 38 is activated. Accumulator 55 may be provided to reduce the number of pump cycles. To allow towing of vehicle 12 with suspension height maintained, but ignition switched off, electrical socket 24 is provided on the towed vehicle. This may be connected by cable 26, 28 to socket 16 on the towing vehicle. A spur (41, 43; FIG. 2) may be taken from the cable to provide power to a trailer-type lighting board. The towed vehicle may be an amphibian.

Abstract: The invention provides for the management and protection of excess lengths of utility cables in extendable semi-trailers. Utility cables are affixed to the front and rear sections of an extendable semi-trailer and are threaded through a protective carrier that can bend in only one direction. This directionally restrained carrier rests within a channel that shields the carrier and the cables from wear and tear and which constrains the bending of the carrier to one trans-channel turn. As the trailer is extended, the front and rear sections of the trailer and therefore the ends of the cables and carrier will move relative to one another. The cables and carrier move within the channel from a generally “U”-shaped pattern to a generally “J”-shaped pattern as the trailer moves from the retracted to the extended position.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer (10) comprises a tractor (12) and a trailer (14), a trailer coupling (12b) and a supply coupling (16/18) between the two component vehicles (12, 14) with a tractor-side coupling half (16) and a trailer-side coupling half (18), which can be coupled together by bringing them together along a predefined coupling axis (K). One of the coupling halves (16) is connected to the supply unit of the associated first component vehicle (12) through a flexible supply line (16d). To establish the coupled state between the two coupling halves (16, 18), an actuator (20) is arranged on the first component vehicle (12) that moves the first coupling half (16) toward the second coupling half (18) and joins the one to the other along the predefined coupling axis (K). The first coupling half (16) is arranged on the actuator (20) such that it can be oriented in all spatial directions at least within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A tow bar having a body portion, adapted to be attached to a towing vehicle and a pair of legs joined to the body portion and adapted to be attached to a towed vehicle. At least one of the legs defines a closed channel that can be opened to form an open channel. The channel is generally adapted to partially conceal and protect a safety cable of the sort generally required to be used in association with a tow bar.

Abstract: A protective cover for use in conjunction with a receiver hitch on a vehicle for towing a trailer. The protective cover includes a housing having a flexible frame and a jacket coupled to the frame by a living hinge. The flexible frame is formed to surround the receiver hitch and the jacket closes about the opening of the hitch. A locking mechanism is provided on the jacket opposite the living hinge to lock the jacket to the flexible frame about the receiving hitch. The flexible frame also includes a seat for supporting an electrical component such as a flat plug for supplying a light system to the trailer. The flat plug is removably placed within the seat and is covered by the jacket when the jacket is in a closed position. The jacket is also provided with an interior frame and an exterior frame for aiding in clamping the jacket around the opening of the receiver hitch. The interior frame of the jacket has an outer perimeter equal to or smaller than the interior perimeter of the receiver hitch.

Abstract: A holder, mountable on the back of a truck tractor cab, has two electrical plug receptacles and two gladhand keepers. The gladhand keepers are vertically directed and angled with respect to the mounting surface of the cab, so that an operator can store in the keepers the hose-end gladhands associated with the tractor without climbing on, leaning over, or stretching across the frame of the truck behind the cab. The electrical plug receptacles are at an angle away from the surface, making it easier for an operator to insert the plugs into the electrical plug receptacle and thereby reducing wear to the cables.

Abstract: In order to provide a trailer coupling for motor vehicles, in particular passenger vehicles, comprising a coupling ball, a coupling neck, the one end region of which is angled and bears the coupling ball, and a contact unit for providing a connection between a vehicle electrical system and a trailer electrical system, which is more easily accessible it is suggested that the contact unit be held on a pivoting arm, that the pivoting arm be mounted on a pivot bearing stationary with respect to the vehicle so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis and that the contact unit be movable with the pivoting arm from an operative position into a rest position and vice versa as a result of a pivoting movement about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting hydraulic or pneumatic hoses and electric cables which extend between a prime mover and a trailer, comprises an elongate channel shaped member 11 which is attached to an intermediate member 21, the intermediate member being attached to a bearing member 16. Elongate channel shaped member 11 can then swing from side to side and can hold the hoses or cables to prevent damage thereto. The cables can pass through the hollow bearing member 16 and into channel member 11 without needing to be unnecessarily exposed.

Abstract: A storage device for storing gladhands and an electrical connector of a truck or other vehicle that has pneumatic lines with the gladhands thereon and an electrical line with the electrical connector thereon. The storage device includes a housing having a plurality of sidewalls that define a storage area sized to receive the gladhands and electrical connector. The housing has an open side providing access to the storage area, and one of the plurality of sidewalls has an elongated slot therein that is sized to receive the pneumatic and electrical lines when the gladhands and electrical connector are positioned in the storage area. The slot has an open receiving end at the open end portion of the housing to allow the pneumatic and electrical lines to move into and out of the slot. The slot has a width dimension that is smaller than the gladhands and electrical connector to prevent the gladhands or electrical connector from moving through the slot and out of the housing.

Abstract: A device for mounting on the rear wall of a truck tractor including a housing and a lamp pivotally mounted on the housing, for illuminating a working area between the tractor and a trailer during hookup or to provide an additional safety warning light behind the tractor. The housing contains a receptacle and a pair of glad hand brackets mounted on side walls of the housing for retaining the plug end of an electrical power cord and the coupling ends of a pair of air pressure lines, respectively, when disconnected from the trailer. One of the male prongs of the receptacle is electrically connected to a switch mounted within the cab of the tractor for illuminating the lamp. This switch normally actuates one of the trailer accessories, such as its marking light, when the power cord is connected to the trailer.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle including a collection towing vehicle having a refuse loading mechanism for loading a semi-trailer coupled to a fifth wheel, the semi-trailer having a refuse collection body for receiving refuse from the refuse loading mechanism and a hoist mechanism for tilting the refuse collection body. The refuse collection system also includes a refuse transport vehicle which includes a transport towing vehicle having a fifth wheel for receiving a semi-trailer, and a dolly which may be coupled to the semi-trailer for towing additional semi-trailers. A control assembly is coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and the transport towing vehicle including the dolly, having control couplings for interconnection of control assemblies and control umbilicals for providing control to the various devices.

Abstract: A motor vehicle assembly, in particular a semi-trailer truck, with two partial vehicles and a plurality of supply lines between the two partial vehicles is proposed, where each of the supply lines has a line coupling with a line coupling half on the tractor side and a line coupling with a line coupling half on the trailer side.

Abstract: An improved gladhand security lock apparatus is locked to a gladhand brake line coupler to immobilize a trailer. The body of the security lock apparatus is formed with an abutment surface from which depends a clevis wall and a retainer turned back from the clevis wall and spaced from the abutment surface forming a tongue receiving bight. A guard plate is formed on an end of the body and a clip with an upturned rail member is formed parallel to the guard plate and spaced therefrom. The security lock apparatus is attached to the gladhand coupler so that a tongue of the gladhand is received in the tongue receiving bight, the abutment surface of the security lock apparatus overlies a port of the gladhand coupler, and a retainer flange formed on the gladhand coupler is received between the guard plate and the clip. The security lock apparatus body comprises a barrel. A lock housing is formed in a bore in the barrel perpendicular to and confronting a keeper bolt positioned in a keeper bolt receiving bore.

Abstract: In the case of an articulated train, there is between the two partial vehicles, that is to say the tractor vehicle (10) and the trailer vehicle (22), a supply coupling (32, 54) which closes automatically when the two partial vehicles are coupled together and opens automatically when the two partial vehicles are separated from each other (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A bracket 12 for mounting an electrical connector 28 to a trailer hitch assembly 10 is described. The bracket 12 is formed from a single sheet of material which is bent at two 90.degree. angles L1 and L2 to form a top section 12C and a first extension 12A and a second extension 12B. The top section 12C with the two extensions 12A and 12B have a U-shape which conforms with a hitch bar 22 having a rectangular or square cross-section on a trailer hitch assembly 10. The first and second extensions 12A and 12B are provided with securing holes 20 through which a nut and bolt assembly 18 is inserted to secure the bracket 12 to the hitch bar 22. The second extension 12B extends beyond the bottom 22B of the hitch bar 22 and has an aperture 14 through which an electrical connector 28 is mounted.

Abstract: A plate member is formed of a generally triangular configuration, with a rear edge arranged for mounting to an associated vehicular bumper, including a central opening and spaced, longitudinally aligned slots positioned on opposed sides of the central opening for permitting lateral adjustment of the plate relative to the bumper upon removal of a central fastener directed relative to the central bore. A plurality of openings mounted through the plate adjacent a forward apex of the plate are arranged for multiple positioning of a trailer hitch ball. A modification of the invention includes the selector plate arranged for selective mounting through a forward opening adjacent the apex, wherein the selector plate includes a plurality of trailer hitch ball members for securement to a respective trailer hitch ball permitting selective rotation of the selector plate relative to the forward opening permitting utilization of various sized trailer hitch balls.

Abstract: A heated box assembly including a case and a case support is mounted on a tractor chassis behind the cab. Within that case are electrical cable connections, heating elements, insulation, an electrical cable connection for a trailer mounted on a reel, and two air hoses mounted on reels for connection to the air brake system of a trailer. An alcohol injector used in combination with heating of the box avoids freezing of the hose. The heated box keeps the hose from freezing while the hose is in the box. When the air brakes are applied, the alcohol is injected into the hose and keeps the hose from freezing while in use.

Abstract: A pigtail connector for transferring electrical power between electrical systems of a tractor and trailer includes a housing and an integral light source. The light source is wired to terminals of opposite polarity in the housing. The light source may be activated by engaging the marker lights on the tractor/trailer and provides a safety light directed over the deck plate area at the rear of the tractor. A removable lens focuses the light into a beam directed longitudinally over the connector so as to illuminate the connection area.

Abstract: Car towing apparatus having a surge brake system on a tow bar adapted to be coupled to the brakes of the towed vehicle to actuate the same upon actuation of the brakes of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An improved kingpin includes a shaft pivotally secured within a bearing and mounted within a trailer, the kingpin being positioned in downward extension therefrom for secured engagement within a conventional fifth-wheel. Also included are couplers for automatically connecting a tractor's service lines to the trailer concurrent with the engagement of said kingpin within said fifth-wheel.

Abstract: A system for temporarily releasing spring actuated emergency brakes on semi-trailers without the necessity for the operator to leave the cab of the tractor for movement within marshalling yards comprises an air receiving valve centrally positioned at the front of the trailer a specific distance from the kingpin and connected to the emergency air system through a valve which seals the gladhand when the system is in use, an air injection probe extendibly mounted on a trolley which travels on an arcuate track mounted below and ahead of the fifth wheel of the tractor such that the probe travels in an arc at a distance from the center of the fifth wheel equal to that between the receiving valve and the king pin, a sensing switch for sensing alignment of the injector probe with the receiving valve, a drive mechanism for moving the trolley to align the injector probe and receiving valve, an air actuated cylinder for extending and retracting the injector probe to make and break contact with the receiving valve, a sol

Abstract: A hitch device for connecting an implement to a tractor is provided. A male plug is operatively connected to the three point hitch, power take-off and hydraulic system of the tractor. A female shell is operatively connected to the tongue, drive train and hydraulic system of the implement. The male plug and female shell can be connected and disconnected while the operator remains seated on the tractor. The mating engagement of the male plug within the female shell automatically connects the drive train of the implement to the power take-off of the tractor and automatically connects the hydraulic system of the implement to the hydraulic system of the tractor. Releasable locking clips are provided to lock the male plug within the female shell.

Abstract: An arrangement and assembly for making power connections during the hitching of an implement to a vehicle. The assembly includes mating halves of power connections located on hitch elements of the implement and vehicle respectively. Power connection halves are arranged so that the relative movement necessary between hitch elements of the implement and vehicle to accomplish their connection are also sufficient to cause coupling of the power connection. Alignment of the power connection halves is accomplished by a set of pins which engages a set of holes. The connector halves are resiliently mounted for axial movement in a direction parallel to the axis of the pins. Relative axial movement allows the power connections to be completed and the resilient mounting allows for a degree of axial misalignment.

Abstract: An intermediate trailer for use between a standard tractor and a standard trailer, the intermediate trailer having a chassis mounted at its rear end, consisting of a first portion which is fixed to the trailer and a second portion which is slidable relative to the first portion from a first position under the trailer to a second position extending rearwardly of the trailer, the second portion having wheels mounted thereon.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling a plurality of fluid and electrical lines between adjacent coupled vehicles wherein a plurality of elongated flexible fluid lines and electrical lines are grouped together to form a single elongated flexible group line with one end of the group line connected to respective fluid and electrical sources on one vehicle and the other end of the group line connected to respective fluid and electrical loads on the other vehicle through a single hybrid or combination fluid and electrical plug and socket arrangement. The plug and socket arrangement is comprised of a mounting bracket for the plug and a mounting bracket for the socket, one of which is secured to the second vehicle. The mounting brackets are adapted such that one bracket is readily hung on the other bracket and thereby automatically prealigns the plug and socket for engagement.

Abstract: An intermediate trailer for use between a standard tractor and a standard trailer, the intermediate trailer having a chassis mounted at its rear end, consisting of a first portion which is fixed to the trailer and a second portion which is slidable relative to the first portion from a first position under the trailer to a second position extending rearwardly of the trailer, the second portion having wheels mounted thereon.

Abstract: An intermediate trailer for use between a standard tractor and a standard trailer, the intermediate trailer having a chassis mounted at its rear end, consisting of a first portion which is fixed to the trailer and a second portion which is slidable relative to the first portion from a first position under the trailer to a second position extending rearwardly of the trailer, the second portion having wheels mounted thereon.

Abstract: An intermediate trailer for use between a standard tractor and a standard trailer, the intermediate trailer having a chassis mounted at its rear end, consisting of a first portion which is fixed to the trailer and a second portion which is slidable relative to the first portion from a first position under the trailer to a second position extending rearwardly of the trailer, the second portion having wheels mounted thereon.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle having front and rear wheeled sections coupled together for relative movement of the sections about fore-and-aft and upright axes, the coupling including a member of inverted L-shaped having rigidly united horizontal and upright legs in which the horizontal leg provides the fore-and-aft axis and the upright leg provides the upright axis, featuring further such member of hollow configuration to accommodate cables and the like. The construction lends itself to military vehicles of large size in which the hollow coupling can accommodate movement of crew members between the front and rear sections.

Abstract: A high density polyethylene molding frames an opening in a casting through which hydraulic hoses must pass to protect the hoses from abrasion in contacting the edges and sides of the casting opening. The molding is flexible and resilient to enable it to be snapped in and out of the opening in the casting while providing a generally frictionless surface against which the hoses may be guided in their normal movement through the opening under operating conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading a working machine to and from main equipment, comprising a pair of upper and lower supporting members disposed at main equipment, a pair of upper and lower fixtures disposed at the working machine so as to correspond to said pair of supporting members respectively, engagement projections and engagement hooks respectively disposed at said upper and lower supporting members, latch arms and fitting pins respectively disposed at said upper and lower fixtures, wedge means disposed between said upper supporting member and said upper fixture, and fixing means for fixing said wedge means, whereby the working machine may be readily and securely loaded to main equipment by wedging action of said wedge means, and may also be readily unloaded from main equipment.

Abstract: A telescopically extensible vehicle trailer is disclosed having closely adjacent pairs of longitudinal main beams on each of the respective trailer sections with the main beams of one section disposed between and closely inwardly adjacent the main beams of the other section, and having a floating safety lock bar extending transversely between and carried by the longitudinal main beams of one of the sections cooperative with front and rear limit position stops on the other trailer section to avoid accidental separation of the sections if the conventional locking device therefor is not properly operated. A support mechanism for a coiled electrical cable and air hose system arranged to avoid long unsupported spans of cables and hoses is also disclosed.

Abstract: A housing secured to a truck tractor body contains pneumatic and electrical outlets for supplying air pressure and electricity to a trailer for powering brakes and lights. The housing contains an inlet for receiving a pair of air hoses and an electrical cable connected respectively to electrical and pneumatic systems inside the tractor. Inside the housing, the hoses and cables are connected to outlets mounted on the housing shell. Helically coiled hose extensions and jumper cable are connected respectively from the pneumatic and electrical outlets on the housing to suitable inlet connectors on the trailer. When the extensions and jumper are not connected to the trailer, they are attached to retainer brackets on the housing for storage. A lamp is mounted to the housing for illuminating a working area between the tractor body and trailer during hookup of the hoses and cable. The lamp is controlled by a switch mounted on the housing. Other service valves and switches may be mounted in the housing.

Abstract: A vertical coupling or hitch shaft carried by one of a pair of articulated units in engagement with a complementary shaft-receiving bearing surface carried by another unit for joining the articulated vehicle is formed with an aperture through which flexible control lines are passed to interconnect controls positioned on the draft unit with operable actuators on the trailer unit to actuate the controlled functions.

Abstract: Multiple control linkages are provided between pivotally connected frames of a vehicle such that no change in the linkage geometry takes place due to the pivotal movement of one frame relative to the other. Specifically, in single or double articulated vehicles, the control levers or pedals are mounted on a first frame with the function that is to be operated being mounted on a second frame that is pivotally connected to the first frame about a pivot. Translation motion of links by movement of the levers or pedals is converted to rotary motion, which motion is transmitted from elements on the first frame by double universal joints to elements on the second frame where the rotary motion is converted to translation or other motion for controlling the operation of a functional piece of equipment, such as the throttle, transmission range or direction selection, or the bucket lift or tilt control.

Abstract: A tractor towed vehicle having a frame and hydraulic functions powered by a plurality of hydraulic devices. An electrohydraulic valve assembly is coupled to the devices and is rigidly secured to the frame of the towed vehicle. A switching assembly having a plurality of switches is adapted for electrically switching the valve assembly with a cable coupled between the switching assembly and the valve assembly. The switching assembly is disposed within the tractor cab for easy access of the plurality of switches to the operator of the tractor.

Abstract: A swingable tractor PTO shield assembly has an inverted, U-shaped, shield member which is slidably and swingably attached to bracket means on the tractor and which extends above and to the sides of the PTO shaft. The shield member has a plurality of notches on its tractor proximate side edges which slidably engage pins in the bracket to allow the shield member to be swung into and held in a plurality of positions. The shield assembly further includes a cover member swingable on the tractor and slidable on the shield member for covering the space between the tractor and the shield member and which in the lowered position abuts a raised portion on the shield member to prevent movement thereof while both are horizontal.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to shields for tractor power take-off shafts, commonly referred to as PTO shafts, and more particularly to shields that are used over the tractor proximate articulated joint of the PTO shaft.

Abstract: A swingable tractor PTO shield assembly has an inverted, U-shaped, shield member which is slidably and swingably attached to bracket means on the tractor and which extends above and to the sides of the PTO shaft. The shield member has a plurality of notches on its tractor proximate side edges which slidably engage pins in the bracket to allow the shield member to be swung into and held in a plurality of positions. The shield assembly further includes a cover member swingable on the tractor and slidable on the shield member for covering the space between the tractor and the shield member and which in the lowered position abuts a raised portion on the shield member to prevent movement thereof while both are horizontal.