CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/711,600 filed Nov. 13, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,457,921, issued Oct. 1, 2003, that claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/165,402 filed Nov. 13, 1999.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a pneumatic inflation system for use with a freight carrier, such as a tractor-trailer, along with reusable air bags inflatable with the inflation system for bracing freight and cargo during transit, thereby preventing damage to the freight.

2. Description of Prior Art

Transporting large freight over long distances is an integral part of virtually every industry. Trucks, railroad cars, airplanes, ships, etc., are all commonly used to transport goods. In general terms, however, a freight carrier, such as a tractor-trailer, temporarily stores the freight during transport. To this end, freight protection within the carrier has remained unchanged for many years. Damaged freight is considered a part of doing business. With specific reference to tractor-trailers, there are currently three methods used for protection of freight during transit.

One method used is load locks. Load locks protect the load from leaning or falling out of the end of the trailer. Load locks do not protect the entire load from damage. Load locks are cumbersome, difficult to maneuver, heavy and often fail during transit. Another method is the use of low grade, unreliable, one-time use, paper dunnage bags. These bags are used once and then cut up by the user at the destination, generating significant waste. Third, vinyl or plastic inflatable dunnage bags are also used in freight carriers where it is customary to fill the spaces between the cargo, or between the cargo and the walls of the freight carrier, to prevent the cargo from shifting and damaging either the cargo itself, and/or the walls of the freight carrier. These bags are inflated at the shipping dock. Typically, the freight protection is installed/provided when the freight is initially placed into the trailer. Trailer door is shut and the freight protection devices that were installed are expected to withstand the hazards of travel to the destination. Air bags often deflate during transit due to changes in pressure in and outside the trailer as the driver ascends and descends in the mountains. Air bags and other freight protection devices also fail and fall to the floor of the trailer over the rough roads and driver maneuvers. Unfortunately, once the tractor-trailer has left the dock, it is impossible to re-inflate the air bags, as a pressurized air source is no longer available.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a trailer pneumatic inflation system for use with a freight carrier, such as a tractor-trailer, is provided. The inflation system is available to inflate reusable air bags to cushion freight during shipment from one location to another. In one preferred embodiment, the inflation system includes an air control unit and an air coupler device. The air control unit is fluidly connectable to a compressed air storage reservoir of a tractor-trailer and supplies air to the air coupler device. In one preferred embodiment, the air control unit includes a brake protection valve and a control valve. The brake protection valve substantially disconnects the inflation system from the air storage reservoir in the event that the air pressure of the reservoir drops below a predetermined value, thereby preventing possible failure of the trailer's braking system. The control valve is available for a user to conveniently shut the inflation system off. In another preferred embodiment, the air control unit and the air coupler device are both mounted to the underside of a freight carrier defined by a front, a back, and opposing sides. The air control unit is positioned in close proximity to the carrier's air storage reservoir, whereas the air coupler device is positioned adjacent one of the sides.

In another preferred embodiment, the inflation system is available to inflate a plurality of inflatable bags useful for protecting freight stored within the freight carrier. The inflatable bags are preferably configured to be re-useable and each includes upper and lower latching tabs. These latching tabs are configured to receive a coupling device that secures the respective inflatable bag to the freight. With this configuration, the inflatable bag will not undesirably slide downwardly relative to the freight during transit.

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present invention are:

(a) to provide ability for the driver to make adjustments in freight protection during transit from origin to destination;

(b) to provide a trailer pneumatic inflation system in combination with inflatable air bags that can stabilize any type of cargo;

(c) to provide a trailer pneumatic inflation system in combination with inflatable air bags that will reduce driver tension, minimizing concern about shifting of the cargo in any direction;

(d) to provide a trailer pneumatic inflation system in combination with inflatable air bags that is easy and quick to install to stabilize cargo;

(e) to provide a trailer pneumatic inflation system that works secondary to the air braking system;

(f) to provide ability to inflate the air bags from the tractor-trailer;

(g) to provide a fail safe inflation device that ensures protection of the tractor-trailer;

(h) to provide on-board inflatability of air bags;

(i) to provide use of the truck trailers compressed air source (air tank);

(j) to provide continuous freight protection regardless of pressure and temperature changes within and outside the trailer, rough roads and hazardous travel using aligning and safety flaps on the air bags;

(k) to provide freight protection to the entire load;

(l) to provide an appropriate type of air bag suitable to protect the size of freight being hauled;

(m) to provide for a reduction of waste in the transportation industry, providing a reusable inflatable air bag over the one-time use paper air bag; and

(n) to provide for reliable freight protection device.

Further advantages are to provide inflatable air bags that can be made from any suitable material of engineering choice, such as plastic, vinyl, paper or the like. Further advantages are' to provide lateral restraint and proper distribution of air bags using aligning flaps that can be fastened to each other using any suitable material of engineering choice such as a bungee cord, rubber band, rope, elastic material or the like. Further advantages are to provide vertical restraint and proper distribution of air bags using safety flaps that can be fastened to freight using any suitable material of engineering choice such as a bungee cord, rubber band, rope, elastic material or the like.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a side elevational view of a truck in combination with a semi-trailer and incorporating a trailer pneumatic inflation system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2

is a schematic view of the trailer of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 3

a bottom view of the trailer of

FIG. 1

, including the inflation system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4

an enlarged, cross-sectional view of an air control unit and air coupler device of the inflation system of

FIG. 3

;

FIG. 5

is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the air control unit of

FIG. 4

;

FIG. 6

is a side view of the air coupler device of

FIG. 3

;

FIG. 6A

is a perspective view of the air coupler device of

FIG. 6

;

FIG. 7

is a top, schematic view of freight secured within a trailer by inflatable bags in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8

is a side view of an air bag in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9

is a rear view of the tractor-trailer of

FIG. 7

;

FIG. 10

is a top, schematic view of freight stagger loaded and secured within a trailer.

FIG. 11

is a rear view of a tractor-trailer with short cargo secured by inflatable bags in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12

is a rear view of the tractor-trailer with tall cargo secured by inflatable bags in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13

is a side, perspective view of an alternative air coupled, including a glad hand;

FIG. 13A

is a perspective view of the air coupler device of

FIG. 13

;

FIG. 13B

is a side view of an alternative inflation system in accordance with the present invention, including the air coupler device of

FIG. 13

;

FIG. 14

is a side, perspective view of an alternative air coupler device, including a glad hand;

FIG. 14A

is a perspective view of the air coupler device of

FIG. 14

;

FIG. 14B

is a side view of an alternative inflation system in accordance with the present invention, including the air coupler device of FIG.

14

.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to

FIGS. 1 through 6A

a pneumatic inflation system

49

for use with a freight carrier pursuant to a preferred embodiment of the present inventions and

FIGS. 13 through 14B

pursuant to an alternative embodiment of the present inventions.

As a point of reference, the inflation system

49

is highly useful with the trucking industry. To this end,

FIG. 1

shows a truck

16

in association with a freight carrier or trailer

15

. Notably, the inflation system

49

can also be used with other types of freight carriers, such as any other container, cargo space, railroad car, or any other suitable transport container which may also be inside an aircraft or on a ship. By way of example, the instant transport container is intended to be part of a road vehicle. A tractor compressor (not shown) is driven by the truck's

15

engine (not shown) and supplies air to a pressurized air storage reservoir

17

(FIG.

3

). Although not shown in the drawings for ease of illustration, air lines pass rearwardly from the tractor compressor too the air storage reservoir

17

through a tractor protection valve to a glad hand between the tractor

16

and trailer

15

. As is known in the art, the air storage reservoir

17

is mounted to an underside of the trailer

15

, and is normally used to control the trailer's

15

air brake and/or air suspension systems.

With reference to

FIGS. 2 and 3

, the inflation system

49

of the present invention preferably includes an air control unit

31

, an air coupling device

29

and an air hose

53

. The air control unit

31

and the air coupling device

29

are mounted to an underside of the trailer

15

(shown best in FIG.

3

), with the air control unit

31

preferably in close proximity to the air storage reservoir

17

and the air coupling device

29

adjacent one of the opposing sides of the trailer

15

. The air control unit

31

is fluidly connected to the air storage reservoir

17

by tubing

32

B, and supplies pressurized air to the air coupling device

29

. The air hose

53

, in turn, in fluidly connectable to the air coupling device

29

, and is available for inflating or otherwise providing pressurized air to a wide variety of auxiliary components associated with the trailer

15

, such as inflatable dunnage bags, pneumatic tools, tires, etc.

The air coupling housing

29

has an air hose adapter to receive the air hose

53

having an externally threaded fitting adapted to be connected to the main passage at the tapped portion of air coupler hosing

29

. In a preferred embodiment, the hose

53

terminates at a nozzle apparatus

54

which is preferably in the form of a pistol-shaped nozzle, having a hand grip. Alternatively, the hose

53

can be connected to a wide variety of other devices.

FIG. 3

is an under side view of the trailer

15

incorporating the trailer pneumatic inflation system

49

. As previously described, the trailer

15

has the air storage reservoir

17

that, for example, is coupled to an appropriate compressor on the truck

16

(FIG.

1

), so that air pressure within the reservoir

17

may be maintained at a particular pressure, for example 120 psi.

FIG. 3

shows a position of the air control unit

31

mounted within close proximity to the air storage reservoir

17

. As is known in the art, the air storage reservoir

17

has one or more exit ports. An air line or tubing

32

B fluidly connects one of these ports, and thus the air storage reservoir

17

, to the air control unit

31

. So as to minimize the opportunity for damage to the tube

32

B, the air control unit

31

is mounted to the trailer

15

as close as possible to the air storage reservoir

17

. In a preferred embodiment, then, the tubing

32

B has a length less than approximately

12

inches.

The air coupler device

29

is located in the front of a trailer tandem coupled to a floor or slider box of a trailer

15

so that a dockworker in charge of loading a trailer, for example at a loading dock, has control in tapping an air source. To this end, the air coupler device

29

is preferably mounted to the trailer

15

adjacent one of the sides thereof. With this preferred location, the air coupler device is readily accessible by a user for connecting the hose

53

(

FIG. 2

) thereto. The air control unit

31

is fluidly connected to the air coupler device

29

by an air line or tubing

32

.

FIG. 4

is a longitudinal cross-sectional view depicting one preferred embodiment of the pneumatic inflation system

49

in an open position. The air line

32

B fluidly connects the air storage reservoir

17

(

FIG. 3

) to the air control unit

31

(an additional air line

32

C may further be provided to complete this fluid connection). The second the air line

32

from the air control unit

31

provides controlled air flow to the air coupler device

29

. Finally, the air hose

53

connects to the air coupler device

29

using a compressed air coupling. The air hose

53

is connected to the inflation nozzle apparatus

54

, which is preferably in the form of a pistol-shaped nozzle, having a handgrip, supplied with compressed air from the hose

53

.

FIG. 5

is an enlarged, sectional view of one preferred embodiment of the air control unit

31

. The air control unit

31

preferably includes an enclosure

27

, a brake protection valve

47

and a control valve

48

. The enclosure

27

of the air control unit

31

is constructed of corrosive resistant and temperature resilient material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, etc., with a door

27

A having a latching mechanism (not shown) that provide a tight seal to keep the weather, road dust, corrosion, salt, debris and other foreign material from entering the enclosure

27

. As previously described, the enclosure

27

is configured for mounting in close proximity to the air storage reservoir

17

(

FIG. 3

) of the trailer

15

(FIG.

3

). The enclosure

27

forms openings

18

on each respective end. An externally and internally threaded, tubular shaft

42

is inserted through one (or top, relative to the orientation of

FIG. 5

) opening

18

. On the outside of the enclosure

27

, a sealing ring

45

, a metal spacer

44

, and a nut

43

having a threaded hole, encircle the threaded shaft

42

. On the inside of the enclosure

27

, a metal spacer

44

and a nut

43

having a threaded hole, encircle the threaded shaft

42

. This allows the nuts

43

to be screwed tightly onto the enclosure

27

to provide an airtight seal. One end of a threaded nipple

46

is threaded into shaft

42

within enclosure

27

with another end threaded into the brake protection valve

47

.

The brake protection valve

47

controls the flow of air into the pneumatic inflation system

49

and out of an air storage reservoir

17

(FIG.

3

). Should the air pressure in the air storage reservoir

17

fall below 60 psi, the brake protection valve

47

will close, ceasing to allow air to pass from the air storage reservoir

17

into the inflation system

49

. This will maintain enough air pressure in air storage reservoir for effective braking of the truck

16

and the trailer

15

, shown in FIG.

1

. Other system shut off pressure values, such as 50 psi or 40 psi, are equally acceptable. A threaded hex nipple

46

A is threaded into another (preferably downstream) end of the brake protection valve

47

and one end of the control valve

48

. The control valve

48

has an interior opening there through so that when it is aligned with an airline, the control valve

48

is open as shown in

FIGS. 4 and 5

. When a knob

48

A is rotated a quarter turn, the control valve

48

is turned off. Thus, if the second air line

32

shown in

FIG. 3

is damaged at any time, an operator of the equipment, dockperson, or other personnel could rotate the knob

48

A on the control valve

48

to shut off air completely within the air control unit

31

, allowing the air storage reservoir

17

to return and maintain full psi. One end of threaded nipple

46

is threaded into the other side (preferably downstream) of the control valve

48

and into another externally and internally threaded, tubular shaft

42

(lower shaft

42

in FIG.

5

). The threaded shaft

42

is inserted through the lower opening

18

in the enclosure

27

. On the inside of enclosure

27

, a nut

43

having threaded hole and a metal spacer

44

encircle threaded shaft

42

. On the outside of the enclosure

27

, a sealing ring

45

, metal spacer

44

, and nut

43

having threaded hole, encircle the lower threaded shaft

42

. This allows nuts

43

to be screwed tightly onto enclosure

27

to provide an airtight seal.

During use and in accordance with one preferred embodiment, pressurized air is delivered from the air storage reservoir

17

(

FIG. 3

) to the air control unit

31

. The air control unit

31

effectively defines an inlet (for example, the shaft

42

otherwise connected to the brake protection valve

47

). Air flows from the inlet to the brake protection valve

47

. Assuming sufficient pressure is present, the brake protection valve

47

allows the air to flow (downstream) to the control valve

48

. If the control valve is “open,” air flow continues downstream to an outlet defined by the air control unit

31

(for example, the shaft

42

fluidly connected downstream of the control valve

48

). Thus, the air control unit

31

is configured to receive pressurized air from the air supply reservoir

17

, and selectively allows the air to flow to the air coupler device (FIG.

4

), depending upon operational parameters of the air storage reservoir

17

(via, for example, the brake protection valve

47

) and manual or operator settings (via, for example, the control valve

48

). Alternatively, a number of other designs for the air control unit

31

can be employed to achieve these objectives. For example, the brake protection valve

47

and the control valve

48

can be reversed and/or replaced with other component(s).

FIGS. 6 and 6A

are side and perspective views, respectively, of one preferred embodiment of the air coupler device

29

. In general terms, the air coupler device

29

includes tubing for receiving air from the air control unit

31

(

FIG. 5

) and for selective fluid connection to the hose

53

(FIG.

2

), along with an enclosure

28

. The enclosure

28

is preferably constructed of corrosive resistant and temperature resilient material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, etc., and includes a door

28

A having a latching mechanism (not shown) that provide a tight seal to keep weather, road dust, corrosion, salt, debris and other foreign material from entering the enclosure

28

. The enclosure

28

is configured for mounting to the front of a trailer tandems coupled to a floor or slider box of a trailer

15

so that a person in charge of loading the trailer

15

has easy access to the air coupler device

29

. The enclosure

28

preferably has one opening

18

. An externally and internally threaded tubular shaft

42

is inserted through the opening

18

, shown in

FIG. 6

, and defines an intake port. On the outside of the enclosure

28

, a sealing ring

45

, a metal spacer

44

, and a nut

43

having a threaded hole, encircle the threaded shaft

42

. On the inside of the enclosure

28

, a metal spacer

44

and nut

43

having threaded hole, encircle threaded shaft

42

. This allows nuts

43

to be screwed tightly onto enclosure

28

to provide an air tight seal. One end of a threaded hex nipple

46

A is threaded into a downstream end of the shaft

42

within enclosure

28

. Another end of the threaded hex nipple

46

A is threaded into a female body section

30

A of a valve quick disconnect coupling. A stem end (or exit port) of a male half

41

of a valve quick disconnect coupling connects to an air hose

53

, shown in FIG.

2

.

During use, the air coupler device

29

receives air, at the intake port, from the air control unit

31

when the air control unit

31

is “open”. A user then selectively couples the hose

53

(

FIG. 2

) to the exit port of the air coupler device

29

, such that when connected, the air coupler device

29

provides a conveniently accessible source of pressurized air. Thus, a user is not required to crawl under the trailer

15

(

FIG. 2

) to access the air coupler device

29

. Further, by forming the air coupler device

29

to be separately positionable relative to the air control unit

31

, the air control unit

31

can be positioned as close as possible to the air storage reservoir

17

(

FIG. 3

) without impeding the desired convenient access to a source of pressurized air. Notably, were the line

32

between the air control unit

31

and the air coupler device

29

severed or otherwise damage, the brake protection valve

47

(

FIG. 5

) would automatically shut the inflation system

49

off, so that the air supply reservoir would not drop below a minimum pressure level.

As described in greater detail below, the air coupler device

29

can assume a wide variety of forms other than the one preferred embodiment illustrated in

FIGS. 6 and 6A

. Regardless, the air coupler device

29

provides a conveniently accessible, pressurized air source for connection to the hose

53

(FIG.

3

). The hose

53

can be used for a number of applications, including pneumatic tools, cleaning purposes, etc. In one preferred embodiment, the inflation system

49

is employed to inflate inflatable dunnage bags as described below.

FIG. 7

is a top view of freight, such as pallets,

25

(twenty four are shown) arranged in a centerline configuration between trailer walls of cargo space and secured by a plurality of centerlining air bags

19

in accordance with the present invention. Arrows indicate a flow pattern of refrigerated air passing within the trailer

15

to cool the freight

25

. Narrow voids between walls of the trailer

15

and cartons on pallets

25

arranged two abreast are occupied by the centerlining air bags

19

. Bungee cords, rubber bands, ropes or other suitable elastic material

26

are attached to each of the air bags

19

and can be used as guides to ensure proper distribution of the bags

19

within the trailer

15

and provide lateral restraint evenly throughout the trailer

15

.

FIG. 8

shows one preferred embodiment of the air bag

19

as being an elongated inflatable reusable sleeve made of durable flexible plastic, rubber elastomeric material (which returns to its original shape) or from inflatable cloth-like material. The air bag

19

preferably includes an inflation valve

22

, a deflation or exhaust valve

21

, aligning tabs

20

and safety or latching tabs

20

A. The aligning tabs

20

are affixed to opposite sides of the air bag

19

and form an opening therein. The safety or latching tabs

20

A are affixed to a top and bottom, respectfully, of the bag

19

. Bungee cords, rubber bands, ropes or other suitable elastic material

26

(

FIG. 7

) may be utilized to fasten the bags

19

to each other via the aligning tabs

20

within a cargo trailer

15

, where desired, to provide lateral restraint and proper distribution of the bags

19

. Further, bungee cords, rubber bands, ropes or other suitable elastic material may be utilized to fasten the bag

19

to the freight

25

within the trailer

15

, where desired, to provide vertical restraint and proper distribution the bag

19

between the freight

25

and the trailer

15

, as described below.

FIG. 9

is a rear view of the trailer

15

with the freight

25

centerlined and secured by the invention. Arrows indicate a flow pattern of refrigerated air. Narrow voids between walls of a truck trailer and cartons on the freight

25

arranged two abreast are occupied by one of the inflatable centerlining air bags

19

.

FIG. 10

is a top view of freight, such as pallets,

25

(twenty four are shown) arranged in a staggered configuration between walls of the trailer

15

of a cargo space and secured by air bags

23

. The air bags

23

are highly similar to that previously described, but are under

6

feet in height. Narrow voids between walls of a transport container and cartons on pallets arranged two abreast are occupied by the air bags

23

. In accordance with the present invention, lateral shifting of cargo is avoided or reduced by providing a plurality of inflatable air bags

23

or

24

depending upon the height of the cargo.

FIG.

11

and

FIG. 12

show a rear view of the trailer

15

with short palletize cargo

25

and tall palletized cargo

25

, respectively, and secured by air bags

23

,

24

, respectively. Narrow voids between walls of the trailer

15

and the freight

25

arranged two abreast are occupied by inflatable, under six feet tall, air bags

23

(

FIG. 11

) or over six feet tall air bags

24

(FIG.

12

). Selection of the appropriate air bag will depend upon height of the freight

25

. In either case, the safety latching tabs

20

A are available for securing the bags

23

or

24

to the freight

25

, such as with a rope, bungee cord, etc. (not shown). Unlike other available dunnage bags, the safety latching tabs

20

A, in conjunction with the coupling device (e.g., rope, bungee cord, etc.), prevents the bag

23

,

24

from sliding downwardly during transit.

Returning to

FIGS. 1-3

, as previously described, the inflation system

49

can assume a wide variety of forms. With specific reference to the air coupler device

29

, existing components of the trailer

15

, such as a glad hand, can be utilized by, an incorporated into, the present invention. In this regard, FIG.

13

and

FIG. 13A

are side and perspective views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment air coupler device

29

A. The air coupler device

29

A includes the enclosure

28

as previously described, tubing, and a glad hand

50

. The enclosure

28

preferably has three openings

18

. Externally and internally threaded, tubular shafts

42

are inserted through each of the openings

18

, as shown in FIG.

13

. On the outside of the enclosure

28

, a sealing ring

45

, a metal spacer

44

, and nut

43

having a threaded hole, encircle each of the threaded shafts

42

. On the inside of the enclosure

28

, a metal spacer

44

and a nut

43

having threaded hole, encircle each of the threaded shafts

42

. This allows nuts

43

to be screwed tightly onto the enclosure

28

to provide an air tight seal. One of the shafts

42

is connected to the glad hand

50

, while the other two shafts are fluidly connected by a valve plug

48

, including elbow nipples

59

. The valve plug

48

includes a control

48

A for manually opening and closing the valve plug

48

.

As shown in

FIG. 13B

, the air coupler device

29

A is fluidly connected to the air control unit

31

at an intake port (defined by one of the tubular shafts

42

as illustrated in FIG.

13

B). Air flows from the intake port through the valve plug

48

(which an operator can manually turn on or off). Assuming the valve plug

48

is open, air flows to the glad hand

50

, such as by tubing

32

. Finally, the glad hand

50

is selectively connectable to the hose

53

(for example, via line

32

A) for supplying pressurized air to the hose

53

. Glad hands, such as the glad hand

50

, are well known in the art. The glad hand

50

serves as the exit port for the air coupler device

29

A.

FIGS. 14 and 14A

are side and perspective views, respectively, of another alternative embodiment air coupler device

29

B. The air coupler device

29

B includes an enclosure

28

and a glad hand

51

. The enclosure

28

preferably has one opening

18

. An externally and internally threaded, tubular shaft

42

is inserted through the opening

18

, as shown in FIG.

14

A. On the outside of the enclosure

28

, a sealing ring

45

, a metal spacer

44

, and nut

43

having a threaded hole, encircle the threaded shaft

42

. On the inside of the enclosure

28

, metal spacer

44

and nut

43

having threaded hole, encircle the threaded shaft

42

. This allows nuts

43

to be screwed tightly onto the enclosure

28

to provide and air tight seal. Another end of threaded hex nipple

46

A is threaded into the glad hand

51

. In the embodiment of

FIGS. 14 and 14A

, the glad hand

51

is of a type known in the art and includes a shut off valve

51

A. As is known in the art, the valve

51

A can be manually operated to control air flow through the glad hand

51

.

As shown in

FIG. 14B

, the air coupler device

29

B is fluidly connected to the air control device

31

for receiving pressurized air therefrom. In this regard, the glad hand

51

provides the intake port, via the tubular shaft

42

, for the air coupler device

29

B. Further, the glad hand

51

provides the exit port, via the line

32

A, for selectively delivering pressurized air to the hose

53

upon connection of the hose

53

to the glad hand

51

and activation of the shut off valve

51

A.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the above preferred embodiments and alternative embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, that various changes may be made and equivalence may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention carrying out this invention, but that the present invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.