US3731428A

US3731428A - Remotely powered toy set

Info

Publication number: US3731428A
Application number: US00170105A
Authority: US
Inventors: M Glass; H Morrison; D Nix
Original assignee: Glass Marvin and Associates
Current assignee: Glass Marvin and Associates
Priority date: 1971-08-09
Filing date: 1971-08-09
Publication date: 1973-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 1990-05-08
Also published as: IT958414B; JPS4827845A; CA964856A; DE2225239A1; GB1365628A

Abstract

A combination toy vehicle and accessories for use therewith and drive means for the vehicles and accessories. The vehicles have auxiliary implements associated with drive transfer means and the accessories also have drivable elements associated with drive transfer means, with the drive means being separate and external to the vehicles and accessories and including a driven output shaft for engagement with the drive transfer means.

Description

Elite tates tent 1 Giass et al.

[ May,1973

[54] REMOTELY POWERED TQY SET [75] Inventors: Marvin 1. Glass, Chicago; Howard J. Morrison, Highland Park; Donald F. Nix, Des Plaines, all of 111.

[73] Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates,

Chicago, 111.

[22] Filed: Aug. 9, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 170,105

[52] US. Cl 46/243 LV, 46/215 [51] lint. CL'. ..A63h 33/26 [58] Field of Search ..46/40, 215, 243 M,

46/243 LV, 244 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,594,951 7/1971 Perhacs 46/244 A 3,337,985 8/1967 Ryan et al. ..46/243 P 3,457,668 7/1969 Genin r 46/40 X 2,846,813 8/1958 Giardina ..46/244 A Primary Examiner-Louis G. Mancene Assistant ExaminerRobert F. Cutting Attorney-James F. Coffee et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A combination toy vehicle and accessories for use therewith and drive means for the vehicles and accessoriesl The vehicles have auxiliary implements associated with drive transfer means and the accessories also have drivable elements associated with drive transfer means, with the drive means being separate and external to the vehicles and accessories and including a driven output shaft for engagement with the drive transfer means.

10 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures Patented May 8, 1973 3,731,428

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS MAQW/VZ 61/155 HOW/Q0 L/. MOPQ/SO/V UOA ALD E/V/X ATTORNEYS REMOTELY POWERED TOY SET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to toy vehicles and the like, and more particularly to an improved combination for driving toy vehicles, vehicle components and accessories for use therewith.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art There are many forms of toy vehicles which may be driven or which have movable components, or which may be guided along tracks or roadways or the like. Generally speaking, the driven toy vehicles have selfcontained motors connected with a source of electricity, either in the form of a battery also contained in the vehicle, or in the form of contact elements in the track or roadway means. Also, there recently has been the advent of gravity actuated toy vehicles associated with tracks.

The gravity urged toy vehicles are generally without movable components and are utilized to race, one against the other. Also, of the self-powered vehicles, they are generally, either of the racing type (those associated with tracks and electrical contact means thereon) or the type where the vehicle itself is driven, but any components thereof are usually not driven.

Due the continuing interest in, and desire for, different forms of toy vehicles, there is a continuing need and desire in the art for improvements in toy vehicles, and this invention is directed towards meeting this need and desire by providing toy vehicles, auxiliary components and accessories for use therewith and a separate external power source for driving the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed, in brief, to the provision of an improvement in a toy vehicle and a means for powering the same.

The best mode currently contemplated for carrying out the invention includes the provision of a toy vehicle having movable auxiliary components thereon, such as in the form of a simulated fire truck with a ladder or a simulated excavating tractor with a scoop shovel, wherein the auxiliary components are movable about an axis and have gear 'means associated therewith in engagement with transversely oriented gear means, with the transversely oriented gear means having a socketlike or coupling free end for receiving a mating part of a rotatably driven output shaft which is connected to a motor contained in a separate and external source of power. Engagement of the output shaft with the socket provides a means for driving the movable auxiliary components of the toy vehicle. It is further contemplated that the external power source would be associated with a source of electrical power in the form of a battery pack or the like, which could be contained on, or worn by, a user. It is further contemplated that accessory implements in the form of a roadway could be provided with the roadway having a channel and vehicle engaging belt elements therein with the belts includin g a driving arrangement for receiving the output shaft of the power source so that vehicles could be propelled along the roadway. It is further contemplated that other accessories, such as a simulated garage or warehouse, could be provided with an elevator arrangement also driven by the external power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of the combination toy vehicle and power source of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. ll;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged section view through a portion of the drive transfe. means of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 5 is a section view of another toy vehicle to be utilized in the combination of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a portion of the movable component of the toy vehicle shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a section view through the external power source of the combination of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a section view taken generally along the line 99 of FIG. 8.

FIGQMI is a fragmentary enlarged section view taken generally through the line l010 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the battery pack for the power source;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of accessory components to be utilized with the combination of this invention including a simulated warehouse and roadway;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary enlarged section view through a portion of the simulated warehouse shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a portion of the roadway shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a section view taken generally along the line i5 1s of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a driving pin arrangement for use with the roadway in driving a toy vehicle along the roadway.

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a-specific embodiment therefor, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The combination 10 of this invention includes a simulated toy vehicle such as the tire truck 12, shown in FIG. I, or the tractor-like vehicle 14, shown in FIG. 5, for use with a drive means, generally indicated 16, including a motor means, generally indicated 18, and a source of power or battery pack, generally indicated 20. In addition, accessories, such as the warehouse 22 and roadway or track 24, shown in FIG. 12, may also be utilized with the combination 10 of this invention;

Turning first to FIGS. 8 through 10, the motor means 18 includes a casing 26 within which there is contained a small electric motor 28, mounted in

brackets

28a and 28b. Motor 28 has a rotatably driven output shaft with a gear 32 fixed on the free end thereof. Gear 32 is in driving engagement with teeth of a gear 34 mounted on a shaft 36 which is rotatably positioned within the easing, with one end of the shaft 36 held in bracket 37.

Shaft 36 also includes a worm gear 38 in meshing engagement with the teeth of the gear 40 connected to output shaft 42. Output shaft 42 extends between a rotatable journalling with the hub 44 in the interior of the casing, and the aperture 46 through the casing wall.

The output shaft 42 is formed in two sections, one of which is designated 50, and the other of which is designated 52. A spring 56 exerts a biasing force between the gear 40 and hub 54 on section 52. A clutch arrangement (not shown) is provided which includes a friction disc affixed to a face of the hub 54 and a pinlike extension of the shaft portion 50 extends through the friction disc and into a bore in the shaft portion 52. Shaft portion 52 has an enlarged face which is in opposition to the friction disc. In use, as driving forces are imposed which are exceeded by resistance received on the torque of the output shaft in excess of that produced by the output of the motor 28, a tension force exerted by spring 56 causes the shafts 50 and 52 to separate as the frictional force tending to keep the two together, is exceeded. Therefore, if the output shaft 52 becomes s stalled, the motor will continue to run freely, thereby prolonging the life of the batteries and protecting the gear system in the vehicle component which is being driven.

The end 66 of the output shaft 52 is provided with a means for engaging a drive transfer means. This engaging means in the illustrated embodiment includes a ball-like end 68 having two lateral fingers or projections 7 0.

Motor unit 18 is further provided with an actuating switch 72. Actuating switch 72 extends through an opening 72a in casing 26 and is pivoted on pin 72b for movement from a center position to first or second actuating position. Switch 72 has two

rectangular corners

72c and 72d which bear against inclined portions 730 and 74a of spring elements 73 and 74. Elements 73 and 74 have

legs

73b and 74b closely adjacent to contact 75.

Lead wire 76 extends from contact 75 to motor 28 thus placing motor 28 in one side of the circuit with contact 75.

Lead wires

78a and 78b are connected to elements 73 and 74, respectively, and are part of cord 80 which leads to the battery pack 20. Thus, either of elements 73 or 74 are part of the other side of the circuit with motor 28.

When the switch 72 is in the center position as shown in FIG. 8, elements 73 and 74 are spaced from contact 75 thus placing the motor unit in an off condition in that the circuit is open. Movement of switch 72 to either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction urges element 73 or 74 toward engagement with contact 75 through the engagement of one of corners 720 or 72d with one of inclined portions 73a or 74a.

Shoulders

81a and 81b limit movement of switch 72 relative to opening 72a.

Thus, the circuit with motor 28 can be completed in one of two ways. By moving switch 72 in a clockwise direction, element 74 engages contact 75 and the motor 28 will be activated in one direction. By moving switch 72 in a counterclockwise direction, element 73 will be placed in engagement with contact 75 and motor 28 will be activated for movement in an opposite direction. By this arrangement, the motor unit has a capability of functioning in a forward or reverse mode away from the off position.

The battery pack 20 includes a source of electrical power, preferably in the form of batteries 94. Preferably, the battery pack is provided with means such as a belt 96 for fastening the battery pack toa user. Batteries 94 are mounted between contact arm 97 and

contact fingers

98a and 98b, to which wires 78a and 7812 are connected.

The vehicle 12 is a simulated fire truck, and includes a body 100 and rollable wheels 102. The rear portion of the body 100 has a simulated extension ladder assembly 104.

The ladder assembly 104 includes a ladder carriage 106 connected to shaft 108 which extends through body 100 and has a gear 110 fixed to the interior end thereof. The mounting of carriage 106 on shaft 108 provides a means for rotating the carriage with respect to the body 100. Gear 110 of carriage shaft 108 is in meshing engagement with gear 112 mounted on worm shaft 114. Worm shaft 114 is rotatably journalled between a bracket 116 which extends interiorly from the wall of body 100, and is also rotatably journalled in opening 118 in the body 100 through which the shaft 114 extends to the exterior. The exterior end of shaft 114 has an enlarged end 120 provided with a socket 122 having spaced slots 124 generally mating with the ball-like end 68 and lateral projections 70 of the output shaft 42 of motor unit 18. Through the provision of the aforedescribed structure, a drive transfer means is provided for receiving drive from the output shaft 42 and transferring it into rotational movement of the carriage 106 relative to the truck body 100.

Carriage 106 includes a pair of spaced apart panels 126 which extend uprightly thereabove and embrace a pair of depending webs 128 which extend downwardly from first ladder element 130. The ladder assembly 104 further includes a second ladder element 132 which is telescopicly associated relative to the first ladder element as will be explained. Shaft 134 is connected through the webs 128 and is rotatably journalled through panels 126 and mounts a gear 136 on one free end thereof. Gear 136 is in meshing engagement with worm 138 which is rotatably' mounted on shaft 140 between spaced brackets 141 on carriage 106. Shaft 140 for worm 138 includes an enlargement 142 projecting exteriorly on the brackets 141 with the enlargement 142 having a socket-like end 144 and slots 146 similar to those described with respect to the socket 122 and slots 124 of enlargement 120. Again, the aforedescribed structure provides a drive transfer means for elevating the ladder assembly 104 relative to the carriage when the output shaft is placed in engagement therewith.

Each of the

ladders

130 and 132 includes a pair of spaced apart

rail members

150 and 152, respectively, transversely spanned byladder rungs 154. The ladder 130 is spanned by a simulated winch drum 156 at the rear or lowermost end thereof with the rotatably mounted winch 156 including an enlargement 158 exteriorly of the ladder which includes-a socket 160 and recesses 162 similar to the previously described sockets and recesses. A strand 164 is wound about the simulated winch drum 156 and connected to a rung 154 of ladder 130 as shown in 164a. As the drum 156 is rotated responsive to driving engagement from an output shaft 42 of the motor unit 18, strand 164 will be wound about the drum, pulling the ladder portion 132 outwardly, relative to ladder 130 or simulated extension of the ladder. A simulated hydraulic cylinder 166 is provided to simulate a means for damping the elevation and retraction of the ladder assembly 104 relative to the carriage 106.

Thus, it can be seen that with the use of a motor unit 18 of the combination of this invention, the ladder assembly 104 may be rotated about the carriage mounting 126 and also elevated relative to the carriage mounting 126. The ladder elements themselves may be extended relative to each other with the three functions being performed by separate driving engagements utilizing the motor unit 18.

The vehicle 14 includes a body 1711) with wheels 172 connected to axles 172a which are rotatably mounted through the body 170. Wheels 172 support a belt-like continuous track 174 so that the body and wheels and track simulate a so-called caterpillar type of tractor vehicle. A scoop gear shaft 176 extends transversely through the body 170 and supports a pair of spaced, generally parallel, scoop support arms 178, on either end thereof. Scoop 130 has a pair of rearwardly extending arms 1811a which are pivoted to the arms 178 through the connection of transverse pin 182. A portion of pin 182 extends beyond one of the arms 1811a and a biasing spring 183 is wound about this portion which bears against post 183a on arm 178 to normally urge the scoop to a raised position. Strand 184 is con- I nected at 1840 to the scoop and at 1841!; to the front of the body 170.

Scoop shaft 176 supports a gear 188 with gear 188 being in meshing engagement with worm 190, carried on worm shaft 192. Worm shaft 192 has one end which is rotatably supported in depending bracket 194. The other end is enlarged at 126 and includes a socket-like end 198 having lateral notches 200 for receiving the

end structure

68 and 70 of output shaft 42 of the motor unit 18. By this arrangement, a means is provided for transferring the drive from the motor unit 18 into elevational movement of the scoop arms 178.

As the scoop 180 is raised upwardly, the strand 184 becomes taut, as indicated in dotted outline in FIG. 5, so that further upward movement of the scoop 180 will cause it to tilt downwardly, in a simulated dumping action. Thus, the tractor vehicle 14 may scoop granular material or the like by advancing the same forwardly when the scoop is in the lower position, as shown in FIG. 5, and the contents may be dumped into another area as the scoop 181) and arms 178 are raised by means of the drive of the motor unit 18. It is to be understood that drive transfer arrangements similar to those discussed with respect to the auxiliary components of the simulated fire truck 12 and tractor vehicle 14 could be utilized for driving the wheels 172 of the tractor 14 as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 through 16, there is shown accessory implements which may be utilized with the combination of this invention. For example, the accessory implement 22 is a simulated warehouselike structure having a base 210, upright walls 212 simulating a warehouse-like structure, and simulated floors 214a through 214]". A simulated roof 216 spans the structure. At one side of the structure, there is a simulated elevator shaft afforded by a cutout area 218k through 218] in each of the floors 214b through 2114f,

respectively. The simulated floor 2140 has a medial opening 218a which permits the passage of the continuous strand or cable 220 therethrough. Strand or cable 220 extends from a pulley 222 rotatably mounted between brackets 224 which depend from a portion of the roof 216 and is wound about a pulley 226, mounted on a shaft 228, supported on a bracket 230 in the base 210. Shaft 228 projects to the exterior of base 210 through an opening 232 and is provided with an en larged socket-like end 234, having lateral openings 236, configured to receive the end structure 68-70 of the output shaft 42 of motor 18. Opposite ends of the cable or strand 220 are connected at 238 and 240 to a simulated box-like elevator 242. Through the provision of the aforedescribed structural arrangements, when the end structure 68 is inserted through socket 234, and the motor unit 18 activated, the pulley 226 will be rotated in order to move strand 220 and thereby impart motion to the simulated elevator 2&2 so that it will traverse upwardly and downwardly relative to the floors 214a through 21 1f. Simulated boxes or cartons, or the like, 244, may be provided, which may be moved onto the elevator 242 to be carried upwardly and downwardly within the simulated warehouse structure 22.

Further included in the accessories utilized with the combination of this invention, is a simulated roadway or track means 24, which includes straight track sections 250 and a curved section 252. It is to be understood, that in addition to the

sections

250 and 252 illustrated herein, track sections of different configurations, such as intersections or the like, could also be provided. Each of the track sections, such as 250 and 252, are provided with medial channels, such as the straight center channel 254 in sections 250, and the curved channel 256 in section 252. Each track section further includes a master driving spindle 258, having a socket-like end 260 substantially identical to the other socket-like ends heretofore described for nestably receiving the end structure 68-70 of output shaft 42. In the case of the straight track sections 250, it is preferred that a second spindle 258 be provided whereas, in the case of the curved track sections 252, two idlerpulley elements 262 are provided in a triangular relationship with respect to the spindle element 258.

A drive belt means 264 is wrapped about the spindles 258 in the straight track sections and about the spindle 258 in idler pulleys 262 in the curved track section. Preferably, the drive belt means is guided along one side of the wall defining the channels, either 254 or 256. Drive belt 254 includes a plurality of means for engaging a vehicle, such as the laterally outstanding pin portions 264a which project into the medial portion of the channel.

For assembling the several track sections together, each section is provided an interlocking arrangement at the opposite ends which includes one outwardly extending dovetail-like tongue member 266 and one inwardly extending dovetail-like notch 268. The notches and tongues are diametrically offset at opposite ends so that the track sections can matingly engage with each other. Preferably, the simulated warehouse structure is also provided with such a mating tongue-and-notch arrangement for assembly of a track section thereto. As best seen in FIG. 15, the spindles 258 and the idlers 262 are rotatably supported on a pin 270, which is received within an L-shaped bracket 272 that depends from the underside of the

track elements

250 and 252.

It is contemplated that vehicles such as 12 and 14, or other simulated vehicles, could be adapted to receive a drive member engaging unit, as shown in FIG. 16. The unit .274 is generally U-shaped in structure, having a pair of legs 276 for straddling adjacent pin portions 264a of drive belts 264. The legs 276 are connected to a crossbar 280 which supports a vehicle connecting pin 282 for insertion in the underside ofa simulated vehicle such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5. When the unit 274 is connected to a simulated vehicle and placed on the roadway defined by the

track

250 and 252, the legs 276 will be pushed by the pin portions 264a as the belt 264 is driven to move the vehicles along the roadway. The provision of the spaced apart legs 276 provides for smooth transition of the driving force of adjacentdrive belts 264 of adjacent track elements.

This invention provides a novel concept for the combination of a driven toy vehicle and components and accessories to be utilized therewith. Specifically, the driving impetus comes from an external power source applied through mechanical coupling which may drive different components of the vehicles. By this arrangement different vehicles may be provided which have a plurality of movable components with all of these components being driven by a single external power source. Furthermore, the same power source may be utilized to drive accessory equipment, such as the illustrated warehouse and roadway. If it is desired, a plurality of motor units could be obtained so that several users could independently participate in joint activity with the several vehicles and accessories at the same time.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as some modifications may be obvious to those skilled in the art.

The embodiments of the invention in which-an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In combination, a toy vehicle and drive means therefore, comprising: means defining a toy vehicle including a body and subcomponents movably associated with the body, said subcomponents including drive transfer means associated therewith said driving transfer means having a first coupling member for receiving motion from a separate drive source and transferring it into movement of said subcomponent; and an external drive source for said vehicle including motor means and an output element operably connected to said motor means to be driventhereby, having a second coupling member which is releasably engageable with said first coupling member for supplying motion to said input drive transfer means whereby said vehicle movable components may be driven from the driving force of said motor means of said external source of power.

2 The combination of claim 1 wherein there is provided track means including a vehicle supporting surfaceand a movable element having a first vehicle engaging portion; and wherein said movable subcomponents include means for advancing the vehicle along a supporting surface, with said vehicle including a second track movable element engaging portion for engagement with said first portion; and wherein said track movable element includes a drive transfer means; whereby a vehicle may be placed on said track supporting surface .and driven therealong following engagement of said output element and said output element and said drive transfer means.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said movable subcomponents comprise simulated vehicle auxiliary implements, each of which is associated with a separate drive transfer means to be independently driven by said external source of power.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said motor means is mounted within a housing from which said output element extends and wherein switch means is provided in said motor means housing for activating and deactivating said motor means; and wherein a remote power source for said motor means is mounted within a separate housing with circuit means extending between said remote power source and in said motor means for supplying power to said motor means responsive to actuation of said switch means.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein there is provided a simulated housing having spaced apart simulated floors therein with elevator means in said housing being mounted for vertical to-and-fro movement with respect to said floors and means for moving said elevator means including a rotatable drive shaft having a free end constructed and arranged to matingly engage with said output element to be driven thereby.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said toy vehicle includes wheel means separate from the subcomponents which are movably associated with the body.

7. In combination, a toy vehicle and drive means therefor, comprising: means defining a toy vehicle including a body and subcomponents movably associated with the body, said subcomponents being movable about an axis and including drive transfer means associated therewith including means for receiving rotational movement from an output shaft and transfering it to rotational movement of said subcomponents; and an external drive source for said vehicle including motor means and an output element operably connected for said motor means to be driven thereby, said output element being rotatably driven and having a portion which is mutually engageable with the drive transfer means for supplying rotational movement to said drive transfer means; whereby the vehicle movable components may be driven from the driving force of said output element of said external drive source of power.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the mutually engageable portions of said output element and drive transfer means comprises a ball-and-socket arrangement wherein one portion thereof is provided with means defining outward extensions and the other portion is provided with means for receiving saidextensions.

9. The combination of claim 7 wherein said vehicle comprises a simulated tractor having scoop means connected to arm means with said arm means being fastened to a rotatable shaft with said shaft including gear means thereon in engagement with a transversely oriented worm mounted on a rotatable worm shaft with said worm shaft having a free end for engagement with said output element of said external source of power.

10. ln combination, a toy vehicle and drive means therefor, comprising: means defining a toy vehicle comprises a simulated fire truck having a body with a simulated extension ladder assembly at one end thereof; said ladder assembly including a carriage mounted for rotation about an upright axis relative to said truck body; a ladder subassembly mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis relative to said carriage means; and ladder elements mounted for extension and retraction relative to each other in said subassembly, each of said mounting including a gear shaft having a free end comprising the first part of a mating coupling

Claims

1. In combination, a toy vehicle and drive means therefore, comprising: means defining a toy vehicle including a body and subcomponents movably associated with the body, said subcomponents including drive transfer means associated therewith said driving transfer means having a first coupling member for receiving motion from a separate drive source and transferring it into movement of said subcomponent; and an external drive source for said vehicle including motor means and an output element operably connected to said motor means to be driven thereby, having a second coupling member which is releasably engageable with said first coupling member for supplying motion to said input drive transfer means whereby said vehicle movable components may be driven from the driving force of said motor means of said external source of power.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein there is provided track means including a vehicle supporting surface and a movable element having a first vehicle engaging portion; and wherein said movable subcomponents include means for advancing the vehicle along a supporting surface, with said vehicle including a second track movable element engaging portion for engagement with said first portion; and wherein said track movable element includes a drive transfer means; whereby a vehicle may be placed on said track supporting surface and driven therealong following engagement of said output element and said output element and said drive transfer means.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the mutually engageable portions of said output element and drive transfer means comprises a ball-and-socket arrangement wherein one portion thereof is provided with means defining outward extensions and the other portion is provided with means for receiving said extensions.

10. In combination, a toy vehicle and drive means therefor, comprising: means defining a toy vehicle comprises a simulated fire truck having a body with a simulated extension ladder assembly at one end thereof; said ladder assembly including a carriage mounted for rotation about an upright axis relative to said truck body; a ladder subassembly mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis relative to said carriage means; and ladder elements mounted for exteNsion and retraction relative to each other in said subassembly, each of said mounting including a gear shaft having a free end comprising the first part of a mating coupling for receiving the input from a separate drive source and transfering it into movement of said subcomponents; and an external drive source for said vehicle including motor means and an output element operably connected to said motor means to be driven thereby, said output element having the second part of a mutually engageable coupling for engagement with one of the free ends of said mountings; whereby said carriage and ladder elements may be moved responsive to coupling of said first and second parts and actuation of said external drive source.