An apparatus for detachably connecting a tool component to a frame component which is in turn adapted to be adjustably mounted on a vehicle. One of the components is provided with notched members for receiving engagement members on the other component. Contact members on one component are arranged to compressively engage resiliently compressible pads on the other component during entry of the engagement members into the notched members.

A coupling apparatus for releasably securing a tool to the linkage of a tractor such as a backhoe. The coupling apparatus includes a second coupling element which is fixed to the lower end of the linkage and a first coupling element which is fixed to the upper end of the tool. One of the coupling elements has a generally upwardly facing first engaging surface for engaging a downwardly facing first engaging surface of the other coupling element which provides the main coupling connection between the first and second coupling elements. Each of the first and second coupling elements has a second engaging surface which is spaced from the first engaging surface. When the first and second coupling elements are brought together in a coupling mode, the second engaging surfaces engage and provide a fulcrum about which the linkage pivots relative to the tool. The first coupling element has a locking element at the rear end of the first coupling element for engaging a complimentary locking element at the rear end of the second coupling element for receiving a connector to lock the first and second locking elements together when the coupling apparatus is in the coupling mode. The connector is effective, when connecting the first and second coupling elements together, to force the rear end of the linkage downwardly relative to the tool with a primary downward preloading force along a primary line of action through the connector for pivoting the linkage about the fulcrum and for forcing the upwardly facing first engaging surface of one of the coupling elements against the downwardly facing first engaging surface of the other coupling element. The locking elements allow an upward or downward force to transmit to the rear to the tool.

Apparatus for releasably locking a refuse container to a trash compactor in the form of a pair of identical locking arms projecting outwardly from the container at either side of the loading opening in the end of the container. The locking arms are of plate material with leading edges inclined downwardly and toward the container to cam the container upwardly on corresponding locking pins projecting horizontally outwardly from the sides of the compactor. A vertically extending notch in each arm receives its corresponding pin to lock the container to the compactor as the container is moved into loading position adjacent the compactor.

A quick attachment carrier assembly (10) for releasably connecting an attachment (12) to a front end loader (14) comprises a pair of carriers (24) with top and bottom notches therein adapted to receive transverse pins (40, 42) on the implement. Pivotal hooks (46) are provided on the carriers (24) for engagement with the pins (42) for interconnecting the implement (12) to the loader (14). The latch hooks (46) are preferably secured together and controlled in common by means of a single lever (52) and plunger (56) which permit positive locking of both hooks in either the latched or unlatched positions.

A coupler (11) for connecting a dipper arm (3) of an excavator to a bucket (1) without need for the operator of the excavator to leave the cab of the excavator, the coupler (11) having a device for connecting it to the end of the dipper arm (3), and a latching hook (17) for connecting it to a bucket (1), wherein the latching hook (17) has a special internal profile (56, 57, 61) so that when it is supporting the weight of a bucket (1), it will tend to move to a latching position, not to an unlatching position.