Importance

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Abstract

A gladhand grip device (10) is adapted to be attached to one portion (11) of a gladhand coupling and to surround a marginal end portion of a hose (H) connected to the coupling portion to allow an operator to more easily apply a torque to the coupling portion when connecting or disconnecting the coupling and to protect the hose marginal end portion against acute flexure. The device includes: an adapter (12) having a first threaded portion (20) adapted to matingly engage the coupling portion; and a handle assembly (13) surrounding the hose marginal end portion and having a first end and a second end, a marginal portion of the handle assembly about the first end being adapted to be selectively attached to the adapter, the handle portion being so dimensioned and configured that its transverse flexural resistance progressively decreases in a direction from the first end toward the second end; such that an operator may grasp the relatively-rigid portion of the handle assembly proximate the first end and may apply a torque to the coupling portion when connecting or disconnecting the coupling, while the progressively-variable flexural resistance of the handle assembly along its length protects the hose marginal end portion from flexing acutely.

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First Claim