Gladhand connector

A gladhand connector or gladhand coupler is an interlocking hose coupling fitted to hoses supplying pressurized air from a tractor unit to air brakes on a semi-trailer,[1] or from a locomotive to railway air brakes on railroad cars.

[2] Gladhand connectors resemble a pair of "hands shaking" when interlocked, hence the name.

[1] Gladhands are designed to allow the driver to disconnect without a mechanic or tools.

In North America, service lines are blue and emergency brake lines are red and are standardized by SAE International's standard SAE J318.

[6] Gladhand couplers are typically genderless or hermaphroditic,[1] allowing them to be freely connected to each other, for example allowing either end of a railcar to be connected to the end of a train.