AU2016101660B4 - Towing System - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates to a road train arrangement comprising a plurality of towing vehicles 18 and a rear trailer 21 arranged in tandem relationship and attached to a primer 19 for towing of the towing vehicles 18 and trailer 21. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 1, there are three towing vehicles 18a, 18b and 18c and a rear trailer 21 attached to each other via a particular arrangement of coupling means 12. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures the coupling means 12 comprise a coupling bar 14 and a coupling vehicle 16. Fig 1

Description

1 2016101660 16 Sep 2016

TOWING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for transporting freight such as vehicles for carrying freight, in particular towing vehicles and trailers attached thereto.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to road trains comprising a prime mover towing a plurality of towing vehicles and a rear trailer arranged in tandem relationship and attached to each other.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Road trains are typically used for moving freight in remote areas. Road trains comprise a prime mover towing two or three trailers. Towing two or three trailers permits a single road train to transport substantially the same freight than would move two or three towing trucks having a single trailer. Thus, road trains are more efficient for transporting freight when compared to trucks having a tray or a single trailer attached thereto.

[0005] However, strict regulations govern the use of road trains. For example, the number of trailers that can be towed by a prime mover is limited depending on the particular jurisdictions where the road train is being operated.

[0006] One of the reasons of this is that towing more than one trailer using a prime mover reduces the stability of the prime mover and the attached trailers. The stability of the entire assembly of prime mover and the attached trailers is compromised when, for example, the trailers undertake swaying movement. And, rear amplification 2 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 of the swaying movement may produce that the entire assembly of prime mover and the attached trailers rolls over, [0007] St is known that the swaying movement of a road train increases as the number of trailers attached to a prime mover of a road train increases; thus, the stability of a road train reduces with the number of trailers that are attached to the prime mover of a road train.

[0008] Therefore, the number of trailers that a road train can incorporate is strictly regulated by the transportation authorities of each jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions, road trains are not permitted to be operated in any public or private road; in other jurisdictions only road trains with less than three trailers are permitted to be operated on public roads located at remote areas. Typically, in the majority of jurisdictions no road train incorporating more than one trailer is allowed to operate at road adjacent to residential areas or commercial areas of cities and towns. This is because, as mentioned before, there is a relative high risk that the road trains may roll over.

[0009] St is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a towing vehicle for attachment of a coupling means having a coupling vehicle and a coupling bar , the towing vehicle having a front end adapted to receive a container, and a rear end comprising means for attaching a front end of the coupling bar [0011] Preferably, the towing vehicle comprises a rear surface comprising the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar, [0012] Preferably, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to locate the coupling bar at a location adjacent to an axle of the towing vehicle.

[0013] Preferably, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to attach the front end of the coupling bar at a location substantially above an axle of the towing vehicle. 3 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 [0014] Preferably, the rear end of the towing vehicle comprises three set of wheels arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other.

[0015] Preferably, each of the set of wheels comprises a pair of wheels on each side of the towing vehicle and each pair of wheels are attached to each other via an axel defining a front axle, a centre axle and rear axle.

[0016] Preferably, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to attach the front end of the coupling bar to the rear surface of the towing vehicle at a first location substantially over the centre axle, [0017] Preferably, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to attach the front end bar of the coupling bar at locations equidistant from the sides of the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[0018] In an alternative arrangement, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to attach the front end of the coupling bar at a location spaced apart between about 0 to 1000 mm from the first location.

[0019] Preferably, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to substantially attach the front end of the coupling bar at a first location spaced apart about 900 mm from the first location.

[0020] In another alternative arrangement, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to attach the front end of the coupling bar at any location of the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[0021] In a further alternative arrangement, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to attach the front end of the coupling bar to the rear surface of the towing vehicle, between the first location above the centre axle and about 1,100 mm spaced apart from the first location.

[0022] In a furthermore alternative arrangement, the rear end of the towing vehicle comprises an assembly of four set of wheels arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other. 4 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 [0023] Preferably, each of the set of wheels comprising a pair of wheels on each side of the towing vehicle and each pair of wheels are attached to each other via an axel defining a front axle, two centre axles and a rear axle.

[0024] Preferably, in this furthermore alternative arrangement, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to substantially attach the front end of the coupling bar to the rear surface of the towing vehicle at a particular location located at a particular distance measured from the centerpoint of the assembly of the four set of wheels.

[0025] In an arrangement, the particular distance may be between about 0 to 2000 mm.

[0026] Preferably, the particular distance is about 1550 mm.

[0027] Preferably, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to attach the front end bar of the coupling bar at locations equidistant from the sides of the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[0028] Preferably, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar to the rear surface of the towing vehicle comprises a plurality of second couplings arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other, each second coupling is adapted to receive first couplings of the front end of the coupling bar for attaching the front end of the coupling bar to the towing vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar comprises a support plate pivotally attached to the rear surface of the towing vehicle, an upper side of the support plate comprising the second couplings.

[0030] Preferably, the support plate comprises a disc having the second couplings attached thereto arranged at a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other.

[0031] Preferably, the means for attaching the front end of the coupling bar to the towing vehicle is adapted to impede movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar. 5 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 [0032] According to the second aspect of the invention there is provided a means for attaching a coupling means to a towing vehicle, the coupling means having a coupling vehicle and a coupling bar attached to the coupling vehicle, wherein the means for attaching the coupling means are adapted to impede movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar.

[0033] Preferably, the means for attaching the coupling means comprise a support plate having an upper side of the support plate comprising a plurality of second couplings arranged in a spaced apart relationship, the second couplings being adapted to receive the first couplings of the coupling bar.

[0034] Preferably, the support plate is attached at a particular location of the rear surface of the towing vehicle such that the front end of the coupling bar is attached to the rear surface of the towing vehicle substantially at a location adjacent to an axle of the towing vehicle.

[0035] Preferably, the particular location is such that the front end of the coupling bar is attached at a first location substantially above an axle of the towing vehicle.

[0036] Preferably, the particular location of the rear surface of the towing vehicle is such that the front end bar of the coupling bar is located at locations equidistant from the sides of the rear surface of the towing vehicle, [0037] In an alternative arrangement, , the particular location is such that the front end of the coupling bar is attached at a location spaced apart between about 0 mm to about 1000 mm from the location substantially above an axle of the towing vehicle [0038] Preferably, the particular location is such that the front end of the coupling bar is attached at a location spaced apart about 900 mm from the location substantially over the centre axel of the towing vehicle [0039] In another alternative arrangement, the front end of the coupling bar is attached at any location of the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[0040] In furthermore alternative arrangements, the front end of the coupling bar is attached to the rear surface of the towing vehicle, between a first location 6 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 substantially over the centre axle and about 1,100 mm spaced apart from the first location.

[0041] Preferably, in a furthermore alternative arrangements, the towing vehicle comprises four sets of wheels and the support plate is attached to a particular location such that the front end of the coupling bar is attached to the rear surface of the towing vehicle at a particular location located at a particular distance measured from the centerpoint of the assembly of the four set of wheels.

[0042] In an arrangement, the particular distance is between about 0 to 2000 mm.

[0043] Preferably, the particular distance is about 1550 mm.

[0044] Preferably, the particular location is such that the front end bar of the coupling bar is located at locations equidistant from the sides of the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[0045] Preferably, the support plate is pivotally attached to a rear surface of the towing vehicle to permit pivoting of the support plate about the perpendicular axis of the support plate.

[0046] Preferably, the support plate comprises a disc.

[0047] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a transportation apparatus having a rear trailer and at least one towing vehicle having a rear end adapted for attachment of the rear trailer, the transportation apparatus comprising a coupling means for coupling the rear trailer to the towing vehicle, the coupling means comprising a coupling vehicle being adapted for attachment of the rear trailer, and a coupling bar having a front end for attachment to the rear end of the towing vehicle and a rear end for attachment to the coupling vehicle, wherein the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to impede movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar.

[0048] Preferably, the towing vehicle comprises a rear end comprising the rear surface, the rear end being adapted to receive means for containment of cargo. 7 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 [0049] Preferably, the front end of the coupling bar comprises a plurality of first couplings arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other for attachment to the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[0050] Preferably, the front end of the coupling bar is configured as a curved bar for attachment onto the rear end of the towing vehicle.

[0051 ] Preferably, the front end of the coupling bar is attached onto the rear surface of the towing vehicle at a location adjacent to an axie of the towing vehicle.

[0052] Preferably, the front end of the coupling bar is attached at a iocation substantially above an axle of the towing vehicle.

[0053] Preferably, the rear end of the towing vehicle comprises three set of wheels arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other, each of the set of wheels comprising a pair of wheels on each side of the towing vehicle and each pair of wheels are attached to each other via an axel defining a front axle, a centre axle and rear axie.

[0054] Preferably, the front end of the coupling bar is attached to the rear surface of the towing vehicle at a first iocation substantially over the centre axie.

[0055] In an alternative arrangement, the front end of the coupling bar is attached at a location spaced apart between about 0 to 1000 mm from the first location.

[0056] Preferably, the front end of the coupling bar is attached at a location spaced apart about 900mm from the first location.

[0057] In another alternative arrangement, the front end of the coupling bar is attached at any location of the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[0058] In furthermore alternative arrangements, the front end of the coupling bar is attached to the rear surface of the towing vehicle, between the first location substantially over the centre axle and about 1,100 mm from the first iocation. δ 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 [0059] In a furthermore alternative arrangement, the rear end of the towing vehicle comprises an assembly of four set of wheels arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other.

[0060] Preferably, each of the set of wheels comprising a pair of wheels on each side of the towing vehicle and each pair of wheels are attached to each other via an axe! defining a front axle, two centre axles and rear axle.

[0061] Preferably, in this furthermore alternative arrangement, the front end of the coupling bar is attached to the rear surface of the towing vehicle at a particular location located at a particular distance measured from the centerpoint of the assembly of the four set of wheels.

[0062] In an arrangement, the particular distance is between about 0 to 2000 mm.

[0063] Preferably, the particular distance is about 1550 mm.

[0064] Preferably, the front end bar of the coupling bar is located at locations equidistant from the sides of the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[0065] Preferably, a rear trailer is attached to a rear surface of the coupling vehicle at a first location substantially above the centre axle.

[0066] In one arrangement, the towing vehicle is adapted to be attached to a prime mover.

[0067] Preferably, the prime mover is adapted for attaching the towing vehicle substantially above a rear axle of the prime mover.

[0068] Preferably, the rear axle of the prime mover comprises a rear centre axle of the prime mover.

[0069] In another arrangement, there are a plurality of towing vehicles arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other, each pair of leading and following towing vehicles being joined together through a coupling means comprising a coupling vehicle being adapted for attachment of the following towing vehicle, and a 9 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 coupling bar having a front end for attachment to the rear end of the leading towing vehicle and a rear end for attachment to the coupling vehicle, wherein the front end of the coupling bar is attached to impede movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar.

[0070] Preferably, the plurality of towing vehicles comprises a front towing vehicle attached to the prime mover, and a rear towing vehicle for attachment of a rear trailer.

[0071] Preferably, the rear trailer is attached to the rear towing vehicle through a coupling means comprising a coupling vehicle being adapted for attachment of the rear trailer, and a coupling bar having a front end for attachment to the rear end of the rear towing vehicle and a rear end for attachment to the coupling vehicle, wherein the front end of the coupling bar is attached to impede movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar.

[0072] Preferably, there are provided three towing vehicles and a rear trailer.

[0073] Alternatively, there are provided four towing vehicles and a rear trailer.

[0074] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a road train comprising a plurality of towing vehicles and a rear trailer arranged in tandem relationship, wherein the road train is defined by joining together the plurality of towing vehicles and the rear trailer through coupling means in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

[0075] Preferably, the towing vehicles are towing vehicles in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0076] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a coupling means for coupling a second towing vehicle to a first towing vehicle, the coupling means comprising a coupling vehicle being adapted for attachment of the second towing vehicle, and a coupling bar having a front end for attachment to the first towing vehicle and a rear end for attachment to the coupling vehicle, wherein the coupling bar is adapted for attaching the front end of the coupling bar onto a rear surface of the first towing vehicle. 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 10 [0077] Preferably, the coupling vehicle comprises three set of rear wheels arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other, each of the set of wheels comprising a pair of wheels on each side of the towing vehicle and each pair of wheels are attached to each other via an axel defining a front axle, a centre axle and rear axle.

[0078] Preferably, the coupling bar comprises a curved coupling bar.

[0079] Preferably, the coupling bar is pivotally attached to the coupling vehicle.

[0080] Preferably, the towing vehicle comprises a towing vehicle in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0081] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a coupling means for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle, the coupling means comprising a coupling vehicle being adapted for attachment of the trailer, and a coupling bar having a front end for attachment to the towing vehicle and a rear end for attachment to the coupling vehicle, wherein the front end of the coupling bar is adapted to impede movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar.

[0082] Preferably, the coupling vehicle comprises three set of rear wheels arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other, each of the set of wheels comprising a pair of wheels on each side of the towing vehicle and each pair of wheels are attached to each other via an axel defining a front axle, a centre axle and rear axle.

[0083] Preferably, the front end of the coupling bar comprises a plurality of first couplings arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other for attachment to the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[0084] Preferably, the towing vehicle comprises a towing vehicle in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. 11

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 [0085] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a first arrangement of a road train in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a top perspective view of one of the towing vehicles of the road train shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of the towing vehicle shown in figure 2;

Figure 4 is a rear view of the towing vehicle shown in figure 2;

Figure 5 is a side view of a second arrangement of a road train in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a side view of one of the coupling means of the road train shown in figure 5 including a coupling vehicle and a coupling bar for attachment to one of the towing vehicles of the road train shown in figure 5.

Figure 7 is a side view of one of the coupling means of the road train shown in figures 1 or 5 including a coupling vehicle and a coupling bar.

Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of the coupling means shown in figure 7;

Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the coupling means shown in figure 7;

Figure 10 is a side view of one of the coupling means of a road train in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention including a coupling 12 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 vehicle and a coupling bar for attachment to one of the towing vehicles of the road train in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 is a side view of a particular configuration of the road train shown figure 1;

Figure 12 is a side view of a particular configuration of the towing vehicle shown in figure 2;

Figure 13 is a side view of a particular configuration of the road train shown figure 5;

Figure 14 is a side view of a particular configuration of one of the coupling means of the road train shown in figure 5 including a coupling vehicle and a coupling bar for attachment to one of the towing vehicles of the road train shown in figure 5; and

Figure 15 is a side view of a particular configuration of the road train shown figure 10.

It should be noted that the figures are schematic only and the location and disposition of the components can vary according to the particular arrangements of the embodiment(s) of the present invention as well as of the particular applications of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) [0086] The present embodiment of the invention relates to a road train arrangement comprising a plurality of towing vehicles 18 and a rear trailer 21 arranged in tandem relationship and attached to a primer 19 for towing of the towing vehicles 18 and trailer 21, [0087] In the particular arrangement shown in figure 1, there are three towing vehicles 18a, 18b and 18c and a rear trailer 21 attached to each other via a particular arrangement of coupling means 12. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures the coupling means 12 comprise a coupling bar 14 and a coupling vehicle 13 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 16. By way of example, figure 11 shows a particular configuration of the road train shown in figure 1.

[0088] in particular, the coupling bar 14 is connected to the coupling vehicle 16 in such a manner that roll movement of the coupling bar 14 (movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar 14) is impeded. It has been noted that impeding movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar 14 reduces swaying movement of the rear towing vehicles 18 and trailer 21 of road trains 10 and therefore providing more stability to the road trains 10.

[0089] Figure 2 shows a first arrangement of, for example, the towing vehicle 18a in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention. The towing vehicle 18a comprises a chassis 20 comprising a front section 22 adapted to receive a container 24 for containment of the freight, and a rear section 26 adapted for attaching the towing vehicle 18b. By way of example, figure 12 shows a particular configuration of towing vehicle shown in figure 1.

[0090] The rear section 26 comprises a surface 28 adapted to attached a front section of the coupling bar 14 to permit attachment of the towing vehicle 18b; for this, the surface 28 comprises the coupling device 23.

[0091] The rear trailer 21 is substantially identical to the towing vehicle 18 except that it is not adapted for attachment of the coupling means 12 and therefore does not include the coupling device 23.

[0092] The coupling device 23 comprises a disc 30. The disc 30 comprises an attachment means 32. The attachment means 32 comprises a plurality of couplings 32a and 32b. As shown in figure 2, the couplings 32a and 32b are located offset with respect to the centre of the disc 30. The disc 30 comprises an opening 34 located between the couplings 32.

[0093] The couplings 32a and 32b are arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. In this manner, each coupling 32a and 32b is located adjacent the opposite sides of the disc 30. As will be described with reference to the method of operation of the coupling means 32, this particular arrangement of couplings 32a and 32b impedes the coupling bar 14 when attached to the coupling device 23 to 14 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 move about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar 14. The movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar 14 is typically called roll movement. Impeding the coupling bar 14 to undergo roil movement provides an enhanced stability to the road train 10.

[0094] Furthermore, the disc 30 is rotatable attached to the surface 28 of the rear portion 26 of the towing vehicle 18 allowing movement of the coupling bar 14 about the perpendicular axis of the surface 28 of the rear section 26. Movement of the coupling bar 14 about the perpendicular axis of the surface 28 permits the towing vehicle 18b moving with respect to the towing vehicle 18a. This type of movement occurs during, for example, turning of the road train 10.

[0095] Referring now to figure 3.

[0096] Figure 3 shows a side view of one of towing vehicles 18a, 18b or 18c. The towing vehicle 18a shown in figure 18 comprises three rear set of wheels 36. The three set of wheels 36a, 36b and 36c arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other. Each of the set of wheels 36 comprises a pair of wheels 36 on each side of the towing vehicle 18. And, each pair of wheels 36 is attached to each other via an axel 38.

[0097] For example, as depicted in figure 4, the set of wheels 36c comprises a pair of wheels 36c on each side of the towing vehicle - the pair of wheels 36c being attached to each other via an axle 38; the same applies for the set of wheels of 36a and 36b. Due to the set of wheels 36 being arranged in tandem relationship, the set of wheels 36a are joined together through a front axle 38a; the set of wheels 36b are joined together through a centre axle 38b; and the set of wheels 36c are joined together through the front axle 38c as depicted in figure 4.

[0098] The centre axle 38b is located at a particular distance from the rear end 40 of the towing vehicle 18.

[0099] The coupling device 23 is attached to the surface 28 of the rear section 26 at a location spaced apart from the rear end of the container 24. In particular, the coupling device 23 is located at such a location that the couplings 32a and 32b are located at a particular distance measured from a point above the axel 38b to the 15 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 couplings 32a and 32b. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 3, this particular distance is 900 mm.

[00100] In alternative arrangements, the distance measured from a point above the axe! 38c to the couplings 32a and 32b may be less or greater than about 900mm. For example, in the second arrangement of the road train 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention shown in figures 5 and 6 the couplings 32a and 32b are located substantially above the centre axle 38b. Thus, the distance measured from a point above the axel 38c to the couplings 32a and 32b is about 0 mm.

[00101] in the arrangement shown in the figures, the coupling device 23 is located at locations equidistant from the sides 55 of the rear surface 28 of the towing vehicle 18 - see figure 4. In this manner, the front end 54 of the coupling bar 14 is located at locations equidistant from the sides 55 of the rear surface 28 of the towing vehicle 18.

[00102] Referring now to figures 5 and 6.

[00103] In the second arrangement shown in figures 5 and 6, at least a portion of the coupling device 23 is located between the longitudinal beams of the chassis 20 of the towing vehicle 18; in this manner, in this particular arrangement, the couplings 32a and 32b may be located substantially above the centre axle 38b. By way of example, figure 13 shows a particular configuration of the road train shown in figure 1. And, Figure 14 shows a particular configuration of of one of the coupling means of the road train shown in figure 5 including a coupling vehicle and a coupling bar for attachment to one of the towing vehicles of the road train shown in figure 5.

[00104] As mentioned earlier, the present embodiment of the invention relates to a road train arrangement comprising a plurality of towing vehicles 18 and rear trailer 21 arranged in tandem relationship and attached to a primer 19 for towing of the towing vehicles 18 and trailer 21. The towing vehicles 18 and rear trailer 21 are attached to each other through coupling means 12 comprising coupling vehicles 16 to which the coupling bars 14 are attached. 16 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 [00105] In the first and second arrangement of the road trains in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention there are three coupling vehicles 16a, 16b and 16c having one of the coupling bars 14a, 14b and 14c attached thereto. Figures 7 to 9 show a particular arrangement of a coupling vehicle 16 incorporating a coupling bar 14.

[00106] Figure 7 shows a side view of the coupling vehicle 16 and the coupling bar 14.

[00107] The coupling vehicle 16 comprises a chassis 45 to which three rear set of wheels 46 are attached. The three set of wheels 46a, 46b and 66c arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other. Each of the set of wheels 66 comprises a pair of wheel 46 on each side of the coupling vehicle 16. And, each pair of wheels 46a, 46b and 46c are attached to each other via an axel 48, in particular, a front axle 48a, a centre axle 48b and a rear axle 48c - see figure 7.

[00108] Referring to figure 7, furthermore, each coupling vehicle 16 comprises a coupling device 50 that is located substantially above the centre axel 48b. The coupling device 50 permits joining together a particular towing 18b, 18c, and 18d to the respective coupling vehicle 16a, 16b and 16c.

[00109] The road train 10 is assembled by mounting the towing vehicles 18 and trailer 21 onto the respective coupling vehicles 16 and joining together the coupling vehicles 16 using the coupling bars 14.

[00110] The coupling bars 14 comprises a rear end 52 pivotally attached to the coupling vehicle 44, and a front end 54 adapted to be attached to the couplings 32a and 32b.

[00111] In accordance with the present embodiments of the invention, the front end 54 of the coupling bar 14 is adapted to impede movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar 14 (the roll movement). As mentioned earlier, impeding roll movement enhances the stability of the road train 10 during its operation.

[00112] Figure 8 depicts the bottom of the coupling bar 14. The front end 54 of the coupling bar 14 comprises a plurality of couplings 56a and 56b. The couplings 56 17 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 are arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The couplings 58a and 56b are adapted to be attached, respectively, to the couplings 32a and 32b for attaching the coupling bars 14a, 14b and 14c, respectively, to the towing trailer 18a, 18b and 18c and trailer 21 for assembly of the road train 10 as depicted in figures 1 and figure 5.

[00113] The particular arrangement of coupling bar 14 depicted in the figures comprises an elongated curved body 58. The body 58 is configured to define a concave curve (see figure 7) permitting attaching the front end 54 of the coupling bar 14 to the upper side of the rear end 26 of the towing trailer 18a, 18b or 18c.

[00114] Further, the body 58 of the coupling bar 14 shown in the figures comprises a frame having two side beams 60a and 60b arranged in a parallel relationship with respect to each other. A plurality of transversal beams 62a and 62b extend between side beams 60a and 60. The beams 62 are arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The ends of beams 60 are attached to the front and rear end 52 and 54 of the coupling bar 14, [00115] The road trains 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention are particular advantageous because they have an enhanced stability with respect to the conventional road trains. One of the reasons that the road trains 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention have an enhanced stability is because the swaying movement of the towing vehicles 18 and rear trailer 21 of the road trains 10 is drastically reduced. Two reasons for which the swaying movement is reduced is that (1) the roll movement about the longitudinal axis of the coupling bar 14 is impeded and (2) the front end of the coupling bar 14 is attached to either substantially above the centre axle of the centre wheels of the towing vehicle 18 or adjacent to the location substantially above the centre axle 38 such as, for example, about 900 mm offset from the location substantially above to the centre axle 38.

[00116] Furthermore, as can be appreciated from figures 1 and 5, (1) the coupling bars 14 are attached at locations substantially above to the centre axles 38b (or relatively near to the location substantially above to the centre axle 38b) of the rear end of the towing vehicles 18 as well as (2) the towing vehicles 18 and the trailer 21 are attached substantially above centre axle 48b of the coupling vehicle 16. The fact that both - (1) the coupling bar 14 and (2) the towing vehicles 18 and the trailer 21- 18 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 are attached substantiaily above or substantially adjacent to the location above the centre axle 38 enhances the stability of the road train 10.

[00117] Modifications and variations as wouid be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[00118] For example, in alternatives arrangements, the front end 54 of the coupling bar 14 may be attached at any location of the rear surface 28 of the towing vehicle 18.

[00119] In other alternative arrangements, the front end 54 of the coupling bar 14 may be attached to the rear surface 28 of the towing vehicle 18 at any location between a first location substantially over the centre axel 38b of the towing vehicle 18 and a second location spaced apart 1,100 mm from the first location.

[00120] Moreover, the coupling bar may be configured as having any shape to permit attachment of the front end of the coupling bar to the rear surface of the towing vehicle.

[00121] Referring now to figure 10. Figure 10 shows a road train 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The road train 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to the road train 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts. By way of example, figure 15 shows a particular configuration of the road train shown in figure 10.

[00122] Figure 10 shows a particular arrangement of the coupling means of a road train in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention including a coupling vehicle 16 and a coupling bar 14 for attachment to one of the towing vehicles of the road train in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention.

[00123] The road train 10 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention comprises towing vehicles 18 (and rear trailers 21) and coupling vehicles 16 having an assembly 66 of four set of wheels 64 arranged in tandem relationship with respect of each other. In a particular arrangement, each of the set of wheels 64 comprises a pair of wheels 64 on each side of the towing vehicle 18, the rear trailer 2016101660 16 Sep 2016 19 21 and the coupling vehicle 16. And, each pair of wheels 36 is attached to each other via an axe! 38.

[00124] As mentioned before, in reiation to the first embodiment of the invention, each towing vehicle 18 comprises a rear section 26 adapted for attaching another towing vehicle 18 located behind each towing vehicle 18. The rear section 26 comprises a surface 28 adapted to attach a front section of the coupling bar 14 to permit attachment of the towing vehicle 18b; for this, the surface 28 comprises the coupling device 23.

[00125] Further, as mentioned before also in relation to the first embodiment of the invention the coupling device 23 is attached to the surface 28 of the rear section 26 at a location spaced apart from the rear end of the container 24. In the particular arrangement in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention and shown in figure 10, the coupling device 23 is located at such a location that the couplings 32a and 32b of the coupling device 23 are located at a particular distance measured from the centerpoint 68 of the assembly 66 of the four set of wheels 64 to the couplings 32a and 32b. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 10, this particular distance is between about 0 to 2000 mm; alternatively, this particular distance is about 1550 mm.

[00126] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. By way of example, in accordance with other embodiments of the invention a primer mover may be joined together to, for example, a single rear trailer 21 through a coupling means 12 to enhance the stability of a towing truck comprising a single trailer 21.

[00127] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (4)

1. A coupling vehicle for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle having a rear end comprising an upper surface comprising attachment means having a plurality of first couplings arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other, the coupling vehicle comprising a coupling means being adapted for attachment of the trailer, and a coupling bar having a front end for attachment to the attachment means of the towing vehicle and a rear end for attachment to the coupling vehicle, wherein a lower side of the front end of the coupling bar comprises a plurality of second couplings arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other adapted for attachment to the plurality of first couplings of the attachment means of the towing vehicle.

2. A towing vehicle for attachment of a coupling vehicle as defined in claim 1, the towing vehicle having a front end adapted to receive a container and a rear end comprising an upper surface comprising first attachment means having a plurality of first couplings arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other for attachment to the second couplings of the coupling bar, and a wheel assembly comprising front and rear wheels and a plurality of wheels located between the front and rear wheels, the wheel assembly having a centrepoint being located at equal distances from the front wheel and the rear wheel, wherein the plurality of first couplings of the attachment means of the towing vehicle are attached to the rear end of the towing vehicle at a particular location located at a particular distance measured from the centerpoint of the wheel assembly, wherein the particular distance is between about 0 to 2000 mm.

3. A transportation apparatus having a rear trailer and at least one first towing vehicle as defined in claim 2 for attachment of either a second first towing vehicle or the rear trailer, the apparatus comprising at least one coupling vehicle in accordance with claim 1 for attachment of either the second first towing vehicle or the rear trailer to the at least one first towing vehicle.

4. A road train comprising a prime mover, a plurality of towing vehicles and a rear trailer arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other, wherein the road train comprises the coupling vehicle defined in claim 1 for joining together the prime mover, the plurality of towing vehicles as defined in claim 2 and the rear trailer.