GB2467955A

GB2467955A - Coupling connection arrangement for a cab and trailer

Info

Publication number: GB2467955A
Application number: GB0902968A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Richardson
Original assignee: Don Bur Bodies and Trailers Ltd
Current assignee: Don Bur Bodies and Trailers Ltd
Priority date: 2009-02-23
Filing date: 2009-02-23
Publication date: 2010-08-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-23
Also published as: GB0902968D0; GB2467955B

Abstract

A coupling for connection of a power and/or service supply from a cab to a trailer/ container whereby the coupling has coupling outlets 2a-2e movable from a first operating position located within the width of the trailer/ container to a coupling connection position for an operator to connect the power/service supply from the cab to the trailer/container. The said coupling outlets are arranged laterally beyond the width of the trailer/container whilst in the coupling connection position. The coupling outlets may be arranged such that they are lockable in the coupling connection position. There may be provided detection means to detect if the coupling outlets are laterally beyond the width or the trailer/container when there is relative motion of the trailer or cab and means to retract the outlets within the width of the trailer. The coupling outlets may be provided on a coupling plate member 2 that is pivotally movable between the operating position and the coupling connection position. The coupling plate member may be movable on a swing arm bracket means 3.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO TRAILERS OR CONTAINERS

This invention relates to improvements in or relating to trailers or containers and is more particularly but not exclusively concerned with the manner in which a required power or service supply is connected from a driver's cab to a trailer.

It is well known for trailers to be provided with fixed, centrally located, power/service coupling outlets relatively high up (e.g. 1.8 metres above ground) on a front face of the trailer.

Usually, five coupling outlets are provided on the trailer, for example, for two air or pneumatic service connections that control the braking system of the trailer and other air operated systems of the trailer, and three electrical connections (24N/S/ISO) required for the various electrical functions of the trailer such as the ABS, EBS and lighting functions.

Thus, it is necessary, when connecting a power/service supply to a trailer/container from a tractor cab, that the operator connects all five power/service line feeds from the cab to the trailer via the coupling outlets. Often access to the coupling outlets is restricted owing to the narrow gap generally provided between the tractor cab and trailer/container, once the cab has been correctly mechanically connected to the trailer/container. The operator can sometimes have quite a difficult task to accomplish, often in poor lighting conditions; he often has to stand on a catwalk at the rear of the tractor cab and attempt to balance on the catwalk whilst bending over reaching downwardly in between the cab and trailer/container, in order to connect the * 2 air and electrical line feeds from the tractor cab to the coupling outlets one at a time.

Thus, the operator, on occasion, has to perform the coupling operation in a dark, confined space in between the tractor cab and trailer/container. It is to be noted that a considerable force may be required by the operator (necessitating use of both hands on the airline connections) to push the two airline connections from the tractor cab onto the required coupling outlets on the trailer and thus the operation is not simple to perform. In fact, there are many potential hazards for the operator in accomplishing connection of the power/service lines from the tractor cab to the trailer in this manner.

There have been cases of the operator being injured and even killed whilst performing the operation, owing to relative movement of tractor cab and trailer through miscoupling or the trailer/container not being parked correctly whilst the operator performs the coupling operation. In such an instance, the cab or trailer, not being correctly parkedlcoupled, may have moved to crush the operator in between the tractor cab and trailer/container.

Some brake systems have an inherent defect which may allow the trailer to move even though the park brake is applied. This defect may occur during the coupling process particularly if the split coupling' method is used and can result in free movement of the trailer with potentially fatal results.

Additionally, tractor cab doors have been known to swing open and hit the operator whilst the operator is performing the power/service connection operation. Better positioning of the operator (e.g on the ground) during the coupling operation and an overall reduction in time for the coupling connection operation could help reduce such unfortunate eventualities.

It is known for the coupling connections to be provided on the front of the trailer/container on a sliding carriage that can be moved from a central location towards either side of the front of the trailer/container to compensate for movement e.g. cornering of the tractor cab/trailer combination. The general purpose of the arrangement is to prevent or alleviate suzie fatigue that could otherwise occur from such movement. However, whilst this may possibly enable the coupling connections to be moved more towards the side of the container where the operator is standing, the operator still has to climb on the catwalk of the tractor cab and, whilst the connection operation may be somewhat simplified, the task is still substantially onerous and remains substantially as hazardous for the safety of the operator. Once again, it still tends to be disadvantageous that the operator has to reach or stretch to the connections in order to complete the coupling task even though the coupling connections have been moved laterally towards him within the width of the trailer.

It is an object of the present invention to at least alleviate one or more of the aforementioned or other, disadvantages associated with connection of power/service lines from e.g. a driver's cab to a trailer/container.

According to the present invention there is provided a coupling for connection of a power andlor service supply from a cab to a trailer/container, the coupling having coupling outlets moveable from a first, operating position located within the width of the trailer/container to a coupling connection position for the operator to connect the power/service supply from the cab to the trailer/container, said coupling outlets being arranged laterally beyond the width of the trailer/container in the coupling connection position.

Further according to the present invention there is provided the combination of a trailer/container and coupling as described in the immediately preceding paragraph.

Still further according to the present invention there is provided the combination of a trailer/container as described in the immediately preceding paragraph and driver's cab.

Preferably, the coupling outlets are provided on a coupling plate member or means that is pivotally moveable between the operating position and the coupling connection position, preferably, on a swing arm bracket means.

Movement of the coupling outlets is, preferably, controlled or damped under the action e.g. of a resilient means such as a gas strut.

The swing arm bracket means may comprise two arm members each pivotally mounted to the coupling plate member and to means on the trailer (such as a box structure) usually containing the resilient means or gas strut, where provided.

Preferably, on appropriate actuation by the operator, such as by electronic or pneumatic control means situated in the driver's cab or on the side of the trailer, or by remote control, the coupling outlets are moveable from the first operating position to an intermediate, safety position, still within the width of the trailer. Pneumatic control means is preferred so as to decrease the risk of problems occurring e.g. due to flat battery or water ingress if an electronic or electrical control is utilised. The coupling outlets may then be moved laterally beyond the trailer to the coupling connection position manually, preferably, via handle means on the coupling plate means and/or swing arm bracket, where provided.

Preferably, means is provided for locking the coupling outlets in the coupling connection position against upward movement, e.g. by locking the swing ann bracket, where provided.

Most preferably, the coupling is provided with safety means e.g. in the form of a motion sensor able to sense e.g. relative movement between the trailer and cab, in use, in order to return the coupling outlets to safety within the width of the trailer if required. In this manner, should such motion be detected (e.g. if the trailer cab has not been parked correctly) danger of the operator being hit by coupling outlets lying beyond the width of the trailer is alleviated, since they should be returned to within the width of the trailer substantially immediately on detection of such motion.

Alternatively, or additionally, the safety means may be provided by existing motion sensor means incorporated in the trailer/container brake/suspension apparatus.

Additionally, and advantageously, since the operator does not have to climb in between the tractor cab and trailer in order to connect the power/service supply to the coupling outlets, the operator cannot be crushed in between the tractor and cab.

Preferably, the coupling outlets are provided with, or operatively connected to, a light source that may be operated automatically when the coupling outlets are in the coupling connection position, to act as a warning, and to help illuminate the coupling outlets themselves.

The locking means may comprise e.g. a spring mounted (rod) member engageable in a receiving hole/recess in (bracket) means on the coupling. The locking means may be activated manually by moving or pivoting the coupling plate means where provided or actuated automatically during connecting power/service supply lines to the coupling outlets.

Further according to the present invention, there is provided coupling having one or more of the following features:-a) Coupling outlets moveable (preferably swingable) from within the width of a trailer/container laterally beyond said width.

b) Coupling outlets arrangeable beyond the width of a trailer/container and retractable within the width of the trailer/container or detection of any relative motion, or motion, of the trailer/container and cab c) Coupling outlets pivotable (preferably pneumatically movable) on a trailer/container, preferably, between an operating position to an intermediate position, each said position being within the width of the trailer/container and said coupling outlets being movable (preferably manually) to a coupling connection position laterally beyond the width of the trailer/container S 7 d) Coupling outlets capable of being moved to a position locked beyond the width of a trailer/container, said locking being against upward movement and said locking by maintained during upward pressure on the coupling outlets, e.g. during connection of air supply service lines, said locking preferably being releasable on e.g. clockwise rotation of the coupling outlets.

e) Detection or sensor means to detect if coupling outlets are laterally beyond the width of the trailer/container when there is any relative motion, or motion, of the trailer or cab in order to retract the outlets within the width of the trailer f) Coupling outlets moveable from an operating position with the width of a trailer to a lower position laterally beyond the width of the trailer.

Many other advantageous features of the present invention will be apparent from the

following description and drawings.

An embodiment of a coupling for connecting a power andlor service supply from a driver's cab to a trailer/container, in accordance with the present invention, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-FIGURE A shows a view of a power/service coupling located on the front of a trailer and of a form known per Se, FIGURE B shows a view of a second power/service coupling located on the front of a trailer and of a form known per Se; * 8 FIGURE 1 shows a front view of the coupling attached to the front wall of a trailer with coupling outlets in a first position; FIGURE 2 shows a view similar to FIGURE 1 with the coupling outlets moved to a second, intermediate, safety position usually occupied when the trailer/container is parked; FIGURE 3 shows a view of the coupling outlets in a third position, laterally beyond the width of the trailer, prior to being locked ready for connection of power/service supply lines from a tractor cab; FIGURE 4 shows a view similar to FIGURE 3 with the coupling outlets in a locked position ready for connection to power/service supply lines; FIGURE 5 shows a detail view of a locking means for locking the coupling outlets in the position as shown in FIGURE 4; FIGURE 6 shows a detail view of a sensor arranged to sense the position of the coupling outlets in order for illuminating a safety or warning light; FIGURE 7 shows a further detail view of the locking means, in an unlocked position; FIGURE 8 shows a detail of control buttons on the side of the trailer; * 9 FIGURES 9 to 11 show schematic views relative to a frame structure of the trailer front wall showing three main positions for the coupling outlets, FIGURE 12 shows a schematic, perspective view of the coupling viewed from the inside; FIGURE 13 shows a schematic rear view of the coupling fitted to the frame structure of the trailer front wall (with bulkhead panel omitted for clarity), and FIGURE 14 shows a schematic plan view of the arrangement shown in FIGURE 13; FIGURE 15 shows a rear or inside view of the coupling outlets, and FIGURE 16 shows the control circuit for operating the movement of the coupling outlets.

Referring to the FIGURES of the drawings, FIGURE A shows a partial front view of a trailer Ti provided with coupling outlets Cl -C5 for connecting power/service supply lines (not shown) from a tractor cab (not shown). The trailer Ti and coupling outlets Cl-CS are of a format known per Se. Coupling outlets Cl and C5 are air coupling outlets that control the braking system of the trailer and other air operated systems thereof and coupling outlets C2 -C4 are electrical outlets (24N/S/1SO) required for the various electrical functions of the trailer Ti such as the ABS, EBS and lighting functions. It is to be noted that all the coupling outlets Cl-CS are fixed relative to the front wall of the trailer TI and are located generally at a height on the trailer of 1.8m above the ground.

Such an arrangement tends to be disadvantageous for reasons already outlined earlier on in this specification; since the outlets Cl-C5 are difficult to access by the operator, who has to climb on the catwalk areas between the coupled tractor and trailer, when attempting to connect the power/service supply lines (not shown) to the coupling outlets.

FIGURE B is a partial view of a second trailer T2 once again generally of a form known per se. This trailer T2 is provided with moveable coupling outlets Cl' -C5' mounted on a slideable coupling plate pl (or nosebox') that can be sudden on a slideway si from the centre of the width of the trailer to a position nearer to the side by the operator, in use. The coupling outlets Cl -C5 are operatively connected to the vehicle via flexible connection line CL connected to the rear of the slide plate p1.

Such a slideable plate p1 allows less stress on the suzie connections (not shown) between the cab and trailer than with fixed coupling outlets (as in FIGURE A) thus reducing the risk of suzie fatigue/wear. However, whilst this may ease access of the coupling outlet Cl -C5' to the operator to some extent, it is believed that such an arrangement does not obviate or significantly alleviate the problems the operator encounters during the coupling connection operation; the coupling outlets still remain at the same general height necessitating the operator to stretch or reach to gain access to the outlets and does little to alleviate the aforementioned hazardous conditions effecting the safety of the operator. ii

Referring to FIGURES 1-14 of the drawings, a coupling I has a coupling outlet plate 2 pivotal ly connected at two lower, spaced locations Xl, X2 to one end of a swing arm bracket 3 consisting of two, spaced, generally parallel longitudinal, pressed steel channel members 3a and 3b which in turn are each pivotally mounted at their opposite ends at locations 3a', 3b' to box structure 4 (at the front face 4a thereof). The box structure 4 contains a gas strut 5, more particularly as shown in FIGURES 12 and 13, to operate the swing arm bracket 3. The coupling outlet plate 2 is moveable along with the coupling outlets 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e from the first, operating position as shown in FIGURE 1 to a second, intermediate, higher safety or park' position as shown in FIGURE 2 and then to a third, lower position as shown in FIGURE 3 just prior to locking of member 3b in the final coupling connection position as shown in FIGURE 4, ready for the connection of power/service supply lines from the tractor cab (not shown) to which the trailer T is to be mechanically coupled in use.

It is to be noted that in the first, operating position, the coupling outlets 2a to 2e are located within the width of the trailer T or stop means S (see FIGURE 2), approximately centrally of the width thereof and at a height of about 1.8m above ground to the mid line of the coupling plate 2 When it is desired to connect power/service supply lines from the tractor cab to the coupling outlets 2a-2e, initially the coupling plate 2 would already have been swung about axes XI, X2 of the longitudinal members 3a, 3b (as member 3a, 3b are swung about axes 3a', 3b' on box structure 4) to the park' position. If necessary, this can be done by pressing the up' pneumatic control button BI on side of the trailer T, located underneath the side curtain c of the trailer near the front of the trailer, as shown in S 12 FIGURE 8 of the accompanying drawings. Movement of the coupling plate 2 from the first operating position to the second, safety position still within the width of the trailer is a safety precaution and movement of the coupling outlet plate 2 to the position as shown in FIGURE 3 is only accomplished under the direct manual control of the operator, by gripping the handle Hi and/or H2 with the hand/s and pulling the plate 2/member 3b downwardly and laterally outwardly.

In order for the power/service supply lines from the cab to be connected to the coupling outlets 2a-2e. the position of member 3b needs to be firmly locked in the final, coupling connection position as in FIGURE 4, since considerable force is required to couple the air supply lines to the coupling outlets 2d and 2e, requiring the coupling plate 2 to be held steady (and not lifted upwardly on member 3b). Thus, a locking means L (see FIGURES 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) is provided. In this manner, the coupling plate 2 can be held steady against upward movement by locking means L when the power/service lines are connected to the coupling outlets 2a-2e.

Importantly, therefore, the coupling outlets 2a-2e are easily and readily accessible in the coupling connection position by the operator since they are now positioned laterally beyond the width of the trailer in the position as shown in FIGURE 4 of the drawings.

As should be readily ascertainable from the FIGURES of the drawings, the coupling plate 2 has not only been moved laterally outwardly beyond the width of the trailer it has also been moved downwardly to a much lower, more convenient and more readily accessible position for the operator, so that the operator can connect the power/service lines without stretching or reaching in an awkward manner.

The locking means L consists of a spring-mounted rod La (shown in the locking position in FIGURE 5 and unlocked in FIGURE 7) extendible from each end of box Lb fixed on member 3b as showm In the position as shown in FIGURE 3, the rod La has a free end out of engagement with locking hole 7a of angle bracket 7 fixed to the front box structure 4. Tilting of the coupling plate 2 in an anti-clockwise direction (see arrow X in FIGURE 3) by way of handle Hi urges rod La (via action of extension plate 2f on plate 2) to extend to the left through locking hole 7a (see FIGURE 5) when the rod is aligned with the hole. Thus upward pivotal movement of the member 3b (and thus of bracket 3 carrying coupling outlet plate 2) is prevented whilst rod La is held in the locking position by pushing upwardly either on handle Hi or when connecting the power/service supply lines.

Once power/service supply lines have been connected to the coupling outlets 2a-2e, the locking means is released by the coupling plate 2 self-returning to the position as shown in FIGURE 3, by means of gravity and assisted by the spring and bolt arrangement 3c on arm bracket 3 (see FIGURE 15).

Thus, the operator can use both hands to connect the air supply lines to coupling outlets 2a, 2d whilst the position of the member 3b is held fixed by locking means L. Once the power supply/service line has been connected to the coupling outlets 2a-2b, the operator the locking means L is automatically released as aforesaid and the coupling outlet plate 2 is returned to the second position as shown in FIGURE 2 simply by lifting the plate via handles HI andlor H2 and moving the plate upwardly and inwardly in a manner that should be readily apparent. Once the coupling plate 2 has been returned to the position as shown in FIGURE 2. pneumatic control button B2 (see FIGURE 8) can be actuated to move the coupling outlets 2a-2e and coupling outlet plate 2 to the original operating position as shown in FIGURE 1 of the drawings. Additionally, or alternatively, depressing control button B2 whilst the plate 2 is in the position as shown in FIGURE 3 may be arranged to return the plate to its initial operating portion as shown in FIGURE 1 or FIGURE 2, as the case may be.

Movement of the coupling plate 2 between the position shown in FIGURE 3 to the position shown in FIGURE 2 is aided by the action of gas strut 5 (see FIGURES 12 to 14). In this manner, the coupling plate can be lifted with ease into the position as shown in FIGURE 2.

It is important that the movement of the coupling outlets 2a-2e is under close safety control and the arrangement is such that any movement of the trailer I will cause the coupling outlets Cl -C5 and plate 2 to be returned or retracted to the position as shown in FIGURE 2 if the coupling outlets are still laterally beyond the width of the trailer when such movement takes place.

It is believed that such a safety precaution is necessary since it is possible that the operator (or other person) could be hit by coupling outlet plate 2 if it remained laterally beyond the width of the trailer, with the trailer in motion, more particularly e.g. due to a failed braking system on the trailer/container. S 15

Most importantly, the return/retract feature should obviate or alleviate the coupling plate 2 becoming trapped in between the driver's cab and trailer on turning of the tractor cab/trailer vehicle combination, in a manner which should be self-evident.

In order to achieve such a safety measure, the coupling I may be provided with motion sensor means so that if any relative motion of the trailer and cab is detected the coupling outlet plate is returned to at least within the width of trailer.

Alternatively, the coupling I may be returned to the position as shown in FIGURE 2 triggered by a pulse signal from the electronic braking system (EBS) via the electronic control unit (ECU) of the trailer /container.

Sensor 6 also senses the position of longitudinal member 3a. Sensor 6 has a sensing rod 6a that extends through the bottom wall 7b of angle bracket 7 (see FIGURE 6) which contacts the bottom of longitudinal member 3a when the slide plate 2 is in the laterally extended position as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. FIGURE 5 shows the position in which the longitudinal member 3a is in contact with the sensor and in which the slide plate 2 is in a locked position as shown in FIGURE 4 and FIGURE 6 shows the longitudinal member 3a in a raised position in which the sensor is not contacted.

A dual light source 8 is provided on the top of the coupling plate 2 (red light to the rear and white to the front) which is operated under the action of sensor 6 (via rod 6a) to act as a warning, indicating the presence of the coupling plate in a hazardous position and to give further light for the operator to connect the service/supply lines. * 16

FIGURES 9, 10 and 11 show diagrammatically the three main positions of the coupling outlet plate member 2 (corresponding to FIGURES 1 to 3) relative to a framework F of the front of the trailer.

FIGURES 12 to 14 show further views of the coupling I attached to the framework F. FIGURE 12 shows a diagrammatic inside view illustrating how the gas strut 5 can be operated via the control button Bi, B2 to extend or retract piston 5a of the gas strut to turn dog lever drive d to pivot arm 3b of bracket 3 to move the coupling outlets Cl -C5 outwardly of the trailer T. Member 3b is provided with a lower circular opening 0 for allowing flexible connector lines CL from the rear of the coupling plate 2 to pass through control boxes on the trailer.

FIGURE 15 is an inside view of the rear of coupling plate 2 showing the flexible connection lines CL leading from the coupling outlets C1-C5 to control boxes 10 on the front of the trailer.

FIGURE 16 shows a control circuit 2 for operating the gas strut 5 via control buttons Bi and B2, in order to control the swinging movement of bracket 3 and hence movement of the coupling plate 2 and coupling outlets 2a-2b. The operation of the circuit 2 should be self-explanatory.

Whilst the a foregoing embodiment shows an arrangement in which the coupling outlets may be swung only to one side (driver's side) of the trailer is it possible that other embodiments may provide for the coupling outlets to be swung to the opposite side (and laterally there beyond) or which is swingable to either side and beyond as required.

Overall, embodiments of the present invention, advantageously, allow the coupling connection operation to be performed outside the confines of the trailer and at height which is comfortable for the operator whilst the operator remains safely on the ground (rather than having to climb on a catwalk). Additionally, and also, advantageously, should the operator forget to move the coupling outlets back to the position as shown in FIGURE 2, the outlets will automatically be returned to this position (thereby preventing possible damage to the vehicle, coupling and other road users).

Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention allow safe movement/extension of at least some (if not all) of the coupling outlets beyond the width of the trailer because of the inbuilt capability to sense and return the coupling outlets to a safe position within the width of the trailer; this in turn allows the coupling plate to be dropped down and extended to a connection position within comfortable reach for the operator.

Whilst the present invention has been described in relation to a plurality of coupling outlets being moved laterally beyond the width of the trailer it is possible (in some embodiments not shown) that only one coupling outlet is moved beyond said width.

However, it is preferred that all the coupling outlets (and preferably along with all of the coupling plate means) are moved beyond the width of the trailer for easy coupling. * 18

Although not shown, advantageously, it is possible that an additional control apparatus is provided which will not allow the brakes of the trailer to release if the coupling plate means is in the lower (connection) position. It is envisaged that the apparatus would be such that the brakes could not be applied whilst the vehicle is moving.

Still further, and advantageously, a timed return function may be incorporated such that if the coupling outlets remain laterally beyond the width of the trailer for a set ( possibly variably presettable) time period e.g. 5 minutes, the coupling outlets will be automatically returned to a, or the,safety position within the width of the trailer (usually not to the transit position as this could render access to the coupling plate difficult).

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be unduly limited by the particular choice of terminology and that a specific term may be replaced or supplemented by an equivalent or generic term. For example, the term operating position' could be replaced by transit position' or default transit position'; trailer' could be replaced by semi-trailer', coupling plate' could be replaced by nosebox'; operator' could be replaced by driver'; coupling lines' could be replaced by suzie'. Further it is to be understood that individual features, method or functions relating to the coupling, or swing bracket or parts thereof might be individually patentably inventive. The singular may include the plural and vice versa.

Additionally, any range mentioned herein for any parameter or variable shall be taken to include a disclosure of any derivable sub-range within that range or of any particular value of the variable or parameter arranged within, or at an end of, the range or sub-range.

Still further according to the present invention there is provided a coupling having any one or more features derivable from the aforegoing description and drawings.

Still further according to the present invention there is provided a method of connecting a power and/or service supply to coupling outlets of a trailer/container from a cab, the arrangement being such that an operator is able to stand on the ground by the side of the trailer/container whilst performing the coupling operation, said coupling outlets, preferably, being arranged laterally beyond the width of the trailer/container in a coupling connection position which is, preferably, at a height lower than when the coupling outlets are in a transit position on the trailer/container.

Still further according to the present invention there is provided a method having any one or more features derivable from the aforegoing description and drawings.

Claims

CLAIMS1/. A coupling for connection of a power and/or service supply from a cab to a trailer/container, the coupling having coupling outlets moveable from a first, operating position located within the width of the trailer/container to a coupling connection position for the operator to connect the power/service supply from the cab to the trailer/container, said coupling outlets being arranged laterally beyond the width of the trailer/container in the coupling connection position.

2/. A coupling as claimed in claim 1 in which the coupling outlets are provided on a coupling plate member or means that is pivotally moveable between the operating position and the coupling connection.

3/. A coupling as claimed in claim 2 in which the coupling plate member or means is moveable on a swing arm bracket means.41. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which movement of the coupling outlets is controlled or damped.

5/.. A coupling as claimed in claim 4 in which movement of the coupling outlets is *..* controlled or damped by resilient means such as a gas strut.

* 6/. A coupling as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 when dependent therefrom in which * the swing arm bracket means comprises two arm. members each pivotally mounted to.

* . the coupling plate member or means and, in use, to means on the trailer.

*..*S* * * 7/. A coupling as claimed in claim 6 in which the means on the trailer contains the resilient means where provided.

8/. A coupling as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 in which said means on the trailer is a box structure.

9/. A coupling as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the coupling outlets are moveable from the first operating position to an intermediate, safety position, still within the width of the trailer.

1.0/. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which movement of the coupling outlets is by electronic or pneumatic control means or by remote control.

11/. A coupling as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 when dependent therefrom in which the coupling outlets. are moveable manually from the intermediate position.laterally beyond the trailer to the coupling connection position.

12/. A coupling as claimed in claim ii in which the manual movement is via handle means on the coupling plate means and/or swing arm bracket, where provided. * S S * S *5S* * S S...

13/. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which locking means *I*S * is provided for locking the coupling outlets in the coupling connection position : against upward movement. 555*

14/. A coupling as claimed in any claim 13 in which said locking means is by locking the swing arm bracket, where provided.

15/. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims provided with safety means to return the coupling outlets to safety within the width of the trailer.

16/. A coupling as claimed in claim 15 in which the safety means is a motion sensor.

17/. A coupling as claimed in claim 16 in which the motion sensor is able to sense relative movement between the trailer and cab, in use.

18/. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 in which the safety means is provided by existing motion sensor means incorporated in the trailer/container brake/suspension apparatus.

19/. A coupling as. claimed in an.y one of the preceding claims in which the coupling outlets are provided with, or operatively connected to, a light source.

20/. A coupling as claimed in claim 19 in which the light source is operated automatically when the coupling outlets are in the coupling connection position. *..* * * * ** * I... * * S...

21/. A coupling as claimed in claim 13 and any claim dependent therefrom in which the locking means comprises a spring mounted (rod) member engageable in a receiving hole/recess in (bracket) means on the coupling. SS**SS S

22/. A coupling as claimed in claim 20 in which the locking means is activatable manually by moving or pivoting the coupling plate member or means where provided or actuated automatically during connecting power/service supply lines to the coupling outlets.

23/. A coupling for connection of a power and / or service supply from a cab to a trailer / container substantially as herein described with reference to FIGURES 1 to 15 of the accompanying drawings or having a controi circuit substantially as herein described with reference to FIGURE 16 of the accompanying drawings.

24/. The combination of a trailer/container and coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

25/. The combination of a trailer/container as claimed in claim 24 and driver's cab.26/. The combination as. claimed in. claim. 25 in. which the electronic or pneumatic control means, when provided, is situated in the driver's cab or on the side of the trailer.2.7/. A coupling having one or more. of the following features:-*s.. * ** . * I *.a) Coupling outlets moveable (preferably swingable) from within the width of a 15l trailer/container laterally beyond said width. * . * *.* *S.....

S Sb) Coupling outlets arrangeable beyond the width of a trailer/container and retractable within the width of the trailer/container or detection of any relative motion, or motion, of the trailer/container and cab c) Coupling outlets pivotable (preferably pneumatically movable) on a trailer/container, preferably, between an operating position to an intermediate position, each said position being within the width of the trailer/container and said coupling outlets being movable (preferably manually) to a coupling connection position laterally beyond the width. of the trailer/container d) Coupling outlets capable of being moved to a position locked beyond the width of a trailer/container, said locking being against upward movement and said locking by maintained during upward pressure on the coupling outlets, e.g. during connection of air supply service lines, said locking preferably being releasable on e.g. clockwise rotation of the coupling outlets.e) Detection or sensor means to detect if coupling outlets are laterally beyond the width of the trailer/container when there is any relative motion, or motion, of the trailer or cab in order to. retract the outlets. within, the width. of the trailer 1) Coupling outlets moveable from an operating position with the width of a trailer to a lower position laterally beyond the width of the trailer.g) One, or more, features derivable from the description and drawings of thisspecification. *S.* * * S S. *

SSS * S S...

28/. A method of connecting a power andlor service supply to coupling outlets of a ** .5 * S * trailer/container from a cab, the arrangement being such that an operator is able to stand on the ground by the side of the trailer/container whilst performing the coupling.* operation. *5SSS * .

29/. A method as claimed in claim 28 in which coupling outlets are arranged laterally beyond the width of the trailer/container in a coupling connection position.

30/. A method as claimed in claim 29 in which the coupling connection position is at a height lower than when the coupling outlets are in a transit position on the trailer/container.

31/. A method of connecting a power and / or service supply to coupling outlets of a trailer I container from a cab, substantially herein as described.

32/. A method having any one or more features derivable from the description anddrawings of this specification. *.S. * * * I. * *.I* * * **** **** * * * ** S S. * . * *5* * S5 * SAmendments to the claims have been filed as followsADDITIONAL CLAIMS

33/. A coupling for connection of a power and/or service supply from a cab to a trailer/container, the coupling having coupling outlets moveable from a first, operating position located within the width of the trailer/container to a coupling connection position for the operator to connect the power/service supply from the cab to the trailer/container, said coupling outlets being arranged laterally beyond the width of the trailer/container in the coupling connection position, and in which locking means is provided for locking the coupling outlets in the coupling connection position against upward movement.

34/. A coupling for connection of a power and/or service supply from a cab to a trailer/container, the coupling having coupling outlets moveable from a first, operating position located within the width of the trailer/container to a coupling connection position for the operator to connect the power/service supply from the cab * : * to the trailer/container, said coupling outlets being arranged laterally beyond the width * . of the trailer/container in the coupling connection position, and in which the coupling * is provided with safety means to return the coupling outlets to safety within the width * . of the trailer said safety means being a motion sensor. * *