GB2555700A - Pivotable trailer coupling - Google Patents
Pivotable trailer coupling Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2555700A GB2555700A GB1713845.4A GB201713845A GB2555700A GB 2555700 A GB2555700 A GB 2555700A GB 201713845 A GB201713845 A GB 201713845A GB 2555700 A GB2555700 A GB 2555700A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- coupling
- trailer
- arm
- panel
- lines
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices
- B60D1/62—Auxiliary devices involving supply lines, electric circuits, or the like
- B60D1/64—Couplings or joints therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B59/00—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
Abstract
A coupling 10 comprising an elongate arm 14 secured at one end to a coupling panel 16 and pivotably connectable at the other end to a trailer 12. The arm is displaceable between an engaged position (dotted lines) adjacent the trailer for travelling, and a disengaged position (solid lines) with the arm extending away from but not beyond the side of the trailer, for coupling supply lines 28. The panel may include a front 17 with electrical connectors 20a-d and airlines 22a,b, and walls 24, 26 forming an open chamber at the back (figure 5). The arm may be a C-shaped channel for the cables. The pivot may be a pin and clevis (38, 40; fig. 3) at an offset angle (theta, fig. 3) from the trailer. There may be a handle 52, which locks into holes (70, 72; figs 2, 4) via a spring-biased (74, fig.2) rotational lifting mechanism (58, fig. 2), and may also be secured in place (80, 82, fig. 3). There may be a gas strut (84, fig. 4) to assist in arm movement, and an alarm 86 connected to a proximity sensor (88, fig. 3). Also claimed are methods of coupling and uncoupling the lines.
Description
(71) Applicant(s):
Bennion Commercial Repairs Limited
Units P & O, Sheriff House, Middlewich, Cheshire,
CW10 0LH, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):
Anthony Bennion (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:
Culverstons
Dawlish Road, Wirral, Merseyside, CH61 2XP, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:
B60D 1/64 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:
GB 2467955 A GB 2365397 A
US 20080100032 A1
Nexus Suzi Boom [available 2016-04-08 from Nexus Vehicle Systems website] https://web.archive.org/ web/20160408015904/http:// nexusvehiclesystems.com:80/suzi-boom/; https:// web.archive.org/web/20160408015826/http:// nexusvehiclesystems.com:80/booms/ (58) Field of Search:
INT CL B60D
Other: EPODOC, WPI, Patent Fulltext, Internet (54) Title of the Invention: Pivotable trailer coupling
Abstract Title: Pivotable trailer coupling with storage and ground access positions (57) A coupling 10 comprising an elongate arm 14 secured at one end to a coupling panel 16 and pivotably connectable at the other end to a trailer 12. The arm is displaceable between an engaged position (dotted lines) adjacent the trailer for travelling, and a disengaged position (solid lines) with the arm extending away from but not beyond the side of the trailer, for coupling supply lines 28. The panel may include a front 17 with electrical connectors 20a-d and airlines 22a,b, and walls 24, 26 forming an open chamber at the back (figure 5). The arm may be a C-shaped channel for the cables. The pivot may be a pin and clevis (38, 40; fig. 3) at an offset angle (theta, fig. 3) from the trailer. There may be a handle 52, which locks into holes (70, 72; figs 2, 4) via a spring-biased (74, fig.2) rotational lifting mechanism (58, fig. 2), and may also be secured in place (80, 82, fig. 3). There may be a gas strut (84, fig. 4) to assist in arm movement, and an alarm 86 connected to a proximity sensor (88, fig. 3). Also claimed are methods of coupling and uncoupling the lines.
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PIVOTABLE TRAILER COUPLING
Technical Field Of The Invention
This invention relates to a pivotable trailer coupling and its method of use. In particular, this invention relates to a pivotable coupling for connecting airlines and/or electrical control and supply lines and/or connectors of a trailer to a tractor unit. This invention enables the driver of the tractor unit to carry out the coupling and uncoupling of the control and supply lines and connectors at ground level minimising the risk of accidental io falls and tripping hazards.
Background
When it is desired to tow a trailer behind an articulated tractor unit it is necessary to couple the airlines and/or electrical control and supply lines, circuits and connectors on the trailer to the tractor unit. These electrical cables and/or airlines can be used to control, power or operate the lighting and signalling circuits of the trailer, the trailer’s braking systems and other audible sounds, alarms and/or ancillary functions, such as reversing cameras or the like.
Over the years standard male (plug) and female (socket) connectors have been developed for this purpose. For convenience, the female connectors are taken to a unitary coupling panel situated on the trailer, so that the driver of the tractor unit is able to make all of the electrical and/or airline connections to the tractor unit in one place. However, this coupling panel is usually located at such a position on the trailer that the driver has to climb onto the rear platform behind the cab of the tractor unit to carry out these coupling and uncoupling operations. Often the driver is working in adverse weather and poor visibility conditions and it is not uncommon for drivers to slip, trip or fall from the tractor unit when carrying out these operations. It also takes time and effort to climb onto the rear platform of the tractor unit and there is a significant need for a trailer coupling that allows or permits the coupling and uncoupling of the various control and supply lines of the trailer at ground level.
Whilst various attempts over the years have been made to alleviate some of the problems outlined above, a strong need still exists for a pivotable trailer coupling that is both convenient and effective to use, and which allows the coupling and uncoupling operations to be carried out safely and quickly by the driver or operator.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pivotable trailer coupling and its method of use which overcomes or reduces the drawbacks associated with known products of this type. The present invention provides a means for coupling the airlines and/or electrical control and supply lines, circuits and connectors on the trailer to the tractor unit at an ergonomic position and accessible height for the driver standing at ground level. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pivotable trailer io coupling that is able to pivot between an inner engaged position for vehicle travel, and an outer disengaged position for the coupling and uncoupling of the various control and supply lines of the trailer. In the disengaged position, no part of the coupling extends beyond the side edges of the trailer when in plan view from above which reduces the risk of the coupling being struck by another vehicle. The use of the present invention ensures that the driver is able to remain at ground level at all times when carrying out these operations, minimising the risk of accidental falls and tripping hazards. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-locking operating mechanism that is easy to use. Should the pivotable coupling be left in the erroneous disengaged position when travelling, there is an audible and/or visual alarm to alert the driver. Use of the present invention enabling the safe, convenient and efficient coupling and uncoupling operation of trailer lines and cables.
Summary Of The Invention
The present invention is described herein and in the claims.
According to the present invention there is provided a coupling for a trailer, comprising: an elongate arm having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the arm being fixedly secured to a coupling panel, the coupling panel for coupling lines and/or cables from a tractor unit to the trailer, the proximal end of the arm being connected to the trailer via pivot means such that the arm is displaceable between an engaged position adjacent the trailer suitable for travelling and a disengaged position away from the trailer for coupling the lines and/or cables, and wherein in the disengaged position the arm and coupling panel does not extend beyond the sides of the trailer.
An advantage of the present invention is that the coupling of the lines and/or cables is achieved at an ergonomic position and height for the driver standing at ground level, and by being retained within the sides of the trailer reduces the risk that the coupling will be struck by another vehicle. This increases the safety of the driver, and also the speed of the coupling and uncoupling operations, thereby increasing efficiency.
Preferably, the coupling panel comprises: an outwardly facing front panel;
a pair of side walls which extend inwardly from each side of the front panel; and io a pair of end walls which extend inwardly from each end of the front panel.
Further preferably, the front panel is shaped so as to receive one or more connectors for coupling the lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the trailer.
In use, the front panel and end walls of the coupling panel may in combination define an open chamber being dimensioned so as to receive completely the rear of the one or more connectors for coupling the lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the trailer.
Preferably, the distal end of the arm is fixedly secured to one of the side walls and one of the end walls of the coupling panel.
Further preferably, the elongate arm is C- or U-shaped in cross section having a generally flat base wall and a pair of side walls which extend inwardly from each side of the base wall.
In use, the base wall and side walls of the arm may in combination define a channel into which the lines and/or cables are contained.
Further preferably, the side walls of the arm are closed off, at least in part, by a covering.
Preferably, the pivot means comprises:
a pivot pin disposed between a pair of complementary shaped members forming a clevis, the clevis being fixedly secured to a flange which is securable to the chassis of the trailer.
Further preferably, the clevis comprises:
a proximal end which extends generally perpendicularly outward from the flange;
and a distal end which is offset from the proximal end by an angle of around 10° to
20°.
In use, the distal end of the clevis may be offset from the proximal end by an angle of to around 15°.
Preferably, the clevis further comprises a rear wall disposed between the pair of complementary shaped members.
Further preferably, the coupling further comprising a finger plate being positioned on the base wall of the proximal end of the arm, the finger plate being shaped to cover the gap formed between the proximal end of the arm and the pivot pin when the arm is in the engaged position.
In use, the pivot pin may be a toughened bush secured with a threaded pin.
Preferably, the arm and coupling panel is lockable in the engaged and disengaged position using a release mechanism.
Further preferably, the release mechanism comprises an L-shaped handle, the L-shaped handle having a distal end being rotatable in use, the handle passing through respective openings in the side walls of the arm such that the proximal end of the handle is receivable in one of two apertures disposed in the clevis, the apertures corresponding to the engaged and disengaged positions of the arm.
In use, a rotational movement of the distal end of the L-shaped handle may cause a translational movement of the proximal end of the handle using a rotational lifting mechanism.
Preferably, the rotational lifting mechanism comprises:
a fixed part which is fixedly secured inside the channel of the arm; a moving part being able to rotate about the fixed part on an inclined plane; and a tensioning member being mounted between the moving part and the clevis, the tensioning member being is operable to bias the proximal end of the handle outwardly into one of the two apertures disposed in the clevis.
Further preferably, the tensioning member is a tension spring.
In use, the coupling may further comprise handle securement means for releasably securing the handle adjacent to the arm when not in use.
Preferably, the handle securement means comprises a male part mounted generally midway along the handle which meets with, and can be urged in and out of, a complementary shaped female part mounted on the arm.
Further preferably, the coupling further comprising a gas strut positioned between the side wall of the arm and the underside of the clevis to assist the pivotable movement of the arm between the engaged and disengaged positions and vice versa.
In use, the coupling may further comprise an audible and/or visual alarm which alerts if the arm is left in the disengaged position when travelling.
Preferably, the input to the audible and/or visual alarm is a proximity sensor positioned at, or near, the neck of the trailer, or adjacent to the pivot pin disposed within the clevis.
Further preferably, the distal end of the arm abuts against a support arm positioned at, or near, the neck of the trailer when the arm is an engaged position.
In use, the support arm may comprise a wear plate.
Preferably, the coupling further comprising a second release mechanism having one part disposed on the elongate arm and other part disposed on the support arm.
Further preferably, the coupling is formed from a welded construction and/or machined and/or pressed and/or cast and/or forged from a suitable metal material.
In use, the trailer may be selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: non-tip powder tank trailer, semi-trailer, refrigerator trailer, flatbed trailer, tank trailer, hopper, livestock trailer, dry bulk trailer and the like.
Also according to the present invention there is provided a method of coupling lines and/or cables between a trailer and a tractor unit, comprising the steps of:
io (a) providing a pivotable coupling in the form of an elongate arm having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the arm being fixedly secured to a coupling panel, the coupling panel for coupling lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the trailer, the proximal end of the arm being connected to the trailer via pivot means such that the arm is displaceable between an engaged position adjacent the trailer suitable for travelling and a disengaged position away from the trailer for coupling the lines and/or cables;
(b) releasing the arm away from the trailer into the disengaged position, and wherein in the disengaged position the arm and coupling panel does not extend beyond the sides of the trailer;
(c) coupling the lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the coupling panel;
and (d) securing the arm in the engaged position.
Further according to the present invention there is provided a method of uncoupling lines 25 and/or cables between a trailer and a tractor unit, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a pivotable coupling in the form of an elongate arm having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the arm being fixedly secured to a coupling panel, the coupling panel for coupling lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the trailer, the proximal end of the arm being connected to the trailer via pivot means such that the arm is displaceable between an engaged position adjacent the trailer suitable for travelling and a disengaged position away from the trailer for coupling the lines and/or cables;
(b) releasing the arm away from the trailer into the disengaged position, and wherein in the disengaged position the arm and coupling panel does not extend beyond the sides of the trailer;
(c) uncoupling the lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the coupling panel;
and (d) securing the arm in the engaged position.
It is believed that a pivotable trailer coupling and its method of use in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.
io
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.
Brief Description Of The Dra wings
The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the coupling in accordance with the present 20 invention, the coupling being in a disengaged position to enable lines, cables and/or connectors from a tractor unit to be coupled to a trailer;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the front and above of the pivot of the coupling of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view from the rear and above of the pivot of the coupling of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a perspective view from the side and below of the pivot of the coupling of 30 Figure 1;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view from the rear and above of the connection panel of the coupling of Figure 1;
Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows an alternative way of supporting the distal end of the arm of the coupling when in an engaged condition against the side of the trailer; and
Figure 7 is a perspective view from the front and above of the pivot of the coupling of Figure 6, and shows an alternative location for the proximity sensor which alerts the driver should the arm be erroneously left in a disengaged condition when travelling.
Detailed Description Of The Preferred Embodiments io The present invention has adopted the approach of utilising a pivotable coupling for coupling the airlines and/or electrical control and supply lines, circuits and connectors on a trailer to a tractor unit at an ergonomic position and accessible height for the driver standing at ground level. Advantageously, the present invention provides a pivotable trailer coupling that is able to pivot between an inner engaged position for vehicle travel, and an outer disengaged position for the coupling and uncoupling of the various control and supply lines of the trailer. Further advantageously, in the disengaged position, no part of the coupling extends beyond the side edges of the trailer when in plan view from above which reduces the risk of the coupling being struck by another vehicle. Further advantageously, the use of the present invention ensures that the driver is able to remain at ground level at all times when carrying out these operations, minimising the risk of accidental falls and tripping hazards. Further advantageously, the present invention provides a self-locking operating mechanism that is easy to use. Should the pivotable coupling be left in the erroneous disengaged position when travelling, there is an audible and/or visual alarm to alert the driver. Further advantageously, use of the present invention enabling the safe, convenient and efficient coupling and uncoupling operation of trailer lines and cables.
Referring now to the drawings, a coupling 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. Specifically, the coupling 10 is for fixture, or retrofitting, to a trailer 12, which in this exemplary embodiment is described in relation to a tank trailer. The skilled person will appreciate that the trailer 12 could be any form of the articulated towed trailer or vehicle which is capable of carrying goods, or any liquid, powdered or gaseous material.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the coupling 10 is formed as an elongate arm 14. The distal end of arm 14 away from the trailer 12 is fixedly connected to a connection panel 16. The connection panel 16 is formed having an outwardly facing front panel 18 being proximal to the driver when in use, and in which panel 18 the various electrical socket connectors 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and airline connectors 22a, 22b are disposed. The skilled person will appreciate that often the actual configuration of connectors 20, 22 will depend on the trailer 12, but in its broadest sense the connectors 20, 22 receive the mating electrical plug and/or airline control and supply lines and connectors (not shown) from the tractor unit (not shown). These electrical and/or airlines io and/or cables are used to supply, control and/or operate the signalling circuits of the trailer 12, the braking system of the trailer 12 and audible sounds and alarms and/or reversing cameras and the like. The above list is in no way intended to be limiting.
As perhaps best shown in Figure 5, the connection panel 16 is formed having a generally rectangular-shape in front view with a generally flat front panel 18 and a pair of side walls 24 which extend inwardly from each side of the front panel 18. A pair of end walls 26 also extend inwardly from each end of the front panel 18, such that the front panel 18, side walls 24 and end walls 26 in combination define an open chamber which is deep enough to receive the rear of the electrical and airline connectors 20, 22, which are connected to the various control and supply lines 28 of the trailer 12.
The distal end of the elongate arm 14 is fixedly secured against one of the side walls 24 and one of the end walls 26 forming the connection panel 16, as best shown in Figure 5. To take-up any difference in size, an insert 30 may optionally be included. The distal end of the elongate arm 14 is secured to the open interior of the connection panel 16 using threaded fasteners 32. For reasons of clarity in Figure 5, only one threaded fastener 32 is shown. The skilled person will also appreciate that the distal end of the arm 14 can be welded inside the connection panel 16.
The elongate arm 14 is formed having a C- or U-shape in cross section, with a flat base wall 34 facing away from the trailer 12 when in use and a pair of side walls 36 which extend inwardly from each side of the base wall 34. The C- or U-shaped configuration forms an internal recess or channel into which the control and supply lines 28 of the trailer 12 are positioned, as best shown in Figures 1 and 5. The control and supply lines travel from the connection panel 16, along the channel formed by the C- or U-shaped elongate arm 14, and enter inside the trailer 12 through a plurality of apertures and/or connectors 50 positioned on the trailer 12, as shown in Figure 1.
The proximal end of the elongate arm 14 is connected to the trailer 12 by a locking pivot, as described below.
As best shown in Figures 2 to 4, at proximal end of the elongate arm 14 and positioned in the pair of side walls 36 is a pair of apertures (not visible in Figures 2 to 4) through to which a pivot pin 38 is received. The pivot pin 38 is provided as a toughened, shockabsorbing bush which is secured using a threaded pin. The pivot pin 38 being mounted in a clevis 40 which extends outwardly from a flange 42 which is secured directly to the chassis of the trailer 12, as best shown in Figures 3 and 4. The clevis 40 is not planar, but is offset by angle Θ shown in Figure 3, such that the arm 14 is pivotally connected and is able to pivot in an inclined plane relative to the trailer 12. It is this angle of inclination that allows the driver to engage and disengage the arm 14 on the trailer 12 and access the connection panel 16 safely and ergonomically from ground level.
In a preferred embodiment, the offset angle of the pivot pin 38 relative to the trailer 12, and denoted as angle Θ in Figure 3, is around 15°. This is in no way intended to be limiting as any number of different angles are envisaged. In use, the offset angle Θ can be in the region of 10° to 20°.
To prevent the risk of entrapment of the driver’s fingers, the rear of the clevis 40 is covered by a rear wall 46 and a finger plate 48 is attached to the base wall 34 of the elongate arm 14 which covers the gap formed by the proximal end of the elongate arm 14 when pivoting about the pivot pin 38 in the clevis 40.
As best shown in Figure 1, the control and supply lines 28 of the trailer 12 enter the chassis of the trailer through a series of apertures and connectors 50 located generally between the two plates forming the clevis 40.
The coupling 10 of the present invention must for reasons of safety be able to be locked in either of the two configurations that the pivotable coupling 10 enables when in use.
These are a disengaged position or configuration, in which the arm 14 is swung free from the trailer 12 to allow the driver to connect the electrical and/or airline control and supply lines from the tractor unit to the trailer 12, and an engaged position or configuration, in which the arm 14 is adjacent to the trailer 12 for travelling, as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 1.
The operation of the locking mechanism is best illustrated in relation to Figures 3 and 4, and which is operated by handle 52. The handle 52 is generally L-shaped and includes a knob 54 at its distal end and the proximal end 68 passes through openings 56 in the side wall 36 of the elongate arm 14 into a rotational lifting mechanism 58 whose operation is described below. The rotational lifting mechanism 58 is provided as two mutually cooperating parts, namely a fixed part 60, which is fixedly secured to the inside channel of the arm 14 via threaded fasteners 62 in the side wall 36, and a moving part 64. The moving part 64 is able to rotate about the fixed part 60 on an inclined plane 66 such that the proximal end 68 of the L-shaped locking handle 52 exhibits a translational movement in response to a rotational movement of the handle 52.
The lower plate of the clevis 40 defines two apertures 70, 72 into which the proximal end 68 of the locking handle 52 can be received. The disengaged aperture 70 receives the proximal end 68 of the locking handle 52 when the arm 14 is placed in the disengaged position or configuration and the engaged aperture 72 receives the proximal end 68 of the locking handle 52 when the arm 14 is in an engaged position for travelling, as best shown in Figures 2 and 4.
The operation of the handle 52 is spring-biased by tension spring 74 which connects with an offset arm 76 mounted on the moving part 64 of the lifting mechanism 58. The action of the tension spring 74 ensuring that the proximal end 68 of the locking handle 52 is biased outwards into one of the two apertures 70, 72. To increase the operational lifetime of the coupling 10, the lower plate of the clevis 40 can also include a hardened reinforcement plate 78 which allows the proximal end 68 of the L-shaped handle 52 to move freely between the two receiving apertures 70, 72.
As best shown in Figure 3, to ensure that the locking handle 52 is secured when travelling, approximately mid-way along the handle 52 is positioned a protrusion or male part 80 which meets with, and can be resiliently urged in and out of, a complementary shaped female part 82 mounted on the side wall 36 of the elongate arm 14. The protrusion 80 and complementary shaped female part 82 prevent the L-shaped handle 52 from rotating inside apertures 56 in the arm when travelling.
To assist the driver in safely moving the elongate arm 14 between the disengaged and engaged position adjacent to the trailer 12, the action is assisted by a gas strut 84 positioned between the side wall 36 of elongate arm 14 and the underside of the clevis 40, as best shown in Figure 4. The strut 84 resists longitudinal compression and provides to an outwards-facing force in its lengthwise direction, which can be used to bias the arm from the trailer 12 and allow the driver to more easily push the arm 14 into the engaged position for travelling.
Figure 3 also shows that the upper plate of the clevis 40 includes an audible and visual 15 alarm 86 which alerts the driver should the arm 14 be erroneously left in the disengaged condition when travelling. This is monitored by a proximity sensor 88 positioned on a forward-projecting trailer arm or outrigger 90. The proximity sensor 88 looks for a signal from the end wall 26 of the connection panel 16 when it is in the engaged position. If the signal is not present and the various control and supply lines of the trailer 12 are connected to the connection panel 16, the alarm 86 will operate to alert the driver. The alarm 86 can be orientated generally vertically on the clevis 40 (as shown in Figure 3), or orientated generally horizontally against the side of the trailer 12.
Referring now to the drawings, the actual operation of the coupling 10 of the present invention will now be described. When hitching a trailer 12, the driver of the tractor unit (not shown) would typically reverse the tractor unit to connect with the pivoting joint (not shown) located at the front of the trailer 12 and which is then secured in a horseshoe-shaped coupling device or “fifth wheel” on the rear of the tractor unit (not shown).
The driver then needs to couple the electrical cables and/or airlines to the connectors 20, 22 mounted on the connection panel 16 of the trailer 12. These electrical cables and/or airlines can be used to control, power or operate the lighting and signalling circuits of the trailer 12, the trailer’s 12 braking systems and other audible sounds, alarms and/or ancillary functions, such as reversing cameras or the like.
To release the elongate arm 14 from the engaged position adjacent the trailer 12 (shown in dotted lines in Figure 1), the driver 12 pulls the release handle 52 towards him or herself initially overcoming the release force needed to urge the protrusion 80 out of the corresponding detent 82. Continuing to turn the released handle 52 releases the proximal end 68 of the handle 52 from aperture 72. The driver is then able to pull the arm 14 towards him or herself, and as soon as the arm 14 travels to the disengaged position over to aperture 70, the tension spring pulls the proximal end 68 of the handle 52 into the disengaged aperture 70, as described above.
The driver is now able to couple the electrical cables and/or airlines to the connectors 20, 22 on the front panel 18 of the connector panel 16 in an ergonomic position, and safely and easily at ground level. It should be noted from Figure 1, that when in an disengaged position, neither the arm 14 nor the connection panel 16 at the distal end of the arm 14 extends beyond the sides of the trailer 12, and is retained safely within the envelope of the trailer 12. This reduces the risk that the disengaged arm 14 is damaged through being struck by another vehicle, since other vehicles are likely to be travelling in the vicinity, especially in often crowded delivery yards.
When the electrical cables and/or airlines are coupled, the driver then pulls handle 52 towards him or herself to release it as described above, and then pushes the arm 14 away (using a C-shaped handle positioned in the base wall 34 of the arm 14 that is not visible in the drawings) such that the proximal end 68 of the handle 52 is received inside disengaged aperture 72. In this configuration, the various control and supply lines of the trailer 12 are now connected, and the trailer 12 can be towed.
At the destination, the whole process can be completed in reverse when unhitching a trailer 12 and disconnecting the trailer’s 12 electrical cables and/or airlines from the tractor unit.
Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the pivotable coupling 10. The construction of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that instead of fixing a forwardprojecting trailer arm 90 on the trailer 12, the arm 34 locates against a side support arm 92 when in an engaged position. By moving the support arm 92 to the side of the trailer
12, the risk of damage to both the coupling 10 and the trailer 12 is reduced.
Figure 6 shows that the support arm 92 includes a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) wear plate 94, which is around 10mm in thickness. The wear plate 94 contacts or abuts against the side wall 36 of the elongate arm 14 when the io arm 14 is placed in an engaged position adjacent to the trailer 12.
Figure 6 also shows that a second release mechanism can also be provided which comprises a male part (not shown) located on the elongate arm 34 and which meets with, and can be resiliently urged in and out of, a complementary shaped female part 96 mounted on the side support arm 92.
The elongate arm 14, which is formed having a C- or ΕΓ-shape in cross section, with the flat base wall 34 facing away from the trailer 12, can also be configured to include an opposite base wall or covering 98 inside which the control and supply lines 28 of the trailer 12 can be retained. The base wall 98 being positioned between the side walls 36, as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 7 shows that the proximity sensor 88 has been moved from the forward-projecting trailer arm 90 to between the plates of the clevis 40. The proximity sensor 88 is mounted on a support plate 100 and is configured for the non-contact detection of a metallic target 102 positioned inside the elongate arm 34. The advantage of this configuration, as opposed to the first embodiment of the invention, is that by detecting close to the pivot 38, any mechanical play between the sensor 88 and the moveable target 102 is reduced, and which thereby minimises false alarm conditions.
The construction of the coupling 10 can be via any suitable form of metal fabrication, i.e. from a welded and bolted construction. Equally, the coupling 10, or parts thereof, can be machined, pressed, cast or forged from a suitable metal.
The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. Various additions and alternations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although particular embodiments refer to implementing the present invention with tank trailers or the like, this is in no way intended to be limiting as, in use, the present invention can be used with any type of articulated trailer that has a tapered or protruding neck to facilitate turning behind the tractor unit and can include a semi-trailer, refrigerator trailer, flatbed (standard, step-deck, lowboy, double drop etc.), hopper, livestock, dry bulk, etc. The above list is in no way intended to be limiting and io exhaustive. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments.
Claims (33)
1. A coupling for a trailer, comprising:
5 an elongate arm having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the arm being fixedly secured to a coupling panel, the coupling panel for coupling lines and/or cables from a tractor unit to the trailer, the proximal end of the arm being connected to the trailer via pivot means such that the arm is displaceable between an engaged position adjacent the trailer suitable for travelling and a disengaged position away from the trailer io for coupling the lines and/or cables, and wherein in the disengaged position the arm and coupling panel does not extend beyond the sides of the trailer.
2. The coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling panel comprises: an outwardly facing front panel;
15 a pair of side walls which extend inwardly from each side of the front panel; and a pair of end walls which extend inwardly from each end of the front panel.
3. The coupling as claimed in claim 2, wherein the front panel is shaped so as to receive one or more connectors for coupling the lines and/or cables from the tractor unit
20 to the trailer.
4. The coupling as claimed in claim 3, wherein the front panel and end walls of the coupling panel in combination define an open chamber being dimensioned so as to receive completely the rear of the one or more connectors for coupling the lines and/or
25 cables from the tractor unit to the trailer.
5. The coupling as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the distal end of the arm is fixedly secured to one of the side walls and one of the end walls of the coupling panel.
30
6. The coupling as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the elongate arm is Cor U-shaped in cross section having a generally flat base wall and a pair of side walls which extend inwardly from each side of the base wall.
7. The coupling as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base wall and side walls of the arm in combination define a channel into which the lines and/or cables are contained.
8. The coupling as claimed in claims 6 or 7, wherein the side walls of the arm are closed off, at least in part, by a covering.
9. The coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot means comprises:
a pivot pin disposed between a pair of complementary shaped members forming a clevis, the clevis being fixedly secured to a flange which is securable to the chassis of the trailer.
10. The coupling as claimed in claim 9, wherein the clevis comprises:
a proximal end which extends generally perpendicularly outward from the flange; and a distal end which is offset from the proximal end by an angle of around 10° to
20°.
11. The coupling as claimed in claim 10, wherein the distal end of the clevis is offset from the proximal end by an angle of around 15°.
12. The coupling as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the clevis further comprises a rear wall disposed between the pair of complementary shaped members.
13. The coupling as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a finger plate being positioned on the base wall of the proximal end of the arm, the finger plate being shaped to cover the gap formed between the proximal end of the arm and the pivot pin when the arm is in the engaged position.
14. The coupling as claimed in any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the pivot pin is a toughened bush secured with a threaded pin.
15. The coupling as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the arm and coupling panel is lockable in the engaged and disengaged position using a release mechanism.
16. The coupling as claimed in claim 15, wherein the release mechanism comprises an L-shaped handle, the L-shaped handle having a distal end being rotatable in use, the handle passing through respective openings in the side walls of the arm such that the proximal end of the handle is receivable in one of two apertures disposed in the clevis,
5 the apertures corresponding to the engaged and disengaged positions of the arm.
17. The coupling as claimed in claim 16, wherein a rotational movement of the distal end of the L-shaped handle causes a translational movement of the proximal end of the handle using a rotational lifting mechanism.
io
18. The coupling as claimed in claims 16 or 17, wherein the rotational lifting mechanism comprises:
a fixed part which is fixedly secured inside the channel of the arm; a moving part being able to rotate about the fixed part on an inclined plane; and
15 a tensioning member being mounted between the moving part and the clevis, the tensioning member being is operable to bias the proximal end of the handle outwardly into one of the two apertures disposed in the clevis.
19. The coupling as claimed in claim 18, wherein the tensioning member is a tension
20 spring.
20. The coupling as claimed in any of claims 15 to 19, further comprising handle securement means for releasably securing the handle adjacent to the arm when not in use.
25
21. The coupling as claimed in claim 20, wherein the handle securement means comprises a male part mounted generally mid-way along the handle which meets with, and can be urged in and out of, a complementary shaped female part mounted on the arm.
30
22. The coupling as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a gas strut positioned between the side wall of the arm and the underside of the clevis to assist the pivotable movement of the arm between the engaged and disengaged positions and vice versa.
23. The coupling as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an audible and/or visual alarm which alerts if the arm is left in the disengaged position when travelling.
5
24. The coupling as claimed in claim 23, wherein the input to the audible and/or visual alarm is a proximity sensor positioned at, or near, the neck of the trailer, or adjacent to the pivot pin disposed within the clevis.
25. The coupling as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the distal end of the io arm abuts against a support arm positioned at, or near, the neck of the trailer when the arm is an engaged position.
26. The coupling as claimed in claim 25, wherein the support arm comprises a wear plate.
27. The coupling as claimed in claims 25 or 26, further comprising a second release mechanism having one part disposed on the elongate arm and other part disposed on the support arm.
20
28. The coupling as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling is formed from a welded construction and/or machined and/or pressed and/or cast and/or forged from a suitable metal material.
29. The coupling as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the trailer is
25 selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: non-tip powder tank trailer, semi-trailer, refrigerator trailer, flatbed trailer, tank trailer, hopper, livestock trailer, dry bulk trailer and the like.
30. A method of coupling lines and/or cables between a trailer and a tractor unit,
30 comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a pivotable coupling in the form of an elongate arm having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the arm being fixedly secured to a coupling panel, the coupling panel for coupling lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the trailer, the proximal end of the arm being connected to the trailer via pivot means such that the arm is displaceable between an engaged position adjacent the trailer suitable for travelling and a disengaged position away from the trailer for coupling the lines and/or cables;
(b) releasing the arm away from the trailer into the disengaged position, and
5 wherein in the disengaged position the arm and coupling panel does not extend beyond the sides of the trailer;
(c) coupling the lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the coupling panel; and (d) securing the arm in the engaged position, io
31. A method of uncoupling lines and/or cables between a trailer and a tractor unit, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a pivotable coupling in the form of an elongate arm having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the arm being fixedly secured to a coupling
15 panel, the coupling panel for coupling lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the trailer, the proximal end of the arm being connected to the trailer via pivot means such that the arm is displaceable between an engaged position adjacent the trailer suitable for travelling and a disengaged position away from the trailer for coupling the lines and/or cables;
20 (b) releasing the arm away from the trailer into the disengaged position, and wherein in the disengaged position the arm and coupling panel does not extend beyond the sides of the trailer;
(c) uncoupling the lines and/or cables from the tractor unit to the coupling panel; and
25 (d) securing the arm in the engaged position.
32. A coupling for a trailer as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.
30
33. A method of coupling lines and/or cables between a trailer and a tractor unit or a method of uncoupling lines and/or cables between a trailer and a tractor unit as hereinbefore described.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1713845.4
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1615857.8A GB201615857D0 (en) | 2016-09-16 | 2016-09-16 | Pivotable trailer coupling |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201713845D0 GB201713845D0 (en) | 2017-10-11 |
| GB2555700A true GB2555700A (en) | 2018-05-09 |
Family
ID=57288594
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1615857.8A Ceased GB201615857D0 (en) | 2016-09-16 | 2016-09-16 | Pivotable trailer coupling |
| GB1713845.4A Withdrawn GB2555700A (en) | 2016-09-16 | 2017-08-30 | Pivotable trailer coupling |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1615857.8A Ceased GB201615857D0 (en) | 2016-09-16 | 2016-09-16 | Pivotable trailer coupling |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB201615857D0 (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2365397A (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2002-02-20 | Safeway Stores | Trailer mounting for service lines |
| US20080100032A1 (en) * | 2004-09-16 | 2008-05-01 | Jost-Werke Gmbh & Co., Kg | Connector Bracket of a Trailer |
| GB2467955A (en) * | 2009-02-23 | 2010-08-25 | Don Bur | Coupling connection arrangement for a cab and trailer |
-
2016
- 2016-09-16 GB GBGB1615857.8A patent/GB201615857D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2017
- 2017-08-30 GB GB1713845.4A patent/GB2555700A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2365397A (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2002-02-20 | Safeway Stores | Trailer mounting for service lines |
| US20080100032A1 (en) * | 2004-09-16 | 2008-05-01 | Jost-Werke Gmbh & Co., Kg | Connector Bracket of a Trailer |
| GB2467955A (en) * | 2009-02-23 | 2010-08-25 | Don Bur | Coupling connection arrangement for a cab and trailer |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| "Nexus Suzi Boom" [available 2016-04-08 from Nexus Vehicle Systems website] https://web.archive.org/web/20160408015904/http://nexusvehiclesystems.com:80/suzi-boom/ ; https://web.archive.org/web/20160408015826/http://nexusvehiclesystems.com:80/booms/ * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201713845D0 (en) | 2017-10-11 |
| GB201615857D0 (en) | 2016-11-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |