GB2582403A

GB2582403A - Bumper apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2582403A
Application number: GB1916370.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joshua Gray James; Duncan James
Original assignee: Gray and Adams Ltd
Current assignee: Gray and Adams Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-11
Filing date: 2019-11-11
Publication date: 2020-09-23
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-11
Also published as: GB2582403B; GB201916370D0

Abstract

A bumper apparatus for a double decked trailer (610, figure 5), said apparatus comprising a bumper 200 configured to extend at least partially across a rear end of the trailer; and a roller assembly 212, the roller assembly comprising at least one roller 220, 222, where the roller assembly is partially surrounded by the bumper, and the roller assembly extends along at least 50 percent of the length of the bumper. The roller assembly may be positioned adjacent a first end 230 of the bumper, and the roller assembly may comprise a pair of rollers rotatably coupled to the bumper by means of a central pin (510, figure 3A). The central pin may be coupled to an end of the bumper by means of a coupling element (450, figure 4B). An upper portion 244 of the bumper may be tapered, and a lower portion 240 may be substantially planar. The bumper and rollers may be made from steel. The trailer may be provided with a pair of bumpers to help reduce damage when the trailer impacts or abuts a loading dock.

Description

BUMPER APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a bumper apparatus. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a bumper apparatus for a double decked trailer and a double decked trailer including said bumper apparatus.

Background

Traditionally, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are used to transport goods, for example from a supplier to a warehouse. Typically, a warehouse or other recipient location e.g. a supermarket, will have loading/unloading docks. These docks are designed to receive the rear end of the HGV so that goods may be easily transferred out of or into the HGV.

The rear of an HGV is often a blind spot to the driver. As such, when an HGV reverses into a loading dock the rear of the trailer may impact against the loading dock. Also, in some instances, it is desired for the rear of the trailer to abut against the loading dock so as to form a sealed abutment between the trailer and the loading dock. This impact or abutment can sometimes cause damage to either or both of the dock itself or the trailer. Therefore, it is common to include a bumper apparatus on the rear of an HGV trailer. A bumper apparatus extends outwardly from the back of a trailer to provide a contact surface for impacting the dock.

A bumper apparatus acts to reduce the possibility of damage to the loading dock or trailer by providing a surface intended to be the first area of impact of the rear of the trailer against an external object.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a trailer 100 which includes a bumper 110 according to the prior art. The bumper 110 is a longitudinal member, commonly formed of a hardwearing material such as steel. The bumper 110 is disposed on the rear surface of the trailer 100. That is, the bumper 110 protrudes away from the rear of the trailer 100, such that when the trailer is reversed into a loading dock the bumper 110 contacts the dock before the trailer 100. The bumper 100 extends laterally across substantially the whole width of the rear surface of the trailer.

Other examples of bumper arrangements are hard rubber protrusions. These protrusions can be mounted on the rear of an HGV, such that when an HGV reverses into a loading dock the protrusion contacts the dock before the trailer. The protrusions are fixably mounted to the HGV. In yet further examples the bumper arrangements may be metallic protrusions.

Once a trailer is received into the dock, with the bumper abutting against the dock, goods can be loaded into or out of the trailer. Often goods are transported in large quantities by a pallet truck for example. Goods passing over the rear of the trailer can cause the rear of the trailer to dip. This adds strain to the bumper attached to the rear of the trailer. Repeated strain on the bumper in this way reduces the lifetime of the bumper. Moreover, the movement of goods into or out of the trailer can cause the bumper to rub against the stationary sides of the dock, thus causing wear to both the bumper and dock. Increased strain and wear on the bumper results in a bumper having to be regularly replaced. This can incur significant time and costs.

There is increasing demand for the transport of higher volumes of goods. Plural deck trailers, for example a double decked trailer or a trailer having two or more decks, are becoming more common place. However, with the increased height of the trailer there is less space between the trailer chassis and the ground, generally less than 0.5 meters. As such, there is reduced space for the placement of a bumper.

DE 202011050555 discloses a ramming buffer, which is designed for attachment to the rear of a commercial vehicle and for damping shocks when reversing the vehicle against a stop, where at least one elastic damping element is provided in the axial region of the stop roller.

However, this ramming buffer is not suitable for use on plural decked trailers due to the reduced space between the trailer chassis and the ground.

It would be useful to provide an improved bumper apparatus suitable for use on a plural decked trailer.

Brief Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bumper apparatus for a double decked trailer, wherein the bumper apparatus comprises: a bumper configured to extend at least partially across a rear end of the trailer; and a roller assembly comprising at least one roller, wherein the roller assembly is partially surrounded by the bumper. and extends along at least 50 percent of the length of the bumper.

Suitably, the roller assembly is positioned adjacent a first end region of the bumper.

Suitably, the bumper apparatus further comprises at least one coupling flange extending from the bumper and configured to be connected to a chassis of the trailer.

Suitably, the roller assembly is rotatably coupled to the bumper.

Suitably, the at least one roller of the roller assembly rotates about a central pin.

Suitably, the central pin is coupled to at least one end region of the bumper.

Suitably, the apparatus further comprises a coupling element configured to couple the central pin to the end region of the bumper, the coupling element comprising: an first aperture configured to receive an end of the central pin; and a further aperture configured to receive a securing means for fixably attaching the coupling element to the end of the bumper.

Suitably, the central pin is formed integrally with the coupling element.

Suitably, the upper portion of the bumper is tapered.

Suitably, the lower portion of the bumper comprises a substantially planar face.

Suitably, a cylindrical surface of the roller assembly extends beyond an outer surface of the bumper.

Suitably, the bumper is substantially rigid.

Suitably, the bumper is made from steel.

Suitably, the at least one roller of the roller assembly is made from steel.

Suitably, the bumper apparatus is from 150 millimetres to 250 millimetres in height.

Suitably, the double decked trailer is a trailer for a heavy goods vehicle.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a double decked trailer comprising a bumper apparatus according to the first aspect.

Suitably, the trailer further comprises a further bumper apparatus according to the first aspect.

Suitably, the bumper apparatus and further bumper apparatus are positioned at left and right sides of a rear end of the trailer respectively.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide the advantage that a bumper apparatus suitable for attachment to a double decked trailer may be provided.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide the advantage that a bumper apparatus with an improved lifespan may be provided.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide the advantage that a bumper apparatus suitable for fixing to a trailer chassis is provided.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide the advantage that a bumper apparatus with improved load transfer is provided.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a bumper apparatus of the prior art; Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example bumper apparatus; Fig. 3A illustrates a top view of the example bumper apparatus; Fig. 3B illustrates a front view of the example bumper apparatus; Fig. 3C illustrates a bottom view of the example bumper apparatus; Fig. 4A illustrates a side view of the example bumper apparatus; Fig. 4B illustrates a further side view of the example bumper apparatus; and Fig. 5 illustrates an example trailer including two bumper apparatuses.

In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Detailed Description

Throughout the description reference is made to an "external object" or "external surface". These terms are intended to encompass any object that a bumper apparatus may abut against, including but not limited to a wall, a loading dock, a trailer, or a vehicle for example.

As used herein, the term "Heavy Goods Vehicle" encompasses any motor vehicle and having a tractor and a trailer with a gross mass or combination mass (GCM) of over 3,500 kilograms. For example, Heavy Goods Vehicles may include articulated lorries, trucks and the like.

As used herein, the term "double decked trailer" encompasses any trailer including two or more distinct loading decks. For example, a double deck trailer may include a lower deck and an upper deck disposed above and spaced apart from the lower deck. The upper deck may be configured to move up and down with respect to the lower deck.

Fig. 2 shows an example bumper apparatus 200 and Figs. 3A to 3C show the bumper apparatus 200 from a top view, a front on view and a bottom view respectively with the internal structure illustrated by dashed lines.

The bumper apparatus 200 is suitable for attachment to a double decked trailer. The bumper apparatus 200 is configured to impact onto an external surface. That is, when attached to a trailer, the bumper apparatus 200 extends beyond the planar rear surface of the trailer such that upon reversing toward an external surface the first contact point of the trailer with the external surface is the bumper apparatus 200.

As used herein, when referring to the "front of the bumper apparatus", the front is intended to indicate the portion of the bumper apparatus 200 that faces outward from the trailer when attached to the rear of the trailer. The front of the bumper apparatus 200 is therefore be the side that contacts an external surface in use.

The bumper apparatus 200 includes a bumper 210, and a roller assembly 212. The bumper 210 is configured to extend at least partially across a rear end of the trailer. For example, the bumper 210 may be configured to extend along around 20 to 40 percent of the width of the rear of the trailer. The bumper apparatus 200 may be mounted on a left or right side of the trailer as described below with reference to Figure 5.

The roller assembly 212 includes at least one roller 220. In this example the roller assembly 212 includes a roller 220 and a further roller 222. The roller assembly 212 is partially surrounded by the bumper 210. That is, the roller assembly 212 is mounted within the bumper 210 such that the bumper 210 partially covers the roller assembly 212.

The roller assembly 212 extends along at least part of the length of the bumper 210. In this example the roller assembly 212 extends along at least 50 percent of the length of the bumper 210. Aptly the roller assembly 212 extends along 40 to 60 percent of the length of the bumper 210. Aptly, the length of each roller of the roller assembly may be about 200mm.

This may help the roller assembly to coincide with the corresponding rubbing strip on a fixed dock.

The bumper apparatus 200 includes a lower portion 260 and an upper portion 262 positioned above the lower portion. The bumper 210 has a first end 230 and a further end 232 spaced apart from and opposed to the first end 230. The bumper 210 includes a body 236 extending between the first end 230 and the further end 232.

The body 236 of the bumper 210 includes a lower front face 240 disposed in the lower portion 260 of the bumper apparatus 200. The lower front face 240 is disposed on the front of the bumper 210. In this example, the lower front face 240 is adjacent the roller assembly 212. The lower front face 240 is aptly substantially planar. In this way a lower portion of the bumper 210 includes a substantially planar face. For example, when the bumper apparatus 200 is attached to a trailer, the lower front face 240 is substantially vertical.

The body 236 of the bumper 210 includes a top face 242. When the bumper apparatus 200 is attached to a trailer the top face 242 is the surface which is furthest from the ground. The top face 242 is substantially perpendicular to the front face 240.

The body 236 of the bumper 210 further includes a bottom face 248. The bottom face 248 is opposite the top face 242 and adjacent the front face 240. In this example the bottom face 248 is wider than the top face 242.

An upper front face 244 extends between the top face 242 and the lower front face 240. The upper front face 244 is disposed in the upper portion 262 of the bumper apparatus 200. The upper portion 262 of the bumper 210 is tapered. In this example the upper front face 244 is tapered away from the lower front face 240 towards the top face 242. Because of the difference in width between the bottom face 248 and the top face 242 the connection face 244 is inclined toward the upper rear portion of the bumper apparatus 200. As such the upper portion 262 of the bumper 210 is tapered. The tapered portion can help to assist in relocating the bumper apparatus onto the rubbing strip of a dock, if the bumper apparatus becomes displaced.

In this example, the bumper 210 includes a cut out portion 250. The cut out portion 250 is positioned in the lower portion 260 of the bumper 210. The cut out portion 250 is adjacent the front face 240. That is, the cut out portion 250 is between the first end 230 and the front face 240.

In this example the bumper 210 is substantially rigid. That is, the bumper 210 is formed from a rigid material. For example the bumper 210 may be formed from steel or any other suitable metallic material.

The roller assembly 212 is positioned adjacent the first end 230 of the bumper 210. In this example the roller assembly 212 includes first and further rollers 220, 222. The first and further rollers 220, 222 are positioned adjacent to each other such that their axis of rotation are in line. Each roller 220, 222 is a cylindrical element. In this example the roller 220 includes a central aperture extending laterally along the roller 220 length. In this example the first and further roller 220, 222 are positioned such that one of the flat surfaces of the further roller 222 is adjacent the first end 230 of the bumper 210.

In this example each of the rollers 220, 222 are made from steel. As such, the rollers 220, 222 are substantially rigid.

The bumper 210 and the roller assembly 212 are integrated such that the roller assembly 212 is also positioned between the first end 230 and further end 232 of the bumper 210. In this example the roller assembly 212 does not extend laterally beyond the first end 230 or 30 opposed end 232 of the bumper 210.

In this example the cut out portion 250 of the bumper 210 is shaped to receive the roller assembly 212. For example, the cut out portion 250 is concave and sized to receive the roller assembly 212. For example the cut out portion 250 may be configured to be slightly larger than the roller assembly 212 such that the roller assembly sits substantially within the cut out portion 250. The lower portion 260 of the bumper apparatus 200 therefore includes the lower front face 240, the cut out portion 250 and the roller assembly 212 positioned inside the cut out portion 250. The roller assembly 212 forms part of the front surface of the bumper apparatus 200 and the lower surface of the bumper apparatus 200.

The periphery of the roller assembly 212 is configured to extend beyond the periphery of the bumper 210. For example, the cylindrical surface of the roller assembly 212 extends beyond an outer surface of the bumper 210. As such, when the bumper apparatus is attached to a trailer the roller assembly 212 will be the first element to contact an external object.

When the bumper apparatus 200 impacts an external object an impact force is generated.

As the roller assembly 212 protrudes from the bumper 210 the roller assembly 212 receives the impact force thereby providing protection to the bumper 210.

The roller assembly 212 is rotatably connected to the bumper 210. In this example a central pin 510 extends through the first roller 220 and the further roller 222. The central aperture of each of the rollers 220, 222 is sized so as to receive the central pin 510. In this way the roller assembly 212 rotates about the central pin 510.

The pin 510 is coupled to at least one end region of the bumper 210. In this example a first end of the pin 510 is coupled to the first end 230 of the bumper body 236. A further end of the pin 510 extends into the bumper 210 beyond the roller assembly 212. That is, the body of the bumper 210 may include an aperture configured to receive the further end of the pin 510. The aperture may extend into the body of the bumper 210 and may have sufficient length to support at least 20 mm of the end region of the pin. For example, the bumper 210 may be substantially hollow and the aperture may extend through a wall of the bumper 210.

This provides a strong yet rotatable connection between the roller assembly 212 and the bumper 210.

The rotatable connection between the bumper 210 and the roller assembly 212 allows for rotation of the roller. As such, in use when positioned against a loading deck for example, as the trailer moves up and down due to goods passing over the rear of the trailer the roller assembly 212 can rotate to help eliminate frictional wear between the loading dock and the bumper apparatus. This reduces the wear of the bumper against the external surface.

In this example the bumper apparatus 200 further includes a coupling element 450. The coupling element 450 connects the pin 510 to the first end region 230 of the bumper 210. In this example the coupling element 450 connects the pin 510 to the first end 230 of the bumper assembly 200.

The coupling element 450 includes a first aperture 452 and a further aperture 454. The first aperture 452 is configured to receive the first end of the pin 510. As such, the first aperture 452 is sized to correspond with the diameter of the pin 510. In this example the pin 510 is formed integrally with the coupling element 450. In other examples, the pin 452 may be welded at the aperture.

The further aperture 454 is configured to receive a securing means for fixably attaching the coupling element 450 to the bumper 210. For example he securing means may be a bolt. In this example, the further aperture 454 is spaced apart from the first aperture 452. The coupling element 450 enables the pin 510 to be relatively easily removed to allow the roller assembly 212 to be replaced while the bumper 210 remains in situ. This helps reduce maintenance time and costs when replacing the rollers.

In this example a support 340 is positioned between the first roller 220 and the further roller 222. The support 340 provides further axial support to the pin 510. The support extends from the bumper 210 into the cut out portion 250 and is coupled with the bumper body 236. The support 340 is effectively an interior wall in the cut out portion 250. The support 340 includes an aperture configured to receive the pin 510. The support 340 therefore supports the pin 510.

In this example the support 340 is positioned between the roller 220 and the further roller 222. The support 340 therefore helps transfer impact force on the roller assembly 212, generated by the abutment of roller assembly 212 onto an external object. The support 340 helps to disperse the impact force to improve the life time of the bumper apparatus 200.

As shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3C the bumper apparatus 200 includes at least one coupling flange 360. In this example the bumper apparatus 200 includes a first coupling flange 360 and a further coupling flange 362. The first coupling flange 360 and the further coupling flange 362 each extend from the bumper 210 and are configured to be connected to the chassis of the trailer.

The first and further coupling flanges 360, 362 extend from the rear of the bumper 210. In this example the first and further coupling flanges 360, 362 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the lower front face 240.

The first and further coupling flanges 360, 362 are configured for attaching the bumper apparatus 200 to a trailer chassis. In this example the first and further coupling flanges 360, 362 are integral with the bumper 210.

The flanges allow coupling of the bumper apparatus 200 to a trailer chassis directly beneath the loading deck of the trailer.

Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B each show a side view of the bumper apparatus 200. As shown, the coupling flanges 360, 362 extend from the lower portion of the bumper apparatus 200. Therefore, when then the bumper apparatus 200 is attached to the trailer chassis the upper portion of the bumper apparatus 200 extends upwards, and partially over the bottom surface of the trailer, thereby ensuring enough ground clearance between the bumper apparatus 200 and the ground.

As can be seen in the figures, the first and further coupling flanges 360, 362 each include at least one aperture 410, 412, 414, 416. These apertures 410, 412, 414, 416 in the coupling flanges 360, 362 are configured for receiving an attachment means. For example the apertures 410, 412, 414, 416 may be bolt holes for receiving bolts such that the coupling flanges 360, 362 may be bolted to the web of the trailer chassis.

The first and further coupling flanges 360, 362 are spaced apart such that their spacing corresponds to the spacing of the trailer chassis web. In this way, when attached to the trailer chassis the first end 230 of the bumper 210 is substantially in line with a side wall of the trailer.

The coupling flanges 360, 362 provide a secure fastening between the bumper apparatus and the trailer. Additionally the bumper apparatus 200 is therefore able to be retro-fitted to the trailer and/or replaced easily.

Fig. 5 illustrates a double decked trailer 610 with two bumper apparatus 200a, 200b attached thereto. The bumper apparatus 200a, 200b may be configured according to any of the examples described herein.

In this example the bumper apparatus 200a and further bumper apparatus 200b are positioned at left and right sides of a rear end of the trailer 610 respectively. The first bumper apparatus 200a and further bumper apparatus 200b are attached to the trailer chassis web via the coupling flanges.

The first bumper apparatus 600 is a mirror of the further bumper apparatus 200b. That is the roller assembly 212 of the first bumper apparatus 200a is positioned extending from the right end of the bumper apparatus 200a and the roller assembly 212 of the further bumper apparatus 200b is positioned extending from the left end of the bumper apparatus 200b.

In this example the bumper apparatus 200 is from 150 millimetres to 250 millimetres in height, where the height is the distance between the bottom face 248 and the top face 242. Aptly the bumper apparatus 200 is 250 millimetres in height. The bumper apparatus 200 is from 550 millimetres to 600 millimetres in length, where the length is the distance from the first end 230 to the further end 232. Aptly the bumper apparatus 200 is 596 millimetres in length. The bumper apparatus 200 is from 80 millimetres to 100 millimetres in width, where the width is the distance between the lower front face and rear surface of the bumper 210. Aptly the bumper apparatus 200 is 100 millimetres in width. The bumper apparatus 200a, 200b are therefore sized to fit on the rear of the double decked trailer 610.

Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible. For example although described above as having two rollers, in other examples the roller assembly 212 may have a single roller or more than two roller elements.

Although the rollers have been described as being attached to the bumper via a central pin it will be understood that any standard means may be used. For example, the rollers may have an integral axis protruding at each end. Said axis may extend into an aperture in the bumper such that the roller can freely rotate.

Although as shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4B the roller assembly is positioned in the right corner of the bumper apparatus the roller assembly may to be positioned in either the right or left corner.

Although the bumper apparatus is described as having a support between the rollers, other examples may not include an additional support or may include further supports. For example, a bumper apparatus having one roller may include no support, whilst a bumper apparatus having three rollers may include two supports.

With the above-described arrangement there is provided an improved bumper apparatus which is suitable for a double decked trailer.

The above-described arrangement provides a bumper apparatus with improved load transfer between the roller assembly and the bumper.

The above-described arrangement provides a bumper apparatus capable of strong connection to chassis of a trailer, in particular a double decked trailer.

The above-described arrangement provides a bumper apparatus with improved wear resistance of the bumper thereby increasing the lifespan of the bumper apparatus.

The above-described arrangement further provides the advantage that a smaller, lighter and more cost efficient bumper apparatus may be provided compared with some known bumper apparatus.

The above-described arrangement provides the advantage that the bumper apparatus may be easily replaced or retrofitted to a trailer. Similarly the above-described arrangement provides a roller assembly which may be easily replaced within the bumper apparatus.

The above-described arrangement provides a bumper apparatus for attachment to a trailer chassis which allows for soft loading of the trailer into a loading dock.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be applicable interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

Claims 1. A bumper apparatus for a double decked trailer, wherein the bumper apparatus comprises: a bumper configured to extend at least partially across a rear end of the trailer; and a roller assembly comprising at least one roller, wherein the roller assembly is partially surrounded by the bumper, and extends along at least 50 percent of the length of the bumper.
2. A bumper apparatus as claimed in claim, 1 wherein the roller assembly is positioned adjacent a first end region of the bumper.
3. A bumper apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bumper apparatus further comprises at least one coupling flange extending from the bumper and configured to be connected to a chassis of the trailer.
4. A bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the roller assembly is rotatably coupled to the bumper.
5. A bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one roller of the roller assembly rotates about a central pin.
6. A bumper apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the central pin is coupled to at least one end region of the bumper.
7. A bumper apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a coupling element configured to couple the central pin to the end region of the bumper, the coupling element comprising: an first aperture configured to receive an end of the central pin; and a further aperture configured to receive a securing means for fixably attaching the coupling element to the end of the bumper.
8. A bumper apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the central pin is formed integrally with the coupling element.
9. A bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion of the bumper is tapered.
10. A bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lower portion of the bumper comprises a substantially planar face.
11. A bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a cylindrical surface of the roller assembly extends beyond an outer surface of the bumper.
12. A bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bumper is substantially rigid.
13. A bumper apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bumper is made from steel.
14. A bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one roller of the roller assembly is made from steel.
15. A bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bumper apparatus is from 150 millimetres to 250 millimetres in height.
16. A bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the double decked trailer is a trailer for a heavy goods vehicle.
17. A double decked trailer comprising a bumper apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim.
18. A double decked trailer as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a further bumper apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16.
19. A double decked trailer as claimed in claim 17 wherein the bumper apparatus and further bumper apparatus are positioned at left and right sides of a rear end of the trailer respectively.