NZ264919A - Vehicle decks and trailers, details regarding means which allow sliding and tilting of the deck relative to the vehicle or trailer chassis - Google Patents

Description

<«• /'■'■v A". \ 13 MAY 1998 ^ \ ,<> PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $260.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 264919/280583 Dated: 14 May 1995/1 December 1995 James & Wells Ref: 11856/4 LR IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TRAILERS I Brian Richard Wallace, a New Zealand citizen of 3 Opotoru Road, Raglan, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TRAILERS Technical Field The present invention is directed towards tipping decks and trays for trailers and motorised vehicles. Preferred embodiments allow tipping of 5 a deck with load to be performed relatively easily, and by hand for a single user.

Background Art Tipping trays and decks for vehicles are well known in the art. Best known is the conventional tipping truck or trailer in which the tray is 10 pivotally hinged to the chassis at its rear end, while tipping is effected through the use of a hydraulic ram.

However, the requirement for a hydraulic ram, and a pump to drive it, is relatively expensive and is typically only found at the top end of the market — on large trucks and trailers. For the domestic and light 15 commercial market, it is not usually economical nor warranted to adopt such a system. Furthermore, in these markets, trailers and vehicles are typically general purpose instruments undergoing a wide variety of uses. Often the tipping function is only occasionally required and does not justify the expense of a purpose built vehicle or trailer. In addition users 20 generally do not want the associated hassles of maintaining a system which is only infrequently used.

The art has attempted to address these limitations by providing easily tipping trailers, but in each of these cases there are limitations restricting general purpose use. For instance, New Zealand Patent 25 Specification No. 193330 describes a boat trailer with telescoping 2 portions which can extend to form a slipway. Pivoting of the telescoping deck portion occurs at a point at the rear of the chassis, which coincides with a point approximately mid-way on the telescoped portion. Sliding a boat along the slipway, formed by the telescoping deck portion, enables the 5 deck to pivot and tip accordingly. However, it is by shifting of the load, not of the deck with respect to the vehicle, that pivoting occurs.

A significant limitation of this arrangement is that it is restricted to instances where the load is able to be shifted along the deck far enough for pivoting to occur. While this may be suitable for launching small 10 boats resting on rollers, most uses of a tipping deck for the unloading of goods are for situations where it is not easy to slide the goods along the deck - in contrast, tipping is required to facilitate sliding of the load from the deck, not the other way around. Accordingly, this type of arrangement does not address the problems of the art.

Other types of known trailers providing a self-tipping function have a pivoted deck or tray portion which may be locked or unlocked against tipping. To effect tipping, a chain extending from a point on the deck rearwardly of the pivot point is laid under the wheel of the trailer or vehicle. By then reversing the trailer or vehicle, the wheel travels along 20 the chain, and attempts to pull it closer to the ground. Given that the point of attachment of the chain to the pivoting deck portion is above the ground, the point of chain attachment will be drawn downwardly causing tipping of the trailer. However, a disadvantage of this system is that some skill is required in order to judge the distance the vehicle must 25 be reversed before tipping occurs. This makes it difficult to accurately unload goods. 3 26 4 9 A further limitation, is that tipping trailers of that type must be able to pivot about a mid portion on the deck. Where the device is a trailer, in which the deck/tray supporting chassis may actually form part of the pivoting deck assembly, this is not a problem. However for other road 5 going vehicles, such as utes and flat deck trucks, the chassis, transmission, and rear wheel assemblies all extend to the rear of the central deck portion. Pivoting of the deck about its middle is not possible as any downward tilting of the deck portion would interfere with the aforesaid wheel, chassis and transmission assemblies.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a tipping deck arrangement which does not require the use of relatively heavy duty rams and their associated equipment in order to tip the deck, and which can also be used on both trailers and existing motorised vehicles without significant modification or reconstruction of the vehicle.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, the connecting assembly comprising at least one connection set in turn comprising a plurality of followers in combination with a guide, said guide being 4 adapted to be attached to either the vehicle or the deck, and the followers to the alternate of the vehicle or the deck; the arrangement being further characterised that when attached to a vehicle a limited range of sliding movement of the deck with respect to the vehicle is permitted due to travel of the followers with respect to the guide in a connection set; and wherein at at least one relative position of the deck with respect to the vehicle, one or more followers within a connection set may disengage from their guide allowing pivoting of said deck, within a substantially vertical plane, about a follower remaining with a guide of a connection set.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, substantially as described above, in which the deck is alterable between load carrying and tipping positions, and wherein when in a load carrying position the followers of a connection set are all in connection with the guide thereof, whereas when in a tipping position, substantially all bar one follower of a set are no longer connected to the guide.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, substantially as described above, in which a follower comprises a wheel or roller.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, substantially as described above, in which a guide is modified to allow at least one follower, positioned within at least one section of same, to exit the guide. / -4 y i1 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, substantially as described above, in which at least three followers are provided, of which one is positioned at, or near, each end of the guide and the remainder 5 distributed therebetween.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing for the tipping of a deck with respect to a vehicle to which the deck is mounted, comprising the use of a connecting assembly for mounting the deck to the vehicle, the connecting assembly comprising 10 at least one connection set in turn comprising a plurality of followers in combination with a guide, said guide being adapted to be attached to either the vehicle or the deck, and the followers to the alternate of the vehicle or the deck; the arrangement being further characterised that when attached to a 15 vehicle a limited range of sliding movement of the deck with respect to the vehicle is permitted due to travel of the followers with respect to the guide in a connection set; and wherein at at least one relative position of the deck with respect to the vehicle, one or more followers within a connection set may disengage 20 from their guide allowing pivoting of said deck, within a substantially vertical plane, about a follower remaining with a guide in a connection set.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method, substantially as described above, in which the deck is alterable 25 between load carrying and tipping positions, and wherein when in a load carrying position the followers of a connection set are all in connection 6 26 49 U with the guide thereof, whereas when in a tipping position, substantially all bar one follower of a set are no longer connected to the guide.

The present invention in its simplest form comprises connecting assembly for a vehicle. The vehicle may comprise a trailer, or an existing 5 motorised vehicle such as a ute or truck etc. It is also envisaged that the present invention may find use in non road going vehicles, and may be used where a tipping deck whose tipping can be easily initiated is required.

The deck according to the present invention may take many forms and is 10 generally dictated by user choice. It is envisaged that in most instances the deck will comprise a flat deck though it may also comprise in some instances, by way of example, a tray or deck with sides, or even an open chassis capable of supporting a load.

The connecting assembly provides the interface between the deck and 15 vehicle enabling the deck to alternate between a normal load carrying position, or a tipping position where a load may be readily removed, or maybe loaded.

The connecting assembly may comprise one or more connection sets, each connection set in turn comprising a plurality of followers in 20 combination with a guide. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, there are two such connection sets, though this does not preclude the use of one or more connection sets. For stability of the supported deck, and also to reduce strain on the components of the connection set, it is envisaged that two connection sets will be the 25 preferred number for most embodiments, though specialised or heavy duty embodiments may comprise a greater number. 7 26 49 19 There is a relationship between the guide and followers in that at least during certain positions of the deck with respect to the vehicle (these being the load carrying and tipping positions, as well as intermediary positions) the followers and guide interact so as to restrict movement of the deck (with respect to the vehicle) to substantially a sliding movement. Typically this sliding movement is substantially within a horizontal plane, assuming this is the normal load carrying orientation of the deck. Typically, at these positions where movement of the deck is restricted substantially to sliding, a plurality of the followers will be contained by their associated guide, or at least interact therewith to prevent relative vertical displacement of said follower and guide.

As movement of the deck progresses towards the tipping position, there will come a point at which provided followers will disengage or otherwise cease to interact with their associated guide. Once released these followers no longer prevent relative vertical movement of the guide and pivoting may be initiated.

As the sliding deck eventually progresses to the tipping position, there should not be more than one follower in each connection set in contact with its associated guide. Typically this is the endmost follower in the direction of sliding (of the deck towards the tipping position) which also represents the pivot point for tipping of the deck.

Te recap, in a load carrying position, all, or at least a plurality, of the provided followers should be in communication with their associated guide and prevent any relative vertical displacement or pivoting of the guide (and as a consequence the deck) with respect to the vehicle. 8 2649 However, as the deck is slid in the only permitted direction of movement, a sliding movement towards the tipping position, the followers are eventually released from the guide so that no more than one follower in each connection set remains in communication with the guide. It is 5 about this follower that pivoting is permitted, and will occur once the weight to the outer side of this follower is sufficient.

There are various arrangements for utilising the connecting assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the guides are mounted to the vehicle while the followers are mounted on the deck portion. In an alternative .0 embodiment, also to be described later, the situation is reversed with the guide being attached to the deck portion, and the followers to the vehicle. It is also possible for mixed embodiments where there are a plurality of connection sets, some of which are oriented such that the guide is attached to the deck portion, while ths.t of another is connected to the 15 vehicle.

It is also possible in some embodiments for there to be auxiliary connection sets having a limited number of followers which may only perform part of the function of the main connection sets. For instance, an auxiliary connection set may merely comprise one follower. This may be 20 analogous to the follower about which pivoting occurs in the other connection sets, and be provided to distribute the load carried by the other pivot point followers. It is also possible that other auxiliary connection sets may only comprise followers other than the pivot point follower, and may merely be used to help support the weight of a deck and load in the 25 load carrying position, for applications where the deck is merely being used as a flat deck without pivoting. 9 26 49 19 In most instances, the followers will comprise wheels or rollers, though may also take other configurations. Square and rectangular followers which slide within a channel (of the guide) of commensurate configuration may also suffice in some instances, though may be subject 5 to more wear than counterparts which are able to rotate.

The guide may take a number of forms but will often comprise a length of a suitable channel member. In a preferred embodiment channels of substantially 'C'-shaped configuration will be used with the opening of the 'C' directed to the side. As can be appreciated, many other guide 10 shapes can be employed. It is also possible that rather than a single length forming a guide, a connection set may comprise a plurality of shorter lengths, each interacting with one or more followers of the connection set. However, in such arrangements the overall combination vdll approximate the function of a single guide with a plurality of 15 followers, such as are described in the preferred embodiments illustrated later.

Various factors should be considered when implementing the present invention. For instance, the guide and followers, plus the selected number thereof, should be suitable for the task expected of them. It is 20 therefore desirable that a sufficient number are chosen, or suitably heavy duty members are chosen, that they do not buckle or warp during normal expected use of the deck. Consideration should also be given to the mounting point of the followers, and in particular the pivoting followers, to the deck or vehicle. Considerable stress may be placed on the chassis 25 or deck at these points, and additional reinforcing may therefore be required to prevent damage to the deck or vehicle. 26 A Further modifications may also be made to improve performance and function. For instance, it is likely that tipping will cause contact of the outermost portion of the deck with the ground. To limit damage, a wheel, roller, or skid may be positioned on the deck assembly at the points most 5 likely to contact the ground. More than one such ground contacting wheel, roller or skid may be provided. As an alternative, a retaining chain or cable etc. may be provided to limit the maximum amount of upward tipping of the innermost portion of the deck assembly. This could serve to prevent tipping to the extent that the outermost portion of the 10 deck contacts the ground. However this may not always be desirable.

Limiting means may be provided to limit the maximum rearward travel of the deck assembly, thereby preventing the deck from inadvertently sliding completely from the vehicle, or to the extent that return by a single user is difficult.

Locking means may also be provided to maintain the deck in the load carrying position, so as to prevent the deck from inadvertently sliding to the tipping position during transport. Various types of locking mechanisms, stops and limiting means may all be employed to effect this function. Locking means may be provided to lock the deck in various 20 other positions as well.

In most instances it is considered that the provided guide and follower arrangement will have little friction, allowing a single user (depending upon the size of the embodiment and load) to slide the deck and load to the tipping portion without difficulty. However, in some embodiments, some 25 assistance may be given to the user. For instance a winch and cable system could be provided to facilitate a user drawing the deck rearwardly and/or forwardly. In some embodiments, the winch, or other provided 11 driving means, may merely facilitate drawing the deck back mm1 tlfif tipping position to the load carrying position. Such a winch may be hand-driven, or alternatively powered by a suitable motor, such as for instance, a more electric (or other) motor.

In other embodiments, devices such as rams may be relied upon. However, because the function of such rams is merely to effect sliding of the deck and load along followers, for which the friction is relatively low, quite a light duty ram may be sufficient. This is in contrast to the ram operated embodiments of the prior art, in which provided rams must be sufficiently strong to support a significant portion of the combined weight of the deck and its load. brief description of drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a rear view of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a side diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment in a load carrying position, 12 Figure 4 is a side diagrammatic view of the embodiment of Figure 4 in a load tipping position, and Figure 5 is a partial end diagrammatic view of the embodiment of Figure 4 and Figure 5.

Best modes for Carrying out the Invention With regard to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle 1 which includes one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment includes a deck 2 and a chassis 3 of a vehicle (which may be a trailer or motorised vehicle). Attached to the chassis 3 are a number of guides, comprising channels 4, which allow for insertion of followers, comprising wheels 5-7 connected to the deck 2. These (5) interact with the guide channels 4 in such a way so as to enable the deck 2 to slide with respect to chassis 3.

In this embodiment there are two connection sets (see Figure 2) each comprising a guide 4 and followers 5-7. The guide channels 4 are, in this case, substantially parallel to each other and directed longitudinally with respect to the vehicle. In other embodiments the guide channels may be directed transversely to provide for sideways tipping of the deck 2.

Deck 2 provides an area of the vehicle 1 in which loads may be carried by the vehicle. Subsequent tipping of the deck 2 provides a way that the loads can be removed from the deck 2. As can be seen in Figure 1, deck 2 may pivot or tip with respect to the vehicle. The pivot point of deck 2 corresponds to one of the wheels 5 attached to the deck 2. Preferably this is a substantially central wheel 6, which is positioned near the centre of I 13 mass of the deck 2, so as to reduce strain on either the deck 2 or chassis 3 while tipping is taking place.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, channels 4 may be provided with a top aperture or removed portion 7, so as to provide a way to release front 5 wheel 5 of deck 2 from the channels when the deck 2 has been slid to a certain position.

Deck 2 also includes a rear wheel 7 which is positioned so that once deck 2 has been tipped with respect to chassis 3, the deck 2 may rest on the ground on wheel 7. This wheel 7 may also act as a follower within its 10 associated guide 4, to provide extra support for the deck 2 when in a load carrying position.

In addition to providing an extra support for the deck, wheel 7 also enables the deck to be moved with respect to the ground while it is in a tipped position, and in this way it may prove easier to release the load 15 from the deck 2. For example, frequently when the load consists of a substance such as dirt, further unloading of the dirt onto the ground is inhibited by the pile which has already been removed from the trailer. If this occurs, then it possible to move the entire vehicle 1, together with deck 2 forward, thus allowing further dirt to be released.

Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of a vehicle 10 that incorporates an embodiment of the present invention.

In this Figure, deck 11 can be seen mounted on the vehicle's chassis or other suitable mounting points 12. The vehicle's body is only partially illustrated, with features such as wheels, axles etc. omitted. 14 26 4 9 Vehicle chassis/body 12 includes or has affixed a number of channels 13 which are shaped in substantially a "C" shaped configuration. This enables follower wheels 14 of deck 11 to be positioned inside the channels in such a way so that they are substantially enclosed by the channels, and 5 movement of the deck 11 is restricted to movement substantially along the direction of channels 13. Wheels 14 may be attached to mounting brackets 15 which are attached to the deck.

As can be seen in this Figure, deck 11 may slide or otherwise move in the direction of extension of channels 13. If the deck is appropriately 10 balanced, then this may occur once an operator of the deck provides a small force to the deck 11. It should be appreciated that movement of this deck can in many instances take place by hand movement without the need for use of any mechanical apparatus.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present 15 invention in which the guide channel 31 is provided on the deck/tray portion 30 while the follower wheels (32, 32a, 36), which travel within the channel 34, are connected to the vehicle 33. Figure 4 illustrates this alternative embodiment in a 'load carrying' position, while Figure 5 illustrates the same embodiment in a load-tipping1 orientation.

In progressing from a load carrying to tipping configuration, the forward wheels 32, 32a exit the forward end 34 of guide 31. When these wheels have exited the guide, only rearward wheel 36 (about which pivoting occurs) remains in the channel 31. Mid positioned wheel 32a is ideally placed so that the deck 30 is in a position in which it is balanced to tip 25 about wheel 36 as soon as wheel 32a exits guide 31 at end 34.

Figure 6 is a partial cut away view showing the tray 30 of the tray portion with the attached channel 31. The wheels 32, 32a, 36, which are attached to the vehicle 33 are free to travel within the channel 31 and out from the end 34 thereof (only 32, 32a).

There may sometimes be realisable additional advantage from the embodiment of Figures 3-5. As the deck is usually substantially flat and planar there is usually provided more attachment points for a guide 31 than the often, open structure of many vehicle bodies. Allowing a guide 31 to be supported regularly, or even continuously, along its length rather than at a few isolated points can address problems of twisting or warping of the channel under load. At the least the arrangement can allow channels of lighter construction to often be used - the deck assembly is relied upon to brace and strengthen the guide.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 16

Claims (1)

1. WHAT I CLAIM IS: A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, the connecting assembly comprising at least one connection set in turn comprising a plurality of followers in combination with a guide, said guide being adapted to be attached to either the vehicle or the deck, and the followers to the alternate of the vehicle or the deck; the arrangement being further characterised that when attached to a vehicle a limited range of sliding movement of the deck with respect to the vehicle is permitted due to travel of the followers with respect to the guide in a connection set; and wherein at at least one relative position of the deck with respect to the vehicle, one or more followers within a connection set can disengage from their guide allowing pivoting of said deck, within a substantially vertical plane, about a follower remaining with a guide in a connection set. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, in which the deck is alterable between load Carrying and tipping positions, and wherein when in a load carrying position the followers of a connection set are all in connection with the guide thereof, whereas when in a tipping position, substantially all bar one follower of a set are no longer connected to the guide. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2, in which there is included a stop or limiting means against disconnection of the follower in a connection set, about which pivoting occurs, from the guide. 17 <649 fg 4. 9. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a follower comprises a sliding member whose configuration is substantially complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the guide. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a follower comprises a wheel or roller. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a guide comprises a length having a channel therein substantially accommodating the follower. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in claim 6, in which the guide is a length having subptantially a "C"-shaped cross-sectional configuration, and fixed such that in use its opening is to the side. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a guide is modified to allow at least one follower, positioned within at least one section of same, to exitrthe guide and in which the exit from the guide, is substantially upwardly through a removed top portion in the guide. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a guide is modified to allow at least one follower, positioned within at least one section of same, to exit the guide and in which exit from the guide is from an end of the guide. 18 RECEIVER intellectual property c of n.z. 0 8 J'JN 1338 a '4 10. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the followers are positioned to be substantially distributed along the length of the guide. 11. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least three followers are provided, of which one is positioned at, or near, each end of the guide and the remainder distributed therebetween. 12v A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which there is included locking means preventing relative sliding movement of the deck with respect to a vehicle :jo which it is attached. 13. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in claim 12 when dependent upon claim 2, in which locking means is provided for maintaining the deck in a load carrying position. 14. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which there is provided for the deck, a pair of connection sets whose guides are displaced and substantially parallel to each other. 15. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the arrangement is such that the guides allow longitudinal travel and pivoting of the deck with respect to the vehicle. intellectual property office of n.z. 0 8 JUN 1998 RECEIVED 16. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed i&Cn^ one of claims 1 through 14, in which the arrangement is such that the guides allow transverse travel and pivoting of the deck with respect to the vehicle. 17. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the deck includes a ground contacting wheel and/or skid at its rearmost end. 18. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes driving means for driving the deck in one or both directions of the guides. 19. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in claim 18 when dependent upon claim 2, in which the driving means can effect travel of the deck, with respect to the vehicle, towards the tipping position from the load carrying position. 20. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in either claim 18 or claim 19 when dependent upon claim 2, in which the driving means can effect travel of the deck, with respect to the vehicle, towards the load carrying position from the tipping position. 21. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of claims 18 through 20, in which the driving means comprises a winch assembly. 22. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in claim 21, in which the winch is power driven. intellectual property office of n.z. 0 8 JUN 1998 RECEIVED 23. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of claims 18 through 20, in which the driving means comprises a ram. 24. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the deck comprises substantially-a flat or open deck. 25. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the deck comprises substantially a , tray or deck with sides. 26. A trailer fitted with a pivoting deck and connecting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 25. 27. A motorised vehicle fitted with a pivoting deck and connecting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 25. 28. A pivoting deck and connecting assembly for a vehicle, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 29. A method for providing for the tipping of a deck with respect to a vehicle to which the deck is mounted, comprising the use of a connecting assembly for mounting the deck to the vehicle, the connecting assembly comprising at least one connection set in turn comprising a plurality of followers in combination with a guide, said guide being adapted to be attached to either the vehicle or the deck, and the followers to the alternate of the vehicle or the deck; the arrangement being further characterised that when attached to a vehicle a limited range of sliding movement of the deck with respect to 21 the vehicle is permitted due to travel of the followers with respect to the guide in a connection set; and wherein at at least one relative position of the deck with respect to the vehicle, one or more followers within a connection set can disengage from their guide allowing pivoting of said deck, within a substantially vertical plane, about a follower remaining with a guide in a connection set. A method as claimed in claim 29 in which the deck is alterable between load carrying and tipping positions, and wherein when in a load carrying position the followers of a connection set are all in connection with the guide thereof, whereas when in a tipping position, substantially all bar one follower of a set are no longer connected to the guide. A connection set comprising a guide and plurality of followers, and including monitoring equipment allowing the connection set to be attached to couple a deck to a vehicle in a manner allowing pivoting of the deck with respect to the trailer in accordance with a method claimed in either claim 29 or claim 30. A method as claimed in either claim 29 or claim 30 which includes driving means for effecting sliding of the deck with respect to the vehicle. A method, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIAN RICHARD WALLACE intellectual pi o 8 JUf of i