A safety device for a coupling between a towing vehicle and trailer

Abstract

A coupling assembly is provided for safely disconnecting a trailer from a towing vehicle having a fifth wheel plate with a locking member for retaining a king pin of the trailer in a recess of the plate. The locking member has a release handle 140 with a sensor 60, for example a pressure switch, mounted to a part 16a of handle 140 extending beyond the fifth wheel plate. Sensor 60 outputs a signal on movement of handle 140. A controller remote from sensor 60 receives the signal from the sensor and activates an audible or visible warning that handle 140 has been moved. The controller may also activate an audio recording with instructions for safe uncoupling of the trailer. Also provided are a vehicle with trailer, a kit of parts, a release handle and an uncoupling method. Figure 3B