Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2007C00494:body:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2007C00494
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 11040–14490

4177.3 - 1994 "Coupling Body for Ball Couplings" or as amended from time to time.
11.                                      HOOK COUPLING
11.1.                                The hook part of the 'Hook Coupling' must be suitable for use with the towing ring as shown in Figure 3.
11.2.                                The towing ring must comply with Figure 3.
11.3.                                'Hook Couplings' must also comply with Clauses 12.2 - 12.4 except for clause 12.4.3.2.
12.                                      'COUPLINGS' OTHER THAN THE ABOVE TYPES
12.1.                                'Couplings' other than 'Fifth Wheel Assemblies', Kingpins, 'Automatic Pin Couplings', 'Ball Couplings', Coupling Bodies for 50mm Ball Couplings and 'Hook Couplings' must comply with the 'Coupling' manufacturer's location specification and Clauses 12.2 - 12.4.
12.2.                                Locking Mechanism Requirements
12.2.1.                          'Couplings' must incorporate a positive locking mechanism together with a separate means of retaining this mechanism in the locked position.  The locking must be readily verifiable by visual examination.
12.2.2.                          'Quick Release Couplings' must incorporate a positive locking mechanism together with a separate means of automatically retaining this mechanism in the locked position. The locking must be readily verifiable by visual examination.
12.3.                                Strength Requirements
12.3.1.                          'Couplings' specially designed for use between LA, LB, LC, LD category and LEM sub category towing vehicles and trailers up to 750Kg 'ATM' when installed in the design configuration must withstand the test requirements as per either clause 12.3.1.1 or clause 12.3.1.2 without either incurring any residual deformation that would interfere or degrade the function of the assembly or any breaks, cracks or separation of components and shall have a capacity to tow trailer of 750Kg 'ATM'.
12.3.1.1.                    the following separately applied static forces:
12.3.1.1.1.              longitudinal tension and compression of 18.4 kN; and
12.3.1.1.2.              vertical tension and compression of 7.4 kN; and
12.3.1.1.3.              transverse tension and compression of 7.4 kN.
12.3.1.2.                    A minimum horizontal alternating force of ± 2.52 kN acting in a line parallel to the ground and in the longitudinal median plane of the towing vehicle passing through the centre of the coupling applied for 2 million cycles.  The frequency of the longitudinal forces not to exceed 35Hz, but must be chosen not to coincide with any natural frequency of the system.
12.3.2.                          'Couplings' specially designed for use between towing vehicles and trailers up to 3.5 tonnes 'ATM' when installed in the design configuration must withstand the test requirements as per either clause 12.3.2.1 or clause 12.3.2.2 without either incurring any residual deformation that would interfere or degrade the function of the assembly or any breaks, cracks or separation of components and shall have a capacity to tow trailer of 3.5 tonnes 'ATM'.
12.3.2.1.                    the following separately applied static forces:
12.3.2.1.1.              longitudinal tension and compression of 86 kN; and
12.3.2.1.2.              vertical tension and compression of 35 kN; and
12.3.2.1.3.              transverse tension