Device for testing trailer couplings under loading conditions resembling those occurring in use, preferably with inclusion of the construction for fixing the trailer coupling

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
An apparatus for testing a trailer coupling assembly, wherein said assembly includes at least a trailer coupling and a trailer coupling ring engaged therewith and is subjected to testing under operational forces, including longitudinal and vertical operational forces, said apparatus comprising: (a) first support means for supporting the coupling assembly and for positionally fixing said coupling; (b) second support means for supporting the coupling ring of said coupling assembly; (c) a longitudinal force actuator coupled to said second support means and effective for simulating the longitudinal operational forces and for applying the same to said second support means; (d) a vertical force actuator coupled to said second support means and effective for simulating the vertical operational forces and for applying the same to said second support means; (e) said second support means being a rigid force transmitting connecting member to which said longitudinal and said vertical force actuators are coupled such that the direction of action of said longitudinal operational forces and the direction of action of said vertical operational forces intersect each other in a region in which said coupling ring engages said trailer coupling.
2.
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said force transmitting connecting member is an angle piece comprising two arms which enclose a right angle, said longitudinal force actuator being coupled to one of said arms, said vertical force actuator being coupled to the other of said arms, and said coupling ring being attachable to said one arm.
3.
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising guide means for guiding said force transmitting connecting member in the direction of action of said longitudinal force.
4.
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising guide means for guiding said force transmitting connecting member in the direction of action of said vertical force.
5.
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising guide means for guiding said force transmitting connecting member in a plane containing the direction of action of said longitudinal force and the direction of action of said vertical force or in a plane parallel to said plane