MOVABLE TOW BAR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A movable tow-bar assembly comprising: an elongate frame configured to be attached to a vehicle; a towing attachment comprising a sleeve that is shaped to receive a section of the elongate frame and allow translation of the towing attachment along a length of the frame; and a driving arrangement coupled with the towing attachment and the frame for effecting translational movement of the towing attachment along the length of the frame.

Claims

1. A movable tow-bar assembly comprising: an elongate frame configured to be attached to a vehicle; and a towing attachment positioned on a sleeve, the sleeve being shaped to receive a section of the elongate frame and allow translation of the towing attachment along a length of the frame; a driving arrangement coupled with the sleeve and the frame for effecting translational movement of the towing attachment along the length of the frame.

2. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises a C-shaped member that is shaped to receive a section of the elongate frame in an internal space defined by the C-shaped member for supporting the towing attachment and allowing the towing attachment to slide along a length of the frame.

3. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein end portions of the C-shaped member comprises opposed lips for preventing the sleeve from being detached from the frame when a towing force is applied in a transverse direction relative to the frame.

4. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein the C shaped member comprises spaced apart plates to be arranged contiguously relative to opposed outer walls of the elongate frame, said spaced apart plates being connected by a transverse plate for defining an internal space therebetween to receive a section of the elongate frame.

5. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 4 wherein the spaced apart plates and the transverse plate are welded to each other.

6. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a drive motor coupled to the sleeve for driving the towing attachment along the length of the frame.

7. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 6 wherein the drive motor transmits power to the towing attachment by a worm gear coupled to the sleeve.

8. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein the worm gear is disposed in an internal cavity defined by walls of the elongate frame, the worm gear extending between two opposed end portions of the elongate frame.

9. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a sliding member positioned in a hollow elongate slot extending along the length of the elongate frame, the sliding member configured to be fastened to the sleeve thereby allowing movement of the towbar attachment along the length of the frame.

10. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 9 further comprising a drive for driving the towing attachment motor coupled to the sleeve along the length of the frame wherein the sliding member is coupled to the worm gear to transfer drive from the worm gear to the sliding block.

11. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein the sliding member comprises a sliding block having a transversely extending worm gear connector.

12. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 9 further comprising a fastening arrangement including one or more fasteners for fastening the sleeve to the sliding member.

13. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 12 wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plurality of bolt holes provided in the sliding member, said bolt holes extending in a transverse direction relative to the frame for receiving corresponding bolts therethrough and fastening the sleeve onto the sliding block positioned in the elongate slot.

14. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 13 wherein opposed walls of the sleeve comprise a plurality of bolt holes that correspond to the bolt holes of the sliding member for receiving said bolts and allowing the sleeve to be bolted to the sliding member during use.

15. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the towbar attachment further comprises an outwardly extending tongue portion to receive a tow-ball thereon.

16. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 15 wherein the tongue portion is welded to the sleeve.

17. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a connector for attaching the elongate frame to a tow-bar receiving socket of the vehicle, the connector being positioned to be substantially equidistant from the opposed ends of the elongate frame.

18. A movable tow-bar assembly in accordance with claim 1 comprising a locking arrangement for locking the position of the towing attachment relative to the elongate frame at a pre-determined location wherein the locking arrangement comprises one or more locking pins adapted to be received into respective locking apertures provided along an outer wall of the elongate frame such that in a locked position, the locking pins are received in respective locking apertures to prevent movement of the towing attachment relative to the elongate frame.

19. The movable tow bar assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the sleeve is movably connected to the elongate frame via an actuator comprising a fluid actuated cylinder.

20. The movable tow bar assembly of claim 19, wherein the fluid actuated cylinder is located at least partially in an internal space defined by walls of the sleeve.

21. The movable tow bar assembly of claim 19, wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder and the hollow member of the frame contains a hydraulic reservoir and/or a hydraulic pump.

22. The movable tow bar assembly of claim 1 further comprising an extension member connected to the frame wherein the towing attachment is located on the extension member and the actuator is coupled to the extension member such that the actuator can move the extension member relative to the frame in a substantially horizontal plane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a first frontal perspective view of a movable tow-bar assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the movable tow-bar assembly 200;

[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates a second frontal perspective view of a movable tow-bar assembly 200;

[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the towing attachment 220;

[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the towing attachment 220 which forms a part of the tow bar assembly 200;

[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the towing attachment 220;

[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates a side-perspective view of the towing attachment 220;

[0062] FIG. 8 is a first top perspective view of an elongate frame 210 which forms a part of the towbar assembly 200;

[0063] FIG. 9 is a top view of the elongate frame 210;

[0064] FIG. 10 is an enlarged top view of the elongate frame 210;

[0065] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the elongate frame 210.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the movable tow-bar assembly 200.

[0067] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the sliding block 260 that forms a part of the tow bar assembly 200.

[0068] FIG. 13 illustrates a diagrammatic plan view of a movable tow bar assembly 10 according to a second embodiment;

[0069] FIG. 14 illustrates a diagrammatic plan view of the movable tow bar assembly of an alternative embodiment;

[0070] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a movable tow bar assembly of another embodiment;

[0071] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the movable tow bar assembly of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15; and

[0072] FIG. 17 illustrates a top plan view of the movable tow bar assembly illustrated in FIG. 15 in various different positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate the tow bar assembly 200 in an installed position whereby the tow-bar assembly 200 has been installed on a vehicle V. Specifically, the tow-bar assembly 200 comprises a tubular elongate frame 210 which is attached to a tow-bar receiving socket (S) of the vehicle V such that the elongate frame 210 extends in lateral direction relative to a direction of motion of the vehicle V. The elongate frame 210 includes a connector 212 that is welded to an outer wall of the elongate frame 210 and extends in a generally perpendicular direction from the main body of the elongate frame 210. The connector 212 is provided in the form of a square shaped tube that is configured for being received into the socket S having a complementary configuration. The socket S may take the form of a conventional tow-bar socket which is typically coupled with the chassis of the vehicle V. A securing arrangement for securing the connector 212 within the socket S may also be provided to prevent the connector 212 (and the elongate frame 210) from inadvertently becoming uncoupled from the socket S during use. Substantially triangular gusset members 213 (shown in FIGS. 8 to 10) are also welded to the walls of the connector 212 and the rear wall of the elongate frame 210 for reinforcing the welded connection between the connector 212 and the elongate frame 210.

[0074] The tow-bar assembly 200 also comprises a movable towing attachment 220 which is configured to slide along a length of the elongate frame 210. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the towing attachment 220 comprises a C-shaped sleeve member 224 that is shaped to receive a section of the elongate frame in an internal space defined by the C-shaped member 224. The C shaped member 224 comprises spaced apart and mutually opposed plates 224A and 224B which are spaced apart and welded to a transversely arranged connecting plate 224C so that during use inner walls of the spaced apart plates 224A and 224B can be arranged adjacently relative to opposed outer walls of the elongate frame 210 in order to support the towing attachment 220 and allow the towing attachment 220 to translate over the length of the elongate frame 210. The spaced apart plates 224A and 224B include corresponding lip portions 223A and 223B that are provided in a mutually opposed configuration to prevent the towing attachment 220 from being detached from the elongate frame 210 when a towing force is applied in a transverse direction relative to the elongate frame 210.

[0075] The towing attachment 220 also includes an outwardly extending tongue portion 226 that allows a tow ball 227 to be mounted thereon. A reinforcing member 229 extending between the tongue portion 227 and the transverse connecting plate 224C is provided for reinforcing the welded connection between the tongue 226 and the C-shaped sleeve member 224. In the presently described embodiment, the outwardly extending tongue portion 226 is welded onto the transverse connecting plate 224C to be substantially in alignment with one of said spaced apart plates 224A and 224B. Such a configuration of the towing attachment 220 allows the towing attachment to be inverted and positioned along the fixed elongate frame 210 in order to vary the height of the tongue portion (which supports the tow ball 227). Specifically, in a first in-use configuration, the tongue portion 226 is positioned at a higher elevation relative to the supporting surface for the vehicle. In a second in-use configuration, the tongue portion 226 is positioned at a relatively lower elevation. In further improvements, the tongue portion 226 may be modified to allow the position of the tongue portion 226 to be movably adjusted along various mounting locations along the transverse connecting plate 224C without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is important to note that after the towing attachment 220 is inverted, the towball 227 needs to be uncoupled from the tongue portion 226 (preferably by using a fastening nut of the towball) and re-positioned so that the towball 227 is mounted on the tongue portion 226 in an upwardly facing configuration.

[0076] The towing attachment 220 is removably fastened to a sliding block 260 (clearly visible in FIGS. 8 to 10) that is positioned within an internal cavity defined by the walls of the elongate frame 210. During use, the spaced apart plates 224A and 224B of the C-shaped member 224 are bolted onto the sliding block 260. Specifically, the sliding block 260 is provided with bolt holes 262 that extend in a transverse direction relative to the elongate frame 210 and correspond with bolt holes 223 provided along each of the spaced apart plates 224A and 224B. Fastening bolts 228 (visible in FIGS. 7 and 12A) are provided for fastening the towing attachment 220 with the sliding block 260 which in turn allows the towing attachment 220 to slide along the elongate frame 210 whilst being attached to the sliding block 260. The provision of the fastening bolts 228 also allows the bolts 228 to be removed in order to remove the towing attachment 220 relatively easily by sliding the towing attachment out of the elongate frame 210.

[0077] The sliding block 260 that is positioned within the housing of the elongate frame 210 is driven by a drive motor 240. A top portion and a bottom portion of the sliding block 260 is accessible from an elongate slot 221 that is provided along a top and bottom wall of the elongate frame 210. The provision of the elongate slot along each of the top and bottom wall of the elongate frame 210 allows the spaced apart plates 224A and 224B to be fastened onto the top and bottom portions of the sliding block 260 and allows the towing attachment 220 to be fastened onto the sliding block 260. The sliding block 260, when bolted to the towing attachment 220, allows power to be transmitted from the drive motor to the towing attachment 220. A worm gear drive 245 (shown clearly in FIG. 10) is coupled with the drive motor 240 for driving the sliding block 260 (which is fastened to the towing attachment 220). Hexagonal nuts 264 (FIGS. 12 and 12A) are provided for transferring drive from the worm gear drive 245 to the sliding block 260. The hexagonal head portion of the nuts 264 include an opening for threadedly receiving the worm gear drive 245 (best shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A). The shank portion of the nut 264 is fastened onto a side wall of the sliding block 260 (shown clearly in FIG. 12). Consequently, during use, any movement of the worm gear 245 results in translation of the sliding block 260 along the length of an elongate cavity defined by the walls of the elongate frame 210. The towing attachment 220, when fastened to the sliding block 260 also moves along a length of the elongate frame 210.

[0078] The motor 240 may be controllable by, for instance, a controller mounted along the elongate frame 210 which may include conventional switches and/or buttons, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, a plug receptacle could be replaced with a receiver of electromagnetic signals (not shown), and controller could be replaced with a remote control (not shown) that emits electromagnetic signals for controlling the motor 240.

[0079] The towing assembly 200 also includes a bracket assembly provided within the elongate frame 210 for mounting the worm gear drive 245 within the internal space defined by the walls of the tubular elongate frame 210 such that the worm gear 245 extends between two lateral ends of the elongate frame 210. Plate guides and bearing plates 247 may be provided at either lateral end of the housing defined by the walls of the elongate frame 210 for supporting the worm gear 245. The plates and bearing for positioning the worm gear 245 may be used with any suitable fasteners, such as bolts, to permit disassembly and service of internal components, or may be permanently affixed within the elongate frame 210 via welding, etc., where disassembly is not required.

[0080] A locking arrangement is also provided for optionally locking the position of the towing attachment 220 relative to the elongate frame 210 at a substantially central location relative to the elongate frame 210. Specifically, two locking pins 292 (shown in FIG. 7) are adapted to be received into respective locking apertures (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) provided along an outer top wall of the elongate frame 210 and corresponding locking apertures 295 (shown in FIG. 5) positioned along the spaced apart plate 224A (or 224B). In a locked position, the locking pins 292 are received in the respective locking apertures 293 and 295 provided in the elongate frame 220 and the attachment member 220 and prevent movement of the towing attachment 220 relative to the elongate frame 210.

[0081] Advantageously, the configuration of the towing attachment 220 in combination with the elongate frame 210 in combination with the driving arrangement allows the towbar assembly to function like a normal tow bar during usual towing. However, the driving arrangement (including the drive motor 240 in combination with the worm gear 245 and the sliding block 260 fastened to the towing attachment 220) allows translational movement of the towing attachment 220 along a length of the elongate frame 210. The provision of the aforementioned configuration provides additional control over a towed vehicle during difficult manoeuvres, such as when reversing the vehicle V. The additional control over the towed vehicle improves safety by reducing the likelihood of the towed vehicle having a collision with either the environment or bystanders. The movable towbar assembly 200 further provides additional convenience and efficiency during difficult towing manoeuvres. FIG. 13 illustrates a movable tow bar assembly 10, in accordance with a second embodiment, mounted to a vehicle 20 having a rear end 22 and two opposed sides 24. The movable tow bar assembly 10 has a frame 100 mounted to the rear of the vehicle 20 and an extension member 120 connected to the frame 100. The frame 100 is preferably rigidly affixed to a chassis of the vehicle 20 with a support plate 102 adjacent the extension member 120. In a preferred form a pair of support plates 102 are provided. The pair of support plates 102 are preferably aligned in spaced apart parallel planes with the extension member 120 being received between the two support plates 102. The extension member 120 has a towing attachment, in the form of a tow ball 122, at an end that is distal from the vehicle 20. In the illustrated embodiment the extension member 120 is connected to the frame 100 by a pivot pin 124. The extension member 120 also has a locking assembly in the form of a removable locking pin 126 the also connects the extension member 120 to the frame 100. The pivot pin 124 and locking pin 126 are both receivable in respective apertures in the frame 100 and the extension member 120.

[0082] The extension member 120 is also coupled to an actuator in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 140. The hydraulic cylinder 140 is connected substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the extension member 120 such that extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 140 causes the extension member to pivot around the pivot pin 124 when the locking assembly is unlocked, e.g. when the locking pin 126 is removed from the extension member 120 and/or frame 100.

[0083] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a movable tow bar 10 wherein the tow ball 122 is movable within a rail in the form of a channel 104 in the frame 100. The channel 104 is substantially linear with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to a towing axis. The actuator (not shown in FIG. 14) for this arrangement preferably includes an electric motor and gearbox. A worm drive may also be utilised. Although a straight channel 104 is illustrated in FIG. 14 it will be appreciated that the channel could take other forms such as, for example, a curved channel.

[0084] FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a movable tow bar assembly 10 wherein the tow ball 122 is located on a sleeve 150 via bracket 122′. The sleeve 150 is slidably mounted to a rail 160. In the illustrated embodiment the rail 160 is substantially cylindrical, with the sleeve 150 having a correspondingly shaped substantially cylindrical opening of channel running therethrough. The rail 160 is contained between two end stops 162. The sleeve 150 can slide along the rail between the end stops 162 as illustrated in FIG. 17.

[0085] The sleeve is connected to one end of a concealed hydraulic cylinder (not shown) and the rail is connected to another end of the hydraulic cylinder. As seen in FIG. 16, hydraulic ports 152 are provided to control the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic ports 152 can be utilised to connect the hydraulic cylinder to a hydraulic reservoir and pump. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir and pump (not shown) are contained inside the frame 100.

[0086] In use, the movable tow bar assembly 10 of FIG. 13 may be used like a normal tow bar with the extension member 120 locked such that its longitudinal axis substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 20. When additional manoeuvrability is required, such as when reversing the vehicle 20 with a towed vehicle such as a trailer attached to the tow ball 122, additional control over the towed vehicle may be obtained by removing the locking pin 126 and actuating the hydraulic cylinder 140.

[0087] The hydraulic cylinder 140 is preferably controlled from a cabin of the vehicle 20, to enable a user to pivot the extension member 120 with tow-ball 122 thereon towards either the left or right side of the vehicle. The pivot movement will also bring the tow ball 122 closer to a rear of the vehicle 20. As the tow ball 122 is moved the angle between the vehicle 20 and the towed vehicle is altered. This change in angle can be used to the driver's advantage to direct the towed vehicle in a particular direction to achieve a desired path for the towed vehicle to travel.

[0088] The movable tow bar assembly 10 of FIG. 14 is operated in a similar manner, with the tow ball 122 being movable with respect to the frame 100 and hence the vehicle 20. As the tow ball 122 is moved in the channel 104, the angle between the vehicle 20 and the towed vehicle is altered and, again, can be used to the driver's advantage to direct the towed vehicle in a particular direction to achieve a desired path for the towed vehicle to travel. The movable tow bar assembly 10 of FIGS. 15 to 17 is operated in a similar manner, with the tow ball 122 being movable with respect to the frame 100 and hence the vehicle 20 by sliding the sleeve 150 across the rail 160. As a controller is operated, manually or automatically, the hydraulic cylinder slides the sleeve 150 longitudinally along the rail 160 to move the tow ball 122 towards a side of the vehicle to which the movable tow bar 10 is mounted.

[0089] Advantageously, the movable tow bar assembly 10 operates like a normal tow bar during usual towing, but allows the tow ball 122 of the tow bar 10 to be moved when desired. This provides additional control over a towed vehicle during difficult manoeuvres, such as when reversing the vehicle 20. The additional control over the towed vehicle can vastly improve safety by reducing the likelihood of the towed vehicle having a collision with either the environment or bystanders. The movable towbar assembly 10 further provides additional convenience and efficiency during difficult towing manoeuvres.

[0090] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0091] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.