Abstract
The present invention relates to towing apparatus (200) for towing a vehicle with a cable transport arrangement. The towing apparatus (200) comprises a first attachment arrangement (204) configured to provide for attachment to a towing part of the cable transport arrangement. The towing apparatus (200) comprises a second attachment arrangement (208) configured for releasable attachment to a vehicle. The second attachment arrangement (208) comprises a main body (210) and first and second arms (212,214). The first and second arms (212,214) are substantially immovably mounted on the main body (210) and spaced apart from each other with each of the first and second arms defining a vehicle engaging profile (222). The second attachment arrangement (208) is rotatable such that the first and second arms (212,214) move between: a first position in which the vehicle engaging profiles (222) can be brought into engagement with or disengaged from a part of the vehicle; and a second position in which the vehicle engaging profiles (222) engage with the part of the vehicle so as to provide for towing of the vehicle.
Claims
1. Towing apparatus for towing a vehicle with a cable transport arrangement, the towing apparatus comprising: a first attachment arrangement configured to provide for attachment to a towing part of the cable transport arrangement; and a second attachment arrangement configured for releasable attachment to a vehicle, the second attachment arrangement comprising a main body and first and second arms, the first and second arms being substantially immovably mounted on the main body and spaced apart from each other, each of the first and second arms defining a vehicle engaging profile, the second attachment arrangement being rotatable such that the first and second arms move between: a first position in which the vehicle engaging profiles can be brought into engagement with or disengaged from a part of the vehicle; and a second position in which the vehicle engaging profiles engage with the part of the vehicle so as to provide for towing of the vehicle.
2. The towing apparatus according to claim 1 in which each of the first and second arms extends away from an attachment location on the first attachment arrangement at which the first attachment arrangement attaches to the towing part.
3. The towing apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first and second arms extend from an end of the main body opposite where the main body attaches by way of the first attachment arrangement.
4. The towing apparatus according to claim 3 in which each of the first and second arms extends from a distal part of the main body by between 20 mm and 60 mm.
5. The towing apparatus according to claim 1 in which a distal portion of each of the first and second arms extends generally perpendicularly to an attachment arrangement axis around which the second attachment arrangement rotates between the first and second positions.
6. The towing apparatus according to claim 5 in which a distal portion of an arm extends by between 20 mm and 40 mm in a direction perpendicular to the attachment arrangement axis.
7. The towing apparatus according to claim 1 in which each of the first and second arms defines a recess by way of a nonlinear path between proximal and distal ends of each arm, one of the recesses facing in a first direction substantially orthogonal to a towing direction and the other recess facing in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.
8. The towing apparatus according to claim 7 in which the first attachment arrangement is disposed in the towing apparatus such that a towing force is exerted between the first and second arms.
9. The towing apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first arm defines a nonlinear path which defines a first vehicle engaging recess which faces in at least one of a direction of towing and a first direction substantially orthogonal to a towing direction and the second arm comprises a portion which defines at least in part a second vehicle engaging recess which faces away from the main body and away from at least one of a direction of towing and the first direction.
10. The towing apparatus according to claim 9 in which the second arm is on a first side of the first arm and the first attachment arrangement is disposed in the towing apparatus such that a towing force is exerted on a second, opposite side of the first arm.
11. The towing apparatus according to claim 1 in which a surface of the first arm defines at least a part of a first vehicle engaging profile and a surface of the second arm defines at least a part of a second vehicle engaging profile.
12. The towing apparatus according to claim 11 in which each of the first and second vehicle engaging profiles defines at least a part of a recess shaped to fit around a part of a vehicle.
13. The towing apparatus according to claim 11 in which the first and second vehicle engaging profiles are oppositely directed.
14. The towing apparatus according to claim 1 in which the configuration of the first and second arms is such that the second attachment arrangement is rotated by between 70° and 75° when being moved between the first and second positions.
15. The towing apparatus according to claim 1 in which each of the first and second arms comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion and the distal portion defines a surface which forms part of a vehicle engaging profile, with the surface lying on a plane which is at an angle of between 110° and 115° to the proximal portion.
16. Towing apparatus for towing a vehicle with a cable transport arrangement, the towing apparatus comprising: a first attachment arrangement configured to provide for attachment to a towing part of the cable transport arrangement; and a second attachment arrangement configured for releasable attachment to a vehicle, the second attachment arrangement comprising a main body and first and second arms, the first and second arms being substantially immovably mounted on the main body and spaced apart from each other, each of the first and second arms defining a vehicle engaging profile, the second attachment arrangement being rotatable such that the first and second arms move between: a first position in which the vehicle engaging profiles can be brought into engagement with or disengaged from a part of the vehicle; and a second position in which the vehicle engaging profiles engage with the part of the vehicle so as to provide for towing of the vehicle; a user grippable handle extending from the second attachment arrangement, the towing apparatus being configured such that the second attachment arrangement is rotatable between the first and second positions by user operation of the handle.
17. The towing apparatus according to claim 16 in which the towing apparatus is configured such that the second attachment arrangement is maintained in the second position during towing by user operation of the handle.
18. The towing apparatus according to claim 16 in which the towing apparatus is configured such that the handle extends generally perpendicularly to an attachment arrangement axis around which the second attachment arrangement rotates between the first and second positions.
19. The towing apparatus according to claim 16 in which the handle comprises a proximal rigid portion and a distal pliable portion.
20. The towing apparatus according to claim 1 configured to tow a bicycle.
21. A towing arrangement comprising a towing part of a cable transport arrangement and towing apparatus according to claim 1, the first attachment arrangement of the towing apparatus being fixed to the towing part.
22. A cable transport arrangement comprising at least one towing part and at least one towing apparatus according to claim 1, the first attachment arrangement of a towing apparatus being fixed to a towing part.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings, of which:
(2) FIG. 1 shows a bicycle being towed by a Poma tow according to the present invention;
(3) FIG. 2A is a side view of towing apparatus according to the present invention;
(4) FIG. 2B is a plan view from above of the towing apparatus of FIG. 2A;
(5) FIG. 3 is a photograph of towing apparatus according to the present invention;
(6) FIG. 4 is a sketch of an alternative embodiment of grippable member;
(7) FIG. 5 is a sketch of the towing apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3 as adapted for stowing a bicycle;
(8) FIG. 6 is a sketch of an alternative embodiment of towing apparatus;
(9) FIG. 7 is a sketch of the embodiment of FIG. 6 attached to a ski tow;
(10) FIG. 8 is a sketch showing the embodiment of FIG. 6 engaged with the handle bars of a bicycle;
(11) FIG. 9 is a sketch of a detailed view of the joint between the grippable member and the base portion of the embodiment of FIG. 6;
(12) FIG. 10A shows a further embodiment of towing apparatus;
(13) FIG. 10B is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 10A when in use;
(14) FIG. 11A shows an alternative form of handle to the handle shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B;
(15) FIG. 11B shows the rigid portion of the handle of FIG. 11A;
(16) FIG. 11C shows the pliable portion of the handle of FIG. 11A; and
(17) FIG. 12 shows a yet further embodiment of towing apparatus in situ on handlebars of a bicycle.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
(18) FIG. 1 shows a Poma tow 10 (which constitutes a cable transport arrangement) which is modified for towing of bicycles instead of skiers. The Poma tow 10 comprises plural hangers although only one hanger 12 (which constitutes a towing part) is shown in FIG. 1. In accordance with known design the Poma tow comprises a cable 14, which is drawn in the direction indicated by the arrows, with the hanger 12 being attached to the cable by a clamping device 16 such that the hanger moves with the cable. The hanger 12 comprises a length of rope 18 which is attached to the clamping device 16 by way of a tensioning device 20, which is operative to retract spare rope. Ordinarily the distal end of the rope 18 is terminated with a button which the skier places between his legs. According to the arrangement of FIG. 1 the button is removed to expose the threaded bolt to which the button is secured. Towing apparatus 22 is fixed to the bolt as described further below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In an alternative form of hanger a short length of rope at the end of the hanger is received in an aperture in the button and a knot is formed in the rope underneath the button to hold the button in place. With this alternative form of hanger the rope is unknotted and then tied to the ring 44 (which is described below with reference to FIG. 2A). Thus the button remains in place and the towing apparatus is attached to the hanger underneath the button to thereby permit use by both skiers and cyclists. The towing apparatus 22 releasably engages with the handle bars of a bicycle 24 (which constitutes a vehicle) whereby and upon operation of the Poma tow 10 the bicycle 24 is towed over the ground 26 in the direction shown by the arrows.
(19) A side view of the towing apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2A. The towing apparatus 40 comprises a chassis 42 to which a ring 44 (which constitutes a first attachment arrangement) is attached securely, e.g. by welding where the chassis and ring are formed of metal or by fusion or integral moulding where the chassis and ring are formed of a rigid plastics material, such as Nylon 66. The exposed bolt of the hanger of FIG. 1 is passed through the ring 44 and a nut of greater diameter than the internal diameter of the ring is threaded on to the end of the bolt to attach the towing apparatus 40 securely to the hanger. Towing apparatus 40 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is attached to the end of each of the plural hangers of the Poma tow 10. At the end opposite the ring 44 the chassis defines a first jaw 46. The towing apparatus 40 further comprises a second jaw 48, which is mounted for rotation on the chassis at a pivot point 49 near the base of the first jaw 46. Rotation of the second jaw 48 in relation to the first jaw 46 provides for movement between a first disposition (as shown in FIG. 2A) in which the jaws are closed and a second disposition in which the jaws are open. The first and second jaws constitute a second attachment arrangement. As can be seen from FIG. 2A, the first and second jaws define a generally circular aperture 50 when in the first disposition. A distal edge 52 of each of the first and second jaws 46, 48 defines an arcuate profile. The function of the distal edges 52 is described below. When the first and second jaws 46, 48 are in the second disposition their opposing edges 54 are sufficiently far apart to enable the jaws to be located around a part of a bicycle, such as the handle bars.
(20) A plan view of the towing apparatus 40 of FIG. 2A is shown in FIG. 2B. Components of FIG. 2B common to FIG. 2A are designated by like reference numerals. As can be seen from FIG. 2B the towing apparatus 40 comprises a first pair of jaws 62 and a second pair of jaws 64. Each of the first and second pair of jaws 62, 64 are formed as described above with reference to FIG. 2A and subject to the following description. The chassis 42 defines an open sided hollow rectangle when viewed from above. The first, lower jaw 46 of each pair is defined by opposite arms of the rectangle defined by the chassis. The towing apparatus 40 also comprises a jaw arrangement 66, which defines an open sided hollow rectangle, with the jaw arrangement 66 being received in the rectangular space defined by the chassis 42 and such that the open end of the jaw arrangement 66 faces in the same direction as the open end of the chassis. The jaw arrangement 66 is pivotally attached to the chassis 42 at pivot points 49, which are at opposite locations on the jaw arrangement and the chassis. Opposite arms of the jaw arrangement 66 define the second jaws 48 of the first and second pairs of jaws. The jaw arrangement 66 pivots in relation to the chassis 42 to move the first and second jaws 46, 48 of each pair of jaws between the first, closed and second, open dispositions. The jaw arrangement 66 also comprises a protrusion 68, which extends in an opposite direction to the second jaws 48 towards the base of the rectangle defined by the chassis 42. The chassis and the jaw arrangement are formed of a strong, rigid material, such as metal or a plastics material, such as Nylon 66.
(21) The towing apparatus further comprises a latch arrangement, which comprises a user grippable elongate member 70, a coil spring 72 (which constitutes a biasing device) and a tongue 74. A proximal end of the user grippable elongate member 70 passes through an aperture formed in a side of the chassis 42 and is attached to the side of the tongue 74. The distal end of the user grippable elongate member 70 extends laterally of the chassis. The user grippable elongate member 70 comprises a pliable yet stiff material, such as a multi-strand metal cable, whereby the user grippable elongate member 70 extends in a desired lateral direction but may be bent for convenience of use. The coil spring 72 is disposed around the elongate member 70 and bears between an inside surface of the chassis 42 and a flange 73 extending from the elongate member near to the junction between the elongate member 70 and the tongue 74. The tongue 74 is generally rectangular in footprint when viewed from the side (instead of the plan view shown in FIG. 2A) and the elongate member 70 is attached to an end of the tongue towards its base such that the main part of the tongue extends away from the axis of the elongate member 70 towards the top of the chassis (i.e. out of the page in the view provided by FIG. 2B). More specifically the upper edge of the tongue (as seen in FIG. 2B) slopes downwards slightly (i.e. into the page of the plan view of FIG. 2B) as one progresses along the upper edge of the tongue towards the coil spring. The tongue 74 is held in a channel 76 on the opposite side of the protrusion 68 to the coil spring 72. More specifically the top of the edge of the tongue 74 lies slightly below and to one side of the bottom edge of the protrusion 68 when the jaws are in the first (i.e. closed) disposition. When the jaws are in the second (i.e. open) disposition, the protrusion rotates downwards such that the side of the tongue 74 facing the coil spring 72 is adjacent a side of the protrusion 68, whereby abutment of the side of the tongue against the side of the protrusion prevents movement of the tongue by the elongate member 70 thereby preventing the jaws being locked when in the second, open disposition.
(22) During use, as described further below, the user grips the free end of the elongate member 70 and applies a force, which withdraws the elongate member through the aperture in the chassis against the bias of the coil spring 72. Withdrawal of the elongate member 70 when the jaws are in their first, closed disposition moves the tongue 74 such that the top of the edge of the tongue 74 lies slightly below the bottom edge of the protrusion 68. Movement of the jaws from the first, closed disposition to the second, open disposition is arrested when the bottom edge of the protrusion 68 abuts against the top of the edge of the tongue 74. If the user releases his grip on the free end of the elongate member 70 the bias of the coil spring 72 is operative to return the tongue 74 to its starting position whereby the tongue presents no obstacle to movement of the jaw arrangement 66. Thus the jaws can move freely between their first and second dispositions. Thus it can be appreciated that a user needs to apply and to continue applying a force to the elongate member if he wishes to maintain the jaws in their first, closed disposition. In the event of failure of the coil spring 72 or a reduction in the spring constant of the coil spring, e.g. through ageing of the coil spring, such that the coil spring fails to apply a bias or sufficient bias to the tongue 74, the protrusion 68 tends to ride down the sloping upper edge of the tongue to thereby provide for movement from the first, closed disposition to the second, open disposition. Withdrawal of the elongate member 70 when the jaws are in their second, open disposition moves the tongue 76 such that the side of the tongue facing the coil spring abuts against a side of the protrusion thereby arresting further withdrawal of the elongate member 70.
(23) FIG. 3 is a photograph of the towing apparatus 40 when attached to a hanger 80 and when viewed in perspective and from above. Components of FIG. 3 common to FIGS. 2A and 2B are designated by like reference numerals. The embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises a cover 82, which is absent from the embodiment of FIG. 2B. The cover 82 extends up from the channel 76 of the embodiment of FIG. 2B and parallel to a side of the tongue before turning through ninety degrees and extending over the top of the tongue. The cover 82 therefore shields the tongue, reduces the likelihood of movement of the tongue being impeded and constrains its movement to thereby provide for its proper operation.
(24) The use of the towing apparatus will now be described with reference to the Figures. Towing apparatus 22, 40 is fixed to the end of at least one hanger of a Poma tow 10 as described above. When a cyclist wishes to use the Poma tow 10 he grasps the towing apparatus 22, 40 and directs the distal ends of the jaws 46, 48 of the towing apparatus 22, 40 towards the handle bars of his bicycle 24. The cyclist then urges the distal edges 52 of the jaws 46, 48 against the handle bars whereby the arcuate surface profiles of the distal edges 52 engage with the handle bars and thereby prise the jaws apart. Further movement of the towing apparatus 22, 40 causes the handle bars to be received in the space between the open jaws. When the handle bars bear against the proximal surface of the jaws, which defines part of the handle bar receiving space, the jaws are forced closed such that they encircle the handle bars. The free end of the elongate member 70 now extends generally parallel to one of the handle bars. The cyclist then grabs the free end of the elongate member 70 and applies a force to thereby prevent the jaws from opening. He then grips the handle bar and the elongate member 70 at the same time with one of his hands to thereby maintain application of force to the elongate member 70. The cyclist maintains his grip on the elongate member 70 while he and his bicycle 24 are drawn over the ground by the Poma tow 10. When the cyclist wishes to leave the Poma tow 10 he releases his grip on the elongate member 70, the jaws 46, 48 are urged open by the force applied to the inside surface of the jaws by the handle bars and the bicycle 24 is released by the towing apparatus 22, 40. If the cyclist is unable to maintain his grip on the handle bars, e.g. if he loses balance, loss of handle bar grip is accompanied by loss of grip of the elongate member whereby the bicycle 24 is released by the towing apparatus 22, 40.
(25) FIGS. 2B and 3 show an elongate user grippable member 70. An alternative embodiment of grippable member 90 is shown in FIG. 4. The grippable member 90 comprises a grippable portion 92, which forms a part of a cylinder such that it defines a convex upper surface 94 and a concave lower surface 96. Although not shown in FIG. 4 the concave lower surface is coated with rubber to thereby provide a high friction surface. Plural spaced apart protrusions 98 in the form of ridges extend around the partial circumference defined by the upper surface 94 of the grippable member 92. The grippable member 90 is attached to the end of an elongate member 99, which is otherwise formed and functions as per the elongate grippable member as shown in FIGS. 2B and 3. In use the grippable member 90 of FIG. 4 is brought into engagement with the handle bars 100 of a bicycle such that the rubber coating on the concave lower surface 96 abuts against the handle bars 100. The rubber coating provides for friction between the grippable member 90 and the handle bars 100. The user grips the grippable member 90 such that his fingers interdigitate with the ridges 98 on the convex upper surface 94 to thereby provide for improved grip.
(26) A sketch of the towing apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3 after its adaption as stowing apparatus for use in stowing a bicycle 110 is shown in FIG. 5. As can be seen from FIG. 5, a bicycle 112 is suspended above the ground 114 from a roof 116, e.g. of a building such as a garage. A rigid elongate member 118, such as a metal bar, is attached securely at a first end to the roof 116 and is attached securely at a second opposite end to the ring of the stowing apparatus (see the ring of the towing apparatus shown in FIG. 2A). The second end of the elongate member 118 is attached to the ring, for example, by passing the elongate member 118 through the ring and threading a nut onto the free end of the elongate member. Before describing the operation of the stowing apparatus 120 its adaption from the towing apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3 will now be described. Referring now to FIG. 2B the coil spring 72 is removed from its location within the space defined by the chassis 42. In addition the part of the elongate member 70 that extends beyond the chassis 42 is removed apart from a length of about 2 cm. The coil spring is fitted over the remaining length of the elongate member and a flange is attached at the end of the remaining length of the elongate member whereby the coil spring applies a bias between the chassis and the flange which is operative to bias the tongue 74 towards the engaged position. A second aperture is provided at a side of the chassis 42 opposite the present aperture; as described above the present aperture provides for passage of the elongate member through the side of the chassis. The detached part of the elongate member 70 is then passed through the second aperture and is attached to the side of the tongue facing the second aperture. The elongate member 70 is therefore operative upon application of a force by a user, such as a cyclist, against the bias of the coil spring to disengage the tongue and allow the jaws to open. In use, the cyclist pulls the elongate member to allow for unhindered opening of the jaws and positions the handle bars of the bicycle 112 between the open jaws of the stowing apparatus 120. The jaws are allowed to close around the handle bars whereupon a lack of force applied by the cyclist to the elongate member allows the tongue to engage by virtue of the bias applied by the coil spring whereby the jaws are locked in the closed position. The bicycle is released from its stowed position by pulling on the elongate member 70 whereby the jaws are permitted to open to thereby release the bicycle.
(27) A sketch of an alternative embodiment of towing apparatus 130 is shown in FIG. 6. The towing apparatus comprises a first attachment arrangement 132, which in turn comprises a ring 134, which is attached to one end of a base frame 136. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the base frame defines a generally rectangular aperture. The first attachment arrangement 132 further comprises an adjustment arrangement 138 which defines a channel. The adjustment arrangement 138 is attached to an opposing end of the base frame 136 to the ring 134 such that the channel is located in the aperture defined by the base frame 136 and such that the channel defines in part a lower boundary to the aperture. The towing apparatus further comprises first 140 and second 142 elongate members which are formed from a single length of resiliently stretchable material. The length of resiliently stretchable material is fed through the aperture defined by the base frame 136 and such that it is received in the channel defined by the adjustment arrangement 138. A first flange 144 is fixedly attached to the first elongate member 140 at a location spaced apart from the first attachment arrangement and a second flange 146 is fixedly attached to the second elongate member 142 at a location spaced apart from the first attachment arrangement. The first and second flanges 144, 146 are located on their respective elongate members to limit an extent to which the length of resiliently stretchable material can pass through the aperture defined by the base frame to thereby limit an extent to which the relative lengths of the first and second elongate members can be changed.
(28) The towing apparatus 130 further comprises a first grippable arrangement 148 and a second grippable arrangement 150. Each of the first and second grippable arrangements 148, 150 comprises a base portion 152 and a rigid grippable member 154. Each base portion 152 is attached to an end of a respective one of the first and second elongate members 140, 142. Each grippable member 154 is attached to a respective one of the two base portions 152 by way of a universal joint 156, which provides for freedom of relative movement of base portion 152 and grippable member 154. The joint 156 is shown in more detail in FIG. 9. Each grippable member defines a concave surface 160 which is configured to engage with the handle bars of a bicycle. The grippable member is formed such that it defines half a cylinder. A non-slip member (not shown), which is formed of rubber, is disposed on the concave surface such that in use the non-slip member abuts against the part of the vehicle and thereby provides for friction between the grippable member and the handle bars.
(29) The towing apparatus of FIG. 6 is shown attached to a ski tow in FIG. 7. Components of FIG. 7 in common with FIGS. 1 and 6 are designated by like reference numerals. The towing apparatus 130 is attached to the end of the hanger 12 in the same fashion as is described above with reference to FIG. 1.
(30) Use of the towing apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7 will now be described with reference to FIG. 8, which shows the towing apparatus engaged with the handle bars 172, 174 of a bicycle. Components of FIG. 8 in common with FIG. 6 are designated by like reference numerals. A cyclist positions himself when on his bicycle close to the ski tow. As a hanger, which bears towing apparatus 130, 170, passes him he grabs the first and second grippable members 154, separates the grippable members and places one of the grippable members underneath the left handle bar 172 and the other of the grippable members underneath the right handle bar 174. The cyclist then grips the left handle bar 172 and its engaged grippable member with his left hand and grips the right handle bar 174 and its engaged grippable member with his right hand. As the hanger moves the tension in the first and second elongate members 140, 142 increases whereby the force exerted by the towing apparatus 130, 170 on the bicycle gradually increases as the first and second elongate members stretch. Thus the speed of movement of the bicycle over the ground increases until it matches the speed of movement of the hanger. When the cyclist wishes to cease towing or when the cyclist encounters a problem, such as over-balancing on his bicycle, he releases his grip on the grippable members 154. Upon the release of grip the grippable members 154 disengage from the handle bars to thereby release the bicycle.
(31) A detailed view of the joint 156 between the grippable member 154 and the base portion 152 of the towing apparatus FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. 9. Components of FIG. 9 in common with FIG. 6 are designated by like reference numerals. As can be seen from FIG. 9 the grippable member comprises a ball 180 at its proximal end. The ball 180 is received in a socket 182 defined by the base portion 152 to thereby form a universal joint between the grippable member and the base portion.
(32) A further embodiment of towing apparatus 200 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A shows the further embodiment 200 when detached from a bicycle and FIG. 10B shows the embodiment when engaged with the handlebars 202 of a bicycle. The further embodiment of towing apparatus 200 comprises a first attachment arrangement 204, which is formed of metal and defines an aperture 206 which provides for attachment to a hanger of a ski tow as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2B.
(33) In an alternative form the first attachment arrangement comprises a cylindrical body and a circular disc attached to a distal end of the cylindrical body, with the circular disc being of greater diameter than the cylindrical body. A portion of the cylindrical body at its proximal end has a thread formed thereon. A bore is formed in the alternative form of first attachment arrangement such that the bore extends though the disc and axially along the cylindrical body before changing direction by about ninety degrees before the threaded portion starts and finally exiting through a side of the cylindrical body. The alternative form of first attachment arrangement is formed separately from the second attachment arrangement from an appropriate metal, such as steel or brass. The alternative form of first attachment arrangement is attached to the second attachment arrangement by threading the threaded proximal portion of the cylindrical body of the first attachment arrangement into a threaded bore formed in the main body of the towing apparatus. The alternative form of first attachment arrangement is suitable for use with a hanger of a ski tow comprising a length of rope. In use an end of the length of rope is passed through the bore formed in the alternative form of first attachment arrangement until the end of the rope protrudes beyond the bore exit at the side of the cylindrical body. The protruding end is then knotted to form a knot of larger diameter than the bore exit to prevent withdrawal of the rope and thereby attach the towing apparatus to the hanger.
(34) The further embodiment of towing apparatus 200 further comprises a second attachment arrangement 208 to which the first attachment arrangement 204 is attached by way of a bolt and nut arrangement (not shown). The second attachment arrangement 208 comprises a main body 210, a first arm 212 and a second arm 214. The second attachment arrangement 208 further comprises a metal chassis (not shown) to which a cover is fitted such that the cover encloses the metal chassis. The metal chassis is formed from stainless steel. The cover comprises first and second parts which fit together around the metal chassis. The diameter of the cover is about 120 mm. The cover is formed from high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene. The first arm 212 and the second arm 214 are formed from stainless steel and are each removably attached to the metal chassis by way of bolts or are permanently attached by welding. The main body is generally disc shaped with the first and second arms 212, 214 extending from near opposite edges of a base of the main body on an opposite side of the main body to the first attachment arrangement 204. The first attachment arrangement 204 is attached at the side of the main body such that a towing force is exerted between the first and second arms 212, 214. The main body 210 is shaped to define a rigid protruding member 215 which extends laterally from the rest of the main body in a direction orthogonal to an axis about which the first and second arms rotate between the first and second positions. A proximal end of the rigid protruding member 215 is located such that it is between the two arms but spaced apart from a line between the two arms. The distance between the distal end of the rigid protruding member 215 a location between the two arms is about 180 mm. The rigid protruding member 215 is about 140 mm long. The rigid protruding member 215 is shaped such that its distal end is below the furthest reach of the first and second arms 212, 214 and such that, in use, its distal end is closer to the bicycle rider than its proximal end. The further embodiment of towing apparatus 200 further comprises a handle 216 which is attached at one end towards the distal end of the rigid protruding member 215 such that the handle 216 extends away from the main body 210 in generally a same direction as a relative disposition of the two arms. The handle 216 is comprised of a substantially entirely pliable portion formed from dip moulding of an ultraviolet (UV) resistant grade of polyvinylchloride (PVC). An alternative form of handle is described below with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11C. As will become apparent from the description below the handle of FIGS. 11A to 11C comprises a rigid proximal portion and a pliable distal portion whereby there is no need for the rigid protruding member 215 of FIGS. 10A and 10B. The main body 210 of FIGS. 10A and 10B is therefore formed without the rigid protruding member 215 and the handle of FIGS. 11A to 11C is attached to the same location on the main body as the now absent rigid protruding member.
(35) As can be seen from FIG. 10A each of the first and second arms 212, 214 comprises a proximal portion 218 and a distal portion 220. The proximal portions 218 extend linearly from the base of the main body in a direction away from the first attachment arrangement. The arms are then angled such that the distal portions 220 extend in directions a little off parallel to the base of the main body. Each of the first and second arms 212, 214 extends away from the base of the main body by a distance of about 45 mm. Each distal portion 220 extends by about 35 mm in a direction parallel to the base of the main body. As can be seen from FIG. 10A the distal portions 220 of the first and second arms 212, 214 extend in opposite directions. A surface of each of the first and second arms 212, 214 which faces in the direction followed by the arms defines a vehicle engaging profile with the two vehicle engaging profiles being substantially the same albeit differently directed. Each of the surfaces with the main body defines a recess 222 which is shaped to fit around a handlebar of a bicycle. A surface of each distal portion 220 which forms part of the vehicle engaging profile at an angle of between substantially 110° and substantially 115° to its proximal portion. Normally the towing force lies on a longitudinal axis (which constitutes an attachment arrangement axis) of the towing apparatus 200 which extends from the first attachment arrangement 204 through the second attachment arrangement 208. An end of each distal portion 220 has a width of 10 mm and a height of 10 mm whereby the end of the distal portion can fit between the handlebars and the upper triple clamp of a bicycle.
(36) The towing apparatus 200 of FIGS. 10A and 10B is brought into use by orienting the second attachment arrangement 208 by way of the rigid protruding member 215 such that the handlebars 202 can be received between the first and second arms 212, 214. This orientation of the second attachment arrangement constitutes the first position in which the vehicle engaging profiles can be brought into engagement with the handlebars of the bicycle. Then the user rotates the second attachment arrangement about the attachment arrangement axis through between substantially 70° and substantially 75° such that each handlebar 202 is moved relative the arms such that it abuts against the part of the surface of an arm which defines the recess 222. This present orientation of the second attachment arrangement constitutes the second position in which the vehicle engaging profiles engage with handlebars of the bicycle so as to provide for towing of the bicycle. During towing the handlebars 202 bear against the vehicle engaging surface of the distal portions 220 of the first and second arms 212, 214. During towing the cyclist grips the handle 216 against one of the handlebars 202 and thereby prevents the towing force from moving the second attachment arrangement 208 from the second position to the first position to prevent the second attachment arrangement 208 from disengaging from the handlebars 202. The form, function and use of the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B are otherwise as described in respect of the other embodiments.
(37) An alternative form of handle to the handle shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B is shown in FIG. 11A. The handle 250 of FIG. 11A is between 420 mm and 470 mm long and comprises a rigid portion 252 and a pliable portion 254 which extends from an end of the rigid portion. As described above the presence of the rigid portion 252 makes the rigid protruding member 215 of FIGS. 10A and 10B unnecessary. As will become apparent from the description of FIGS. 11B and 11C a proximal portion of the pliable portion fits over a distal portion of the rigid portion. A bore 256 is defined in the proximal portion of the rigid portion 252. The handle 250 is attached to the top of the main body 210 at the location of the now absent rigid protruding member 215 shown in FIG. 10A by means of a bolt (not shown) which is threaded through the bore 256 and a bore formed in the metal chassis of the main body 210. The handle 250 when so attached is positioned so that it is at a particular angle to the main body before being fixed with a nut which is threaded on the bolt and tightened so as to prevent movement of the handle in relation to the main body. In other forms the rigid portion has a non-bulbous, cylindrical proximal portion which is received in a bore formed in the main body. In such forms the proximal portion is attached to the main body by adhesion or by welding. Alternatively the proximal portion defines a bore in its end face and is pushed through bore formed in the main body until it abuts against the opposing face of the main body where a further bore is formed, with the further bore being in registration with the bore in the end face. The further bore and the bore formed in the end face of the proximal portion receive a bolt from outside the main body to thereby attach the handle securely to the main body. As mentioned above the handle 250 is set at a particular angle to the main body. More specifically the rigid portion 252 of the handle 250 is at an angle of between substantially 95° and 135° to a direction of the towing force on the towing apparatus. In use the cyclist grips the rigid portion 252 when bringing the second attachment arrangement 210 into engagement with the handlebars 202 and when moving the second attachment arrangement from the first position to the second position. Then the cyclist moves his grip from the rigid portion 252 to the pliable portion 254 and holds the pliable portion against one of the handlebars as he grips the handlebar. As mentioned above, the holding of the pliable portion against the handlebar applies a restraining force to the second attachment arrangement 210 which prevents the second attachment arrangement from disengaging from the handlebars as the bicycle is towed.
(38) The rigid portion 252 of the handle 250 of FIG. 11A is shown in FIG. 11B. As can be seen from FIG. 11B the distal portion 258 of the rigid portion is of smaller diameter than the proximal portion 260 of the rigid portion. The rigid portion is formed of a plastics material, such as ABS. The rigid portion is about 120 mm long. The pliable portion 254 of the handle 250 of FIG. 11A is shown in FIG. 11C. The pliable portion is formed of EVA and is between 300 mm and 350 mm long. A proximal portion 262 of the pliable portion 254 is tubular in form and formed such that the narrow distal portion 258 of the rigid portion is received in an end of the proximal portion 262 of the pliable portion. The rigid and pliable portions 252, 254 are securely attached to each other by way of adhesive which is applied to the interior surface of the proximal portion 262 of the pliable portion and to the exterior surface of the narrow distal portion 258 of the rigid portion. As can be seen from FIG. 11C a distal portion 264 of the pliable portion is hem i-cylindrical in form whereby the curved inner and outer surfaces of the distal portion 264 conform more readily to the shape of the handlebar and the cyclist's grip.
(39) A yet further embodiment of towing apparatus 300 is shown in FIG. 12 in situ on handlebars of a bicycle. The towing apparatus 300 comprises a first attachment arrangement 302 and a second attachment arrangement 304. The second attachment arrangement 304 also comprises a main body 306 to which a first arm 308 and a second arm 310 are attached. The towing apparatus 300 further comprises a rigid protruding member 312 and a handle 314. The handle 314 is substantially entirely pliable and is formed from dip moulding of an ultraviolet (UV) resistant grade of polyvinylchloride (PVC). The handle 314 is attached at one end, for example, by way of a nut and bolt, towards a distal end of the rigid protruding member 312. The first attachment arrangement 302 is configured to provide for attachment to a hanger of a cable transport arrangement. As shown in FIG. 12 a wire cable which bears a metal hoop (not shown) at its distal end is attached at its proximal end to the main body 306 by soldering, a nut and bolt arrangement or the like. The first attachment arrangement 302 may instead have any of the alternative forms described above with reference to previous embodiments.
(40) The first and second arms 308, 310, which are described further below with regards to their form and function, are attached to the opposite side of the main body 306 to the first attachment arrangement 302. The first and second arms 308, 310 are attached to the main body 306 by soldering, a nut and bolt arrangement or the like. The rigid protruding member 312 is integrally formed with the main body 306 and extends from the main body midway between the proximal ends of the first and second arms 308, 310. The main body 306, the first and second arms 308, 310 and the rigid protruding member 312 are formed from stainless steel. Although not shown in FIG. 12 the main body 306, the proximal ends of the first and second arms 308, 310 and the rigid protruding member 312 are enclosed within a cover formed of a plastics material of the same kind as is comprised in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The cover of the present embodiment is, however, of different shape so as to accommodate the main body 306, the proximal ends of the first and second arms 308, 310 and the rigid protruding member 312 properly. In common with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the cover of the present embodiment comprises apertures through which most of the first and second arms 308, 310 protrude.
(41) As can be seen from FIG. 12 the first arm 308 is the same shape as the arms of the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B. The first arm 308 therefore defines a vehicle engaging profile which is defined on two adjacent sides by the first arm and by the main body 306 on one of the other two adjacent sides. The remaining fourth side is open and of a dimension as described above with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B to receive part of the handlebars 316 of a bicycle. The open end of the vehicle engaging profile defined in part by the first arm 308 is, in use, directed generally away from the rider of the bicycle and therefore in the direction of travel during towing. The second arm 310 comprises a first portion which extends linearly away from main body and a second portion which extends from near the proximal end of the first portion in a direction in line with the main body. The second portion therefore extends towards the rider of the bicycle. The vehicle engaging profile of the second arm 310 is defined by the first and second portions and is oriented away from the main body 306 and towards the rider of the bicycle. This is in contrast to the vehicle engaging profile of the first arm 308 which is oriented towards the main body 306 and away from the rider of the bicycle. The first and second arms 308, 310 are spaced apart from each other along the main body 306 to a sufficient extent that they can fit on opposite sides of the upper triple clamp. As can be seen from FIG. 12 and in contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B the first attachment arrangement 302 of the present embodiment is attached to the main body 306 on the same side of both of the arms instead of between the arms.
(42) The operation of the embodiment of FIG. 12 will now be described. The user grips the rigid protruding member 312 and orients the towing apparatus 300 such that the second arm 310 fits over one half of the handlebars 316. The user then rotates the towing apparatus 300 so that the first arm 308 fits around and below the other half of the handlebars 316. The user then transfers his or her grip to the handle 314 such that the handle 314 is held against the handlebars 316 as the user grips the handlebars. As can be seen from FIG. 12 the rigid protruding member 312 is shaped such that its distal end extends beyond the distal ends of the first and second arms 308, 310. Configuring the rigid protruding member 312 in this fashion provides for improved retention of engagement of the vehicle engaging profiles of the arms with the handlebars 316 when the handle 314 is gripped against the handlebars 316 by the rider during towing. When towing begins, the first attachment arrangement 302 pulls the part of the vehicle engaging profile defined by the first arm 308 against the handlebars 316 and also causes the main body 306 to pivot about the first arm 308 on account of first attachment arrangement 302 being located on the other side of the first arm 308 to the second arm 310. Pivoting of the main body 306 about the first arm 308 urges the part of the main body 306 on the other side of the first arm to the first attachment arrangement 302 towards the handlebars which in turn pushes the vehicle engaging profile defined by the second arm 310 towards the handlebars 316. This approach is in contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B which involves the vehicle engaging profiles of both arms being pulled against the handlebars. When towing is complete, the user grasps the rigid protruding member 312. The release of towing force allows the second arm 310 to separate from the handlebars 316. Rotary movement of the towing apparatus 300 by the user disengages the first arm 308 from the handlebars 316 to release the towing apparatus completely from the handlebars 316.
