AU2011101609A4 - Winch assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a winch assembly. The winch assembly comprises: a winch for hauling in a line; a connector attached to the line for connecting to an object to be hauled in by the winch; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the winch. 12 30 45 22 Fig. 1

Description

1 WINCH ASSEMBLY FIELD [001] The present disclosure relates to a winch assembly, and in particular, to a winch assembly that may be removably attached to a vehicle. BACKGROUND [002] There are many circumstances when large, heavy or unwieldy objects need to be brought into close proximity with other objects. [003] For example, when large and/or unwieldy objects need to be transported by towing behind a vehicle, the object and the rear of the vehicle must first brought into close proximity. The object is then generally manually handled, often requiring considerable pulling and/or pushing, to position the object near the tow bar so as to allow final attachment of the object to the tow bar. This final attachment of the object to the tow bar also usually requires lifting and/or manoeuvring of the object onto the tow bar. This lifting can be either performed manually or with the use of some form of lifting device, such as a jockey-wheel. Once this process has been completed, the object can then be attached to the vehicle and towed away. However, not only does this process require considerable manual effort, but the process can also be unnecessarily time consuming. [004] Winches are devices that are used to assist with the hauling or pulling in of objects. In circumstances where an object needs to be brought into close proximity with a winch, there can often be difficulties with aligning and/or lifting the object into the winch as the object approaches the winch. This often necessitates manual manoeuvring and/or lifting of the object by a user.

2 [005] For example, a winch may used to haul an object into the tow bar of a vehicle. Although this assists in bringing the object and the tow bar into close proximity to one another, the final positioning and attachment of the object to the tow bar still requires additional manual handling and/or lifting of the object to position and attach the object to the tow bar. This can be difficult, particularly when the object is large, heavy and/or unwieldy. [006] The attachment of agricultural field bins to the tow bar of a vehicle is one such example. This is a process which requires considerable manual effort. The field bins are very large and unwieldy objects, often located on uneven or rough ground. The vehicle to tow the field bins is first manoeuvred into close proximity to the attachment point for the field bin and then the field bin is manually moved to locate and attach the field bin to the tow bar, which requires considerable effort. [007] Accordingly, there is a need for a system to assist with the hauling in of objects to address one or more problems in the art and/or to provide one or more advantages, such as reducing the need for manual activity to align, manoeuvre and/or lift the object as the object is hauled in. SUMMARY [008] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a winch assembly, the winch assembly comprising: a winch for hauling in a line; a connector attached to the line for connecting to an object to be hauled in by the winch; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the winch.

3 [009] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides an assembly for hauling in an object, the assembly comprising: a connector attached to a line for connecting to the object to be hauled in to the assembly; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the line as the line is hauled into the assembly; the assembly optionally further comprising a winch for hauling in the line. [0010] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of hauling in an object, the method comprising hauling in the object with a winch assembly, the winch assembly comprising: a winch for hauling in a line; a connector attached to the line for connecting to an object to be hauled in by the winch; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the winch.

4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0010] The present disclosure relates to an assembly for hauling in an object with a winch and to method for hauling in an object with a winch. [0011] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a winch assembly, the winch assembly comprising: a winch for hauling in a line; a connector attached to the line for connecting to an object to be hauled in by the winch; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the winch. [0012] In certain embodiments, one or more of the winch, the connector, the guide and the lifting element are fixedly connected to one or more of these components. In certain embodiments, the winch, the guide and the lifting element are fixedly connected together. In certain embodiments, the the guide and the lifting element are fixedly connected together. [0013] In certain embodiments, the assembly is adapted to be removably connected to a vehicle. In certain embodiments, the assembly is adapted to be removable connected to another device, structure or object. In certain embodiments, the assembly is adapted to be removably connected to a vehicle tow bar. [0014] In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises means for removably connecting the assembly to a vehicle tow bar. In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises a component for removably connecting the assembly to a vehicle tow bar. In certain embodiments, the 5 means or component is fixedly connected to the assembly. In certain embodiments, the means or component is integral with the assembly. In certain embodiments, the means or component for removably connecting the assembly comprises a hitch, a socket for a tow ball or a tow bar square. [0015] In certain embodiments, the winch is an electric winch. In certain embodiments, the winch is a mechanical winch. In certain embodiments, the winch is a hydraulic winch, a pneumatic winch, a winch powered by a in internal combustion drive or a manually operated or powered winch. [0016] In certain embodiments, the winch comprises a spool or drum and a hand crank. In certain embodiments, the winch comprises one or more of a solenoid brake, a mechanical brake, and a ratchet and pawl device. [0017] In certain embodiments, the line comprises a spoolable medium. In certain embodiments, the line comprises a flexible line, for example a cable or a rope. In certain embodiments, the line is directly attached to the connector. In certain embodiments, the line is indirectly attached to the connector. [0018] In certain embodiments, the guide comprises an opening or mouth for entry of the connector into the guide. In certain embodiments, the guide also comprises an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide, which in part assists the line to be hauled in through the guide and to be pulled out through the guide. [0019] Various configurations of the guide are contemplated. In certain embodiments, the guide comprises two side walls for receiving the connector. In certain embodiments, the two side walls are substantially vertical. In certain embodiments, the two side walls of the guide are non parallel and configured to form a narrowing space for receiving the connector. In certain embodiments, the side walls form a substantially V shaped space for receiving the connector into the guide. [0020] In certain embodiments, the aperture is located between the two 6 side walls of the guide. In certain embodiments, this in part assists the line and the connector to be hauled into the space between the two side walls, in part by aligning the direction of movement of the line with the guide. [0021] In certain embodiments, the two side walls are configured so that the two side walls do not meet at the point where they converge towards one another. In certain embodiments, the guide comprises two non-parallel walls. In certain embodiments, the guide comprises a narrowing space. In certain embodiments, the aperture in the guide is located between non parallel side walls at the narrowest point of the narrowing space. [0022] The assembly comprises a lifting element, the function of which in part includes lifting the connector with respect to the assembly as it is hauled in by the line. As the line is hauled into the assembly, the connector being hauled in contacts the inclined surface at a lower point on the inclined surface and the connector is dragged up the inclined surface, thereby raising the connector with respect to the assembly. In certain embodiments, the lifting element is fixedly connected to the assembly. In certain embodiments, the lifting element is integral with the assembly. In certain embodiments, all or part of the lifting element is located in a region in front of the opening of the guide. [0023] In certain embodiments, the connector comprises a curved leading surface for contacting the inclined surface of the lifting element. In certain embodiments, the curved leading surface is located in a front region of the connector so that as the connector is hauled into the assembly, the curved leading surface contacts the inclined surface of the lifting element. In certain embodiments, a curved leading surface on the connector assists with the connector being hauled into the assembly, as it reduces the likelihood of the connector and the inclined surface of the lifting element engaging in a manner which does not assist in smooth hauling in of the connector into the assembly. [0024] In certain embodiments, the connector comprises a projecting element configured to fit into the aperture in the guide.

7 [0025] In certain embodiments, the projecting element comprises the curved leading surface of the connector. [0026] In certain embodiments, all or part of the projecting element is substantially U-shaped. In certain embodiments, a substantially U-shaped projecting element provides a curved leading surface that can contact the inclined surface of the lifting element. In certain embodiments, the projecting element comprises a U-shape with a space between the arms of the U-shape. [0027] In certain embodiments, the connector comprises an element with a shape complimentary in configuration to the guide. For example, as discussed herein, in certain embodiments the guide comprises two side walls which are non-parallel and configured to form a narrowing space for receiving the connector. In this embodiment, the connector may comprise a substantially V-shaped element configured to be received into the guide. Alternatively, and by way of example, if the guide was configured to form part of the surface of a sphere, the connector may comprise an element which is in the shape of part of a sphere. In another example, if the guide was configured to form a square or rectangular shape, the connector may comprise an element with a cuboid shape to fit into this space. [0028] In certain embodiments, the connector comprises a projecting element proximal to the element with a shape complementary in configuration to the guide. In this case, the term "proximal" will be understood to mean that the projecting element is located so that it is nearer to the assembly, as the connector is hauled into the assembly, than the element with a shape complementary in configuration to the guide. Thus, as the connector is received into the guide, the projecting element is guided into the guide and passes through the aperture until the element with a shape complementary in configuration to the guide contacts with the guide to prevent any further movement of the connector into the assembly. [0029] In certain embodiments where the connector comprises a projecting element, the line may be connected to the projecting element. In 8 certain embodiments, the line may be connected to the element with a shape complementary in configuration to the guide. [0030] In certain embodiments, an end region of the line is contained wholly or partially within the projecting element. In certain embodiments, the end of the line is contained wholly or partially within the projecting element. In certain embodiments, this assists the projecting element to be drawn into the aperture without the line occupying unnecessary space in the aperture outside of the projecting element. In certain embodiments, the end of the line is contained wholly within the projecting element. [0031] In certain embodiments, the line passes though the projecting element. In certain embodiments where the connector comprises an element with a shape complementary in configuration to the guide, the line may be attached to the element with a shape complementary in configuration to the guide. [0032] In certain embodiments where the connector comprises both a projecting element and an element with a shape complementary in configuration to the guide, the line may pass through the projecting element and be attached to the element with a shape complementary in configuration to the guide. [0033] In certain embodiments, the lifting element comprises a curved surface. In certain embodiments, the inclined surface of the lifting element comprises a curved surface. [0034] In certain embodiments, the lifting element comprises an elongate member. In certain embodiments, the lifting element comprises an elongate member comprising a curved surface, for example an elongate member with a cross section of an arc of a circle. In certain embodiments, the elongate member spans the opening of the guide. In certain embodiments, the elongate member comprises a section with a substantially circular or elliptical cross section. In certain embodiments, the elongate member has a continuous substantially circular or elliptical cross 9 section, such as a pipe or bar. [0035] In certain embodiments, the lifting element is located adjacent the opening of guide. In certain embodiments, at least part of the lifting element is located in front of the opening to the guide to assist the connector to be raised as the connector is hauled into the opening of the guide. [0036] In certain embodiments, the lifting element is fixedly connected to the guide. In certain embodiment, the lifting element contacts the guide. In certain embodiments where the guide comprises two side walls, in certain embodiments the lifting element contacts each of the side walls at the opening of the guide. In certain embodiments, the lifting element contacts each of the side walls at a lower region of the guide. For example, the lifting element may contact the side walls of the guide at the base of each of the side walls. [0037] In certain embodiments, the assembly further comprises an additional lifting element located adjacent to the opening of the guide at an upper region of the guide. In this embodiment, the assembly will therefore comprise two lifting elements, one located at a lower region of the guide and the other at an upper region of the guide. This arrangement allows for the assembly to be inverted (vertically) when attached to a vehicle thereby accommodating changes in the height of the vehicle from the ground. [0038] In certain embodiments, the connector engages with the assembly to prevent withdrawal of the connector from the assembly once the connector has been received into the guide. In certain embodiments, this prevents withdrawal of the connector, and therefore the object, from the assembly once the object has been hauled in. [0039] In certain embodiments, the guide further comprises a housing. In certain embodiments, the housing comprises two side walls for retaining the connector. In certain embodiments, the two side walls of the housing are substantially vertical.

10 [0040] In certain embodiments, the housing comprises an element to engage with the connector to prevent withdrawal of the connector from the assembly once the connector has been received into the guide. For example, where the connector comprises a projecting element, once the connector has been received into the guide and the projecting element is located in the housing, the housing may comprise an element to engage with connector to prevent withdrawal of the connector from the assembly, such as an aperture for receiving a locking pin that passes through a side wall of the housing and engages with the connector to prevent its withdrawal from the assembly. [0041] In certain embodiments, the housing comprises two side walls located to the rear of the guide (with respect to the opening of the guide) and a locking pin passes through one or both side walls of the housing and in doing so may pass into or through the connector. In certain embodiments where the connector comprises a U-shaped projecting element with a space between the arms of the U-shape, the locking pin may pass through each of the side walls of the housing and through the space in the projecting element to lock the connector with the assembly and thereby prevent its withdrawal from the assembly. [0042] In certain embodiments, the connector comprises a locking element to engage with the assembly to prevent withdrawal of the connector from the assembly once the connector has been received into the guide. [0043] In certain embodiments, the guide comprises a locking element to engage with the connector to prevent withdrawal of the connector from the assembly once the connector has been received into the guide. [0044] In certain embodiments, the guide comprises another aperture for receiving a locking pin that passes through the guide and engages with the connector to prevent its withdrawal from the assembly. For example, the guide may comprise an aperture in either or both of the side walls and a locking pin passes through either or both the apertures to engage with 11 connector to prevent its withdrawal. [0045] In certain embodiments where the connector comprises a locking element to engage with the assembly to prevent withdrawal of the connector from the assembly, the locking element of the connector may engage with the lifting element to prevent withdrawal of the connector from the assembly once the connector has been received into the guide. For example, the locking element of the connector may be a projecting locking element. [0046] In certain embodiments, the winch assembly comprises a locking element for engaging with the connector to prevent withdrawal of the connector from the assembly once the connector has been received into the guide. [0047] In certain embodiments, the lifting element is located adjacent the opening of the guide so as to form a space between the lifting element and the guide. A projecting locking element located on a lower region of the connector may then be received into the space between the locking element and the guide to prevent withdrawal of the connector from the assembly as the connector is received into the guide. [0048] In certain embodiments, the connector comprises a handle. In certain embodiments, this assists in pulling out the connector from the assembly in order to attach the connector to the object to be hauled in. [0049] In certain embodiments, the connector comprises an element for removably connecting to the object. In certain embodiments, the connector comprises a removable pin for connecting to the object. In certain embodiments, the removable pin comprises a handle. [0050] In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises a control unit for controlling the winch. For example, the control unit may activate a winch to haul in the line and/or allow the line to be pulled out from the winch. In certain embodiments, the control unit is separate to the assembly, or 12 alternatively, is fixedly connected to the assembly. [0051] In certain embodiments where the winch is an electric winch, the control unit may be connected to the vehicle electrical power supply to power the winch. [0052] In certain embodiments, the assembly is positioned in use so that it is substantially horizontal. [0053] In certain embodiments, the assembly is positioned in use so that it is an angle to the horizontal plane. In certain embodiments, the winch assembly is connected to a vehicle tow bar so that in use the assembly is positioned at an angle to the horizontal plane. [0054] In certain embodiments, the assembly is positioned in use so that it is angled with respect to the horizontal. In certain embodiments, the angle is at least 10', at least 200, at least 30', at least 40', or at least 45'. In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises means to position the assembly at an angle. In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises a component to position the assembly at an angle. [0055] In certain embodiments wherein in use the assembly is angled with respect to the horizontal, the connector may comprise a projecting element also angled upwards to assist (in part) the connector being drawn into the assembly. [0056] In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises a support structure. In certain embodiments, the support structure comprises a component for removably connecting the assembly to a vehicle tow bar, such as hitch. For example, the support structure may comprise a tow bar square and/or a component for attaching to a tow bar square. [0057] In certain embodiments, the support structure positions the assembly. In certain embodiments, the support structure positions the assembly so that the assembly is positioned horizontally. In certain 13 embodiments, the support structure positions the assembly so that the assembly is positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal. In certain embodiments, the angle is at least 10', at least 200, at least 30', at least 4 0 at least 450. [0058] In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises a support structure to position the assembly at substantially an angle of at least 100, at least 200, at least 300, at least 400, or at least 450. [0059] In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises means to alter the position of the assembly with respect to the towbar. In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises a component to alter the position of the assembly with respect to the towbar. In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises means to alter the height of the assembly with respect to the towbar. In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises a component to alter the height of the assembly with respect to the towbar. [0060] In certain embodiments, the support structure comprises means to alter the position of the assembly with respect to the towbar. In certain embodiments, the support structure comprises a component to alter the position of the assembly with respect to the towbar. For example, the support structure may comprise an elongate member with an open channel to fit over a height adjustor hitch. In certain embodiments, the elongate member has one or more apertures to assist in fixing the height of the assembly, for example, by placing a pin through the apertures in the elongate member and an aperture in a height adjust hitch. [0061] In certain embodiments, the winch assembly comprises means for altering the height of the winch assembly relative to the vehicle tow bar. [0062] In certain embodiments there is provided a winch assembly, the winch assembly comprising: a winch for hauling in a flexible line; a connector attached to the flexible line for connecting to an object to be hauled in by the winch; 14 a guide comprising two substantially vertical and non-parallel side walls configured to form an opening and a narrowing space to receive the connector as the connector is hauled in by the winch, wherein the guide further comprises an aperture between the two side walls, the flexible line passing through the aperture; and an elongate member comprising a curved surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the curved surface and is hauled up the curved surface by the winch, the elongate member located adjacent the opening of the guide. [0063] In certain embodiments there is provided a winch assembly, the winch assembly comprising: a winch for hauling in a flexible line; a connector attached to the flexible line for connecting to an object to be hauled in by the winch; a guide comprising two substantially vertical and non-parallel side walls configured to form an opening and a narrowing space to receive the connector as the connector is hauled in by the winch, wherein the guide further comprises an aperture between the two side walls, the flexible line passing through the aperture; and an elongate member comprising a curved surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the curved surface and is hauled up the curved surface by the winch, the elongate member located adjacent the opening of the guide; wherein the connector further comprises: a proximal projecting substantially U-shaped element configured to fit into the aperture in the guide, and wherein the flexible line is contained within the substantially U-shaped element; and a substantially V-shaped element distal to the projecting substantially U-shaped element, the substantially V-shaped element configured to be received by the guide.

15 [0064] In certain embodiments there is also provided an assembly, the assembly comprising: a connector attached to a line for connecting to the object to be hauled in to the assembly; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the line as the line is hauled into the assembly. [0065] In certain embodiments, the assembly is used in conjunction with a winch to haul in the line. In certain embodiments, the assembly optionally further comprises a winch for hauling in the line. [0066] In certain embodiments, the winch may be fixedly connected to the assembly or be separate to the assembly. [0067] In certain embodiments there is also provided an assembly, the assembly comprising: a connector attached to a line for connecting to the object to be hauled in to the assembly; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the line as the line is hauled into the assembly; wherein a winch is used to haul in the object to the assembly.

16 [0068] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure also provides a method of hauling in an object using a winch assembly, or assembly, as described herein. [0069] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of hauling in an object, the method comprising hauling in the object with a winch assembly, the winch assembly comprising: a winch for hauling in a line; a connector attached to the line for connecting to an object to be hauled in by the winch; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the winch. [0070] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of hauling in an object, the method comprising hauling in the object with an assembly, the assembly comprising: a connector attached to a line for connecting to the object to be hauled in to the assembly; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the line as the line is hauled into the assembly. [0071] Throughout this specification it is to be noted that the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural aspects unless the context already dictates otherwise.

17 [0072] In addition, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" (or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising") will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. [0073] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description of certain embodiments of the invention. The description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0074] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a winch assembly in accordance with one embodiment. [0075] Figure 2 is a bottom view of a winch assembly with a connector received into the guide in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and further showing the placement of the hidden side walls of the guide. [0076] Figure 3 is a side view of a winch assembly with a connector received into the guide in accordance with one embodiment. [0077] Figure 4 is a isometric view from the rear of a winch assembly with a connector received into the guide in accordance with one embodiment. [0078] Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a connector in accordance with one embodiment. [0079] Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a winch assembly in accordance with one embodiment where the assembly is angled to the horizontal plane.

18 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0080] Figures 1 to 6 show a winch assembly (or device) according to certain embodiments. [0081] Referring to Figure 1, the winch assembly 10 comprises an electric winch 12 for hauling in a line 14, such as a cable, rope or other spoolable medium. [0082] Other types of winches are suitable for use in the assembly, including manually cranked winches and winches powered by hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives. [0083] The winch assembly may further comprise a brake to prevent the winch unwinding, such as a solenoid brake, a mechanical brake or a ratchet and pawl device that prevents it from unwinding unless the pawl is retracted. [0084] The line 14 (which is typically flexible so that it may wrap around a drum on the winch) is attached to a connector 16, which connects to an object (not shown) to be hauled in by the winch. Examples of objects that may be hauled in include field bins, portable grain silos, agricultural equipment, mining equipment, other vehicles, caravans, and trailers. [0085] The winch assembly comprises a guide 18 for receiving the connector 16 as the connector is hauled in by the winch 12. [0086] In certain embodiments, the winch assembly 10 in use is positioned substantially horizontally. In certain embodiments, the winch assembly 10 in use is positioned at an angle, such as at substantially 450 to the horizontal. [0087] Referring to Figure 2, the guide 18 comprises an aperture 20 through which the line 14 passes. This aperture 20 assists the line 14 to be hauled in and pulled out through the guide.

19 [0088] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the guide 18 comprises an opening or mouth 22 into which the connector 16 enters. [0089] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment the guide 18 comprises two vertical side walls 24 and 26 which form the opening or mouth 22 of the guide. Referring to Figure 2, the side walls 24 and 26 are non-parallel and form a narrowing V-shaped space 28 for receiving the connector into the guide 18. [0090] Figure 2 shows that the two non-parallel side walls 24 and 26 are configured so that the walls do not meet at a point where they converge towards one another, thereby forming an aperture 20 at the narrowest point of the narrowing space through which the line 14 passes. The location of the aperture 20 between the two side walls 24 and 26 assists the line 14 and the connector to be pulled into the space between the two side walls 24 and 26. [0091] Referring again to Figure 1, the winch assembly comprises a lifting element 30 having an inclined surface 32, for raising the connector 16 as the connector contacts the inclined surface 32 and is hauled up the surface by the line 14. [0092] As shown in Figure 1 the lifting element 30 may be a rollover bar or pipe with a circular cross section, thereby providing a convex curved surface 32 for lifting the connector 16. In certain embodiments, the lifting element comprises a curved surface, such as a curved elongate member. [0093] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the rollover bar 30 is elongate and spans substantially the opening 22 of the guide 18. [0094] Referring to Figure 3, the rollover bar 30 is fixedly connected to the bottom edge 34 of the side walls 24 and 26 (shown in Figure 1). Although not shown in the Figures, the assembly may further include an additional lifting element (such as a rollover bar) located near the top of the side walls. This allows the winch assembly to be turned through 180 20 degrees when attached to a vehicle to accommodate changes in the tow bar height. [0095] In certain embodiments, the winch assembly 10 comprises a component to alter the position of the winch assembly 10 with respect to the towbar. In certain embodiments, the winch assembly 10 comprises a component to alter the height of the assembly with respect to the towbar, such as a substantially vertical elongate member with an open channel to fit over a height adjustor hitch. The elongate member may have one or more apertures to assist in fixing the height of the assembly, for example, by placing a pin through the apertures in the elongate member and an aperture in a height adjust hitch. [0096] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the assembly further comprises a housing 36 to the rear of the guide. The housing includes two substantially vertical side walls. [0097] Referring to Figure 2, the housing further comprises apertures 37 on both sides to receive a locking pin 38 for locking the connector 16 to the assembly once the connected has been hauled into the assembly. [0098] Referring to Figure 4, the locking pin also comprises a handle 39. The assembly further comprises a pair of diverging side walls 40 located to the rear of the housing 36. These side walls 40 assist the line 14 passing into the guide 18 without fowling. [0099] Referring to Figure 1 again, in the embodiment described the assembly is adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle, using a tow bar. In this case, the assembly further comprises a component 42 for removably connecting the assembly to the vehicle tow bar. This component 42 allows the assembly to be attached to and subsequently removed from the tow vehicle. [00100] In the embodiment described, the component 42 for removably connecting the assembly to the tow bar is a tow bar square for removably 21 attaching the assembly to a tow bar via a hitch receiver. It will be appreciated that there are many other components that can be used to removably attach the assembly to a tow bar, including the use of a tow ball socket for pivotally attaching to a tow ball. [00101] Referring to Figure 1, in the embodiment described the tow bar square 42 for attachment to the vehicle is fixedly connected to a plate 44. The plate 44 is also fixedly connected to: (i) the winch 12 and its housing 45; (ii) the side walls of the guide 24 and 26; (iii) the housing 36; and (iv) the pair of diverging side walls 40, thereby supporting these components, and in this embodiment forming an assembly of these various components of the winch assembly 10. [00102] In one embodiment the assembly is constructed from a rigid metal, although it will be that one or more of the components may be constructed from other materials, such as a rigid plastic. [00103] It will also be appreciated that in certain embodiments the winch 12 may be located separately to the other components. [00104] Referring to Figure 5, the connector 16 is attached to the line 14. The connector 16 is attached to the object 46 to be hauled in using a removable pin 48 which may be withdrawn from the connector 16 and inserted into a hole in the object 51, thereby fixedly connecting the object to the connector 16 so that it may be hauled in. [00105] In the embodiment described, the removable pin 48 further comprises a handle 50. The handle 50 assists in the withdrawal out of the removable pin 48 from the connector 16 and its insertion into the connector 16. [00106] In addition, the handle 50 further assists in pulling the line 14 out of the assembly when the winch 12 is disengaged. However, although in the embodiment described the handle 50 is rigidly connected to the removable pin 48, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the handle 22 may be connected to other places on the connector 16. [00107] The removable pin 48 may be prevented from withdrawing from the connector by the use of a lynch pin 52. Alternatively, a safety clip or other similar component may be used to prevent withdrawal of the removable pin 48. [00108] The connector 16 further comprises an element 54 with a shape complimentary in configuration to the guide 18 (shown in Figures 1 and 2). In this embodiment, the connector 16 comprises a V-shaped element 54 configured to be received into the narrowing space 28 of the guide (refer to Figure 2). [00109] In the embodiment described, the connector also comprises a projecting substantially U-shaped element 56 configured to fit into the aperture 20 in the guide 18, which are shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 5, the projecting element 56 is proximal to the substantially V shaped element 54. The substantially U-shaped element has a space between the arms 57 of the U, the space being of sufficient size to receive the locking pin 38. [00110] Referring to Figure 2 again, this configuration allows the projecting element 56 to pass through the aperture 20 in the guide 18 and be finally received into the housing 36 once the V-shaped element has been received into the guide 18 and contacts the side walls 24 and 26 of the guide to prevent any further movement into the assembly. [00111] Referring again to Figure 5, the projecting substantially U-shaped element comprises a curved leading surface 58, which as the connector is drawn towards the assembly, contacts the curved surface 32 of the rollover bar (shown in Figure 1) and thereby lifts the connector up into the opening 22 of the guide 18. [00112] In the embodiment described, the line 14 is contained with the projecting element 56. This allows the projecting element to be drawn into 23 the aperture 20 without the line 14 occupying any of the space in the aperture 20 outside of the projecting element 56. The line 14 passes though the projecting element 56 and is connected to the V-shaped element 54. [00113] Referring to Figure 1, the rollover bar 30 is located adjacent the opening 22 so that the curved surface of the rollover bar 32 is located in front of the opening 22 to the guide. This allows the line to run over the rollover bar 30 and once the curved leading surface of the connector 16 contacts the rollover bar 30, it is raised as the connector is hauled over the rollover bar 30 and into the opening of the guide 22. [00114] In the embodiment described here, the rollover bar is fixedly connected to the guide at the base of the opening 22 of the guide, although it will be appreciated that it may be separate to the guide. [00115] Referring to Figure 3, there is a separate control unit 60 for activating the winch to haul in the line and/or to allow the line to be pulled out. The control unit 60 is connected to the winch by electric cables 61. The control unit includes buttons 62 to control the winch direction and a plug 64 for connecting to the vehicle electrical system, for example by way of an Anderson plug. It will also be appreciated that the control unit may be part of the assembly 10. [00116] Referring to Figure 6, the winch assembly 10 is shown in an embodiment where the winch assembly is angled to the horizontal to assist in the hauling in of an object. [00117] The line 14 is attached to a connector (not shown), which connects to an object to be hauled in by the winch, for example a field bin. To assist with operation, the connector may comprise a projecting element which is bent upwards at a substantially similar angle to the assembly. This assists the receiving of the connector into the guide 18. [00118] In this embodiment, the winch assembly 10 is positioned at a 450 to the horizontal. A support structure 62 is fixedly connected to the 24 assembly to fix the angle of the assembly with respect to the horizontal. [00119] In this embodiment, the lifting element 30 comprises an elongate member comprising a curved surface 33. [00120] In the embodiment shown, the lifting element 30 comprises an extension of a base plate 44, which is curved downward. [00121] The winch assembly 10 further comprises a component 60 to alter the position of the winch assembly 10 with respect to the vehicle towbar. In the embodiment shown, the component 60 is a substantially vertical elongate member with an open channel to fit over a height adjustor 63 which is connected to a tow bar hitch 65. The elongate member 60 may have one or more apertures to assist in fixing the height of the assembly, for example, by placing a pin (not shown) through the one of the apertures 61 in the elongate member and an aperture 64 in the height adjuster 63. [00122] The elongate member 60 also functions to allow the removable attachment or connection of the winch assembly 10 to a vehicle, using a two bar hitch tow bar. [00123] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (5)

1. A winch assembly, the winch assembly comprising: a winch for hauling in a line; a connector attached to the line for connecting to an object to be hauled in by the winch; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting element comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the winch.

2. The winch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is adapted to be removably connected to a vehicle tow bar.

3. The winch assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the winch assembly is connected to a vehicle tow bar so that in use the assembly is positioned at an angle to the horizontal plane.

4. The winch assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the winch assembly further comprises means for altering the height of the winch assembly relative to the vehicle tow bar.

5. An assembly for hauling in an object, the assembly comprising: a connector attached to a line for connecting to the object to be hauled in to the assembly; a guide for receiving the connector, the guide comprising an opening for entry of the connector into the guide and an aperture to allow the line to pass through the guide; and a lifting element, the lifting elements comprising an inclined surface for raising the connector as the connector contacts the inclined surface and is hauled up the inclined surface by the line as the line is hauled into the assembly; 26 the assembly optionally further comprising a winch for hauling in the line.