AU2020104223A4

AU2020104223A4 - Mounting bracket for a vehicle recovery board

Info

Publication number: AU2020104223A4
Application number: AU2020104223A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ian Paul Smith
Original assignee: Haigh Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Haigh Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-22
Filing date: 2020-12-22
Publication date: 2021-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-22

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a mounting assembly for mounting one or more vehicle recovery boards to an external rack of a vehicle or any suitable attachment site. The mounting assembly includes a plurality of pin and lock assemblies and a backing plate. Each of the plurality of lock and pin assemblies includes a pin and a casing assembly including an inner sleeve and an outer casing. The inner sleeve is retained within the outer casing and moves between a first position and a second position relative to the outer casing. The pin is insertable within the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is in the first position and is engageable and lockable when the inner sleeve moves to the second position. 10/11 261 238 200 2230 201 260 220 270 Figure 25 249 231 240 200 263 272 Figure 26

Description

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MOUNTING BRACKET FOR A VEHICLE RECOVERY BOARD FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to providing a bracket or assembly for retaining and securing vehicle recovery equipment to a vehicle. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for mounting vehicle recovery boards to a vehicle. Reference in the description to the use of the invention to vehicle recovery board is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this particular use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vehicle recovery boards are often attached to the exterior of a vehicle for carrying purposes. One option is to mount the vehicle recovery boards to the roof rack on a vehicle by straps or ties. However, attachment with straps and ties does not provide any security against theft. With straps or ties, vehicle recovery boards can accidentally fall off because of slippage or breakage of the straps and ties.

[0003] Mounting assemblies have been developed to secure the vehicle recovery boards to the exterior of a vehicle usually by mounting to a roof rack. A mounting assembly usually includes a system with a threaded pin and removable nut for securing the vehicle recovery board to a base mounting plate. The base mounting plate is fixed to a roof rack.

[0004] With current mounting assemblies, mounting vehicle recovery boards to a vehicle is cumbersome and time consuming. Vehicle recovery boards are generally large and awkward to manage and handle and the use of the current mounting assemblies exacerbates the situation.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternate mounting assembly for retaining and securing vehicle recovery board that address one or more of the abovementioned problems or provides a useful alternative to the prior art mounting assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The inventors of the current invention identified that there is a need to quickly mount and lock a vehicle recovery board to the exterior of a vehicle. They also identified that there is a need to quickly release the vehicle recovery board when required. The inventors realised that a mounting system must be simple and easy to use.

[0007] The inventors have designed a mounting assembly for mounting vehicle recovery board that is quick and easy to lock and release the mounted board. The mounting assembly of the present invention can also be easily secured to prevent theft of the vehicle recovery board. In order to achieve the design of the present mounting assembly, the inventors developed and trialled many variations to arrive at a mounting assembly that satisfies the aims of being quick and easy to use.

[0008] In one aspect the present invention broadly resides in a pin and lock assembly including

a pin having an elongated portion and a head portion, the elongated portion has one or more radial ribs located along the elongated portion, and the head portion has a width that is wider than the width of the elongated potion; and

a casing assembly having an inner sleeve and an outer casing, said inner sleeve is retainable within the outer casing when the inner sleeve moves from a first position to a second position relative to the outer casing,

wherein the pin is insertable within the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is in the first position and is engageable and lockable when the inner sleeve moves to the second position.

[0009] Preferably the outer casing biases the inner sleeve inwardly when the inner sleeve moves to the second position. Preferably, the bias of the inner sleeve is caused by one or more ramps extending from an inner surface of the outer casing.

[0010] Preferably, the inner sleeve has a deformable end with one or more longitudinally-orientated recesses that allows the deformable end to move inwardly. The longitudinally-orientated recesses are preferably slots or slits.

[0011] Preferably, the inner surface of the inner sleeve has one or more inwardly directed lips that engage and clamp between consecutive ribs on the elongation portion of the pin. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more inwardly directed lips are positioned adjacent to the deformable end of the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is in the second position.

[0012] Preferably, when the inner sleeve is biased inwardly, the deformable end of the inner sleeve engages and clamps between the consecutive ribs of the elongated portion of the pin.

[0013] The outer surface of the inner sleeve preferably has one or more outwardly raised locating protrusions and the inner surface of the outer casing preferably has one or more complementary recesses for locating the outwardly raised locating protrusions.

[0014] Preferably, when the inner sleeve moves to the second position relative to the outer casing, the movement about the longitudinal axis of the inner sleeve is limited by the one or more outwardly raised locating protrusions of the inner sleeve that sits within the one or more complementary recesses of the outer casing.

[0015] In a first preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the inner sleeve further includes a retaining lug and the outer casing further has an aperture within which the retaining lug can be positioned. Preferably, the inner sleeve is retained within the outer casing when the retaining lug is positioned within the aperture.

[0016] In a second preferred embodiment, the inner sleeve further includes an alignment guide located at the opposite end of the deformable end and the outer casing further has a complementary alignment guide at the opposite end to the ramp portion. Preferably, when the inner sleeve moves to the second position, the alignment guide of the inner sleeve overlaps with the alignment guide of the outer casing. Both of the alignment guides preferably include an aperture. When the alignment guides overlap when the inner sleeve is in the second position, the apertures preferably overlap and allow a lock, such as a padlock, to pass therethrough to prevent further movement.

[0017] In a third preferred embodiment, the inner sleeve further includes the retaining lug and the alignment guide as herein described. The outer casing further includes the aperture within which the lug can be positioned and the alignment guide as herein described.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the inner sleeve and the outer casing are substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0019] Preferably the inner sleeve and the outer casing are made of plastic materials.

[0020] The elongated portion of the pin preferably includes a plurality of radial ribs that are substantially equally spaced apart.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated portion of the pin is substantially cylindrical in shape and the head portion of the pin has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0022] Preferably, the pin is made of a plastic material or metal.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the pin and lock assembly further includes a washer that can provide a cushioning support and can fit over the elongated portion of the pin.

[0024] In another aspect the present invention broadly resides in a mounting assembly for mounting one or more vehicle recovery boards including

a plurality of pin and lock assemblies as herein described and

a backing plate.

[0025] Preferably, the backing plate includes one or more retaining apertures that are spaced apart so that the vehicle recovery board can be held in a fixed position. Preferably, each pin of the plurality of pin and lock assemblies is inserted through a corresponding retaining aperture of the backing plate.

[0026] Each aperture of the at least two retaining apertures preferably has a diameter that is narrower than the width of the head portion of the pin.

[0027] Each aperture of the at least two retaining apertures preferably has a diameter that retains the head portion of the pin when the elongated portion is inserted through the retaining aperture.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the pin has at least one flange extending outwardly from the head portion and engageable within an engagement catch proximal to the retaining aperture of the backing plate.

[0029] In one embodiment, the flange extends in a direction away from the ribs of the pin. In another preferred embodiment, the flange extends in a direction towards the ribs of the pin.

[0030] The backing plate preferably further includes one or more attachment openings for fixing the backing plate to any suitable attachment site. The backing plate can be fixed with the use of strap and ties or with fasteners. The suitable attachment site can be a roof, side, or back of a vehicle, a caravan surface, a towable surface or any other mountable surface.

[0031] In another aspect the present invention broadly resides in a kit for mounting one or more vehicle recovery boards including

a plurality of pin and lock assemblies as herein described and

at least one backing plate as herein described.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the kit optionally includes extra sets of pins with elongated portions longer and or shorter than the pins of the plurality of pin and lock assemblies.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the kit optionally includes fasteners and straps and ties for fixing the backing plate to any suitable attachment site on a vehicle. The attachment site can be a roof, side, or back of a vehicle, a caravan surface, a towable surface or any other mountable surface.

[0034] In another aspect the present invention broadly resides in a method of mounting a vehicle recovery board to an external rack on a vehicle or any suitable attachment site using a mounting assembly as herein described, said method including

fixing the backing plate to the external rack of the vehicle, said backing plate includes one or more pins inserted through the corresponding retaining apertures of the backing plate, the one or more pins are spaced apart so that the vehicle recovery board can be held in a fixed position; mounting the vehicle recovery board to the mounting assembly, wherein the vehicle recovery board is held in position by inserting the elongated portion of the one or more pins through corresponding openings on the vehicle recovery board; securing the vehicle recovery board by inserting the elongated portion of the pin within the inner sleeve of the casing assembly, wherein the inner sleeve of the casing assembly is moved to the first position relative to the outer casing and the elongated portion of the pin is insertable within the inner sleeve; and engaging and locking the elongated portion of the pin within the inner sleeve of the casing assembly by moving the inner sleeve to the second position relative to the outer casing where the elongated portion of pin is engageable and lockable.

[0035] The mounting assembly is preferably mounted to any suitable attachment site. The suitable attachment site can be a roof, side, or back of a vehicle, a caravan surface, a towable surface or any other mountable surface..

[0036] The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a three-dimensional (3D) diagrammatic view of the pin and lock assembly of the preferred embodiment and Figures 2 and 3 is the front and side view respectively of the pin and lock assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a 3D diagrammatic view of the casing assembly of the preferred embodiment and Figures 5 and 6 is the front and side view respectively of the casing assembly of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a 3D diagrammatic view of the inner sleeve of the preferred embodiment and Figures 8 and 9 is the front and side view respectively of the inner sleeve of Figure 7;

FigurelO is a 3D diagrammatic view of the outer casing of the preferred embodiment and Figures 11 and 12 is the front and side view respectively of the outer casing of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of the pin of a first preferred embodiment and Figures 14 and 15 are different side views of the pin of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view of the pin of a second preferred embodiment and Figure 17 is an expanded view of the head portion of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic view of a backing plate of the preferred embodiment and Figure 19 is the underside view of the backing plate;

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic view of the underside of the backing plate of Figure 19 inserted with the pin from Figure 16, and Figure 21 is the expanded view of the head portion of the pin associating with the backing plate;

Figure 22 is another diagrammatic view of the underside of the backing plate of Figure 20; Figure 23 is a diagrammatic view of the cross-section E of Figure 22 and Figure 24 is expanded cross-section view of the pin head portion associating with the backing plate;

Figure 25 is a diagrammatic view of a mounting assembly of the preferred embodiment; wherein Figure 26 is the underside view of the mounting assembly and Figure 27 is the top view of the mounting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0038] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a pin and lock assembly according to a preferred embodiment. The pin and lock assembly 10 includes a casing assembly 12 and a pin 15. The casing assembly 12 includes an inner sleeve 13 and an outer casing 14. The inner sleeve 13 is retained within the outer casing 14 and only a portion of the inner sleeve 13 is shown in the figures. The inner sleeve 13 has an alignment guide 18 and the outer casing 14 has an alignment guide 19.

The pin 15 has an elongated portion 11 with a plurality of ribs 17 spaced equally apart on the elongated portion 11.

[0039] In use, the inner sleeve 13 can move between a first position and a second position relative to the outer casing 14. In the first position, the alignment guides 18 and 19 does not overlap (not shown in the figure). In this position, the pin is insertable within the inner sleeve 13. In the second position, the alignment guides 18 and 19 overlaps as shown in Figures 1 to 3. In this position, the elongated portion 11 of the pin 15 is engageable and lockable within the inner sleeve 13.

[0040] With reference to Figures 4 to 6, there is shown a casing assembly 20 according to the preferred embodiment. The casing assembly 20 as shown in Figures 4 to 6 is substantially the same as the casing assembly 12 as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The casing assembly 20 includes an inner sleeve 23 and an outer casing 24. The inner sleeve 23 has a retaining lug 25 and an alignment guide 28. The outer casing 24 has an aperture 26 which the retaining lug 25 of the inner sleeve 23 can be positioned. The outer casing 24 also has an alignment guide 29. The retaining lug 25 of the inner sleeve 23 can positioned within the complementing aperture 26 of the outer casing 24 to retain the inner sleeve 23 within the outer casing 24.

[0041] With reference to Figures 7 to 9, there is shown an inner sleeve 30 for the casing assembly according to the preferred embodiment. The inner sleeve 30 as shown in Figures 7 to 9 is substantially the same as the inner sleeves 13 and 23 as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 4 to 6 respectively.

[0042] The inner sleeve 30 includes a deformable end 31 that is separated into three section by three longitudinally-orientated recesses 32. The longitudinally orientated recesses 32 allow the deformable end 31 to move inwardly. The elongated portion 11 of pin 15 from Figures 1 to 3 is insertable within the inner sleeve 30 through the deformable end 31. There is also a lip 33 on the inner surface of each of the three section of the deformable end 31. The lips 33 allow the deformable end 31 to engage and clamp between consecutive ribs on the elongated portion 11 of pin 15 from Figures 1 to 3.

[0043] With reference to Figures 10 to 12, there is shown an outer casing 40 for the casing assembly according to the preferred embodiment. The outer casing 40 as shown in Figures 10 to 12 is substantially the same as the outer casing 14 and 24 as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 4 to 6 respectively. The outer casing 40 includes a ramp potion 41. There are three ramps extending from the inner surface of the ramp portion 41 that are substantially equally spaced apart.

[0044] In use, the inner sleeve 30 from Figures 7 to 9 is retained within the outer casing 40 from Figures 10 to 12. When the inner sleeve 30 is retained within the outer casing 40, the deformable end 31 is positioned within the ramp portion 41. When the inner sleeve 30 moves to a second position relative to the outer casing 40, the ramps of the ramp portion 41 biases the deformable end 31 to deform and move inwards. The deformation allows the deformable end 31 of the inner sleeve 30 to engage and clamp between consecutive ribs of an elongated portion of a pin.

[0045] There is a locating protrusion 34 on the outer surface of each of the three section of the deformable end 31 and there are complementary recesses on the inner surface of ramp portion 41 (not shown in the figure) for locating the locating protrusions 34. The complementary recesses are located at the ramps of the ramp portion 41. In use, when the inner sleeve 30 moves to the second position relative to the outer casing 40, the movement about the longitudinal axis of the inner sleeve 30 is limited by the locating protrusions 34 sits within the complementing recesses of ramp portion 41.

[0046] With reference to Figures 7 to 12, the inner sleeve 30 further includes a retaining lug 35 on the outer surface of the body and the outer casing 40 further has an aperture 46 within which the retaining lug 35 can be positioned. In use, when the inner sleeve 30 is inserted within the outer casing 40, the retaining lug 35 is positioned within the aperture 46 to retain the inner sleeve 30 within the outer casing 40. There are longitudinal-extending slits on either side of the retaining lug 35 to increase the flexibility of the retaining lug 35. The flexibility allows the retaining lug to displace from the aperture 46 and the inner sleeve 30 is removable from the outer casing 40.

[0047] The inner sleeve 30 also has an alignment guide 38 located at the opposite end of the deformable end 31 and the outer casing 40 has an alignment guide 49 located at the opposite end of the ramp portion 41. Both of the alignment guides 38 and 49 include an aperture. In use, when the inner sleeve 30 is moved to the second position relative to the outer casing 40, the alignment guide 38 overlaps with the alignment guide 49. The apertures of the alignment guides 38 and 49 also overlap which allows an additional lock (not shown in the figures) to pass therethrough to prevent further movement.

[0048] With reference to Figures 13 to 15, there is shown a pin 50 for the pin and lock assembly according to a first preferred embodiment. The pin 50 has a cylindrical elongated portion 51 and a rectangular head portion 53. The head portion 53 has a width that is wider than the width of the elongated portion 51. There are a plurality of radial ribs 52 extending along the elongated portion 51 that are equally spaced apart. The head portion 53 has two flanges 54 extending outward and away from the radial ribs 52. The two flanges 54 are located at opposite sides of the head portion 53.

[0049] In use, the elongated portion 51 is inserted into the inner sleeve 30 of Figures 7 to 9 through the deformable end 31. The lip 33 on each of the three sections of the deformable end 31 engages and clamps between the consecutive ribs 52.

[0050] With reference to Figures 16 and 17, there is shown a pin 60 for the pin and lock assembly according to a second preferred embodiment. The pin 60 includes a cylindrical elongated portion 61 and a rectangular head portion 63, and a plurality of radial ribs 62 extending along the elongated portion 61. The pin 60 as shown in Figures 16 and 17 is substantially the same as the pin 50 shown in Figures 13 to 15, except that flanges 64 extended outward from the head portion 63 and towards the radial ribs 62. The two flanges 64 are located at opposite sides of the head portion 63.

[0051] With reference to Figures 18 and 19, there is shown a backing plate 70 of a mounting assembly for mounting one or more vehicle recovery boards according to the preferred embodiment. Figure 18 shown the top side of the backing plate 70, while Figure 19 shown the underside of the backing plate 70. The backing plate 70 includes a plurality of retaining apertures 72 that are spaced apart such that the vehicle recovery board can be held in a fixed position.

[0052] In use, the elongated portion 51 or 61 of the pin 50 or 60 from Figures 13 to 15 or Figures 16 and 17 respectively is inserted through the retaining aperture 72. The retaining aperture 72 has a diameter that is narrower than the width of the head portion 53 or 63 of the pin 50 or 60. The head portion 53 or 63 is retained by the retaining aperture 72.

[0053] There are two engagement catches 73 proximal to each retaining aperture 72. The two engagement catches 73 are located at opposite sides of each of the retaining aperture 72. Each engagement catch 73 engages a corresponding flange 54 or 64 of pin 50 or 60. The pin 50 or 60 is retained to the backing plate 70 when the flanges 54 or 64 are engaged within the corresponding engagement catches 73.

[0054] The backing plate 70 also includes attachment openings 75 and 76 for receiving a fastener or straps and ties respectively. The backing plate 70 can be secured to an external rack or a spare tyre fixed to the exterior of a vehicle with fasteners and or straps and ties.

[0055] With reference to Figures 20 and 22, there is shown a backing plate 170 inserted with a pin 160 according to a preferred embodiment. The backing plate 170 is substantially the same as the backing plate 70 as shown in Figures 18 and 19. The pin 160 is substantially the same as the pin 60 as shown in Figures 16 and 17. The elongated portion 161 of the pin 160 is inserted from the back side of the backing plate 170 and through the retaining aperture 172. The retaining aperture 172 retains the head portion 163 to retain pin 160 to the backing plate 170. Figure 21 further shown an enlarged view of the head portion 163 associating with the retaining aperture 172. Flange 164 engages with the corresponding engagement catch 173 on backing plate 170 to retain pin 160 to the backing plate 170.

[0056] With references to Figures 23 and 24, there is shown the view of the cross-section E in Figure 22. The elongated portion 161 of pin 160 is inserted through the retaining aperture 172 from the back side of backing plate 170. The head portion 163 is retained by the retaining aperture 172 to the backside of backing plate 170. Flanges 164 of the head portion 163 engage the engagement catches 173 of the backing plate 170.

[0057] With reference to Figures 25 to 27, there is shown the mounting assembly 200 according to the preferred embodiment. Figure 25 shown a perspective view of the mounting assembly 200, and Figures 26 and 27 shown the back side and top side of the mounting assembly 200 respectively. The mounting assembly includes backing plate 270 and two pin and lock assemblies. The backing plate 270 is substantially the same as the backing plate 70 and 170 in Figures 18 to 23. The pin and lock assemblies are substantially the same as the pin and lock assembly as described in Figures 1 to 17. Each of the two pin and lock assemblies includes a pin 260, a casing assembly 220 and a washer 201. The elongated portion 261 of the pin 260 is inserted through the retaining aperture 272 of backing plate 270. The head portion 263 is retained by the retaining aperture 272 to the backside of backing plate 270. The elongated portion 261 is also inserted into the inner sleeve 230 of the casing assembly 220 through the deformable end 231. The inner sleeve 230 is moved to the second position relative to the outer casing 240 where the elongated portion 261 is engageable and lockable within the inner sleeve 230. The alignment guides 238 and 249 of the inner sleeve 230 and the outer casing 240 overlaps and an additional lock can pass through the overlapped apertures on alignment guides 238 and 249.

ADVANTAGES

[0058] The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an advantage of quickly and easily locking and releasing a mounted vehicle recovery board with a pin and lock assembly. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also has the advantage of providing a pin and lock assembly that is easily secured to prevent theft of the vehicle recovery board. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides an advantage of reducing the wearing of the pin and casing member due to repeated usage. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides an advantage of reducing any fatigues or injuries experienced by the user due to the prolonged time of carry the vehicle recovery board when mounting or releasing from the vehicle.

VARIATIONS

[0059] It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

[0060] Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A pin and lock assembly including:

2. The pin and lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer casing biases the inner sleeve inwardly when the inner sleeve moves to the second position, the bias of the inner sleeve is caused by one or more ramps extending from an inner surface of the outer casing; wherein the inner sleeve has a deformable end with one or more longitudinally-orientated recesses that allows the deformable end to move inwardly; wherein the inner surface of the inner sleeve has one or more inwardly directed lips that engage and clamp between consecutive ribs on the elongation portion of the pin.

3. The pin and lock assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the inner sleeve has one or more outwardly raised locating protrusions and the inner surface of the outer casing preferably has one or more complementary recesses for locating the outwardly raised locating protrusions; wherein when the inner sleeve moves to the second position relative to the outer casing, the movement about the longitudinal axis of the inner sleeve is limited by the one or more outwardly raised locating protrusions of the inner sleeve sits within the one or more complementary recesses of the outer casing.

4. A mounting assembly for mounting one or more vehicle recovery boards including a plurality of pin and lock assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a backing plate.

5. The mounting assembly according to claim 4, wherein the backing plate includes one or more retaining apertures that are spaced apart so that the vehicle recovery board can be held in a fixed position; wherein each pin of the plurality of pin and lock assemblies is inserted through a corresponding retaining aperture of the backing plate; wherein each aperture of the one or more retaining apertures has a diameter that is narrower than the width of the head portion of the pin or has a diameter that retains the head portion of the pin when the elongated portion is inserted through the retaining aperture.