GB2342338A - Vehicle towing - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for use in towing a vehicle comprises a casing connectable to a tow ball of the towing vehicle containing a retractable belt with a hook for attachment to the vehicle to be towed. Preferably, the casing comprises a pressed steel coupling. The belt operates on the same principle as a retractable seat belt and avoids slack between the two vehicles.

Description

EASY TOW We are pleased to annonce the introduction of a unique new product to the field of motor vehicle accessories.

Called EASY TOW, the concept calls for the manufacture and distribution of a device to used as a portable towing device that can be stored in the boot of a car and extended out when needed to serve as a towing joint between two vehicles.

The device would consist of a metal housing {most likely fabricated from steel} in which a retractable belt system, similar to those used for seat belts, is placed. The purpose of this design would be to enable one vehicle to tow another without the problem of slackness that occurs when a rope is used to accomplish this task.

EASY TOW is designed to work with any vehicle equipped with a tow ball. The housing snaps on over the tow ball and the strap is equipped with a hook-style clip which hooks on to the towing eye or, altematively, can be hooked back to itself.

Once in position, as the towing vehicle moves forward, the strap is fed out from the housing.

As the towing vehicle comes to a stop, the tow belt retracts back into the housing, thus eliminating any slack in the connection between the two vehicles.

With this arrangement, EASY TOW would serve as a convenient device when a stranded motorist needs an emergency tow and only another passenger vehicle is available to do so.

Thus, if a vehicle breaks down and a tow truck or other special-purpose vehicle cannot be obtained to provide the towing, EASY TOW could be utilise. Assuming that one of the two drivers has this device on hand, either in a tool box or just packed in the boot, he or she would simply attach the device between the two vehicles.

The stranded vehicle could then be towed with a rigid connection between the two vehicles.

This would eliminate the need to use a length of rope or chain that presents a safety hazard when used as a towing connection and is also illegal in some countries.

It would also provide a stranded motorist with an inexpensive option in comparison to the expense of a tow truck and would reduce the possibility that the vehicle may be stranded for a considerable period of time while the driver awaits the tow truck"s arrival.

EASY TOW therefore would deliver clear convenience, safety and cost savings benefits to the motorist. The convenience benefit in particular is obvious. The safety benefit flows from two elements. First, the rigid configuration of EASY TOW provides a much safer connection between the two vehicles than when using a length of rope or chain.

Second, waiting along the roadside with a broken down vehicle presents a potential danger to the stranded motorist and any passengers he or she might have along. The cost savings benefit flows from the avoidance of the costs typically associated with using commercial tow trucks.

This innovative concept is being offered for licensing to an appropriate manufacturer. The drawing following illustrates the specifics of EASY TOW's design and appearance.

To discuss a licensing arrangement, please contact us at the address shown on the front.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS A towing device comprising of two parts bolted together part one being a retractable belt system part 2 being a pressed steel coupling.

   A towing device as described in claim 1 for use on cars with a tow ball already fitted.