GB2417016A

GB2417016A - Tow ball cover retainer

Info

Publication number: GB2417016A
Application number: GB0417831A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Russell Aspinall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-11
Filing date: 2004-08-11
Publication date: 2006-02-15
Also published as: GB0417831D0

Abstract

A tow ball cover retainer (40) comprises a ball shaped retainer member (43) and an attachment means comprising an elongate shaft (42) and an attachment plate (41). The attachment plate (41) attaches the retainer (40) to a vehicle (44). The retainer (40) is used to retain a tow ball cover when it is not in use.

Description

1 2417016 Tow Ball Cover Retainer The present invention relates to a

device and method for retaining a tow ball cover.

It is common to attach a trailer to a towing vehicle using a tow ball coupling and hitch. In this arrangement, the tow ball coupling is provided upon a towing vehicle, normally centrally located at the rear of the towing vehicle. The tow ball coupling comprises a generally spherical tow ball mounted on top of a vertical shaft. A trailer is then secured to the towing vehicle by securing the hitch onto the tow ball coupling. The hitch is normally provided at the front of the trailer, generally at an apex of an A-frame extending forwards from the trailer. A tow ball coupling 10 suitable for attaching to a vehicle is shown in Figure 1.

In use, as the vehicle negotiates corners and inclines, the trailer hitch is free to rotate about the tow ball within a limited range of movement. In order to lubricate the movement between the trailer hitch and the tow ball, it is common to apply grease to the tow ball before the hitch is engaged. However, when a trailer is not attached to the tow ball coupling, persons walking around the rear of the vehicle may brush against the greased tow ball and damage to their clothing may occur.

The risk of damage may discourage a user from greasing the tow ball, thereby increasing the risk of wear to the tow ball and hitch occurring during use. Furthermore, the exposed tow ball may deteriorate by the grease being washed off and rusting.

In order to prevent contact with the tow ball, it is known to fasten a tow ball cover over the tow ball. In this way, accidental contact with the tow ball is prevented. However, when the user wishes to hitch a trailer onto the tow ball, the cover must be removed. If the user places the tow ball cover inside the towing vehicle, there is a risk that any grease present within and around the tow ball cover may damage the vehicle interior. The user may also attempt to place the tow ball cover in the trailer. However, in both situations, the tow ball cover may become lost when not in use.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a device and method of storing a tow ball cover which prevents the tow ball cover damaging a vehicle interior and prevents the tow ball cover from becoming lost.

Additional aims of preferred embodiments of the present invention will also become apparent from the

description which follows.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Preferred features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for retaining a tow ball cover, comprising: an attachment portion which can be attached in use to a surface of a vehicle; and a retaining means for releasably retaining a tow ball cover. \

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of retaining a tow ball cover, the method comprising the steps of: removing a tow ball cover from a tow ball of a vehicle; retaining the tow ball cover by a releasable retaining means provided upon a surface of the vehicle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly, comprising: a vehicle; and a device for releasably retaining a tow ball cover upon a surface of the vehicle.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a tow ball coupling which can be provided on a vehicle for towing a trailer; Figure 2 is a front view of a tow ball cap; Figure 3 is a front view of a tow ball coupling cover; Figure 4 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, a tow ball coupling 10 normally comprises a securing plate 11 for securely fastening the coupling 10 to a vehicle, a vertical shaft 12 which extends upwardly from the securing plate 11, and a tow ball 13 which is mounted at an end of the vertical shaft 12.

In use, a hitch (not shown) provided at the front of a trailer is engaged over the tow ball 13. The hitch normally comprises a socket type coupling which can be releaseably secured over the tow ball 13.

Figure 2 shows a tow ball cap 20, which can be fitted over the tow ball 13 and may also cover at least part of the vertical shaft 12. When fitted over the tow ball 13, contact with the tow ball 13 is prevented.

Figure 3 shows a tow ball coupling cover 30, which can be used as an alternative to the tow ball cap 20. The tow ball coupling cover 30 can be arranged in use to cover the entire tow ball coupling 10. The tow ball coupling cover may also cover any electrical sockets arranged next to the tow ball coupling 10.

The term tow ball cover can be taken to mean either a tow ball cap 20 as shown in Figure 2, or a tow ball cover 30, as shown in Figure 3.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a first preferred embodiment 40 of the present invention comprises an attachment plate 41 for securing the attachment to a surface 44 of a vehicle. In this sense, the term vehicle can be taken to mean either a towing vehicle or a towed vehicle, for example, a trailer or caravan.

The first embodiment further comprises an elongate shaft 42 extending from the attachment plate 41. A generally spherical ball 43 is provided at an end of the elongate shaft 42 distal from the attachment plate 41. In this way, embodiments of the present invention can be seen as being a dummy tow ball coupling, as the present invention is not suitable for towing a trailer.

In use, the device releasably retains a tow ball cover 20, 30 by the tow ball cover 20, 30 being placed over the spherical ball 43. The tow ball cover 20, 30 may also at least partially cover the shaft 42 and attachment plate 43. As the spherical ball 43 has a width or diameter similar to that of a tow ball, and is greater than that of the shaft 42, the tow ball cover is retained or held by the present invention until removal by a user.

The attachment plate 41 is suitable for securely attaching to a vehicle surface 44 by means of adhesive or by a mechanical fastening such as a bolt. The surface 44 may be a substantially horizontal surface. The attachment plate 41 may have a self-adhesive area or a separate adhesive may be applied before attachment to the vehicle surface 44. Alternatively, at least one hole may be provided through the attachment plate 41 so that a bolt or screw may pass there through. A bolt type fastening may also be used by providing a threaded hole running down the elongate shaft 42, arranged to receive the bolt. The hole may also run through the ball 43 to allow a nut to be fastened onto the bolt.

In use, a tow ball cover 20, 30 can be secured upon the spherical ball 43. In this way, the tow ball cover 20, is held about the vehicle, thereby preventing the vehicle interior becoming damaged or the tow ball cover 20, 30 becoming lost.

The attachment 40 may be manufactured from light weight materials which would not support towing the weight of a trailer. The attachment may be manufactured from a non-metallic material such as a polymeric material, for example, glass re-enforced plastic or rubber.

Advantageously, the manufacturing costs of the attachment may be minimised by manufacture from a suitable lightweight material. The attachment 40 may also be manufactured to be hollow and save further weight and manufacturing costs.

The attachment 40 may be attached to a surface internal to the vehicle, such as upon an internal surface of a boot or vehicle interior, or to an internal surface of a towed vehicle, such as inside a storage compartment or inside a caravan.

The attachment 40 may also be located in use at a position external to the vehicle at which a tow ball coupling 10 could not be located. In this respect, a tow ball coupling 10 is normally provided at the rear of the towing vehicle, and is centrally located at a height suitable for engaging with a trailer hitch. However, the attachment 40 may be provided at an off-centre location and/or at a height unsuitable for engaging with a trailer hitch. Moreover, the attachment 40 may be attached to a \ surface of the vehicle having no structural integrity, such as a body panel, which is not part of the vehicle structure.

Further, the attachment 40 may be located in use at an external surface of the trailer. The external surface to which the embodiment of the present invention is attached may be a surface of the trailer body or may be the A-frame of the trailer, close to the tow hitch. Generally, the A frame of the trailer is made from either I- or C-section channel. The attachment may be secured onto a surface of the A-frame channel near the tow-hitch. Alternatively, for example, when the attachment 40 is attached to a caravan, attachment may be made to an exterior surface of a cowl covering the A-frame, or the caravan body itself.

As can be seen from Figure 6, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention 60 comprises an attachment plate 61, an L-shaped elongate shaft 62 and a generally spherical ball 63. The second preferred embodiment 60 is suitable for in use attaching to a substantially vertical surface of a vehicle. In all other respects, the second preferred embodiment is identical to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Whilst an L-shaped shaft 62 has been shown, it will be understood that any angle may be used, such as 45-degrees, to enable the present invention to be attached to a sloping surface of the vehicle. Alternatively the shaft 62 may be a large-angle radius such as 160 or 180 enabling the attachment plate to be fastened to inward facing surfaces such as an inside facing surface of a vehicle bumper.

When an embodiment of the present 61 invention is attached to a vehicle, the user removes the tow ball cap or cover 20, 30 from the tow ball coupling 10 of the vehicle and then secures the tow ball cap or cover 20, 30 to the attachment 40, 60. The user is then able to engage the trailer's tow hitch to the tow ball 13 of the vehicle.

The tow ball cap or cover 20, 30 can remain securely retained by the present invention until the tow ball coupling 10 is no longer required. The user is then able to remove the tow ball cover 20, 30 from the attachment 40, 60 and cover the tow ball coupling 10 of the vehicle to prevent accidental contact.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A device for retaining a tow ball cover, comprising: an attachment portion which can be attached in use to a surface of a vehicle; and a retaining means for releasably retaining a tow ball cover.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion is suitable for attaching in use to an external surface of the vehicle.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment portion is suitable for attaching in use to an internal surface of the vehicle

4. The device according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the device is not suitable for towing a trailer.

5. The device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the tow ball cover partially surrounds the retaining means.

6. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein: the retaining means includes a part spherical portion.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: the part spherical portion is arranged at an end region of an elongate member.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: the elongate member has a first diameter; the part spherical portion has a second diameter; and the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the part spherical portion is generally spherical.

10. The device according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the elongate member is generally L shaped.

11. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein: the attachment portion is suitable for attachment to a substantially planar surface of the vehicle.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein: the attachment portion comprises a member having at least one substantially planar face.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: the substantially planar face is suitable for fastening to the vehicle by an adhesive.

14. The device according to claim 13, the substantially planar face having a self-adhesive area.

15. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment portion has at least one aperture for receiving a securing device.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the securing device is bolt.

17. The device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the aperture has an internal thread.

18. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is capable of supporting a maximum of 1000 kg.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the device is capable of supporting a maximum of 100 kg.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the device is capable of supporting a maximum of 10 kg.

21. The device according to any preceding claim, made from a non-metallic material.

22. The device according to any preceding claim, made substantially from a polymeric material.

23. The device according to claim 21 or 22, made from glass re-enforced plastic.

24. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is suitable for attachment to an external surface of a trailer.

25. The device according to any preceding claim, the device being suitable for attachment to a non-structural portion of the vehicle.

26. A method of retaining a tow ball cover, the method comprising the steps of: removing a tow ball cover from a tow ball of a vehicle; retaining the tow ball cover by a releasable retaining means provided upon a surface of the vehicle.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the surface is an external surface of the vehicle.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the surface is an internal surface of the vehicle.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the retaining means is provided upon an external surface of a trailer.

30. A method suitable for using the device claimed in any of claims 1 to 25.

31. An assembly, comprising: a vehicle; and a device for releasably retaining a tow ball cover upon a surface of the vehicle.

32. An assembly according to claim 29, wherein the surface is an external surface of the vehicle.

33. An assembly according to claim 29, wherein the surface is an internal surface of the vehicle

34. The assembly according to any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the device is not suitable for towing a trailer.

35. The assembly according to any of claims 31 to 34, wherein the device is arranged at a location of the vehicle from which it is not suitable to tow a trailer.

36. The assembly according to claim 35, wherein the device is arranged at an off-centre location of the vehicle.

37. The assembly according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the device is arranged at an upper region of the vehicle.

38. The assembly according to any of claims 31 to 37, wherein the device a dummy tow ball.

39. An assembly comprising: a vehicle; and \\ a device according to any of claims 1 to 25.

40. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

41. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

42. An assembly substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.