GB2473738A

GB2473738A - Towbar with connection for eyelet of towed vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2473738A
Application number: GB201015584A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Shepherd
Original assignee: PHIL ELLERBY
Current assignee: PHIL ELLERBY
Priority date: 2009-09-18
Filing date: 2010-09-17
Publication date: 2011-03-23
Also published as: GB201015584D0; GB0916361D0

Abstract

A towing device comprising an elongate member 2 with a threaded portion (12 see fig 1 b), and a towing ring connector 4 provided with a threaded aperture (26 see fig 1c) in its head (30 see fig 1c) for receiving the threaded portion (12), wherein relative rotation between the threaded portion (12) and the connector 4 causes at least part of said threaded portion (12) to extend through the aperture (26) such that when a ring (38 see fig 3a) or eyelet is located in the connector 4 the portion (12) abuts thereagainst, preventing lateral movement of the connector 4 relative to the ring (38) but allowing angular movement therebetween. The reduced movement relative to the ring (38) prevents damage to paintwork of a towed vehicle.

Description

Towing device The invention to which this application relates is a towing device for towing a vehicle.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to a towing device in the form of a towing bar for towing a car, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention can be used to tow or indeed push other types of vehicle, such as, but not limited, to a trailer.

If a car or other vehicle breaks down and cannot be fixed by the roadside, they are typically towed to a garage or other location for further examination and repair.

It is possible to tow such a vehicle using a tow rope connected to a further vehicle but in certain situations this is not recommended. For example at higher speeds on a motorway, the lack of braking control over the towed vehicle increases the risk of a collision occurring between the two vehicles if the towing vehicle brakes sharply and the towed vehicle has insufficient time to react. Under such circumstances, it may be preferable to use a towing bar, which provides greater control over the towed vehicle at such speeds, as the towing bar is usually solid and therefore does not have the same play therein as a flexible rope.

Vehicles are commonly provided with one or more towing rings or eyelets to allow such a towing bar to be connected thereto. A conventional towing bar comprises a solid or tubular elongate section, with connectors at either end for connecting the towing bar to eyelets on the vehicles.

The connectors may be in the form of hooks which pass through the eyelet and are loosely held in place by the shape of the hook.

Alternatively, the connectors could be D-shackles wherein a U-shaped piece of metal is threaded into the eyelet and secured with a bolt across its opening. The connectors may also be spring clips, where a loop of metal for receiving the eyelet is provided with a hinged portion which is spring-biased to a closed position.

However, a problem with such connectors is that when they are connected to the eyelet, they are not held firmly in position, and the ioop of the eyelet can move freely around the ioop of the connector.

This may have adverse consequences, as there may be enough play in the connection that the elongate section can come into contact with and scratch the paintwork of the vehicle or damage other components thereof.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a towing bar which minimises the play in the connection in order to prevent such damage.

In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a towing device for connecting to the towing ring of a vehicle, comprising: an elongate member, at least one end of which is provided with a threaded portion one or more connectors for connecting to a ring, each connector being provided with a threaded aperture for receiving the threaded portion; wherein relative rotation between the threaded portion and the connector causes at least part of said threaded portion to extend through the aperture such that when a ring is located in the connector the portion is abuttable thereagainst.

Thus the towing device can be fitted to the towing ring of a vehicle and tightened thereto to restrict undesirable movement therebetween. Advantageously, the device is very quick to fit, in the order of only a minute or two, compared to known devices which often require additional tools and may take 10-15 minutes to fit.

In one embodiment the connector includes a substantially forked or U-shaped body, typically comprising a head and prongs, defining a space between the prongs and an opening between the ends of the prongs. Typically the threaded aperture extends longitudinally through the head.

In one embodiment the connector is a clevis fastener or a shackle, or is shaped substantially thereas.

Typically, the prongs include holes through which a clevis pin is inserted to provide securement across the opening between the ends of the prongs. Typically the clevis pin is secured with a split pin otherwise known as an R-clip.

Typically the connector substantially prevents relative movement between the axis of the clevis pin and the axis of the ring (i.e. lateral movement of the connector relative to the ring), yet substantially allows angular movement between the clevis and ring. Advantageously this reduces play in the connection allowing the towing vehicle to brake without the risk of the towing bar damaging components of either vehicle, while allowing sufficient lateral movement to allow the vehicles to change direction.

Typically, the threaded portion of the elongate member is screwed into the threaded aperture of the connector.

Typically the threaded portion is longer than the threaded aperture, such that when the elongate member is screwed into the connector, continued rotation causes the threaded portion to extend into the space between the prongs.

In one embodiment the end of the threaded portion is shaped to match the profile of the ring to which it abuts against. Typically the end of the threaded portion is concave cylindrical. This helps reduce the wear on the abutting components as the vehicles change direction.

In one embodiment, the elongate member is rotated about its longitudinal axis to screw the threaded portion into the connector.

In a further embodiment, the elongate member is provided with one or more sleeves associated with the threaded portion such that rotation of a sleeve about the elongate member allows the threaded portion to be screwed into the connector.

Typically, the relative rotation between the threaded portion and the connector can be achieved manually by the user, without the need for tools. Therefore normal hand strength is sufficient to operate the device.

In one embodiment the elongate member is formed from two sections.

In one embodiment the end of one section fits into the end of the other section.

In a further embodiment the ends of the sections have a similar diameter, and a concentric section is secured inside or outside the ends of the two sections to join the same together.

Typically the sections are connected together via any or any combination of pins, catches, latches, bolts, locks and/or the like.

Typically the ends of the sections are provided with one or more L holes such that a pin can be passed through the concentric ends [ when the holes are aligned to secure the sections together.

In one embodiment a plurality of holes are provided to allow the combined length of the sections to be selectively adjusted.

In one embodiment, levering means may be provided for insertion through the holes or application otherwise, so that additional force may be applied by the user when rotating the section.

In one embodiment, the elongate member is tubular, but it will be appreciated that it could be solid in whole or part.

Typically the elongate member is made of metal such as steel, but it will be appreciated that any suitably rigid and/or resilient material could be used.

Typically the threaded portion is formed from a threaded bolt welded into the inside of the elongate member.

In one embodiment a towing cup may be connected to the elongate member.

In one embodiment the towing cup is provided with a threaded aperture to allow it to be connected to a correspondingly threaded portion of the elongate member. The towing cup may be secured to a towing bar, typically found on the rear of a vehicle.

In a further embodiment the towing cup is secured, welded or integrally formed with a first section of the elongate member, which is connectable to a second section of the elongate member configured for connecting to the towing ring of a vehicle.

Typically the towing device is connected to a single towing ring of a vehicle, although it will be appreciated that it could be adapted to be connected to multiple rings.

In one embodiment the elongate member includes one or more bends. This may help balance the towed vehicle if the respective towing rings are offset on the vehicles.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of towing a vehicle, comprising the steps of: connecting a section of an elongate member to the towing ring of a vehicle to be towed via a connector; said connector being provided with a threaded aperture for receiving a corresponding threaded portion of said section; connecting a further section of the elongate member to a towing vehicle; wherein relative rotation between the threaded portion and the connector causes at least part of said threaded portion to extend through the aperture such that the threaded portion abuts against the towing ring.

In one embodiment the further section of the elongate member is also provided with a connector such that rotation thereof causes a threaded portion to extend therethrough.

In one embodiment the connector comprises a head and prongs, defining a space between the prongs and an opening between the ends of the prongs.

Typically the threaded aperture extends longitudinally through the head to allow the threaded portion to be extended therethrough into the space when the connector is rotated relative thereto.

In one embodiment securing means are provided between the prongs to secure the towing ring to the connector. Typically the securing means is in the form of a clevis pin inserted into holes provided in the prongs.

In one embodiment the elongate member is formed from a plurality of tubular sections connected together.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described wherein:-Figure 1 illustrates the components of a towing device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; (a) a side view of a section of an elongate member; (b) a side view of a further section of an elongate member; (c) a perspective view of a clevis; (d) a side view of an alternative section of an elongate r member; (e) a top view of a clevis; (f) a side view of a clevis; (g) a side view of a clevis pin; (h) a side view of a split pin; (i) securing means for two sections of an elongate member.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of how the components of an embodiment of the towing device fit together.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of how an embodiment of the towing device is connected (a) to the towing ring of a first vehicle; (b) to the towing ring of a second vehicle; (c) together when formed as two sections.

\X/ith reference to Figures la-i, there is illustrated the components of a towing device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The towing device includes an elongate member formed from two sections 1, 2 of tubular steel, each of which is provided with a threaded portion 10, 12 welded into an end thereof.

An alternative section 3 may also be provided wherein a towing cup 8 is fastened to the end of the section via a bolt 28.

The end 16 of one section 1 may have a greater diameter to allow the end 14 of the other section 2 to be received therein.

Both ends are provided with a hole 20, 18 such that when the holes are aligned, a locking pin 6 can be inserted therethrough to secure the ends together. The locking pin 6 can be secured in position by inserting a split pin 7 through a hole 22 in the end thereof. The split pin can be connected to the locking pin via a chain 24 to avoid losing the same.

A connector is provided in the form of a clevis 4 comprising a head 30 and two prongs 32, 32', the head having a threaded aperture 26 such that it can be connected to the elongate member via threaded portion 12.

The prongs 32, 32' include holes 34 through which a clevis pin 5 is inserted to provide securement across the opening between the prongs, allowing a towing ring to be inserted into the space between the prongs and held therein. The clevis pin 5 is secured to the clevis 4 with a split pin 7 via hole 36.

With regard to Figure 2, there is illustrated in more detail how the components fit together, with a first section 1 of the elongate member provided with a connector in the form of a clevis 4 at one end being secured at the other end via locking pin 6 to either a second section 2 also provided with a connector in the form of a clevis 4, or an alternative second section 3 provided with a towing cup 8.

With respect to Figures 3a-c, there is illustrated in more detail how the towing device is connected between the towing rings of two vehicles.

With reference to Figure 3a, a clevis 4 is first secured to the towing ring 38 of a first vehicle (not shown) via clevis pin 5.

However, at this point the clevis is free to move relative to the ring 38 due to the open space 40 within the clevis 4.

However, when the threaded portion 10 is screwed into the aperture 26 of the clevis 4 by hand-rotation of the first section 1, as illustrated by arrow 42, further rotation causes the threaded portion 10 to extend into the open space 40 and abut against the ring 38, as illustrated by arrow 44. This substantially prevents relative lateral (i.e. interaxial) movement between the clevis pin 5 and the ring 38. However angular movement is still allowed between the clevis 4 and ring 5 as typically the ring is substantially circular in cross-section, at least where it is held between the ring 5 and threaded portion 12, and thus the area of contact between the same is relatively small such that the friction which may otherwise prevent movement is relatively easy to overcome.

In other words, the connection between the clevis and ring is tightened to prevent the clevis from rattling around the ring when a vehicle is towed by another, which could cause damage to adjacent components of the vehicle, but is loose enough to allow angular movements of the bar, as for example may occur when the vehicles go around a corner.

With reference to Figure 3b, a similar arrangement is illustrated in which a clevis 4 is secured to the towing ring 38' of a second vehicle (not shown) via clevis pin 5, and rotation of the second section 2, as illustrated by arrow 46, causes the threaded portion 12 to extend into the open space 40 as illustrated by arrow 48, and abut against the ring 38' to limit movement of the same.

With respect to Figure 3c, there is illustrated how the two sections 1, 2 are then connected together, the distal end 14 of the second section being inserted into the distal end 16 of the first section as illustrated by arrow 50. In this example the distal end of the first section 1 is a steel tube of slightly larger diameter welded onto a tube of common diameter to the second section 2.

When the respective holes 20, 18 in the sections 1, 2 are aligned, the locking pin 6 can be inserted therethough as illustrated by arrow 48 and secured in position to lock the two sections 1, 2 together.

The locking pin can also be used as levering means so that additional force may be applied by the user to rotate the sections.

The second vehicle can then be towed by the first vehicle, wherein the play in the connections between the vehicles is largely eliminated, allowing the towing vehicle to brake without damaging components of either vehicle, while allowing sufficient lateral movement to allow the vehicles to change direction.

L

Of course, due to the rigidity of the device it could also be used by a vehicle to push another vehicle connected thereby.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention also includes further additional modifications made to the device which does not effect the overall functioning of the device.

Claims

Claims 1. A towing device for connecting to the towing ring (38) of a vehicle, comprising: an elongate member, at least one end of which is provided with a threaded portion (10; 12) one or more connectors (4) for connecting to a ring (38), each connector being provided with a threaded aperture (26) for receiving the threaded portion (10; 12); wherein relative rotation between the threaded portion (10; 12) and the connector (4) causes at least part of said threaded portion (10; 12) to extend through the aperture (26) such that when a ring (38) is located in the connector (4) the portion (10; 12) is abuttable thereagainst.
2. A towing device according to claim 1 wherein the lateral movement of the connector relative to the ring is substantially prevented, yet angular movement between the connector and ring is substantially allowed.
3. A towing device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the connector is a clevis fastener or a shackle, or is shaped substantially thereas.
4. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the connector includes a substantially forked or U-shaped body.
5. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the connector comprises a head and prongs, defining a space between the prongs and an opening between the ends of the prongs.
6. A towing device according to claim 5 wherein the threaded aperture extends longitudinally through the head.
7. A towing device according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the prongs include holes through which a clevis pin may be inserted to provide securement across the opening between the ends of the prongs.
8. A towing device according to claim 7 wherein the clevis pin is secured with a split pin or R-clip.
9. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the end of the threaded portion is shaped to match the profile of the ring to which it abuts against.
10. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the end of the threaded portion is concave cylindrical.
11. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member is rotated about its longitudinal axis to screw the threaded portion into the connector.
12. A towing device according to any of claims 1-10 wherein the elongate member is provided with one or more sleeves associated with the threaded portion such that rotation of a sleeve about the elongate member allows the threaded portion to be screwed into the connector.
13. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the relative rotation between the threaded portion and the connector can be achieved manually by the user, without the need for tools.
14. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member is formed from two sections.
15. A towing device according to claim 14 wherein the end of one section fits into the end of the other section.
16. A towing device according to claim 14 wherein the ends of the sections have a similar diameter, and a concentric section is secured inside or outside the ends of the two sections to join the same together.
17. A towing device according to any of claims 14-16 wherein the sections are provided with a plurality of holes to allow a pin or bolt to be passed therethrough and secure the sections together at different positions to selectively adjust the length of the device.
18. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein levering means are provided to allow additional force to be applied by the user when rotating the section.
19. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member is tubular.
20. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate member includes one or more bends.
21. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein the threaded portion is formed from a threaded bolt welded into the inside of the elongate member.
22. A towing device according to any preceding claim wherein a towing cup is provided, having a threaded aperture to allow it to be connected to a correspondingly threaded portion of the elongate member.
23. A towing device according to claim 22 wherein the towing cup is secured, welded or integrally formed with a first section of the elongate member, which is connectable to a second section of the elongate member configured for connecting to the towing ring of a vehicle.
24. A method of towing a vehicle, comprising the steps of: connecting a section (1) of an elongate member to the towing ring (38) of a vehicle to be towed via a connector (4); said connector (4) being provided with a threaded aperture (26) for receiving a corresponding threaded portion (10; 12) of said section (1); connecting a further section (2; 3) of the elongate member to a towing vehicle; wherein relative rotation between the threaded portion (10; 12) and the connector (4) causes at least part of said threaded portion (10; 12) to extend through the aperture (26) such that the threaded portion (10; 12) abuts against the towing ring (38).
25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the further section of the elongate member is also provided with a connector such that rotation thereof causes a threaded portion to extend therethrough.
26. A method according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the connector comprises a head and prongs, defining a space between the prongs and an opening between the ends of the prongs, and the threaded aperture extends longitudinally through the head to allow the threaded portion to be extended therethrough into the space when the connector is rotated relative thereto.
27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the towing ring is secured to the connector via securing means between the prongs.
28. A method according to claim 27 wherein the securing means is in the form of a clevis pin which is inserted into holes provided in the prongs.
29. A method according to any of claims 24-28 wherein a plurality of tubular sections are connected together to form the elongate member.
30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the sections are provided with a plurality of holes and a pin or bolt is passed therethrough to secure the sections together at different positions, allowing selective adjustment of the length of the device.