GB2571131A - A tow hook assembly - Google Patents

A tow hook assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2571131A
GB2571131A GB1802681.5A GB201802681A GB2571131A GB 2571131 A GB2571131 A GB 2571131A GB 201802681 A GB201802681 A GB 201802681A GB 2571131 A GB2571131 A GB 2571131A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
mounting member
assembly
vehicle
attachment
transverse
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1802681.5A
Other versions
GB2571131B (en
GB201802681D0 (en
Inventor
W Dormer John
Hurford Mark
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
J Burrough & Co
Original Assignee
J Burrough & Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by J Burrough & Co filed Critical J Burrough & Co
Priority to GB1802681.5A priority Critical patent/GB2571131B/en
Publication of GB201802681D0 publication Critical patent/GB201802681D0/en
Publication of GB2571131A publication Critical patent/GB2571131A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2571131B publication Critical patent/GB2571131B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
    • B60D1/42—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable
    • B60D1/44—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable horizontally
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
    • B60D1/42—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B59/00—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
    • A01B59/002—Details, component parts
    • A01B59/004—Length-adjustable links
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/01—Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
    • B60D1/06—Ball-and-socket hitches, e.g. constructional details, auxiliary devices, their arrangement on the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
    • B60D1/246—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for actuating the hitch by powered means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
    • B60D1/26—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for remote control, e.g. for releasing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
    • B60D1/42—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable
    • B60D1/46—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for being adjustable vertically
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B59/00—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
    • A01B59/04—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor
    • A01B59/042—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor having pulling means arranged on the rear part of the tractor

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Agricultural Machines (AREA)

Abstract

A tow hook assembly 10 comprising: a mounting member 12 configured to be mounted on a vehicle, in which the mounting member 12 is operable to be rotatable about a first axis relative to the vehicle; and a transverse member extending outwardly from the mounting member, in which the transverse member 14 comprises a first end located adjacent the mounting member and a second opposed free end 18 providing an attachment member configured for attachment to a load, in which the mounting member and transverse member are configured to enable the second opposed free end to be moveable in three different planes.

Description

A TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tow hook assembly which is operable to move in at least three different planes.
Background
Tow hook assemblies are fitted to vehicles and used to tow heavy loads such as for example trailers, caravans and boats. Tow hook assemblies can however be difficult to use when towing heavy loads over difficult terrains and/or around corners. Tow hooks assemblies may have to be adjusted during transit of the load requiring the load to be decoupled and re-coupled multiple times.
Prior Art
Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:
GB2295367 discloses a tractor hitch assembly for securing a trailer to a tractor, the hitch assembly having means for releasably securing a trailer, the hitch assembly comprising a pick-up arm, wherein the means for releasably securing the trailer comprises a pin-receiving orifice located on the pick-up arm and further comprises a pin moveable between an extended position in which it is engaged through the pinreceiving orifice and a retracted position in which it is disengaged from the pinreceiving orifice and the pick-up arm is disengaged from the hitch assembly.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tow hook assembly comprising:
a mounting member configured to be mounted on a vehicle, in which the mounting member is operable to rotate about a first axis relative to the vehicle; and a transverse member extending outwardly from the mounting member, the transverse member comprises a first end located adjacent the mounting member and a second opposed free end providing an attachment member configured for attachment to a load, the mounting member and transverse member are configured to enable the second opposed free end to be moveable in three different planes.
In contrast to the prior art therefore and without limitation the present invention provides an assembly which can be accurately controlled to ensure efficient towing of a load over a variety of terrains without decoupling the load from the towing vehicle.
Preferably, the first end of the transverse member is configured to be rotatable about a second axis relative to the mounting member. In one embodiment, the second axis extends substantially parallel to the plane defined by the mounting member.
Preferably, the transverse member extends substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the mounting member. The plane defined by the mounting member may extend substantially parallel to the rear of the attached vehicle. In other embodiments the plane defined by the mounting member may extend substantially parallel to the rear of the attached vehicle wherein some modern tractors also have the facility of having a 3 point linkage at the front. In particular where mounted on the front a video camera could be mounted for improved operation, where the front of the tractor obscures view.
Preferably, the transverse member is a telescopic boom extendable in a direction extending between the first and second ends thereof. Preferably, the telescopic boom comprises a first hydraulic piston extending in a direction from the first end towards the second end of the transverse member.
The assembly preferably further comprises a second hydraulic piston extending between the mounting member and the second end of the transverse member. The second hydraulic piston is preferably operable to rotate the transverse member about the second axis relative to the mounting member. Preferably, the second hydraulic piston extends at an acute angle relative to the plane defined by the mounting member.
In some embodiments the assembly comprises a compressed air or electric actuation arrangement.
The mounting member preferably provides at least a first attachment member for attachment to a vehicle. Preferably, the mounting member provides a plurality of spaced apart attachment members for attachment to a vehicle such as a tractor.
In some embodiments the plurality of spaced apart attachment members comprises two vertical mounting members, for example to move vehicles where a larger mounting frame would be required.
In some embodiments the mounting member provides three spaced apart attachment members for attachment to a vehicle. Preferably, the mounting member is attached to the vehicle by three point linkages comprising locking pins and chains. Preferably, the attachment members are located and configured to enable the mounting member to be rotated about the first axis relative to the tractor.
Other embodiments may comprise alternative linking or mounting systems.
The assembly is preferably configured to be hydraulically connected to the hydraulic system of a vehicle.
The assembly preferably further comprises a counterbalance located on the mounting member. The counterbalance may be removable and adjustable in load depending on the particular requirements.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a tow hook assembly as herein described. For example the vehicle may be a tractor and the tow hook assembly may be a tractor hitch assembly.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for a tractor hitch assembly comprising:
a mounting member configured to be mounted on a vehicle, in which the mounting member is operable to be rotatable about a first axis relative to the vehicle; and a transverse member configured to extend outwardly from the mounting member, in which the transverse member comprises a first end located adjacent the mounting member and a second opposed free end providing an attachment member configured for attachment to a load, and in which once assembled the mounting member and transverse member are configured to enable the second opposed free end to be moveable in three different planes.
The assembly may be attached to any suitable location on the vehicle, for example tractor. Preferably, the assembly is mounted to a rear portion of the vehicle so as to be operable as a tow hook assembly.
Brief Description of Figures
Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the tractor hitch assembly;
Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a further perspective view of the tractor hitch assembly of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of the transverse member of the tractor hitch assembly of Figure 1.
Detailed Description of Figures
With reference to the Figures, the tractor hitch assembly 10 comprises a mounting member 12 configured to be mounted on a tractor. The mounting member 12 may be a plate member or a substantially T-shaped member. The mounting member 12 is operable to be rotatable about a first axis relative to the tractor (not shown). The mounting member 12 may be secured to any part of the vehicle, for example tractor. Preferably the mounting member 12 is attachable to the rear of a vehicle.
The assembly 10 further comprises a transverse member 14 extending outwardly from the mounting member 12. The transverse member 14 comprises a first end 16 located adjacent the mounting member 12 and a second opposed free end 18 providing an attachment member configured for attachment to a load. The mounting member and transverse member are configured to enable the second opposed free end to be moveable in three different planes.
The first end 16 of the transverse member 14 is configured to be rotatable about a second axis relative to the mounting member 12. In one embodiment, the second axis extends substantially parallel to the plane defined by the mounting member.
The transverse member 14 extends substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the mounting member 12. It is however to be understood that the transverse member may extend at any suitable angle to the plane defined by the mounting member 12.
In one embodiment, the transverse member 14 is a telescopic boom extendable in a direction extending between the first and second ends thereof. The separation of the first and second ends 16, 18 of the transverse member 14 is preferably adjustable. In one embodiment, the telescopic boom comprises a first hydraulic piston 20 extending in a direction from the first end towards the second end of the transverse member.
The assembly 10 further comprises a second hydraulic piston 30 extending between the mounting member 12 and the second end 16 of the transverse member 14. The second hydraulic piston 30 is operable to rotate the transverse member 14 about the second axis relative to the mounting member 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second hydraulic piston extends at an acute angle relative to the plane defined by the mounting member.
The mounting member provides three spaced apart attachment members 40a, 40b, 40c for attachment to a tractor. In one embodiment, the mounting member is attached to the tractor by three point linkages comprising locking pins and chains.
In use, the vehicle driver may operate the hydraulic system to adjust the orientation of the mounting member relative to the rear of the vehicle. For example, the driver may operate the hydraulic system to rotate the mounting member about a first axis. This rotation will cause the transverse arm to be raised or lowered relative to the rear of the vehicle.
The driver may also or alternatively operate the system to adjust the extension of one or more of the hydraulic pistons of the assembly. This will adjust one or more of: the length of the transverse member as measured between first and second ends thereof; and or the angle at which the transverse member extends from the mounting member.
The driver may therefore be able to accurately control the position and orientation of the transverse member relative to the rear of the vehicle in order to ensure efficient and safe towing of a load over a variety of terrains and round corners without requiring decoupling. The present invention therefore provides an assembly for a more efficient 5 and less time consuming towing operation.
The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in 10 relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

Claims (15)

Claims
1. A tow hook assembly comprising:
a mounting member configured to be mounted on a vehicle, in which the mounting member is operable to be rotatable about a first axis relative to the vehicle; and a transverse member extending outwardly from the mounting member, in which the transverse member comprises a first end located adjacent the mounting member and a second opposed free end providing an attachment member configured for attachment to a load, in which the mounting member and transverse member are configured to enable the second opposed free end to be moveable in three different planes.
2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the first end of the transverse member is configured to be rotatable about a second axis relative to the mounting member.
3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the second axis extends substantially parallel to the plane defined by the mounting member.
4. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the transverse member extends substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the mounting member.
5. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the transverse member is a telescopic boom extendable in a direction extending between the first and second ends thereof.
6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5, in which the telescopic boom comprises a first hydraulic piston extending in a direction from the first end towards the second end of the transverse member.
7. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a second hydraulic piston extending between the mounting member and the second end of the transverse member.
8. An assembly as claimed in claim 7, in which the second hydraulic piston is operable to rotate the transverse member about the second axis relative to the mounting member.
9. An assembly as claimed in claim 7, in which the second hydraulic piston extends at an acute angle relative to the plane defined by the mounting member.
10. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the mounting member provides at least a first attachment member for attachment to a vehicle.
11. An assembly as claimed in claim 10, in which the mounting member provides a plurality of spaced apart attachment members for attachment to a vehicle.
12. An assembly as claimed in either of claims 10 or 11, in which the attachment members are located and configured to enable the mounting member to be rotated about the first axis relative to the vehicle.
13. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the assembly is configured to be hydraulically connected to the hydraulic system of a vehicle.
14. A tractor comprising a tow hook assembly as claimed in any preceding claim.
15. A kit for a tow hook assembly comprising:
a mounting member configured to be mounted on a vehicle, in which the mounting member is operable to be rotatable about a first axis relative to the vehicle; and a transverse member configured to extend outwardly from the mounting member, in which the transverse member comprises a first end located adjacent the mounting member and a second opposed free end providing an attachment member configured for attachment to a load, and in which once assembled the mounting member and transverse member are configured to enable the second opposed free end to be moveable in three different planes.
GB1802681.5A 2018-02-20 2018-02-20 A tow hook assembly Active GB2571131B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1802681.5A GB2571131B (en) 2018-02-20 2018-02-20 A tow hook assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1802681.5A GB2571131B (en) 2018-02-20 2018-02-20 A tow hook assembly

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201802681D0 GB201802681D0 (en) 2018-04-04
GB2571131A true GB2571131A (en) 2019-08-21
GB2571131B GB2571131B (en) 2020-05-27

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1802681.5A Active GB2571131B (en) 2018-02-20 2018-02-20 A tow hook assembly

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Country Link
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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021089879A1 (en) * 2019-11-08 2021-05-14 Davdor Limited Tractor hitch assembly
US11267300B2 (en) * 2019-06-26 2022-03-08 Deere & Company Hitch mechanism
WO2022056617A1 (en) * 2020-09-15 2022-03-24 Tri Enterprises Ltd. Articulating trailer hitch assembly
AU2021278702B2 (en) * 2020-05-29 2023-09-21 Smart Patents As Trailer coupling assembly and vehicle with trailer coupling assembly

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1217987A (en) * 1968-03-11 1971-01-06 Deere & Co Power operated swinging drawbar assembly
US4770436A (en) * 1987-08-19 1988-09-13 Anderson Alan D Adjustable position trailer hitch
US20040021293A1 (en) * 2002-07-30 2004-02-05 Richard Pogue Power hitch
US20100181743A1 (en) * 2007-04-06 2010-07-22 Timmons Jr Ronald G Trailer steering mechanism
US8678421B1 (en) * 2012-10-05 2014-03-25 Teleswivel, Llc Articulating hitch apparatus for vehicles

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1217987A (en) * 1968-03-11 1971-01-06 Deere & Co Power operated swinging drawbar assembly
US4770436A (en) * 1987-08-19 1988-09-13 Anderson Alan D Adjustable position trailer hitch
US20040021293A1 (en) * 2002-07-30 2004-02-05 Richard Pogue Power hitch
US20100181743A1 (en) * 2007-04-06 2010-07-22 Timmons Jr Ronald G Trailer steering mechanism
US8678421B1 (en) * 2012-10-05 2014-03-25 Teleswivel, Llc Articulating hitch apparatus for vehicles

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11267300B2 (en) * 2019-06-26 2022-03-08 Deere & Company Hitch mechanism
WO2021089879A1 (en) * 2019-11-08 2021-05-14 Davdor Limited Tractor hitch assembly
AU2021278702B2 (en) * 2020-05-29 2023-09-21 Smart Patents As Trailer coupling assembly and vehicle with trailer coupling assembly
WO2022056617A1 (en) * 2020-09-15 2022-03-24 Tri Enterprises Ltd. Articulating trailer hitch assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2571131B (en) 2020-05-27
GB201802681D0 (en) 2018-04-04

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