US3860266A

US3860266A - Vehicle towing apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3860266A
Application number: US340361A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Frank; David G Mathis
Original assignee: SUPERIOR TOWBAR Manufacturing CO Inc
Current assignee: SUPERIOR TOWBAR Manufacturing CO Inc
Priority date: 1973-03-12
Filing date: 1973-03-12
Publication date: 1975-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 1992-01-14

Abstract

An improved vehicle towing apparatus of the frame-to-frame variety comprising: a spacing frame; flexible, securing members; and means for tightening the flexible, securing members when the apparatus is in use. The spacing frame may be of any suitable structure which will maintain a predetermined distance between the towing and towed vehicle when the same is in use and the same may be fashioned from any suitable material such as angle iron, steel pipe, channel iron or the like. The spacing frame is held between the towing and towed vehicle by tension applied to the flexible securing members during installation. The improved towing apparatus offers several advantages over the prior art bumper-to-bumper type apparatus.

Description

United States Patent Frank et a1.

[ VEHICLE TOWING APPARATUS [75] Inventors: Robert Frank, Stillwell; David G.

Mathis, Overland Park, both of Kans.

[73] Assignee: Superior Towbar Manufacturing Co., Inc., Olathe, Kans.

[22] Filed: Mar. 12, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 340,361

[52] US. Cl 280/458, 280/493, 280/502, 280/505 [51] Int. Cl B60d l/16 [58] Field of Search 280/493, 458, 502, 505

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,358,894 11/1920 Swackhamer 280/493 X 1,836,806 12/1931 Larsen 280/493 X 2,223,677 12/1940 Divelbiss 280/493 2,230,567 2/1941 Henderson l 280/458 2,507,265 5/1950 Patton l 280/502 X 2,646,290 7/1953 Cox 280/458 X Smith 280/502 2,772,099 11/1956 3,083,040 3/1963 Hayman et al.... 280/493 3,434,740 3/1969 Leavitt 280/502 Primary ExaminerLeo Friaglia Attorney, Agent, or FirmLowe, Kokjer, Kircher, Wharton & Bowman [57] ABSTRACT An improved vehicle towing apparatus of the frameto-frame variety comprising: a spacing frame; flexible, securing members; and means for tightening the flexible, securing members when the apparatus is in use. The spacing frame may be of any suitable structure which will maintain a predetermined distance between the towing and towed vehicle when the same is in use and the same may be fashioned from any suitable material such as angle iron, steel pipe, channel iron or the like. The spacing frame is held between the towing and towed vehicle by tension applied to the flexible securing members during installation. The improved towing apparatus offers several advantages over the prior art bumper-to-bumper type apparatus.

7 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEUMN 1 4m;

SHEET 10F 6 FI'GUQE 1 V PATENTED N 1 4&975

SHEET 2 OF 6 FIGUQE Z Flcaumi 5 PAIENI'EDJAN 141915 SHEET 3 OF 6 PATENTEDJANWQYB 3,860,266

SHEET t 0F 6 FIGLJEZE Q 'PAIENTED JAN I 4 I975 I I 1 l f l I a l I VEHICLE TOWING APPARATUS BACKGROUND The present invention relates to vehicle towing apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vehicle towing apparatus for connection between a frame of a towing vehicle and a frame of a vehicle to be towed and having a spacing frame extending therebetween.

Heretofore, several vehicle towing apparatus have been proposed in the prior art. In general, however, these prior art apparatus have been of the bumper-tobumper variety and none have been completely acceptable when considered jointly from the standpoints of safety, overall performance and flexibility. In this regard, it should be noted that a bumper-to-bumper hitch or towing apparatus, no matter how strongly the same is constructed, will not be any stronger than the respective bumpers of the towing and towed vehicles when the same is in use. Moreover, these type apparatus, often, do not provide the positive control; i.e., the quick response to turning and braking, sway control and good tracking, which is, generally, deemed necessary for maximum safety and optimum performance. Also, the turning range of the towing vehicle, when a bumper-tobumper type towing apparatus is used, is, generally, limited such that the towing vehicle cannot be rotated to an angle greater than about 60 with respect to the towed vehicle without causing damage to either one or both of said vehicles. This means, of course, that damage will almost certainly result in the event that the vehicles jackknife.

It has been found that the prior art, bumper-tobumper type towbars cannot safely or effectively be used on or with vehicles having bumpers which are cushioned so as to absorb shock upon impact. Moreover, due to the several different types and shapes of bumpers used on vehicles today it is difficult, if not impossible, to fashion a bumper-to-bumper towbar which can be used on a wide range of different vehicles. Also, the prior art bumper-to-bumper type towbars are, often, heavy, cumbersome and difficult to install and use. The need for a light weight, easy to install towbar which will offer greater safety, overall performance and flexibility is, then, believed to be readily apparent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that foregoing and other disadvantages of the prior art towing apparatus can be overcome with the apparatus of this invention. It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an improved vehicle towing apparatus. It is another object of this invention to provide such a towing apparatus of the frame-to-frame variety. It is still another object of this invention to provide such a towing apparatus exhibiting an overall strength independent of the strength of the respective bumpers of the vehicles with which the same may be used. It is still a further object of this invention to provide such a towing apparatus which will permit positive control when in use. It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a towing apparatus which will permit rotation of the towing vehicle through an angle greater than 90 relative to the towed vehicle without causing damage to either vehicle. It is yet a further object of this invention to provide such a towing apparatus which is relatively light weight and easy to install and use. Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the disclosure set forth hereinafter.

In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are accomplished with a vehicle towing apparatus comprising a spacing frame and securing means for interconnecting the respective frames of the towing and towed vehicle. The spacing frame is adapted to maintain a selected spacing between the towing and towed vehicle when the same is in use. The'securing means, on the other hand, comprise means which will permit the tension thereon to be adjusted, as required, when the towing apparatus is used. As will become more apparent from the disclosure set forth hereinafter, the tension on the securing means holds the spacing frame in position between the towing and towed vehicle when the towing apparatus is in use and properly installed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features of the vehicle towing apparatus. Specifically:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle towing apparatus within the scope of the present invention illustrating the same installed between two vehicles with certain vehicle detail omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the vehicle towing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle towing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the towing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along line 4--4;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another vehicle towing apparatus within the scope of the present invention, illustrating the same as it would be installed between two vehicles with certain vehicle detail omitted for purpose of clarity;

FIG. 6' is a plan view of still another vehicle towing apparatus within the scope of the present invention, illustrating the same installed between two vehicles with certain vehicle detail omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the vehicle towing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of yet another vehicle towing apparatus within the scope of the present invention illustrating the same installed between two vehicles with certain vehicle detail omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the towing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 8 taken along line 99.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION For purposes of convenience and clarity, the present invention will be described herein by reference to the several embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be understood, however, that these embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Referring then to the appended drawings and specifically to FIGS. 14, there is shown a vehicle towing apparatus within the scope of this invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the reference numeral 1 generally designates the vehicle towing apparatus which, when used, would be connected between a frame 2 of a towing vehicle and a frame 3 of a vehicle to be towed. As illustrated in the Figures, the vehicle towing apparatus 1 comprises: a spacing frame 4 having a first cross bar assembly 5 fashioned so as to permit engagement with or against the bumper 6 of a towing vehicle, when said apparatus is in use; a second cross bar assembly 7 fashioned so as to permit engagement with or against the bumper 8 of a vehicle to be towed, again when said apparatus is in use; a pair of spacing members 9 and 10 extending between and having respective opposite ends thereof pivotally mounted on the first and second cross bar assemblies 5 and 7, respectively; and flexible members l11l suitably supported by the spacing frame 4 and fashioned so as to permit engagement with the frame 2 of a towing vehicle and the frame 3 of a towed vehicle when the apparatus is in use. The spacing frame 4 is adapted to maintain a selected spacing between the towing vehicle and the vehicle to be towed and to permit relative turning between the vehicles. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first and second cross bar assemblies 5 and 7, respectively, comprise an elongated structural member 12 adapted to be positioned substantially parallel with the bumper or an element similar thereto of the respective vehicles. The structural member 12 may be of any desired shape, such as an angle, channel, beam, or tubular member. Each of the elongated structural members 12 have forwardly extending

portions

13 and 14 extending from respective opposite ends of the structural member 12 and substantially normal or perpendicular thereto. Suitable brace members, not shown, may be extended between the structural member 12 and the respective forwardly or outwardly extending

portions

13 and 14, respectively, if desired. Such braces will not, however, normally be employed. Bumper shoes or foot or

pad assemblies

17 and 18 are suitably secured to the outer ends of the forwardly or outwardly extending

portions

13 and 14, respectively, as by welding. The bumper shoes or foot or

pad assemblies

17 and 18 are each adapted to engage and substantially conform to the shape of the bumper 6 of the towing vehicle or to the bumper 8 of the vehicle to be towedv As indicated, supra, the spacing frame 4 comprises means for supporting the flexible member or members 11-11 and in the illustrated structure, the

bumper braces

17 and 18 have depending

portions

19 and 20, respectively, each having a guide passage therethrough for the respective portion of the flexible members 11--l1 positioned adjacent thereto. As also indicated, supra, the spacing frame 4 includes the spacing member 9 and 10 which extend between the elongated structural members 12 of the first and second cross bar assemblies 5 and 7, respectively, and each of the spacing members 9 and 10 have respective opposite ends thereof pivotally connected to the respective first and second cross bar assemblies 5 and 7, respectively. The spacing members 9 and 10 are positioned in vertically spaced relation and are positioned to form a crossing or X-pattern thereby permitting relatively free turning or angular movement between the towing vehicle and the vehicle to be towed.

The vehicle towing apparatus of this invention also comprises a means for tightening the flexible members 11--11. In general, any suitable means may be used for this purpose. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, however, the means for tightening the flexible members 11 11 comprise a plurality of sheaves or similar guides, a cable and a tensioning device. As can be seen in the Figures, then, the sheaves 21-21 are secured to one end of the flexible members 1lll and the cable 23 engages each of sheaves 2l-2l with the free ends thereof functionally secured to the tensioning device 24. In general, the exact location of the sheaves is not critical and the same may be disposed on either side of the respective cross bar assemblies 5 and 7. Moreover, the number of sheaves employed is not critical and any number which will facilitate the desired tightening may be used. In this regard, it will be appre-.

ciated that the cable 23 could be secured directly to two of the flexible, securing members 11-11 and sheaves provided on the remaining two or more flexible securing members 1111. It will also be appreciated that any suitable tensioning device, such as a loadbinder or the like having asuitable handle engageable with an over center toggle device, could be used to tighten the flexible (securing) members 1I-l1.

The vehicle towing. apparatus of this invention also includes frame connection means connected to the free ends of the flexible (securing) members 1lll suitable for securing the same to the frame 2 of the towing vehicle and to the frame 3 of the vehicle to be towed. In the embodiments illustrated, the flexible (securing) members l1l1 have been illustrated as chains and suitable hooks 25-15 are secured to the free ends thereof to facilitate attachment thereof to the vehicle frame. Other suitable means such as cables andthe like could be substituted for the chains which have been illustrated throughout.

In use, the vehicle towing apparatus of this invention 1 will be positioned between the rear bumper 6 of the towing vehicle and the front or forward bumper 8 of the vehicle to be towed. The flexible (securing) mem-- bers 1111 will then be secured to the

respective frames

2 and 3, preferably by wrapping each of the flexible (securing) members around a portion of the frame and then securing the hook or similar clamping device 25 to the respective flexible (securing) member 11 as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. The spacing frame 4 is then lifted such that the bumper shoes 17 and 18 are in a position to contact the respective bumpers and the cable 23 then tightened such that the tension created thereby is sufficient to hold the spacing frame 4 in position between the respective bumpers. The amount of tension actually applied is not, of course, critical to the invention so long as the same is sufficient to hold the spacing frame in place without breaking or otherwise damaging the flexible (securing) members 1111 or the cable 23.

Once the vehicle towing apparatus is properly installed, movement of the towing vehicle will cause a corresponding movement in the towed vehicle. In this regard, it should be noted that since the flexible (securing) members 11-11 are previously tightened, the response of the towed vehicle will be immediate and the control over both movement and direction of the towed vehicle will be positive at all times. Also, since movement of the towed vehicles is effected with the flexible (securing) members 1l-l1, which are secured to the respective frames of the vehicle, in combination with the tightening means, the strength and performance of the towing apparatus is not limited in any way by the strength of the respective bumpers.

Notwithstanding that the vehicle towing is actually accomplished with the flexible (securing) members 11-11, the spacing frame 4 is an important feature of the towing apparatus of this invention. In this regard, it should be noted that when the towing apparatus is properly installed, the spacing frame 4 is held tightly in place between the respective bumpers of the vehicle. This, in turn, results in an immediate response to braking of the towing vehicle and maintains a predetermined distance between the two vehicles. Moreover, when the towing vehicle is turned, relative to the vehicle under tow, separation of the two vehicles is again maintained by the spacing frame. In this case, however, the separation between the vehicles will vary depending upon the extent of rotation of the vehicles relative to each other with the separation being greater on one side than on the other depending upon the direction of rotation. For example, if the towing vehicle were to turn to the right relative to the towed vehicle, the separation between the vehicles would be a maximum at the extreme left and the same would decrease gradually to a minimum at the extreme right. Conversely, if the towed vehicle were rotated to the left, the maximum separation between the vehicles would occur at the extreme right and the minimum separation at the extreme left. In either case, however, the periphery of the cable 23 will remain constant, thereby maintaining tension on the flexible (securing) members lll1 at all times. At this point, it should also be noted that rotation of the towing vehicle through an angle greater than 90 is possible when the spacing members 9 and 10 are of sufficient length to separate the two vehicles by a distance slightly greater than about onehalf the width of the towing vehicle. It is, then, preferred, but not essential, that the spacing members 9 and 10 be equal in length and of a sufficient length to permit the separation between the vehicles required for such rotation so as to prevent or at least minimize damage to both vehicles in the event of jackknifing.

The improved features of the vehicle towing apparatus of this invention can, of course, be adapted for use with a towing vehicle having a conventional trailer type hitch attached to the rear bumper thereof and such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5. Referring then to FIG. 5, there is shown a plan view of a towing apparatus within the scope of this invention as the same would be installed between two vehicles when used. As can be seen in the Figure, the bumper 6' of the towing vehicle carries a conventional hitch 30. The towing apparatus, then, comprises: a spacing frame 4; flexible (securing) members 11'll; and means 36 for tightening the flexible (securing) members 11'1 l The flexible (securing) members ll'-ll' can be and, generally, will be identical to members 11ll illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. As can be seen in the Figure, the securing members ll'-l1' will be attached to either the frame 2' of the towing vehicle or the frame 3' of the towed vehicle when the same is used.

Similarly, any of the means for tightening the flexible (securing) members 11-11, which have heretofore been described, may be used in this embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment illustrated, however, a cable 23' in combination with a plurality of sheaves 212l' and a tensioning device 24' has been used for this purpose. Again, it will be appreciated that 2 or more sheaves could be used in a tightening means of the type illustrated. Also, crossing, flexible (securing) members comprising only a tensioning device could be employed in this embodiment of the invention.

As will be readily apparent from the foregoing, the towing apparatus of this embodiment differs from that illustrated in FIGS. 14 only in the structure of the spacing frame 4. As can be seen in the Figure, then, the spacing frame 4 comprises only one cross bar assembly 7' fashioned in a manner identical to that previously described and illustrated as assembly 7. The spacing frame 4 also comprises a pair of

spacing members

32 and 33. As can be seen in the Figure, these members each have one end thereof pivotally attached to the respective opposite ends of the cross bar member 7' with the remaining ends thereof fixedly attached to ball coupler 31. As can also be seen in the Figure, the

spacing members

32 and 33 are positioned in a V-pattern so as to permit relatively free turning or angular movement between the two vehicles when the same is in use.

The towing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5 will, of course, be installed and used in substantially the same manner as the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Specifically, then, this apparatus can be installed by first securing flexible members 1l-ll' to the

respective frames

2 and 3, thereafter engaging the ball coupler 31 withhitch 30 and then tightening the flexible members l11l' such that the spacing frame 4' is held tightly in place with cross bar assembly 7' resting against the bumper of the vehicle to be towed. In use, the towing apparatus, as modified for use with a conventional hitch, will offer all or at least substantially all of the advantages heretofore noted for the towing apparatus of this invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flexible securing members will be crossed and each of the flexible, securing members will comprise a separate tensioning device. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Referring, then, to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a plan view and a side elevation of a preferred towing apparatus, illustrating the same as it would be installed between two vehicles when in use. As can be seen in the Figures, the towing apparatus comprises a spacing frame 104, which frame is substantially similar to or identical with the spacing frame 4 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive. The spacing frame, in turn comprises spacing

members

109 and 110 extending between and having respective opposite ends. thereof pivotally mounted on first and second cross bar assemblies and 107, respectively, which cross bar assemblies are substantially similar to or identical with the cross bar assemblies 5 and 7 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive.

The towing apparatus also comprises flexible members 1ll-1ll for maintaining the respective vehicles in engagement with the spacing frame 104 when the same is in use. It will, of course, be appreciated that any suitable flexible or securing member, such as those previously indicated, could be used in this embodiment. Chains are, however, most preferred, and this type means has been illustrated in all of the Figures. In a preferred embodiment, each of the chains will carry a means for attaching the same to the frame of a vehicle on the free ends thereof, such as hooks 125-125. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the flexible members 111-111 are positioned in vertically spaced relation and form a crossing or X-pattern similar to the pattern of the

spacing members

109 and 110 and a tensioning device such as loadbinders 124124 is operatively connected to the chains 11 l-11l for effecting tension thereon.

As will be readily apparent, the towing apparatus of the preferred embodiment differs from that described and illustrated in FIGS. 14 only in the particular arrangement of the flexible (securing) members and in the manner in which these members are tightened when the apparatus is used. For this reason, then, no attempt has been made to discuss or to again describe those components of the towing apparatus which are or at least could be identical to those previously described. Corresponding reference numerals of 100 plus the reference numeral used in FIGS. 1-4, have, however, been used in FIGS. 6 and 7 to facilitate reference back to FIGS. 1-4 and the description thereof such that clarification of any component may be readily obtained.

It will, of course, be appreciated that still other means could be substituted for the cable tightening means illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and in a most preferred embodiment, four flexible members will be provided and each will have a separate means for tightening the same when the towing apparatus is used. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Referring, then, to the FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a plan view and a side partial elevation of a towing apparatus having four flexible members. Again, to avoid repetition, reference numerals corresponding to those used in FIGS. l-4 have been used on corresponding components. Specifically, reference numerals of 220 plus the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-4 have been used in FIGS. 8 and 9 so as to facilitate reference back to the more detailed description of these components.

As can be seen in these Figures, the towing apparatus 201 comprises a spacing frame 204 having

spacing members

209 and 210 extending between and pivotally connected to first and second cross bar assemblies 205 and 207, respectively, and which are substantially similar to the respective components illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive. As can also be seen in the Figures, a pair of flexible members 21l211 are mounted on respective opposite ends of the first cross bar assembly 205 and a second pair of flexible members 211'-211' are mounted on respective opposite ends of the second cross bar assembly 207. The flexible members 211-211 and 2ll'-2l1 each have a suitable frame connection member, such as a hook 225, secured to the free end thereof and adapted to be connected to the frame of the respective vehicles, when the apparatus is used.

The towing apparatus also comprises suitable tensioning devices 224224 and 224'224'. In general, any of the suitable tensioning devices heretofore described could be used in this embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated, however, the tensioning device is, simply, a threaded member fashioned so as to facilitate engagement with the corresponding flexible (securing) member. Tightening of the flexible member is, then, accomplished by tightening the nut 60 carried on the threaded portion of each of the tensioning devices. As can be seen in the Figures, the tensioning devices 224224 and 224224' are suitably mounted on the respective cross bar assemblies with brackets 5050, which brackets may be positioned at essentially any point along elongated member 212. The brackets should, however, be suitably aligned with depending portions 219 and 220, respectively.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the preferred towing apparatus of this invention will be installed and used in substantially the same manner as the towing apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 14; i.e., the flexible members may be first attached to the frames of the respective vehicles, the spacing frame then lifted into position i and the flexible members tightened so as to secure the spacing frame in place. It will also be appreciated that all of the advantages heretofore noted will be realized with the preferred towing apparatus. In addition, the preferred towing apparatus will continue to function even if one of the flexible members should fail. This is, of course, a significant advantage from a safety standpoint. Moreover, both of the preferred embodiments are somewhat simpler in structure and the same are, generally, much easier to install.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated by reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be readily apparent that the same lends itself to various modifications. Accordingly, reference should be made solely to the appended claims to determine the scope of the invention.

Having thus described and illustrated the present invention, what is claimed is:

l. A vehicle towing apparatus comprising:

a. a spacing frame including a first and second crossbar assembly disposed on opposite ends of said spacing frame, each of said first and second bar assemblies being fashioned so as to facilitate engagement thereof with the bumpers of the towing and towed vehicles when the towing apparatus is in use; and a pair of spacer members extending between said first and second crossbar assemblies, each of said spacing members having respective opposite ends thereof pivotally connected to the respective first and second crossbar assemblies;

b. flexible, securing members functionally supported by said spacing frames; and

c. meansfor tightening said flexible securing members, said means for tightening said flexible securing members being functionally attached to said flexible securing members.

2. The vehicle towing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spacer members are positioned in a vertically spaced relation and the same form a crossing, X- pattern when viewed from the top.

3. The vehicle towing apparatus of claim 2 wherein said flexible securing members are a pair of elongated flexible members positioned in a vertically spaced relation so as to form a crossing, X-pattern when viewed from the top, each of said pair of elongated flexible members comprising a separate means for tightening the same.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein each of said means for tightening the elongated flexible members is a threaded, bolt like member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means for tightening the elongated flexible members is a loadbinder.

6. The vehicle towing apparatus of claim 1 wherein four separate flexible, securing members are used, said said sheaves being functionally secured to at least a portion of the flexible securing members such that there is one sheave on at least two of the flexible securing members disposed on the same side of said towing apparatus, a cable being positioned such that at least a portion of the peripherythereof is defined by said sheaves; and means for tightening said cable functionally attached to the free ends of said cable.

Claims

1. A vehicle towing apparatus comprising: a. a spacing frame including a first and second crossbar assembly disposed on opposite ends of said spacing frame, each of said first and second bar assemblies being fashioned so as to facilitate engagement thereof with the bumpers of the towing and towed vehicles when the towing apparatus is in use; and a pair of spacer members extending between said first and second crossbar assemblies, each of said spacing members having respective opposite ends thereof pivotally connected to the respective first and second crossbar asseMblies; b. flexible, securing members functionally supported by said spacing frames; and c. means for tightening said flexible securing members, said means for tightening said flexible securing members being functionally attached to said flexible securing members.

2. The vehicle towing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spacer members are positioned in a vertically spaced relation and the same form a crossing, X-pattern when viewed from the top.

6. The vehicle towing apparatus of claim 1 wherein four separate flexible, securing members are used, said separate flexible securing members being disposed on opposite sides of the center of each of the cross bar assemblies, and each of said separate flexible, securing means comprising a separate means for tightening the same.

7. A vehicle towing apparatus comprising: a. a spacing frame; b. flexible securing members functionally supported by said spacing frame; and c. means for tightening said flexible securing members, said means including a plurality of sheaves, said sheaves being functionally secured to at least a portion of the flexible securing members such that there is one sheave on at least two of the flexible securing members disposed on the same side of said towing apparatus, a cable being positioned such that at least a portion of the periphery thereof is defined by said sheaves; and means for tightening said cable functionally attached to the free ends of said cable.