WO1997041003A1 - Wheel lift with u-shaped wheel retainer - Google Patents
Wheel lift with u-shaped wheel retainer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997041003A1 WO1997041003A1 PCT/US1997/007406 US9707406W WO9741003A1 WO 1997041003 A1 WO1997041003 A1 WO 1997041003A1 US 9707406 W US9707406 W US 9707406W WO 9741003 A1 WO9741003 A1 WO 9741003A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- wheel
- support beam
- vehicle
- opposing ends
- retainers
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/12—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles
- B60P3/125—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles by supporting only part of the vehicle, e.g. front- or rear-axle
Definitions
- This invention is directed to an apparatus for lifting and towing vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved lifting and towing apparatus of the "wheel-lift" variety whereby a vehicle to be towed is supported solely or substantially by its wheels.
- Vulcan wheel-lift patents disclose the use of unique wheel support members that are permitted to move both horizontally and vertically relative to a support beam through the use of receivers which are pivotally connected to the ends of the support beam. This horizontal and vertical movement capability greatly facilitates the ability of an operator to engage the disabled vehicle wheels to the wheel-lift device even when the wheels are adjacent a curb or other obstruction, or the wheels are facing in different directions.
- the present invention involves an alternative wheel-lift embodiment to that disclosed in the Vulcan wheel-lift patents which preserves the advantages disclosed in those patents, while also providing further benefits and attendant advantages. Summary Of The Invention
- the present invention preserves the advantages of wheel- lift towing devices over sling towing devices. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available wheel-lift devices, and overcomes many of the disadvantages of such currently available devices.
- the invention is generally directed to a vehicle towing apparatus that employs a wheel-lift vehicle support system including unique structural features to facilitate the use of such towing apparatus.
- the wheel-lift system is associated with a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral direction transverse to the length of the vehicle.
- the wheel-lift system includes a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers; each wheel retainer has generally parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs that define a wheel retainer plane.
- the mounting legs are each adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam.
- a pair of receptacles are each located at one of the opposing ends of the support beam, and face in a laterally outward direction. Each of the receptacles are operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of the wheel retainers.
- the receptacles permit at least a portion of the mounting leg of each wheel retainer to be inserted within each receptacle when the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam.
- the wheel retainers can be rotated independently of each other.
- the receptacles are replaced with pair of receivers generally located at one of the opposing ends of the support beam and operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of the wheel retainers.
- Each of the receivers is configured to engage the mounting leg of the wheel retainer from the sides of the support beam and when, as viewed from the rear of the support beam, the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam.
- the mounting legs can also each include a spring-loaded pin, or have other locking mechanisms such as chains associated with them, for use in ensuring a secure engagement of the wheel retainers to the receptacles.
- the support beam is positionable below the vehicle to be towed.
- the receptacles can either be located directly on the ends of the support beam, or they can be spaced from the ends of the support beam.
- the receptacles can be pivotally attached to the ends of the support beam, permitting the wheel retainers to generally horizontally rotate from a laterally remote position spaced outwardly from the sides of the vehicle to a vehicle lifting position immediately adjacent to the outer sides of a pair of wheels on the vehicle.
- each mounting leg of the wheel retainers is selectively and independently attachable to and removable from its corresponding receptacle.
- each wheel retainer includes a removeable wheel engaging plate that depends from the wheel engaging leg and cooperates with a wheel of the vehicle to be towed.
- the wheel engaging plate is selectively engageable and removable from the elongated arm prior to lifting and towing of the vehicle.
- Each wheel retainer can also include an elongated arm connecting the mounting and wheel engaging legs; the elongated arm can have an offset portion to provide clearance around the outer sides of a wheel on the vehicle to be towed.
- a method for lifting and towing a vehicle by its wheels also forms part of the present invention.
- the method includes the step of positioning a support beam having two opposing ends at the rear of a towing vehicle, and then locating a pair of generally U- shaped wheel retainers at the opposing ends of the support beam; the wheel retainers each have generally parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, and the mounting legs are each adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam.
- a pair of receptacles are each positioned at one of the opposing ends of the support beam and each receptacle faces in a laterally outward direction.
- each mounting leg is inserted within each of the receptacles, securely mounting the wheel retainers to opposing ends of the support beam at a time when the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam.
- the method can also includes the steps of pivoting the receptacles in a horizontal plane to facilitate engagement of the wheel retainers, or of rotating the wheel retainers independently of each other.
- FIGURE 1 is a side view showing the present invention, mounted on a towing vehicle, towing a disabled automobile;
- FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention showing the boom forwardly retracted for traveling while towing a vehicle;
- FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the generally U-shaped wheel retainer of the present invention positioned within a receptacle located at one end of the support beam;
- FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 showing another embodiment in which the generally U-shaped wheel retainer has a telescoping arm;
- FIGURE 5A is a schematic view of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 3, illustrating various positions of the wheel retainer during its mounting within a receptacle;
- FIGURE 5B is a partial end view showing one interim position of a mounting leg during its engagement with a receptacle
- FIGURE 6 is a perspective view showing disassembled (left side) and assembled (right side) portions of an alternative embodiment mounted to the .support beam of a tow truck;
- FIGURE 7 is a partial, enlarged perspective view of an embodiment permitting horizontal and vertical movement of the generally U-shaped wheel retainer during engagement to the pivoting support containing the receptacle;
- FIGURE 8 is a partial, enlarged perspective view of the removeable wheel engaging plate that also forms part of the present invention, illustrating its attachment to a mounting leg;
- FIGURE 9 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 8. Description Of The Preferred Embodiments
- FIGURE 1 shows a truck 20 towing a vehicle 22 by supporting the wheels 28 of the towed vehicle 22.
- Towing apparatus 26 may alternatively support the rear wheels of the vehicle 22.
- forward means in a direction toward the cab of the towing vehicle, and “rear” or “rearward” means in an opposite direction, toward the disabled vehicle.
- FIGURE 2 shows telescoping boom 60, which is mounted on a truck chassis (not shown) connected to transverse support beam 100.
- Telescoping boom 60 can be connecting to the tow truck in a variety of ways known to those of skill in the art.
- One preferred manner of connection is through the use of a telescoping and pivoting column, as described in the Vulcan wheel-lift patents.
- wheel support structure 90 is positioned and supported by boom 60.
- Boom 60 has a hollow outer boom member 62 slidably enclosing an inner boom member 64. Movement of inner boom member 64 thus increases or decreases the length of boom 60.
- Wheel support structure 90 shown in FIGURE 2, includes transverse support beam 100. Each opposing end of support beam 100 has receptacles 40 which engage generally U-shaped wheel retainers 150.
- Each wheel retainer 150 includes a mounting leg 151 and a wheel engaging leg 159 joined by an intermediate leg 156. Mounting leg 151 and wheel engaging leg 159 are generally parallel, and together lie within a "wheel retainer plane" .
- Intermediate leg 156 can be bowed or offset as taught in the Vulcan wheel-lift patents to provide clearance around the outer sides of the disabled wheels during engagement of the wheel lift device.
- wheel engaging leg 159 is preferably attached to a curved wheel engaging plate or "scoop" 154 to accommodate and more firmly engage the wheels of the disabled vehicle.
- the wheel engaging structure may simply consist of a straight bar or other structure for engaging and supporting the wheel of the disabled vehicle.
- Wheel retainer 150 can consist either of one integral piece, or it can be telescoping as shown in FIGURE 4: legs 150B can be moved relative to leg 150A using pin 153 which communicates with selected apertures 155.
- wheel support structure 90 includes support beam 100 which can be rotated in both horizontal and vertical planes, as more particularly described in commonly assigned U.S. Serial No. 08/535,528, filed September 28, 1995 and titled “Tow Truck With Double Pivot Crossbar, " the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure.
- Support beam 100 may be locked in a desired position with respect to boom 60 by any of a variety of means known in the art and not shown here.
- Support beam 100 is extended or retracted with the telescoping of boom 60.
- a pair of movable supports or “shoes” 106 are slidably mounted for attachment on each end of support beam 100.
- Each shoe 106 may be manually moved and locked by means not shown at intervals along support beam 100. By positioning shoes 106 at different distances along support beam 100, the effective length of beam 100 can be adjusted to suit towed vehicles of different track widths.
- each end of beam 100 is partially recessed at its upper portion, forming a receptacle 40 that faces in a laterally outward direction.
- Each receptacle 40 engages an end of mounting leg 151.
- the configurations of receptacle 40 and the mating end of mounting leg 151 are such that mounting leg 151 can be inserted within receptacle 40 when mounting leg 151 is inclined at various angles relative to support beam 100; the insertion sequence is depicted in FIGURE 5A.
- each wheel retainer 150 can be oriented in a plane that forms an angle with support beam 100, so that substantial vertical movement of the wheel engaging leg 159 is possible during the engagement of mounting leg 151 of wheel retainer 150 within receptacle 40.
- Receptacle 40 includes a hollow portion that is of a sufficient length to permit the secure engagement of wheel retainer 150.
- the ends of support beam can include apertures 45
- mounting leg 151 can include a spring-loaded pin 43 for engaging an aperture 45 to lock mounting leg 151 within receptacle 40.
- chains or other mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art can also be used to ensure that mounting leg 151 is securely engaged within receptacle 40.
- Receiver extensions 75 include a side portion 76 facing laterally outward that terminates in a receptacle 40 similar to that previously described; receiver extensions permit engagement with mounting leg 151 of the generally U-shaped wheel retainer in the manner described above.
- pivot pin 183 can be provided at the juncture of mounting leg 151 and intermediate leg 156 to permit intermediate leg 156 to pivot in a horizontal plane with respect to mounting leg 151.
- support beam 100 can also pivot in a horizontal plane through its attachment to boom 60 by plate 180 and pivot pin 190.
- FIGURE 7 another embodiment is shown in which mounting leg 151 of wheel retainer 150 is permitted to move both vertically and horizontally relative to support beam 100.
- a wheel retainer support 80 terminating in a receptacle 40 (similar to that described above) is pivotally attached at pivot pin 58 to the end of support beam 100.
- pivot pin 58 permits wheel retainer 150 to swing in a horizontal plane
- receptacle 40 permits engagement with mounting leg 151 when mounting leg 151 is inclined at any angle relative to support beam 100.
- wheel retainer support 80 can be positioned to the rear of support beam 100 instead of forward of beam 100.
- Removeable wheel engaging plate 170 includes a curved plate or scoop 154 and a downwardly depending arm 173 with an end 173A. End 173a of arm 173 can be dropped into cooperating engagement with a correspondingly sized aperture 200 on the end of wheel engaging leg 159 of wheel retainer 150, as shown in FIGURE 8.
- the resulting wheel retainer has a configuration similar to that shown in FIGURES 3 and 4.
- Removeable wheel engaging plate 170 is designed to be selectively engageable to, and removable from, wheel engaging end 159 of wheel support 150. Engagement or removal of wheel engaging plate 170 only can occur, of course, at a time when disabled vehicle 22 is not engaged to wheel support structure 90. It will be appreciated that the removeable wheel engaging plate of the present invention can be used with wheel supports of various sizes and shapes, such as the wheel support members disclosed in the Vulcan wheel-lift patents.
Abstract
A wheel-lift towing device for supporting a disabled vehicle (29) by its wheels (28), including a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers (150). A support beam (100) with two opposing ends extends in a lateral direction transverse to the length of the disabled vehicle (29). Each wheel retainer (150) includes generally parallel mounting (151) and wheel engaging legs (159) which together define a wheel retainer plane. The wheel retainer (150) is mounted to receptacles (40) positioned at opposing end portions of the support beam (100) when the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam (100).
Description
WHEEL LIFT WITH U-SHAPED WHEEL RETAINER
Background of the Invention
This invention is directed to an apparatus for lifting and towing vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved lifting and towing apparatus of the "wheel-lift" variety whereby a vehicle to be towed is supported solely or substantially by its wheels.
In recent years, the design problems confronting those in the towing apparatus industry have become increasingly complex. It is essential not only to design a safe, reliable and cost- effective product, but also to accommodate the increasingly difficult constraints imposed by changes in the design of many modern automobiles. For example, current automotive design emphasizes shock-absorbing bumpers, and a variety of non-metallic or otherwise fragile parts to reduce cost and weight and save fuel. Also, present automobiles employ spoilers, low ground clearance and small clearances between wheel wells and tires. These features also save weight and reduce drag. However, these same features also present serious difficulties when a modern automobile is disabled and must be towed. Shock-absorbing bumpers, non-metallic parts and spoilers cannot withstand the forces imposed when raising one end of an automobile by a sling attached between the automobile's axle and the boom of a tow truck. Second, the minimal ground clearance available makes engagement of the sling on the
axle more difficult and time-consuming. Additional problems with conventional sling-type towing devices are created by modern, low- clearance parking garages which impede the use of such devices which depend from an overhead boom.
A major improvement in the use of "wheel-lift" type towing devices is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Nos. 4,637,623 and 4,798,509 (the Vulcan wheel-lift patents) , each of the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this disclosure. The Vulcan wheel-lift patents disclose the use of unique wheel support members that are permitted to move both horizontally and vertically relative to a support beam through the use of receivers which are pivotally connected to the ends of the support beam. This horizontal and vertical movement capability greatly facilitates the ability of an operator to engage the disabled vehicle wheels to the wheel-lift device even when the wheels are adjacent a curb or other obstruction, or the wheels are facing in different directions.
The present invention involves an alternative wheel-lift embodiment to that disclosed in the Vulcan wheel-lift patents which preserves the advantages disclosed in those patents, while also providing further benefits and attendant advantages. Summary Of The Invention
The present invention preserves the advantages of wheel- lift towing devices over sling towing devices. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available wheel-lift
devices, and overcomes many of the disadvantages of such currently available devices.
The invention is generally directed to a vehicle towing apparatus that employs a wheel-lift vehicle support system including unique structural features to facilitate the use of such towing apparatus. The wheel-lift system is associated with a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral direction transverse to the length of the vehicle. The wheel-lift system includes a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers; each wheel retainer has generally parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs that define a wheel retainer plane. The mounting legs are each adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam. A pair of receptacles are each located at one of the opposing ends of the support beam, and face in a laterally outward direction. Each of the receptacles are operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of the wheel retainers. The receptacles permit at least a portion of the mounting leg of each wheel retainer to be inserted within each receptacle when the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam. Preferably, the wheel retainers can be rotated independently of each other.
In an alternative embodiment, the receptacles are replaced with pair of receivers generally located at one of the opposing ends of the support beam and operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of the wheel retainers. Each of the receivers
is configured to engage the mounting leg of the wheel retainer from the sides of the support beam and when, as viewed from the rear of the support beam, the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam.
Optionally, the mounting legs can also each include a spring-loaded pin, or have other locking mechanisms such as chains associated with them, for use in ensuring a secure engagement of the wheel retainers to the receptacles.
In the preferred embodiment, the support beam is positionable below the vehicle to be towed. In alternative embodiments, the receptacles can either be located directly on the ends of the support beam, or they can be spaced from the ends of the support beam. Also, the receptacles can be pivotally attached to the ends of the support beam, permitting the wheel retainers to generally horizontally rotate from a laterally remote position spaced outwardly from the sides of the vehicle to a vehicle lifting position immediately adjacent to the outer sides of a pair of wheels on the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, each mounting leg of the wheel retainers is selectively and independently attachable to and removable from its corresponding receptacle.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wheel engaging leg of each wheel retainer includes a removeable wheel engaging plate that depends from the wheel engaging leg and cooperates with a wheel of the vehicle to be towed. The wheel engaging plate is selectively engageable and removable from the elongated arm prior
to lifting and towing of the vehicle. Each wheel retainer can also include an elongated arm connecting the mounting and wheel engaging legs; the elongated arm can have an offset portion to provide clearance around the outer sides of a wheel on the vehicle to be towed.
A method for lifting and towing a vehicle by its wheels also forms part of the present invention. The method includes the step of positioning a support beam having two opposing ends at the rear of a towing vehicle, and then locating a pair of generally U- shaped wheel retainers at the opposing ends of the support beam; the wheel retainers each have generally parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, and the mounting legs are each adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam. Next, a pair of receptacles are each positioned at one of the opposing ends of the support beam and each receptacle faces in a laterally outward direction. At least a portion of each mounting leg is inserted within each of the receptacles, securely mounting the wheel retainers to opposing ends of the support beam at a time when the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam. The method can also includes the steps of pivoting the receptacles in a horizontal plane to facilitate engagement of the wheel retainers, or of rotating the wheel retainers independently of each other.
Brief Description Of The Drawings
The novel features which are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention & itself, however, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a side view showing the present invention, mounted on a towing vehicle, towing a disabled automobile;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention showing the boom forwardly retracted for traveling while towing a vehicle;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the generally U-shaped wheel retainer of the present invention positioned within a receptacle located at one end of the support beam;
FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 showing another embodiment in which the generally U-shaped wheel retainer has a telescoping arm;
FIGURE 5A is a schematic view of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 3, illustrating various positions of the wheel retainer during its mounting within a receptacle;
FIGURE 5B is a partial end view showing one interim position of a mounting leg during its engagement with a receptacle;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view showing disassembled (left side) and assembled (right side) portions of an alternative embodiment mounted to the .support beam of a tow truck;
FIGURE 7 is a partial, enlarged perspective view of an embodiment permitting horizontal and vertical movement of the generally U-shaped wheel retainer during engagement to the pivoting support containing the receptacle;
FIGURE 8 is a partial, enlarged perspective view of the removeable wheel engaging plate that also forms part of the present invention, illustrating its attachment to a mounting leg; and
FIGURE 9 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 8. Description Of The Preferred Embodiments
The present invention may be mounted on any suitable vehicle. FIGURE 1 shows a truck 20 towing a vehicle 22 by supporting the wheels 28 of the towed vehicle 22. Towing apparatus 26 may alternatively support the rear wheels of the vehicle 22. (As used here, "forward" means in a direction toward the cab of the towing vehicle, and "rear" or "rearward" means in an opposite direction, toward the disabled vehicle.)
FIGURE 2 shows telescoping boom 60, which is mounted on a truck chassis (not shown) connected to transverse support beam 100. Telescoping boom 60 can be connecting to the tow truck in a variety of ways known to those of skill in the art. One preferred manner
of connection is through the use of a telescoping and pivoting column, as described in the Vulcan wheel-lift patents.
Still referring to-FIGURE 2, wheel support structure 90, more particularly described below, is positioned and supported by boom 60. Boom 60 has a hollow outer boom member 62 slidably enclosing an inner boom member 64. Movement of inner boom member 64 thus increases or decreases the length of boom 60.
Wheel support structure 90, shown in FIGURE 2, includes transverse support beam 100. Each opposing end of support beam 100 has receptacles 40 which engage generally U-shaped wheel retainers 150. Each wheel retainer 150 includes a mounting leg 151 and a wheel engaging leg 159 joined by an intermediate leg 156. Mounting leg 151 and wheel engaging leg 159 are generally parallel, and together lie within a "wheel retainer plane" . Intermediate leg 156 can be bowed or offset as taught in the Vulcan wheel-lift patents to provide clearance around the outer sides of the disabled wheels during engagement of the wheel lift device.
Referring now to FIGURES 3-4, wheel engaging leg 159 is preferably attached to a curved wheel engaging plate or "scoop" 154 to accommodate and more firmly engage the wheels of the disabled vehicle. Alternatively, the wheel engaging structure may simply consist of a straight bar or other structure for engaging and supporting the wheel of the disabled vehicle.
Wheel retainer 150 can consist either of one integral piece, or it can be telescoping as shown in FIGURE 4: legs 150B can
be moved relative to leg 150A using pin 153 which communicates with selected apertures 155.
In the preferred -embodiment shown in FIGURE 2, wheel support structure 90 includes support beam 100 which can be rotated in both horizontal and vertical planes, as more particularly described in commonly assigned U.S. Serial No. 08/535,528, filed September 28, 1995 and titled "Tow Truck With Double Pivot Crossbar, " the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure. Support beam 100 may be locked in a desired position with respect to boom 60 by any of a variety of means known in the art and not shown here. Support beam 100 is extended or retracted with the telescoping of boom 60.
Still referring to FIGURE 2, a pair of movable supports or "shoes" 106 are slidably mounted for attachment on each end of support beam 100. Each shoe 106 may be manually moved and locked by means not shown at intervals along support beam 100. By positioning shoes 106 at different distances along support beam 100, the effective length of beam 100 can be adjusted to suit towed vehicles of different track widths. Each wheel engaging leg 159 and portions of the support beam, such as the shoe, together form a "wheel retainer assembly" for securely supporting and engaging a wheel of the vehicle to be towed.
Referring now to FIGURE 2-5, each end of beam 100 is partially recessed at its upper portion, forming a receptacle 40 that faces in a laterally outward direction. Each receptacle 40
engages an end of mounting leg 151. The configurations of receptacle 40 and the mating end of mounting leg 151 are such that mounting leg 151 can be inserted within receptacle 40 when mounting leg 151 is inclined at various angles relative to support beam 100; the insertion sequence is depicted in FIGURE 5A. In other words, during engagement and when viewed from the rear, each wheel retainer 150 can be oriented in a plane that forms an angle with support beam 100, so that substantial vertical movement of the wheel engaging leg 159 is possible during the engagement of mounting leg 151 of wheel retainer 150 within receptacle 40.
Receptacle 40 includes a hollow portion that is of a sufficient length to permit the secure engagement of wheel retainer 150. Referring to Figure 5B, as an optional feature the ends of support beam can include apertures 45, while mounting leg 151 can include a spring-loaded pin 43 for engaging an aperture 45 to lock mounting leg 151 within receptacle 40. While not shown, chains or other mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art can also be used to ensure that mounting leg 151 is securely engaged within receptacle 40.
Referring now to FIGURE 6, an alternative embodiment is shown in which forwardly extending beam supports 78 are slidably attached to 90° receiver extensions 75. Receiver extensions 75 include a side portion 76 facing laterally outward that terminates in a receptacle 40 similar to that previously described; receiver extensions permit engagement with mounting leg 151 of the generally
U-shaped wheel retainer in the manner described above. If desired, pivot pin 183 can be provided at the juncture of mounting leg 151 and intermediate leg 156 to permit intermediate leg 156 to pivot in a horizontal plane with respect to mounting leg 151. Of course, support beam 100 can also pivot in a horizontal plane through its attachment to boom 60 by plate 180 and pivot pin 190.
Referring now to FIGURE 7, another embodiment is shown in which mounting leg 151 of wheel retainer 150 is permitted to move both vertically and horizontally relative to support beam 100. In this embodiment, a wheel retainer support 80 terminating in a receptacle 40 (similar to that described above) is pivotally attached at pivot pin 58 to the end of support beam 100. Thus, pivot pin 58 permits wheel retainer 150 to swing in a horizontal plane, while receptacle 40 permits engagement with mounting leg 151 when mounting leg 151 is inclined at any angle relative to support beam 100. In an alternative arrangement, wheel retainer support 80 can be positioned to the rear of support beam 100 instead of forward of beam 100.
Turning now to FIGURES 8 and 9, a removeable wheel engaging plate, generally designated as 170, is shown. Removeable wheel engaging plate 170 includes a curved plate or scoop 154 and a downwardly depending arm 173 with an end 173A. End 173a of arm 173 can be dropped into cooperating engagement with a correspondingly sized aperture 200 on the end of wheel engaging leg 159 of wheel retainer 150, as shown in FIGURE 8. The resulting wheel retainer
has a configuration similar to that shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. Removeable wheel engaging plate 170 is designed to be selectively engageable to, and removable from, wheel engaging end 159 of wheel support 150. Engagement or removal of wheel engaging plate 170 only can occur, of course, at a time when disabled vehicle 22 is not engaged to wheel support structure 90. It will be appreciated that the removeable wheel engaging plate of the present invention can be used with wheel supports of various sizes and shapes, such as the wheel support members disclosed in the Vulcan wheel-lift patents.
It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or central characteristics. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given here.
Claims
1. A wheel-lift device for towing a vehicle, comprising: a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral direction transverse to the length of the vehicle; a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers each having generally parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, the mounting legs each being adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam; and a pair of receptacles each being generally located at one of the opposing ends of the support beam and facing in a laterally outward direction, each of the receptacles being operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of the wheel retainers, the receptacles being configured to permit at least a portion of the mounting leg of each wheel retainer to be inserted within each receptacle when the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam.
2. The wheel-lift device of Claim 1, wherein each of the receptacles is located at a position spaced from the opposing end of the support beam.
3. The wheel-lift device of Claim 1, wherein the receptacles are pivotally attached to the ends of the support beam, permitting the wheel retainers to generally horizontally rotate from a laterally remote position spaced outwardly from the sides of the vehicle to a vehicle lifting position immediately adjacent to the outer sides of a pair of wheels on the vehicle.
4. The wheel-lift device of Claim 1, wherein each mounting leg of the wheel retainers is selectively and independently attachable to and removable from its corresponding receptacle.
5. The wheel-lift device of Claim 1, wherein the wheel engaging leg of each wheel retainer includes a removeable wheel engaging plate depends from the wheel engaging leg and cooperates with a wheel of the vehicle to be towed.
6. The wheel-lift device of Claim 1, wherein each wheel retainer includes an elongated arm connecting the mounting and wheel engaging legs, the elongated arm having an offset portion to provide clearance around the outer sides of a wheel on the vehicle to be towed.
7. The wheel-lift device of Claim 1, wherein the mounting legs each include a spring-loaded pin for use in securing the wheel retainers to the receptacles.
8. The wheel-lift device of Claim 1, wherein the support beam is positionable below the vehicle to be towed.
9. The wheel-lift device of Claim 1, wherein the wheel retainers may be rotated independently of each other.
10. The wheel-lift device of Claim 1, wherein each wheel retainer includes an elongated arm connected to a wheel engaging plate configured to support a wheel of the vehicle to be towed, wherein the wheel engaging plate is selectively engageable and removable from the elongated arm prior to lifting and towing of the vehicle.
11. A wheel-lift device for towing a vehicle, comprising: a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral direction transverse to the length of the vehicle; a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers each having generally parallel mounting wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, the mounting legs each being adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam and the wheel engaging legs each cooperating with a portion of the support beam to form a wheel retainer assembly operable to engage a wheel of the vehicle to be towed; and a pair of receptacles each being generally located adjacent to and and forward of one of the opposing ends of the support beam, each of the receptacles being operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of the wheel retainers, and the receptacles being configured to permit at least a portion of the mounting leg of each of the wheel retainers to be inserted within each receptacle when the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam.
12. A wheel-lift device for towing a vehicle, comprising: a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral direction transverse to the length of the vehicle; a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers each having generally parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, the mounting legs each being adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam; and a pair of receivers each being generally located at one of the opposing ends of the support beam and operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of the wheel retainers, each of the receivers being configured to engage the mounting leg of the wheel retainer from the sides of the support beam when, as viewed from the rear of the support beam, the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam.
13. A wheel-lift device for towing a vehicle, comprising: a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral direction transverse to the length of the vehicle; and two wheel retainers generally positioned at opposing ends of the support beam, each wheel retainer including an elongated arm connected to a wheel engaging plate configured to support a wheel of the vehicle to be towed, wherein the wheel engaging plate is selectively engageable and removable from the elongated arm prior to lifting and towing of the vehicle.
14. The wheel-device of Claim 13, wherein the elongated arm has an offset portion to provide clearance around the outer sides of a wheel on the vehicle to be towed.
15. A method for lifting and towing a vehicle by its wheels, comprising the steps of:
(a) positioning a support beam having two opposing ends at the rear of a towing vehicle; (b) locating a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers at the opposing ends of the support beam, the wheel retainers each having generally parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, the mounting legs each being adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam;
(c) positioning each of a pair of receptacles at one of the opposing ends of the support beam and facing in a laterally outward direction; and
(d) inserting at least a portion of each mounting leg within each of the receptacles, whereby the wheel retainers are each securely mounted to opposing ends of the support beam when the wheel retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam.
16. The method of Claim 15, wherein the receptacles can each be pivoted in a horizontal plane to facilitate engagement of the wheel retainers.
17. The method of Claim 15, wherein the wheel retainers may be rotated independently of each other.
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 01 September 1997 (01.09.97); original claims 1,12 and 15 amended; new claims 18 and 19 added; remaining claims unchanged (9 pages)]
0.0.1. A wheel-lift device for towing a vehicle, comprising:
a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral
direction transverse to the length of the vehicle;
a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers each having generally
parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, the
mounting legs each being adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support
beam; and
a pair of receptacles each being generally located at one of the
opposing ends of the support beam and facing in a laterally outward direction, each of
the receptacles being operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of the wheel
retainers, the receptacles being configured to permit at least a portion of the mounting
leg of each wheel retainer to be inserted within each receptacle simultaneous with
inclination of the wheel retainer plane relative to a horizontal plane containing the
support beam.
0.0.2 The wheel-lift device of Claim 1 , wherein each of the receptacles is
located at a position spaced from the opposing end of the support beam.
0.0.3 The wheel-lift device of Claim 1 , wherein the receptacles are pivotally
attached to the ends of the support beam, permitting the wheel retainers to generally horizontally rotate from a laterally remote position spaced outwardly from the sides of
the vehicle to a vehicle lifting position immediately adjacent to the outer sides of a pair
of wheels on the vehicle.
removable from the elongated arm prior to lifting and towing of the vehicle.
0.0.11 A wheel-lift device for towing a vehicle, comprising:
a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral
direction transverse to the length of the vehicle;
a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers each having generally parallel
mounting wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, the mounting legs each
being adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam and the wheel
engaging legs each cooperating with a portion of the support beam to form a wheel
retainer assembly operable to engage a wheel of the vehicle to be towed; and
a pair of receptacles each being generally located adjacent to and and
forward of one of the opposing ends of the support beam, each of the receptacles
being operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of the wheel retainers, and
the receptacles being configured to permit at least a portion of the mounting leg of
each of the wheel retainers to be inserted within each receptacle when the wheel
retainer plane is inclined relative to a plane containing the support beam.
0.0.12. A wheel-lift device for towing a vehicle, comprising:
a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral
direction transverse to the length of the vehicle; a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers each having generally
parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, the
mounting legs each being adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support
beam; and
a pair of receivers each being generally located at one of the opposing
ends of the support beam and operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of
the wheel retainers, each of the receivers being configured to engage the mounting leg
of the wheel retainer from the sides of the support beam simultaneous with, as viewed
from the rear of the support beam, inclination of the wheel retainer plane relative to a
horizontal plane containing the support beam, wherein the engaged mounting leg of
the wheel retainer extends in a direction perpendicular to the length of the vehicle.
0.0.13 A wheel-lift device for towing a vehicle, comprising:
a support beam having two opposing ends and extending in a lateral
direction transverse to the length of the vehicle; and
two wheel retainers generally positioned at opposing ends of the support
beam, each wheel retainer including aπ elongated arm connected to a wheel engaging
plate configured to support a wheel of the vehicle to be towed, wherein the wheel
engaging plate is selectively engageable and removable from the elongated arm prior
to lifting and towing of the vehicle. 0.0.14 The wheel-device of Claim 13, wherein the elongated arm has an
offset
portion to provide clearance around the outer sides of a wheel on the vehicle to be
towed.
0.0.15. A method for lifting and towing a vehicle by its wheels by
positioning a towing device to engage a pair of wheels on the vehicle, comprising the
steps of:
(a) positioning a support beam having two opposing ends at the
rear of a towing vehicle;
(b) locating a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers at the
opposing ends of the support beam, the wheel retainers each having generally parallel
mounting and wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, the mounting legs
each being adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support beam;
(c) positioning each of a pair of receptacles at one of the opposing
ends of the support beam and facing in a laterally outward direction; and
(d) inserting at least a portion of each mounting leg within each of
the receptacles, whereby the wheel retainers are each securely mounted to opposing
ends of
the support beam simultaneous with the wheel retainer plane being inclined relative to
a horizontal plane containing the support beam, wherein the engaged mounting leg of the wheel retainer extends in a direction perpendicular to the length of the vehicle and
substantial vertical movement of the wheel engaging legs is permitted during
engagement of the wheel engaging legs to the pair of wheels on the vehicle.
0.0.16 The method of Claim 15, wherein the receptacles can each be
pivoted in a horizontal plane to facilitate engagement of the wheel retainers.
0.0.17 The method of Claim 15, wherein the wheel retainers may be rotated
independently of each other.
18. A wheel-lift device for towing a vehicle by engaging a pair of wheels on
the vehicle, comprising:
a support beam positionable below the vehicle to be towed, having
two opposing ends and extending in a lateral direction transverse to the length of the
vehicle;
a pair of generally U-shaped wheel retainers each having generally
parallel mounting and wheel engaging legs defining a wheel retainer plane, the
mounting legs each being adapted to engage one of the opposing ends of the support
beam;
wherein the wheel retainers each include an elongated arm
connecting the mounting and wheel engaging legs, the elongated arm having an offset
portion to provide clearance around the outer sides of a wheel on the vehicle to be
towed;
a pair of receivers each being generally located at one of the opposing
ends of the support beam and operatively associated with the mounting leg of one of
the wheel retainers, each of the receivers being configured to engage the mounting leg
of the wheel retainer from the sides of the support beam simultaneous with, as viewed
from the rear of the support beam, inclination of the wheel retainer plane [is inclined]
relative to a horizontal plane containing the support beam, wherein the engaged mounting leg of the wheel retainer extends in a direction perpendicular to the length of
the vehicle and substantial vertical movement of the wheel engaging legs is permitted
during engagement of the wheel engaging legs to the pair of wheels on the vehicle.
19. The wheel-lift device of Claim 18, wherein the support beam can be
rotated in both horizontal and vertical planes.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU27506/97A AU2750697A (en) | 1996-05-01 | 1997-04-29 | Wheel lift with u-shaped wheel retainer |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US64064696A | 1996-05-01 | 1996-05-01 | |
| US08/640,646 | 1996-05-01 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1997041003A1 true WO1997041003A1 (en) | 1997-11-06 |
Family
ID=24569120
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1997/007406 WO1997041003A1 (en) | 1996-05-01 | 1997-04-29 | Wheel lift with u-shaped wheel retainer |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2750697A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997041003A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101966832A (en) * | 2010-07-02 | 2011-02-09 | 湖南恒润高科有限公司 | Tire supporting device of wrecker |
Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4637623A (en) * | 1985-07-08 | 1987-01-20 | Vulcan Equipment Company, Ltd. | Towing apparatus |
| US4737066A (en) * | 1987-03-11 | 1988-04-12 | Allison Jr James C | Wheel lift for vehicle towing |
| US4741661A (en) * | 1986-09-22 | 1988-05-03 | Sherman & Reilly Inc. | Wheel lifting and towing apparatus |
| US4875822A (en) * | 1988-06-09 | 1989-10-24 | Chevron, Inc. | Quick-couple L-bar sleeve assembly for wheel lift |
| US4968052A (en) * | 1989-11-17 | 1990-11-06 | Alm Bernard D | Wheel lift apparatus |
| US4986720A (en) * | 1988-02-05 | 1991-01-22 | Century Wrecker Corporation | Quick connect/disconnect wheel cradle arrangement for wheel lift towing systems |
| US5352083A (en) * | 1992-01-14 | 1994-10-04 | Don Roberts | Towing and wrecker truck construction having an extensible wheel lift |
| US5391044A (en) * | 1993-04-22 | 1995-02-21 | Young; Robert N. | Lifting and towing apparatus |
| US5575606A (en) * | 1994-09-13 | 1996-11-19 | Jerr-Dan Corporation | Wheel lift towing attachment assembly |
-
1997
- 1997-04-29 AU AU27506/97A patent/AU2750697A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-04-29 WO PCT/US1997/007406 patent/WO1997041003A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4637623A (en) * | 1985-07-08 | 1987-01-20 | Vulcan Equipment Company, Ltd. | Towing apparatus |
| US4637623B1 (en) * | 1985-07-08 | 1996-03-12 | Vulcan Int Inc | Towing apparatus |
| US4741661A (en) * | 1986-09-22 | 1988-05-03 | Sherman & Reilly Inc. | Wheel lifting and towing apparatus |
| US4737066A (en) * | 1987-03-11 | 1988-04-12 | Allison Jr James C | Wheel lift for vehicle towing |
| US4986720A (en) * | 1988-02-05 | 1991-01-22 | Century Wrecker Corporation | Quick connect/disconnect wheel cradle arrangement for wheel lift towing systems |
| US4875822A (en) * | 1988-06-09 | 1989-10-24 | Chevron, Inc. | Quick-couple L-bar sleeve assembly for wheel lift |
| US4968052A (en) * | 1989-11-17 | 1990-11-06 | Alm Bernard D | Wheel lift apparatus |
| US5352083A (en) * | 1992-01-14 | 1994-10-04 | Don Roberts | Towing and wrecker truck construction having an extensible wheel lift |
| US5391044A (en) * | 1993-04-22 | 1995-02-21 | Young; Robert N. | Lifting and towing apparatus |
| US5575606A (en) * | 1994-09-13 | 1996-11-19 | Jerr-Dan Corporation | Wheel lift towing attachment assembly |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101966832A (en) * | 2010-07-02 | 2011-02-09 | 湖南恒润高科有限公司 | Tire supporting device of wrecker |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2750697A (en) | 1997-11-19 |
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