Patent Description:
Assemblies for towing vehicles require many, often competing functions. As in many designs, in order to maximize the functionality of one operation there is often a concomitant reduction in the functionality of another operation. For example, in order to extract vehicles from a less accessible location, such as a ditch, it is preferable to have a supple and/or flexible assembly to reach the ditched vehicle. Such assemblies are often woven fabric, multi-strand cable, or other substantially tensile structures. However, after extraction, when towing the vehicle on a road, it is preferable to have a rigid assembly to more securely affix the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. Such assemblies are often of rigid, and preferably triangular, shape. However, such rigid assemblies, although safer for towing on the road, are of far less use in the extraction process. There is therefore a great need in the art for a towing assembly that can both reach difficult locations and still safely tow the extracted vehicle. Known documents of the prior art for example <CIT>, <CIT> or <CIT>.

The invention concerns a towing assembly as set out in claim <NUM> and the dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

Additional objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. The apparatus of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the attached figures which illustrate and exemplify such embodiments.

Specific illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:.

The following preferred embodiments as exemplified by the drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention as encompassed by the claims of this application.

The towing assembly <NUM>, as illustrated generally in <FIG>, in one preferred embodiment, can be used for attaching two vehicles to each other, such as for example extracting an immobilized vehicle and then towing it. The towing assembly <NUM> preferably is made of steel or other high strength material(s), of either solid or hollow elements. The towing assembly comprises a hitch <NUM>, also referred in the industry as a lunette, and a pair of two-piece members 4a, 4b. The hitch <NUM> is typically of a toroidal shape for engagement with a pintle hook or tow ball (not shown) attached to a towing vehicle. The hitch may be of a variety of types for such engagement, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Attached to the hitch <NUM> are the two members 4a, 4b. Members 4a, 4b are each pivotally attached to the hitch <NUM> by a pin 6a, 6b, respectively. In one embodiment, the pin 6a, 6b pivotally attaching the members 4a, 4b to the hitch <NUM> is a threaded bolt having a nut to secure it. In other embodiments, the pin 6a, 6b may be a cotter pin or a bolt threaded into the hitch <NUM> itself. In still other embodiments, a spring loaded detent mechanism may be used. Multiple types of attachments may be used to pivotally attach the members 4a, 4b to the hitch <NUM>.

The two members 4a, 4b are preferably symmetrical with each other and accordingly member 4a has two shafts 8a, 10a with a joint 12a therebetween and member 4b has two shafts 8b, 10b with a joint 12b therebetween. It is the shafts 8a, 8b of members 4a, 4b, respectively that are pivotally attached to the hitch <NUM>. The orientation of the attachment of the members 4a, 4b to the hitch <NUM> may be fixed in place by a locking mechanism 14a, 14b, respectively. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 14a, 14b fixing the orientation of the members 4a, 4b to the hitch <NUM> is a threaded bolt having a nut to secure it. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 14a, 14b may be a cotter pin or a bolt threaded into the hitch <NUM> itself. In still other embodiments, a spring loaded detent mechanism may be used. In still other embodiments, the locking mechanism 14a, 14b and the joint 12a, 12b upon which it acts may be configured for a specialized automatic/automated locking mechanism. Multiple types of locking mechanisms 14a, 14b, automated locking mechanisms, and automated operating mechanisms may be used to lock the orientation of the members 4a, 4b to the hitch <NUM> and to manipulate components of the towing assembly <NUM>.

Each of the two sets of shafts 8a, 10a and 8b, 10b of each of the members 4a, 4b are attached to one another by the joint 12a, 12b, respectively. The joints 12a, 12b also may be used to lock the orientation of each of the respective shafts 8a, 10a and 8b, 10b in an aligned position. In one embodiment, the locking joints 12a, 12b fixing the orientation of the shafts 8a, 10a and 8b, 10b to each other each have pins 16a, 18a and 16b, 18b. In other embodiments, the pins 16a, 16b and 18a, 18b may be threaded bolts each having a nut to secure it. In yet other embodiments, the locking mechanism may be a cotter pin or a bolt threaded into the joint itself. In still other embodiments, a spring loaded detent mechanism may be used. Multiple types of locking mechanisms may be used to lock the orientation of the shafts 8a, 10a and 8b, 10b relative to each other.

Ends of the shafts 10a, 10b, for example, may have at least one shoulder 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11d', 11e'structure. Shoulders 11a, Hbmaypreventthealigned shafts 8a, 10a, 8b, 10b from rotating past an aligned position from a folded position. Similarly, shoulders 11c, <NUM> d may prevent shafts 8a, 10a, 8b, 10b from folding beyond a certain angle relative to each other. Although an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees is shown, this is for illustrative purposes. Shoulders 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11d', <NUM> e' extend somewhat upwards or away from shafts 10a, 10b whereby a portion of shafts 8a, 8b can contact shoulders 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11d', <NUM> e' thereby preventing shafts 8a, 8b from rotating about joint 12a, 12b relative to shafts 10a, 10b, more than a set distance. In this manner, shafts 8a, 8b can be forced to align with shafts 10a, 10b in a linear manner. In an alternative embodiment, and with reference to <FIG>, Shoulders 11d', <NUM> e' may allow shafts 8a, 10a and 8b, 10b to fold more than about <NUM> degrees relative to each other. Such an alternative embodiment increases the range of articulation of the assembly.

The aligned position, specifically shown in <FIG>, allows the towing assembly <NUM> to form a substantially equilateral or isosceles triangle when the towing assembly <NUM> is in its extended position. Typically, this aligned position may be achieved when tensile force is substantially equally applied to each pair of shafts 8a, 10a and 8b, 10b of each pair of members 4a, 4b.

When each of the pins 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b are disengaged from their respective joints 12d, 12c, 12b, 12a, the towing assembly <NUM> may articulate from its extended aligned position through intermediate positions illustrated in <FIG>, to a folded position. When the towing assembly <NUM> is in a fully folded position, each pair of shafts 8a, 10a and 8b, 10b of each member 4a, 4b preferably is substantially parallel to each other.

Attached to the end of shafts 10a, 10b opposite joints 12a, 12b, are attaching mechanisms 20a, 20b for attachment to a vehicle to be towed. Many types of such mechanisms 20a, 20b may be used, for example, shackles, eye bolts, or universal joints, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

<FIG> depicts the towing assembly <NUM> attached to a bumper <NUM> of a vehicle to be towed. As shown, the bumper <NUM> has two attaching devices 24a, 24b for mating with the attaching mechanisms 20a, 20b, respectively. Until the locking pins 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b are in engagement with their respective joints 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, the towing assembly <NUM> may articulate for ease of attachment to an otherwise inaccessible vehicle.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> depict the towing assembly <NUM> that may be attached to a bumper <NUM> of a vehicle, in various folded positions. In these embodiments, the bumper of the vehicle to which the towing assembly <NUM> is attached is the towing vehicle. Accordingly, when not in use, it is preferable to have the towing assembly <NUM> in its folded position. In this embodiment, it is the hitch <NUM> that is used to attach to the vehicle to be towed.

Thus, although made of rigid components, via joints 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, the towing assembly <NUM> can articulate through a wide range of motion. This allows attachment to a vehicle when the vehicle is in a difficult position for access. For example, when extricating a ditched vehicle, a towing vehicle can be maneuvered close to the ditched vehicle, and the towing assembly <NUM> articulated so as to be able to be attached to the ditched vehicle, preferably by a hitch <NUM>. Then, after the ditched vehicle has been extracted from its immobilized position, the towing assembly <NUM> can be moved from its articulated position (e.g., <FIG>) to its fully extended position (<FIG>). Having moved into its fully extended, substantially equilateral or isosceles triangular configuration (<FIG>), all of the shafts 8a, 10a, 8b, 10b can be locked into their respective locking joints 12a, 12b so that the towed vehicle can be more safely towed along a thoroughfare.

In a third embodiment, and as generally shown in <FIG>, a towing assembly <NUM> includes member <NUM> comprising shaft 8a and shaft 10a joined by joint 12a, at elbow <NUM> and, member <NUM> comprising shaft 8b and shaft 10b joined by joint 12b, which joint 12b includes locking mechanism 16a. In this embodiment, shaft 10a includes locking mechanism 16a that locks elbow <NUM> in line with shaft 10a. Elbow <NUM> is a separate structure pivotally connected to and between shaft 8a and shaft 10a. As shown, shaft 8b includes locking mechanism 16a that locks shaft 8b to shaft 10b. In an optional variation of the third embodiment, shaft 8b and/or shaft 8a may be joined to lunette <NUM> by locking mechanism 16a. The various locking mechanisms <NUM> can be included with or excluded from, each of the shafts 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b, and joints 12a, 12b, with, or without elbows <NUM>.

In a fourth embodiment, and as generally illustrated in <FIG>, which is most similar to the embodiment of <FIG>, towing assembly <NUM> includes member <NUM> comprising shaft 8b and shaft 10b joined by joint 12b, which joint 12b includes locking mechanism 16a, and member <NUM> comprising shaft 8a and shaft <NUM> joined by joint 12a. As shown, shafts 8a, 8b include locking mechanisms 16a that lock shafts 8a and 10a relative to each other, and 8b, 10b, relative to each other, respectively. In an optional variation of the fourth embodiment, shaft 8b and/or shaft 8a may be joined to lunette <NUM> by locking mechanism 16a. The various locking mechanisms <NUM> can be included with or excluded from, each of the shafts 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b, and joints 12a, 12b.

In a fifth embodiment, and as generally illustrated in <FIG>, towing assembly <NUM> includes member <NUM> comprising shaft 8b and shaft 10b joined by elbow <NUM>, which elbow <NUM> receives locking mechanism 16a on leg 10b, and member <NUM> comprising shaft 8a and shaft 10a joined by elbow <NUM>, which elbow <NUM> receives locking mechanism 16a on shaft 10a. In an optional variation of the fifth embodiment, shaft 8b and/or shaft 8a may be joined to lunette <NUM> by locking mechanism 16a. The various locking mechanism <NUM> can be included with or excluded from, each of the shafts 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b, joints 12a, 12b, and/or elbows <NUM>.

Shafts 8a, 10a, 8b, 10b, may be joined to each other by a joint 12a, 12b, respectively, a two-hole, three-hole, or four-hole elbow <NUM>, and/or a locking mechanism 16a, 16b, respectively. The locking mechanisms <NUM> may be mixed and matched as desired.

In another embodiment, and as generally illustrated in <FIG>, the towing assembly may be attached to a tank <NUM>. Shafts 8a, 8b may be tethered at one end to attachment mechanisms 20a and 20b, respectively. Shafts 10a, 10b are attached at one end to shafts 8a, 8b, respectively, and shafts 10a, 10b are connected at an opposite end to lunette <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the articulating shafts 10a, 10b are supported by brackets R and R' such that the towing assembly is not damaged by tank action.

<FIG> depicts a second embodiment of the locking mechanism 16a, and a second embodiment of the joint 12a of assembly for towing <NUM>. These embodiments of the locking mechanism 16a, and the joint 12a are configured for automatic locking (i.e., engagement with the joint 12a) whenever the corresponding and associated shafts 8a, 10a of the member 4a are aligned and relative one another (as is best seen in FIG. 1A and <FIG>). This results in the corresponding and associated shafts 8a, 10a of the member 4a being held fixed in their relative alignment unless the locking mechanism 16a, is directly and/or remotely disengaged.

More specifically, <FIG> depicts a magnified cut-away view of the interior of shaft 8a of member 4a with a clevis termination <NUM> as it is detachably and pivotally coupled to the joint 12a by a pin <NUM>. In one embodiment, the pin <NUM> is a threaded bolt having a nut/cap to secure it (as is depicted in <FIG>). In other embodiments, the pin <NUM> may be a cotter pin or a bolt threaded into the joint itself. In still other embodiments, a spring loaded detent mechanism may be involved with the pin <NUM>. In still other embodiments, the pin <NUM> may be a clevis pin having a clevis tang. Multiple types of the pin <NUM> may be used to detachably and pivotally couple the shaft 8a to the elbow joint 12a, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

The embodiment of the locking mechanism 16a shown in <FIG> is engaged with the joint 12a via a socket <NUM>. The socket <NUM> is configured to receive and securely hold at least a portion of the locking mechanism 16a such that, when the locking mechanism 16a is engaged, the shaft 8a is held fixed in its alignment relative to the joint 12a. Although <FIG> depicts the socket <NUM> as a single relatively shallow cavity defined by the joint 12a, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that the socket <NUM> may involve more complex geometric/mechanical configurations.

The locking mechanism 16a of <FIG> engages with the socket <NUM> of the joint 12a via a bolt <NUM> that automatically, and retractably, extends out of the clevis termination <NUM> of the shaft 8a. More specifically, the automatic extension and retractable extension functions of bolt <NUM> are facilitated by a barrel <NUM>, which holds and guides the bolt <NUM> as it extends or retracts, and a spring mechanism <NUM>, which forces the bolt <NUM> to its fully extended position when the bolt <NUM> aligns with the socket <NUM>. More specifically, the spring mechanism <NUM> is compressed during retraction of the bolt <NUM> into the barrel <NUM>, and the spring mechanism <NUM> is uncompressed during the extension of the bolt <NUM> into the socket <NUM>. Although <FIG> depicts the bolt <NUM> as a single cylindrical extension with a rounded tip, the bolt <NUM> may involve more complex geometric/mechanical configurations. If this is the case, then the socket <NUM> complements the bolt <NUM> such that the socket <NUM> remains mechanically operable.

At the junction between the clevis termination <NUM> and the shaft 8a is an aperture <NUM>. The barrel <NUM> accesses the aperture <NUM> such that the bolt <NUM> extends across the aperture <NUM>, preferably relative to the length of the aperture <NUM>, for reception into the socket <NUM>. A handle <NUM> is attached to the bolt <NUM>, and the handle <NUM> projects perpendicularly from the bolt <NUM> through the aperture <NUM>, such that at least a portion of the handle <NUM> extends out of the aperture <NUM> and is accessible from outside of the joint 12a, whereby a user can manipulate the handle <NUM> and thus the bolt <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> defines a sufficient space to allow the handle <NUM> to be moved backwards towards the shaft 8a such that the bolt <NUM> may be disengaged from the socket <NUM>, and forced deeper into the barrel <NUM>, thus compressing the spring mechanism <NUM>. As disengaging the bolt <NUM> from the socket <NUM> requires retraction of the bolt <NUM> into the barrel <NUM>, the locking mechanism 16a is configured to automatically reengage with the socket <NUM>, such as, for example, via the decompressing spring mechanism <NUM>, whenever the shaft 8a is appropriately aligned with the joint 12a and the handle <NUM> is not receiving a disengaging force. In other words, the spring mechanism <NUM> forces the bolt <NUM> into the socket <NUM> when the bolt <NUM> aligns with the socket <NUM>.

Although <FIG> depicts the aperture <NUM> as generally oval in shape, and proximate to the junction between the clevis termination <NUM> and the shaft 8a, aperture <NUM> and/or the handle <NUM> may involve more complex geometric/mechanical configurations. Moreover, the aperture <NUM> may be positioned on the shaft 8a, accordingly, based on the specific configuration/complexity of the locking mechanism 16a being employed.

As shown in <FIG>, a guide groove <NUM> can define an elongated recess along the surface of the joint 12a at the junction between the locking mechanism 16a and the joint 12a. More specifically, the guide groove <NUM> can define an elongated rounded/concave recess complementary of the rounded tip of the bolt <NUM>. The guide groove <NUM> tapers towards the socket <NUM> such that a bolt <NUM> pushing against the guide groove <NUM> during articulation is guided into and would eventually access the socket <NUM>, allowing the spring mechanism <NUM> to decompress, and fully extend towards a maximum length, so as to force bolt <NUM> into socket <NUM>.

Therefore, when the locking mechanism 16a is disengaged from the socket <NUM>, and the shaft 8a is articulating upon the joint 12a, the guide groove <NUM> is configured to channel the bolt <NUM> towards and away from the socket <NUM>. Furthermore, the guide groove <NUM> is configured to minimize the resistance to articulation (e.g., friction) of the shaft 8a upon the joint 12a. Additionally, the guide groove <NUM> is configured to facilitate the automatic locking function of the locking mechanism 16a when the shaft 8a is appropriately aligned with the joint 12a, whereby the action of the decompressing spring mechanism <NUM> on the bolt <NUM> can assist in aligning the shaft 8a with the joint 12a such that the bolt <NUM> can access the socket <NUM>.

Although <FIG> depicts the guide groove <NUM> as an elongated rounded/concave recess complementary of the rounded tip of the bolt <NUM>, guide groove <NUM> may involve more complex geometric/mechanical configurations compatible with any other complex components of the towing assembly <NUM>, e.g., multiple bolts <NUM>, elaborate and complex automatic/automated locking mechanisms 16a, differently shaped joints 12a, differently terminated shafts 8a.

<FIG> depict an embodiment of the articulation range available to the towing assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. More specifically, the shaft 8a detachably and pivotally coupled to the joint 12a is shown transitioning from the disengaged position of <FIG> through the disengaged position of <FIG> to the engaged position of <FIG>. Moreover, <FIG> present cut-away views of the junction between the shaft 8a and the joint 12a as the locking mechanism 16a transitions through the positions.

In the position of <FIG> (a first position), the locking mechanism 16a is disengaged from the socket <NUM>. The shaft 8a is articulating upon the joint 12a in a clockwise direction. The bolt <NUM> is being channeled by the guide groove <NUM> towards the socket <NUM>. Because the guide groove <NUM> tapers towards the socket <NUM>, the bolt <NUM> is pushing against the guide groove <NUM> as it begins to round the edge towards the socket <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is being maintained within the barrel <NUM>, which compresses the spring mechanism <NUM>.

In the position of <FIG> (a second position), the locking mechanism 16a is still disengaged from the socket <NUM>; however, the shaft 8a is near appropriate alignment with the joint 12a for the locking mechanism 16a to automatically engage with the socket <NUM>. The shaft 8a is still articulating upon the joint 12a in a clockwise direction. The bolt <NUM> is still being channeled by the guide groove <NUM> towards the socket <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> still is pushing against the guide groove <NUM> as it begins to round towards the socket <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is still being maintained within the barrel <NUM>, which compresses the spring mechanism <NUM>.

In the position of <FIG> (a third position), the locking mechanism 16a is engaged with the socket <NUM> because the shaft 8a is appropriately aligned with socket <NUM> in the joint 12a. The appropriate alignment has allowed the compressed spring mechanism <NUM> to decompress, which fully extended the bolt <NUM> to its maximum position out of the barrel <NUM> and into the socket <NUM>. Therefore, the locking mechanism 16a has automatically engaged with the socket <NUM>.

The user can manipulate the handle <NUM> to disengage the bolt <NUM> from the socket <NUM> when releasing the locked towing assembly <NUM>. For example, when the towing assembly <NUM> is in the articulated and locked position, with the shafts 8a and 10a, 8b and 10b aligned and bolt <NUM> extending into socket <NUM>, spring mechanism maintains the bolt within the socket <NUM>. To unlock the towing assembly <NUM>, the user can pull on the handle <NUM> in the direction that withdraws the bolt <NUM> from the socket <NUM>, thus moving the bolt <NUM> out of the socket <NUM> and further into the barrel <NUM>, thus compressing the spring mechanism <NUM>. This disengages the bolt <NUM> from the socket <NUM> and unlocks the shafts 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b from the joint 12a, 12b, thereby allowing the towing assembly to de-articulate.

A locking mechanism comprising socket <NUM>, bolt <NUM>, barrel <NUM>, spring mechanism <NUM>, aperture <NUM>, handle <NUM>, and guide groove <NUM> can be incorporated in each part of the towing assembly <NUM>, such as between each of shafts <NUM> and joints <NUM>, and between each of shafts <NUM> and joints <NUM>, whereby each of the shafts <NUM>, <NUM> can be automatically locked to the joints <NUM>. Additionally, locking mechanisms also can be incorporated between each of shafts <NUM> and hitch <NUM> whereby each of shafts <NUM> can be automatically locked to the hitch <NUM>, and between each of shafts <NUM> and attaching mechanism <NUM> or attaching devices <NUM> each of shafts <NUM> can be automatically locked to the and attaching mechanism <NUM> or attaching devices <NUM>.

Thus, the first means for fixing an orientation of said first and third shafts 8a, 10a in a locked position relative to each other is a first locking mechanism at least partially situated at the junction between the first shaft 8a and the first pivotable joint 12a, and at least partially embedded within the first shaft 8a; the second means for fixing an orientation of said second and fourth shafts 8b, 10b in a locked position relative to each other is a second locking mechanism at least partially situated at the junction between the second shaft 8b and the second pivotable joint 12b, and at least partially embedded within the second shaft 8b; the first and second shafts 8a, 8b each comprise a clevis termination <NUM> at the first and second pivotable joints 12a, 12b, respectively; the first and second pivotable joints 12a, 12b each additionally define an aperture <NUM>, the aperture <NUM> configured to receive a clevis pin <NUM> traversing the clevis termination <NUM>; the third and fourth shafts 10a, 10b each comprise a socket <NUM> for receiving the clevis pin <NUM>; and each of the clevis pins <NUM> is movable from an unlocked position disengaged from the respective socket <NUM> to a locked position engaged with the respective socket <NUM>.

In another embodiment of locking mechanism 16a, <FIG> depict a sectional view of the interior of shaft 8a of member 4a with a clevis termination <NUM> as it is detachably and pivotally coupled to the slotted joint 12a (only partially shown). In <FIG>, the bolt <NUM> of an automated locking mechanism 16a is disengaged from the socket <NUM> of the slotted joint 12a. In <FIG>, the bolt <NUM> of the automated locking mechanism 16a is engaged with the socket <NUM> of the slotted joint 12a. At the junction between the clevis termination <NUM> and the shaft 8a is an aperture <NUM>. A handle <NUM> projects perpendicularly out from the bolt <NUM> through the length of the aperture <NUM>, and at least a portion of the handle <NUM> extends out of the aperture <NUM>. The automated locking mechanism 16a is configured to automatically, and retractably, extend out of the clevis termination <NUM> of the shaft 8a, as described for <FIG>. More specifically, the automatic extension and retractable extension functions of bolt <NUM> are facilitated by a barrel <NUM>, which holds and guides the bolt <NUM> as it extends or retracts, and a spring mechanism <NUM>, which forces the bolt <NUM> to its fully extended position whenever the spring mechanism <NUM> is compressed during retraction of the bolt <NUM> into the barrel <NUM>.

The barrel <NUM> of the shaft 8a accesses the aperture <NUM> such that the bolt <NUM> may extend across the aperture <NUM> for reception into the socket <NUM> of the slotted joint 12a. The first component <NUM> of the automation mechanism <NUM> is configured to push/retract the bolt <NUM> across the aperture <NUM>, that is, to slide the bolt <NUM> forwards without disturbing the relative position of the second component <NUM> of the automation mechanism <NUM>, other than the spring mechanism <NUM> which would decompress.

The sliding block <NUM> of the automation mechanism <NUM> is configured to move laterally whenever the bolt <NUM> of the shaft 8a moves. For example, if the bolt <NUM> recedes into the barrel <NUM>, then the sliding block <NUM> recedes with it compressing the spring mechanism <NUM> behind the sliding block <NUM>. If the bolt <NUM>, however, extends out of the barrel <NUM>, then the sliding block <NUM> moves forward allowing the spring mechanism <NUM> to decompress.

Finally, the second component <NUM> of the automation mechanism <NUM> comprises an extension <NUM> holding the spring mechanism <NUM> behind the sliding block <NUM>. The extension <NUM> traverses, via a mechanical restriction opening, the sliding block <NUM>. The second component <NUM> is configured to push/retract the extension <NUM> through the sliding block <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate the extension <NUM> in its fully extended position. Because the sliding block <NUM> of the automation mechanism <NUM> allows the second component <NUM> to displace laterally relative to the first component <NUM> without disturbing the position of the first component <NUM>, the second component <NUM> varies the compression of the spring mechanism <NUM> and, therefore, the spring force acting on the bolt <NUM>. In one embodiment, the second component <NUM> leverages the spring mechanism <NUM>, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, such that the second component <NUM> senses the amount of force acting on the bolt <NUM> as it articulates about the slotted joint 12a.

The first component <NUM> and/or the second component <NUM> of the automation mechanism <NUM> can be configured for hydraulic and/or electric automation controllable by a remote user. For example, the automation mechanism <NUM> may have known subcomponents configured for hydraulics, pneumatics, electromotives, Bowden cable mechanisms, mechanical motors/gears/pulleys, solenoids, etc. Of course, the bundle <NUM> may be of any type, variety or combination to provide the automation mechanism <NUM> with the necessary electrical, fluid, and/or mechanical power to operate the automation functions.

The automatic locking features disclosed in connection with the locking mechanism 16a and member 4a as drawn in <FIG> also can be applied to locking mechanism 16b and member 4b. Similar locking mechanisms can be applied to any or all joints of towing assembly <NUM>.

In use, when a tensile force is applied to said first shaft 8a, said second shaft 8b, said third shaft 10a, and said fourth shaft 10b, said first and said third shafts 8a, 10b are substantially aligned with each other in a linear manner and said second and said fourth shafts 8b, 10b are substantially aligned with each other in a linear manner, whereby the first and third shafts 8a, 10a are locked relative to each other in the linear manner, the second and fourth shafts 8b, 10b are locked relative to each other in the linear manner, the first shaft 8a is locked relative to the lunette <NUM>, and the second shaft 8b is locked relative to the lunette <NUM>.

The towing assembly of Claim <NUM>, further comprising an automation subcomponent selected from a group consisting of springs, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electromechanics, the automation subcomponent configured to move the clevis pin from the unlocked position to the locked position and from the locked position to the unlocked position.

In another embodiment, the assembly for towing <NUM>, as illustrated generally in <FIG>, is for extracting an immobilized vehicle and then towing it. The towing assembly <NUM> is preferably made of steel or other high strength material(s), of either solid or hollow elements. The towing assembly comprises a hitch <NUM>, e.g., a ball hitch. Alternatively, the hitch <NUM> may be of a toroidal shape for engagement with a pintle hook or tow ball (not shown) attached to a towing vehicle. The hitch <NUM> may be of a variety of types known in the art for such engagement. Attached to the hitch <NUM> are two members 104a, 104b. Members 104a, 104b are each pivotally attached to the hitch 102a by a pin 106a, 106b, respectively. In one embodiment, the pin <NUM> pivotally attaching the members 104a, 104b to the hitch <NUM> is a threaded bolt having a nut to secure it. In other embodiments, the pin <NUM> may be a cotter pin or a bolt threaded into the hitch <NUM> itself. In still other embodiments, a spring loaded detent mechanism may be used. Multiple types of attachments may be used to pivotally attach the members <NUM> to the hitch <NUM>.

The two members 104a, 104b are preferably symmetrical with each other and accordingly member 104a has two shafts 108a, 110a with a joint 112a therebetween and member 104b has two shafts 108b, 110b with a joint 112b therebetween. It is the shafts 108a, 108b of members 104a, 104b, respectively, that are pivotally attached to the hitch <NUM>. The orientation of the attachment of the members <NUM> to the hitch <NUM> may be fixed in place by a locking mechanism 114a and 114b, respectively. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> fixing the orientation of the members <NUM> to the hitch <NUM> is a threaded bolt having a nut to secure it. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be a cotter pin or a bolt threaded into the hitch <NUM> itself. In still other embodiments, the locking mechanism <NUM> and the joint <NUM> upon which it acts may be configured for a specialized automatic/automated locking mechanism. In still other embodiments, an automated mechanism can interact with the members 104a, 104b, and more specifically with the shafts 108a, 110a and 108b, 110b, for operating the towing assembly <NUM>.

Each of the two sets of shafts 108a, 110a and 108b, 110b of each of the members 104a, 104b are attached to one another by the joint 112a, 112b, respectively. Typically referred to as an elbow joint by those skilled in the art, the joints 112a, 112b also may be used to lock the orientation of each of the respective sets of shafts 108a, 110a and 108b, 110b in an aligned position. In one embodiment, the locking joints 112a, 112b fixing the orientation of the shafts 108a, 110a and 108b, 110b to each other each may utilize, e.g., symmetrically spaced pairs of pins 113a, 113b; 113c, 113d; 113e, <NUM>; and 113f, <NUM>. In other embodiments, one or more pins <NUM> may be threaded bolts each having a nut to secure it. In yet other embodiments, the locking mechanism may be a cotter pin or a bolt threaded into the joint itself. Multiple types of locking mechanisms may be used to lock the orientation of the shafts 108a, 110a and 108b, 110b with each other.

The or each of the shafts 108a, 110a, 108b, 110b may be of hollow cross-section, for example, hollow square, hollow rectangle, or hollow circular cross section. Such hollow cross section may reduce the weight of the towing assembly <NUM>, and retain the articulation of the towing assembly <NUM> as well as its towing capacity. Each shaft 108a, 110a, 108b, 110b may be of hollow cross-section along the entire length of the shaft 108a, 110a, 108b, 110b, or a portion thereof. In another embodiment, plug <NUM> may be fitted into one or both ends of each shaft 108a, 110a, 108b, 110b in order to reinforce the side walls of shafts 108a, 110a, 108b, 110b. The plug <NUM> may be manufactured such that the holes of the plug <NUM> and the pin holes on each shaft 108a, 110a, 108b, 110b are aligned.

In an embodiment, bumper attachment device <NUM> may be connected to shaft 110a and/or shaft 110b by use of a bolt (e.g., 116b) or other device known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively, connector <NUM> may be attached to an open end of shaft 110a and/or shaft 110b, and then connected to bumper attachment device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A towing assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a) a lunette (<NUM>) as a hitch (<NUM>);
b) a pair of two-piece members (4a, 4b), each of said members (4a, 4b) comprising
a first shaft (8a, 8b) having a first end and a second end, the first shaft (8a, 8b) pivotally coupled at the first end to the lunette (<NUM>) by a pin (6a, 6b);
a second shaft (10a, 10b) having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second shaft (10a, 10b) having a locking joint (12a, 12b) bound by a first shoulder and a second shoulder (11a, 11d; 11b, 11c), the second end of the first shaft (8a, 8b) pivotally coupled, directly, to the locking joint (12a, 12b), wherein the first shoulder (11a, 11b) prevents the aligned first shaft (8a, 8b) and second shaft (10a, 10b) from rotating past an aligned position from a folded position and wherein the second shoulder (11c, 11d) prevents the first shaft (8a, 8b) and second shaft (10a, 10b) from folding beyond a certain angle relative to each other, wherein the locking joint (12a, 12b) comprises locking pins (16a, 18a; 16b, 18b) for fixing the orientation of the shafts (8a, 10a; 8b, 10b) relative to each other;
a first means for fixing an orientation comprising one of the locking pins (16a, 16b) of the first shaft (8a, 8b) relative to the locking joint (12a, 12b), and a second means for fixing an orientation (14a, 14b) of the first shaft (8a, 8b) relative to the lunette (<NUM>) as the hitch (<NUM>),
whereby the first shaft (8a, 8b) and the second shaft (10a, 10b) are pivotable relative to each other about the locking joint (12a, 12b) in an unlocked position and the first shaft (8a, 8b) and the second shaft (10a, 10b) are not pivotable relative to each other in the locked position; and
c) attaching mechanisms (20a, 20b), each of which is pivotally attached to the second end of the second shaft (10a, 10b).