초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a wheel grid assembly and vehicle towing apparatus. The wheel grid assembly includes a wheel boom and a pair of lift arms. Each lift arm consists of an extension arm segment and an engaging arm segment pivotally mounted to the extension arm segment. Each engaging arm

The present invention relates to a wheel grid assembly and vehicle towing apparatus. The wheel grid assembly includes a wheel boom and a pair of lift arms. Each lift arm consists of an extension arm segment and an engaging arm segment pivotally mounted to the extension arm segment. Each engaging arm segment consists of an actuating arm segment and a gripping arm segment extending in opposite directions from the pivot point. A pair of linear actuators rotate the engaging arm segments about their pivot points to engage the wheels of a vehicle to be towed. Each linear actuator is attached to a respective engaging arm segment through an over-center locking mechanism. The over-center locking mechanisms lock the engaging arm segments in wheel engaging positions without aid of force from the linear actuators. The present invention also relates to a position lock mechanism and a wheel grid self-centering device. Additionally, the present invention provides a wheel spacer for creating adjustability in the lift arms to accommodate variations in wheel size, and an automatic linear actuator control line retractor assembly. The wheel grid assembly of the present invention may be incorporated with an extensible main boom, and utilized with various configurations of tow vehicles.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A wheel-grid assembly comprising:a wheel boom;a pair of lift arms each having an extension arm segment and an engaging arm segment, with said extension arm segments being relatively transversely attached to the wheel boom at positions disposed to fit between front or re

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A wheel-grid assembly comprising:a wheel boom;a pair of lift arms each having an extension arm segment and an engaging arm segment, with said extension arm segments being relatively transversely attached to the wheel boom at positions disposed to fit between front or rear wheels of a vehicle to be towed, and with each engaging arm segment pivotally attached to a respective extension arm segment; anda pair of linear actuators each having a fixed arm segment and a movable arm segment, with each fixed arm segment pivotally attached to the wheel boom in a relatively transverse position, and with each movable arm segment pivotally attached to an over-center locking mechanism, and with each over-center locking mechanism attached to a respective engaging arm segment;wherein each over-center locking mechanism locks the respective engaging arm segment in a wheel engaging position for engaging a front or rear wheel of the vehicle to be towed without aid of force from the linear actuator;wherein said wheel boom and said extension arm segments are situated in a plane, and said engaging arm segments are positioned at an upward angle with respect to said plane, andwherein each over-center locking mechanism includes a first segment pivotally connected to a respective movable arm segment, and a second segment having one end pivotally connected to the first segment and another end pivotally connected to said respective engaging arm segment,whereby movement of the respective movable arm segment moves said first segment and said second segment of said over-center, locking mechanism, and movement of said second segment of said over-center locking mechanism pivots said engagement arm between said wheel engaging position and an open position.