Material or article handling – Traversing hoist type – Tow truck type
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-04
2001-07-10
Keenan, James W. (Department: 3652)
Material or article handling
Traversing hoist type
Tow truck type
C296S183100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257823
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to the field of tow trucks for towing stranded vehicles, and more particularly to improvements in the human side of riding and operating tow trucks, including capability of accommodating handicapped passengers and secure storing equipment on board.
2. Description of the Related Art
Tow trucks are becoming increasingly sophisticated as to how they tow a stranded vehicle. Referring to
FIG. 1
, a prior art tow truck
20
is described for towing a stranded vehicle
22
. The stranded vehicle can be an automobile or a truck, etc. The tow truck has a frame
24
(also known as chassis), that is typically made of steel. The frame has a front end
26
and a rear end
28
. The tow truck has at least two pairs of wheels
30
,
32
. The wheels of each pair are joined by an axle that is rotatably coupled to the frame. The wheels support the frame above ground level
34
.
Tow truck
20
included a driver cabin
36
for accommodating a tow truck operator (also known as driver). Truck
20
also typically includes a winch
38
(also known as pulley) for initially lifting the stranded vehicle for engagement by the tow truck.
Tow trucks can be of different varieties. The one of
FIG. 1
(also known as regular type or van type or wheel lift type) has a boom
42
that supports a pulley
44
. Pulley
44
is thus used for initial raising of one end of the stranded vehicle from the ground level, and thus raising the corresponding wheels. The tow truck also has a wheel lift
46
(also known as a lifting unit) for engaging the raised wheels. The wheel lift is movably attached to rear end
28
of the frame.
There are also other types of tow trucks. For example, a wrecker type truck is like a regular type, but the boom is much shorter, and attached to the rear of the frame. Another type of tow truck is known as the “flatbed” type, and has no boom. In that embodiment the stranded vehicle is loaded completely onto a “flat bed” at the rear of the tow truck.
Progress seems focused in better engaging and towing of the stranded vehicle. However, no progress is made as to the human side of using tow trucks. The human side includes how the former occupants of the stranded vehicle are transported, and how easily these trucks are operated.
Regarding the former passengers, these people currently ride with the tow truck driver in driver cabin
36
, which is problematic. If they are more than two, they do not fit in the driver cabin, and thus have to summon a second vehicle, such as a taxi.
Even getting into cabin
36
is not easy. The cabin is high above the ground level, and requires scaling small distant steps, which are designed primarily for agile tow truck drivers. Where the rider is elderly, not agile, or handicapped (e.g. confined to a wheel chair), getting into cabin
36
is very difficult.
Another problem with using tow trucks is that miscellaneous equipment needs to be put on the tow truck for use during the day. A specific example is dollies used for towing (also known as towing dollies). If the equipment needs to be removed for night storage, much time is wasted. In addition to the above, the towing dollies in particular are typically carried and placed in a location on the top side of frame
24
. This requires lifting them manually, which is difficult because they are heavy.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes these problems and limitations of the prior art.
Generally, the present invention provides an improved tow truck featuring special accommodations for the former occupants of the stranded vehicle, and ergonomic improvements for the tow truck operator including on board space for secure storage of equipment.
More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an additional rider compartment that includes a passenger door, foldable seats and wheelchair restraint means. The rider compartment is preferably a rider cabin that is distinct from, but communicates with the driver cabin.
The tow truck further includes automated boarding means for serving the rider compartment. The boarding means includes a ladder with deployable steps or a wheelchair lift means with a deployable platform. These are operated electronically, and are preferably coordinated to work in unison with opening and closing the passenger door.
Advantages of this invention include that the former occupants of a stranded vehicle can board the tow truck easily and with dignity. They can ride with comfort and a modicum of privacy.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention for a tow truck that has a boom further includes an enclosure around the boom, with a boom opening for access of the boom therethrough. Work lights and a video camera are advantageously attached to the exterior of the enclosure, for use by the tow truck driver.
The enclosure defines an enclosed on board storage space for storing miscellaneous equipment. The storage space is accessible by utility openings that are closeable by shutters which can be locked.
An advantage of this feature of the invention is that equipment can thus be stored on the tow truck, without the fear of theft. This eliminates any need that this equipment be removed at night for secure storage.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention further provides a shelf attached slidably to the frame of the tow truck, for storing on it towing dollies. The shelf is provided at a low level; the dollies thus do not need to be lifted high for on board storage. A lockable cover prevents access to the dollies and thus prevents theft.
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Kavounas Gregory T.
Keenan James W.
Marger Johnson & McCollom PC
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