Towing apparatus
OwnerJohn J. Klein, Alan J. Feltisinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A towing apparatus capable of moving aircraft and other workpieces about an airfield or other workspace. The present invention includes a first frame which is rotatable relative to a second frame about a common substantially vertical axis. A wheel assembly is positioned within the first frame and driven by a motor which is also mounted on the first frame. A gripper assembly for engaging the aircraft or other workpiece is attached to the second frame. In this manner, the present invention provides for a towing of aircraft or other workpieces along an axis which is proximate the axis of the wheel assembly. Additionally, it provides for a low center of gravity significantly enhancing the stability and maneuverability of the present invention in a towing attitude or a non-towing attitude.
Claims12
An apparatus for towing a workpiece comprising:
- a first frame;
- a wheel assembly interconnected with said fist frame, said wheel assembly having a wheel axle with a generally horizontal first axis and a wheel rotatable about said first axis to permit generally forward or generally rearward movement of said first frame;
- a second frame rotatably engageable with said first frame such that said first frame is generally rotatable up to at least about 60° relative to said second frame;
- a motor to power said wheel assembly;
- and
- an adjustable gripper assembly interconnected with said second frame and including a tow frame with a rollable support, said gripper assembly being adjustable to removably attach a workpiece, such that a portion of the weight of the workpiece is distributed between said wheel assembly and said rollable support during towing of the workpiece along a surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.