CIARALLO, Domenico Felice (Via Bari n. 10, Guglionesi, I-86034, IT)
CIARALLO, Gianluigi (Via Corsica n. 19, Guglionesi, I-86034, IT)
CIARALLO, Domenico Felice (Via Bari n. 10, Guglionesi, I-86034, IT)
| CLAIMS An articulated arm (1) for lifting and towing a vehicle in general comprising: - Actuating means . (11, 12, 13) configured to realize the movement of the arm between an extended position in which the arm can engage the vehicle for the lifting and a retracted rest position and vice versa; and characterized in that the articulated arm comprises a first (2), a second (3) and a third portion (.4) reciprocally pivoted one to the other in succession, and wherein further, the said actuating means are arranged with respect to the said portions in such a way that the third portion (4) results rotatable close to the second portion (3) and the second portion (3) is rotatable close to the first portion (2) according to such rotation directions that, in retracted position the second portion (3) results bent between the first (2) and the third portion ( 4 ) . An articulated arm (1), according to claim 1, wherein in the said extended position the actuating means (11, 12, 13) configure the second portion (3) substantially in orthogonal position with respect to the first portion, (2) and the third portion (4) substantially in orthogonal position with respect to the second portion (3) and, further, with the third portion (4) substantially parallel to the first portion (2) in such a way that, in use, a rigid rotation of the articulated arm (1) can bring the third portion substantially parallel to the ground for operating the lifting. 3. An articulated arm, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the said first portion (2) comprises a hinge (2' ) in such a way as to be able to be pivoted to a fixed supporting surface (14) and it is provided at the opposite end (2'') with a hinge (2'.') in such a way as to be pivoted to an end (3') of the second portion (3), the said second portion comprising a second opposite end (3' ' ) in such a way as to be pivoted to the third portion (.4) through its first end (4')· 4. An articulated arm, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the third portion is selectively extensible/retractable telescopically in such a way as to vary its overall length. 5. An articulated arm, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the third portion (4) comprises hooking means (5) . 6. An articulated arm, according to claim 5, wherein the said hooking means (5) are hinged to the end (4'') of the said second portion. 7. An articulated arm, according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the said hooking means (5) comprise: - A traverse (6).; - A sleeve (8) to hinge the traverse to the third portion ( 4 ) ; - Blocking elements (7, 9) connected to the traverse (6) in a removable way so as to result interchangeable, the said blocking elements being configured to engage the vehicle to be assisted. 8. An articulated arm, according to claim 7, wherein the said blocking means (7, 9) comprise a first and a second pair of bars (7) that are connected to . the two opposite ends of the traverse (6) in such a way as to form respectively a seat (10) into which the wheels of the means that is assisted can be or be blocked in use. 9. An articulated arm, according to claim 1, wherein the said actuating means (11, 12, 13) comprise respectively a first actuator (11), a second actuator (12), a third actuator (13). 10. An articulated arm, according to claim 9, wherein the said first actuator (11) comprises a nitrogen shock- absorber. 11. An articulated arm, according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first actuator (11) comprises a hinge (11') at an end configured to result connectable to a fixed supporting surface (14) and a second end (11'') that is connected to the first portion (2) in such a way that an extension of the actuator can cause an anticlockwise lifting rotation of the portion (2) with respect to the fixed supporting surface when the portion (2) is hinged to the said fixed supporting surface (14) and wherein the second actuator (12) comprises a first hinge (12') connected to the first portion (2) and a second hinge (12'') connected to the second portion (3) in such a way that a retraction of the said second actuator causes an anticlockwise rotation of the second portion that configures the second portion orthogonally to the first portion and wherein, further, the third actuator (13) is connected to the second portion through a hinge (13') and to the third portion (4) through a hinge (13'') in such a way that -its retraction causes a clockwise rotation of the third portion that configures the third portion orthogonally to the second portion. 12. A device for lifting a. vehicle in general comprising: - An articulated arm (1) ; A fixed supporting surface (14) to which the said articulated arm (1) is hinged by one of its ends (2'); - Actuating means (11, 12, 13) configured to realize the movement of the arm between an extended position in which the arm can engage the vehicle for the lifting and a retracted rest position and vice versa; and characterized in that the articulated arm comprises a first (2), a second (3) and a third portion (4) reciprocally pivoted one to the other in succession and wherein, further, the actuating means are arranged with respect to the said portions in such a way that the third portion (4) results rotatable close to the second portion (3) and the "second portion (3) is rotatable close to the first portion (2) according to such rotation directions that, in retracted position, the second portion (3) results bent between the first (2) and the third portion (4) . 13. A device, according to claim 12, wherein, further, the articulated arm (1) is pivoted to the said fixed supporting surface (14) in such a way that, in .the said retracted configuration, the second and the third portion result further comprised between the first portion (2) and the said fixed supporting surface (14). 14. An emergency vehicle for lifting . and towing motor vehicles in general, in particular tanks, characterized in that it . comprises a fixed supporting surface (14) and an articulated arm (1), as per one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 11, which is connected to the vehicle through, the said fixed surface (14) in such 1 a way that in the retracted configuration of the articulated arm, the second and the third portion further result comprised between the first portion (2) and the. said fixed supporting surface ( 14 ) . 15. An emergency vehicle, according to claim 14, characterized in that it is a three-axle vehicle. 16. An emergency vehicle, according to claim 14, characterized in that it is a four-axle vehicle. 17. A method for realizing the engaging and the subsequent lifting of a vehicle for operating the towing of it through an articulated arm (1), as per one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 11, the said method comprising the operations of: - Extraction of the arm in operative configuration., the said extraction operation comprising an anticlockwise lifting rotation operation of a first portion (2) of the arm with respect to the fixed surface (14) to which it is pivoted, an anticlockwise rotation of the second portion (3) that carries the said second portion in orthogonal position with, respect to the first portion (2), a subsequent clockwise rotation that carries the third portion (4) in orthogonal position with respect' to the second portion and a clockwise lowering rotation that carries the arm close to the surface 14 through a clockwise rotation of the first portion; - Adjustment of the length of the ' telescopic portion for realizing the engagement of the vehicle to be assisted. . . - Anticlockwise rotation of the arm (1) with respect to. the fixed surface (14) in such a way as to lift the vehicle of a predetermined quantity for realizing the towing. 18. A method, according to claim 17, wherein at the end of the towing a closing . operation of the arm in rest configuration is comprised, the said closing operation comprising : - Retraction of the telescopic portion (4); - Anticlockwise rotation of the portion (4) to bring it close to the portion (3); - Anticlockwise lifting rotation of the portion (2) with respect to the surface (14) in such a way as to realize a seat (40); - Subsequent clockwise rotation of the second portion (3) in such a way as to close the said second portion close to the first one (2); - Final clockwise rotation of the first portion towards the surface (14) in such a way that the said second and third portion result bent between the first portion and the surface (14) . |
A DEVICE FOR THE LIFT AND TOW OF VEHICLES, IN PARTICULAR
OF HEAVY MILITARY MOTOR VEHICLES
Technical Field
The present invention concerns the technical field relative to the devices for the tow and assistance of motor vehicles in general.
In particular, the invention refers- to an innovative type of articulated arm for the towing of motor vehicles which results particularly versatile in use and, at the same time, compact when closed in a non-operative configuration.
Background Art
Devices for towing motor vehicles which are commonly installed on emergency motor vehicles, for example the so- called civil service truck, have long been known. Such devices are realized through a base frame configured to be connected in a stable way to the frame of the emergency motor vehicle on which they are installed. Above such a frame there is a mobile mechanical arm provided at its end with simple hooks with which to engage the front or back part of the vehicle to be assisted so as to lift it partially and thus allow the towing of it.
According to the current background art, such articulated mechanical arms are configured in such a way that, in non-operative rest position, they result closed, creating significant encumbrance. In particular, in the rest or non-operative configuration, the articulated mechanical arm closes, lowering itself below the frame of the emergency vehicle itself and arranging itself in such a way as to hide its bell tow. As it is well known, bell tow is the back hook arranged in the back part of the frame of the emergency vehicle and that is used for the simple towing of other means of transport. Such vehicles are therefore born provided with such bells, normally homologated. In that sense, the emergency vehicle, although it is provided with a back fixed hook, cannot make use of it except when the articulated arm is extended in an operative configuration and totally lifted above the load plane of the vehicle. It is clear that such a configuration of extended and lifted arm is particularly dangerous, especially in the case of transit in urban areas, since the length of such arms can exceed also the four metres.
In that sense, therefore, the current configurations of articulated arms are such as to totally impede the use of the bell tows present on the vehicles.
Moreover, the current articulated arms are not versatile and generally allow only a partial lift of the vehicle that is assisted, that is a lift of the front or back part of it. The current articulated arms are not capable of realizing total lifts from the ground, neither in the case in which they assist particularly light vehicles.
Such a limitation particularly affects the military field, in which the speed of recovery and escape, especially in enemy territory and in critical conditions, is particularly important. A partial lift and a traditional tow would not allow either quick escapes from the enemy territory nor a good maneuverability on a rough ground.
In the case particularly heavy vehicles should be assisted, like, for example, military tanks that can exceed also the ten tons of weight, there do not exist at present articulated arms and emergency motor vehicles provided with such arms capable of realizing the recovery of such heavy military vehicles. In that sense, in the case of breakdown or damage in the enemy territory and/or in critical conditions, the military vehicles itself has to be often abandoned.
Disclosure of invention
It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide an articulated arm 1. for the lift of a vehicle in general that solves at least in part the above-mentioned inconveniences.
In particular, it is the aim of the present invention to provide an articulated arm for the lift of a vehicle in general that results compact and closable so as not to hide the bell tow.
It is also the aim of the present invention to provide an articulated arm for the lift of a vehicle that results versatile at the same time, thus allowing the total or partial lift of ' the vehicle that is assisted.
It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide an articulated arm for the lift of a vehicle that is particularly suitable for the assistance of heavy vehicles, such as military tanks, for example.
These and other aims are therefore reached with the present articulated arm 1 in accordance with claim 1.
The articulated arm (1),. in accordance with the invention, is realized in at least three portions (2, 3, 4) pivoted one to the other in succession, that is a first (2), a second (3) and a third portion (4). In such a manner, appropriate actuating means (11, 12, 13), configured to realize the movement of ■ the arm between an extended position and a retracted rest position and vice versa, can be arranged in such a way as to move each single portion independently of the others. In particular, the actuating means are arranged with respect to the said portions in such a way that the third portion (4) results rotatable close to the second, portion (3) and. the second portion (3) results rotatable close to the first portion (2) according to such rotation directions that, in retracted position, the. second portion (3) results bent between the first (2) and the third portion (4).
In accordance with, such kinematics, the arm, when in use it is mounted on a fixed supporting surface 14 (for example the frame of the load plane of an emergency vehicle) , is capable of closing itself above such a surface, that is with the second and third portion comprised between the first portion 2 and the plane 14 itself.
In accordance with such a solution the arm therefore results compact and does not come out from the load plane itself of the vehicle when in a rest configuration. Moreover, it is capable of clearing the bell tow of the vehicle itself completely, rendering it always usable, obviously except in the case in which the arm is extended to tow a vehicle to be assisted.
Advantageously, it is also described here a device for the lift of a vehicle in general comprising:
- An articulated arm (1);
- A fixed supporting surface (14) to which the said articulated arm (1) is hinged by one of its ends (2');
- Actuating means (11, 12, 13) configured to realize the movement of the arm between an extended position in which the arm can engage the vehicle for the lift, and a retracted rest position and vice versa;
and characterized in that the articulated arm comprises a first (2) , a second (3) and a third portion (4) reciprocally pivoted in succession one to the other, and in which, further, the said actuating means are arranged with respect to the said portions in such a way that the ' third portion. (4) results rotatable close to the second portion (3) and the second portion (3) is rotatable close to the first portion (2) according to such rotation directions that, in retracted position the second portion (3) results bent between the first (2) and the third portion ( 4 ) .
Advantageously, the articulated arm (1) is hinged to such a fixed supporting surface (14) in such a way that, in the said retracted configuration, the, second and the third portion further result comprised between the first portion (2) and the said fixed supporting surface (14) .
In this way, the bell tow of the vehicle is completely cleared, rendering it usable when the arm is retracted at rest.
It is also described here an emergency vehicle for the lift and tow o.f motor vehicles in general, particularly tanks, and characterized in that it comprises a fixed supporting surface - (14) and an articulated arm (1), as described, and that is connected to . the vehicle through the fixed surface (14) . In such a manner, in the retracted configuration of the articulated arm, the second and the third portion result comprised, that is bent, between the first portion (2) and the said fixed supporting surface (14).
The vehicles to which to apply the said articulated arm can be of any nature and dimension. In such a manner, by appropriately dimensioning both the vehicle and the articulated arm itself, particularly heavy military means can also be recovered.
Advantageously, such an emergency vehicle can be a three-axle vehicle or a four-axle vehicle of bigger dimensions.
Last, it is also described here a method for realizing the engaging and the subsequent lifting of a vehicle to operate the tow of it through an articulated arm (1), as described, and . comprising the operations of:
- Extraction of the arm 1 in operative configuration, the said extraction operation comprising an anti-clpckwise lifting operation of the first portion (2) of the arm with respect to the fixed. surface (14) to which it is hinged, a subsequent anti-clockwise rotation of the second portion (3) that carries the said second portion in orthogonal position with respect to the first , portion (2), a subsequent clockwise . rotation that ' carries the third portion (4) in orthogonal position with respect to the second portion and a clockwise lowering rotation of the first portion, that carries rigidly the whole of the arm 1 close to the surface (14);
- Adjustment of the length of the telescopic portion of the. third portion (4) for realizing the engagement of the vehicle to be assisted.
- Rigid anti-clockwise rotation of the whole of the arm (1) with respect to the fixed surface (14) in such a way as to lift the vehicle of a predetermined quantity for realizing the tow..
Advantageously, at the end of the tow, a closing operation of the arm in rest configuration is comprised, the said closing operation comprising:
- Retraction of the telescopic portion (4);
- Anti-clockwise rotation of the portion (4) with respect to the. portion (3) to bring it close to the portion (3) itself;
- Anti-clockwise lifting rotation of the : portion (2). with respect to the surface (14) in such a way as to realize a seat (40);
- Subsequent clockwise rotation of the second portion (3) in such a way as to close it close to the first portion (2);
- Final clockwise rotation of the first portio towards the surface (14) in such a way that the said second and third portion result bent and comprised between the first portion and the surface (14).
Brief description of the drawings
Further features and advantages of the present device 1, according to the invention, will result clearer with the description of one of its embodiments that follows, made to illustrate but not to limit, with reference to the. annexed drawings, wherein:
- Figure 1 represents an axonometric view of the device;
- Figure 2. extrapolates an axonometric view of the hooking means 5 used for fixing the vehicle to be assisted to the device 1;
- Figure 3 represents a lateral view of the whole of the said device;
- Figure 4 and figure 5 represent respectively an application of the said device to an emergency means and an example of functioning;
- Figures from 6 to 14 represent all the phases of functioning, in particular from the operative extended phase to the retracted rest phase and vice versa.
Description of one preferred embodiment
With reference to figure 1 an axonometric view of the present device which is the subject of the invention, is described.
The device comprises an articulated arm 1 comprising, three portions (2, 3, 4) reciprocally . pivoted one to the other in such a way that each portion can be rotated independently of the other one to which it results hinged. To that end, each portion (2, 3, 4) comprises pivoting holes to one of its ends and to the opposite end.
In particular, as always shown in figure 1, the first portion 2 is provided with a pivoting axis 2 ' realized through a pair of pivoting holes 2 ' in axis between them, in such a way as to be able to be connected in a rotatable manner to the emergency vehicle on which it is mounted. The opposite end of the said portion 2 comprises a second pair of pivoting holes 2 ' ' that are overlapped in axis to the pair of holes 3' obtained on an end of the second portion 3. In the same way, the opposite end of the portion 3 comprises a pair of holes in axis 3' ' that are overlapped to the pair of holes in axis 4' of the third portion 4 in such a way as to be hinged reciprocally. Last, the other end of the portion 4 comprises only one pivoting axis. 4'' on which hooking means 5 are mounted, described below in detail.
Figure 2 shows an enlarged detailed view of the said hooking means 5 and the relative attachment to the portion 4. In particular, a sleeve 8 is comprised provided with a pivoting hole in such a way as to couple to the hole 4'' on the end of the portion 4. The sleeve forms a blocking channel into which a traverse 6 for supporting elements is inserted. In accordance with what, is represented in figure 2, such a configuration allows an angle adjustment of the traverse 6 with respect to the portion 4 thanks to the rotation around the pivoting axis 4'' conferring maneuverability during the tow.
The traverse 6 is hollow inside and is provided with a plurality of holes arranged along its length in such a way that ordinary fixing means, such as screws and bolts, can be fixed in a removable way. In such a manner, the traverse can hold in a removable and/or adjustable way blocking elements (7, 9) that serve to hold and block the wheels of the means to be lifted. In particular, bars 7 can be mounted, provided with a sliding channel 7' , in such a way as to be able to slide on the traverse 6 orthogonally to the same. In such a manner, a pair of bars 7 can be mounted on an end of the traverse 6 and a pair 7 mounted on the opposite end, thus forming two seats ' 10 into which the wheels of the means to be assisted can be positioned and can be blocked in use. As described, the bars 7 can be arranged at variable distances in such a way as to adapt themselves to different axle base distances and/or dimensions of the wheels of the vehicle to be assisted. A stiffening bar 9 further stiffens the pair of bars 7 fixed to the traverse 6 and contributes to the formation of the seat 10, realizing a clamp for the wheels themselves.
Naturally, being the said hooking means interchangeable, the traverse 6 is capable of mounting blocking elements of different nature. In a particularly simple case the bars 7 can in fact be substituted with simple coupling hooks or similar.
Going back to the axonometric view of figure 1, a winch 50 is arranged on the portion 2 of the articulated arm. In such a manner, it is. possible to realize the recovery of a vehicle fallen out of the road or into a ditch, for example, in such a way as to tow it to the road in proximity of the arm 1 to then lift it on the arm itself, as better described below.
Always figure 1 shows the third portion 4 realized in such a way as to result extendible/retractable in a telescopic manner. In such a manner, the overall length of the said portion 4 can be varied according to the specific intervention work to be done .
In order . to appropriately move the articulated arm
1, figure 3 schematizes appropriate actuating means (11, 12, 13) arranged in such a way as to move each portion of the arm (2, 3, 4), one independently of the other. In particular, figure 3 shows a fixed supporting surface 14, for example a frame 14, configured to.be able to be fixed to the frame of an . emergency vehicle on its load plane or making part of the frame. itself of the vehicle on which to mount the . arm. The supporting surface 14 therefore comprises a pivoting axis to which the portion 2 is pivoted through the hinge 2'. A first actuator 11 (hydraulic, for example) comprises a first articulated, joint 11' to be pivoted to the frame 14 and a second articulated joint 11'', opposite to the first one,, which is connected to the first portion 2 in such a way that the extension and retraction of the actuator cause respectively an anticlockwise lifting rotation 1 of the portion 2 from the surface 14 (rotation around the axis 2' ) and a clockwise lowering rotation close to the surface 14.
The first actuator, has an integrated nitrogen shock absorbing system to compensate eventual vibrations in case very heavy vehicles are engaged.
Similarly, a second actuator 12 is arranged in such a way as to be able to rotate the second portion 3, with respect to the portion 2, around the axis 3' . To that aim, the second actuator 12 has a first articulated joint 12' connected to the first portion 2 and a second articulated joint 12' ' that is fixed to the second portion 3 in such a way that an extension or retraction of it cause such a rotation of the second portion 3 around the said axis 3' .
In particular, a retraction of the rod that is connected directly to the hinge 12'' causes an anticlockwise rotation of the portion 3 that carries such a portion in configuration of ninety , angle degrees with respect to the portion 2 to which it is connected. Similarly, an extension causes a clockwise rotation that carries the said second portion 3 to close under the portion 2 close to it (see figure 11, for example) . In the. same way, a third actuator 13 is connected by ' an end 13' to. the portion 3 and by the opposite end to the portion 4 through the , articulated joint 13' '. In such a manner, a retraction of the rod that is connected to the hinge 13'' causes a clockwise rotation that configures the said portion 4 orthogonally to the portion ' 3, while an extension causes an anticlockwise rotation that closes the portion 4 close to the portion 3.
Similar actuators, not described in the figure just for simplicity purposes, allow the extension and retraction of the telescopic portion 4. In particular, going back to figure 1, the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises three telescopic elements forming the portion 4, even if any number could be pre-chosen without for this moving apart from the present inventive concept.
Always figure 3 schematizes . an hydraulic safety clamp 20 that serves to fix the extended work position of the portion 2 with respect to the portion 3 (configuration in which the two portions (2, 3) form between them substantially the said right angle). The hydraulic clamp is just a pivot that is thrust hydraulically into appropriate holes in axis in such a way as to stop any rotation relative between the portion 2 and the portion 3. In such a manner, it is possible to release the actuator 12 once such an operative configuration is reached.
A remote control system, allows to control from remote such movement kinematisms.
Having structurally, described all the basic elements of the. invention, we now pass onto a description of the functioning of the same.
Figure 4 takes up a tow condition in which such a device is mounted on the load plane of an emergency vehicle through the said frame 14 and is found in an extended configuration, therefore operative. It is highlighted, how in such an operative condition normally hides the bell .tow 30 of the vehicle.
In such a configuration the third portion is substantially parallel to the ground with the three parts arranged among them in such a way as to form a sort of step ramp .
Figure 5., on the other hand, represents a tow phase once the vehicle to be assisted, for example a tank, has been engaged. In that case, the hooking means 5 used are different from the ones described in detail before and are constituted by simple hooks arranged on the traverse 6 and that are fixed below the tank. The partial lifting of the engaged vehicle is operated through the anticlockwise rigid rotation of the whole of the arm with respect to the surface to which the arm is hinged.
Considering that, we go into the descriptive detail of the functioning of the kinematism.
Figures from 6 to 8 show three subsequent phases of the functioning in which the device 1, from the operative extended position, initiates the closing phase in rest or retracted position.
In particular, the said three figures show in succession a retraction of the telescopic portion 4. The figures in question show how in such a configuration the portion 2 and the portion 3 are arranged according to a substantially right angle and, similarly, how the portion 3 and the portion . 4 are also arranged according to a right angle. In particular, the first and the third portion are almost parallel one to the other.
Subsequently, we pass onto the intermediate phases that conduct the device to the retracted configuration. In particular, figures 9 and 10 show an intermediate phase in which the portion 4 is rotated in an anticlockwise way close to the portion 3. around its pivoting axis 4'. To that aim, figures 9 and 10 show in succession the extraction of the rod of the actuator 13 pivoted to the portion .4 through the fulcrum 13' ' and responsible for such an anticlockwise closing rotation.
Once the portion 4 is conducted close to the portion
3, as per. figure 10, the _ retraction of the portion- 3 takes place, which rigidly drags also the portion 4 arranged close to it. To that aim, as shown in figure 11, a preliminary phase is executed in which the lifting rotation of the portion 2 takes place through the extraction of the. actuator 11.
At this point, a space or seat 40 is created between the supporting plane 14 and the portion 2 into which the portion 3 can rotate. Figure 11 in fact highlights the lifting of the portion 2 and the dotted line in it represents the clockwise rotation angle that conducts the portion 3 close to the portion 2 through the extension of the actuator 12.
Subsequent figure 12 therefore shows the phase in which the portion 3 is wrap-closed close to the portion 2. At this point, as shown in figure 13, the retraction of the actuator 11 results in the three portions being completely packaged close to the supporting surface 14.
It is therefore clear how such a retraction kinematism, in which the portion 3 and the portion .4. result comprised between the supporting surface 14 and the portion 2, allows to maintain free the tow bell of the emergency vehicle on which such a device is mounted.
It is also clear how in such a packaged configuration the entire closed arm is substantially parallel to the plane 14.
Last, the adoption of a telescopic system of the portion . 4 results to. be particularly efficient, rendering the entire device versatile. On the basis of the vehicles to be assisted, it is in fact possible to adjust the extension of the device in .such a way as to be able to even engage the vehicle along its entire longitudinal length and lift it entirely exactly like an overhead travelling crane.
The last figure attached 14 shows, a complete retraction of the telescopic part.
It is clear how such phases have been described, in sequence from the extended position to the retracted one by a mere descriptive choice and . therefore in an absolutely non-limiting manner. The device 1 can therefore indifferently pass from . an extended condition to a retracted one or, similarly, from the retracted position to the extended one in such a way as to engage the vehicle to be towed.
In particular, in case of extension, the lifting of the whole (2, 3, 4) is initially carried out, as described from figure 14 to figure 12 to then rotate the portion 3 of ninety degrees with respect to the portion 2, as shown in figure 11. In this position the locking pins 20 have come into action to fix the reciprocal position between the said two parts. At this point, the rotation of the portion 2 takes place in such a way as to bring it close to the supporting surface 14, as per figure 10, to then proceed with the rotation of the portion 4 with respect to the portion 3, as per figures 9 and 8. At this point, the progressive extraction of. the telescopic portion can take place, in such a way as to place it below the vehicle for all or part of its length. A small rotation of the whole through the rotation of the portion 2 allows the lifting of the vehicle. The hooking means 5 described allow to fix the means to be assisted, duly fastening it.
The remote control therefore allows the control from remote of the articulated arm.