FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system for pulling an object as well as to a towable device connectable to a pulling device or a puller. The invention also relates to a method of pulling an object by means of the system according to the invention.

BACKGROUND

It is known that a sled connected to a pulling device, such as a snowmobile, tractor, or all-terrain vehicle, is used for transporting an object, such as logs and game animals in the woods. However, this requires the object to be lifted onto the bunk of the sled. Different alternatives have been presented to solve this problem.

US 7568876 describes a system comprising a wire that can be wound on a log to be towed as well as a device provided with wheels and a winch and connectable to a vehicle, said wire being connected to this device. By using the winch, the log can be partly moved onto the device, with the other end of the log not contacting the ground. US 8444361 also describes a similar solution.

Fl 8332 describes a low-structure device towable by a vehicle and loadable by means of a peavey or log tongs. However, the logs must be tied to this towable device by using binding chains or the like.

DE202012000312U1 describes a system for pulling a log, comprising a towable device with a body substantially shaped as a pulk and having a first closed end and a second open end, as well as a steering means connected to the body and an aperture for the steering means, as well as an elongated fastener connectable to the log to be pulled and to the pulling device, the elongated fastener being adapted to run through the steering means aperture.

US 4283068 describes a foldable sled for pulling game animals. The game animals are tied to the sled by using a binding rope.

On the Internet, <http://www.puurutuote.fi/hirvenvetolevy> (18.8.2020) describes a system for pulling a game animal, comprising a towable device made of polyethylene (HDPE) and having an end reinforced by a metal plate, 7 tow straps, 2 all-terrain vehicle straps and a nylon rope for fastening the game animal. On the Internet, <http://www.hirviputki.fi> (18.8.2020) describes a system for pulling a game animal, the system comprising a tube made of PE and a pulling chain attached to the tube.

However, there still exists a need for simple systems suitable for pulling an object.

SUMMARY

Now, a simple system for moving an object, such as logs and game animals, has been invented.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a system for pulling an object, comprising o a towable device comprising a bendable body comprising a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, the body comprising

• a first cut and a second cut made from the first end of the body towards the second end thereof and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the cuts being substantially equally spaced from the longitudinal axis of the body, and

• a first aperture in the area between the first cut and the first side, a second aperture in the area between the second cut and the second side, and a third aperture and a fourth aperture in the area between the first cut and the second cut, o a first elongated fastening means connectable to a pulling device or a puller, and to the object to be pulled and to the towable device, and wherein

• the area between the first cut and the first side of the body, and the area between the second cut and the second side of the body are bent above or below the area between the first cut and the second cut, so that the first aperture and the third aperture, and the second aperture and the fourth aperture are substantially aligned, and

• the first elongated fastening means is adapted to pass through the first aperture and the third aperture, and through the second aperture and the fourth aperture.

The invention also relates to a towable device adapted to be used in the system according to the invention and comprising a bendable body having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, the body comprising • a first cut and a second cut made from the first end of the body towards the second end thereof and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the cuts being substantially equally spaced from the longitudinal axis of the body, and

• a first aperture in the area between the first cut and the first side of the body, a second aperture in the area between the second cut and the second side of the body, and a third aperture and a fourth aperture in the area between the first cut and the second cut, for passing an elongated fastening means extending between an object to the pulled by said towable device and a pulling device or a puller, through the apertures.

The invention also relates to a method of pulling an object by a system according to claim 1 , the method comprising o connecting an elongated fastening means to a pulling device or a puller and to the object to be pulled or to the towable device, o the pulling device or puller starting to move.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

FIGURES

Figure 1 is a top view of an exemplary system according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows the system of figure 1 in a situation where the first elongated fastening means is connected to an object to be pulled.

Figure 3 is a top view of another exemplary system according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows the towable device of the system of figure 3 in a situation where the body of the towable device is partly bent into the shape of a pulk.

Figure 5 shows a towable device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in a rolled configuration.

Figure 6 is a top view of an exemplary towable device usable in the system according to the invention and especially suited for rescue services.

Figure 7 is a top view of an exemplary towable device usable in the system according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention. The system comprises of a towable device 100 and a first elongated fastening means 104 connectable to a pulling device or a puller as well as to an object to be pulled or to the towable device.

Figure 1 shows the towable device 100 from above, as seen in the (-) z direction of a coordinate system 199, in a situation where the towable device 100 is spread out. The towable devices comprises of a bendable body 101 having a first end 102a, a second end 102b, a first side 103a and a second side 103b. In the figure, the longitudinal axis of the body extending in the x direction of the coordinate system 199 (D1 = D2) is denoted by reference numeral 103c. The body comprises a first cut 105a and a second cut 105b made from the first end of the body towards the second end thereof and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. The cuts are substantially equally spaced d from the longitudinal axis of the body. The body has an exemplary length L and width W of 220 cm and 95 cm, respectively. The cuts have an exemplary length of 30 to 40 cm parallel to the x axis of the coordinate system 199. This pulling device is suitable for pulling deer, for example. Preferably, if intended for pulling more massive game animals, such as moose, the device is larger. The towable device shown in figure 1 has a substantially rectangular body.

The body of towable device is made of a flexible material, preferably high-density polyethylene (PE-HD). Preferably, the thickness of the body is 1 to 4 mm. This makes it rigid enough but, at the same time, transformable into a transportation state by rolling, for example.

The body is provided with apertures 106a-d through which a first elongated fastening means can be passed through. Of these apertures, the first aperture 106a is located in the area A between the first cut and the first side whereas the second aperture 106b is located in the area B between the second cut and the second side. The third aperture 106c and the fourth aperture 106d are located in the area C between the first cut and the second cut. For clarity, figure 1 does not show the passage of the first elongated fastening means below the body. The arrows at the end of the first elongated fastening means 104 denote the pulling direction.

In the system, the area A between the first cut and the first side of the body as well as the area B between the second cut and the second side of the body are bendable above or below the area C between the first cut and the second cut of the body, preferably above so that the first aperture 106a and the third aperture 106c as well as the second aperture 106b and the fourth aperture 106d are substantially aligned. Correspondingly, the first elongated fastening means 104 is adapted to pass from below the body through the third aperture and the first aperture above the body, and from above the body through the second aperture 106b and the fourth aperture 106d below the body, when the towable device is in its operating position. Since the body is made of a flexible material, the first elongated fastening means, passing through the body as described above, bends the front of the body substantially into the shape of a pulk when the object is pulled.

Preferably, the system also includes a second elongated fastening means 107 adapted to pass through the overlapping apertures 106a,c; 106b,d and aligned to said apertures. An exemplary second elongated fastening means is a strap passing through these apertures and tightened to the body. It allows the front part of the towed device to remain in the shape of a pulk, also in a situation where the pulling is not applied parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. For clarity, figure 1 does not show the travel of the second elongated fastening means below the body.

Preferably, the first side and the second side of the towable device of the system also comprise one or more pairs of apertures 108a, b as well as one or more third elongated fastening means 109 adapted to pass through said pair of apertures. An example of the third elongated fastening means is a strap passing through these apertures and tightened to the body. It allows the pulk shape of the body of the towed device to be further improved.

The pulk shape can also be affected by how the apertures 106a-d are positioned in the body of the towable device. Preferably, the first aperture 106a and the second aperture 106b are substantially equally spaced from the longitudinal axis of the body. Correspondingly, it is preferable that the third aperture 106c and the fourth aperture 106d are substantially equally spaced from the longitudinal axis of the body.

Figure 2 shows the system of figure 1 in a situation where an object 110 to be pulled, such as a log, is tied thereto. For clarity, figure 2 shows the body 101 of the towable device in a spread-out state and does not show the travel of the first elongated fastening means 104 below the body 101. Figure 3 shows a towable device 200 of another non-limiting embodiment of the system of the invention as seen in the (-) z direction of a coordinate system 299. The towable device comprises a bendable body 201 having a first end 202a, a second end 202b, a first side 203a and a second side 203b. In the figure, the longitudinal axis of the body is denoted by reference numeral 203c. The body comprises a first cut 205a and a second cut 205b made from the first end of the body towards the second end thereof and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. These cuts are substantially equally spaced d from the longitudinal axis of the body.

In the system, the area A between the first cut and the first side as well as the area B between the second cut and the second side of the body are bendable above or below, preferably above the area C between the first cut and the second cut of the body, preferably so that the first aperture 206a and the third aperture 206c as well as the second aperture 206b and the fourth aperture 206d are substantially aligned. Correspondingly, the first elongated fastening means 204 is adapted to pass from below the body through the third aperture and the first aperture above the body, and from above the body through the second aperture 206b and the fourth aperture 206d below the body, when the towable device is in its operating position. Since the body is made of a flexible material, the first elongated fastening means, passing through the body as described above, bends the front of the body substantially into the shape of a pulk when the object is pulled.

Preferably, the system also includes a second elongated fastening means 207 adapted to pass through the overlapping apertures and to keep said apertures aligned. An exemplary second elongated fastening means is a strap passing through said apertures and tightened to the body. It is used to keep the front part of the body of the towable device in the shape of a pulk, also in a situation where the pulling is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Preferably, the first side 203a and the second side 203b of the body of the towable device 200 of the system shown in figure 2 also comprise one or more pairs of apertures 208a, b; 208c, d as well as one or more third elongated fastening means 209a, b adapted to pass through said pairs of apertures. An example of the third elongated fastening means is a strap passing through said apertures and tightened to the body. It allows the pulk shape of the middle portion of the body of the towed device to be maintained. Figure 4, where the towable device 200 of figure 2 is bent into its operating position, shows more clearly how the first, the second and the third elongated fastening means affect the shape of the towable device. For clarity, the figure does not show the elongated fastening means.

The pulk shape can also be affected by how the front of the body of the towable device is designed. The towable device of figures 3 and 4 differs from the towable device of figure 1 in that its first end 202a is shorter than its second end 202b and in that notches 211 a, b are provided at the first and the second cuts in its first end. This design makes the front of the body of the towable device of figure 2 more compact than the front of the body of the towable device of figure 1 , resembling more a pulk.

Preferably, the rear of the towable device is provided with one or more apertures 212a, 212b through which one or more fourth elongated fastening means 213a, 213b connected to the body can be threaded. These fastening means are attached to the body of the towable device by knots, for example. They allow the towable device to be rolled into a transportation state. Figure 5 shows an example of the towable device 300, in a rolled state. When going downhill, for example, these elongated fastening means can also be used for controlling the speed of the system, by being held by a so-called brakeman.

The invention can also be used by rescue services, for the purpose of pulling a patient. In this case, the elongated fastening means is not attached to the object to be pulled in the way shown in figure 3 but the first fastening means 104, 204 is adapted to pass through the apertures of the towable device, as shown in figures 1 and 2, for example.

Figure 6 shows a towable device 400 according to a preferred embodiment suitable for rescue services. For clarity, it shows the towable device as seen from above, in the (-) z direction of a coordinate system 499, in a situation where the towable device is spread out. The towable device comprises of a bendable body 401 having a first end 402a, a second end 402b, a first side 403a and a second side 403b. In the figure, the longitudinal axis of the body is denoted by reference numeral 403c. The body comprises a first cut 405a and a second cut 405b made from the first end of the body towards the second end thereof and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. These cuts are substantially equally spaced d from the longitudinal axis of the body. The body is provided with apertures 406a - d through which a first elongated fastening means 404 (only shown by the reference numeral in the figure) can be threaded. The first aperture 406a is located in the area A between the first cut and the first side whereas the second cut 406b is located in the area B between the second cut and the second side. The third aperture 406c and the fourth aperture 406d are located in the area C between the first cut and the second cut. For clarity, the figure does not show the travel of the first elongated fastening means 404.

In this embodiment, the body also comprises a third cut 405c and a fourth cut 405d made from the second end 402b of the body towards the first end 402a of the body and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and the x axis of the coordinate system 499. These cuts are also substantially equally spaced d’ from the longitudinal axis 403c of the body. In addition, the body is provided with apertures 406e-h through which a fifth elongated fastening means 414 can be threaded. Of the apertures, the fifth aperture 406e is located in the area A’ between the third cut and the first side whereas the sixth cut 406f is located in the area B’ between the fourth cut and the second side. The seventh aperture 406g and the eighth aperture 406h are located in the area C’ between the third cut and the fourth cut.

The area A between the first cut and the first side of the body as well as the area B between the second cut and the second side of the body are bendable above or below the area C between the first cut and the second cut of the body, preferably above so that the first aperture 406a and the third aperture 406c as well as the second aperture 106b and the fourth aperture 406d are substantially aligned. Correspondingly, the first elongated fastening means 404 is adapted to pass from below the body through the third aperture and the first aperture above the body, and from above the body through the second aperture 406b and the fourth aperture 406d below the body, when the towable device is in its operating position. Since the body is made of a flexible material, the first elongated fastening means, passing through the body as described above, bends the front of the body substantially into the shape of a pulk when the object is pulled.

The area A’ between the third cut 405c and the first side 403a as well as the area B’ between the fourth cut 405d and the second side 403b of the towable device 400 are bendable above or below the area C’ between the third cut and the fourth cut, preferably above so that the fifth aperture and the seventh aperture as well as the sixth aperture and the eighth aperture are substantially aligned. Preferably, the system also includes a second elongated fastening means 407 adapted to pass through the overlapping apertures and to keep said apertures aligned. An exemplary second elongated fastening means is a strap passing through said apertures and tightened to the body. It is used to keep the front part of the body of the towed device in the shape of a pulk, also in a situation where the pulling is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Preferably, the system also includes a fifth elongated fastening means 414 adapted to run through the overlapping apertures 406e,g; 406f,h and to keep the apertures aligned. An example of the fifth elongated fastening means is a strap running through said apertures and tightened to the body. It allows the pulk shape of the rear of the body of the towable device to be maintained.

The top surface of the body of the towable device can also be laminated e.g., with foam, as a solid cushion and thermal insulation. An exemplary thickness of the coating is 2 to 15 mm.

According to an embodiment, the system also comprises a pulling device, such as a tractor, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle. If the object to be pulled is not too heavy, the pulling can be done by muscle power.

The invention also relates to a towable device. Examples of the towable device are presented above. The towable device 500 according to figure 7 comprises a bendable body 501 having

• a first end 502a, a second end 502b, a first side 503a and a second side 503b,

• a first cut 505a and a second cut 505b made from the first end of the body towards the second end thereof and parallel to the longitudinal axis 303c of the body, said cuts being substantially equally spaced d from the longitudinal axis of the body, and

• a first aperture 506a in the area A between the first cut and the first side of the body, a second aperture 506b in the area B between the second cut and the second side of the body, as well as a third aperture 506c and a fourth aperture 506d in the area C between the first cut and the second cut, said body being bendable so that the first aperture and the third aperture as well as the second aperture and the fourth aperture are substantially aligned. The towable device 500 differs from the towable devices described above in that the length of the area C in the x direction of a coordinate system 599 exceeds the corresponding length of the areas A and B.

The invention also relates to a method of pulling an object by means of the system according to the invention. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: a) the first elongated fastening means is attached to the pulling device or puller as well as to the object to be pulled, b) the towable device is partly positioned under the object to be pulled, the object partly extending, through the second end of the device, onto the body of the towable device, and c) the pulling device starting to move.

Naturally, the steps a) and b) can be carried out in the opposite order.

Preferably, the elongated fastening means used in the method is a pulling strap. It can be attached to the object to be pulled by a knot, such as a clove hitch, or any other connector known by a person skilled in the art and suitable for this purpose.

Once the object to be pulled is positioned on the towable device, by pushing, for example, as described in step b), and, as the pulling device starts to move, the object to be pulled slides on the towable device until it reaches the first end of the towable device. In this step, at the latest, the towable device starts to move as well.

An advantage of this embodiment of the method according to the invention is that the pulling is not directed to the device being towed but to the object being pulled. This makes it unnecessary to tie the object to the towable device.

According to another embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: a) the first elongated fastening means is attached to the pulling device or puller as well as to the towable device, b) the object on the towable device is positioned on the pulling device, c) the pulling device starting to move.

This embodiment is suitable for a situation where the object to be pulled is a person or a living animal.