US-20260124980-A1 - ADJUSTABLE LATERAL RETRIEVER FOR A RECOVERY TOW TRUCK

US20260124980A1US 20260124980 A1US20260124980 A1US 20260124980A1US-20260124980-A1

Abstract

An adjustable lateral retriever for a recovery tow truck includes a lower cross member, an upper cross member, a first sheeve mounted to a first end of the upper cross member, and a second sheeve mounted to an opposing second end of the upper cross member. The retriever also includes a pair of adjustable vertical supports secured to the lower cross member and extending substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member. A first winch is mounted to a lower end of the first vertical support, and a second winch is mounted to a lower end of the second vertical support. In addition, a first winch cable is secured to the first winch and routed through the first sheeve, and a second winch cable secured to the second winch and routed through the second sheeve, where the winch cables are configured to attach to a vehicle to be recovered.

Inventors

Donald D. Roberts

Assignees

Donald D. Roberts

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20241104

Claims (20)

1 . An adjustable lateral retriever for a recovery tow truck, the adjustable lateral retriever comprising: a lower cross member having a first end and an opposing second end, the lower cross member configured to be coupled to frame rails of the recovery tow truck; an upper cross member having a first end and an opposing second end; a first sheeve mounted to the first end of the upper cross member; a second sheeve mounted to the opposing second end of the upper cross member; a first adjustable vertical support secured to the first end of the lower cross member and extending substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member to the first end of the upper cross member; a second adjustable vertical support secured proximate to the second end of the lower cross member and extending substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member to the second end of the upper cross member; a first winch mounted to a lower end of the first vertical support; a second winch mounted to a lower end of the second vertical support; a first winch cable secured to the first winch and routed through the first sheeve, the first winch cable configured to attach to a vehicle to be recovered; and a second winch cable secured to the second winch and routed through the second sheeve, the second winch cable configured to attach to the vehicle to be recovered.
2 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 1 , wherein the first and second adjustable vertical supports are configured to raise and lower relative to the lower cross member to provide increased visibility from out of back glass of the recovery tow truck.
3 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 1 , wherein the first and second winches are configured to be mounted below a bed of the recovery tow truck when installed so that the first and second adjustable vertical supports can be raised or lowered without interfering with an operation of the first and second winches.
4 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 1 , further comprising a first self-adjusting stabilizer leg and a second self-adjusting stabilizer leg mounted to respective frame rails of the recovery tow truck, the first and second self-adjusting stabilizers are configured to self-adjust to uneven terrain when deployed.
5 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 4 , wherein each of the first and second self-adjusting stabilizer legs comprises, a bracket for securing to a respective frame rail; a support member having a first end pinned to the bracket; an extension slidingly engaged with the support member; a hydraulic cylinder having a first end pinned to the bracket and a second end pinned to the extension; and a hydraulic line secured to the hydraulic cylinder and configured to provide hydraulic pressure to extend and retract the hydraulic cylinder that in turn extends and retracts the extension to stabilize the recovery tow truck during recovery operations.
6 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 5 , further comprising a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder.
7 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 1 , further comprising a light bar secured to the upper cross member.
8 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 1 , further comprising a first mounting bracket secured to the lower end of the first adjustable vertical support and the lower cross member, and a second mounting bracket secured to the second adjustable vertical support and the lower cross member, the first and second mounting brackets configured to be secured to the respective frame rails of the recovery tow truck.
9 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 5 , further comprising a first support foot pinned to a distal end of the first extension, and a second support foot pinned to a distal end of the second extension.
10 . An adjustable lateral retriever for a recovery tow truck, the adjustable lateral retriever comprising: a lower cross member having a first end and an opposing second end, the lower cross member configured to be coupled to frame rails of the recovery tow truck; a first sleeve secured to the first end of the lower cross member and extending substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member; a second sleeve secured proximate to the second end of the lower cross member and substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member; a first vertical column having a lower end and an upper end, the first vertical column slidingly engaged within the first sleeve and configured to extend out from the first sleeve; a second vertical column having a lower end and an upper end, the second vertical column slidingly engaged within the second sleeve and configured to extend out from the second sleeve; an upper cross member having a first end and an opposing second end, the upper ends of the first and second vertical columns fixed to the upper cross member, wherein the first and second vertical columns are vertically adjustable relative to the lower cross member; a first winch mounted to the lower end of the first sleeve and configured to be positioned below a bed of the recovery tow truck when installed; a second winch mounted to the lower end of the second sleeve and configured to be positioned below the bed of the recovery tow truck when installed; a first sheeve mounted to the first end of the upper cross member; a second sheeve mounted to the opposing second end of the upper cross member; a first winch cable secured to the first winch and routed through the first sheeve, the first winch cable configured to attach to a vehicle to be recovered; and a second winch cable secured to the second winch and routed through the second sheeve, the second winch cable configured to attach to the vehicle to be recovered.
11 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 10 , further comprising a first self-adjusting stabilizer leg and a second self-adjusting stabilizer leg mounted to the frame rails of the recovery tow truck.
12 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 11 , wherein each of the first and second self-adjusting stabilizer legs comprise, a bracket for securing to a respective frame rail; a support member having a first end pinned to the bracket; an extension slidingly engaged with the support member; a hydraulic cylinder having a first end pinned to the bracket and a second end pinned to the extension; and a hydraulic line secured to the hydraulic cylinder and configured to provide hydraulic pressure to extend and retract the hydraulic cylinder that in turn extends and retracts the extension to stabilize the recovery tow truck during recovery operations.
13 . The adjustable lateral retriever of claim 12 , further comprising a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder.
14 . A method of using an adjustable lateral retriever for a recovery tow truck, the adjustable lateral retriever comprising a lower cross member, an upper cross member, a first adjustable vertical support secured to a first end of the lower cross member and extending substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member, a second adjustable vertical support secured proximate to a second end of the lower cross member and substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member, the method comprising: extending a first winch cable routed through a first sheeve mounted to a first end of the upper cross member, or extending a second winch cable routed through a second sheeve mounted to an opposing second end of the upper cross member; attaching either the first or second winch cable to a vehicle to be recovered; extending at least one self-adjusting stabilizer; activating a first winch mounted below a bed of the tow recovery vehicle and having the first winch cable, or engaging a second winch mounted below the bed of the tow recovery vehicle and having the second winch cable; and pulling the vehicle towards the recovery tow truck by engaging a respective winch.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the first and second adjustable vertical supports are configured to raise and lower relative to the lower cross member to provide increased visibility from out of back glass of the recovery tow truck.
16 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the first and second winches are mounted below the bed of the recovery tow truck when installed so that the first and second adjustable vertical supports can be raised or lowered without interfering with an operation of the first and second winches.
17 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the at least one self-adjusting stabilizer is configured to self-adjust to uneven terrain when deployed.
18 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the at least one self-adjusting stabilizer comprises, a bracket secured to a respective frame rail of the recovery tow truck; a support member having a first end pinned to the bracket; an extension slidingly engaged with the support member; a hydraulic cylinder having a first end pinned to the bracket and a second end pinned to the extension; and a hydraulic line secured to the hydraulic cylinder and configured to provide hydraulic pressure to extend and retract the hydraulic cylinder that in turn extends and retracts the extension to stabilize the recovery tow truck during recovery operations.
19 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the at least one self-adjusting stabilizer comprises a support foot pinned to a distal end of the second extension.

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to the field of recovery vehicles, and, more particularly, to an adjustable lateral retriever for a recovery tow truck. BACKGROUND A side puller tow truck, also known as a side recovery tow truck or a side pull wrecker, is a specialized type of tow truck designed for recovering vehicles that are overturned or stuck in a position where traditional towing methods might not be feasible. These trucks are equipped with a boom or winch system mounted on the side of the vehicle, allowing them to approach the stranded vehicle from the side rather than from the rear or front like traditional tow trucks. This side-mounted system enables them to recover vehicles in tight spaces or difficult angles, such as along narrow roadsides or in ditches. Side puller tow trucks are commonly used by towing and recovery services, as well as emergency responders, to safely and efficiently recover vehicles involved in accidents or off-road incidents. They provide versatility and enhanced capabilities for handling challenging recovery situations. The side puller tow truck positions itself parallel to the stranded vehicle, aligning the side-mounted winch or boom with the vehicle that needs to be recovered. The operator extends the winch cable or boom arm from the side of the tow truck and attaches it securely to the stranded vehicle. Depending on the situation, the attachment point could be a designated recovery point on the vehicle or another secure location. Once the attachment is made, the winch system on the side puller tow truck begins to retract the cable, applying tension to the stranded vehicle. This process gradually pulls the vehicle closer to the tow truck. Depending on the situation and the configuration of the tow truck, the stranded vehicle may be lifted slightly off the ground as it is pulled towards the tow truck. In some cases, the vehicle may be dragged along the ground if lifting is not necessary or feasible. Once the stranded vehicle is brought into a suitable position, it can be further secured if necessary, and the tow truck operator can prepare it for transport. This may involve additional attachments or preparations to ensure the vehicle is stable and secure during transportation. After the vehicle is successfully recovered, the side puller tow truck can transport it to a desired location, such as a repair facility or a designated storage area. Depending on the size and weight of the vehicle, additional precautions may be taken during transportation to ensure safety and stability. However, there is a need for improvements to handle heavier loads and provide better control over the recovery process and enhance the stability of the tow truck during side pulling operations, especially when dealing with heavy or unstable vehicles. SUMMARY An adjustable lateral retriever for a recovery tow truck is disclosed. The adjustable lateral retriever includes a lower cross member having a first end and an opposing second end, where the lower cross member is configured to be coupled to frame rails of the recovery tow truck. The lateral retriever also includes an upper cross member having a first end and an opposing second end, a first sheeve mounted to the first end of the upper cross member, and a second sheeve mounted to the opposing second end of the upper cross member. A first adjustable vertical support is secured to the first end of the lower cross member and extends substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member to the first end of the upper cross member, and a second adjustable vertical support is secured proximate to the second end of the lower cross member and extends substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member to the send end of the upper cross member. The lateral retriever includes a first winch mounted to a lower end of the first vertical support, a second winch mounted to a lower end of the second vertical support, and a first winch cable secured to the first winch and routed through the first sheeve. The first winch cable is configured to attach to a vehicle to be recovered. In addition, a second winch cable is secured to the second winch and routed through the second sheeve, where the second winch cable is also configured to attach to the vehicle to be recovered. The first and second adjustable vertical supports are configured to raise and lower relative to the lower cross member to provide increased visibility from out of back glass of the recovery tow truck. The first and second winches are configured to be mounted below a bed of the recovery tow truck when installed so that the first and second adjustable vertical supports can be raised or lowered without interfering with an operation of the first and second winches. The lateral retriever may also include a first self-adjusting stabilizer leg and a second self-adjusting stabilizer leg mounted to respective frame rails of the recovery tow truck, where the first and second self-adjusting stabilizers are