A trailer mover

Abstract

A motorised device for moving a trailer or towable attachment, the device comprising: two independently drivable wheels substantially coaxially mounted to a body therebetween; two prime movers, each associated with one of the two wheels so that each wheel is operable by the respective prime mover; and the body comprising a coupler configured to be mountable with the trailer or towable attachment, thereby facilitating power transfer from the device to the trailer or towable attachment during use.

Description

A TRAILER MOVERTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a mover for moving non-self-propelled vehicles and towable attachments (such as trailers and caravans) when they are disconnected from a self- propelled towing vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a mover having two wheels, each wheel being independently operable and driven by a separate motor.BACKGROUND

[0002] A variety of non-self-propelled vehicles and towable attachments (hereinafter referred to as "trailers") are available for transporting accommodations (such as, for example, caravans and camper trailers), watercraft (such as boats and jet skis), and cargo including machinery, building equipment, vehicles, and other goods and materials.

[0003] Typically, trailers are towed behind a towing vehicle, such as a car or truck, and the trailer can be manoeuvred or moved by movement of the towing vehicle and by virtue of the towing vehicles' connection to the trailer. In many cases, however, the towing vehicle cannot adequately manoeuvre the trailer to its desired position, or the towing vehicle is not present to assist in towing the trailer. In such cases, it is desirable for trailer operators to be able to move the trailer without a towing vehicle. Conventionally, this requires pushing the trailer by hand, which, where possible, can be dangerous where the operator does not have full control of the trailer - which is especially the case for larger and heavier trailers and for movement occurring with the trailer positioned on an incline or decline. In many cases, especially for trailers weighing in excess of 3 tonnes, it is impossible to manually push a trailer at all (even in a straight line). Further still, manually pushing a trailer can be physically demanding and could result in injury to the user, if they are capable of pushing the trailer at all.

[0004] Previous attempts to provide an apparatus or method for moving trailers without a towing vehicle have been undertaken. However, such trailer 'dollies' still require significant physical effort, and the shortcomings associated therewith. Powered trailer movers have also been considered, but such movers typically include only a single driven wheel or track, and thus limit the manoeuvrability of the trailer, making it impossible to position the trailer into confined spaces, or to manoeuvre the trailer at all while in confined spaces. Such movers are often limited in both turning radius and traction. Known powered movers additionally have shortcomings related to their attachment to trailers, whereby the attachment provides only limited traction to the wheel of the mover for moving the trailer.

[0005] The applicant has determined that it would be advantageous to provide an improved trailer mover, which, in the preferred embodiments, seeks to at least in part alleviate some of the above-identified problems or to provide the public with a useful choice.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motorised device for moving a trailer or towable attachment, the device comprising: two independently drivable wheels substantially coaxially mounted to a body therebetween; two prime movers, each associated with one of the two wheels so that each wheel is operable by the respective prime mover; and the body comprising a coupler configured to be mountable with the trailer or towable attachment, thereby facilitating power transfer from the device to the trailer or towable attachment during use.

[0007] In some embodiments, the wheels are operable in opposite directions to pivot the device in place. Operation of the wheels may be controllable by a joystick. The joystick may be configured to control the speed of each wheel. The joystick may be connected wirelessly to the device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the coupler may be configured to couple to the trailer or towable attachment proximate a draw bar thereof. The coupler may include or be couplable to a jockey wheel or stand of the trailer or towable attachment. The coupler may be configured to pivot about the device body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the prime movers are powered by a battery housed substantially within the device. The battery may be rechargeable and removable from the device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a control module, the control module configured to control and monitor the prime movers and prevent damage thereto. The control module may monitor at least one of: current draw; device temperature and battery charge.

[0011] In some embodiments, each wheel has a diameter of between about 250 mm and about 450 mm. Each wheel may have a diameter of about 305 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the body is configured for supporting the device in an upright position when not coupled to the trailer or towable attachment. The body may comprise a support wheel, the support wheel is configured for abutting a ground surface

[0013] In some embodiments, each wheel includes a non-pneumatic tyre. Each tyre may include a tread formed of a polyurethane material.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of moving a trailer or towable attachment using a device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: coupling the device to the trailer or towable attachment; operating the two wheels in opposite directions to rotate the device without effecting movement of the trailer; and operating the two wheels in the same direction to effect movement of the trailer.

[0015] While components of the motorised device and system for moving a trailer or towable attachment will be described below for use in combination with each other in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood by a skilled person that some aspects of the present invention are equally suitable to be used interchangeably between one or more embodiments of the present invention and / or suitable for use as standalone inventions that can be individually incorporated into other motorised devices and assemblies not described herein.

[0016] The word “about” or “approximately” when used in relation to a stated reference point for a quality, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, location, size, amount, weight or length may be understood to indicate that the reference point is capable of variation, and that the term may encompass proximal qualities on either side of the reference point.

[0017] As used herein, the word "substantially'' may be used merely to indicate an intention that the term it qualifies should not be read too literally and that the word could mean “sufficiently”, “mostly” or "near enough” for the patentee's purposes.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a rear perspective view drawing of a device in an upright position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;Figure 2 is a bottom view drawing of the device of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is a bottom view drawing of the device of Figure 1 , with a portion of the body of the device removed;Figure 4 is a front perspective view drawing of the device of Figure 1 ;Figure 5 is an isometric drawing of the joystick of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; andFigure 6 is a schematic representation of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, coupled to a trailer;Figure 7 is a perspective view drawing of the device of Figure 1 , coupled to a jockey wheel or stand of a trailer;Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a method of moving a trailer or towable attachment using a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0020] In this specification, the term "trailer" is taken to refer to a wheeled transport such as a caravan, boat trailer, camper or dolly that is towed or towable by a vehicle. The term "nonself-propelled vehicle" is taken to refer also to towable attachments such as a caravan, boat trailer, camper or dolly that is towed or towable by a vehicle. Either term "trailer" or "non-self- propelled vehicle" is taken to include plain trailers (trailers having the purpose of carrying people or goods) such as flat-bed trailer or box trailers, as well as bicycle carriers or other wheeled transport that does not include an internal or integrated means for propelling (i.e. , moving) itself, i.e., unpowered wheeled transport. Whilst the description will refer specifically to road-based vehicles and non-self-propelled (i.e., unpowered) trailers, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to such preferments, and that the assembly may also be used with off-road vehicles and / or self-propelled (powered) trailers.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a device 100 for moving a trailer or towable attachment (hereinafter referred to as a trailer 200), the device 100 comprising: two independently drivable wheels 12 substantially coaxially mounted to a body 10 therebetween; two prime movers 14,each associated with one of the two wheels 12 so that each wheel 12 is operable by the respective prime mover 14; and the body 10 comprising a coupler 30 configured to be mountable with the trailer 200, thereby facilitating power transfer from the device 100 to the trailer 200 during use.

[0022] The device body 10 is generally in the form of a rectangular prism, and has a wheel 12 mounted at each longitudinal end thereof (thus the mover body 10 is positioned between the wheels 12). In the Figures, the body 10 is of an approximate rectangular prism shape, having rounded or chamfered edges. The body 10 may instead be round or prismatic without departure from the present invention. The wheels 12 are positioned opposite and parallel to one another, in a substantially coaxial arrangement (wherein each wheel 12 is approximately on the same axis as the other). In some embodiments, the wheels could be arranged to have a slight angular offset, while still being considered substantially coaxial in respect of the alignment of the wheels 12. The device 100 includes 2 wheels 12, but it is understood that the device 100 of the present invention need only include at least 2 wheels 12, and so may instead include more than 2 wheels, such as, for example, 4 wheels 12. The body 10 has a smaller external dimension than that of the wheels 12, such that the body 10, when the device 100 is on a ground surface 300, is entirely suspended above the ground surface 300 by the wheels 12. What is meant by this is that irrespective of the rotational position of the device body 10 relative the wheels 12, there is a gap G between the device body 10 and the wheels 12, as shown in Figure 2. The device body 10 provides a housing for housing the components (excluding the wheels 12) of the device 100.

[0023] The device 100 includes two prime movers 14. The prime movers 14 provide the device 100 with drive, such that it may be operated to push and pull a trailer 200 coupled thereto, to move it. Turning now to Figure 3, which shows the device 100 with a portion of the body 10 removed for viewing purposes, the prime movers 14 are each positioned or housed within the device body 10. Each of the two prime movers 14 includes an individual and separate (from the other prime mover 14) electric motor 16 for each of the wheels 12 of the device 100. In this way each prime mover 14 is associated with a separate one of the wheels 12 so that each wheel 12 is operable independently by that respective prime mover 14. It is understood that the device 100 of the present invention need only include at least 2 electric motors 16, and may instead include multiple electric motors 16, dependent on the number of wheels 12. Each motor 16 is configured to independently operate to drive its respective wheel 12 by rotation. Each motor 16 is configured to drive its respective wheel 12 in a forward and backward (clockwise and counterclockwise) rotational direction, and at varying rotation speeds (thereby transferring power from the device 100 to the trailer 200 to move the trailer by virtue of the attachment / coupling between the device 100 and trailer 200). The motors 16 provided are motors which output adequatetorque to drive the wheels 12 when coupled to a trailer of up to preferably about 3,500 kg. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the motors 16 are brushed DC motors, the motors 16 being coupled to each wheel 12 by an axle 18 of each wheel 12 to drive that wheel 12. Each prime mover 14 drives its respective wheel 12 by actuation of its respective motor 16, through a respective gear 70, to the axle 18. The motors 16 may instead, without departure from the present invention, be brushless DC motors, be electric hub motors (being integrated into the hub of each wheel 12 and thus not requiring an axle 18), or other similar electric motors capable of driving the wheels 12 as described herein, such as, for example, brushed DC motors or stepper motors.

[0024] The prime movers 14 are each, together, powered by a battery 22. The battery 22 is preferably a lithium-ion battery, but need not be, and may instead be a battery of a different cell configuration or type, provided the battery 22 is configured to provide sustained current and power to the prime movers 14. Preferably, the battery 22 is sized and configured to provide at least about 1 .5 hours of operation on a single charge, the hours of operation being dependent on how the device 100 is used. The battery 22 of the exemplary embodiment is a 4S4P (4 series cells, 4 parallel cells) lithium-ion battery, having a nominal voltage of between about 10 volts and about 16.8 volts. The battery is housed substantially within the device 100, by way of the device body 10. The device body 10 provides a mounting for the battery 22, and securely connects the battery 22 physically to the device 100 and electrically / electronically to the prime movers 14 contained therein. The battery 22 is rechargeable. To recharge the battery 22, the battery 22 is removable from the device 100. Alternatively, the battery 22 is also able to be charged while housed within the device 100. To provide for charging of the battery 22 while housed within the device 100, the device body 10 includes a charging plug / port 66 positioned on an outer surface thereof (see Figure 4). Advantageously, this provides the ability to both recharge the battery 22 in place (without having to remove it during charging) and to swap the battery 22 with another (for example, already recharged / fully charged) battery 22, so to prevent downtime during operation of the device 100. The device body 10 additionally includes device cooling fans 40, configured to cool the battery 22, prime movers 14 and other device 100 components during operation. Additionally, to the cooling fans 40, the battery 22 includes an independent internal battery cooling fan 58. The cooling fans 40 are operable to ensure the device does not overheat during use, and the battery cooling fan 58 ensures that battery 22 itself does not overheat during, for example, prolonged periods of operation. The device cooling fans 40 are positioned at an underside of the device body 10, and preferably include a guard to prevent entry of debris, such as, for example, stones or gravel, during operation. Turning back now to Figure 2, the device 100 is illustrated to include 2 cooling fans 40, however, it is understood that the device 100 may have only 1 , or any number of, cooling fans 40 without departure from the present invention.

[0025] Each wheel 12 includes a non-pneumatic tyre 20 wrapped therearound. What is meant by this is that the tyre is not an air-filled or inflated tyre, but instead a tyre of solid material. Each tyre 20 is fixedly attached to its respective wheel 12. In the Figures shown, the tyre 20 is made of a solid rubber or plastic material, preferably being polyurethane. The material used has a Shore A hardness of approximately 70 (70A). The tyre 20 being non-pneumatic allows it to have a greater load capacity, and therefore withstand larger weights. This is particularly of importance when the device 100 is attached to a trailer 200, as the weight of the trailer 200 (often multiple thousands of kilograms) bears onto the device 100 and tyres 20. Advantageously, a tyre 20 of this hardness is particularly useful in providing traction to the ground surface 300 where the ground surface 300 is any of a bitumen, asphalt, concrete, grass, gravel or dirt surface. The tyre preferably includes an aggressive tyre tread 60, the tyre tread 60 being optimised for traction on grass, dirt and other loose surfaces. In some configurations, the size of wheels 12, inclusive of the tyre 20, are between about 250 mm and about 450 mm in diameter, preferably being about 395 mm in diameter, and more preferably being about 305mm in diameter. Wheels 12 of this diameter ensure that the wheels 12 and tyres 20 have a large surface area in contact with the ground surface 300, and provide the device 100 the requisite amount of ground clearance (via the gap G) and approach angle. Accordingly, a wheel 12 of this diameter can effectively drive the device 100 over a range of terrains, including, for example, cracks in concrete roads or driveways or other uneven surfaces. In exemplary embodiments, each wheel 12 is made from an aluminium alloy. In particular, the wheels are diecast aluminium. Each tyre 20 is polyurethane (PU) bonded to the aluminium wheel 12 to provide a permanent adhesion thereto. In other embodiments, however, the wheels 12 may be formed of another material, such as, for example, steel or another alloy, without departure from the present invention. Similarly, the tyres 20 need not be bonded to the wheels 12, and may be otherwise permanently attached, or removable therefrom.

[0026] The device 100 additionally includes a control module 24. The control module 24 is provided to control operation / actuation of the prime movers 14, and to monitor the operation of the prime movers 14, and prevent damage thereto. What is meant by this is that the control module 24 is configured to receive input data relating to the operation of the prime movers 14 and to control that operation (i.e., actuation in a forwards or backwards direction, and their speed). The control module 24 additionally monitors the prime movers' 14 motors 16 to ensure that safe operating parameters are not exceeded. Conventional powered movers, unlike the device 100 disclosed herein, can easily become stuck or bogged during the moving of a trailer 200. When this occurs, it is possible that these movers will continue to operate and thus 'burn out' or damage the motor of that mover through sustained operation. The control module 24 of the current device 100 is configured to reduce or cease power provisions to the prime mover 14in the case of such a fault. The control module 24 includes at least a current draw sensor 42. The current draw sensor 42 is configured to measure and monitor the current draw of each of the motors 16 of the prime movers 14. When a measured current draw exceeds a defined safe operating amount, such as, for example, when either wheel 12 becomes bogged or stuck, the control module 24 is configured to reduce, or if required, cease the provision of power to that motor 16 to prevent damage of that motor 16. Preferably, the sensor 42 can additionally measure and monitor the temperature of the device 100, including its motors 16 and prime movers 14 (by deriving this data from the current drawn therefrom). When a measured temperature exceeds a defined safe operating amount, the control module 24 is configured to reduce, or if required, cease the provision of power to that motor 16 to prevent damage of the motor 16. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor 42 determines (i.e., measures and monitors) the temperature of the device 100 from at least two locations or 'temperature points' therein. Furthermore, the sensor 42 may be configured to measure and monitor the battery's 22 'state of charge' (SOC, i.e., amount or percentage of charge / power remaining). When a measured charge amount falls below a defined safe or desired operating amount, the control module 24 is configured to reduce, or if required, cease the provision of power to the prime movers 14 entirely. In some embodiments, the control module 24 may rely upon the addition of dedicated sensors, such as one or more motor temperature sensors and a battery charge sensor in place of deriving this data from the current draw sensor 42.

[0027] The device 100 additionally includes a control panel 34. The control panel 34 is connected to the control module 24. Shown in Figure 4, the control panel 34 is positioned on an outer surface of the device body 10 and includes a number of controls. The control panel 34 is configured to receive, from the control module 24, input data relating to the operation of the device 100, including of the prime movers 14 and their motors 16 (via the current draw sensor 42) and display this data or issues, faults or errors relating to this data. The control panel 34 may also be configured to display warning or troubleshooting information. In the embodiment shown, the control panel 34 includes a speaker for providing audible alerts 62 to the user of the device 100, the alerts 62 corresponding to issues, faults or errors in / of the device 100 which have been received via data from the control module 24. Exemplary devices 100 additionally include a visual display / indicator 64 for alerting users to battery 22 SOC issues (i.e., low battery) or other issues, faults or errors in / of the device 100. In the embodiment shown, the visual display / indicator 64 is in the form of LED lights which indicate the battery 22 SOC. In this embodiment, the battery 22 SOC is displayed by the number of LED lights which are illuminated, which corresponds to an approximate percentage of the battery 22 SOC (i.e., 3 out of 4 LED lights illuminated corresponds to approximately 75% battery 22 SOC). To display issues, faults or errors, the visual display / indicator 64 may include multicolour LED lights, whereby the colour of the LEDs indicates various issues, faults or errors. Alternatively, or additionally, the visualdisplay / indicator 64 may display the issues, faults or errors by flashing or blinking the LED lights. The control panel 34 is viewable by an operator of the device 100. A power button 48 is also included on the control panel 34. The power button 48 provides a main power switch for the device 100. By pressing the power button 48, an operator of the device 100 can turn the device 100 on and off. The control panel 34 includes a joystick connector 50, in the form of a port or plug, to which the joystick 32 can be connected. An emergency stop 56 is additionally included on the device 100. The emergency stop (also referred to as an 'estop' or 'e-stop') is an emergency stop button which can be pushed by the user to cease all power to the device 100, therefore immediately stopping its movement. The emergency stop 56 acts as a locking power button in series with the primary power button 48. Both the power button 48 and the emergency stop 56 turn the device 100 on and off. The device 100 is configured to only turn on when both the emergency stop 56 is inactive and the power button 48 is in an 'on' position. Changing the state of either of the emergency stop 56 or the power button 48 is configured to turn the device 100 off.

[0028] Turning now to Figure 5, the device 100 includes a joystick 32 for controlling the device 100. Operation of the prime movers 14 and therefore the wheels 12 is controllable by the joystick 32, which is connected to the device 100. The joystick 32 shown is connected to the device 100 by a wired connection, the wired connection including a cable configured to connect the joystick 32 to the device 100 via the joystick connector port / plug 50 thereon. Exemplary embodiments include a cable that is coiled to prevent the cable dragging along the ground surface 300 but which also allows the operator of the device 100 to increase or decrease their distance from the device 100. It is understood that the joystick 32 may instead be wirelessly connected to the device 100, by, for example, a Bluetooth connection. The joystick 32 is configured to be handheld and to be operated by the operator of the device 100. The joystick 32, due to its connection, can operate the device 100 remotely, for example, the operator can hold the joystick 32 while distanced from (i.e., standing away from) the device 100. This is particularly useful as it allows an operator of the device 100 to position themselves around the trailer 200 during moving, to ensure the trailer 200 does not collide with surrounding objects, such as for example other trailers 200 or walls and fences. The joystick 32 operates the wheels 12 by movement of a lever 52. By tilting the lever 52 forwards, the wheels 12 will be operated in a forward rotation, thus driving the device 100 forwards. The lever 52 can be tilted in any direction, allowing the device 100 to move in that direction accordingly. In particular, the joystick 32 can be operated such that the wheels 12 are moved in opposite directions. Such operation of the wheels 12 can be affected by moving the lever 52 in a direction perpendicular to the wheels 12 (e.g., sideways). Movement in this way pivots the device 100 allowing it to turn quickly and utilising only a small, or 'zero', turning radius (i.e. pivoting 'in place'). The joystick 32 additionally provides control of the speed of the motors 16. If the lever 52 of the joystick 32 istilted further in a given direction, the speed of the motors 16 will increase, thus increasing the speed the device 100 moves. It is contemplated that the joystick 32 may additionally include a similar control panel 48, including the power button 48. In the preferred embodiment, the joystick 32 is powered by its connection to the device 100 (via the control panel 34 joystick connector port / plug 50). In other embodiments, the joystick 32 is self-powered and includes a rechargeable battery, but may instead include replaceable batteries. In exemplary embodiments, it is considered that the joystick 32 may be provided virtually (i.e., the lever 52 is displayed on a digital display or screen) through connection with an external device, such as, for example, a smart phone.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, the body 10 is configured to support the device 100 in an upright position when not coupled to the trailer 200. The body 10 supports the device 100 in the upright position by inclusion of a support 26. The support 26 can contact the ground surface 300 and, along with the wheels 12 contacting the ground surface 300, retain the device body 100 in an upright or vertical position by preventing the device body 10 from rotating about the wheels 12. The support 26 extends from the device body 10 downwardly toward the ground surface 300. When the device 100 is coupled to the trailer 200, the support 26 is configured to be suspended above the ground surface 300, so to not interfere with the rotation of the wheels 12 and therefore movement of the device 100. When the device 100 is not coupled to the trailer 200, the device body 10 will rotate about the wheels 12, causing the support 26 to move downwardly towards and to contact the ground surface 300.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the support 26 includes a support wheel 28. The support wheel 28 is provided at a distal end to the attachment of the support 26 to the device body 10. The support wheel 28 is a wheel having a smaller diameter than that of the wheels 12, preferably being a solid wheel, such as a solid rubber or plastic wheel. When the device 100 is not coupled to the trailer 200, the support wheel 28 is the portion of the support 26 which contacts the ground surface 300. The support wheel 28 is free to rotate and pivot about its connection to the support 26 (i.e., is a swivel castor support wheel 28), and is configured to allow the device 100 to roll across the ground surface 300 by rotation of the support wheel 28 and wheels 12. Advantageously, in this way, the device 100 is movable / driveable even without coupling to a trailer 200.

[0031] Turning now to Figures 6 and 7, the device 100 shown is coupled to a trailer 200 such that it can move the trailer 200. The device 100 includes a coupler 30 configured to be mountable with the trailer 200, for coupling to the trailer 200. In exemplary embodiments, the coupler 30 couples to a portion of a 'jockey wheel' or 'stand' 210 of the trailer 200. The jockey wheel or stand 210 is contemplated as being either of a jockey wheel or stand that is individualto (i.e., uniquely for) the device 100, or as an existing jockey wheel or stand of the trailer 200. The coupler 30 includes a plate 36 extending from an upper portion of the device body 10, the plate 36 being substantially flat and including retainers 68 at least at two ends thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the plate 36 is pivotally mounted to the coupler 30 or device 100, and is therefore free to rotate in at least one direction. Accordingly, the coupler 30 described is configured to pivot about the device body 10 to retain contact of the wheels 12 with the ground surface, and allow for angular mounting of the device 100 to the trailer 200 when angled relative to the ground surface 300, or when the ground surface is angled / sloped. Rotation of the plate 36 allows the wheels 12 to maintain an even contact patch with the ground surface 300 when turned relative the trailer 200. An end portion of the jockey wheel or stand 210 can be placed atop the coupler plate 36, and rotated to be captured by the retainers 68, thus retaining the jockey wheel or stand 210 in the coupler 30. The coupler plate 36 additionally includes a coupler fastener 38. The coupler fastener 38 is configured to be inserted through one of the retainers 68 of the coupler 30 and through the jockey wheel or stand 210, to ensure that the jockey wheel or stand 210 cannot further rotate in the coupler 30 and free itself (for example, by vibration during operation of the device 100). In the embodiment shown, the coupler fastener 38 is in the form of a linchpin with a sprung ball bearing. In other embodiments, however, it is contemplated that the coupler fastener 38 may be a clevis pin and R-clip or the like. Advantageously, this coupling method, provided for by the coupler 30, introduces far greater tightening torque and retention of the device 100 than known couplings used with existing movers. Accordingly, this coupler 30 is specifically adapted for use with the high torque output of the wheels 12 of the device 100 described, which aid in the mobility of the device 100. The jockey wheel or stand 210 is connected to the trailer either integrally (such as by welding, relevant an existing jockey wheel or stand 210) or by a trailer mount which is attached to the trailer 200. The trailer mount may be a simple bolt and nut, such as, for example, a U bolt or anchor. The device 100 is configured to be coupled to the trailer 200 proximate an end of the trailer 200 which attaches to the towing vehicle in use. Typically, this end includes or is at least proximate the draw bar 220 and jockey wheel or stand 210 of the trailer 200.

[0032] At either side of the coupler 30, the device 100 includes handles 54. The handles 54 are provided to allow an operator of the device 100 to pick up the device 100. For example, the operator described can store the device 100 in their towing vehicle or in the trailer 200, and pick up the device 100, by the handles 54, to bring the device 100 proximate the trailer for coupling thereto via the coupler 30 (rather than driving the device 100 to proximate the trailer 200).

[0033] A method 400 of moving a trailer 200 (or towable attachment) using the device 100 as described herein will now be described with reference to Figure 8. The method 400provides a way of operating the device 100 such that it can be coupled to a trailer 200, and then operated to move that trailer 200. In particular, the device 100 is configured to drive a trailer into, for example, tight parking spaces, loading zones or small storage locations (such as a garage or shed).

[0034] In a first step ('coupling step') 410, the device 100 is coupled to the trailer 200. In this step 410, a coupling 30 of the device 100 is coupled to the trailer 200.

[0035] In a second step ('pivoting step') 420, the two wheels 12 can be operated to rotate in opposite directions to one another to rotate the device 100 (relative to the ground surface 300, about a vertical axis of the device 300) without effecting movement of the trailer 200 (thus pivoting the device 100 in place).

[0036] In a third step ('moving step') 420, the wheels 12 can be operated to rotate in the same direction as one another to effect movement (i.e., translation) of the trailer 200.

[0037] Summarily, it is to be understood that the device as described herein provides several performance advantages and improvements over typical, existing movers. The size of the wheels 12 allows the device 100 to effectively traverse a variety of ground surfaces 300 without becoming bogged or stuck, and while still providing the requisite traction and torque to move a trailer 200 coupled to the device 100. The device 100 is operable remotely (via the joystick 32), allowing it to be safely used, and with greater surveillance of the surroundings of the trailer 200 during moving. The device 100 additionally incorporates at least 2 wheels 12 which are operated by respective motors 14. This provides that the wheels 12 can be operated independently, such as, for example, in opposite directions to pivot the device 100. This is particularly advantageous as it provides excellent manoeuvrability of the device 100.

[0038] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0039] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it)or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0040] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.LEGEND

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:1 . A motorised device for moving a trailer or towable attachment, the device comprising: two independently drivable wheels substantially coaxially mounted to a body therebetween; two prime movers, each associated with one of the two wheels so that each wheel is operable by the respective prime mover; and the body comprising a coupler configured to be mountable with the trailer or towable attachment, thereby facilitating power transfer from the device to the trailer or towable attachment during use.

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the wheels are operable in opposite directions to pivot the device in place.

3. The device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein operation of the wheels is controllable by a joystick.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the joystick is configured to control the rotational speed of each wheel.

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the joystick is connected wirelessly to the device.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, where the coupler is configured to couple to the trailer or towable attachment proximate a draw bar thereof.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the coupler includes or is couplable to a jockey wheel or stand of the trailer or towable attachment.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the coupler is configured to pivot about the device body.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prime movers are powered by a battery housed substantially within the device.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the battery is rechargeable and removable from the device.11 . The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control module, the control module being configured to control and monitor the prime movers and prevent damage thereto.

12. The device according to claim 11 , wherein the control module monitors at least one of: current draw; device temperature and battery charge.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wheel has a diameter of between about 250 mm and about 450 mm.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wheel has a diameter of about 305 mm.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is configured for supporting the device in an upright position when not coupled to the trailer or towable attachment.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the body comprises a support wheel, the support wheel is configured for abutting a ground surface.

17. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wheel includes a non-pneumatic tyre.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein each tyre is formed of a polyurethane material.

19. A method of moving a trailer or towable attachment using a device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: coupling the device to the trailer or towable attachment; operating the two wheels in opposite directions to rotate the device without effecting movement of the trailer or towable attachment; and operating the two wheels in the same direction to effect movement of the trailer or towable attachment.