Trailer Moving System

Abstract

A trailer moving system (8 fig 2) is provided to move a caravan or trailer with a single remote control unit 11 as the only controlling means for the operation of plural movers (10 fig 2) and wherein

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a trailer moving system, an assembly comprising a trailer, a plurality of trailer movers with removable batteries and a single remote control unit, and method of safely moving a trailer. In particular, the present invention relates to a caravan moving system, an assembly comprising a caravan, a plurality of caravan movers with removable batteries and a single remote control unit, and a method of safely moving a caravan. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Trailers are unpowered vehicles which are designed to be coupled to and then moved by a powered vehicle, for example a car, van etc. Such trailers include caravans. Generally, caravans are towed to a suitable site by a car. Once at a site, the caravan is unhitched from the car and the caravan is moved onto a pitch. The driver can try to manoeuvre the caravan directly on to the pitch but this is frequently not possible due to the confined spaces etc. Caravans are unpowered but a person or group of people can manually push and / or pull the caravan to the pitch. Alternatively, a drive system such as a caravan mover can be used to move the caravan on to the pitch. A caravan mover generally comprises a motor which is controlled by a user. The caravan mover includes engagement means whereby a roller is selectively pressed against or removed from the outer tread of a wheel of the caravan. Typically, a caravan mover includes a drive roller which is urged into contact with the outer tread of a wheel of the caravan. A motor is arranged to rotate the drive roller which, through contact with the outer tread of the wheel, thereby rotates the wheel of the caravan. The caravan generally includes a caravan mover on one or two opposed wheels on an axle. Accordingly, through the selective movement of each caravan mover and the respective caravan wheels, the caravan can be arranged to independently move forwards or backwards and can be turned in either direction. The caravan movers are generally controlled by a single control system in order for the user to have a single operating device to control the movement of each caravan mover provided on the caravan. For example, a caravan may have a single axle with two wheels with two caravan movers associated with each caravan wheel. These two caravan movers are then controlled by a control system which enables the user to control both caravan movers. In an alternative system, a caravan may have a twin or double axle with four wheels being independently driven by separate caravan movers. In this set up, a control system is required that enables the user to control the movement of the four caravan movers. A caravan that is provided with a double axle having four wheels may be controlled by two caravan movers. Alternatively, the four wheeled caravan may have four caravan movers. Once the caravan movers have been installed, the required control system can then be installed in order to control the movement of the caravan. The motor of a caravan mover requires an electrical power supply. This power source is generally provided by a leisure battery provided inside the caravan. Alternatively, if the caravan does not have a leisure battery, then a battery and charger may be specifically fitted inside the caravan. The installation of such a specific power system takes a significant amount of time and this, therefore, significantly increases the cost of having a caravan mover. The dedicated power source may be fitted and located underneath a bed or a seating area but this still takes up valuable space inside the caravan. Furthermore, the power supply system must penetrate through the caravan from the outside, where the caravan mover is located, to the inside, where the battery is located. This penetration inevitably creates potential problems and areas of weakness which could cause the integrity of the caravan to deteriorate over time. Each retrospectively fitted caravan mover must be individually created and installed since the cables must be optimally routed and the lengths of the cables must be cut to the correct lengths. The cables need individual guides which are generally secured into the underside of the caravan. As mentioned above, the control system is mounted to the caravan and is wired to each of the individual caravan movers. Similarly, the power supply generally comprise a single leisure battery which is wired to each of the individual caravan movers. The control system and associated power supply system ensure that each of the motors has the required electrical supply and is receiving the control signals. However, the installation and routing of the wires / cables can be problematic and time consuming / expensive. It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a trailer moving system comprising a plurality of trailer movers and a single remote-control unit, each trailer mover comprising: a housing, drive means, power means, mounting means, and control means, the mounting means being arranged, in use, to be secured to a trailer, the drive means being arranged to rotate a wheel of a trailer around an axle of the trailer, the drive means comprising actuating means to move the drive means between: a disengaged position, and an engaged position in which movement is transmitted from the drive means to a wheel of the trailer, the power means comprising a detachable battery which is mounted directly to the housing of the trailer mover and is detachably supported thereon and wherein the trailer mover forms a single integral self-supporting component; the control means comprises: a wireless receiver to wirelessly receive control signals directly from the single remote control unit, and a wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit control signals to the single remote control unit, and wherein the single remote control unit simultaneously wirelessly controls each of the individual trailer movers by transmitting wireless control signals directly to each of the individual trailer movers. Preferably the single remote control unit simultaneously receives control signals directly from each of the individual trailer movers. Preferably the single remote control unit comprises a sole (and / or only) remote control unit within the trailer moving system. Preferably the single remote control unit is the only control means for operating each of the individual trailer movers. Preferably the trailer moving system comprises a safety system whereby the detachment of a battery of at least one trailer mover generates a signal to prevent operation of the remaining trailer movers. Preferably each trailer mover comprises a caravan mover. Preferably the trailer moving system comprises a caravan mover system. Preferably the trailer moving system comprises a first trailer mover and a second trailer mover. Preferably the single remote control unit simultaneously controls the first and the second caravan movers. The trailer moving system may further comprise a third trailer mover and a fourth trailer mover. Preferably the single remote control unit simultaneously controls the first, second, third and fourth caravan movers. Preferably each trailer mover comprises a battery presence sensor to detect the attachment or detachment (presence) of the associated battery. Preferably the battery presence sensor is arranged to generate a battery presence control signal which is transmitted to the remote control unit. Preferably the remote control unit monitors the attachment and / or detachment (presence) of the associated battery of each trailer mover. Preferably the remote control unit prevents the activation / operation of each trailer mover (all of the trailer movers) on detection of the detachment of the associated battery of at least one trailer mover. Preferably the trailer moving system continuously monitors the connectivity of each trailer mover. Preferably the remote control unit monitors the connectivity of each trailer moving system. Preferably the remote control unit monitors the connectivity of each trailer mover. Preferably the remote control unit prevents and preferably actively stops the activation / operation of each trailer mover (all of the trailer movers) on detection of an absence of connectivity with at least one trailer mover. Preferably the trailer moving system continuously monitors the operational status of each trailer mover. For example, the trailer moving system may continuously monitor one or more of the following: movement and / or speed of the roller in each trailer mover; rotational direction of movement of the roller in each trailer mover; engagement / disengagement status of the roller in each trailer mover; remaining power supply of the battery in each trailer mover; connectivity of each trailer mover; and / or strength of wireless connection of each trailer mover. Preferably the trailer moving system is arranged to wirelessly synchronise the movement / speed of the rollers of each trailer mover and continuously monitors the connectivity and / or operational status of each trailer mover and may automatically adjust the control signals to one or more of the trailer movers to compensate for the detected connectivity and / or operational status of one or more other trailer movers. Each trailer mover may be arranged to transmit a connected signal to enable the connectivity of each trailer mover to be continuously monitored. The trailer mover may comprise control input means which preferably comprises one or more switches or (push) buttons which may be located on a control panel. The switch(es) / button(s) and / or the control panel may be provided in an accessible location on a part (a part of the housing and / or a part of the battery) of the trailer mover. The or a switch / button (on the control panel) may be used to pair the trailer mover to the remote control unit. Preferably the or a switch / button (input means) provides a stop switch (immediate stop button) or kill switch. Preferably, when the stop switch (button) is operated (pressed) on any of the trailer movers then all of the trailer movers will stop (for example, the roller(s) will stop moving). When the or a stop switch is operated (e.g. kill button is pressed) a signal may be communicated to the remote control unit which may then communicate a stop control signal to the other trailer movers which may immediately stop the operation of all of the trailer movers (for example, all of the rollers will stop moving). When the or a stop switch is operated (e.g. kill button is pressed) on one of the trailer movers then the other trailer movers detect a loss in communication from the interacted trailer mover and then (immediately) stop (for example, all of the rollers will stop moving). Preferably the transmitter means comprises a Bluetooth transmitter. Preferably the receiver means comprises a Bluetooth receiver. Preferably the control means comprises a Bluetooth transceiver. Preferably the remote control unit comprises a Bluetooth transmitter and a Bluetooth receiver. Preferably the remote control unit comprises a Bluetooth transceiver. Preferably the trailer mover must be paired with the remote control unit in order to receive control signals. Preferably each trailer mover in the system must be paired with the remote control unit prior to any of the trailer movers being operational. Preferably each trailer mover comprises a status display. Preferably the status display provides an indication of the current status of the associated trailer mover. Preferably the status display comprises an illuminated display. The illuminated display may provide illuminated indicators of differing colours dependent on the status of the trailer mover. The status display may provide an indication of one or more or all the following statuses of the associated trailer mover: the battery is attached; the trailer mover is not paired to the remote control unit; the trailer mover is currently being paired to the remote control unit; the trailer mover is paired to the remote control unit but one or more of the other trailer movers in the system are not yet paired; all of the trailer movers in the system are paired to the remote control unit; the trailer mover is currently operational and / or is running; the trailer mover is engaging and / or disengaging; all of the trailer movers are disengaged; and / or a fault has been detected in the system. The illuminated display may comprise an annular illuminated display. The annular illuminated display may comprise four equal segments and each of these may extend around 90 degrees of the annular display. The annular display may comprise an illuminated ring. The illuminated display (and / or one or more specific segments) may display a specific colour dependent upon the status. The illuminated display (and / or one or more specific segment) may be arranged to flash dependent upon the status. The display means may comprise audible means. The audible means may generate an audible signal for one or more of the following statuses of the associated trailer mover: the battery has been attached; and / or the battery has been detached. The remote-control unit may comprise a selection means to enable a user to select an operational mode wherein, in a first operational mode, the remote-control unit controls trailer movers mounted on a single axle trailer and, in the second operational mode the remote-control unit controls trailer movers mounted on a twin or double axle trailer. Preferably the trailer moving system comprises a safety system whereby the system prevents operation of each of the trailer movers if power is not being supplied to one or more of the trailer movers. Preferably the safety system comprise battery detection means on each trailer mover. The detection means may verify that power is being supplied to the associated trailer mover. The detection means may verify that a battery is physically attached to the associated trailer mover. The remote control unit may continuously monitor the presence of power to each of the trailer movers. The remote control unit may continuously monitor the attachment of a battery within each trailer mover. The remote control unit may automatically prevent operation of all of the trailer movers if the power to one of the trailer movers is not detected (and / or cannot be verified) and / or the attachment of a battery to one of the trailer movers is not detected (and / or cannot be verified). The trailer mover may comprise a regenerative braking system. Preferably the trailer moving system comprises a first trailer mover mounted on a first side of a trailer and a second trailer mover mounted on a second side of the trailer. Preferably the trailer mover forms a single integral self-supporting component. Preferably the single self-supporting component is arranged to be movably mounted relative to the trailer. The single self-supporting component may be mounted in a frame fixed to the trailer. The single self-supporting component may be slidably mounted in the frame fixed to the trailer. Preferably prior to use, elements of the trailer mover (the drive means, the housing, the power means and the mounting means) are rigidly / statically / fixedly secured together. Preferably, in use, elements of the trailer mover (the drive means, the housing, the power means and the mounting means) are arranged to be simultaneously mounted and secured to the trailer. Preferably the mounting means is arranged to be secured to the trailer in order to simultaneously mount the trailer mover (including the drive means, the housing, and the power means) to the trailer. Preferably the trailer mover (the housing) comprises a battery receiver (battery holder). Preferably the battery receiver is shaped to receive the detachable battery. Preferably the battery receiver is shaped to (rigidly / statically / fixedly) support the detachable battery within the single integral self-supporting component. Preferably, in use, the battery is integral with the drive means and / or the housing. The removable battery may comprise a rechargeable battery. Preferably the drive means comprises a motor. The drive means may comprise a plurality of motors. The drive means may comprise a first motor and a second motor. The drive means may comprise a motor(s), a drive transmission system and a roller and, in which, the motor preferably drives (rotates) the roller through drive transmitted through the drive transmission system. The drive transmission system may comprise a gear train. The drive transmission system may comprise a plurality of gear trains. The drive transmission system may comprise a first gear train and a second gear train. Preferably, in use, the weight of the detachable / removable battery is solely supported (suspended) from the trailer mover and, more preferably, by / from the mounting means. The mounting means may solely mount the trailer mover to the trailer. The mounting means may solely and simultaneously mount all elements (drive means and power means) of the trailer mover to the trailer. The mounting means may comprise a series of mounting elements provided on the housing of the trailer mover. Preferably the mounting means comprises a series of securement apertures through which securement elements (bolts) can project in order to mount the trailer mover to a trailer. The mounting means may comprise a mounting frame and a mounting carriage. Preferably the mounting carriage is movably (slidably) secured within the mounting frame. Preferably the mounting carriage is arranged to slidably move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Preferably in the disengaged position the roller is spaced from the ground contacting surface of the wheel and in the engaged position the roller is in contact (and is urged against) the ground contacting surface of the wheel. The mounting means (mounting frame) may comprise a chassis mounting member which is arranged, in use, to be secured to a part of a chassis of the trailer. The mounting member may comprise an elongate member. The trailer mover may comprise a housing comprising a combined body (and associated combined housing) which comprises the drive means and the control means. The power means may comprise a body which is arranged to be directly secured (engaged) to a battery receiver which may be provided by or secured to a body of the drive means and / or the combined body / housing. The power means may comprise a body which is arranged to be clipped directly to a battery receiver which may be provided by or secured to a body of the drive means and / or the combined body / housing. Preferably the battery is arranged to be slidably engaged with a battery receiver which may be provided by or secured to the body of the drive means and / or the combined body / housing. Preferably the battery comprises a projecting portion which is arranged to be slidably received within a channel provided on a battery receiver which may be provided by or secured to the body of the drive means and / or the combined body / housing. The projecting portion may comprise two opposing lateral flanges which are arranged to engage with two retaining lips provided on either side (opposing lateral sides) of the channel. The battery may comprise a movable clip portion which is arranged to automatically extend into an engaging recess provided on the battery receiver and this clip may automatically become engaged at a position when the battery is correctly positioned relative to the battery receiver such that terminals of the battery contact respective terminals provided by the battery receiver / control means / drive means. Preferably the clip portion requires manual movement in order to disengage the clip from the recess position and to enable the battery to be released and removed from the battery receiver. The channel portion may extend along a longitudinal direction of the battery receiver and / or drive means. The channel may extend along a side / lateral face of the battery receiver and / or drive means. The channel portion may extend along a side / lateral face of the battery receiver. Preferably the trailer mover comprises a self-contained trailer mover for the independent movement of a trailer. The trailer mover may comprise an auxiliary drive for an unpowered trailer. The trailer mover may comprise control means to control the movement of the trailer by the trailer mover. The control means may comprise the remote control unit. The remote control unit may enable a user to move the trailer by wireless signals (e.g. Bluetooth). Preferably the mounting means is arranged to mount the trailer mover to a chassis of the trailer. Preferably the mounting means is arranged to solely mount the trailer mover to a chassis of the trailer. Preferably the mounting means is arranged to mount the trailer mover on an external part of a trailer and preferably to the underside of a trailer. Preferably the drive means comprises a driven roller. The drive system may be arranged to rotate a wheel of a trailer around an axle of the trailer. The actuation means may comprise movement means (drive engagement means). Preferably the movement means is arranged to move the driven roller between an engaged position in which the driven roller is urged against an outer circumferential surface of a wheel of the trailer and a disengaged position in which the driven roller is disengaged with the outer circumferential surface of the wheel of the trailer. The movement means may comprise an actuator and preferably comprises an electro-mechanical actuator. The movement means may comprise a solenoid. The movement means may comprise bias means or urging means to urge the driven roller towards an engaged position. The movement means may extend or retract the driven roller from being urged against the outer circumferential surface of the wheel of the trailer. The driven roller may comprise an elongate cylindrical roller with a contoured contact surface. The contact surface may comprise a plurality of longitudinal ridges. The longitudinal ridges may have a substantially sinusoidal profile. Preferably the contact surface is arranged, in the engaged configuration, to be urged against a tread of the wheel of the trailer. Preferably the contoured contact surface provides a frictional grip with the tread of the wheel of the trailer. Preferably the drive means comprises a motor and preferably comprises an electrically powered motor. The power source may comprise a battery which may be contained in a battery enclosure. The battery enclosure may be water proof and / or shock proof. Preferably the present invention comprises a powered trailer mover for a trailer. Preferably the present invention comprises a trailer mover for a trailer with an integral power supply. Preferably the drive means comprises an auxiliary drive. Preferably the trailer comprises a caravan. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a trailer mover for use in a trailer moving system, the trailer mover comprising: a housing, drive means, power means, mounting means, and control means, the mounting means being arranged, in use, to be secured to a trailer, the drive means being arranged to rotate a wheel of a trailer around an axle of the trailer, the drive means comprising actuating means to move the drive means between: a disengaged position, and an engaged position in which movement is transmitted from the drive means to a wheel of the trailer, the power means comprising a detachable battery which is mounted directly to the housing of the trailer mover and is detachably supported thereon and wherein the trailer mover forms a single integral self-supporting component; the control means comprises: a wireless receiver to wirelessly receive control signals directly from a remote control unit, a wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit control signals to the remote control unit, distinguishing means to identify control signals which are intended to be acted on and control signals intended for a different trailer mover. Preferably the single remote control unit is the sole remote control unit of the trailer moving system and the single remote control unity simultaneously wirelessly controls other individual trailer movers in the trailer moving system by transmitting wireless control signals directly to each of the individual trailer movers. The trailer mover may comprise a sensor to detect the presence (and / or absence) of the detachable battery. The trailer mover may comprise a sensor to detect the presence (and / or absence) of (sufficient operational) power being supplied by the detachable battery. The control means may be arranged to transmit a signal to the remote control unit to signal that the battery is not physically correctly attached and / or the power being supplied by the battery is not operationally sufficient and / or no power is being received from the battery. Preferably the trailer mover comprises a status display. Preferably the status display provides an indication of the current status of the trailer mover. Preferably the status display comprises an illuminated display. The illuminated display may provide illuminated indicators of differing colours dependent on the status of the trailer mover. The status display may provide an indication of one or more or all the following statuses of the associated trailer mover: the battery is attached; the trailer mover is not paired to the remote control unit; the trailer mover is currently being paired to the remote control unit; the trailer mover is paired to the remote control unit but one or more of the other trailer movers in the system are not yet paired; all of the trailer movers in the system are paired to the remote control unit; the trailer mover is currently operational and / or is running; the trailer mover is engaging and / or disengaging; all of the trailer movers are disengaged; and / or a fault has been detected in the system. The illuminated display may comprise an annular illuminated display. The annular illuminated display may comprise four equal segments and each of these may extend around 90 degrees of the annular display. The annular display may comprise an illuminated ring. The illuminated display (and / or one or more specific segments) may display a specific colour dependent upon the status. The illuminated display (and / or one or more specific segment) may be arranged to flash dependent upon the status. The display means may comprise audible means. The audible means may generate an audible signal for one or more of the following statuses of the trailer mover: the battery has been attached; and / or the battery has been detached. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of moving a trailer with a trailer moving system, the trailer moving system being in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising simultaneously wirelessly controlling each of the individual trailer movers by transmitting wireless control signals directly to each of the individual trailer movers using the single remote control unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of preferred embodiment of a trailer mover with the battery detached and a remote control unit. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a trailer moving system comprising four individual trailer movers and a single remote control unit wherein the trailer movers are operational. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a trailer moving system comprising four individual trailer movers and a single remote control unit wherein the trailer movers are not operational due to a detached battery. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a trailer mover with an illuminated display in a first configuration. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a trailer mover with an illuminated display in a second configuration. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention provides an improved trailer moving system 8, and specifically an improved caravan moving system. Previously, a degree of wiring was required between the individual caravan movers mounted to a caravan. Such wiring ensured that power was distributed to each caravan mover and / or control signal were also distributed to each caravan mover to coordinate the movements. This enables either a single central power source to be used and / or a single central control unit to be used. Such a single unit would be mounted on the caravan or would be provided by one of the caravan movers. This provided a simple overall system in which problems with the single power source or single control unit would be easily identified and rectified. Such single central units also minimises the costs with the overall system since duplication of hardware is avoided. The present invention has addressed such issues in a fundamentally different way by replicating a lot of the hardware and functionality by providing individual caravan movers in a moving system each of which has the ability to directly and wirelessly communicate with the single remote control unit. The present invention uses the single (sole) remote control unit as the only controlling means for the operation of all of the caravan movers and wherein each caravan mover directly and wirelessly communicates with the remote control unit. This negates the use of (power / communication / control) cables / wires on the caravan (with the benefits described elsewhere). This also enables the single remote control unit to continuously monitor and directly adjust each of the caravan movers depending on the feedback signals received from each of the caravan movers. This direct wireless connection with all of the caravan movers enables the movement to be controlled better (i.e. better synchronised and controlled between the movers) and problems due to staggered / delayed signals are avoided. As mentioned above, the caravan movers are identical and all have wireless transceivers etc. such that a lot of hardware is now duplicated which is not advantageous. However, the result is that each caravan mover may be identical such that each can be manufactured identically. In addition, each of the individual caravan movers is replaceable with a like caravan mover without disrupting the control system or investigating whether the caravan mover is a master or a slave unit etc. Since each caravan mover directly communicates with the remote control unit, it is the remote control unit which provides the control system for allowing / preventing certain actions. Such a control system now monitors the individual power supply for each individual caravan mover and / or monitors the attachment / detachment of the replaceable battery for each individual caravan mover. Previously, with a single power source, if the power was not being supplied then the overall caravan moving system would not function. However, the present invention utilises individual caravan movers each of which has a dedicated power supply. Accordingly, if one of these power supplies should fail then it is advantageous to prevent the operation of all of the other caravan movers. This prevents the system from functioning unpredictably with three out of four caravan movers driving three of the wheel rather than all four wheels being driven. Accordingly, the use of caravan movers not being hard wired together introduces new problems to the overall system with the possibility of the moving action being unpredictable and uncontrolled. Furthermore, during transit as the trailer is being towed, there is a risk associated with one or more of the caravan movers being engaged against the tread of the associated wheel. Such an engagement, whilst the caravan is being towed, would immediately generate a significant problem for the driver and would be dangerous. Accordingly, it is beneficial to provide an isolation switch to enable the power supply to be disconnected from the caravan movers such that accidental or inadvertent engagement is not possible. Accordingly, an isolation switch is generally provided between the single power supply such that power cannot be supplied to each of the caravan movers during transit. As shown in the Figures, the moving system 8 includes a remote control unit 11 in the form of a handset or controller, the motor movers 10, and the associated batteries 30. As illustrated in Figure 2, when the remote control unit 11 (or handset) is on and all of the batteries 30 are connected to the movers 10, they are all activated and can be operated. Communication from the handset to the movers 10 is carried out by wireless transceivers in the handset 11 and the movers 10. The transceivers communicate to each other through 2.4G Bluetooth. However, the transceivers could also communicate with each other through different methods such as 5G Bluetooth and ISM Band such as 433, 315, 866. In a different configuration, when the handset 11 is turned off, the wireless transceivers communicate to turn all movers 10 off. As illustrated in Figure 3, all of the caravan movers 10 are turned off when a battery 30 is removed from one of the caravan movers 10, even if the handset 11 is still on. When the battery 30 is removed from the mover 10 the transceivers in the other caravan movers 10 recognise that communication is lost, meaning they will turn off. The handset 11 will also detect this communication loss from the relevant caravan mover 10 and will prevent output signals to the other caravan movers 10 meaning they will not function. This applies whether the trailer or caravan has a two mover set up or four mover setup. When first setting up the caravan movers 10, the same wireless transceivers are used to pair the movers and handset together. The user will be notified through the handset 11 of the status of the caravan movers 10, such as if they are paired, if they are engaging with the wheel or disengaging etc. The caravan mover 10 is unique in also informing the user of this information through the caravan mover 10 itself as it has a light ring on the rear, as will be described later. As shown in Figure 1, a drive unit / trailer mover in the form of a caravan mover 10 comprises a motor 12 (drive means) and a head 14 which are linked together by a gear mechanism 16. The head 14 provides a roller 15 which is rotatably mounted on a shaft. The roller 15 is arranged, in use, to be urged or pressed against the tread portion (surface) of a tyre. The trailer mover 10 is controlled by control means in the form of a control unit within the trailer mover 10 which controls the movement of the driven roller 15 between the disengaged position and the engaged position and also controls the rotation (and direction) of the driven roller 15. This control unit receives the control signals from the remote control unit and / or transmits (feedback / status) signals back to the remote control unit 11. The control unit include a wireless receiver for receiving wireless control signals directly from a remote control unit 11. In addition, the control unit includes a wireless transmitter for transmitting wireless signals directly to the remote control unit. More preferably a wireless transceiver is provided in the control unit of the trailer mover 10. Accordingly, the present invention utilises wireless control signals. However, the present invention does not rely on or use a master and slave system whereby one of the caravan movers solely receives and transmits the signals to the remote control unit. Similarly, the present invention does not require a single dedicated centralised and separate control unit mounted on the caravan from which the control signals are distributed to the individual caravan movers. Overall, the present invention, minimises and / or eliminates the requirements for wiring and cabling on the caravan. Each caravan mover is individually mounted and communicates directly with the single remote control unit 11. This greatly simplifies the installation and also any subsequent upgrades and / or repairs. Furthermore, this maintains the integrity of the caravan body and chassis since the routing of wires and cables is not required. In addition, the length of wire going from a (control / shared) control box to a caravan mover can affect the performance. All wires have some level of resistance and this can cause voltage drop as well as power loss through heat dissipation. If the wires going to one mover are longer than going to the other, then the movers could be receiving different voltages and power. Accordingly, the caravan mover with the longer wires leading to it may be slightly slower than the caravan mover with the shorter wires. The present invention provides a totally wireless system and therefore the synchronised movement is likely to be more precise than with a traditional caravan mover setup. The caravan mover 10 also comprises mounting means to solely mount the caravan / trailer mover 10 to the trailer / caravan. The caravan mover 10 (including the motor, roller, battery, control unit and mounting means) forms a single self-supporting component which is solely secured to the caravan / trailer at a single location by the mounting means. The caravan mover 10 is self-supporting such that all of the individual elements are secured relative to each other to form a rigid / fixed static component in which the elements are not individually supported at separate locations and solely connected by cables and wires, i.e. the battery is not remotely located on the caravan and separately secured to the caravan and then connected by routed cables. The purpose of the caravan mover 10 is to rotate the wheels of a caravan such that the caravan can be independently moved and positioned without having to manually move the caravan or to secure the caravan to a motorised towing vehicle. The caravan mover 10 thereby provides a roller 15 which is urged and pressed against a ground engaging surface of one of the wheels of the caravan. The roller 15 is arranged to frictionally engage with the tread of the tyre such that the rotation of the roller 15 causes the caravan wheel to rotate. The roller 15 is provided with a frictional surface and this is further enhanced by the roller 15 having a raised pattern which may comprises longitudinal rib portions which may have a generally sinusoidal or wavy pattern. These longitudinally raised portions may each be non-continuous (and have indented breaks) in order to help with the frictional engagement and prevent the pattern from becoming clogged up with dirt / debris. The peaks and troughs on the roller 15 help to efficiently transfer the rotation of the roller 15 to the wheel and to prevent slippage. The caravan mover 10 includes a mounting mechanism which is arranged to be securely mounted and fixed to the caravan and, in particular, the caravan mover 10 may be secured to a part of a chassis of the caravan. The caravan mover 10 also includes an actuating mechanism such that at least the roller 15 is moved between a first (disengaged) position and a second (engaged) position. In the disengaged position, the roller 15 is spaced from the tread of the wheel. In the engaged position, the roller 15 is urged and pressed against the tread of the caravan wheel. Accordingly, the caravan mover 10 is mounted to the caravan at a fixed position such that the roller 15 is urged into the engaged position upon actuation of the caravan mover 10. The actuating system may comprise a pneumatic, hydraulic, electric motor or a manual actuating system. In the preferred embodiment, an electric motor system is used together with an auxiliary manual system. For example, the manual system may be used in the absence of any or sufficient electrical power. The roller 15 is arranged to be moved along a translational axis in a first direction which extends from the motor 12 towards the head 14 and hence towards the tread of the tyre. The actuating mechanism may be electrically driven and / or controlled and this may be achieved using the same power source (i.e. the detachable battery 30) as the motor 12 used to drive the roller 15. The head 14 of the caravan mover 10 is arranged to move away from the housing 20 of the motor 12 and wherein the housing 20 of the motor 12 is securely fixed to the caravan chassis. Accordingly, this moves the roller 15 relative to the caravan wheel. In particular, the mounting mechanism comprises a mounting carriage in which the motor is statically fixed. This mounting carriage is movably mounted within a mounting frame. The mounting frame provides mounting slots into which mounting elements (lugs) which project outwardly from the lateral sides of the motor housing 20. These slots guide the movement of the motor / roller from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The caravan mover 10 includes a regenerative braking system. For example, when the caravan is moving downhill, the caravan movers 10 use regenerative braking to control the speed of the caravan and this increases the charge in the respective batteries. In this arrangement, whilst controlling the speed downhill, an induced voltage is created within the caravan mover 10 which is then used to charge the relevant battery 30. Accordingly, the moving system 8 includes an energy feedback mode and / or a back-emf (electromotive force) braking mode. In such a system, a DC motor being turned by an external force (e.g. the caravan moving down an incline) generates energy and becomes a generator and this is known as a regenerative mode. This regenerated energy can be fed back to the battery (energy feedback mode) and / or can be used to stop the motor from moving (back-emf braking mode). In the regenerative braking system, when the motor is driven by an external force such as by the inertia of a moving caravan, the caravan mover 10 is arranged to use the resulting induced voltage to control the speed of the motor and optionally to return energy to the battery 30. In this way, the caravan mover 10 is arranged to use recovered energy, which may be used immediately for braking, or stored for later use. Accordingly, the braking system provides a first, direct braking mode, in which the induced voltage is used to brake the motor, and a second, regenerative braking mode, in which the induced voltage is used to recharge the battery 30. The braking system is arranged to switch between the direct braking mode and the regenerative braking mode. The braking system may also operate in both modes simultaneously, such that some of the recovered energy is used to brake the motor, and some energy is returned to the battery 30. Advantageously, the control unit (control means) of the caravan mover 10 is arranged to vary the proportions of the induced voltage which are used in the direct braking mode and regenerative braking mode. In this way, for example, the braking system may operate mostly or fully in regenerative braking mode when the battery charge level is low. If the battery charge is high, the braking system may switch to operate primarily in the direct braking mode, such that less energy is returned to the battery. The caravan mover 10 of the present invention includes an integral power supply such that the unit comprises a single integral system which is easily installed on the caravan and does not require the routing of cables from a remote power supply. The power means in the form of a battery 30 comprises securement means in order to quickly and easily secure the battery 30 to the caravan mover housing and, in particular, to the housing 20 of the motor 12. The securement of the battery 30 to the motor 12 also automatically and simultaneously aligns and connects terminals of the battery 30 to power receiving terminals of the motor 16. Such a quick and simply securement mechanism provides a battery 30 which can be quickly and easily removed, for example, in order to be charged. During the charging of a first battery, a second battery could then be quickly and easily installed. This enables a user to maintain a fully powered battery which can be used instantaneously should the attached battery be low on power. As shown in Figure 1, the battery 30 (or battery housing 32) includes recesses 40 or channels which are arranged to be slidably engaged within corresponding lugs / projections 44 provided on side / lateral surfaces of the housing 20 within a battery receiving recess 42. The battery receiving recess 42 includes clip portions / lugs 44 which will be received and engaged within corresponding recesses 40 of the battery housing 32 once the battery 30 is engaged. A push button (or other actuator / switch) may be provided in order for a user to be able to release the battery 30 from the recess 42 and such a mechanism prevents the battery 30 from becoming accidentally or inadvertently detached, for example, during transit. The battery 30 may have a quick release system to enable the battery 30 to be simply, quickly and securely mounted within the caravan mover 10. Since the battery 30 is directly engaged to the housing 20 of the caravan mover 10 and forms an integral caravan mover 10 then this makes the caravan mover 10 easy to install. The caravan mover 10 is a self-supporting integrated component which just requires fixing to the chassis of the caravan. The complete / entire weight of the battery 30 is solely supported / suspended from the housing 20 and no externally exposed cables or wires are required. Furthermore, since the battery 30 forms an integral part of the caravan mover 10, all of the elements of the caravan mover 10 are mounted using the same mounting system which makes the caravan mover 10 easier to be secured retrospectively. The size of the battery 30 for the present invention is significantly smaller and also lighter than a conventional heavy leisure battery. These leisure batteries are currently used to power caravan movers and the present invention therefore provides a significantly smaller and lighter system. The sole purpose of the battery 30 is to power the caravan mover 10 and, therefore, the voltage at which the battery 30 operates is not limited. Accordingly, the voltage can be increased from a conventional 12 volts for caravan movers and this may result in a reduced voltage drop compared to prior art systems. As mentioned above, the ability to increase the voltage within the system can significantly increase the efficiency of the motor 12. This results in the caravan mover 10 of the present invention being smaller and lighter than a conventional 12 volt powered caravan mover. This helps to reduce any stress on the motor and thereby improves the lifespan of the system. As described above, the batteries 30 are easily removable and have quick charging times due to the lower capacity requirements. Accordingly, even if a user had forgotten to charge a battery 30 or was in a situation where the battery 30 was drained, it would be a relatively simple task of removing the batteries 30 and putting them in a charging unit. The user also has the option to buy and carry spare batteries 30 which reduces the risk of a situation where a user cannot use the caravan mover 10. As described above, the battery 30 is rechargeable and the caravan mover 10 may be provided with a charging station. This enables a user to either charge batteries 30 within the caravan when it is hooked up at a caravan site and / or when the user is at home. The battery 30 may comprise a lithium battery. In preferred embodiments, the battery may comprise a 24V battery or a 48V battery. Each caravan mover 10 comprises a battery presence sensor to detect the attachment or detachment of the associated battery 30. The battery presence sensor is arranged to generate a battery presence control signal which is transmitted to the remote control unit 11. The remote control unit 11 monitors the attachment and / or detachment of the associated battery 30 of each trailer mover. The remote control unit 11 prevents the activation / operation of each trailer mover 10 (all of the trailer movers 10) on detection of the detachment of the associated battery 30 of at least one trailer mover 10. The trailer moving system 8 and specifically the remote control unit 11 continuously monitors the connectivity of each trailer mover 10. The trailer moving system 8 continuously monitors the operational status of each trailer mover 10. For example, the trailer moving system 8 continuously monitors one or more of the following: movement and / or speed of the roller 15 in each trailer mover 10; rotational direction of movement of the roller 15 in each trailer mover 10; engagement / disengagement status of the roller 15 in each trailer mover 10; remaining power supply of the battery 30 in each trailer mover 10; connectivity of each trailer mover 10 (i.e. Bluetooth connection with the remote control unit 11); and / or strength of wireless (Bluetooth) connection of each trailer mover 10 (with the remote control unit 11). The trailer moving system 8 is arranged to wirelessly synchronise the movement / speed of the rollers 15 of each trailer mover 10 and continuously monitors the connectivity and / or operational status of each trailer mover 10 and automatically adjusts the control signals to one or more of the trailer movers 10 to compensate for the detected connectivity and / or operational status of one or more other trailer movers 10. Each trailer mover 10 may be arranged to transmit a connected signal to enable the connectivity of each trailer mover 10 to be continuously monitored. The transmitter means in each trailer mover 10 and / or the remote control unit 11 comprises a Bluetooth transmitter and the receiver means comprises a Bluetooth receiver. In particular, the control means comprises a Bluetooth transceiver. Each trailer mover 10 must be paired with the remote control unit 11 in order to receive control signals. In particular, all of the trailer movers 10 in the system 8 must be paired with the remote control unit 11 prior to any of the trailer movers 10 being operational. The caravan mover 10 also comprise control input means in the form of one or more switches 60 in the forms of (push) buttons. These buttons are provided in an accessible location on a part of the caravan mover 10, for example located on a control panel 62 on the battery 30 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5). This provides a button 60 which is used to pair the caravan mover 10 to the remote control unit 11. Furthermore, this button 60 or another button is used as a stop switch (immediate stop button) or kill switch. When the button 60 is pressed on any of the caravan movers 10 then all of the caravan movers 10 will stop. This operation can be achieved in two ways. For example, when the kill button is pressed this will be communicated to the handset (remote control unit 11) and the handset will then communicate with the other caravan movers 10 to stop. Alternatively, when the kill button is pressed the other caravan movers 10 will detect a loss in communication from the interacted caravan mover and then stop. This safety feature may be provided in addition to the safety feature in which the removal (detachment, inadvertent / accidental or otherwise) prevents operation of all of the caravan movers 10 in the system 8. As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the caravan mover 10 also provides a status display 50 which provides an indication of the current status of the associated caravan mover 10. The status display 50 comprises an illuminated display. The illuminated display provides illuminated indicators 52, 54 of differing colours dependent on the status of the trailer mover, as shown in Figure 5. The status display 50 may provide an indication of one or more or all the following statuses of the associated trailer mover 10: the battery 30 is attached; the trailer mover 10 is not paired to the remote control unit 11; the trailer mover 10 is currently being paired to the remote control unit 11; the trailer mover 10 is paired to the remote control unit 11 but one or more of the other trailer movers 10 in the system 8 are not yet paired; all of the trailer movers 10 in the system 8 are paired to the remote control unit 11; the trailer mover 10 is currently operational and / or is running; the trailer mover 10 is engaging and / or disengaging; all of the trailer movers 10 are disengaged; and / or a fault has been detected in the system 8. The illuminated display 50 provides an annular illuminated display which may comprise four equal segments 52, 54 and each of these may extend around 90 degrees of the annular display. Accordingly, the annular display provides an illuminated ring which is provided on a rear end of the housing 20. This positioning enables a user to see the status of each caravan mover 10 by walking around the caravan. The illuminated display 50 (and / or one or more specific segments 52, 54) display a specific colour dependent upon the status. In addition, the illuminated display 50 (and / or one or more specific segment 52, 54) may be arranged to flash dependent upon the status. These colours and flashing option enable the single display to be able to notify multiple statuses which would otherwise not be possible with a single continuous colour status display. Furthermore, the display means may also comprise audible means. The audible means generates an audible signal (e.g. beep-beep) for one or more of the following statuses of the associated trailer mover: the battery 30 has been attached; and / or the battery 30 has been detached. Further information relating to the status may be displayed on the remote control handset 11. For example, the LCD panel 15 may display the specific caravan mover 10 and the associated status of that caravan mover 10. Accordingly, each caravan mover includes a unique identifier which is associated with the specific caravan mover 10. In addition or alternatively, a user would be able to locate which caravan mover 10 has a fault (or other status) through the individual illuminated display provided by the caravan mover 10. The remote-control unit 11 may comprise a selection means to enable a user to select an operational mode wherein, in a first operational mode, the remote-control unit 11 controls trailer movers 10 mounted on a single axle trailer and, in the second operational mode the remote-control unit 11 controls trailer movers mounted on a twin or double axle trailer. The trailer moving system 8 comprises a safety system whereby the system prevents operation of each of the trailer movers 10 if power is not being supplied to one or more of the trailer movers 10. The safety system comprise battery detection means on each trailer mover 10 which verifies that power is being supplied to the associated trailer mover 10. The detection means verifies that a battery 30 is physically attached to the associated trailer mover 10. In addition or alternatively, the remote control unit 11 may continuously monitor the presence of power (and / or the level of power) to each of the trailer movers 10. The remote control unit 11 continuously monitors the attachment of a battery 30 within each trailer mover 10. The remote control unit 11 automatically prevents the operation of all of the trailer movers 10 if the power to one of the trailer movers 10 is not detected (and / or cannot be verified) and / or the attachment of a battery 30 to one of the trailer movers 10 is not detected (and / or cannot be verified). The caravan mover 10 (comprising the motor 12, and removable battery 30) is solely supported on a carriage 96. As previously explained, the carriage 96 statically mounts the caravan mover 10 to the caravan and, in particular, relative to the chassis of the caravan. This mounting carriage 96 is movably mounted within a mounting frame which may be provided by two spaced apart brackets 94. The brackets 94 provide mounting slots into which engage mounting elements (lugs) which project outwardly from the lateral sides of mounting carnage 96. These slots may enable the position of the caravan mover 10 relative to the wheel to be adjusted and set. The mounting system together with the absence of interconnecting wires and cables therefore simplifies the fitting and repair of the trailer moving system 8. Each trailer mover 10 is operated by the single remote control handset 11 which has an LCD display 15 with a thumb operated button 17 and a multifunctional input button.

Claims

1. A trailer moving system comprising a plurality of trailer movers and a single remote-control unit, each trailer mover comprising:a housing,drive means,power means,mounting means, andcontrol means,the mounting means being arranged, in use, to be secured to a trailer, the drive means being arranged to rotate a wheel of a trailer around an axle of the trailer, the drive means comprising actuating means to move the drive means between:a disengaged position, andan engaged position in which movement is transmitted from the drive means to a wheel of the trailer,the power means comprising a detachable battery which is mounted directly to the housing of the trailer mover and is detachably supported thereon and wherein the trailer mover forms a single integral self-supporting component;the control means comprises:a wireless receiver to wirelessly receive control signals directly from the single remote control unit, anda wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit control signals to the single remote control unit, andwherein the single remote control unit simultaneously wirelessly controls each of the individual trailer movers by transmitting wireless control signals directly to each of the individual trailer movers.

2. A trailer moving system according to Claim 1 in which the single remote control unit simultaneously receives control signals directly from each of the individual trailer movers.

3. A trailer moving system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the single remote control unit comprises a sole remote control unit within the trailer moving system and the single remote control unit is the only control means for operating each of the individual trailer movers.

4. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which the trailer moving system comprises a safety system whereby the detachment of a battery of at least one trailer mover generates a signal to prevent operation of the remaining trailer movers.

5. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which each trailer mover comprises a caravan mover and the trailer moving system comprises a caravan mover system.

6. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which each trailer mover comprises a battery presence sensor to detect the attachment or detachment of the associated battery.

7. A trailer moving system according to Claim 6 in which the battery presence sensor is arranged to generate a battery presence control signal which is transmitted to the remote control unit, in which the remote control unit monitors the attachment and / or detachment of the associated battery of each trailer mover and wherein the remote control unit prevents the operation of each trailer mover on detection of the detachment of the associated battery of at least one trailer mover.

8. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which the trailer moving system continuously monitors the connectivity of each trailer mover.

9. A trailer moving system according to Claim 8 in which the trailer mover system prevents the operation of each trailer mover on detection of an absence of connectivity of at least one trailer mover.

10. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which the trailer moving system continuously monitors the operational status of each trailer mover and wherein the trailer moving system continuously monitors one or more of the following:movement and / or speed of the roller in each trailer mover;rotational direction of movement of the roller in each trailer mover; engagement / disengagement status of the roller in each trailer mover; remaining power supply of the battery in each trailer mover;connectivity of each trailer mover; and / or strength of wireless connection of each trailer mover.

11. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which the trailer moving system is arranged to wirelessly synchronise the speed of the rollers of each trailer mover and continuously monitors the connectivity and operational status of each trailer mover.

12. A trailer moving system according to Claim 11 in which the trailer moving system automatically adjusts the control signals to one or more of the trailer movers to compensate for the detected connectivity and operational status of one or more other trailer movers.

13. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which each trailer mover comprises one or more switches.

14. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which one switch provides a stop switch and, when the stop switch is operated on any of the trailer movers then all of the trailer movers will stop.

15. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which the control means comprises a Bluetooth transceiver.

16. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which the trailer mover must be paired with the remote control unit in order to receive control signals and each trailer mover in the system must be paired with the remote control unit prior to any of the trailer movers being operational.

17. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which each trailer mover comprises a status display which provides an indication of the current status of the associated trailer mover.

18. A trailer moving system according to Claim 17 in which the status display provides an indication of one or more or all the following statuses of the associated trailer mover:the battery is attached;the trailer mover is not paired to the remote control unit;the trailer mover is currently being paired to the remote control unit;the trailer mover is paired to the remote control unit but one or more of the other trailer movers in the system are not yet paired;all of the trailer movers in the system are paired to the remote control unit;the trailer mover is currently operational and / or is running;the trailer mover is engaging and / or disengaging;all of the trailer movers are disengaged; and / or a fault has been detected in the system.

19. A trailer moving system according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 in which the status display comprises an annular illuminated display comprising four equal segments and each of these extends around 90 degrees of the annular display.

20. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which the trailer moving system comprises a safety system whereby the system prevents operation of each of the trailer movers if power is not being supplied to one or more of the trailer movers.

21. A trailer moving system according to any preceding claim in which each trailer mover comprises a regenerative braking system.

22. A trailer mover for use in a trailer moving system, the trailer mover comprising:a housing,drive means,power means,mounting means, andcontrol means,the mounting means being arranged, in use, to be secured to a trailer, the drive means being arranged to rotate a wheel of a trailer around an axle of the trailer, the drive means comprising actuating means to move the drive means between:a disengaged position, andan engaged position in which movement is transmitted from the drive means to a wheel of the trailer,the power means comprising a detachable battery which is mounted directly to the housing of the trailer mover and is detachably supported thereon and wherein the trailer mover forms a single integral self-supporting component;the control means comprises:a wireless receiver to wirelessly receive control signals directly from a remote control unit,a wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit control signals to the remote control unit,distinguishing means to identify control signals which are intended to be acted on and control signals intended for a different trailer mover.

23. A trailer mover according to Claim 22 in which The trailer mover may comprise a sensor to detect the presence of sufficient operational power beingsupplied by the detachable battery.

24. A trailer mover according to Claim 22 or Claim 23 in which the control means is arranged to transmit a signal for one or more of the following:5 the remote control unit to signal that the battery is not physically correctly attached,the power being supplied by the battery is not operationally sufficient, no power is being received from the battery.10 25. A method of moving a trailer with a trailer moving system, the trailer movingsystem being in accordance with any one of Claiml to Claim 21, the method comprising simultaneously wirelessly controlling each of the individual trailer movers by transmitting wireless control signals directly to each of the individual trailer movers using the single remote control unit.

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