Device for hitching a reel to a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device, referred to as a hitching device (1), suitable for hitching a reel (2) to a vehicle (3), said hitching device (1) comprising means (7) for securing the hitching device (1) to the reel (2), the securing means (7) being designed to be able to cooperate with an axial element (9) of the reel (2) and to allow the reel (2) to be rotatably driven about its axis (34) of axial symmetry and for the reel (2) to be rolled on its flanges (3) as a result of the movement of a vehicle (3).

Description

VEHICLE-TOWING DEVICE FOR A TURRET

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for attaching a cable reel to a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, for the purpose of towing the reel. It relates to a device for attaching a cable reel to a vehicle regardless of the type of reel and the type of material wound or windable onto the reel, which is generally a filamentous material. The reel may be a small reel, specifically a small reel with a flange diameter between 750 mm and 1400 mm. It may be a cable reel, particularly for electrical and / or communication cables, or a reel for winding / unwinding flexible tubing or hose.

[0002] The invention therefore belongs to the field of equipment useful and / or necessary for the use of a reel of filiform material, in various sectors, such as for example building or industry.

[0003] Generally, the cable or electrical wire reels needed for electrifying a building under construction are delivered to the construction site by a vehicle too large for direct delivery to the cable-pulling area. For example, when electrifying an underground parking garage, the delivery of an electrical cable reel is made by the delivery truck at ground level, necessarily a considerable distance from the cable-pulling area. Therefore, methods of transporting a cable reel—particularly a heavy wooden reel with a diameter between 750 mm and 1400 mm, such as an electrical cable reel—between a delivery point and the cable-pulling area are needed.Such means of transport are all the more sought after, in the case of construction sites that are not essentially flat and / or horizontal, that is to say outdoor construction sites or construction sites that may have differences in elevation or slopes, such as descents / ascents for underground parking lots.

[0004] A cable reel can be rolled on its flanges to the cable-pulling site manually by a person using that reel. This rolling This poses a risk to the safety of the person performing the operation and those nearby, as the reel is likely to roll uncontrollably or with poor control downhill due to its weight. Such uncontrolled or poorly controlled rolling is dangerous for people who could be struck by the moving reel. Furthermore, rolling the reel on its flanges is a task that could affect the physical integrity of the person performing it.

[0005] The invention therefore aims to overcome all of these drawbacks.

[0006] Furthermore, to overcome obstacles inevitably present on the worksite, such as a curb or a slope, the cable reel must be lifted or carried by personnel working on the site. Carrying the reel, weighed down by a cable wound around it, is a task that can cause physical harm to these personnel. Moreover, carrying the reel can lead to postures that do not comply with occupational health and safety guidelines.

[0007] Solutions are being sought to address these drawbacks.

[0008] In particular, with regard to construction sites that are not essentially flat and / or horizontal, i.e. outdoor construction sites or sites that may have changes in elevation or slopes, such as descents / ascents for underground parking lots, solutions are sought to transport a cable reel to the cable pulling site.

[0009] Solutions are being sought to address these drawbacks.

[0010] FR2420446 is known to be a cable reel transport trailer, comprising a chassis equipped with wheels and reel retaining sides. The FR2420446 trailer and the associated tractor unit are too large to allow for the direct delivery of a cable reel to a confined cable-pulling area.

[0011] US11052809B2 is a known two-wheeled trailer equipped with a cable reel that can be lifted onto the trailer. Both the US11052809B2 trailer and its associated tractor unit are too large to allow for the direct delivery of a cable reel to a confined cable-pulling area.

[0012] US2015166297A1 is known to be a cable reel trailer comprising a base, a pair of substantially parallel cantilevers pivotally connected to the base, and a locking assembly connected to the base. The US2015166297A1 trailer and the associated towing vehicle are too large to allow direct delivery of a cable reel to a confined cable-pulling area.

[0013] The invention aims to overcome all or part of these drawbacks.

[0014] The invention therefore aims to provide a device for attaching a reel to a vehicle - in particular to a motor vehicle equipped with a tow ball.

[0015] The invention also aims to provide such a coupling device allowing for easier transport of the reel, particularly on a sloping, uphill and / or downhill route.

[0016] The invention also aims to provide such a coupling device that has a small footprint for transport in a folded and unassembled state on a reel. The invention therefore aims to provide such a device that is at least partially foldable.

[0017] To this end, the invention aims at a device, called a coupling device, adapted to hitch a reel to a vehicle, said coupling device comprising means for securing said coupling device and the reel, these means being adapted to be able to cooperate with an axial formation of the reel and allow a drive of the reel by rotation of the reel around its axis of axial symmetry and a rolling of the reel on its flanges due to a movement of the vehicle.

[0018] Throughout the text: - The term "reel" commonly refers to a device with a nearly axial symmetry, allowing the winding and unwinding (or drawing) of a filamentous material. Such a reel comprises two parallel discoidal flanges—or cheeks—connected by a cylindrical drum, particularly a cylindrical drum of revolution, which receives the filamentous material by winding it around the drum. The drum provides an axial shape adapted to allow rotation of the reel on itself and / or a drawing of the filament material. The filament material wound on the reel may be a cable - in particular a power cable such as an electrical cable - or a cable for carrying electrical and / or optical signals or a material for transporting a fluid, such as a tube or pipe, - the term "front" and the expression "front part" define a relative position of an element considering the axis and the main direction of traction of said coupling device by the vehicle in normal mode of forward movement, and - the term "rear" and the expression "rear part" define a relative position of an element considering the axis of traction of said coupling device by the vehicle in normal mode of progression and the direction opposite to the main direction of traction of said coupling device by the vehicle.

[0019] The coupling device allows the cable reel to be towed by pulling it uphill and rolling it on its flanges. This coupling device enables such towing of a cable reel by a small vehicle and allows the reel to be positioned as close as possible to the cable pulling and usage site. This facilitates the deployment of the reel to the cable pulling and usage site.

[0020] In some embodiments, the means for securing the coupling device and the reel include at least one securing member adapted to pass through the axial shape of the reel and to open onto each of the two outer faces of the reel. In some embodiments, the means for securing said coupling device and the reel include a rigid rod of substantially cylindrical shape, dimensioned to pass through an axial opening in the reel and to open onto each of the two outer faces of the reel. In these embodiments, each longitudinal end of the rigid rod is mounted integrally with the coupling device and separable from the coupling device, particularly for the purpose of assembling the coupling device and the reel.

[0021] According to some other embodiments, the means for securing the coupling device and the reel comprise two securing members, adapted to cooperate each with one of the open ends of an axial light of the reel, opening onto each of the two external faces of the reel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the coupling device comprises a frame supporting the fastening means, the frame being adjustable in width. Such a width-adjustable frame allows the coupling device to be adapted to different sizes, particularly different widths, of reels. The width of the frame can therefore be adjusted as required according to the width of the reel.

[0023] Throughout the text, the term "width" refers to the dimension of the coupling device, extending horizontally and orthogonally to the axis of traction of the coupling device by the vehicle, the coupling device being in a normal operating position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the coupling device comprises a semi-rigid chassis that is at least partially flexible in bending and rigid in tension. The overall size of the coupling device when not in use is reduced, and its storage in a vehicle when not in use is facilitated.

[0025] In some of these embodiments, the frame of the coupling device is a frame that is (entirely) flexible in bending and rigid in tension. In these embodiments, the frame of the coupling device is a rope, strap, or chain adapted to pass through the axial opening of the reel.

[0026] In some of these embodiments, the chassis, which is (entirely) flexible in bending and rigid in tension, forms a coupling loop for the coupling device and the vehicle. In other embodiments, the rope, strap, or chain of the chassis forms a coupling loop for the coupling device and the vehicle. In these embodiments, the coupling loop is adapted to cooperate with a hook on the vehicle and couple the coupling device to the vehicle.

[0027] In some embodiments, the coupling device comprises a coupling element for the coupling device and the vehicle. In some embodiments, the coupling element is mounted at the front of the coupling device. In these embodiments, the coupling element is adapted to cooperate with a tow ball of the vehicle and secure the coupling device and the vehicle. In some embodiments, the coupling element is a coupling head. However, any other coupling element is possible without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. For example, the coupling element could be a tow ring. In some of these embodiments, the coupling element is a secure coupling element for the coupling device and the vehicle, allowing for a locked assembly of the coupling element and the tow ball.

[0028] According to some other embodiments, the coupling device comprises a chassis including a rigid base and a plurality of straps, ropes and / or chains - in particular two straps, ropes and / or chains - a first longitudinal end of each strap, rope or chain being attached to the means of attaching the coupling device and the reel, and a second longitudinal end of each rope or chain being attached to the rigid base.

[0029] In some embodiments, the coupling device comprises a (fully) rigid chassis. According to these embodiments, the coupling device not only allows the cable reel to be towed by pulling it up inclines, but also secures the reel against the vehicle on a incline, without risk of collision between the vehicle and the coupling device attached to the reel. The coupling device enables such towing of a cable reel by a vehicle on any type of ramp and allows the reel to be positioned as close as possible to the cable pulling and usage site. In some embodiments, the rigid chassis is a metal frame. Any other rigid material can be used, including a polymer, a composite material, or wood.

[0030] Throughout the text, the term "rigid," used to describe the chassis and base, specifies that the chassis and base are shaped and / or made of materials suitable for preventing deformation under the combined effect of the coupling device attached to the reel and the vehicle. Such a rigid chassis does not deform significantly under the effect of traction exerted by the vehicle on the coupling device attached to the reel, nor under the effect of the reel's movement.

[0031] According to these embodiments, the means for securing the coupling device and the reel extend from the rigid chassis, in the rear part of the coupling device and in such a way as to extend to the axial formation of the reel with which the means for securing cooperate.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the device comprises a rigid frame formed of a rigid base and two lateral arms extending forward from the rigid base and backward to the axial formation.

[0033] The rigid base can be substantially flat. The rigid base can be in the form of a plate. It can have corrugations for stiffening the rigid base. The rigid base can be in the form of an assembly of tubes joined—in particular, welded—in the form of a frame. It can have any planar or three-dimensional geometric shape, for example, a polygonal shape, in particular a triangular shape—for example, an isosceles triangle—a rectangular shape, or a pentagonal shape. According to these embodiments, in which the rigid base is formed of tubes, such tubes can have any cross-section suitable for imparting the required rigidity to the rigid base. According to some embodiments, the rigid base is adjustable in width.

[0034] The side arms are rigid in tension. They can be rigid in bending. They can be elastically deformable in bending. In some embodiments, the side arms extend symmetrically about the same median plane of the coupling device and a reel interposed between the side arms. In some embodiments, the side arms extend symmetrically about the same median plane of the coupling device and a reel assembled to the coupling device. In some embodiments, the lateral arms are parallel to each other, at least when the coupling device is integral with the reel.

[0035] In some embodiments, the fastening means extend from the rear longitudinal ends of the lateral arms of the rigid frame. In some embodiments, the rigid frame is rigid in bending. In some embodiments, the rigid frame is rigid in tension. In some embodiments, the rigid frame is rigid in both bending and tension. In some embodiments, the rigid frame extends substantially in a plane.

[0036] In these embodiments, the rigid frame forms a rigid U-shaped frame adapted to receive a reel by overlapping between the lateral arms, to secure the reel by cooperation with the axial formation of the reel, to allow its attachment to a vehicle and to allow the reel to move by rolling on its flanges due to the movement of the vehicle.

[0037] In some embodiments, the coupling element is mounted rigidly to the rigid chassis or rigid base by means of a rigid connection, in particular a rigid tensile connection. In some embodiments, the coupling element is mounted rigidly to the rigid chassis or rigid base by means of a rigid drawbar extending from a front end of the rigid chassis or rigid base.

[0038] In these embodiments, the coupling device not only allows the reel to be towed by traction on a positive slope but also allows the reel to be held or braked on a negative slope.

[0039] According to some embodiments, each lateral arm has a first front longitudinal end, attached to the rigid base and a second rear longitudinal end, opposite the first longitudinal end, the second rear longitudinal end of each lateral arm being shaped to be able to cooperate with the fastening means - in particular with a longitudinal end of the fastening member (rigid rod) - and to be able to secure the reel and the coupling device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the rigid chassis includes a coupling element for the coupling device and the vehicle, the coupling element being rigidly connected to the rigid base. The tensile and compressive rigidity of the assembly formed by the coupling device, the winch, and the vehicle is ensured.

[0041] In some embodiments, the coupling device has a ground support leg for the coupling device assembled to the reel. In some embodiments, the support leg is a deployable / foldable support leg between: - a first deployed position in which the coupling device assembled to the reel is not coupled to the vehicle, the support stand being in contact with the ground, and - a second position folded down onto the rigid chassis and in which the support stand is not in contact with the ground.

[0042] In some embodiments, the coupling device comprises a counter-rotating roller, mounted integrally with the rigid frame and free to rotate about its own axis of rotation substantially parallel to the axial axis of symmetry of the reel. In these embodiments, the counter-rotating roller is adapted to allow the peripheral edges of the reel flanges to bear against the coupling device when the coupling device assembled to the reel is positioned or moving down a negative slope, for example, in an underground entrance, without significant damage to the reel flanges due to this bearing. In these embodiments, the counter-rotating roller may be made of a rigid material or one that is elastically deformable under compression, for example, at least one metallic material, at least one plastic material, or Teflon.

[0043] In some embodiments, the coupling device includes a protective hoop forming a U-shape at the rear of the coupling device assembled to the reel. The protective hoop thus ensures the protection of third parties by preventing them from approaching the reel while it is moving.

[0044] In some embodiments, the side arms are tubular arms. The tubular side arms can have any cross-section a straight line across a circular, oval or polygonal shape, including a rectangular shape.

[0045] In some embodiments, the side arms are telescopic arms with at least two distinct extended positions. These telescopic arms allow the coupling device to be adapted to different reel sizes, particularly different reel diameters. They also reduce the overall size of the coupling device to facilitate its transport in a vehicle.

[0046] In some embodiments, each side arm is mounted in a folding fashion on the rigid base. In these embodiments, each side arm is a rigid side arm mounted to pivot relative to the rigid base between a first position, called the coupling position, in which the side arms extend symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the coupling device, and at least a second position, called the folded position, in which the coupling device does not cooperate with a reel and in which the side arms are folded towards each other and / or onto each other. In these embodiments, the rigid side arms do not extend symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the coupling device in the folded position. In the folded position, the overall size of the coupling device is reduced to facilitate its transport in a vehicle.In some embodiments, each rigid side arm is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis perpendicular to a principal plane of the rigid base. In some embodiments, the coupling device includes reversible locking means for the rigid side arms in the coupling position.

[0047] According to some embodiments, each folding side arm on the rigid base is mounted securely to the rigid base by a pivot joint.

[0048] In some embodiments, the coupling device includes means for signaling the coupling device that contribute to personnel safety. These signaling means may be visually perceptible and / or audibly perceptible.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the coupling device is equipped with a plate of recommendations intended for a user of the coupling device.

[0050] The invention also extends to an assembly comprising a reel attached to a device, called a coupling device, according to the invention adapted to couple the reel to a vehicle.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the reel of this assembly is formed of two parallel discoidal lateral flanges -or cheeks- and a coaxial cylindrical drum - in particular a cylindrical drum of revolution - extending between the two flanges and rigidly connecting them, an axial light being provided in the cylindrical drum, passing through the cylindrical drum and opening onto the two opposite faces of the reel through an axial recess in each flange.

[0052] According to these embodiments, the fastening means comprise a rigid rod passing through the axial opening of the reel and emerging through the axial recess of each flange. According to these embodiments, each longitudinal end of the rigid rod is mounted securely to a rear longitudinal end of one of the rigid lateral arms of the coupling device.

[0053] According to some other embodiments, the reel is of the type comprising: - two parallel inner flanges, - a cylindrical drum - specifically a cylindrical drum of revolution - extending between the two inner flanges and rigidly connecting them, the cylindrical drum providing an axial opening through the cylindrical drum, and - two external discoidal side flanges, arranged on either side of the internal flanges, coaxially with the cylindrical drum and the internal flanges and movable in rotation independently of the internal flanges and movable in rotation independently of each other, the external discoidal flanges being of greater diameter than the diameter of the internal flanges.

[0054] In these embodiments, the maneuverability of the reel during non-linear movement—whether pulled by the vehicle or propelled by the vehicle—is improved, and / or the integrity of the discoidal outer flanges is preserved due to the independence of their rotation relative to each other. Thus, the assembly, including the reel attached to the coupling device, can be dragged along a non-linear (curved) trajectory without significant damage to the reel's flanges as a result of this movement.

[0055] According to these embodiments, the fastening means comprise a clamping shaft for the outer discoidal side flanges, one upon the other, passing through the axial opening of the reel and extending axially to the outside of the outer discoidal side flanges. According to these embodiments, each longitudinal end of the clamping shaft is mounted securely to a rear longitudinal end of one of the lateral arms of the coupling device.

[0056] The invention also extends to a coupling comprising a vehicle and a reel attached to a device, called a coupling device, according to the invention adapted to couple the reel to this vehicle.

[0057] The invention also extends to a coupling comprising an assembly according to the invention and a vehicle coupled to this assembly.

[0058] The vehicle is small and highly maneuverable. Advantageously, the vehicle is a utility vehicle adapted to operate on rough terrain such as a building construction site and / or a parking lot construction site for motor vehicles, with access ramps to different levels of the parking lot.

[0059] According to the invention, the means for securing the coupling device and the reel adapted to be able to cooperate with an axial formation of the reel can be a rigid rod.

[0060] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly according to the invention comprising a reel and a device, called a coupling device, for coupling a reel to a vehicle,

[0062] [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a schematic top view representation of a device, referred to as the coupling device according to the invention, in the folded position of one of the two rigid lateral arms,

[0063] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a side view representation of a coupling according to the invention,

[0064] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a variant of the assembly according to the invention as shown in Figure 1.

[0065] An assembly 40 comprising a reel 2 attached to a coupling device, referred to as the coupling device 1, for coupling the reel 2 to a motor vehicle is shown in Figure 1. The coupling device 1 consists of a frame 4 which may be rigid or flexible, which may be semi-rigid at least in part, flexible in bending and rigid in tension, and which may be adjustable in width. When the frame is flexible in bending and rigid in tension, it may form a coupling loop for the coupling device 1 and the vehicle. Alternatively, the coupling device 1 may include a coupling member for the coupling device 1 and the vehicle.

[0066] In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 1, where the chassis 4 is rigid, it comprises a rigid base 10 extending forward 6 from the coupling device and two lateral arms 11, 12 extending forward from the rigid base 10 and rearward 8 from the rigid base 10 to an axial formation 9 of the swivel 2. In the embodiment shown, the rigid base 10 is triangular in shape. However, there is nothing preventing the rigid base 10 from being of a different shape. That being said, such a triangular shape of the rigid base 10 is advantageous for limiting the overall size of the coupling device 1 and ensuring the rigidity of the coupling device 1. According to some embodiments, the rigid base 10 can be formed of tubes—in particular, metal tubes—assembled—in particular, welded—in a triangle. Such tubes can have any transverse cross-section suitable for imparting to the rigid base the required rigidity for to allow movement of the reel 2 on which a thread-like material is wound. In the embodiment shown, the rigid base 10 is flat and extended forward 6 by a drawbar 16 ending in a coupling member 5 adapted to cooperate with a coupling ball of a vehicle 3 (visible in figure 3) and to secure the coupling device 1 and the vehicle 3. In a position, called coupling position 13, of the lateral arms 11, 12 of the coupling device 1, the lateral arms 11, 12 each extend rearward 8 from a lateral end of the rigid base 10. The lateral arms 11, 12 are substantially parallel to each other in the shown coupling position 13, receiving and assembling with the reel 2. The lateral arms 11, 12 can be telescopic between at least two distinct extension positions. The lateral arms 11, 12 can be formed of tubes—in particular, metal tubes—either simple or telescopic.Such tubes may have any straight cross-section suitable for giving the lateral arms 11, 12 the rigidity required to allow movement of the reel 2. The lateral arms 11, 12 may also be formed of a profiled material or a rigid slat.

[0067] The coupling device 1 includes means 7 for securing the coupling device 1 and the reel 2. The securing means 7 extend into the rear part 8 of the rigid chassis 4. The chassis 4, whether rigid or not, supports the securing means 7. The securing means 7 are adapted to cooperate with an axial formation 9 of the reel 2, so as to allow the reel 2 to be secured to the coupling device 1 and to allow the reel 2 to be driven by rotation of the reel 2 about its axial axis 34 of symmetry, by rolling, on the ground, the outer discoidal flanges 23 of the reel 2, due to the movement of the vehicle 3.

[0068] The reel 2 can be of any type. It may be a reel of a type known per se, having two parallel discoidal flanges mounted as a single unit on an axial winding drum made of a filamentary material, forming an axial opening in the center of each of the discoidal flanges. It may be a reel intended for winding and pulling an electrical cable, an optical cable, or a flexible tube, or of a flexible hose. In the case of such a reel of the type having two parallel discoidal flanges attached to an axial winding drum of a filament material, the means 7 of securing may include at least one securing member which may be formed of a rigid rod passing through the axial light of the reel 2 and opening onto the two outer faces of the discoidal flanges, each longitudinal end of the rigid rod being attached to a rear end of a lateral arm 11, 12 of the coupling device 1.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1, the reel 2 can be of the type comprising two inner flanges 20 (discoidal or not) mounted as a unit on an axial cylindrical drum (not visible in Figure 1), for example cylindrical of revolution, and also comprising two coaxial discoidal outer flanges 23 with a diameter greater than the largest dimension of the inner flanges 20, arranged on either side of the inner flanges, coaxially with the cylindrical drum and the inner flanges, so that the reel 2 rests on the two outer flanges 23 when the reel 2 is placed in a position in which its axis 34 of symmetry is substantially horizontal.The outer flanges 23 are mounted to rotate independently of the inner lateral flanges 20 and independently of each other, so that the reel 2 can roll along a non-linear trajectory without significant damage to the outer flanges 23 of the reel 2 due to slippage of the outer flanges 23 on the ground. The means 7 for securing such a reel 2 to the coupling device 1 comprise an axial clamping rod for the discoidal outer flanges 23 and the inner flanges 20 on the cylindrical drum 21, the axial clamping rod cooperating with the axial form 9 of the reel 2.

[0070] The coupling device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a counter-rotating roller 38, mounted integrally with the rigid frame 4 and free to rotate about itself around an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the axis 34 of axial symmetry and rotation of the reel 2. The counter-rotating roller 38 is adapted to allow frictionless support of the peripheral edges of the outer flanges 23 of the reel 2 on the coupling device 1 when the device 1 The coupling, assembled to the reel 2, moves up a negative slope, for example, into the entrance of an underground space. The counter-rotating roller 38 allows this movement without significant damage to the reel's flanges due to this support. The counter-rotating roller 38 can be made of metal, plastic, or Teflon.

[0071] A particular embodiment of the coupling device 1 is shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, a front longitudinal end 6 of each rigid lateral arm 11, 12 pivots relative to the rigid base 10 about a pivot axis 15. Each lateral arm 11, 12 is mounted in a foldable position on the rigid base 10. Thus, the coupling device 1 is shown on the left side of Figure 2 in a folded position 14 in which the lateral arms 11, 12 are folded down onto the rigid base 10. The overall size of the coupling device 1 in the folded position 14 is reduced, and transporting the coupling device 1 in the vehicle is facilitated. The coupling device 1 is shown on the right side of Figure 2 in a position in which a lateral arm 12 is in a coupling position 13 and the lateral arm 11 is in the folded position 14 in which the rigid lateral arm 11 is folded down onto the rigid base 10.Of course, at least the coupling position 13 can be a locked and unlockable position so as to keep each lateral arm 11, 12 of the coupling device 1 in the coupling position 13 when the coupling device 1 cooperates with the reel 2.

[0072] A coupling 50 comprising a vehicle 3, a reel 2, and a device, referred to as the coupling device 1, for coupling the reel 2 to the vehicle 3 is shown in Figure 3. In the embodiment shown, the vehicle 3 is a small utility vehicle adapted for use on a construction site and / or on a ramp leading to a single level of a multi-story parking garage. The utility vehicle 3 has a tow ball mounted integrally to the chassis of the vehicle 3 and at its rear. The coupling device 1 according to the invention has a rigid chassis 4 formed by a rigid base 10 extending in the front part 6 of the rigid chassis 4 and lateral arms 11, 12 extending towards the rear 8 of the rigid base 10. The rear longitudinal end 8 of each rigid lateral arm 11, 12 is mounted integrally with an axial formation 9 of the reel 2, thereby allowing the reel 2, integral with the coupling device 1, to be towed by the vehicle 3 moving over terrain—particularly terrain other than a roadway—which may present any type of ramp or obstacle with a positive or negative gradient. As shown in Figure 3, the assembly 40 comprising the reel 2 and the coupling device 1, and the coupling 50 comprising the vehicle 3 and the reel 2 coupled to the vehicle 3 by means of the coupling device 1, are compact and allow the reel 2 to be moved as close as possible to the point of use of the cable, tube, or hose wound on the reel 2.

[0073] A particular variant of an assembly 40 comprising a reel 2 attached to a device, called coupling device 1, for coupling a reel 2 to a motor vehicle is shown in Figure 4. In this variant shown, the coupling device 1 includes a protective hoop 39 forming a U at the rear of the coupling device 1 assembled to the reel 2. Preferably, this protective hoop 39 is removable so as to allow the assembly of the reel 2 and the coupling device 1.

[0074] In a particular embodiment, the coupling device 1 may have a ground support leg for the coupling device 1 assembled to the reel 2.

[0075] In a particular embodiment, the coupling device 1 may include means for visual or audible signaling of the coupling device 1, contributing to the safety of personnel.

Claims

Demands

1. Device, referred to as coupling device (1), adapted for coupling a reel (2) to a vehicle (3), said coupling device (1) comprising means (7) for securing said coupling device (1) and the reel (2), these securing means (7) being adapted to be able to cooperate with an axial formation (9) of the reel (2) and to allow the reel (2) to be driven by rotation of the reel (2) about its axis (34) of axial symmetry and the reel (2) to roll on its flanges due to a movement of the vehicle (3).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (7) for securing said coupling device (1) and the reel (2) comprise at least one securing member adapted to pass through the axial formation (9) of the reel (2) and to open onto each of the two external faces of the reel (2).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a frame supporting the means (7) for securing, the frame (4) being adjustable in width.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a semi-rigid chassis at least partly flexible in bending and rigid in tension.

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the chassis flexible in bending and rigid in tension forms a coupling loop of said coupling device (1) and the vehicle (3).

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a coupling member (5) for coupling said coupling device (1) and the vehicle (3).

7. Device (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a rigid chassis (4) formed of a rigid base (10) and two lateral arms (11, 12) extending forward from the rigid base (10) and rearward to the formation (9) axial.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a ground support stand for said coupling device (1) assembled to the reel (2).

9. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a counter-rotating roller (38), mounted integrally with the rigid frame (4) and free to rotate about itself about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the axis (34) of axial symmetry of the reel (2).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a protective hoop (39) forming a U at the rear of said coupling device (1) assembled to the reel (2).

11. Device (1) according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that the lateral arms (11, 12) are telescopic arms between at least two distinct elongation positions of said lateral arms (11, 12).

12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7, 9 or 11, characterized in that each lateral arm (11, 12) is mounted foldable on the rigid base (10).

13. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each lateral arm (11, 12) folds down on the base (10) rigid is mounted securely to the base (10) rigid by a pivot joint.

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises signaling means for said coupling device (1) contributing to the safety of personnel.

15. Assembly (40) comprising a reel (2) integral with a coupling device, said coupling device (1), according to one of the preceding claims, said coupling device (1) being adapted to couple the reel (2) to a vehicle (3).

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