| 摘要 |
A vehicle towing device of the cradle type has a pair of cradle arms which are connected to a tow truck through a support member which may comprise a plate. One of the ends of each of the arms is attached to the support member for pivotal motion about a substantially vertical axis. The support member is attached to the lower structure of a tow truck by means of a ball and socket joint which permits limited two degree motion. The ends of the cradle arms opposite to those attached to the support plate have trays attached thereto for retaining and supporting the wheels of the vehicle to be towed. The cradle arms are interconnected at points therealong intermediate the opposite ends thereof by means of an adjustable bridging cross member. Means are provided for adjusting the lengths of the arms and that of the bridging interconnecting member to adapt the device in the field for utilization with various size vehicles. The bridging interconnecting member has a bracket unit attached thereto, through which the tow chain or cable fits. In utilizing the device, one end of each of two tow cables or chains is secured to the axle or the frame of the vehicle to be towed, each of these chains or cables being fitted through the aforementioned bracket and thence attached to the tow truck lift mechanism. When the lift mechanism is operated, the vehicle is first drawn onto the wheel support trays where the wheels are appropriately retained. Further lifting action of the lift mechanism lifts the cradle arms off the ground carrying along with it the front wheels of the vehicle until they reach an appropriate towing position.
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