AUTOMOTIVE RECOVERY COUPLER
The present invention relates to an automotive recovery coupler for coupling a shackle to a winch line. The coupler includes a receiver for receiving the fastened shackle, and a guide for guiding the winch line. The receiver is typically annular in shape and the winch line passes through the shackle. The coupler may or may not include moving parts.
1 . An automotive recovery coupler for coupling a shackle to a winch line, the coupler including:
a receiver for receiving the fastened shackle; and
a guide for guiding the winch line.
2 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the receiver is annular and includes an aperture through which the shackle passes.
3 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the receiver includes a rotation impeder to impede rotation of the coupler during winching of the winch line.
4 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the rotation impeder includes one or more grooves for receiving the shackle.
5 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the receiver includes a bobbin.
6 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the bobbin is made of metal.
7 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the receiver includes a cover for covering the bobbin.
8 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the receiver further include a seat upon which the bobbin sits.
9 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the bobbin is able to rotate on the seat, in use, to reduce wear of the winch line.
10 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the seat includes a cradle for cradling the bobbin.
11 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the seat includes two annular parts.
12 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 5 , further including a lubricator for lubricating the bobbin.
13 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the lubricator includes a sealable inlet for receiving lubricant, and passages for transporting lubricant to the bobbin.
14 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the passages further transport lubricant to a seat upon which the bobbin sits.
15 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 12 , further including one or more seals for containing lubricant within the coupler.
16 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the guide includes an endless recess.
17 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the guide includes a smooth arcuate surface over which the winch line slides.
18 . A recovery coupler as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the winch line passes through the shackle.
19 . An automotive recovery coupler assembly including:
an automotive recovery coupler as claimed in claim 1 ; and
a shackle for fastening to the receiver.
20 . A recovery method for recovering a stuck vehicle bearing a winch using an automotive recovery coupler, the method involving:
fastening a shackle to a receiver of the coupler and a stationary object; and
guiding moving winch line of the winch using guide of the coupler to extract the vehicle.