Detachable tow hook assembly

US6896281B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Daimlerchrysler AG · US

Inventors

• Richard A. Lenzen, JR. · Waterford Township, US
• Sreedharan Venkataratnam · Troy, US
• Forest Nine · Bloomfield Hills, US
• Philip Kass · Taylor, US
• Mark D Shafto · Commerce, US
• Heinz Hentschel · Belleville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 8, 2002
• Grant date: May 24, 2005
• Expiry date: Feb 1, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60D3/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A tow hook mount is adapted to resist movement of the tow hook in a towing direction. The mount is also adapted to release the tow hook by allowing the tow hook to move in a direction opposite to the towing direction when contacted by a force in such direction. The tow hook is an elongated member having a towing end and a mounting end. The mounting end includes a front mount and a rear mount, each having a slot extending substantially opposite to the towing direction. In a low impact collision, the tow hook is arranged to move or break away from the automobile upon application of an impact force to the tow hook which is less than an activation force required to activate an airbag on the vehicle.