Collapsible vehicle tow loop
US8371602B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 2012 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/54
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A collapsible tow hook for a motor vehicle includes a bracket attached to a vehicle structure and having laterally spaced side walls with first and second slots in each of the side walls. A tow loop has laterally spaced arms that straddle the spaced side walls of the bracket. First and second bolts extend through bolt holes in the laterally spaced arms and through the slots of the side walls. A retainer acts between the bracket and the first and second bolts to establish a normal upward position of the tow loop on the vehicle. The retainer yields to allow the first and second bolts to traverse the slots upon the imposition of a load on the tow loop in a direction opposite to the towing direction so that the tow loop is pivoted to a collapsed position relative to the vehicle structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.