17969814. ADJUSTABLE TOW HOOK ASSEMBLIES AND VEHICLES INCLUDING SAME simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

ADJUSTABLE TOW HOOK ASSEMBLIES AND VEHICLES INCLUDING SAME

Organization Name

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Ryan C. Harris of Saline MI (US)

Scott L. Frederick of Brighton MI (US)

ADJUSTABLE TOW HOOK ASSEMBLIES AND VEHICLES INCLUDING SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17969814 titled 'ADJUSTABLE TOW HOOK ASSEMBLIES AND VEHICLES INCLUDING SAME

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a vehicle with a tow hook assembly that can be moved between extended and retracted positions using a shear pin mechanism.

• The tow hook assembly is coupled to a cross member on the vehicle.
• The assembly includes a housing with an arcuate interior, a tow hook that can move between extended and retracted positions, and a shear pin that can shear under a force exceeding a predetermined threshold.
• The tow hook has a retaining block and a receiving member that can move along the arcuate interior of the housing.
• When a force exceeding the threshold is applied to the tow hook, the shear pin shears, allowing the tow hook to move to the retracted position.

Potential Applications

The technology could be used in various vehicles, such as trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles, to provide a secure and reliable tow hook assembly for towing purposes.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of securely and efficiently retracting a tow hook when not in use, preventing damage or interference with the vehicle's operation.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved safety during towing operations, ease of use for the vehicle operator, and a durable design that can withstand forces during towing.

Potential Commercial Applications

Commercial applications for this technology could include automotive manufacturers incorporating the tow hook assembly into their vehicle designs, as well as aftermarket companies offering the assembly as an upgrade for existing vehicles.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be existing tow hook assemblies with manual or mechanical retraction mechanisms, but the specific design and operation of the shear pin mechanism described in the patent application may be a novel feature.

How does the shear pin mechanism compare to other methods of retracting tow hooks?

The article does not provide a comparison with other methods of retracting tow hooks, such as manual or mechanical mechanisms. It would be interesting to know the advantages and disadvantages of the shear pin mechanism in comparison to these other methods.

Are there any potential safety concerns with the shear pin mechanism in extreme towing conditions?

The article does not address any potential safety concerns that may arise with the shear pin mechanism under extreme towing conditions. It would be important to understand if the shear pin mechanism is reliable and safe in all towing scenarios.

Original Abstract Submitted

A vehicle including a cross member and a tow hook assembly. The tow hook assembly is coupled to the cross member and includes a housing, a tow hook, and a shear pin. The housing includes an arcuate interior. The tow hook is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The tow hook includes a retaining block and a receiving member having a distal portion extending from the retaining block and a leading portion extending from the distal portion. The shear pin is positionable to extend through the housing. When the tow hook is in the extended position and a force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the leading portion of the receiving member, the shear pin shears to permit the retaining block of the tow hook to move along the arcuate interior of the housing and position the tow hook into the retracted position.