Disconnectable tow hook

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, vehicles, and methods for disconnectable tow hooks. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a tow hook configured to extend from a surface of a vehicle in a first direction and to receive a tow line. A mount is configured to displaceably secure the tow hook to the surface. The mount is configured to maintain a position of the tow hook relative to the surface in response to a pulling force applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the surface of the vehicle. The mount is further configured to enable movement of the tow hook relative to the surface in response to the tow hook experiencing a force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tow hitch for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and can not constitute prior art.

[0003] Trucks, off-road vehicles, and other motor vehicles can include tow hitches. The tow hitches are typically mounted to a front bumper or other forward facing surface or a rear bumper or other rear facing surface of the vehicle. Each tow hitch is configured to receive a tow rope or other cable. Thus, for example, with a first end of one or more tow ropes secured to the tow hitch and a second end attached to a towing vehicle, the tow hitch can enable the vehicle to be towed. For another example, with a first end of one or more tow ropes secured to the tow hitch and a second end attached to an object or another vehicle, the vehicle can be moved to pull or move the object or tow the other vehicle. Thus, including a tow hitch on a vehicle can prove to be convenient for various uses.

[0004] Many vehicles are designed to be crashworthy so as to distribute forces, for example, generated in a collision, acting on a front bumper or other forward surface. The distribution of forces can minimize occupant injury or vehicle damage that can result from an impact on the front bumper or other surface. Systems designed to improve the crashworthiness of a vehicle can be designed to distribute forces throughout a bumper or other front region of the vehicle. Such a design can manage to avoid localized forces that can cause certain portions of the vehicle to deform sharply or possibly collapse. Similarly, sensors for initiating deployment of airbags or other safety devices can be positioned at or near a forward surface of the vehicle and calibrated to deploy when a certain magnitude of impact is detected. However, with a tow hitch extending from the front bumper or other forward surface, an impact on the tow hitch can interfere with the distribution or measurement of forces throughout the bumper or other forward surface. SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, vehicles, and methods for disconnectable tow hitches.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a tow hitch configured to extend in a first direction from a surface of a vehicle and to receive a tow rope. A mount is configured to displaceably secure the tow hitch to the surface. The mount is configured to maintain a position of the tow hitch relative to the surface in response to a pulling force applied to the tow hitch in the first direction away from the surface of the vehicle. The mount is further configured to enable the tow hitch to move relative to the surface in response to the tow hitch being subjected to a force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes a vehicle body. A cabin is included in the vehicle body and is configured to receive an operator. A drive system is supported by the vehicle body and is configured to control one or more wheels of the vehicle to cause the vehicle to motor, accelerate, decelerate, stop, and turn. A tow hook is configured to extend from a surface of the vehicle body in a first direction and to receive a tow rope. A mount is configured to displaceably secure the tow hook to the surface. The mount is configured to maintain a position of the tow hook relative to the surface in response to a pulling force being applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the surface of the vehicle. The mount is further configured to enable the tow hook to move relative to the surface in response to the tow hook being subjected to a force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a method includes providing a tow hook at a surface of a vehicle. The tow hook is mounted to the surface at an initial position. The tow hook is mounted such that in response to a pulling force being applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the surface of the vehicle, the tow hook is maintained at the initial position relative to the surface. In response to the tow hook being subjected to a force in a second direction at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle, the tow hook is allowed to displace away from the surface.

[0009] Further features, advantages, and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary breakable tow hook;

[0012] Figure 2 is a breakable tow hook mounted to a front bumper of Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the breakable tow hook of

[0013] Figure 3 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary vehicle including a breakable tow hook of Figure 1 mounted to a front bumper;

[0014] Figure 4 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary vehicle including a breakable tow hook of Figure 1 integrated to a front bumper;

[0015] Figure 5 is a breakable tow hook mounted to a front bumper and receiving a tow rope of Figure 1perspective view of the breakaway tow hook of

[0016] Figure 6 is Figure 1 rear perspective view of the breakaway tow hook of

[0017] Figure 7 is displaced by the application of force Figure 1 perspective view of the breakaway tow hook of

[0018] Figure 8 is displaced by the application of force Figure 1 cross-sectional view of the breakaway tow hook of

[0019] Figure 9A and Figure 10A cross-sectional view of other exemplary breakaway tow hooks

[0020] Figure 9B and 10B cross-sectional view of the breakaway tow hooks of Figure 9A and 10A respectively displaced in response to the application of force; and

[0021] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of removably mounting a tow hook to a surface of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be noted that the first digit of a three-digit number and the first two digits of a four-digit number correspond to the first digit of a one-digit number and the first two digits of a two-digit number, respectively, at which an element first appears.

[0023] The following description explains various embodiments of apparatuses, vehicles, and methods for using breakaway tow hooks on surfaces of vehicles, by way of illustration, not limitation.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1 In various embodiments, the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 includes a tow hook 110, a mount 120, and a connector 130 that links the tow hook 110 to the mount 120. The tow hook 110 includes a base portion 112 that extends generally in a first direction 190 toward a front end of a vehicle (not shown). As described further below with reference to Figure 5 The lateral portions 114 extend between the base portions 112, forming the tow hook 110 to which a tow rope or other line can be attached, as described further below.

[0025] The mount 120 includes a side portion 122 to which the base portion 112 is coupled. As described further below, the mount 120 can be mountable to a surface of a vehicle (not shown) in a variety of ways, including by bolting, welding, or otherwise securing the mount 120 to the surface of the vehicle. Figure 1a separate device on a bumper or other front surface of the vehicle (not shown), or, as further described below, can be integrated into the bumper or other front surface of the vehicle. When the mount 120 is a separate device (i.e., not integrated into the front surface of the vehicle, as further described below), the mount 120 can include one or more mounting surfaces 124 that define one or more mounting holes 126 to receive mounting connectors (not shown) to secure the mount 120 to the bumper or other front surface of the vehicle. Figure 1 The mount 120 can also include a crossbeam 128 extending between the side portions 122 to support the mechanical integrity of the mount 120. The side portions 122 and the crossbeam 128 can be configured to prevent or limit rotation of the tow hook 110 when an impact occurs. Correspondingly, the mounting surfaces 124 can be configured to prevent or limit rotation of the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 when an impact occurs. It should be appreciated that aspects of the vehicle can be configured to absorb and / or dissipate energy of an impact, and thus it can not be desirable to allow forces acting on the tow hook 110 or the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 to rotate in a manner that can interfere with the intended dissipation of forces by the vehicle across a surface to which the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 can be mounted. In various embodiments, the side portions 122 and the crossbeam 128 can be formed as a single device, or can include separate components that are mechanically joined together.

[0026] The connectors 130 can include pins, bolts, screws, or similar connecting devices that extend through at least one of the base portions 112 into at least one of the side portions 122. The connectors 130 thereby secure the tow hook 110 to the mount 120. The connectors 130 can include a body (not shown) and a head 132 to facilitate mounting and / or connection of the connectors 120 with the mount 120 and the tow hook 110. Figure 1

[0027] It should be appreciated that the base portions 112, the side portions 122, and the connectors 130 all operate as part of the mounting of the tow hook 110. Thus, each of the base portions 112, the side portions 122, and the connectors 130 can include into the displaceable mounting of the tow hook 110 as described herein.

[0028] As further described below, the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 is configured to withstand a substantially vehicle (not shown)- Figure 1 ​The tension applied to the surface in a first direction 190 (not shown) is such as the tension applied to the tow hook 110 due to the vehicle being towed, or the tension applied due to the vehicle attempting to pull another object or vehicle. Conversely, in response to an impact force or other compressive force having a perceptible component in a second direction 192 at least partially toward the vehicle surface, portions of the tow hook assembly 100 may be configured to be fracture-resistant or otherwise deformable to facilitate displacement of the tow hook 110. Specifically, one or more of the base portion 112, side portion 122, and connector 130 may be shear-resistant, fracture-resistant, or otherwise deformable to facilitate displacement of the tow hook 110 relative to the mounting member 120 in response to the application of a force abutting the tow hook 110 along the second direction 192. As the tow hook 110 is displaced, the force along the second direction 192 can be received and transferred by the vehicle's structure. As previously stated, although Figure 1 The force along the second direction 192 is described as being applied diametrically or perpendicularly toward the tow hook 110 and thus toward the vehicle, but it should be recognized that the force applied along the second direction 192 may include any force at least partially directed toward the tow hook 110 and / or the vehicle surface.

[0029] For further reference Figure 2 In various embodiments, the detachable tow hook assembly 100 is mechanically fixed to the bumper 200 or the vehicle ( Figure 2 Another surface (not shown). In some embodiments, the detachable tow hook assembly 100 is mechanically secured with bolts 202 extending through mounting holes 126 in the mounting surface 124 of the mount 120. The bumper 200 is then coupled to a bumper mount 210, which connects the bumper 200 to the vehicle frame 212. The bumper mount 210 may include compressible or deformable devices configured to disperse the forces and energy generated by impacts against the bumper 200 to reduce the forces and energy applied to the frame 212. Reducing the forces and energy applied to the frame 212 can therefore help reduce or potentially prevent injury to vehicle occupants, damage to the vehicle, and / or other effects. For example, the bumper mount 210 may be configured to disperse forces to help reduce or potentially prevent collapse of the passenger compartment, thereby attempting to prevent injury to occupants. In another example, the bumper mount may be configured to transmit forces to help reduce or potentially prevent collapse of the engine compartment or battery compartment, thereby helping to reduce or potentially prevent damage to expensive components of the vehicle. In any case, the bumper mount 210 may be configured to work with the bumper 200 to facilitate the dispersion of these forces and energies, thereby reducing the forces and energies applied to the frame 212.

[0030] When the tow hook 110 is allowed to move, the disconnectable tow hook assembly 100 thus allows for convenient placement of the tow hook assembly 100 for its various uses, while allowing the tow hook 110 to move in response to a collision or other event. As a result, the tow hook 100 may not interfere with the dispersion of forces and energy that may be generated by an impact. Therefore, the disconnectable tow hook assembly 100 can be installed in an easily accessible location on the vehicle, rather than, for example, under and / or behind a bumper or trim panel, to avoid removing the tow hook from receiving the initial impact in a way that could damage crumple zones or other structures of the vehicle designed to absorb and / or disperse impact energy.

[0031] For further reference Figure 3 In various embodiments, vehicle 300 includes a body 310, which includes a compartment 320 or other compartment for receiving occupants or cargo. Vehicle 300 also includes a drive system 330 that operates in conjunction with one or more wheels 340 of vehicle 300 to maneuver, accelerate, decelerate, stop, and steer vehicle 300. In various embodiments, drive system 330 may include an electric powertrain, a hybrid powertrain, or an internal combustion engine, as well as braking and control systems. Vehicle 300 includes a front surface 350, which may include a bumper or other front surface, which, as referenced... Figure 2 The described system operates in combination to disperse forces and energy that may be applied to the front surface 35° in the event of a collision or other incident. (See reference...) Figure 2 The detachable tow hook assembly 100 is connected to the front surface 350, for example, by using bolt 202 ( Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) to connect the detachable tow hook assembly 100 to the front surface 350. Although Figure 3 A disconnectable tow hook assembly 100 is shown mounted on the front surface 350 of vehicle 300, but the disconnectable tow hook assembly 100 may also be attached to the rear surface 351 of vehicle 300 or at one or more locations along one or more side surfaces 353 of vehicle 300. It should be appreciated that the disconnectable tow hook assembly 100 may be attached to a bumper, one or more frame longitudinal beams, subframe chassis, or any other structure included in the body of vehicle 300.

[0032] For further reference Figure 4 In various embodiments, vehicle 400 also includes a body 410, said body including a compartment 420 or other compartment for receiving occupants or cargo. Vehicle 400 also includes a drive system 430 that operates in conjunction with one or more wheels 440 of vehicle 400 to enable vehicle 400 to maneuver, accelerate, decelerate, stop, and steer. Vehicle 400 includes a front surface 450, which may include a bumper or other front surface, which, as referenced... Figure 2 The described system operates in combination to disperse forces and energy that could be applied to the front surface 450 in a collision or other event. However, with vehicle 300 ( Figure 3In contrast, vehicle 400 includes an integrated breakaway tow hook assembly 460 that is integrated and included in the front surface 450 (rather than a separate device that is affixed to the front surface 450). For example, the side portion 122 of the breakaway tow hook 460 and other aspects of the cradle 120 Figure 1 and 2 may be integrally formed as part of the front surface 450 of the vehicle 400 (rather than a separately attached component). Although Figure 4 the integrated breakaway tow hook assembly 460 is shown as being included into the front surface 450 of the vehicle 400, the integrated breakaway tow hook assembly 460 can also be included into the rear surface 451 of the vehicle 400 or one or more locations along one or more side surfaces 453 of the vehicle 400. It should be appreciated that the integrated breakaway tow hook assembly 460 can be included into a bumper, one or more frame rails, a sub-frame chassis, or any other structure included into the body of the vehicle 400.

[0033] With additional reference to Figure 5 , in various embodiments, the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 receives a tow rope 500 or other cable. As previously described, the tow rope 500 can be used to tow a vehicle (not shown in Figure 5 ) by applying a force to the tow rope 500 in the first direction 190. Alternatively, the tow rope 500 can be used to apply a force to another vehicle or object (not shown in Figure 5 ) by connecting one end of the tow rope 500 to the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 and the other end to another object, and moving the vehicle in the opposite direction to apply a pulling force in the second direction 192. The tow rope 500 optionally includes a hook 502 that wraps around the tow hook 110, and / or a latch 504 (shown as a dashed line in Figure 5 ) to secure the tow rope 500 to the tow hook assembly 100 so that the hook 502 does not slip out of the tow hook 110 before tension is applied to the tow rope 500. It should be appreciated that the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 is configured to withstand a pulling force applied directly in the first direction 190 as well as a moment applied by a force having a component transverse to the first direction 190. The breakaway tow hook assembly 100 is configured to withstand such forces up to at least the total towing weight of the vehicle.

[0034] With additional reference to Figure 6 , in various embodiments, the tow hook 110 can include a cradle 600 or bracket to engage a surface, such as a rear surface 610 of the mounting surface 124, or another portion of the mounting 120 or surface of the vehicle. In such embodiments, the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 can be configured to be mounted to the vehicle in a variety of orientations, such as a vertical orientation, a horizontal orientation, or an orientation that is angled relative to the mounting surface 124. For example, the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 can be mounted to the vehicle in a vertical orientation as shown in Figure 5The use of the cradle 600 or bracket can help further support the tow hook 110 against a pulling force in the first direction 190. In various embodiments, the cradle 600 can include an angled member extending from the base portion 112 to engage the rear surface 610. When a force, such as a towing force or other pulling force, is applied in the first direction 190, the cradle 600 helps hold the tow hook 110 in place relative to the mount 120. It should be appreciated that, as shown in Figure 4 When the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 is integrated into the front surface 450 of the vehicle 400, the cradle 600 can engage the front surface 450 to provide structural support, as shown in

[0035] Reference is additionally made to Figure 7 and 8 and, in various embodiments, when a non-pulling force, such as a forward impact force or other force 700 directed at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle, which is opposite to a towing force directed away from the surface of the vehicle, is applied to the tow hook 110 in the second direction 192, the breakaway tow hook assembly 100 is configured to allow displacement of the tow hook 110. In response to the force being applied in the second direction 192, the tow hook 110 can be partially or completely displaced from its original position. As previously described, a non-pulling force in the second direction 192 includes any force directed at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle and / or having a component directed at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle. As also previously described, displacement of the tow hook 110 relative to the mount 120 allows the force to be received and spread throughout the bumper 200 or other front surface, rather than being localized to the tow hook 110 and the structure to which the tow hook is directly coupled. By allowing the tow hook 110 to displace, the force 700 can be received by the bumper 200 and / or the mount 120 secured to the bumper 200 to allow the force to spread throughout a wider area and direct energy to the bumper mount 210 Figure 2 and other devices attached to the bumper 200. As shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In various embodiments, the tow hook 110 can displace within the mount 120 to allow an object (not shown in Figure 7 presenting the force 700 to contact the mount 120 and the bumper 200.

[0036] The breakaway tow hook assembly 100 can be configured to allow the tow hook 110 to displace in several ways. For example, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown and further described below, the tow hook 110 can be secured to the mounting 120 using a shearable or otherwise breakable connector 130. As a result, when the force 700 exceeds a threshold force, the connector 130 shears or breaks, allowing the tow hook 110 to displace within the mounting 120, bumper 200, and / or another surface of the vehicle. The threshold can be determined such that the tow hook 110 can be displaced by impacts from a range of objects, from pedestrians to other vehicles and even larger or immovable structures. As previously described, for example, as referenced... Figure 7 The hook 110 may be partially or completely displaced from its original position where it was initially fixed in the mounting 120.

[0037] like Figure 8 As shown, connector 130 may include a first segment 834 adjacent to a head 132 and extending through mounting 120, and a second segment 836 extending into hook 110. In response to force 700 exceeding a predetermined threshold, the first segment 834 and the second segment 836 are configured to shear at a fracture point 835, thereby enabling hook assembly 100 to be displaced from mounting 120. Fracture point 835 may be a localized manifestation of the shear strength of connector 130 and therefore does not necessarily represent a single structure within connector 130. Alternatively, fracture point 835 may represent a narrow cross-section of connector 130 between the first segment 834 and the second segment 836, or may include a pre-formed cut or engagement portion to cause fracture point 835 of connector 130 to undergo shearing or breakage. Fracture point 835 may be configured to withstand sustained forces (such as those caused by tensile forces) but is configured to shear in response to impact forces.

[0038] It should be recognized that the alternative or supplementary connector 130 is shearable or breakable, and the displacement of the hook can also be supported by configuring the hook 110 and / or the mounting 120 to be deformable to allow displacement.

[0039] For further reference Figure 9A and 9B In various embodiments, the deformable base portion 912 of the tow hook 910 may include a deformable base region 915 (indicated by the crosshair region). The deformable base region 915 may include segments of the deformable base portion 912 adjacent to and in front of the location where the connector 130 extends through the deformable base portion 912. Including the deformable base region 915 in front of the connector 130 helps to avoid weakening the tow hook 910 against applied tension. Figure 9A and 9B (not shown in the diagram) resistance. The rear section 919 of the deformable base portion 912 is ideally constructed of the same material and structure as the remainder of the hook 910 to respond to the connector 130 in response to the applied tensile force ( Figure 9A and9B The deformable base region 915 can be formed of a thinner section of material, can be defined with shaped openings to reduce the strength of the deformable base region 915, can be formed of a section of porous material, can include a slot of a support tooth or partition that enables the connector 130 to pass therethrough, or can be constructed of a different material to enable the connector 130 to pass therethrough. The deformable base region 915 can additionally be formed to cause the deformable base region 915 to be more deformable than the rest of the base portion 912, such as by the deformable base region 915 including a press-fit section that is displaceable relative to other sections of the deformable base region 915 to allow the connector 130 to displace relative in response to a force greater than a predetermined threshold being exerted on the tow hook 910. It will be appreciated that the relative placement of the deformable base region 915 and the rear section 919 are configured so as to hold the tow hook 910 in place in response to a traction force or other pulling force, but to allow the tow hook 910 to displace when an impact exceeding a predetermined threshold is received on the tow hook 910.

[0040] As shown in Figure 9B , due to the exerted force 700 and the force exerted by the connector 130 onto the deformable base region 915, the deformable base region 915 deforms a portion thereof or allows displacement thereof to allow the connector 130 to move therethrough. By allowing the connector 130 attached to the mount 120 to displace, the tow hook 910 can displace toward and / or into the mount 120 in response to the exerted force 700.

[0041] With additional reference to Figure 10A and 10B , in various embodiments, the deformable side portion 1022 of the mount 1010 of the breakable tow hook assembly 1000 can include a deformable side region 925 (represented by the cross-hatched region). Similar to the deformable base region 1025 of the breakable tow hook 1000 Figure 9A and 9B , the deformable side region 925 can include a segment of the deformable side portion 1022 that extends adjacent to the location at which the connector 130 passes through the deformable side portion 1022, but behind the location. Including the deformable side region 925 behind the connector 130 can help to avoid weakening the resistance of the tow hook 110 to exerted pulling forces Figure 10A and 10B , not shown in Figure 10A and 10BThe deformable side region 1025 can be formed of a thinner section of material, can be defined with shaped openings to reduce the strength of the deformable side region 1025, can be formed of a section of porous material, can include a slot of a support tooth or partition that enables the connector 130 to pass therethrough, or the deformable side region 1025 can be constructed of different materials to enable the connector 130 to pass therethrough. The deformable side region 1025 can additionally be formed to cause the deformable side region 1025 to be more deformable than the rest of the side portion 1022, such as by the deformable side region 1025 including a press-fit section that is displaceable relative to other sections of the deformable side region 1025 to allow the connector 130 to relatively displace in response to a force greater than a predetermined threshold being exerted on the tow hook 910. It should be appreciated that the relative placement of the deformable side region 1025 and the front section 1029 are configured to hold the tow hook 110 in place in response to a towing force or other pulling force, but to allow the tow hook 110 to displace when an impact exceeding a predetermined threshold is received on the tow hook 110.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, in response to the application of force 700 and the force exerted by the connector 130 onto the deformable side region 1025, the deformable side region 1025 deforms to allow the connector 130 to move therethrough. By allowing the connector 130 attached to the tow hook 110 to displace, the tow hook 110 can displace toward and / or into the mount 1020 in response to the application of force 700. Figure 10B

[0043] Referring to FIG. 11, an exemplary method 1100 of displaceably mounting a tow hook on a vehicle is provided. The method 1100 begins at block 1105. At block 1110, a tow hook is provided on a surface of a vehicle. At block 1120, the tow hook is mounted to the surface in an initial position in which the tow hook is held in an initial position relative to the surface in response to a pulling force being applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the surface of the vehicle and the tow hook is allowed to displace away from the surface in response to the tow hook being subjected to a force in a second direction at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle. The method 1100 stops at block 1125. Figure 11 In some cases, one or more components can be referred to herein as being "configured to," "configured by," "configurable to," "operable / operative to," "adapted / adaptable to," "capable of," "suitable / suitable for," or the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms (for example, "configured to") generally encompass active- and / or passive- state components and / or inactivated- or dormant- state components unless context requires otherwise.

[0044]

[0045] ​​While specific aspects of the subject matter of the invention described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made based on the teachings herein without departing from the subject matter and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover within their scope all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that, generally, the terms used herein, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “at least having,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if the intention is to include a specific number of introductory claim enumerations, such an intention will be explicitly stated in the claims; if such a statement is not present, such an intention is not present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim enumerations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that the introduction of a claim enumeration by the indefinite article “a” (“a” or “an”) limits any particular claim containing such an introductory claim enumeration to a claim containing only one such enumeration, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase “one or more” or “at least one” and an indefinite article such as “a” (e.g., “a” should generally be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim enumerations. Furthermore, even when a specific number of introductory claim enumerations is explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should generally be interpreted as indicating at least the number stated (e.g., in the absence of other modifiers, the bare statement “two enumerations” generally means at least two enumerations, or two or more enumerations). Furthermore, in cases where conventional usages such as "at least one of A, B, and C" are applied, this construction is generally intended for use by those skilled in the art to understand the meaning of the conventional usage (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and / or A, B, and C, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that, unless the context otherwise indicates, alternative terms and / or phrases that typically give two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to cover the possibility of including one, any one, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0046] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will recognize that operations recited therein can generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operations were presented herein as sequential, it should be understood that various operations can be performed concurrently, or in parallel, to one another, unless its context clearly dictates otherwise. Such alternatives to the operational order described herein are not to be construed as departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, although various advantages, aspects, and objects of the embodiments can be discussed in one specific embodiment of the application, or dependent claims, it is intended that such discussion is merely but an illustrative - and not restrictive - description of the scope of the application. Thus, the scope of the appiication should be determined by reference to the appended claims and their equivalents rather than by reference to the description of the application, which is exemplary and illustrative only. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding description of the application.

[0047] It is recognized that the detailed description set forth above is merely illustrative of the present application and that variations not departing from the spirit and / or scope of the claimed subject matter are intended to be within the scope of the claims. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A disconnectable tow hook assembly comprising: a tow hook configured to extend from a surface of a vehicle in a first direction and receive a tow line; a mount configured to displaceably secure the tow hook to the surface, wherein the mount is configured to: retain a position of the tow hook relative to the surface in response to a pulling force applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the vehicle; and enable the tow hook to move relative to the surface in response to the tow hook being subjected to a force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle; wherein the tow hook comprises: a plurality of base portions extending generally in the first direction, and a cross portion extending across the plurality of base portions; wherein the mount is configured to engage the plurality of base portions; wherein the mount comprises: side portions to which the base portions of the tow hook are coupled, a cross beam extending between the side portions, and one or more mounting surfaces for securing the mount to the surface of the vehicle; wherein the side portions and the cross beam of the mount are configured to prevent or limit rotation of the tow hook when an impact occurs, the one or more mounting surfaces are configured to prevent or limit rotation of the disconnectable tow hook assembly when an impact occurs; and one or more connectors are disposed through the base portions of the tow hook and the side portions of the mount.

2. The disconnectable tow hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the mount is configured to allow the tow hook to displace from the surface of the vehicle in response to being subjected to the force in the second direction.

3. The disconnectable tow hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a releasable portion configured to allow the tow hook to displace from the surface of the vehicle in response to being subjected to the force in the second direction.

4. The disconnectable tow hook assembly of claim 3, wherein the releasable portion comprises a deformable portion of the mount configured to perform an action selected from the group consisting of breaking, displacing, and deforming in response to the tow hook being subjected to the force in the second direction.

5. The disconnectable tow hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of base portions comprise brackets configured to engage the surface to retain a position of the tow hook in response to the pulling force being applied to the tow hook in the first direction.

6. The disconnectable tow hook assembly of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises a bumper, and the mount is selected from the group consisting of the mount being integrated into the bumper and the mount being attachable to the bumper.

7. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a cabin comprising in the vehicle body and configured to receive an operator; a drive system supported by the vehicle body and configured to control one or more wheels of the vehicle to motor, accelerate, decelerate, stop, and steer the vehicle; wherein the drive system comprises one of an electric power system and a hybrid power system; a tow hook configured to extend from a surface of the vehicle body in a first direction and receive a tow line; a mount configured to displaceably secure the tow hook to the surface, wherein the mount is configured to: hold the tow hook in position relative to the surface in response to a pulling force being applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the vehicle; and enable the tow hook to move relative to the surface in response to the tow hook being subjected to a force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle; wherein the tow hook comprises: a plurality of base portions extending generally in the first direction, and a cross portion extending across the plurality of base portions; wherein the mount is configured to engage the plurality of base portions; wherein the mount comprises: side portions to which the base portions of the tow hook are coupled, a cross beam extending between the side portions, and one or more mounting surfaces for securing the mount to the surface of the vehicle; wherein the side portions and cross beam of the mount are configured to prevent or limit rotation of the tow hook when an impact occurs, the one or more mounting surfaces are configured to prevent or limit rotation of an assembly comprising the tow hook and the mount when an impact occurs; and one or more connectors are arranged through the base portions of the tow hook and the side portions of the mount.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the mount is configured to allow the tow hook to displace from the surface of the vehicle in response to being subjected to the force in the second direction.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the mount comprises a releasable portion configured to allow the tow hook to displace from the surface of the vehicle in response to being subjected to the force in the second direction.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the releasable portion comprises a deformable portion of the mount configured to perform an action selected from the group consisting of breaking, displacing, and deforming in response to the tow hook being subjected to the force in the second direction.

11. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the plurality of base portions comprises a bracket configured to engage the surface to hold the position of the tow hook in response to the pulling force being applied to the tow hook in the first direction.

12. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the surface comprises a bumper, and the mount is selected from the group consisting of the mount being integrated into the bumper and the mount being attachable to the bumper.

13. A method of mounting a tow hook to a vehicle, comprising: providing a tow hook at a surface of a vehicle; and mounting the tow hook to the front surface at an initial position, wherein: in response to a pulling force being applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the surface of the vehicle, the tow hook is held in the initial position relative to the surface; and in response to the tow hook being subjected to a force in a second direction at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle, the tow hook is allowed to displace away from the surface; wherein the tow hook comprises: a plurality of base portions extending generally in the first direction, and a cross portion extending across the plurality of base portions; wherein the mount is configured to engage the plurality of base portions; wherein the mount includes side portions to which the base portions of the tow hook are coupled, a crossbeam extending between the side portions, and one or more mounting surfaces for securing the mount to a surface of the vehicle; wherein the side portions and the crossbeam of the mount are configured to prevent or limit rotation of the tow hook when an impact occurs, the one or more mounting surfaces are configured to prevent or limit rotation of an assembly comprising the tow hook and the mount when an impact occurs; and one or more connectors are arranged through the base portions of the tow hook and the side portions of the mount.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein mounting the tow hook to the surface comprises releasably securing the tow hook to the surface to enable the tow hook to move relative to the surface in response to the tow hook being subjected to a force in the second direction.

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