Vehicle recovery arrangement

Abstract

Vehicle recovery arrangement 10 with a tow mount 20, a body mount 40 and one or more compliant elements 12, arranged such that tension on the tow mount transfers through the compliant elements into th

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a vehicle recovery arrangement. Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle recovery arrangement, to a vehicle body arrangement, and to a vehicle. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a vehicle with a vehicle recovery arrangement in the form of a tow eye which is coupled to a body of the vehicle. Such a tow eye allows the vehicle to be towed by another vehicle, or to be used to tow another vehicle. For example, the vehicle recovery arrangement may be used to pull the vehicle out of difficult off-road terrain (e.g., steep or muddy terrain which the vehicle cannot traverse without help). Alternatively, the vehicle recovery arrangement may be used to tow a broken-down vehicle, or for other towing activities. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a vehicle recovery arrangement, a vehicle body arrangement and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle recovery arrangement. The vehicle recovery arrangement comprises a tow mount for connecting to a tow rope, and one or more compliant elements. The tow mount is coupled to a vehicle body such that a tension force applied to the tow mount is transferred to the vehicle body via the one or more compliant elements. In such an arrangement, compliance in the compliant element(s) may reduce the peak force transferred to a vehicle body which the vehicle recovery arrangement is connected to. For example, a force peak which is applied when a tow rope “snatches” (i.e., transitions from slack to tensioned) will be reduced by the compliant element(s). This reduces the structural requirements of the vehicle body which the vehicle recovery arrangement is connected to, which may facilitate a reduced weight of the vehicle body and associated vehicle. In this context the phrase “for connecting to” encompasses both direct and indirect connections. In other words, a tow rope may be directly connected to the tow mount, or indirectly connected to the tow mount (e.g., via a further component). Optionally, the vehicle recovery arrangement comprises a body mount for connecting the vehicle recovery arrangement to a vehicle body. In this context the phrase “for connecting to” encompasses both direct and indirect connections. In other words, the body mount may be directly connected to a vehicle body (e.g., by rigid attachment to the vehicle body or being integrally formed with a portion of the vehicle body), or indirectly connected to the vehicle body (e.g., via a further component). Optionally, the tow mount is coupled to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements, such that a tension force applied to the tow mount by the tow rope during use is transferred to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements. This provides a simple means of transferring tension force applied to the tow mount to the vehicle body via the one or more compliant elements. Optionally, the one or more compliant elements are subjected to deformation via compression or tension when the tension force is applied to the tow mount. Such a deformation via compression ortension provides a means to absorb some of the tension force applied to the tow mount and thereby reduce the force transferred to the body mount and the vehicle body. Optionally, the vehicle recovery arrangement is configured so that the one or more compliant elements are compressed between the body mount and the tow mount when the tension force is applied to the tow mount. Such an arrangement may facilitate use of rubber washers, disc springs or other compliant elements which work best under compression rather than tension. In addition, such an arrangement may limit relative movement between the tow mount and body mount (e.g., if the compliant element(s) fail, the portions of the tow mount and body mount which were compressing the compliant element(s) would engage to prevent disconnection of the tow mount and body mount. Optionally, the tow mount defines a longitudinal axis and an abutment surface which extends transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the one or more compliant elements are positioned between the abutment surface and an inboard side of the body mount. Positioning the compliant element(s) between an inboard side of the body mount and a transverse abutment surface of the tow mount provides a simple means of compressing the complaint element(s) between the tow mount and the body mount. Optionally, the tow mount and / or body mount comprises one or more end stops configured to limit deformation of the one or more compliant elements. In other words, the tow mount and body mount are arranged to abut each other (via engagement of the end stop(s)) when the one or more compliant elements are deformed, to limit further deformation thereof. In this way, a fail-safe arrangement is provided which prevents overdeformation of the compliant element(s) and / or disconnection of the tow mount and body mount. Optionally, the one or more compliant elements are resiliently deformable. The one or more compliant elements being resiliently deformable allows repeated use of the vehicle recovery arrangement without having to replace or reset the one or more compliant elements. In other words, once the one or more compliant elements have been deformed, they will return resiliently to the undeformed state for further deformation when the tension force is next applied to the tow mount. Optionally, each of the one or more compliant elements comprises: an elastomeric element, a spring element, and / or a damping device. Elastomeric elements (e.g., rubber washers or cylinders), spring elements (e.g., coil springs, disc springs or torsional springs) and / or damping devices offer a simple means of providing compliance. Optionally, the one or more compliant elements have a compliance in the range of 1 to 50 kN / mm; optionally in the range of 5 to 30 kN / mm; optionally in the range of 10 to 20 kN / mm. This has been found to be effective for reducing peak force applied to the vehicle body under typical snatch loads. For example, at a snatch peak load of 100 to 150 kN, peak force applied to the vehicle body may be reduced by approximately 50% with a compliance in the range of 10 to 20 kN / mm, in comparison to a vehicle recovery arrangement with no compliance. Optionally, the tow mount defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the one or more compliant elements comprise an annular or cylindrical compliant element arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis, or a plurality of compliant elements distributed circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis. In this way, the one or more compliant elements may be configured to absorb tension force applied to the tow mount in any direction (e.g., including directions which are not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tow mount). Optionally, the tow mount is configured for releasably coupling to a removable tow eye, such that the tension force is transferred to the tow mount by the removable tow eye. In other words, the tow mount is configured for indirect connection to a tow rope via the removable tow eye. The tow mount being configured for releasably coupling to a removable tow eye may be beneficial in applications where it is not desirable to have a tow eye permanently fixed on a vehicle (e.g., on vehicles which are only occasionally used fortowing or for being towed with the vehicle recovery arrangement). In this way, when the removable tow eye is not required it can be removed and stored within the vehicle. It will be understood that a “removable tow eye” may be any removable component which includes a full loop or partial loop (e.g., hook), or any other formation which is suitable for connection to a tow rope. Optionally, the tow mount comprises a thread for engagement with a complementary thread on the removable tow eye. This provides a simple means for releasably coupling the tow mount and the removable tow eye. Optionally, the tow mount comprises an internal thread for engagement with an external thread on the removable tow eye. Such an internal thread may allow the tow mount to be coupled to known removable tow eyes having an external thread. Optionally, the tow mount comprises a tow eye. In other words, the tow mount may be configured for direct connection to a tow rope. Having a tow eye which is integral to the tow mount may provide a simpler construction, as well as facilitating better rotational orientation of the tow eye than in alternative configurations such as those where a removable tow eye screws into the tow mount. This may be beneficial on vehicles which require regular use of the vehicle recovery arrangement, such as those used regularly on challenging off-road terrain. It will be understood that a “tow eye may a full loop or partial loop (e.g., hook), or any other formation which is suitable for connection to a tow rope. Optionally, the body mount is configured for releasable attachment to a vehicle body. This allows the vehicle recovery arrangement to be provided a self-contained sub-assembly, which may facilitate simpler assembly and / or retrofitting to existing vehicle bodies. Alternatively, the body mount may be part of a vehicle body. In other words, the body mount may be integrally formed with a portion of the vehicle body. Optionally, the body mount comprises one or more bolt holes for bolting the body mount to a vehicle body. This provides a simple means of releasably attaching the body mount to a vehicle body. Optionally, the body mount comprises a thread for engaging a corresponding thread on a vehicle body; optionally, wherein the body mount comprises an external thread. This may allow retrofitting of the vehicle recovery arrangement to existing vehicle bodies which have a thread (e.g., an internal thread) for coupling with a removable tow eye. Optionally, the vehicle recovery arrangement is configured such that a compression force applied to the tow mount during use is transferred to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements. This may be beneficial, for example, in use cases where the vehicle recovery arrangement is pushed rather than pulled. For example, if a rigid tow bar is coupled to the tow mount rather than a flexible tow rope, this could lead to compression forces being applied to the tow mount in addition to tension forces. It will be understood that by transferring compression forces applied to the tow mount during use to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements, compliance in the one or more compliant elements will reduce the peak compression force transferred to the vehicle body (i.e., in a similar way to the reduction in peak tension force transfer described in detail above). A further aspect of the invention provides a vehicle body arrangement. The vehicle body arrangement comprises a vehicle body portion, and a vehicle recovery arrangement as disclosed herein. The vehicle recovery arrangement is connected to the body portion. Such a vehicle body arrangement benefits from the advantages of the vehicle recovery arrangement outlined above. Optionally, the body mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement is connected to the body portion (e.g., integrally formed with the body portion or attached thereto). Optionally, the body portion comprises a rear bumper armature. A rear bumper armature may be a particularly useful portion of the vehicle body for attaching the vehicle recovery arrangement to, as it facilitates use of the associated vehicle to tow a load and / or towing the associated vehicle backwards (e.g., out of a ditch). A further aspect of the invention provides a vehicle. The vehicle comprises at least one vehicle recovery arrangement as disclosed herein and / or a vehicle body arrangement as disclosed herein. Such a vehicle benefits from the advantages of the vehicle recovery arrangement outlined above. A further aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts comprising a vehicle recovery arrangement as disclosed herein and a removable tow eye for coupling to the tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement. Such a kit of parts benefits from the advantages of the vehicle recovery arrangement outlined above. It will be understood that a “removable tow eye” may be any removable component which includes a full loop or partial loop (e.g., hook), or any other formation which is suitable for connection to a tow rope. Optionally, the removable tow eye comprises a thread (e.g., external thread) for engagement with a complementary thread (e.g., internal thread) on the tow mount. This provides a simple means for releasably coupling the removable tow eye to the tow mount. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in anyway and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 1; Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle body arrangement including a vehicle recovery arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body arrangement of Figure 3A with a tension force applied to a tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement in a perpendicular direction with respect to a front of the tow mount; Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body arrangement of Figures 3A and 3B with a tension force applied to a tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement in a non-perpendicular angled direction with respect to the front of the tow mount; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a body mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement of Figures 3A and 3B; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view through a compliant element and tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement of Figures 3A and 3B, taken along plane A-A; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view through compliant elements and a tow mount of a vehicle recovery arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a partially exploded cross-sectional view of a vehicle body arrangement including a vehicle recovery arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 8A shows an assembled cross-sectional view of the vehicle body arrangement of Figure 7; Figure 8E3 shows a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body arrangement of Figure 8A with a tension force applied to a tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle recovery arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows a removable tow eye for use with any of the vehicle recovery arrangements of Figures 7 to 9; Figure 11 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of a vehicle body arrangement including a vehicle recovery arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 shows an assembled cross-sectional view of the vehicle body arrangement of Figure 11 with a tension force applied to a tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement; Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle recovery arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 14A shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle body arrangement including a vehicle recovery arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 14B shows a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body arrangement of Figure 14A with a tension force applied to a tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement; Figure 14C shows a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body arrangement of Figures 14A and 14B with a compression force applied to a tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement; Figure 15A shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle body arrangement including a vehicle recovery arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 15B shows a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body arrangement of Figure 15A with a tension force applied to a tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement; and Figure 15C shows a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body arrangement of Figures 15A and 15B with a compression force applied to a tow mount of the vehicle recovery arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Vehicle recovery arrangements in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 15. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a vehicle 1000 having a vehicle body 1002. The vehicle 1000 also has at least one vehicle recovery arrangement 10A, 10B connected to a rear end of the vehicle body 1002. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a left vehicle recovery arrangement 10A connected to a left side of the rear end of the vehicle body 1002, and a right vehicle recovery arrangement 10B connected to a right side of the rear end of the vehicle body 1002. However, in alternative embodiments there may be a different configuration of vehicle recovery arrangements (e.g., a centrally-mounted vehicle recovery arrangement in addition or instead of the left and right vehicle recovery arrangements 10A, 10B). Each vehicle recovery arrangement 10A, 10B is configured for connecting to a tow rope 1004 so that the vehicle 1000 can be towed (e.g., backwards out of a ditch) or so that the vehicle 1000 can tow another vehicle or object (e.g., by pulling the other vehicle or object behind the vehicle 1000). One such tow rope 1004 is illustrated schematically on Figures 1 and 2 connected to the left vehicle recovery arrangement 10A. In this context, the term “tow rope” may refer to any rope, strap, cable, cord or other elongate element which can be connected to one of the vehicle recovery arrangements 10A, 10B (e.g., via a knot, hook, carabiner, or any other suitable means). The vehicle recovery arrangements 10A, 10B illustrated schematically in Figures 1 and 2 may be any of the vehicle recovery arrangements 10, 110, 210, 310 illustrated in Figures 3Ato 11 and described below. Referring now to Figures 3A to 3C, a vehicle body arrangement is indicated at 800. The vehicle body arrangement 800 includes a vehicle body portion 802 (partially illustrated in Figures 3A to 3C) and a vehicle recovery arrangement 10 connected to the vehicle body portion 802. The vehicle body portion 802 may be, for example, a rear bumper armature or portion thereof. The vehicle recovery arrangement 10 includes a tow mount 20 for connecting to a tow rope 1004. In other words, the tow mount 20 is configured for connecting a tow rope to the vehicle recovery arrangement 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the tow mount 20 includes a tow eye 28. In other words, the tow mount 20 is configured fordirect connection to a tow rope 1004 via engagement of the tow rope 1004 with the tow eye 28. In this embodiment, the tow eye 28 is defined by a full loop 30. However, in other embodiments the tow eye 28 may be defined by a partial loop (e.g., hook), or any other formation which is suitable for connection to a tow rope 1004. The tow mount 20 defines a longitudinal axis L. In the illustrated embodiment, the tow mount 20 includes a shaft 22 which extends along the longitudinal axis L, and an abutment surface 24 which extends transverse to the longitudinal axis L. The tow eye 28 is provided at an outboard end of the shaft 22, and the abutment surface 24 is provided at an inboard end of the shaft 22. In alternative embodiments, the tow mount 20 may be of any other suitable configuration. The vehicle recovery arrangement 10 also includes a body mount 40 for connecting the vehicle recovery arrangement 10 to a vehicle body 1002. In the illustrated embodiment, the body mount 40 of the vehicle recovery arrangement 10 is configured for releasable attachment to the vehicle body portion 802. In particular, the body mount 40 is releasably fixed to the vehicle body portion 802 via one or more fasteners. To facilitate this, the body mount 40 has bolt holes 56 for bolting the body mount 40 to the vehicle body portion 802. The vehicle body portion 802 has corresponding bolt holes 804. In this way, bolts 14 can be provided through the bolt holes 56 in the body mount 40 and the bolt holes 804 in the vehicle body portion 802. Nuts 16 can be attached to free ends of the bolts 14 to secure the body mount 40 to the vehicle body portion 802. In alternative embodiments, the body mount 40 is connected to the vehicle body portion 802 via any other suitable means. For example, the body mount 40 may be coupled to the vehicle body portion 802 via an alternative means (e.g., welding, bonding, clamping or other suitable coupling), the body mount 40 may be integrally formed with the vehicle body portion 802 (i.e., part of the vehicle body portion 802), or the body mount 40 may be indirectly connected to the vehicle body portion 802 via a further component. The body mount 40 has an inboard side 42 which faces generally towards the vehicle body portion 802, and an outboard side 44 which faces generally away from the vehicle body portion 802. As best illustrated in Figures 3A to 4, the body mount 40 has: a generally flat peripheral region 46 through which the bolt holes 56 extend; a central aperture 48 through which the shaft 22 of the tow mount 20 extends; and a central upstanding region 50 which defines a hollow chamber 52 at the inboard side 42 of the body mount 40. The hollow chamber 52 houses part of the tow mount 20 as well as one or more compliant elements 12, which will be described in detail below. As mentioned briefly above, the vehicle recovery arrangement 10 of Figures 3A to 3C includes one or more compliant elements 12. As will be described in more detail below, the tow mount 20 is coupled to the body mount 40 via the one or more compliant elements 12 such that a tension force T applied to the tow mount 20 by the tow rope during use (as illustrated by the arrow on Figure 3B), is transferred to the body mount 40 via the one or more compliant elements 12. In such an arrangement, compliance in the one or more compliant elements may reduce the peak force transferred to the vehicle body 1002 which the vehicle recovery arrangement 10 is connected to. For example, a force peak which is applied when the tow rope 1004 “snatches” (i.e., transitions from slack to tensioned) will be reduced by the one or more compliant elements 12. This reduces the structural requirements of the vehicle body 1002 which the vehicle recovery arrangement 10 is connected to, which may facilitate a reduced weight of the vehicle body 1002 and associated vehicle 1000. In the embodiment of Figures 3A to 3C, the one or more compliant elements 12 are subjected to deformation via compression when the tension force T is applied to the tow mount 20. For example, Figure 3A illustrates the one or more compliant elements 12 in an undeformed and uncompressed state, whereas Figures 3B and 3C illustrate the one or more compliant elements 12 in a deformed and compressed state. It will be understood that this deformation via compression provides a means to absorb some of the tension force T applied to the tow mount 20 and thereby reduce the force transferred to the body mount 40 and the vehicle body portion 802. In more detail, the vehicle recovery arrangement 10 is configured so that the one or more compliant elements 12 are compressed between the body mount 40 and the tow mount 20 when the tension force T is applied to the tow mount 20 (as illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C). In particular, the one or more compliant elements 12 are positioned between the abutment surface 24 of the tow mount 20 and the inboard side 42 of the body mount 40. In this way, as the tension force T is applied to the tow mount 20, the abutment surface 24 is urged towards the inboard side 42 of the body mount 40, and the one or more compliant elements 12 are compressed as a result. In Figure 3B, the tension force T is applied to the tow mount 20 in a direction perpendicular to a front of the vehicle recovery arrangement 10 (i.e., in a direction parallel to an axis of the central opening 48). However, the central aperture 48 of the body mount 40 and the shaft 22 of the tow mount 20 are sized so that there is a clearance 49 therebetween. In this way, when the tension force T is applied to the tow mount 20 at a different angle, the clearance 49 allows angular deflection of the tow mount 20 (e.g., to the position illustrated in Figure 3C). The one or more compliant elements 12 may be resiliently deformable. In other words, once the one or more compliant elements 12 have been deformed (e.g., compressed, as illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C), they will return resiliently to the undeformed state (as illustrated in Figure 3A) for further deformation when the tension force T is next applied to the tow mount 20. In the embodiment of Figures 3A to 3C, the one or more compliant elements 12 are defined by a single annular compliant element 12 which is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis L of the tow mount 20. In other words, the annular compliant element 12 surrounds the shaft 22 of the tow mount 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular compliant element 12 is formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber). In other embodiments, the annular compliant element 12 may be a spring element (e.g., a coil spring or disc spring). In some embodiments, there may be a single cylindrical compliant element arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis L instead of an annular compliant element 12. In such embodiments, the shaft 22 may split into two sides joined at an inboard end by the abutment surface 24, and the cylindrical compliant element may be positioned between the two sides of the shaft 22. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of compliant elements 12 distributed circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the tow mount 20. For example, such a configuration is illustrated in Figure 6. In any of the embodiments described above, each ofthe one or more compliant elements 12 may be replaced by alternative compliant elements of any suitable form. For example, each of the one or more compliant elements 12 may include: an elastomeric element (e.g., an elastomeric washer or cylinder), a spring element (e.g., coil spring, disc spring, or torsional spring), and / or a damping device. The stiffness of each of the compliant elements 12 can be chosen to either be consistent around the radius or can vary in order to tune the system response when the tensile force is not applied on the axis ofthe central opening 48 (as illustrated in Figure 3C). Referring now to Figures 7 to 8B, a vehicle body arrangement 800 is illustrated, including a vehicle recovery arrangement 110 according to a further embodiment. Common features between the vehicle recovery arrangement 110 of Figures 7 to 8A and the vehicle recovery arrangement 10 of Figures 3A to 3C are given the prefix “1”, and only differences are discussed in detail below. The vehicle recovery arrangement 110 of Figures 7 to 8B is similar to the vehicle recovery arrangement 10 of Figures 3A and 3B described above. However, in this embodiment, the tow mount 120 is configured for releasably coupling to a removable tow eye 128, such that the tension force T is transferred to the tow mount 120 by the removable tow eye 128. In other words, the tow mount 120 is configured for indirect connection to a tow rope 1004 via the removable tow eye 128. The tow mount 120 being configured for releasably coupling to a removable tow eye 128 may be beneficial in applications where it is not desirable to have a tow eye permanently fixed on a vehicle (e.g., on vehicles which are only occasionally used fortowing or for being towed with the vehicle recovery arrangement 110). In this way, when the removable tow eye 128 is not required it can be removed and stored within the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the removable tow eye 128 includes a full loop 130. However, in alternative embodiments, the removable tow eye may have any other formation which is suitable for connection to a tow rope 1004. For example, the removable tow eye 428 of Figure 10, which includes a partial loop 430 or “hook” may be used instead of the removable tow eye 128 of Figures 7 to 8B. In the illustrated embodiment, the removable tow eye 128 has a shaft 122. The loop 130 is connected to a first end of the shaft 22. A second end of the shaft 122 defines an external thread 134. The tow mount 120 has a corresponding internal thread 132 for engagement with the external thread 134 on the removable tow eye 128. In alternative embodiments, the shaft 122 may define an internal thread (e.g., within a hollow portion at the second end of the shaft 122) for engagement with a corresponding external thread on the tow mount 20. In either configuration, the removable tow eye 128 may be pushed in an insertion direction D and twisted in a rotational direction R (as illustrated by the arrows in Figure 7) to engage the corresponding threads 132, 134 and thereby releasably couple the removable tow eye 128 to the tow mount 120 (i.e., as illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B). Another difference between the vehicle recovery arrangement 110 of Figures 7 to 8B and the previous vehicle recovery arrangement 10 of Figures 3A to 3C is that the tow mount 120 includes one or more end stops 126 configured to limit deformation (i.e., compression) of the one or more compliant elements 112. In other words, the tow mount 120 and body mount 140 are arranged to abut each other (via engagement of the one or more end stops 126) when the one or more compliant elements 112 are deformed, to limit further deformation thereof. In the illustrated configuration, the one or more end stops 126 extend from the abutment surface 124 of the tow mount 120 in an outboard direction (i.e., facing the inboard side 142 of the body mount 140). In this way, once the tow mount 120 is moved by the tension force T to the position illustrated in Figure 8B, the one or more end stops 126 engage the inboard side 142 of the body mount 140 to limit further compression of the one or more compliant elements 112. The one or more end stops 126 may include a single end stop 126 (e.g., an annular or continuous projection around a periphery of the abutment surface 124), ora plurality of end stops 126 (e.g., on different sides of the abutment surface 124). Referring now to Figure 9, a vehicle recovery arrangement 210 according to a further embodiment is illustrated. Common features between the vehicle recovery arrangement 210 of Figure 9 and the vehicle recovery arrangements 10,110 of Figures 3A to 8A are given the prefix “2”, and only differences are discussed in detail below. In the embodiment of Figure 9, the body mount 240 has one or more end stops 254 configured to limit deformation (i.e., compression) of the one or more compliant elements 212, instead of the tow mount 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more end stops 254 extend from the inboard side 242 of the body mount 240 in an inboard direction (i.e., facing the abutment surface 224 of the tow mount 220). In this way, once the tow mount 220 is moved by a tension force T, the one or more end stops 226 engage the abutment surface 224 of the tow mount 220 to limit further compression of the one or more compliant elements 212. In alternative embodiments, there may be any other suitable arrangement for abutting the tow mount 120, 220 and body mount 140, 240 to limit deformation of the one or more compliant elements 112, 212. For example, end stops 126 on the tow mount and / or end stops 254 on the body mount, or any suitable combination thereof. In the embodiments of Figures 7 to 9, there is less clearance between the central opening 148, 248 of the body mount 140, 240 and the tow mount 120, 220 than in the embodiment of Figures 3A to 3C. However, it will be understood that a larger clearance may be provided so that the tow mount 120, 220 can be deflected in a similar way to that shown in Figure 3C. Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, a vehicle body arrangement 800 is illustrated, including a vehicle recovery arrangement 310 according to a further embodiment. Common features between the vehicle recovery arrangement 310 of Figures 11 and 12 and the vehicle recovery arrangements 10, 110, 210 of Figures 3A to 9 are given the prefix “3”, and only differences are discussed in detail below. The vehicle recovery arrangement 310 of Figures 11 and 12 is similar to the vehicle recovery arrangements 10, 110, 210 of Figures 3A to 9 described above. However, in this embodiment, the one or more compliant elements 312 are subjected to deformation via tension when the tension force T is applied to the tow mount 320. Such a deformation via tension provides a means to absorb some of the tension force T applied to the tow mount 320 and thereby reduce the force transferred to the body mount 340 and the vehicle body portion 802. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more compliant elements 312 are defined by a spring (illustrated schematically on these figures). The spring 312 may be a coil spring, a disc spring, a torsional spring, or any other suitable spring. In some arrangements, there may be more than one spring 312. The spring 312 may be attached to the tow mount 320 and the body mount 340 via any suitable means. Another difference between the vehicle recovery arrangement 310 of Figures 11 and 12 and the previous vehicle recovery arrangements 10, 110, 210 of Figures 3A to 9 is that the body mount 340 does not have bolt holes for securing to the vehicle body portion 802. Instead, the body mount 340 is configured for releasable attachment to the vehicle body portion 802 via an external thread 358 on the body mount 340. The external thread 358 is configured for engaging a corresponding internal thread 806 on the vehicle body portion 802. In this way, the body mount 340 may be pushed in an insertion direction D and twisted in a rotational direction R (as illustrated by the arrows in Figure 11) to engage the corresponding threads 358, 806 and thereby releasably couple the body mount 340 to the vehicle body portion 802 (i.e., as illustrated in Figure 12). In the illustrated embodiment, the body mount 340 has an inner channel 360 which is configured to receive the shaft 322 of the tow mount 320. In this way, a chamber 352 is defined by the inner channel 360 and the inboard end of the shaft 322. The compliant element 312 is housed in the chamber 352. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 322 of the tow mount 320 has a reduced-diameter portion 326. The reduced-diameter portion 326 is defined by one or more grooves 328 in an outer surface of the shaft 322. The body mount 340 has one or more end stops 354 which are positioned within the one or more grooves 328 of the tow mount 320. In this way, a central aperture 358 of the body mount 340 is defined between the one or more end stops 354, and the central aperture 358 has a width which is narrower than portions of the shaft 322 inboard and outboard of the reduced-diameter region 336. This inhibits disconnection of the tow mount 320 from the body mount 340. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 12, when a tension force T is applied to the tow mount 320, the compliant element 312 is extended until an inboard shoulder 324 defined by the one or more grooves 338 engages the one or more end stops 354. In other words, the inboard shoulder 324 acts as an abutment surface which engages with the one or more end stops 354 to limit the extent to which the compliant element 312 may be deformed under tension. The embodiments of Figures 3A to 12, have been described in relation to a tension force T being applied to the tow mount 20,120,220,320. However, it will be understood that in some embodiments the vehicle recovery arrangement may be configured so that compression forces C applied to the tow mount during use are transferred to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements. One example of a vehicle recovery arrangement 510 which facilitates transfer of both compression forces C and tension forces T from the tow mount to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements is illustrated in Figure 13. This embodiment is a variation on the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12. In this embodiment, a compliant element 512 (e.g., a spring) is provided in series with the tow mount 520 and the body mount 540. In other words, instead of the compliant element 512 and the tow mount 520 being at least partially contained inside the body mount 540 (as in Figures 11 and 12), the tow mount 520 and body mount 540 are spaced apart with the compliant element 512 positioned in between. Such an arrangement allows both compression forces C and tension forces T applied to the tow mount 520 to be transferred via the compliant element 512 to the body mount 540 (as illustrated by the arrows indicated on Figure 13). Another vehicle recovery arrangement 610 which facilitates transfer of both compression forces C and tension forces T from the tow mount to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements is illustrated in Figures 14Ato 14C. This embodiment is a variation on the embodiment of Figures 3Ato 3C. In this embodiment, there is a compliant element 612 provided between the inboard side 642 of the body mount 640 and the abutment surface 624. When a tension force T is applied to the tow mount 620, the compliant element 612 transitions from a normal state (illustrated in Figure 14A) to a compressed state (illustrated in Figure 14B), in the same way as described above with reference to Figures 3A to 3C. However, the vehicle recovery arrangement 610 of Figures 14A to 14C is also configured so that when a compression force C is applied to the tow mount 620, the compliant element 612 transitions from the normal state (illustrated in Figure 14A) to a tensioned state (illustrated in Figure 14C). In this way, the compression force C applied to the tow mount 620 is transferred to the body mount 640 via the compliant element 512. To facilitate transition of the compliant element 612 to the tensioned state of Figure 14C, the vehicle recovery arrangement 610 of Figures 14A to 14C is configured so that an inboard side 625 of the tow mount 620 is spaced apart from the vehicle body portion 802 when the compliant element 612 is in the normal state illustrated in Figure 14A. In the embodiment of Figures 14A to 14C, the compliant element 612 may be a spring or any other suitable type of compliant element. Another vehicle recovery arrangement 710 which facilitates transfer of both compression forces C and tension forces T from the tow mount to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements is illustrated in Figures 15A to 15C. This embodiment is a variation on the embodiment of Figures 14A to 14C. In this embodiment, there is a first compliant element 712A provided between the inboard side 742 of the body mount 740 and a first abutment surface 724A (corresponding to the abutment surfaces 24,124, 224, 624 of Figures 3A to 9 and 14A to 14C). There is also a second compliant element 712B provided between the vehicle body portion 802 and a second abutment surface 724B facing an opposite direction to the first abutment surface 724A. When a tension force T is applied to the tow mount 720, the first compliant element 712A transitions from a normal state (illustrated in Figure 15A) to a compressed state (illustrated in Figure 15B), in the same way as described above with reference to Figures 3A to 3C and 14A to 14C. However, the second compliant element 712B is not attached to the vehicle body mount 802 and thus remains in its normal state (i.e., becoming separated from the vehicle body mount 802. When a compression force C is applied to the tow mount 720, the second compliant element 712B transitions from a normal state (illustrated in Figure 15A) to a compressed state (illustrated in Figure 15C). However, the first compliant element 712A is not attached to the inboard side 742 of the body mount 740 and thus remains in its normal state (i.e., becoming separated from the inboard side 742 of the body mount 740). In the embodiment of Figures 15A to 15C, the tow mount 720 has a lower shaft portion 723 which projects beyond the second abutment surface 724B in an inboard direction. This lower shaft portion may limit compression of the second compliant element 712B and / or aid location of the second compliant element 712B on the tow mount 720. In the embodiment of Figures 15A to 15C, the firstand second compliant elements 712A, 712B may be rubber washers or any other suitable type of compliant elements. It will be understood that end stops similar to those provided in the embodiments of Figures 7 to 9 may be provided in any of the embodiments of Figures 14Ato 15C. In any of the embodiments described above, the one or more compliant elements 12,112, 212, 312 may have a compliance in the range of 1 to 50 kN / mm, e.g., in the range of 5 to 30 kN / mm, e.g., in the range of 10 to 20 kN / mm. This has been found to be effective for reducing peak force applied to the vehicle body under typical snatch loads. For example, at a snatch peak load of 100 to 150 kN, peak force applied to the vehicle body may be reduced by approximately 50% with a compliance in the range of 10 to 20 kN / mm, in comparison to a vehicle recovery arrangement with no compliance. In embodiments with a plurality of compliant elements 12, 112, 212, 312, it may be the total combination of compliant elements which has a compliance in the range outlined above. In any of the embodiments described above, the tow mount 20, 120, 220, 320 and / or body mount 40, 140, 240, 340 may be made of metallic material (e.g. steel material). Such materials may be suitable for withstanding typical tension forces applied to a vehicle recovery arrangement 10,110, 210, 310 by a tow rope 1004. In alternative embodiments, the tow mount 20,120, 220, 320 and / or body mount 40, 140,240, 340 may be made of any other suitable material. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, the embodiments of Figures 3A to 9 may be adapted so that the one or more compliant elements 12,112, 212 are configured for deformation under tension when a tension force is applied to the tow mount 20,120, 220, in a similar way to the configuration of Figures 11 and 12; the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12 may be adapted so that the one or more compliant elements 312 are configured for deformation under compression when a tension force is applied to the tow mount 320, in a similar way to the configurations of Figures 3A to 9; the embodiments of Figures 3A to 9 and 14A to 15C may be adapted to have a body mount 40, 140, 240 with an external thread for coupling to an internally threaded aperture in a vehicle body portion, instead of bolt holes 56,156, 256; the embodiments of Figures 11 to 13 may be adapted to have a body mount 340 with one or more bolt holes for bolting the body mount 340 to a vehicle body portion, instead of the external thread 358; the embodiments of Figures 7 to 12 may be modified in order to allow both compression and tension forces applied to the tow mount 120, 220, 320 to be transferred to the body mount 140, 240, 340 via the one or more compliant elements 112,212, 312, in a similar way to the embodiments of Figures 13 to 15C described above; the tow eyes 28, 128, 228, 328, 428, 528 of Figures 3A to 15C may be of any alternative size and / or shape (e.g., defining a partial loop instead of a full loop). It should also be noted that whilst the appended claims set out particular combinations of features described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed.

Claims

1. A vehicle recovery arrangement comprising:a tow mount for connecting to a tow rope;a body mount for connecting the vehicle recovery arrangement to a vehicle body; andone or more compliant elements;wherein the tow mount is coupled to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements, such that a tension force applied to the tow mount by the tow rope during use is transferred to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements.

2. The vehicle recovery arrangement of claim 1, wherein the one or more compliant elements are subjectedto deformation via compression or tension when the tension force is applied to the tow mount.

3. The vehicle recovery arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle recovery arrangement is configured so that the one or more compliant elements are compressed between the body mount and the tow mount when the tension force is applied to the tow mount; optionally, wherein the tow mount defines a longitudinal axis and an abutment surface which extends transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the one or more compliant elements are positioned between the abutment surface and an inboard side of the body mount.

4. The vehicle recovery arrangement of claim 2 or 3, wherein the tow mount and / or body mount comprises one or more end stops configured to limit deformation of the one or more compliant elements.

5. The vehicle recovery arrangement of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the one or more compliant elements are resiliently deformable.

6. The vehicle recovery arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein each of the one or more compliant elements comprises: an elastomeric element, a spring element, and / or a damping device.

7. The vehicle recovery arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more compliant elements have a compliance in the range of 1 to 50 kN / mm; optionally in the range of 5 to 30 kN / mm; optionally in the range of 10 to 20 kN / mm.

8. The vehicle recovery arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the tow mount defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the one or more compliant elements comprise an annular or cylindrical compliant element arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis, or a plurality of compliant elements distributed circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis.

9. The vehicle recovery arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the tow mount is configured for releasably coupling to a removable tow eye, such that the tension force is transferred to the tow mount by the removable tow eye.

10. The vehicle recovery arrangement of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tow mount comprises a tow eye.

11. The vehicle recovery arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the body mount is configured for releasable attachment to a vehicle body.

12. The vehicle recovery arrangement of claim 11, wherein the body mount comprises one or more bolt holes for bolting the body mount to a vehicle body; or wherein the body mount comprises a thread for engaging a corresponding thread on a vehicle body; optionally, wherein the body mount comprises an external thread.

13. The vehicle recovery arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle recovery arrangement is configured such that a compression force applied to the tow mount during use is transferred to the body mount via the one or more compliant elements.

14. A vehicle body arrangement comprising: a vehicle body portion, and a vehicle recovery arrangement according to any preceding claim connected to the body portion; optionally, wherein the body portion comprises a rear bumper armature.

15. A vehicle comprising at least one vehicle recovery arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 13 and / or a vehicle body arrangement according to claim 14.17

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