Patent ID: 7472919
Filing Date: 2009-01-06
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
1. A tow hook assembly comprising: a tow hook comprising an elongated tow hook body comprising a first towing end portion and a second locking end portion, the locking end portion having a first cross-sectional configuration; a housing comprising a housing body that defines a tow hook receiving passageway with a tow hook receiving opening communicating with the tow hook receiving passageway, the passageway comprising a first section adjacent to the tow hook receiving opening, the first section having a cross-sectional configuration shaped such that the locking end portion is insertable in a first direction through the tow hook receiving opening and through the first section when the tow hook is in a first rotational orientation and such that the locking end portion is not insertable through the first section when the tow hook is in a second rotational orientation, the passageway comprising a second section positioned in the first direction from the first section, the second section having a cross-sectional configuration shaped such that the locking end portion is insertable in the first direction through the second section when the tow hook is in the first rotational orientation, the passageway comprising a third section positioned in the first direction from the second section, the third section having a cross-sectional configuration that permits rotation of the locking end portion from the first rotational orientation to the second rotational orientation when the locking end portion is inserted in the first direction through the second section and into the third section, the second section of the passageway having a locking end portion receiver portion that is shaped to receive the locking end portion upon rotation of the locking end portion to the second rotational orientation and shifting of the locking end portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction and toward the second section of the passageway from the third section of the passageway, rotation of the locking end portion to the first orientation being prevented when the locking end portion is received by the receiver portion; and wherein shifting of the locking end portion in the first direction from the receiver portion and into the third section allows rotation of the locking end portion to the first rotational orientation for removal of the locking end portion in the second direction through the second section, through the first section and from the housing.