Dual function tow hook

A dual function tow hook includes a body forming a tow hook and an integral step formed in the body. The integral step is recessed in an upper surface of the body and includes a first end wall and a second end wall. Further the integral step includes a grooved tread face between the first and second end walls.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to the automotive vehicle field and, more particularly, to a dual function tow hook that also serves as a convenient step for inspecting and servicing components in the engine compartment of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Tow hooks are often employed on an automotive vehicle, such as a truck, to allow a user to attach an article utilizing a tow strap or a chain. Typically, the tow hook is provided on a front end of the vehicle. The tow hook may be attached to an object that is to be towed by the vehicle or the vehicle with the tow hook may be attached to another vehicle or wench if the vehicle is to be towed or pulled when, for example, it is stuck in heavy mud or under other such conditions.

Typically, tow hooks are provided on larger more powerful vehicles such as trucks that have substantial towing capacity. Such vehicles are generally larger and taller often making it difficult to access the engine compartment in order to conduct servicing or repairs including, for example, checking and topping off fluid levels such as windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, radiator fluid and engine oil.

This document relates to a dual function tow hook including an integral step with a safe non-slip foothold for easy, elevated access to the engine compartment of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purposes and benefits described herein, a dual function tow hook is provided. The dual function tow hook comprises a body forming a tow hook and an integral step formed in the body. In one possible embodiment the body includes a first free end and a second free end. The integral step is formed in the body between the first and second free ends.

In one possible embodiment the integral step is recessed in an upper surface of the body and includes a first end wall and a second end wall. Further the integral step includes a grooved tread face between the first end wall and the second end wall. In addition the body includes an arcuate inner surface between the first and second end walls of the integral step.

In accordance with an additional aspect, a method is provided for aiding in the servicing of a vehicle. That method includes equipping the vehicle with a tow hook including an integral step that functions to provide a secure foothold above the ground from which an individual may inspect and service engine compartment components.

The method further includes recessing the step so as to provide end walls to better secure a foot of an individual thereon. Still further the method includes providing a grooved tread face on the recessed step between the end walls.

In accordance with an additional aspect a vehicle is provided incorporating the dual function tow hook described.

In the following description, there is shown and described several preferred embodiments of the dual function tow hook. As it should be realized, the dual function tow hook is capable of other, different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the dual function tow hook as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the dual function tow hook, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made toFIG. 1illustrating a truck T including two dual function tow hooks10symmetrically positioned about the centerline of the truck in two recesses12of the bumper assembly14.

Reference is now made toFIGS. 2 and 3which are detailed illustrations of a dual function tow hook10. As illustrated, the tow hook10comprises a body16produced from high strength steel or other appropriate material. In the illustrated embodiment, the body16includes a first free end18and a second free end20. First free end18includes a first mounting aperture22, while the second free end20includes a second mounting aperture24and a third mounting aperture26. These mounting apertures are positioned to match mating apertures in the frame (not shown) of the trunk T to which they are secured by cooperating bolts and fasteners (not shown). The bolts and fasteners provide a secure connection between the tow hook10and the frame of the vehicle V with adequate strength to safely allow towing using the tow hooks.

As further illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the body16includes an integral step28at a point intermediate and substantially opposite the free ends18,20. As illustrated, integral step28is recessed in the upper surface of the body16so as to lie in a different plane then the free ends18,20. As illustrated, the integral step28includes a first end wall30and a second, opposite end wall32. A grooved tread face34extending across the top of the step28between the first and second end walls30,32provides a nonslip surface for an individual I to place his foot thereon and provide easy, elevated access to the engine compartment under the open hood H of the vehicle (see alsoFIG. 1). For purposes of this document, the terminology “grooved tread face” should be given its broadcast possible meaning so that it includes and covers any form of grooving or roughened surface provided for the specific purpose of improving foot traction. This includes patterned and random traction features.

As should be further appreciated from viewingFIG. 3, the inner surface36of the step22between the end walls30,32facing the free ends18,20is arcuate. During towing, this arcuate surface36serves a self-centering function so that towing chains or straps tend to move toward the center of the arcuate surface directly between the end walls30,32.

In accordance with an additional aspect, it should be appreciated that a method is provided to aid in the servicing of a vehicle. The method comprises equipping a vehicle V with a dual function tow hook10including an integral step22that functions to provide a secure foothold above ground from which an individual I may inspect and service engine compartment components. Still further the method includes recessing the step22so as to provide end walls30,32to better secure a foot of an individual thereon. Further the method includes providing a grooved tread face34on the recessed step22between those end walls30,32. Significantly, the end walls30,32of the step22are spaced just wider than the shoe of an operator and function with the grooved tread face34to provide a safe and secure foothold which is slip resistant. Accordingly, an individual I may conveniently and confidently use the dual function tow hook10on either side of the vehicle to inspect, access and service components within the engine compartment under the hood H of the vehicle. This would be difficult or impossible to do in the absence of the dual function tow hooks10because the overall height of the vehicle limits access to engine compartment components.

The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, while the illustrated tow hook10has two free ends18,20, it should be appreciated that it could have a single mounting lug. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.