Patent ID: 7731218

Claim:
A retracting tow device for attachment to a vehicle, comprising: (1) a base with the forward portion of the base affixed to the vehicle; (2) an axle rotatably affixed within said base; (3) a spool which is affixed to said axle, the spool having an interior portion which encloses said axle and includes a hole which places said axle in communication with the outside of the interior portion of said spool; (4) a tow rope which is affixed to said axle and threaded the hole in the interior portion of said spool; (5) spring means affixed to said axle and tending to cause said axle to rotate within said base and such that when there is no tension upon an end of the tow rope not affixed to said axle, said axle rotates and causes said tow rope to be wound around said spool; (6) a hook affixed to the end of said tow rope not affixed to said axle and a hook keeper affixed to said base such that when the retracting tow device is not in use, the hook may be removably affixed to said hook keeper and the tension of said spring means keeps said hook removably affixed to said hook keeper; and (7) a hook adjuster removably affixed to said hook keeper such that the position of said hook within said hook keeper may be adjusted using the hook adjuster to insure a tight fit with said tow rope in tension.