Swivel/quick release device for tow rope

Abstract

A swivel/quick release device having a shaft adapted to receive a load at one end operated associated with a bearing means at its other end; a housing in which said shaft is slidably mounted. A release and attachment means is disposed in the housing around the bearing means releasably retaining an attachment for a tow rope. Spring means is present within the housing and engaging the shaft such that as a load is increasingly applied to one end of the shaft, the spring means is compressed within the housing until the attachment for a tow rope is released.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A swivel/quick release device comprising: 
 a shaft adapted to receive a load at one end and operably associate with a bearing means at its other end;    a housing in which said shaft is slidably mounted;    a release and attachment means disposed in said housing around said bearing means releasably retaining an attachment for a tow rope;    spring means within said housing and engaging said shaft such that as a load is increasingly applied to one end of the shaft, said spring means is compressed within said housing until said attachment for a tow rope is released.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said attachment for a tow rope is freely rotatably around said device while being retained by said device.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising means for manually releasing said attachment for a tow rope.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a load memory for recording the maximum load applied to the device.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  further provided with a load release adjuster.