Towing apparatus with energy absorber

Abstract

A towing apparatus mounted to a frame of a vehicle includes a receiver and an energy management device. The receiver is operably connected to the energy management device and the energy management device is operably connected to the vehicle frame. When the receiver is moved in a first tow direction, the energy management device is isolated and the tow force is coupled directly to the frame. However, when the energy management device is moved in a second, generally opposite direction, the energy management device reduces some or all of the force applied to the receiver from being transferred to the vehicle frame.

1 . A towing apparatus adapted for mounting to a frame of an automotive vehicle, comprising: 
 a receiver adapted to receive a towing force; and    an energy management device operably connected to said receiver and including a piston movable within a cylinder for connection to a vehicle frame so that when the receiver is subjected to a first force in a first tow direction, the first tow force is directly transferred to the vehicle frame, and so that, when the receiver is subjected to a second force of predetermined magnitude in a second direction, said energy management device yields and reduces the second force to a reduced third force, which is in turn transferred to the vehicle frame.    
   
   
       2 . The towing apparatus of  claim 1 , including a fluid in the cylinder that dampens movement of the piston in at least one direction.  
   
   
       3 . The towing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said receiver is a hook.  
   
   
       4 . The towing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said receiver includes a loop.  
   
   
       5 . The towing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said energy management device further includes a spring in the cylinder and engaging the piston.  
   
   
       6 . The towing apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said energy management device includes a fluid in the cylinder that dampens movement of the piston.  
   
   
       7 . The towing apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the spring is positioned around a shaft that supports the piston.  
   
   
       8 . The towing apparatus of  claim 5 , including a shear bolt connected to the energy management device for shearing when a maximum predetermined force is applied to the receiver.  
   
   
       9 . The towing apparatus of  claim 1 , including a shear bolt connected to the energy management device for shearing when a maximum predetermined force is applied to the receiver.