Dual function vehicle tow hook

For use in combination with an automobile vehicle substructure flange, a toe hook comprising:

• a one-piece generally P-shaped tow hook bent from steel rod stock of circular section, said tow hook comprising upper and lower horizontally extending parallel rod-stem portions each having forward and aft ends, each said upper and lower rod-stem portion aft end terminating in a horizontally disposed eyelet, whereby a pair of vertically spaced upper and lower eyelet portions are provided with each said upper and lower eyelet defining a semi-circular opening;
• said upper eyelet portion including fastener engaging means secured thereto with said fastener engaging means provided with a threaded circular opening, whereby said threaded circular opening and said lower eyelet semi-circular opening located with the centers thereof aligned on a common vertical axis;
• said upper rod-stem portion having a length at least twice the length of said lower rod-stem portion, said upper and lower rod-stem portions having their respective forward ends joined by an open loop portion available for either a towing line, a tie down line, or a tow bar;
• said upper and lower rod-length portions and their associated eyelet portions spaced a predetermined vertical distance apart defining a gap therebetween, said substructure including a horizontally disposed flange having a transversely extending forward free edge, said gap sized for receiving therein said flange such that an aperature in said flange is aligned with said common axis for receiving a threaded fastener therethrough;
• whereby upon the threaded fastener being received first in said lower eyelet semi-circular opening and thereafter passing through the flange aperature and said fastener engaging means threaded circular opening, whereby tightening said threaded fastener causing said eyelets to clamp said flange therebetween fixedly securing said tow hook thereon;
• and
• wherein said flange aperature having its center spaced a predetermined longitudinal dimension from said flange transverse free edge, such that said lower rod-stem portion forward end substantially coincides with said flange free edge, whereby upon a tow bar being coupled to said tow hook open loop portion so as to transmit a predetermined force thereto causing said open loop portion to deform downwardly in a controlled manner whereby damage to said vehicle substructure flange is obviated.