Hook Device

Abstract

A hook device having a hook bend with a hook tip and a cord attachment end separated from the hook bend by a shank length of connecting wire. The shank length of wire has at least one loop. The loop is separated from the hook tip by a selectable clearance distance. Device including elastic cord and method of making device are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 787,131 filed Mar. 6, 2013 which was a Continuation-in-Part of Ser. No. 13 / 589,455 filed Aug. 20, 2012.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The disclosure relates to the field of tie-down and fastening devices; more particularly to an elastic cord with hooks.BACKGROUND[0003]Elastic cords with hooks are widely used for tying down articles or releasably attaching them to various carriers, surfaces and cargo beds. The conventional arrangement is usually referred to as a bungee cord, and has a hook made of heavy wire with the wire wound around the end of the elastic cord as a helical crimp. The hook is generally U or J shaped.[0004]There are many types of bungee cords that are available on the market, and these can be purchased with a wide variety of hooks. Many hooks are designed with safety and ease of use in mind. Some hooks are large and easy to hold. Some hooks have clasps designe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The disclosed hook and loop mechanism is designed to be easily used and safe. The hook is offset from the loop, allowing for better control and improved safety when attaching items. The loop also provides a way to secure the same bungee cord or hook of another bungee cord in a different location. The hook and loop are made from a single, unbroken length of steel wire, but alternative arrangements are also possible.

Problems solved by technology

All are relatively complex stampings or molded parts or complex wire or rod bends.

Safety problems in the use of such tie-downs have often been noted.

The loose hook flying back toward the user, or away toward a bystander, can cause serious injury.

Alternate grasping means for such a hook have been proposed both for safety and for ease of use, but the proposed solutions are either cumbersome, relatively fragile, relatively expensive to make, or incapable of attachment in socketed or other relatively inaccessible attachment points.

A loopless hook is difficult to attach to either another hook at the opposite end of the same bungee cord or to a hook of another bungee cord.

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