HOOK CONNECTION UNIT, USE OF A HOOK CONNECTION PART AND HOOK CONNECTION ASSEMBLY

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a hook connection unit, a use of a hook connection part and a hook connection assembly. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] US 9 528 655 B1 discloses a hook connecting part that has the shape of a "2." The upper half of the hook connecting part forms a hook, while the straight, horizontal leg of the lower part of the "2"-shaped hook connecting part has an attachment eyelet at each end. The hook can, for example, be hooked into an eyelet of a boat tarpaulin, which can then be tensioned by a tensioning line passed through both attachment eyes generating a tensile force. It is also possible for only one pull rope to engage the hook connecting part, in which case the two attachment eyes can be used to knot the pull rope to the hook connecting part.

[0003] CA 2 415 874 A1 discloses hook connecting parts comprising a curved hook part and a straight extension extending therefrom, which can be used as a pliers lever when two hook connecting parts are connected to form a pair of pliers. The pliers lever allows the hook parts to be actuated remotely. Furthermore, the pliers lever can have a through hole for passing a pull cable through it to actuate the hook parts by means of a cable pull. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention is based on the object of proposing a hook connection unit which, with regard to the production and / or use and / or safety and / or multifunctional applications is improved. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of proposing a correspondingly improved use of a hook connection part and a correspondingly improved hook connection assembly. SOLUTION

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent patent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is based in particular on the knowledge that so-called "rigging plates" and connecting hooks are known from the prior art: Rigging plates are used for the central connection of, for example, ropes, wires, chains, and slings (hereinafter referred to as flexible, single-tensile "tensioning devices"). Rigging plates are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum plates with holes provided with several eyelets to which the tensioning devices can be attached. If the tensioning devices are to be attached to the eyelets prior to practical use without being subjected to tensile forces, the eyelets can be designed as holes in the rigging plate with a closed-edge cross-section of the eyelet, so that the unstretched tensioning device can be inserted into the closed-edge hole in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the hole and guided through it.However, if the connection to the eyelet is to be established in a state where the traction device is already subjected to mechanical stress due to a tensile force, making it impossible to thread the traction device into the eyelet, the eyelet must have an edge opening through which the traction device can be inserted. It is possible that the edge opening is closed after insertion, for example, using a spring-loaded locking element.

[0007] An example of such a rigging plate is known from US Pat. No. 6,336,260 B1. Here, after inserting a traction device through an edge opening of an eyelet of the rigging plate, the edge opening can be closed by a locking lever. The locking lever is pivotally connected to a base body of the rigging plate on one side of the edge opening and, in the closed position, engages with a hook of the base body in the other end area on the other side of the edge opening. To secure the closed position, the locking lever can have two threaded rods connected via a threaded sleeve. By rotating the sleeve, the screw-in angle of the threaded rods in the sleeve can be changed, thereby changing the length of the locking lever, and the locking lever is clamped to the hook of the rigging plate to secure the closed position.

[0008] Rigging plates are used, for example, in outdoor applications, particularly in professional climbing. Rigging plates in professional climbing create so-called multi-anchor systems that enable the connection of multiple ropes to a single anchor system provided by the rigging plate. Rigging plates are particularly essential for complex rope assemblies. Other, non-limiting examples of the use of rigging plates include use by tree care personnel, industrial climbers, and rescue operations. On the other hand, connecting hooks and other hooks are known which have a wide variety of different applications in everyday life, for example fishing hooks, crane hooks, snap hooks, connecting hooks for coat hangers, shower curtains, folding tables, shelves, ropes or chains.

[0009] Technical connecting hooks are offered, for example, on the website www.thecrosbygroup.com / products / chain-and-components / crosbykuplex / hooks / self-locking-hooks / (date of inspection: March 9, 2022). These connecting hooks feature a roughly C-shaped hook connecting piece, at the end of which a lever is hinged in a pivot bearing. On one side of the pivot axis, the lever has a lever part with an eyelet to which a traction device can be attached. On the other side of the pivot axis, the lever has a locking part, which, in a closed position, closes the edge opening of the C-shaped hook connecting piece, thus forming a closed-edge hook eye. If the connecting hook is subjected to a tensile force, on the one hand by the traction device attached to the eyelet and on the other hand by an object supported on the hook connecting piece, the locking part automatically assumes a closed position.The closed position is secured by the force acting on the connecting hook, which is also referred to as self-locking.

[0010] According to the invention, a hook connection unit is proposed for the first time which can alternatively or cumulatively ensure the function of a rigging plate on the one hand and a connecting hook on the other hand (without the invention being limited to ensuring these functions).

[0011] The hook connection unit according to the invention has two hook connection parts. The hook connection parts each have a hook. The hook connection parts can be arranged on top of one another to form the hook connection unit. The arrangement of the hook connection parts on top of one another takes place in such a way that the two hooks of the hook connection parts form a closed-edge hook eyelet. This makes it possible for an object or a traction device to be inserted into the hooks through the respective edge opening of the hooks before the hook connection parts are arranged on top of one another. Once the hook connection parts are arranged on top of one another, the hooks form the closed-edge hook eyelet, whereby the object or traction device can no longer leave the hook eyelet, so that the traction device or the object is securely connected to the hook connection unit.

[0012] Furthermore, in the assembled state of the hook connection unit, in which the two hook connecting parts are arranged on top of one another and the hooks form the edge-closed hook eye, two attachment eyes of the hook connecting parts and the hook eye formed by the hooks form a triangle. The triangle can be an isosceles triangle, in which the same legs each extend from the hook eye to one of the attachment eyes. It is also possible for the triangle to be an equilateral triangle. A traction device, for example, can then be attached to the attachment eyes of the hook connecting parts, with the same traction device preferably being passed through both attachment eyes. The two hook connecting parts are connected to one another by means of the traction device, and the assembly position, in which the hooks form the edge-closed hook eye, is secured by the traction device.Preferably, the hook connection unit is designed to be self-locking, so that the edge closure of the hook eye is triggered and / or reinforced when a tensile force acts on the hook eye on the one hand and the attachment eyes on the other. The edge-closed hook eye formed by the hooks can also accommodate a traction device, whereby the hook connection unit forms a type of rigging plate. However, it is also entirely possible for the hook eye to serve to accommodate a carabiner or any other hook, eyelet, or object that is to be held by the hook connection unit and by the traction device attached to the attachment eyes.

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, the hook connecting parts can have any geometry and design. In one proposal of the invention, the hook connecting parts are plate-shaped, so that the hook connecting parts can also be made from plate-shaped semi-finished products. It is also possible for plate-shaped hook connecting parts to be manufactured using an injection molding process or another method. The plate-shaped design of the hook connecting parts can ensure compact arrangement and stacking of the same for storage. On the other hand, the plate-shaped design of the hook connecting parts enables the hook connecting parts to bear against one another over a large area in the assembled position, which ensures good securing of the hook connecting parts to one another and the generation of small surface pressures, thus providing increased strength.

[0014] In principle, the two hook connecting parts can be designed differently from one another. For a particular proposal of the invention, the hook connecting parts are designed identically, which, for example, simplifies their inventory, increases the number of identical parts, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0015] In the event that the hook connecting parts are identically configured, in the assembled hook connecting unit, a first hook connecting part is arranged on the second hook connecting part in a state in which the first hook connecting part is rotated 180° around the longitudinal axis compared to the second hook connecting part. As a result of this rotation, the edge opening of the hook of the first hook connecting part (and correspondingly the edge opening of the hook of the second hook connecting part) can be closed by the hook of the second hook connecting part (and correspondingly by the hook of the first hook connecting part), so that the edge-closed hook eye can be formed in this way.

[0016] According to the invention, the hook connection unit is Y-shaped or T-shaped in plan view. The Y-shape and the T-shape then each have a vertical leg and two side legs, whereby for the Y-shape the side legs can enclose any angle less than 180°, while for the T-shape the side legs have an angle of approximately 180°. In this case, the hooks and the hook eyes are arranged in the region of the vertical leg of the Y or T, while the attachment eyes are each arranged in the region of a side leg of the Y or T. This configuration leads to particularly advantageous loading of the hook connection unit with the forces acting upon it during operation. Since the attachment eyes are arranged in the (preferably external) region of the side legs, they have a relatively large distance with respect to the vertical or longitudinal axis of the hook connection unit.As a result, the forces acting on the anchor eyes result in a large (self-)locking force for the hooks, providing and maintaining the closed-end hook eye. On the other hand, this relatively large spacing of the anchor eyes also ensures a very stable alignment of the hook connection unit when subjected to the external forces acting during operation.

[0017] According to the invention, the hook connection unit has a connection eyelet in the transition area from the side legs of the Y or T to the vertical leg of the Y or T. This connection eyelet can be used for different purposes: A traction device can first be guided from a rear side through the aligned first attachment eyes of the two hook connection parts, on the front side of the hook connection parts is guided from the first attachment eyes to the aligned connection eyes, the traction device is then guided through the connection eyes from the front to the rear, the traction device is then guided from the connection eyes to the second aligned attachment eyes and from the rear side through the second attachment eyes to the front side of the hook connection parts.For this embodiment, the traction means is thus guided three times through the hook connection parts, with the traction means being fed from the outside on the rear side to the first attachment eyes, while it then passes out again on the front side from the second attachment eyes. Applying the tensile forces by the traction means to the hook connection unit on different sides of the hook connection unit has proven advantageous in operation to ensure a stable position of the hook connection unit under load.On the other hand, the tensile forces acting on the traction device and the positioning of the traction device between the first attachment eyes and the connecting eyes on the front, on the one hand, and between the connecting eyes and the second attachment eyes on the back, on the other hand, result in the traction device exerting a contact force on the hook connecting parts from both sides, which presses the hook connecting parts together. In this way, and with the friction force generated between the hook connecting parts, the assembled position of the hook connecting unit with the edge-closed hook eye can be maintained in a self-locking manner.

[0018] The following conditions apply cumulatively to the hook connecting parts used according to the invention: a) The hook connecting parts each have a hook in the area of the vertical leg of the Y or T. b) The hook connecting parts each have a lifting eye in the area of the side legs of the Y or T. c) The hook connecting parts each have a connecting eye in the transition area from the side legs of the Y or T to the vertical leg of the Y or T.

[0019] Within the scope of the invention, the hook connecting parts of the hook connecting unit can be made of any material, in particular a metallic material (e.g., steel, aluminum, or titanium in any composition and alloy). Any composite or layered materials can also be used. For example, it is also possible for the hook connecting parts to have a coating, at least in the region of their contact surfaces in the mounted position, which increases the frictional force, thus increasing the self-securing of the mounted position. For one proposal of the invention, the hook connecting parts are made of a (preferably thermoplastic) plastic material.

[0020] The hook connection parts can be manufactured from semi-finished products in the form of sheets or using an injection molding process. It is possible to produce the hook connection parts in different scaled sizes, so that hook connection units can be provided in different scaled sizes for different applications and acting forces.

[0021] It is also possible for the hook connecting parts to be manufactured from a plastic material or any other material using an additive manufacturing process. Within the scope of the invention, any fiber reinforcement can also be used for the plastic material, with the fibers preferably running unoriented or oriented in the plastic material according to the stresses.

[0022] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the hook connecting parts are manufactured using an additive FFF process. This is referred to as "fused filament fabrication." For details on the FFF process, please refer to the publication Gao et al., "Fused filament fabrication of polymer materials: A review of interlayer bond," Additive Manufacturing 37 (2021) 101658.

[0023] A further solution to the problem underlying the invention is the use of a hook connection part. The hook connection part is, as previously explained, Y- or T-shaped. The hook connection part has a hook in the region of the vertical leg of the Y or T, a lifting eye in the region of the side legs of the Y or T, and a connecting eye in the transition region from the side legs of the Y or T to the vertical leg of the Y or T. The invention proposes using a hook connection part according to this design to form a hook connection unit, as previously explained.

[0024] A further solution to the problem underlying the invention is a hook connection assembly. This hook connection assembly is formed, on the one hand, with a hook connection unit, as previously explained, and with a traction device. In this case, for the assembly of the hook connection unit, the traction device is guided through attachment eyes and the aligned connection eyes of the hook connection parts (see also the previously described directions for passing the traction device through the attachment eyes and connection eyes).

[0025] Advantageous further developments of the invention emerge from the patent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0026] The advantages of features and combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can be used alternatively or cumulatively without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention.

[0027] With regard to the disclosure content – not the scope of protection – of the original application documents and the patent, the following applies: Further features can be found in the drawings – in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to one another, as well as their relative arrangement and operative connection. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or features of different patent claims is also possible, deviating from the selected references of the patent claims, and is hereby encouraged. This also applies to features that are illustrated in separate drawings or mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different patent claims.Likewise, features listed in the patent claims may be omitted for further embodiments of the invention, but this does not apply to the independent patent claims of the granted patent.

[0028] The number of features mentioned in the claims and the description is to be understood as meaning that exactly this number or a greater number than the stated number is present, without the need for the explicit use of the adverb "at least." Thus, for example, if reference is made to one element, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one element, two elements, or more elements are present. The features mentioned in the claims may be supplemented by further features or may be the only features present in the subject matter of the respective claim.

[0029] The reference signs contained in the patent claims do not represent a limitation of the scope of the subject-matter protected by the patent claims. They serve only the purpose of making the patent claims easier to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0030] In the following, the invention is further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. 1 shows a hook connection part of an embodiment I in a front view. Fig. 2 shows the hook connection part according to Fig. 1 in a side view. Fig. 3 shows two hook connecting parts, rotated by 180° around a longitudinal axis, resting on top of each other with aligned attachment eyes and connecting eyes as well as a closed-edge hook eye in a front view. Fig. 4 shows a hook connection assembly in a front view with a hook connection unit according to Fig. 3and a traction device passing through the attachment eyes and the connecting eye. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment II of a hook connection part in a front view. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0031] Fig. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of a hook connection part 1 ( Fig. 1 and 2 ), a hook connection unit 2 ( Fig. 3 ) and a hook connection assembly 3 ( Fig. 4 ).

[0032] The hook connection part 1 has a longitudinal axis 4. According to Fig. 1The hook connecting part 1 has a rough approximation of a Y-shape with two side legs 5, 6 and one vertical leg 7. In the connection area of the side legs 5, 6 with the vertical leg 7, the hook connecting part 1 has a connecting eyelet 8. In the extended end areas, the side legs 5, 6 each form a stop eyelet 9, 10. Between the stop eyes 9, 10 and the connecting eyelet 8, the side legs 5, 6 are approximately straight, although they can also be curved or angled or cranked as desired.

[0033] The vertical leg 7 is designed as a hook 11. The hook 11 has a circular ring segment and forms an edge opening 12. Away from the edge opening 12, the hook 11 forms an eyelet edge 13 on the inside.

[0034] However, the hook connecting part 1 can also have any other geometry, which is also considered to be Y-shaped or T-shaped within the scope of the invention, provided that on the one hand the connecting section between the center of the hook 11 or the eyelet edge 13 with the connecting eyelet 8 and the connecting sections of the centers of the connecting eyelet 8 with the centers of the attachment eyes 9, 10 are arranged in a Y-shape or T-shape.

[0035] As in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the hook connection part 1 is designed as a plate 14, whereby it is possible that (as shown) the outer edges, the connecting eyelet 8 and the attachment eyes 9, 10 (hereinafter also collectively "eyelets 8, 9, 10") are rounded.

[0036] In Fig. 3 Two identical hook connecting parts 1 are placed on top of each other, which are distinguished from each other by the additional letters a, b. Here, the hook connecting part 1b is opposite to the orientation in Fig. 1turned by 180° around the longitudinal axis 4, while the hook connection part 1a is in the orientation according to Fig. 1 is placed on the hook connecting part 1b. The hook connecting parts 1a, 1b thus lie against one another over their entire surface except for the area of the edge openings 12a, 12b. The eyelets 8, 9, 10 are arranged in alignment with one another. The edge opening 12a of the hook connecting part 1a is closed by the hook 11b of the other hook connecting part 1b. Accordingly, the edge opening 12b of the hook connecting part 1b is closed by the hook 11a of the hook connecting part 1a. The eyelet edges 13a, 13b of the hooks 11a, 11b complement one another to form a closed-edge hook eyelet 15. The hook eyelet 15 is thus jointly delimited by the two hooks 11a, 11b of the hook connecting parts 1a, 1b.

[0037] In Fig. 4A traction means 16, in particular a rope, is guided through the eyelets 8, 9, 10. For this purpose, the traction means 16 is first guided forward from the rear side through the attachment eyes 9b, 10a of the hook connecting parts 1a, 1b and on the front side to the connecting eyes 8a, 8b and through these again to the rear. On the rear side, the traction means 16 then extends from the connecting eyes 8a, 8b to the attachment eyes 10b, 9a, where the traction means 16 is then guided forward again through the attachment eyes 10b, 9a. A traction means section 17 of the traction means 16, which is fed from the outside to the attachment eyes 9b, 10a on the rear side, and a traction means section 18 of the traction means 16, which exits from the attachment eyes 10b, 9a on the front side and extends outwards, are oriented parallel to each other for the illustrated embodiment, but are vertically offset to the plane of the drawing by the thickness of the hook connection unit 2 according to Fig. 4 offset from each other.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment II of a hook connection part 1, which basically corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and 2 corresponds and accordingly Fig. 3 and 4 However, according to Fig. 5 The attachment eyes 9, 10 are not designed with a closed edge. Rather, the attachment eyes 9, 10 each have an edge opening 22, 23. The edge openings 22, 23 are dimensioned such that the traction means 16 can enter the attachment eyes 9, 10 laterally through the edge openings 22, 23. For the illustrated embodiment, the attachment eyes 9, 10 are delimited (apart from the edge openings 22, 23) by the vertical leg 7 and part-circular webs 24, 25, which, for the illustrated embodiment, extend around the attachment eyes 9, 10 with a circumferential angle in the range of 160° to 200°. The webs 24, 25 preferably have a constant cross-section.

[0039] If a traction means 16 is mentioned here, this can be a rope, a wire, a chain, or a loop which is passed through the attachment eyelet 9, the attachment eyelet 10 and the connecting eyelet 8 and / or the hook eyelet 15.

[0040] For example, another traction device, a hook, an object (e.g., a drinking bottle, a bag, or a pouch), etc., can be attached or hooked to the hook 11 and the hook eye 15 to create the desired connection. Opening the hook eye 15 is only possible when the stress on the eyelets is removed.

[0041] The hook connection unit 2 according to the invention can also be used for a connection in the field of bicycles, in the outdoor area, or in the camping area. It is possible to use a plate-shaped semi-finished product (particularly made of plastic, wood, metal, or a composite material) for the production of the hook connection parts 1. The production of the hook connection parts 1 can be carried out, for example, using a mechanical or separating processing method, such as a milling process.

[0042] Other applications of the hook connection unit 2 include the quick and easy connection of objects and / or attachment to objects. Examples include hooking, connecting, and / or attaching drinking bottles, pouches, smaller bags, and similar items to bicycles, belts, bags, and backpacks.

[0043] The hook connecting parts 1 can be manufactured in simple tools using the primary forming process or by separating processes (milling, drilling, cutting, ...) from flat or plate-shaped semi-finished products.

[0044] The hook connection parts 1 are preferably connected exclusively via traction means and / or without additional connecting elements such as rigid axle bodies, bolts, nuts, split pins, spring elements, etc. No additional manufacturing and / or assembly steps are required other than threading the traction means in and through.

[0045] In the present description and in the patent claims, the two hook connecting parts 1, with which a hook connecting unit 2 is formed, are distinguished from one another by the additional letters a, b. The corresponding designation by the letters a, b has also been used for the partial features of the hook connecting parts 1a, 1b. Reference can then be made to these hook connecting parts 1 and partial features without the use of the additional letters a, b, which can then refer to one of the two hook connecting parts or partial features or both hook connecting parts or partial features.

[0046] Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible for at least one traction device not to be attached directly to the eyelets 8, 9, 10 and / or 15. Rather, the traction device can also be attached to the eyelet 8, 9, 10 or 15 via a sling such as a snap hook. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0047] 1 Hook connection part 2 Hook connection unit 3 Hook connection assembly 4 Longitudinal axis 5 Side leg 6 Side leg 7 Vertical leg 8 Connecting eye 9 Anchor eye 10 Anchor eye 11 Hook 12 Edge opening 13 Eye edge 14 Plate 15 Hook eye 16 Tension means 17 Tension means section 18 Tension means section 22 Edge opening 23 Edge opening 24 Web 25 Web

Claims

1. Hook connection unit (2) comprising two hook connection parts (1) which each comprise a hook (11), the hook connection parts (1) being designed such that they can be arranged on top of each other for the formation of the hook connection unit (2) in such a way that a) the hooks (11) form a hook eye (15) having a closed edge and b) two attachment eyes (8, 9) of the hook connection parts (1) and the hook eye (15) form a triangle, characterised in that c) the hook connection parts (1) each have an Y- or T-shaped design and d) the hook connection parts (1) da) each comprise the hook (11) in the region of the vertical leg (7) of the Y or T and db) each comprise an attachment eye (9, 10) in the region of the side legs (5, 6) of the Y or T and dc) each in the transition region of the side legs (5, 6) of the Y or T to the vertical leg (7) of the Y or T comprise a connection eye (8).

2. Hook connection unit (2) of claim 1, characterised in that the hook connection parts (1) have a plate-like design.

3. Hook connection unit (2) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hook connection parts (1) are identical.

4. Hook connection unit (2) of claim 3, characterised in that in the hook connection unit (2) a first hook connection part (1a) is arranged in a state on the second hook connection part (1b) in which the first hook connection part (1a) has been rotated by 180° about a longitudinal axis (4) when compared to the second hook connection part (1b).

5. Hook connection unit (2) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hook connection parts (1) are made of a thermoplastic plastic material.

6. Hook connection unit (2) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hook connection parts (1) are manufactured in an additive FFF-process.

7. Use of a hook connection part (1) having an Y- or T-shaped design and comprising a hook (11) in the region of the vertical leg (7) of the Y or T, comprising an attachment eye (9, 10) in the region of the side legs (5, 6) of the Y or T and comprising a connection eye (8) in the transition region of the side legs (5, 6) of the Y or T to the vertical leg (7) of the Y or T for the provision of a hook connection unit (2) of one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Hook connection assembly (3) comprising a hook connection unit (2) of one of claims 1 to 6 and a traction means (16), the traction means (16) being passed through attachment eyes (9, 10) and the connection eyes (8) of the hook connection parts (1) being aligned to each other.