Protective cover for entanglement-type capture projectiles and method thereof

Abstract

[Solution] A hook assembly (18) for use with an entanglement capture projectile (12) is provided. The hook assembly includes at least one hook (19) having an apex portion (22) and a sharpened prong (20) extending distally from the apex portion. A protective cover (26) is carried adjacent the apex portion of the at least one hook. The protective cover includes at least one substantially planar surface (28). The protective cover is positioned relative to the at least one hook such that the sharpened prong of the at least one hook extends distally from the protective cover, thereby leaving the sharpened prong exposed while the protective cover is carried adjacent the apex portion of the at least one hook.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 008,217, filed Aug. 31, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a protective device for minimizing or eliminating unintentional injury to a subject targeted by a non-lethal projectile restraint weapon.

Background Art

[0003] It has been recognized that it is beneficial for police officers and military personnel to use weapons and devices other than firearms when dealing with hostile situations. To address this need, the inventor has developed a commercially successful product known as Bolawrap. With this device and other devices developed by the applicant, law enforcement officers can now handle potentially dangerous situations without relying on the use of firearms and without engaging in close-quarter combat.

[0004] This type of firing system generally uses a projectile that includes a tether and a pair of pellets carried at the end of the tether. The projectile is aimed at the target, and when the tether contacts the subject, the pellets wrap around the subject and the projectile wraps around the subject. This significantly restricts the movement of the subject, allowing authorities to approach the subject safely. These systems have been remarkably successful, but the inventor has continued to develop techniques to further improve the safety of such devices. The following are prior art documents related to the invention of this application (including documents cited in the international phase after the international filing date and documents cited when the application entered the national phase in other countries): (Prior art document) (Patent Document) (Patent Document 1) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0073161 (Patent Document 2) U.S. Patent No. 10,731,698 (Patent Document 3) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0067968

Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a grappling assembly for use in an entangling projectile is provided. The grappling assembly may include at least one hook comprising a vertex portion and sharp prongs extending distally from the vertex portion. A protective cover may be carried adjacent to the vertex portion of the at least one hook, and the protective cover may include at least one substantially planar surface. The protective cover may be positioned relative to the at least one hook such that the sharp prongs of the at least one hook extend distally from the protective cover, thereby the protective cover is carried adjacent to the vertex portion of the at least one hook, while the sharp prongs remain exposed.

[0006] Another aspect of the present technology provides a hooking assembly for use in an entanglement projectile. The hooking assembly may include at least one hook comprising a vertex portion and sharp prongs extending distally from the vertex portion. A protective cover may be supported by the vertex portion of the at least one hook, and the protective cover may include at least one substantially continuous contact surface. The protective cover may be positioned relative to the at least one hook such that the sharp prongs of the at least one hook extend distally from the protective cover, thereby the protective cover is supported by the vertex portion of the at least one hook, while the sharp prongs remain exposed. The pellet to which the at least one hook is attached may be connected to a tether.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method is provided for applying a protective cover to a hook assembly. The hook assembly may include a plurality of hooks, each of which has a vertex portion and a sharp prong extending distally from the vertex portion. The method may include the step of positioning the protective cover over the vertex portions of the plurality of hooks. The protective cover may include at least one substantially continuous surface. The protective cover may be positioned over the at least one hook such that the sharp prong of the at least one hook extends distally from the protective cover, thereby the protective cover is supported by the plurality of hooks, while the sharp prong remains exposed. The protective cover may be fixed in place over the plurality of hooks.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be clearly understood by referring to the following detailed description illustrating the features of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention. In the drawings, similar reference numerals indicate similar parts in different drawings or embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a top, bottom, front, or rear view of a typical entanglement-type capture projectile extending substantially to its entire length, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a side view of a typical pellet and a portion of the tether of the projectile shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is an end view of the pellet shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a top view of the target from which the entanglement-type capture projectile was launched, showing the moment just before the projectile attaches to the target. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a top view of the target and projectile in Figure 3A, showing the moment immediately after the entanglement-type capture projectile has attached itself to the target. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of a part of a subject in an embodiment of the present invention, showing immediately before the entanglement capture launcher is attached to the subject's leg. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view of a part of the entanglement capture launcher in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a perspective view of a pellet and hook assembly in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is an exploded perspective view of the pellet and hook assembly of Figure 6A. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top view of the upper end surface of the assembly of Figure 6A. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a top view of the upper end surface of the assembly of Figure 7, with the protective cover removed so that the individual hooks can be seen. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the lower end surface of the assembly of Figure 6A. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view of the assembly of Figure 6A. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side view of the protective cover of the assembly of Figure 6A. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view of a hook assembly with a protective cover in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a top view of the assembly of Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the assembly of Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a bottom perspective view of the protective cover of Figure 12. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 12 taken along the 16-16 section of Figure 13. [Figure 17] Figure 12 is a side view of a hook assembly with a protective cover in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a top view of the assembly of Figure 17. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a hook assembly with a protective cover in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 19.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Hereinafter, this specification refers to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings and describes them in specific terms. However, it should be understood that these are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Modifications and variations of the inventive features illustrated herein, as well as additional applications of the principles of the present invention illustrated herein, which would be contemplated by those having the present disclosure, are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0011] definition In this specification, the singular forms "a" and "the" can include the plural forms as well, unless otherwise stated. Thus, for example, "a hook" can include one or more such hooks, depending on the context.

[0012] The term "substantially" in this specification refers to a complete or nearly complete degree or extent of an action, feature, characteristic, state, structure, unit (item), or result. As an arbitrary example, an object that is "substantially" sealed is an object that is completely or nearly completely sealed. The exact tolerance for deviation from absolute completeness may vary depending on the specific context in some cases. However, generally speaking, the proximity to completeness is for the purpose of having the same overall result as when absolute and total completeness is achieved. The use of "substantially" is equally applicable when used in a negative sense to refer to a complete or nearly complete lack of an action, feature, characteristic, state, structure, unit, or result. As another arbitrary example, a composition in which a certain component or element is "substantially absent" may actually include the component or element within a range where the effect cannot be measured as a result.

[0013] In this specification, the term "approximately" is used to allow flexibility in the endpoints of a given numerical range, meaning that a given value may be "slightly greater" or "slightly less" than the endpoints of a certain numerical range.

[0014] In this specification, terms indicating relative directions may be used to describe and assert various components of the present invention. Such terms include, but are not limited to, “upward,” “downward,” “horizontal,” and “vertical.” These terms are generally not intended to be limiting, but are used to most clearly describe and assert the various features of the present invention. Where such terms must be limiting in any way, they are intended to be limited to usages that are generally known and understood by those skilled in the art in the context of this disclosure.

[0015] When terms such as “vertical,” “upward,” or “downward” are used herein to refer specifically, they generally mean that the pellet or hook assembly is held in an orientation as shown in the examples in Figures 5, 12, and 17. In this case, the bottom or base or “head” of the pellet and / or hook assembly is positioned at the lowest height, and the hook or point or “tail” of the assembly is oriented at a higher position. Thus, in this case, the base of the assembly is generally lower vertically than the sharp portion of the individual hooks.

[0016] In this specification, multiple units, structural elements, compositional elements, and / or materials may be shown in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each component of the list were individually identified as a distinct and unique component. Therefore, individual components of such lists should not be interpreted as being equivalent to any other component of the same list based solely on their respective representations within a common group, unless otherwise specified.

[0017] In this specification, numerical data may be expressed or presented in range format. Since such range formats are used merely for convenience and simplification, it should be understood that they should be interpreted flexibly, including not only the numerical values ​​explicitly stated as range limits, but also all individual numerical values ​​or sub-ranges within that range, just as if each numerical value and sub-range were explicitly stated. For example, the numerical range "approximately 1 to approximately 5" should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly listed values ​​approximately 1 to approximately 5, but also the individual values ​​and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Therefore, this numerical range includes individual values, e.g., 2, 3, and 4, as well as sub-ranges, e.g., 1 to 3, 2 to 4, and 3 to 5, and the individual 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[0018] The same principle applies to ranges that list only one number as the minimum or maximum value. Furthermore, such interpretations should apply regardless of the width or characteristics of the range being described.

[0019] invention This technology generally relates to components used in non-lethal weapon systems, also known as esnarement or entanglement systems, and can be effectively used to assist in hindering or restraining the progress of an aggressive or fleeing target. Devices based on this technology can be advantageously used by law enforcement, security personnel, or military personnel in situations where they wish to restrain a target but do not wish to use lethal or harmful force or engage in close-range combat, in order to temporarily impede the target's ability to walk, run, or use their arms. This technology provides a method for temporarily tethering or restraining a target's arms or legs to the extent that the target feels it is difficult to continue moving in a normal manner.

[0020] While this technology can be directed at any part of a subject's body, the following description primarily focuses on using it to temporarily tether or restrain a subject's legs. However, it should be understood that this technology is not limited to this use. In some cases, multiple parts of a subject's body, such as both arms and legs, can be targeted.

[0021] As schematically shown in Figures 1 to 5, the present technology provides an entanglement projectile 12 that can be deployed toward the legs of a target and wrapped around the target's legs. The projectile includes at least one flexible tether 16 and at least two pellets 14 (also called anchors) integrally connected by the tether. By attaching the entanglement projectile to a target, the target is temporarily partially or completely incapacitated, thereby limiting their ability to escape or attack. The entanglement projectile of the present technology is launched toward a target (100 in Figures 3A to 4) by a launcher. In addition to the launcher described herein, many other suitable examples of launchers are provided, including the parent application referenced above, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 081,440, filed on March 25, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such launchers may include energy sources such as compressed gas, explosives / flammable materials, mechanical springs, and electrical and / or magnetic systems.

[0022] Generally speaking, the launcher used for this entanglement projectile fires the projectile towards a target 100 at a relatively high speed. Typically, the projectile is deployed toward the target from a distance of approximately 6 to 30 feet (1.8 to 9.1 meters) and can attach to the target within approximately 0.0075 to 0.0375 seconds (moving at approximately 800 feet / second (243.8 m / s)). After being deployed from the launcher, the entanglement projectile wraps around the target's legs two or three or more times, effectively immobilizing the target temporarily. Because the entanglement projectile can be fired from a certain distance, law enforcement can effectively and safely restrain, stop, or obstruct the target while maintaining a safe distance from them.

[0023] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the operation of the entanglement-type capture projectile. After being released by the launcher, the projectile 12 moves toward the target 100. As the projectile moves toward the target, the pellets 14 move toward each other, resulting in substantial tension being applied to the tether 16 between the two pellets. When the projectile attaches to the target (in the example shown in Figure 4, it attaches to the target's legs), the pellets and tether wrap around the target, temporarily entangling the target and / or immobilizing the target.

[0024] This technology can utilize a wide variety of pellet and tether combinations. In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 4, the projectile 12 is shown with two general-purpose pellets or anchors 14 connected by a single tether 16. Three or more pellets can also be used, but the examples shown herein include only two pellets. In some embodiments, the present invention is limited to two, with only two pellets connected by a single tether. In one embodiment, the present invention consists of two pellets and a single tether. In one embodiment, the present invention essentially consists of two pellets and a single tether. Limiting the number of pellets to two has been shown to result in a more effective deployment system. That is, the risk of the tether 16 becoming entangled is reduced, and after deployment from the launcher, the pellets disperse much more cleanly and quickly away from each other. As a result, the trajectory after deployment is more consistent. In addition, with this configuration, the projectile can be directed more accurately towards the target with an appropriate launcher configuration.

[0025] Figure 1 shows the projectile 12 extending to its total length L0. In one embodiment, the total length of the tether is equal to the size of the pellet (L p It is much longer than ). The total length may be about 7 feet (2.14 meters) or more. The pellets are about 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length "L p」 and a diameter of approximately 3 / 8 inch (0.95 cm) "D p」 It may have the following characteristics. Different embodiments of this technology are possible, but generally, it is desirable to limit the overall size requirements of the projectile casing that houses the pellet before deployment by keeping the pellet relatively small, thereby reducing the impact in the event that the pellet hits a target. In this way, this technology can provide a lightweight, handheld device.

[0026] Figure 5 shows a portion of one exemplary grappling projectile 12a in one embodiment of the present invention. This example provides a pellet 14a that includes various features that help to attach to a target more accurately and effectively. For example, a hook or grappling assembly 18 can be attached to the top of the shaft portion 15 of the pellet and can be fixed to the shaft in various preferred ways. The hook assembly may include one or more individual hook components 19. In the illustrated example, there are multiple individual hook components, but four is the most commonly used configuration. However, it should be understood that this technology can be used with hook assemblies comprising one to several individual hook components. For simplicity of explanation in this specification, the end of the pellet to which the hook assembly is attached is referred to as the "tail" end of the pellet, and the opposite end 17 is considered to be the "head" end of the pellet.

[0027] The illustrated hook assembly 18 has been shown to enhance the projectile's ability to successfully wrap around a target. The individual hook components do not attach directly to the target, but rather to a portion of the target's clothing after the pellet and tether have wrapped around the target. This limits the target's tendency to "unwrap" the projectile, even if they struggle against it. As is inherent to this design, the pellet and / or hook assembly are not intended to be fired directly at a target. For successful wrapping, they must, by design, move beyond the target. Direct contact between the pellet and the user would result in unsuccessful attachment. Therefore, the pellet is never intentionally aimed directly at a target.

[0028] While this design works very well when the projectile is deployed as designed, a small risk remains that something may go wrong during the projectile's deployment. For example, as the launcher deploys the projectile toward the target, an outsider may suddenly enter the line of fire, or the launcher user may be adversely affected by an external force. In this case, the pellet may come into direct contact with the target. When this happens, there is a risk that the top of the hook assembly could penetrate the target's skin and injure the person. As shown in Figure 5, for example, these top or apex portions 20 of the individual hook components (described in more detail below) are not sharp as the term is commonly used, but they have a sufficiently small surface area that the force of the pellet as it moves away from the launcher could cause their tops to embed into the target or an unintended target.

[0029] This technology addresses this potential problem by providing a protective cover or cap that better disperses the impact force resulting from accidental contact between the hook assembly and an object. This is achieved without interfering with the normal operation of the hook assembly. Exemplary embodiments of this aspect of the technology are shown in Figures 6A to 18. As best shown in Figures 6A and 6B, in one embodiment, a hook assembly 18 can be provided which includes one or more individual hook components 19, the hook components 19 being supported by pellets 12a which may include a head portion 17. The one or more individual hooks may include a vertex portion 22 and sharp prongs 20 extending distally from the vertex portion.

[0030] The vertex portions 22 of multiple individual hooks 19 can collectively define a vertex contact profile, which is defined as the hook portion that first contacts a plane, for example, the plane 24 in Figure 5. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the smaller the collective cross-section of the vertex portions, the more easily the hook assembly will penetrate the subject's skin if the vertex contact profile strikes the subject at high speed. The vertex contact profile can include curvature. If the vertex portions of individual hooks are less curved than in the illustrated example, the likelihood of the hook penetrating the subject's skin upon contact is reduced. If the hooks are more sharply curved, the likelihood of the vertex portions penetrating the subject's skin increases. By increasing the overall surface area of ​​this contact profile of the assembly, or by decreasing the curvature of this contact profile, the likelihood of the hook assembly penetrating the subject's skin is reduced, and therefore the likelihood of causing serious injury to the subject is reduced.

[0031] One way this technology achieves this is by providing a protective cover or cap 26 as shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 7, 9, 10, and 11 (note that in Figure 8, the protective cover is omitted to more clearly show the apex portion of the hook). The protective cover may be carried adjacent to (usually on the top of) the apex portion of one or more hooks and may include at least one substantially continuous or planar surface 28. By increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​either or both of the surface 28 relative to the apex portion of individual hooks, or by decreasing the curvature of the surface, the tendency for the hook assembly to penetrate the skin of the subject is greatly reduced. In the illustrated example, the substantially continuous surface 28 includes a nearly flat plane. However, it should be understood that a slightly curved plane may also be provided. The surface may be a substantially continuous unit of material or may include various geometric features such as openings, through holes, and fingers, webbing, etc.

[0032] The protective cover 26 or cap can be positioned on one or more hooks 19 such that the sharp prongs 20 of the hooks extend distally from the protective cover. In this way, the protective cover is supported by the apex portion of at least one hook, while the sharp prongs remain exposed and function normally. Thus, even when the protective cover is in place, the sharp prongs function to engage with the target's clothing, helping to maintain the projectile's wrap around the target as designed.

[0033] The protective cover 26 can be supported in many ways, such as by hooks 19, pellets 12a and / or hook assemblies 18. For example, the protective cover can be attached to or connected to pellets or hooks using various permanent or detachable mounting mechanisms. As best shown in Figure 6B, each of the multiple hooks 19 may include a shaft portion 21 that can extend distally from the apex portion 22. The shaft portion of the hook can be received within the hollow compartment of the shaft portion 15 of the pellet. In some embodiments, the multiple shaft portions can collectively define a receiving chamber, and the shaft portion of the protective cover can be received within the receiving chamber formed by the shaft portions.

[0034] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the hollow sections of the shaft portion 21 of the hook 19 and the shaft portion 15 of the pellet can collectively define a series of receiving chambers 23 that can receive the shaft portion 30 (Figure 11) of the protective cover. The shaft portion can be detachably held within the receiving chamber by friction fitting, or can be permanently attached within the receiving chamber by adhesive, welding, etc. As shown in Figure 11, the protective cover 26 may include two or more shaft portions 30 that are similar or different in length, cross-sectional area, etc. The protective cover may also include grooves or slots 38 (Figure 11) that prevent relative movement between the protective cover and the hook.

[0035] Figures 12 to 16 illustrate an embodiment of the technique in which a protective cover 26b is fixed onto the apex portion 22b of a hook 19b via a series of receiving slots 32 formed in the protective cover. Each receiving slot can accommodate one of the multiple hook apex portions (22b in Figure 16) within it. One or more retaining clips 34 (Figure 15) can be attached to the receiving slots. The retaining clips may be operable to detachably secure the apex portion within the receiving slot. In this way, the protective cap 26b can be snap-fitted onto the apex portion of the hook, providing a protective surface over the apex portion. An opening 36 (Figure 13) can be formed in the protective cover to provide visual or physical access to the apex portion of the hook when the protective cover is positioned over the apex portion of the hook.

[0036] The examples shown in Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a hook assembly 12c in which a protective cover 26c is mated with one or more hooks 19c. The protective cover may include a substantially planar surface 28c. In this example, the hooks 19c may extend distally away from the protective cover in a manner similar to that described in the preceding embodiments. However, in this example, the hooks 19c do not include an axial portion or a curved upper apex portion. Instead, the hooks can mate with the protective cover to provide a uniform assembly. The protective cover and hooks may be formed as a continuous solid part, or the hooks may be fixedly welded or bonded to the protective cover. The diameter of the protective cover may vary, and in some embodiments (e.g., Figures 17 and 18) it may be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the hook assembly 18, or it may be smaller in diameter as shown in Figures 6A to 16.

[0037] Figures 19 and 20 illustrate another embodiment of the technology in which the hook assembly 12d includes a protective cover 26d. The protective cover may include a plurality of shoulders 40 extending from a substantially planar surface 28d. The shoulders may define one or more receiving slots 32d that can receive the hook 19. This configuration can advantageously reduce the tendency for the protective cover and hook assembly to rotate relative to each other. Additionally, by extending the length of the receiving slots, the hook can engage more securely, eliminating or reducing the need for adhesive or other mounting mechanisms between the hook and the protective cover.

[0038] The protective cover of this technology can be formed from a variety of materials, including, but is not limited to, polymers, metals, and composite materials. By forming the cover from a lightweight material such as a polymer, the ballistic characteristics of the pellet assembly are not significantly affected. If the protective cover is detachably attached to the hook assembly, operators or manufacturers can easily adapt this technology by incorporating its safety features into known hook assemblies.

[0039] In addition to the structures outlined above, the technology also provides a method for providing a protective cover for a hook assembly. The hook assembly may include a plurality of hooks, each of which has a vertex portion and a sharp prong extending distally from the vertex portion. The method may include the step of positioning the protective device on the vertex portions of the plurality of hooks. The protective cover may include at least one substantially continuous surface. The method may include the step of positioning the protective cover on the at least one hook such that the sharp prong of at least one hook extends distally from the protective cover, thereby the protective cover is supported by the plurality of hooks, while the sharp prong remains exposed. The method may include the step of securing the protective cover in place on the plurality of hooks.

[0040] The step of fixing the protective cover in a predetermined position may include the step of detachably attaching the protective cover to the vertices of a plurality of hooks in a predetermined position.

[0041] Each of the multiple hooks may include an axial portion extending distally from the apex, the axial portions collectively defining a receiving chamber. The protective cover may include the axial portions. The step of securing the protective cover in place may include positioning the axial portions of the protective cover within the receiving chamber formed by the axial portions.

[0042] It should be understood that the configurations referenced above are illustrative examples of the application of the principles of the present invention. Although the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in relation to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, numerous modifications and alternative configurations can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As shown in the examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hooking assembly for use with entanglement-type capture projectiles, A hook comprising at least one apex portion and a sharp prong extending distally from the apex portion, A protective cover is carried adjacent to the vertex portion of the at least one hook, the protective cover having a planar and flat surface, and the protective cover and It has, The protective cover is positioned relative to the at least one hook such that the sharp prongs of the at least one hook extend distally from the protective cover, thereby allowing the protective cover to be supported adjacent to the apex portion of the at least one hook while leaving the sharp prongs exposed. Hook assembly.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover is attachable to or connectable to the at least one hook, or is integrally formed with the at least one hook.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover is integrally formed with the at least one hook.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of hooks, each of which has a vertex portion, and the plurality of vertex portions collectively support the protective cover.

5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of hooks includes an axial portion extending distally from the apex portion, the axial portion collectively defining at least one receiving chamber, and the protective cover includes the axial portion, the axial portion of the protective cover is receivable within the at least one receiving chamber formed by the axial portion.

6. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein the protective cover includes a plurality of receiving slots formed therein, each receiving slot being operable to receive therein one vertex portion of the plurality of hooks.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the receiving slot includes one or more retaining clips associated therewith, and the retaining clips are operable to detachably secure the top portion within the receiving slot.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hook has a cross-sectional area at its apex, and the planar, flat surface portion of the protective cover includes a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the apex of the at least one hook.

9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hook has a hook curvature, and the protective cover has a cover curvature different from the hook curvature.

10. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an anchor connected to a tether, wherein at least one hook is connected to the anchor.

11. A method for providing a protective cover for a hook assembly including a plurality of hooks, wherein each of the plurality of hooks has a top portion and a sharp prong extending distally from the top portion, and the method is: A step of obtaining a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is planar and has a flat surface, and The process involves positioning the protective cover relative to the vertices of the plurality of hooks such that the sharp prongs of the plurality of hooks extend distally from the protective cover, thereby allowing the protective cover to be supported by the plurality of hooks while leaving the sharp prongs exposed. The steps include: fixing the protective cover to the plurality of hooks in a predetermined position; A method of having.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of fixing the protective cover in a predetermined position comprises the step of detachably attaching the protective cover to the vertex portions of the plurality of hooks in a predetermined position.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of hooks collectively provide a cross-sectional area at the vertex portions, and the planar, flat surface of the protective cover includes a cross-sectional area larger than the collectively cross-sectional area of ​​the vertex portions of the hooks.

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