Patent ID: 7124479
Filing Date: 2006-10-24
Classification: A01K,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A snap hook comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis and first and second axially spaced ends; a hook at said first end of said body, said hook having an axially extending shank, a bail and a tip spaced from said body and defining a hook entrance mouth between said tip and said body; and a lock pin mounted in said body for axial movement toward said tip to a closed position and away from said tip to an open position; said snap hook being characterized by: a button mounted on said body for movement in a direction transverse to said axis; and a cam system between said button and said lock pin for translating transverse button movement into axial lock pin movement, said cam system including a curved cam surface providing a decreasing button force requirement throughout at least most of the range of button motion as said lock pin moves toward said open position; said lock pin including a segment within said body extending in a direction transverse to said axis, and said cam system including a cam surface on said button engaging said segment.