Patent ID: 7093330
Filing Date: 2006-08-22
Classification: F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A snap-hook, comprising: a hook, forming a portion of an eye loop; a lever that is pivotally movable relative to the hook, the lever forming a remaining portion of said eye loop with respect to the hook; a thumb tab that essentially engages the lever, and is positioned in a slot defined in the hook, whereby the thumb tab is slidable in the slot relative to the hook, forming a release mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the thumb tab in the slot causes the lever to pivot relative to the hook to open said eye loop, the lever further including an opening for receiving a protruding portion of the thumb tab, such that the lever can rotate to open said eye loop, essentially without sliding the thumb tab down in the slot of the hook; wherein the snap-hook has essentially broad, opposing, front and back sides, and relatively narrower edges, such that the back side of the snap-hook can be placed into the palm of a user's hand to hold the snap-hook, wherein the thumb tab is located on the front side of the snap-hook to allow simpler holding of the snap-hook and operation of the release mechanism with one hand while essentially eliminating swiveling of the snap-hook in the hand.