Abstract:
A hook assembly configured to securely connect a strap to a device includes first and second hook members, first and second covers, and a resilient sleeve. The first hook member is configured to pivot with respect to the second hook member into an open position. The first and second covers encase at least portions of the first and second hook members, respectively. The resilient sleeve secures the first hook member to the second hook member and exerts a constant force into the hook members to maintain them in a closed position.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/716,849 entitled “Hook Device,” filed Sep. 14, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to hook assemblies, and more particularly to hook assemblies configured for use with slings, straps, webbing, ropes, or the like.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Various devices include a strap, sling, webbing, rope, or the like that is configured to allow users to easily and comfortably carry or wear the devices. For example, a large weapon, such as a shotgun or a semi-automatic assault rifle, may include a lanyard, strap or sling operatively connected to the weapon that allows a soldier, hunter, police office or the like to carry the weapon over a shoulder.  
         [0004]     When field operatives or law enforcement personnel are operating in tactical environments, their weapons need to “at-the-ready” at all times. As such, weapon slings have been used to allow for convenient carrying of the weapon at an easily accessible position.  
         [0005]     Typically, slings are secured to devices, such as weapons, by hook devices. In a tactical encounter, a sling failure may have negative and even disastrous results. When a sling of a weapon fails, the failure is usually attributed to the failure of the hook devices, and not the strap or webbing. For example, a hook device may fail mechanically, such as a portion of the hook snapping off or a spring loaded gate malfunctioning. Also, normal wear and tear may adversely affect the hook device, particularly if the hook device includes a spring-loaded gate. In any event, any type of hook device failure may result in the loss of the attached weapon. At a minimum, if the strap device breaks or otherwise malfunctions, the weapon may be difficult to transport.  
         [0006]     Moreover, many hook devices are of all metal construction. Such metal hook devices may rattle against the weapon, thereby producing unwanted noise in a tactical environment. Further, a metal hook produces an infrared signature that is apparent when viewed through night vision devices.  
         [0007]     Thus, a need exists for a more durable and reliable hook assembly. Further, a need exists for a hook assembly that is not susceptible to rattling against a device, or producing a noticeable infrared signature.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a hook assembly configured to securely connect a strap to a device. The hook assembly may include first and second hook members, first and second covers, and a resilient sleeve.  
         [0009]     Each hook member may be formed of metal and include a strap-securing base integrally formed with an intermediate engagement member or area, which is in turn integrally formed with a hook. At least a portion of the intermediate engagement member of one hook member is pivotally biased into at least a portion of the intermediate engagement member of the other hook member at a pivoting interface. The first hook member is configured to pivot into an open position with respect to the second member about the pivoting interface.  
         [0010]     The first cover encases a least a portion of the first hook member, and may be formed of an infrared reflective material. Similarly, the second cover encases at least a portion of the second hook member, and also may be formed of the infrared reflective material.  
         [0011]     The resilient sleeve may be overmolded around at least portions of the strap-securing bases, thereby securing the first hook member to the second hook member. The resilient sleeve acts to squeeze the first and second hook members together in a closed position by exerting a constant inwardly directed force into the strap-securing bases. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of a hook member according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front perspective view of a hook member according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front perspective view of an over-molded hook member according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front perspective view of an over-molded hook member according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front perspective view of a hook assembly with an exposed joint gap according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of a hook assembly through line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a simplified representation of a hook assembly in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric front view of a hook assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of a hook assembly through line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of a resilient overmolded joint sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of a user engaging the hook assembly into an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  illustrates an isometric view of a hook assembly engaging a securing loop member according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of a hook assembly secured to a securing loop member according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0025]     Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of a hook member  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hook member  10  may be a piece of stamped metal, and may include a strap-securing base  12  integrally formed with an intermediate engagement area or member  14 . A hook  16  is integrally connected to, and extends from, the intermediate engagement area  14 .  
         [0027]     The strap-securing base  12  includes a lower crossbeam  18  integrally connected with lateral uprights  20 , which are in turn integrally connected to an upper crossbeam  22 . A strap-securing channel  24  is defined between the lower crossbeam  18 , the lateral uprights  20 , and the upper crossbeam  22 . The strap-securing base  12  is configured to receive and retain a strap, sling, webbing, rope, or the like within the strap-securing channel  24 .  
         [0028]     The intermediate engagement area  14  integrally connects to the upper crossbeam  22  of the strap-securing base  12 . The intermediate engagement area  14  is positioned over one of the lateral uprights  20 , and may include an outwardly extending spur  26 . The spur  26  provides greater surface area for a user to engage.  
         [0029]     The hook  16  includes an extension beam  28  integrally formed with, and extending upwardly from, an upper portion of the spur  26 . The extension beam  28  is integrally connected to a curved portion  30  that is, in turn, integrally connected to a distal tip  32 . A securing cavity  34  is defined between the extension beam  28 , the curved portion  30 , and the distal tip  32 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front perspective view of a hook member  40  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hook member  40  may be identical to the hook member  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). That is, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the front view of the hook member  40  may merely be a rear view of the hook member  10 .  
         [0031]     Similar to the hook member  10 , the hook member  40  may be a piece of stamped metal, and may include a strap-securing base  42  integrally formed with an intermediate engagement area  44 . A hook  46  is integrally connected to, and extends from, the intermediate engagement area  44 .  
         [0032]     The strap-securing base  42  includes a lower crossbeam  48  integrally connected with lateral uprights  50 , which are in turn integrally connected to an upper crossbeam  52 . A strap-securing channel  54  is defined between the lower crossbeam  48 , the lateral uprights  50 , and the upper crossbeam  52 . The strap-securing base  42  is configured to receive and retain a strap, sling, webbing, rope, or the like within the strap-securing channel  54 .  
         [0033]     The intermediate engagement area  44  integrally connects to the upper crossbeam  52  of the strap-securing base  42 . The intermediate engagement area  44  is positioned over one of the lateral uprights  50 , and includes an outwardly extending spur  56 .  
         [0034]     The hook  46  includes an extension beam  58  integrally formed with, and extending upwardly from, an upper portion of the spur  56 . The extension beam  58  is integrally connected to a curved portion  60  that is, in turn, integrally connected to a distal tip  62 . A securing cavity  64  is defined between the extension beam  58 , the curved portion  60 , and the distal tip  62 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front perspective view of the hook member  10  with an overmolded cover  66 . The overmolded cover  66  may extend over the lateral uprights  20  and the upper cross beam  22  of the strap-securing base  12 , and over at least a portion of the intermediate engagement area  14 . The overmolded cover  66  may also extend over the hook  16 .  
         [0036]     The overmolded cover  66  may be an infrared reflective polymer resin and/or a resilient elastomeric polymer that covers the metal portions identified above of the hook member  10 . However, the overmolded cover  66  does not cover at least a portion of the lower crossbeam  18 . Instead, the metal lower crossbeam  18  remains exposed.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front perspective view of the hook member  40  with an overmolded cover  68 . The overmolded cover  68  covers similar metal portions of the hook member  40  as compared to the overmolded cover  66  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) with respect to the hook member  10  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Similar to the hook member  10 , at least a portion of the lower crossbeam  48  of the hook member  40  is not covered by the overmolded cover  68 .  
         [0038]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a pressure pad  70  or engagement surface is formed on the overmolded cover  68  proximate the spur  56 . While not shown in  FIG. 3 , the overmolded cover  66  also includes a pressure pad. Again, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the front view of the hook member  40  may be a rear view of the hook member  10 .  
         [0039]     The pressure pad  70  is configured to be engaged by a user. For example, a user may engage the pressure pad  70  with a thumb or finger.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front perspective view of a hook assembly  72  with an exposed joint gap  74  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The joint gap  74  is defined by the exposed lower crossbeam  18  of the strap-securing base  12  of the hook member  10 , and the exposed lower crossbeam  48  (hidden by the lower crossbeam  18 ) of the hook member  40 .  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the hook member  10  abuts against the hook member  40 . A securing area  76  is defined between the hook  16 , and the intermediate engagement area  14  of the hook member  10 , and the opposed hook  46  and the intermediate engagement area  44  of the hook  40 . The pressure pad  70  of the hook member  40  is disposed on one side of the securing area  76 , while the pressure pad of the hook member  10  (hidden from view in  FIG. 5 )) is disposed on the other side of the securing area  76 . Further, the pressure pad of the hook member  10  faces the opposite direction as the pressure pad  70  the hook member  40 .  
         [0042]     The distal tip  32  of the hook  16  overlays the extension beam  58  of the hook  46 . Further, the extension beam  28  of the hook  16  overlays the distal tip  62  (hidden from view in  FIG. 5 ) of the hook  46 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the hook assembly  72  through line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . The overmolded intermediate engagement area  14  of the hook member  10  is directly biased against the overmolded intermediate engagement area  44  of the hook member  40 . Similarly, the curved portion  30  of the hook  16  abuts against the curved portion  60  of the hook  46 . A gap  78  may be formed between the exposed lower crossbeam  18  of the strap-securing base  12 , and the exposed lower cross beam  48  of the strap-securing base  42 .  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , when a user exerts a force into the pressure pad  70  of the hook member  40 , and an oppositely-directed force into the pressure pad (hidden from view in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of the hook member  10 , the hook members  10  and  40  pivot about one another at the interface of the overmolded intermediate engagement areas  14  and  44 . Consequently, the hooks  16  and  46  separate from one another, as do the strap-securing bases  12  and  42 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 7  illustrates a simplified representation of the hook assembly  72  in an open position. When a force is exerted into the pressure pad  80  of the hook member  10  in the direction of A, while an opposite force is exerted into the pressure pad  70  of the hook member  40  in the direction of B, the hook members  10  and  40  pivot relative to one another about the biased intermediate engagement areas  14  and  44 . Consequently, the hook  16  moves away from the hook  46  in the direction of arrow A, while the hook  46  simultaneously moves away from the hook  16  in the direction of arrow B. During this movement, the strap-securing base  12  moves away from the strap-securing base  42  in the direction of arrow B, while the strap-securing base  42  simultaneously moves away from the strap-securing base  12  in the direction of arrow A.  
         [0046]      FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric front view of a hook assembly  72  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the hook assembly  72  through line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIGS. 5-9 , after the hook member  10  is aligned with respect to the hook member  40  as shown in  FIG. 5 , the hook assembly  72  is placed into a mold. A flexible polymer is injected into the mold around the joint gap  74  (i.e., the exposed lower crossbeam  18  and the exposed lower crossbeam  48 ). The injected flexible polymer hardens and forms a flexible overmolded joint sleeve  82  that covers the lower cross beam  18  and the lower cross beam  48 . Because the overmolded joint sleeve  82  is resilient and flexible, the overmolded joint sleeve  82  allows the strap-securing bases  12  and  42  to separate from one another, as discussed above. However, after a user disengages the pressure pads, the resilient overmolded joint sleeve  82  squeezes the securing bases  12  and  42  back toward one another. That is, the resilient overmolded joint sleeve  82  exerts a constant inwardly directed force into the lower crossbeams  18  and  48 . A user may overcome this force by engaging the pressure pads  70  and  80 , as indicated above. When force is exerted into the pressure pads  70  and  80 , the hook  16  separates from the hook  46 , while the strap-securing base  12  separates from the strap-securing base  42 . Once force is no longer exerted into the pressure pads  70  and  80 , the resilient overmolded joint sleeve  82  squeezes the lower crossbeams  18  and  48  toward one another. Consequently, the hook  16  is urged back toward the hook  46 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of the resilient overmolded joint sleeve  82 . The overmolded joint sleeve  82  may be formed of a flexible polymer, such as an elastomeric material. The overmolded joint sleeve  82  includes two channels  84  and  86  formed around the lower crossbeams  18  and  48  during the injection molding process.  
         [0049]      FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of a user engaging the hook assembly  72  into an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, exerting force into the opposed pressure pads (only pressure pad  80  shown in  FIG. 11 ) spreads the hooks  16  and  46  away from each other. Thus, a securing loop may be inserted over the hooks  16  and  46 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 12  illustrates an isometric view of the hook assembly  72  engaging a securing loop member  90  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The securing loop member  90  may be attached to a device, such as a weapon, while the hook assembly  72  may be secured to a strap. The securing loop member  90  includes a loop or ring  92 . The loop  92  is inserted between the opened hooks  16  and  46  such that the distal tip  32  is inserted through the loop  92  and the distal tip  62  is also inserted through the loop  92 . Once the loop  92  is positioned around both the hooks  16  and  46 , a user disengages the pressure pads.  
         [0051]      FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of the hook assembly  72  secured to the securing loop member  90  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Once a user disengages the pressure pads  70  and  80  (only pressure pad  70  shown in  FIG. 13 ), the resilient overmolded joint sleeve  82  squeezes the hook member  10  back toward the hook member  40  in a closed position, as discussed above, thereby trapping the loop  92  over the hooks  16  and  46 . Thus, the securing loop member  92  may be secured to the hook assembly  72 .  
         [0052]     Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a durable and reliable hook assembly. Unlike prior hook devices, the embodiments discussed above do not include a fragile gate. Further, because the hook assembly includes metal hook members covered by overmolded plastic or another such polymer, the hook assembly is stronger than a unitary plastic hook. Further, because the hook assembly includes the plastic or polymer overmold, hook assembly is not susceptible to metal-to-metal banging or rattling. Additionally, the overmolded cover minimizes the infrared signature of the covered metal hook members of the hook assembly.  
         [0053]     It is to be understood that terms such as top, bottom, above, below, lower, upper, lateral, and the like are relative terms. While these terms have been used to describe embodiments of the invention, such terms are merely used with respect to the drawings. That is, the orientations described may be inverted or different depending on the position of the hook assemblies shown and described.  
         [0054]     Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.  
         [0055]     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.