Abstract:
A multiple pronged hook assembly has hook shafts that can be rotated and locked into desired positions individually, independent from the other hook shafts and is sealed free from outside elements, dirt, or liquid. A junction body securely encloses shafts of planetary hooks with a cylindrical opening to rotatably accommodate a cylindrical shaft of at least one circumferentially rotatable hook. A plunger rod has a rigging aperture at a top. A bottom end of the plunger is slidably disposed within a center of the junction body between the shafts of the plurality of planetary hooks to rotatably lock the at least one circumferentially rotatable hook when the plunger rod is in an up position and rotatably unlock the at least one circumferentially rotatable hook when the plunger rod is in a down position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present inventions relates to a circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A multipronged hook more commonly known as a grappling hook is a very difficult item to stow safely, securely, or conveniently. Some have utilized the less common folding grappling hook to address this concern. Folding grappling hooks have traits built in leaving subjects for consideration of safety, storage, flawless operation, and transportation. 
     Typically folding grappling hooks leave very sharp edges exposed to personal while the hooks are in the open or closed position. A typical folding grappling hook fixed in its folded closed or open position remains a very difficult and dangerous object to deal with. 
     A common grappling hook or folding grappling hook is a very difficult and dangerous item to stow on one&#39;s person. A common grappling hook or folding grappling hook is a very difficult item to stow safely or securely in a vehicle. A folding grappling hook must be available to personal for quick deployment in many if not all situations. Being able to stow the grappling hook on one&#39;s self safely and efficiently is essential in situations common to recreational, rescue, tactical, and military operations. 
     The mechanisms of typical folding grappling hooks are exposed to the local elements. Dirt, mud, and sand are very frequently applied to the same exposed mechanisms in everyday use. It is not uncommon for these conditions to cause the malfunction or failure of these same mechanisms common to folding grappling hooks. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS 
     Among the many objectives of this invention is to provide a multiple pronged hook that can be collapsed into a compact state for safety, convenience, storage, and transportation. 
     It is a further objective of this invention to provide a multiple pronged hook that will enclose the mechanisms of operation so that the same mechanisms are not exposed to the surrounding elements. 
     It is still further and objective of this invention to provide for a multiple pronged hook that can be deployed by the operator quickly and efficiently in stressful conditions with minimal moving parts. 
     Another objective of this invention is to provide for a multiple pronged hook that is safe for personal to use whether it is in the open or closed position. 
     Also an objective of this invention is to provide personal with a means to secure objects otherwise out of reach of the same personal. 
     The objectives of this invention and other objectives will become clear and evident while in review of the claims and drawings comprised in this application. 
     A circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook secures objects otherwise unattainable with one&#39;s normal reach. This circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook folds into a flat, compact, position for transportation, storage, and safety. The interior working mechanisms and components of this multiple pronged hook are sealed inside of a junction box to eliminate contamination from outside elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present inventions are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. 
       The details of the preferred embodiments and these and other objects and features of the inventions will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram of a circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook of this invention; 
         FIGS. 2, 2   a  and  2   b  illustrate hooks positioned in various configurations of open and closed positions available at the operators discretion according to this invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an exploded view of the first circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook of this invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a first junction box of this invention in bottom isometric, front isometric, top and bottom views of this invention; 
         FIG. 5  depicts the front, side, bottom, and isometric views of plunger rod  600  assembly of this invention; 
         FIG. 6  depicts the plug of this invention in bottom, and isometric views of this invention; 
         FIG. 7  depicts right, left, and isometric views of the planetary hook  300  of this invention; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a right, left, and isometric views of the planetary hook  400  of this invention; 
         FIG. 9  depicts right, left, and isometric views of the planetary hook  500  of this invention; and 
         FIG. 10  depicts the front view of spring used in this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook of this invention comprises of at least 3 hooks with shafts that are able to rotate circumferentially and independently from the other hooks in the assembly. 
     The body or junction box of the assembly will receive the hooks shafts. The junction box has tubular shaft seats around the axis of the body to receive the shafts of the hooks and allow the hooks to rotate on their shafts axis. The hooks are able to rotate on their axis so that each hook is parallel to each of the other hooks. The hooks are also able to rotate so that they are facing away from each other at predetermined angles. This invention comprises of hooks with shafts machined to allow the locking of the movable hooks into a predetermined position. The hooks can be locked in the open position. The hooks can also be locked in the closed position. The hooks can be locked open or closed independent of each other. The shafts are locked into a position on the junction box by means of a unique plunger shaft located centrally to the hook shafts and the body of the junction box assembly. This invention also provides for at least one hook in the assembly to be stationary allowing the other hooks to rest upon that stationary hook. This allows all of the hooks to lock into a position parallel to one another. The spring biased plunger shaft is depressed to allow the shafts of the hooks to rotate on the shafts axes. When the plunger is released the hooks are locked into their predetermined positions be it open or closed or any combination thereof. This circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook comprises moving mechanisms that are sealed to outside debris and elements buy means of close tolerance of the components and may include O-rings and seals for a water tight seal of the shafts comprised in the assembly. The flats machined into the hook shafts form a lip from the remaining complete round cross section at the top of the hook shafts that will abut the flat created from the reduced round cross section of the plunger shaft. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram of a circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook of this invention. The planetary hooks  300 ,  400 ,  500  are located inside identical receptacle hook fitting sites  702  of junction box  700 . The spring  900  is located centrally to the planetary hooks  300 ,  400 ,  500  and is centrally located in the junction box  700  running parallel to item  702  hook seats. The plunger rod  600  is located inside hole  704  of junction box  700  with item  605  and  601  of plunger rod assembly  600  protruding through the top of the hole  704  in junction box  700 . The plug  800  is located centrally to the planetary hooks  300 ,  400 ,  500  so that surface  805  of plug  800  is flush with the lower surface  705  of junction box  700 . 
     Item  803  spring keeper of end plug  800  is facing item spring keeper  603  of the plunger rod  600 . Planetary hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500  are then held in place vertically by lips  801  in triplicate of plug  800  engaging with slots  304 ,  404 , and  504  of the planetary hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500 . 
     The flats  604  in triplicate of plunger rod  600  are mated with flats  302 ,  402 , and  501  of the planetary hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500 . This configuration will result in the hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500  to be locked in the closed position. The plunger rod  600  is held in position vertically with pressure from spring  900 . The plunger rod  600  is free to be depressed by personal aligning slot  601  of plunger rod  600  with top surface  706  of junction body  700 . This action aligns relief sections  303  and  403  of planetary hooks  300  and  400 . In this position the planetary hooks  300  and  400  are free to turn on their perspective axis independently from each other and independently of planetary hook  500 . Planetary hook  500  remains locked circumferentially to junction box  700  independent of shafts of planetary hooks  300  and  400 . This position allows for planetary hooks  300  and  400  to be rotated to a position that flats  301  and  401  of planetary hooks  300  and  400  are in line with flats  604  in triplicate of plunger rod  600 . Pressure from personal is now relieved and spring pressure from spring  900  applies pressure to plunger rod  600 . The plunger rod  600  now returns to an undepressed state and is forced by the springs pressure into a position that allows flats  604  in triplicate of plunger rod  600  to mate with surfaces  301 ,  401  and  501  of planetary hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500 . With components in this position the planetary hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500  are all locked in the open position and relate 120 degrees from one another. Furthermore, planetary hooks  300  and  400  can be rotated and locked into position independent from each other by utilizing flats  301 ,  401 ,  302 ,  402 , and  604  in triplicate of plunger rod  600 . This operation requires plunger rod  600  to be depressed to a position that aligns slot  601  with the top surface  706  of junction body  700 . With the plunger rod  600  in this depressed position planetary hooks  300  and  400  are free to rotate circumferentially on their perspective axis while flats  604  are now aligning with relief sections  303  and  403  of planetary hooks  300  and  400 . The plunger rod  600  can be released and returned to its undepressed state to position so that flats  301 ,  302 ,  401 , or  402  align and mate with flats  604  of plunger rod  600  in triplicate. 
     Planetary hooks  300  and  400  are considered to be in the closed and locked position when plunger rod  600  is in the undepressed position mating surface  604  of plunger rod  600  with surface  707  of junction block  700  and additionally surfaces  604  of plunger rod  600  mate with surfaces  302 ,  402 , and  501  of planetary hooks  300 ,  400  and  500 . While in this closed position surfaces  306 ,  406 , and  506  of planetary hooks  300 ,  400  and  500  will mate with surface  606  of plunger rod  600 . 
     Planetary hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500  are considered in the open and locked position when plunger rod  600  is in the undepressed position mating surface  604  of plunger rod  600  with surface  707  of junction block  700  and additionally surfaces  604  in triplicate of plunger rod  600  mate with surfaces  301 ,  401  and  501  of planetary hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500 . While in this open position surfaces  306 ,  406 , and  506  of planetary hooks  300 ,  400  and  500  will mate with surface  604  in triplicate of plunger rod  600 . 
     In the closed position surfaces  306 ,  406 ,  506  of planetary hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500  mate with surface  606  of plunger rod  600 . This provides for a condition that any load applied to planetary hooks  300 , 400 , or  500  are transferred directly to plunger rod  600 . 
     In the open position surfaces  305 ,  405 ,  506  of planetary hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500  mate with surface  606  of plunger rod  600 . This provides for a condition that any load applied to planetary hooks  300 , 400 , or  500  are transferred directly to plunger rod  600 . 
       FIGS. 2, 2   a  and  2   b  illustrate hooks are illustrated positioned in various configurations of open and closed positions available at the operators discretion according to this invention. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook  100  of this invention with hook  300 ,  400 , and  500  in the open and locked position. 
       FIG. 2 a    depicts a circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook according to the invention with one hook ( 300  or  400 ) open and in the lock position and one hook ( 300  or  400 ) in the closed and locked. 
       FIG. 2 b    depicts a circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook according to the invention with hooks  300  and  400  in the closed and locked position. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an exploded perspective view of the first circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook of this invention. Each of the six components (hook  300 ,  400 ,  500 , plug  800  and plunger  600 ) of the invention are shown to fit inside of the block  700  of the invention so as to prevent contamination from outside elements to the internal mechanical workings. Hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500  fit inside block  700  along with plunger  600 , plug  800  and spring  900 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  are the seals for hook and plunger sites. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a first junction box  700  of this invention in bottom isometric, front isometric, top and bottom views of this invention.  FIG. 4  shows junction block  700  of this invention highlighting aperture  704  to receive plunger rod  600 .  FIG. 4  also details interior hook shafts sites  702  and seat for plunger  600 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts the front, side, bottom, and isometric views of plunger rod  600  assembly of this invention.  FIG. 5  is showing plunger  600  of this invention with views of flats  604  that mate with flats on hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500  of this invention.  FIG. 5  also shows aperture  605  that will accept a rigging device. Also detailed in  FIG. 5  is the reduced round  602  to allow the hook shafts clearance of motion while disengaged from flats in hooks  300 ,  400 , and  500 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts the plug  800  of this invention in bottom, and isometric views of this invention.  FIG. 6  shows end plug  800  of this invention and details hook seats  802  with raised keys  801  that mate with relieved round sections  304 , 404 , and  504  in shafts of the  300 ,  400 , and  500  hook shafts.  FIG. 6  also details spring keeper  803 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts right, left, and isometric views of the planetary hook  300  of this invention.  FIG. 7  shows hook  300  of this invention detailing the supporting lip  306  that will support any stress from force that is applied to aperture  605 . It also shows flats to mate with plunger  600  and reduced round  304  to accept key  801  of the end plug. Also detailed is the reduced round  303  that allows clearance for plunger  600  of this invention as the hook  300  is rotated on its own axis. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a right, left, and isometric views of the planetary hook  400  of this invention.  FIG. 8  shows hook  400  of this invention detailing the supporting lip  406  that will support any stress from force that is applied to aperture  605 . It also shows flats to mate with plunger  600  and reduced round  404  to accept key  801  of the end plug. Also detailed is the reduced round  403  that allows clearance for plunger  600  of this invention as the hook  400  is rotated on its own axis. 
       FIG. 9  depicts right, left, and isometric views of the planetary hook  500  of this invention.  FIG. 9  shows hook  500  of this invention detailing the supporting lip  506  that will support any stress from force that is applied to aperture  605 . It also shows flat to mate with plunger  600  and reduced round  504  to accept key  801  of the end plug. Hook  500  remains stationary in the hook seat  702  due to an extended lower flat surface without the reduced round cross section in its hook shaft as in the two non-stationary hooks. The two non-stationary hooks can move because of the reduced round cross sections  303  and  403  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts the front view of spring  900  used in this invention.  FIG. 10  shows the compression spring responsible for the axial action of the  600  plunger. 
       FIGS. 5 through 10  are detailed images of hook  300 , hook  400 , hook  500 , plunger  600 , plug  800 , and spring  900 . Detailing the parts that are designed to fit into block  600  and remain sealed from outside contamination. The lower shafts and appendages of each of the hooks will remain outside of the enclosed block  700  to enable the art and intended use of the circumferentially foldable multiple pronged hook.