Patent Abstract:
A loop engaging G-hook with a metal interior having a polymer covering. The metal interior remains uncovered in selected regions which engage the connection strap and loops during use. One uncovered region may be a wave-form crossbar in a threading eyelet engaging the strap. Another uncovered portion may define an inwardly projecting ridge disposed along the inboard edge of the hooking arm adapted to extend through the loops. The selective combination of bare and covered metal provides a high level of strength in a low profile hook structure.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of, and priority from U.S. provisional application 61/584,512 filed Jan. 9, 2012. The contents of such prior provisional application and all other documents referenced in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to strap connectors, and more specifically to a G-Hook adapted to accept a threaded strap and to interface with stitched-in webbing loops in a load support system in a claw-like manner to establish an operative connection between the strap and the webbing loops. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In many modern backpack systems loads are distributed by use of strap connections running between the pack and a vest or other torso covering structure worn by the user. By cinching the strap connections between the pack and the user&#39;s torso, such systems facilitate a more even distribution of load by moving a portion of the load from the user&#39;s shoulders and onto the torso and waist. Such load distribution reduces fatigue during prolonged use by allowing a broader group of muscle groups to carry the load. In practice, the straps may be operatively connected to the torso by hooking into loops on so called MOLLE (Modular Light Weight Load Carrying Equipment) webbing. Such MOLLE webbing typically includes a series of open loops formed by stitching the webbing to a vest panel or other support structure at positions along the length of the webbing. The straps from the pack may be attached to hook connectors which engage the loops to establish a reversible connection. 
         [0004]    In the past, the hook connectors have been made predominantly from metal to provide adequate strength. However, such metal components may be subject to damage and corrosion, and are more visible when using night vision. Some plastic hook connectors have been used but such structures have been relatively large and bulky in order to provide the desired strength. Moreover, prior plastic parts have been difficult to attach to the connecting strap in a secure manner. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a loop engaging G-hook with a metal interior having a polymer covering. The metal interior remains uncovered in selected regions which engage the connection strap and loops during use. One uncovered region may be a wave-form crossbar in a threading eyelet engaging the strap. Another uncovered portion may define an inwardly projecting ridge disposed along the inboard edge of the hooking arm adapted to extend through the loops. The selective combination of bare and covered metal provides a high level of strength in a low profile structure while securely engaging the strap and loops. 
         [0006]    In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides a G-Hook of multi-layer construction adapted to operatively connect an elongated connection strap to a webbing loop projecting away from an underlying support surface. The G-Hook includes a base portion of substantially planar geometry having an interior eyelet extending through the base portion. The eyelet is adapted to receive the connection strap in pass through relation across the base portion. The G-Hook further includes a hooking arm of generally “J” shaped configuration partially surrounding a loop engagement slot disposed adjacent to the base portion. The hooking arm has a first lateral segment extending away from the base portion, a crossing segment disposed transverse to the first lateral segment and a second lateral segment extending away from the crossing segment in the direction of the base portion. The second lateral segment has a free end spaced apart from the base portion with a space between the free end and the base portion defining a perimeter passage into the loop engagement slot opening. A metal crossbar extends between lateral sides of the eyelet. A metal ridge is disposed along an inboard side of the crossing segment and projects into the loop engagement slot towards the base portion. The crossbar and metal ridge are uncovered portions of a metal insert disposed in embedded, sandwiched relation between a pair of opposing polymeric covering layers. 
         [0007]    Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment for an exemplary G-hook in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is another schematic perspective view illustrating the reverse side of the exemplary G-hook in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a schematic assembly view illustrating the components of an exemplary G-hook consistent with  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view illustrating an exemplary metal insert used in the assembly practice illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5-7  are a series of schematic views illustrating threading a strap around a metal wave-form crossbar in a threading eyelet of an exemplary G-hook consistent with  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an exemplary vest incorporating a MOLLE webbing system suitable for engagement by an exemplary G-hook consistent with  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are a set of schematic views illustrating the establishment of a claw-like engagement between the hooking arm of an exemplary G-hook consistent with  FIGS. 1 and 2  and a MOLLE loop to provide a secure connection between the MOLLE loop and a threaded strap; 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a view illustrating left side and right side connections using exemplary G-hooks in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective view illustrating another embodiment for an exemplary G-hook in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of the exemplary G-hook of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  is a view taken generally along line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 13 ; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  is a view taken generally along line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 13 . 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Before exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is in no way limited in its application or construction to the details and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the disclosure is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or being carried out in various ways. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Reference will now be made to figures wherein to the extent possible, like reference numerals are used to designate like elements in the various views. Turning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary G-hook  10  is shown. As illustrated, the exemplary G-hook  10  includes a base portion  12  of generally rectangular annular construction with rounded corners having an eyelet  14  adapted to receive a strap threaded in a manner as will be described further hereinafter. As shown, the base portion  12  may substantially surround the eyelet  14  such that the eyelet is enclosed on all sides. A crossbar  16  of substantially sine wave construction extends across the eyelet  14 . In the exemplary embodiment, the crossbar is uncovered metal and acts to engage the threaded strap in the final connected arrangement. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the crossbar  16  defines substantially one complete wave with a maxima peak and a minima peak projecting away from opposite faces of the G-Hook  10 . However, other configurations may likewise be used. 
         [0022]    In the illustrated exemplary construction, the amplitude of the wave formed by the crossbar  16  is such that both peaks of the wave may extend past the plane defined by the surrounding base portion  12 . As will be appreciated, such a configuration with peaks extending beyond the surrounding base portion may facilitate threading a strap between the crossbar  16  and the surrounding base portion  12  in a manner as will be described hereinafter. However it is also contemplated that the total amplitude of the wave may be equal to or less than the thickness dimension of the eyelet  14  and that no portion of the crossbar  16  projects past the plane of the surrounding base portion  12  if desired. 
         [0023]    As shown, the exemplary G-Hook  10  further includes a hooking arm denoted generally by reference numeral  20  of generally claw-like, “J” shaped construction extending away from one lateral side of the base portion  12  to define a loop engagement slot  22  below the base portion  12 . In the illustrated exemplary construction, the hooking arm  20  may include a first lateral leg  24  connected to a lateral side of the base portion  12  with a crossing segment  26  extending transverse to the first lateral leg  24  and a second lateral leg  28  projecting upwardly from the crossing segment  26  towards the base portion  12 . As illustrated, the second lateral leg  28  has a free distal end and does not intersect with the base portion  12 . Accordingly, the gap between the base portion  12  and the second lateral leg  28  defines a lateral passageway into the loop engagement slot  22 . 
         [0024]    In the illustrated exemplary construction, an uncovered metal ridge  30  projects away from the inboard side of the crossing segment  26  and into the loop engagement slot  22  towards the base portion  12 . As will be described further hereinafter, the metal ridge  30  may engage the interior of a MOLLE loop during hooking engagement between the G-Hook and the MOLLE loop during use to promote a secure connection. 
         [0025]    As can be best seen through reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in accordance with the illustrated exemplary construction both the crossbar  16  and the metal ridge  30  are portions of a metal insert  40  of steel or other suitable material. By way of example only, and not limitation, the metal insert  40  may be a one-piece structure formed from relatively light gauge spring steal or the like sandwiched between a first covering layer  42  of one piece construction and a second covering layer  44  of one piece construction. The first covering layer  42  and the second covering layer  44  each may be formed of non-fragmenting polymer configured to substantially cover portions of the metal insert other than the crossbar  16  and the metal ridge  30 . In the event of impact, the polymer and metal will not fragment into multiple pieces, but will simply deform or be pierced. 
         [0026]    As shown, the first covering layer  42  and the second covering layer  44  may have matching perimeter geometries which each substantially correspond to the desired final perimeter geometry for the assembled G-Hook  10 . In the illustrated exemplary construction, the portions the first covering layer  42  and the second covering layer  44  cooperatively forming the second lateral leg  28  may be slightly raised relative to the portions forming the crossing segment  26  so as to define a raised step  46  between the crossing segment  26  and the second lateral leg  28  on one or both faces of the assembled G-Hook ( FIG. 2 ). As will be described, during use, the raised steps  46  may aid in blocking against unintended withdrawal of the G-Hook  10  following loop engagement. 
         [0027]    As shown, the first covering layer  42  and the second covering layer  44  may each include a pattern of surface indentations  47  which facilitate gripping by a user without unduly reducing strength. In this regard, the first covering layer  42  and the second covering layer  44  may have either similar or dissimilar surface topography features across their respective faces. Regardless of the surface topography features for the first covering layer  42  and the second covering layer  44 , each of these layers includes an enclosed window opening  48  adapted to overlay and receive portions of the crossbar  16  with surrounding space to define the open eyelet  14  with spacing on either side of the crossbar  16  as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0028]    As best seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first covering layer  42  may include a recess  50  having a perimeter geometry substantially matching the outer perimeter of the metal insert  40  such that the metal insert may be received in nesting relation to be at least partially sunken within the recess  50  during assembly or over molding. In accordance with one exemplary practice, to aid in proper positioning and to reduce the possibility of lateral shifting after assembly, the surface of the recess may be provided with a pattern of raised detents  52  positioned for acceptance within aligned openings  54  in the metal insert  40 . If desired, a minor image recess (not shown) may likewise be provided at the interior surface of the second covering layer  44 . Regardless of whether the recess is provided at the first covering layer  42 , the second covering layer  44  or both, in the final construction the metal insert  40  will be in sufficient sunken relation to permit the outer perimeter ridges of the first covering layer  42  and the second covering layer  44  to be welded or otherwise sealed along a perimeter seam line without interference from the metal insert or over molded plastic over the metal insert. Thus, the metal insert  40  will be in embedded sandwiched relation between the covering layers. 
         [0029]    As illustrated, an inboard surface of the metal insert  40  disposed generally parallel to the crossbar  16  forms the uncovered metal ridge  30  in the final construction. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the metal insert  40  includes a lower segment  56  positioned generally in embedded juxtaposed relation to segments of the first covering layer  42  and the second covering layer  44  forming the crossing segment  26 . However, the height dimension of this lower segment is slightly greater than the height dimension of the overlying portions of the first covering layer  42  and the second covering layer  44 . Thus, the uncovered metal ridge  30  projects beyond the boundary of the crossing segment covering layers and into the loop engagement slot  22  in the final construction. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , an exemplary threading arrangement is illustrated for a connection strap  60 . As indicated previously, the connection strap  60  may be connected at its other end to a backpack or other structure (not shown). As illustrated, in the exemplary threading practice the connection strap is threaded through one side of the open eyelet  14  and around the crossbar  16  and back out the other side of the open eyelet  14  to cinch the connection strap  60  in place. Once the cinch connection is made, the connection strap  60  may substantially cover the bare metal of the crossbar  16  ( FIG. 7 ). As will be appreciated, the wave construction of the crossbar  16  may facilitate threading by presenting spaces between the crossbar  16  and the surrounding surface of the base portion  12 . Moreover, with the peaks of the waveform crossbar extending beyond the plane of the base portion  12  on both faces, the connection strap  60  may be threaded without regard to the orientation of the G-hook  10 . That is, the hooking arm  20  may be either up or down as may be desired for the type of connection to be made by the G-Hook. 
         [0031]    As noted previously, a G-Hook  10  in accordance with the present disclosure may be well suited to operatively engage loops on so called MOLLE (Modular Light Weight Load Carrying Equipment) webbing. By way of example only and not limitation,  FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of a torso covering garment such as a vest  66  or the like as may be worn by a user incorporating a multiplicity of MOLLE webbing loops. In the illustrated exemplary arrangement, the vest  66  includes one or more attached webbings  68 . Of course, the number and placement of the webbings  68  is subject to substantial discretion and may be varied as desired depending upon the intended use. As shown, the webbings  68  may include connection elements  70  in the form of connective stitching, mechanical attachments, adhesives or the like attaching the webbings  68  to the surface of the vest  66 . The connections may be disposed periodically along the length of the webbings to form a series of loops  72  between the connection elements  70  such that the loops  72  are adapted to matedly receive male elements in pass-through relation. By way of example only, and not limitation, the vest webbings  16  may be formed from segments of elastomeric or inelastic fabric, although other materials as may be desired may likewise be used. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the insertion of the hooking arm  20  into a webbing loop  72  is illustrated. As shown, this insertion is accomplished by extending the crossing segment  26  and the second lateral leg  28  of the hooking arm  20  into a loop  72  ( FIG. 9 ). Upon full insertion, the second lateral leg  28  extends through to the far side of the loop  72  and the loop  72  is captured within the loop engagement slot  22 . In this condition, the loop  72  rests on the hooking arm and substantially covers the metal ridge  30 . Thus, a low profile connection is established. As tension is applied to the connection strap  60 , the metal ridge  60  will be pulled towards the opposing connection element  70  and will advance into the naturally occurring crevice between the connection element and the underlying base material of the vest  66  and the raised step  46  is positioned outboard from the ridge of the loop  72 . In this final tensioned condition, the raised step  46  will block unintentional withdrawal of the hooking arm from the loop in the absence of intentional manipulation. 
         [0033]    In the illustrated exemplary construction, G-Hook  10  also may include an extended finger pull tab  74  at the corner of the hooking arm forming the intersection between the first lateral leg portion  24  and the crossing segment  26 . This extended finger pull tab aids a user in grasping the G-hook  10  for tilting manipulation when disengagement is desired. 
         [0034]    As noted previously, the exemplary construction may be used for both left side and right side engagement. This feature is illustrated in  FIG. 11  wherein the connection straps have been removed for purposes of visibility. As will be appreciated, the ability to use a common design for both left and right side connections may provide a the user with substantial versatility. In particular, a user may use a single design G-hook  10  to attach straps from both sides of a backpack (not shown) to adjacent loops  72  on a torso covering garment to secure the pack in place in a buckle-like fashion and to distribute a portion of the load away from the user&#39;s shoulders. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 12 and 13  provide an alternative embodiment for an exemplary G-Hook  110  consistent with the present disclosure, wherein like elements to those described previously are designated by like reference numerals increased by  100 . As will be understood, the embodiment of  FIGS. 11 and 12  is substantially similar to those previously described with the exception that the second lateral leg  128  defining the free end of the hooking arm defines a generally wedge-shaped beak extending outboard beyond the edge of the base portion  112 . 
         [0036]    As shown, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13  the second lateral leg includes a convex curved outboard surface with the second lateral leg  128  having a configuration corresponding generally to that of the bow of a ship with a narrowing width progressing outwardly and downwardly. As best seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , in the exemplary G-Hook  110 , the second lateral leg  128  has an upper surface  180  which both slopes and narrows to a distal point  182  at the outer edge of the second lateral leg  128 . In addition, the front and rear faces of the second lateral leg  128  converge progressively towards one another at the distal point  182 . Thus, the second lateral leg is thicker adjacent the crossing segment  126  than at the convex curved outboard surface. 
         [0037]    As will be appreciated, the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 12-15  may be beneficial in providing a very low resistance force as the second lateral leg  128  is inserted into a loop as previously described. However, since the second lateral leg  128  is still raised at the intersection with crossing segment  126  to form a raised step  146 , a secure blocking arrangement is maintained to prevent unintentional withdrawal. 
         [0038]    As will be appreciated, the present disclosure provides a number of advantages. By way of example only these advantages may include, the absence of twisting or reconfiguration to switch sides; improved strength from the metal insert; low profile, secure connection under tension; reduced possibility for fragmentation; and adaptability to fit onto any suitable webbing. Of course, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it is to be understood that the disclosure 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 disclosure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8