Patent Application
20230383903
The present invention generally relates to a hook device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel device with a hook and an elongated member for use in installing banners/windscreens to a fence or similar structure.
A convenient device for installing banners/windscreens on a fence or similar structure is in demand.
Carabiners are used for various applications in many different activities, being a vital piece of equipment in climbing and other rope-related activities, used to keep rope users safe and secure. Carabiners can be used for a variety of outdoor recreational activities, such as rock climbing, mountaineering, and mountain rescue work. They can also be used in rescue work and as safety restraints in urban and industrial settings. Many different carabiners are available on the market, in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Generally, carabiners are made from aluminum, so that they are lightweight without compromising strength and durability. Carabiner D clips are also used to hang banners/windscreens with grommets onto chain link fencing—currently the only method available on the market of doing so. However, such an approach takes a great deal of time and effort. As many as 130 carabiner D clips might be used for such a task, requiring the use of ladders to reach the top of chain link fencing 6 feet and higher—not only for setup but also for takedown. Because the combined task of climbing a ladder 260 times raises safety concerns while also consuming a great deal of time, a device is needed to solve these problems.
The present invention is intended to address problems associated with and/or otherwise improve on conventional systems and devices through an innovative hook device that is designed to provide a convenient and effective means of installing banners/windscreens with grommets onto structures such as chain link fencing and later taking them down, while incorporating other problem-solving features.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.
According to some embodiments, a hook device is disclosed. The device comprises a body portion having a strap bent to form a loop; a hook portion connected to one of the ends of the body portion; and an elongated member connected to one of the ends, opposite to the end connected to the hook portion.
In one embodiment, the hook device includes an elongated rod connected to the hook portion.
In some embodiments, the elongated member and one of the ends, opposite to the end connected to the hook portion, are angularly connected at acute angles.
In some other embodiments, the hook portion is connected to a telescopic pole.
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention provides custom hooks that eliminate the need to use ladders to hang curtains and banners/windscreens with grommets onto suspension wiring and or chain link fencing (which can be from 3 feet to 17 feet high). These suspended screens must have grommets to allow use of this custom hook attachment.
The present invention can support banners/windscreens with grommets by using the grommets that are already installed on all fence windscreens.
As
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, which may be portable embodiments as shown in
In some embodiments, the body portion 30 can be a strap bent to form a loop terminating in two opposed, flat ends 31, 32 that can be brought together in an overlying relationship, wherein the loop defines a first distance 33 and a second distance 34. The first distance 33 is smaller than the second distance 34 so that the loop can securely hold a curtain ring, eyelet or similar objects inserted in the loop and exserting downward force on the bottom side of the loop. The loop (body portion 30), in some embodiments, can be configured to support eyelets of strip curtains or industrial art work.
The elongated member 10 can be connected to the other end of the U-shaped body at a suitable angle 36. In some embodiments, the point at which the elongated member 10 attaches to the U-shaped body 30 can be curved to provide a smooth connection. The elongated member 10 can be sufficiently long enough to be inserted into a hollow rod/poll 40 that can be used by a user 60 to lift a curtain or banner/windscreen, as shown in
Each component of the hook device 100 can be made of metal, whether steel, aluminum, or alloy, or of molded plastic.
The hook portion 20 can be configured and sized so that the hook device 100 can remain attached to each grommet position within a banner/windscreen 50 so equipped and become an integral part of that banner/windscreen 50, as shown in
In some embodiments, the user 60 can put one end of the hook device 100 (the hook portion 20 or the elongated member 10) through the hole of the grommets so that the body portion 30 holds the banner/windscreen 50 with the hook portion 20 extending to one side of the banner/windscreen 50 and the elongated member 10 extending to the other side of the banner/windscreen 50 so that the hook portion 20 can engage the fence or any structure on which the banner/windscreen 50 is to be installed and the elongated member 10 can be used to raise or take down the banner/windscreen 50, as shown in
The hook device can be designed with a unique feature useful for attaching it to the top of a fence without ladder support. For example, the elongated member can be attached to off-the-shelf adjustable/telescopic poles to reach heights of 6 feet to 17 feet. In another example, an extended rod which can be an off-the-shelf adjustable/telescopic pole (e.g., 8 feet in length) can include/be attached to the hook at the end, as shown in
In some embodiments, the hook device 100 can be coated to protect against rust and to avoid damaging painted fencing.
The present invention can reduce banner/windscreen installation and takedown time by 70%-80%. Equally important, its use eliminates the tedious, physically demanding, and dangerous task of climbing ladders.
In some embodiments, the user 60 can apply a cable tie 25 or other fastener to the body portion to secure the hook portion 20 to the grommet when installed, as shown in
In some other embodiments, the present invention can be made of bendable aluminum 6063-T5 (0.25″×0.125″×flat bar 102″ mill finish). This would reduce the weight of the hook load on banners/windscreens 50 from that encountered when using steel hooks, while allowing easier hand fabrication of hooks and the addition of coating dip.
The present invention can be fabricated from any type of material and can be extended (using a longer hook) to accommodate various hard-to-reach heights without requiring the use of ladders. In some cases, a square pole 40 extension would be the only tool needed to attach banners/windscreens 50 with grommets to fence tops.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63345257 | May 2022 | US |
