Joints and connections – Manually releaseable latch type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-09
2001-02-27
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Manually releaseable latch type
C403S019000, C403S033000, C294S019200, C294S082190, C294S082200, C294S082270
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193432
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to latch hooks and more specifically it relates to a hook and unhooking coupling device for enabling a user to easily attach or remove a latch hook from a boat or other object.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Latch hooks have been in use for years. Typically, a latch hook comprises a hook member, a eyelet member attached to the lower end of the hook member, and a spring latch pivotally attached to the hook member. A rope or cable is typically attached within the eyelet.
The user typically has to manually grasp the hook member while simultaneously retaining the spring latch open to attach or remove the hook member from a hook upon a boat or other structure to be retained. This can be extremely burdensome and cumbersome for the user who must often times physically extend themselves to place the hook member about a hook. In addition, the user must sometimes enter the water to connect the hook member with the hook.
While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for enabling a user to easily attach or remove a latch hook from a boat or other object. There currently is no system to easily attach or remove a latch hook from a boat.
In these respects, the hook and unhooking coupling device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of enabling a user to easily attach or remove a latch hook from a boat or other object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of latch hooks now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new hook and unhooking coupling device construction wherein the same can be utilized for enabling a user to easily attach or remove a latch hook from a boat or other object.
The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new hook and unhooking coupling device that has many of the advantages of the latch hooks mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new hook and unhooking coupling device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art latch hooks, either alone or in any combination thereof.
To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a pole member, and an engaging member having an opening and a tongue member secured to the distal end of the pole. The engaging member comprises a first member secured to a second member having an open V-shaped cross sectional area. A first edge is secured to the first member and a second edge is secured to the second member while leaving the opening unobstructed. The engaging member is removably positionable about the eyelet member of a latch hook for opening the spring latch while simultaneously retaining the latch hook firmly thereby allowing the user to manipulate the pole member so that the latch hook is positioned about a desired hook. After the latch hook is positioned about the desired hook, the user then manually pulls the engaging member from the latch hook thereby allowing the spring latch to close thereby preventing the latch hook from being accidentally removed. To remove a latch hook from a hook, the user simply reverses this process.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements 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 and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a hook and unhooking coupling device that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
Another object is to provide a hook and unhooking coupling device that enables anyone to safely secure a line to a vessel without the assistance of another individual.
An additional object is to provide a hook and unhooking coupling device that allows a user to connect the winch of a boat trailer to a boat without entering the water.
A further object is to provide a hook and unhooking coupling device that fits various shapes and sizes of latch hooks.
Another object is to provide a hook and unhooking coupling device that allows the user to connect a latch hook with a hook many feet away.
A further object is to provide a hook and unhooking coupling device that significantly reduces the amount of time to secure or remove a latch hook from another hook.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1281336 (1918-10-01), Frazier
patent: 2116880 (1938-05-01), Dee
patent: 3913515 (1975-10-01), Hernsjo et al.
patent: 4595223 (1986-06-01), Hawie
patent: 4932700 (1990-06-01), Hart
patent: 5190330 (1993-03-01), Dunham
patent: 5463918 (1995-11-01), Lemieux et al.
Browne Lynne H.
Malcolm Tomlyne A
Neustel Michael S.
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