Hook and connector device

Abstract

A hook-connector includes first and second first hook parts. Each hook part includes first and second plates. The plates have a cord opening, and each plate is defined by a plate first end and a plate top edge. A hub is disposed between the first and second plates. A hook member is attached to the first ends of the plates, the hook member including a hook element defining a hook opening sized to receive the hub of the corresponding hook part. The hook member includes a means for ensuring a positive and releasable engagement of each hook element about the hub of the corresponding hook part. Each plate is further defined by a plate angled portion located between the plate first end and the plate top edge, the angled portions allowing the hook parts to be connected to one another with the angled portions in juxtaposed position to one another.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hook-connector, comprising:
 a first hook part and a second hook part, and wherein the first hook part and the second hook part each comprise:   a first plate and a second plate, the plates having a cord opening defined there-through, each plate being defined by a plate first end and a plate top edge;   a hub disposed between the first and second plates holding the first and second plates in essentially parallel, spaced apart relationship;   a hook member attached to the first end of at least one of the first and second plates, the hook member including a hook element defining a hook opening;   means for ensuring a positive and releasable engagement of each hook element about the hub of the corresponding hook part; and   wherein:   the hook opening is sized to receive the hub of the corresponding hook part; and   each plate is further defined by a plate angled portion disposed between the plate first end and the plate top edge, the plate angled portions allowing the first and second hook parts to be connected to one another with the plate angled portions of each hook part in juxtaposed position to one another.   
     
     
         2 . The hook-connector of  claim 1  and wherein each plate angled portion is defined by a convex edge. 
     
     
         3 . The hook-connector of  claim 1  and wherein each plate angled portion is defined by an essentially straight edge. 
     
     
         4 . The hook-connector of  claim 1  and wherein each plate is defined by a plate end portion protruding outward of the hub and away from the plate first end, the plate end portions guiding the hook member of a complementary hook part on to the hub. 
     
     
         5 . The hook-connector of  claim 4  and wherein the plate end portions of each hook part are angled towards one another away from the hub to allow the hook parts to be connected to one another in series and allow relative rotation of the hook parts when connected in series. 
     
     
         6 . A hook and connector device comprising:
 a first hook part and a second hook part, and wherein the first hook part and the second hook part each comprise:   a first plate and a second plate, the plates having a cord opening defined there-through, each plate being defined by a plate first end;   a hub disposed between the first and second plates holding the first and second plates in essentially parallel, spaced apart relationship;   a hook member attached to the first end of at least one of the first and second plates, the hook member including a hook element defining a hook opening;   means for ensuring a positive and releasable engagement of each hook element about the hub of the corresponding hook part; and   wherein:   the hook opening is sized to receive the hub of the corresponding hook part; and   each plate is further defined by a plate end portion protruding outward of the hub and away from the plate first end, the plate end portions guiding the hook member of a complementary hook part on to the hub.   
     
     
         7 . The hook and connector device of  claim 6  wherein the plate end portions of each hook part are angled towards one another away from the hub to allow the hook parts to be connected to one another in series and allow relative rotation of the hook parts when connected in series.