AU2014101632A4 - Telescopic Hook - Google Patents

Abstract

-13 Abstract A hook apparatus (10) including a plurality of telescopic members (12) supporting a hook arrangement (14) so as to be moveable between an extended and a retracted condition, wherein the hook arrangement (14) includes a stem (24) coupled to the plurality of telescopic members (12), a substantially C-shaped first hooking portion (26) and a toothed second hooking portion (28) which is located between the stem (24) and the first C-shaped hooking portion (26).

Description

TELESCOPIC HOOK

Technical Field [001] The invention relates to a telescopic hook apparatus and an associated method of use.

Background [002] It is often necessary to use a crane to lift bulky or heavy items on building sites and in fabrication facilities. When such items are lifted, the area under the lifted item casts what is known as a load shadow. The load shadow is a projected area beneath such a lifted item in which a person may be placed in danger if the lifted item is dropped.

[003] When attaching and/or detaching the crane from the bulky item, it is sometimes necessary for the person to enter the load shadow. For example, when the item is being lowered the person may need to guide the item to the correct position.

[004] A problem with this approach is that the person is placed in danger whilst within the load shadow. Another problem with this approach is that the person is required to directly contact the lifted item which may be awkward, strenuous or otherwise hazardous to the person.

[005] The invention described herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary [006] In accordance with a first aspect there is provided, a hook apparatus including a plurality of telescopic members supporting a hook arrangement so as to be moveable between an extended and a retracted condition, wherein the hook arrangement includes a stem coupled to the plurality of telescopic members, a substantially C-22014101632 21 Dec 2014 shaped first hooking portion and a toothed second hooking portion which is located between the stem and the first C-shaped hooking portion.

[007] In one aspect, the apparatus includes a locking means arranged to releasably engage with at least one of the telescopic members in the retracted condition.

[008] In another aspect, the locking means is provided in the form of a locking part arranged to releasably engage with an inner one of the telescopic members in the retracted condition.

[009] In another aspect, the locking part includes cup arranged to receive and retain, via a friction fit, the inner one of the telescopic members in the retracted condition.

[0010] In another aspect, an end of an outer one of the telescopic members is coupled to the locking part.

[0011] In another aspect, the hook apparatus includes an end cap arranged to be releasably securable to the end of the outer one of the telescopic members, and wherein the end cap supports the locking part.

[0012] In another aspect, the second hooking portion is substantially V-shaped and includes saw tooth shaped projects on inner sides thereof.

[0013] In another aspect, the C-shaped first hooking portion includes an outer leg and an inner leg, the inner leg of the first hooking portion at least partially defining an outer side of the V-shaped second hooking portion, and wherein the stem defines the inner side of the V-shaped second hooking portion.

[0014] In another aspect, the C-shaped first hooking portion has a substantially smooth inner surface.

[0015] In another aspect, the C-shaped first hooking portion is substantially larger than the second hooking portion.

-32014101632 21 Dec 2014 [0016] In another aspect, the telescopic members are cylindrical.

[0017] In another aspect, the telescopic members are formed from an insulative material such as plastic.

[0018] In another aspect, the hook arrangement is formed from an insulative material such as plastic.

[0019] In another aspect, an outer one of the telescopic members is adapted to provide a handle.

[0020] In another aspect, the C-shaped first hooking portion has an internal width less than its internal length so as to have at least one of an oval and elliptical inner profile shape.

[0021] In accordance with a second aspect there is provided, a method of using a hook apparatus to guide a load carried by a tether, the method including the steps of: extending the hook apparatus by moving telescopic members of the apparatus to an extended condition so as to reach the tether; capturing the tether carrying the load using hook portion having at least one of the C-shaped first hooking portion and a toothed second hooking portion fitted an end of the telescopic members; and guiding the tether by applying force to a handle provided at an opposing end of the telescopic members relative to the hook portion.

[0022] In one aspect, the method further includes the step of retracting the telescopic members so as to engage with an internally arranged locking part so as to releasably retain the hook apparatus in a retracted condition.

Brief Description of the Figures [0023] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0024] Figure 1 is a first end perspective view illustrating a telescopic hook in an

-42014101632 21 Dec 2014 extended position;

[0025] Figure 2 is another perspective view of the telescopic hook in a retracted condition with an end cap removed;

[0026] Figure 3 is a second end perspective view illustrating the telescopic hook in the extended condition;

[0027] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the telescopic hook in the extended condition showing the internal configuration of telescopic members;

[0028] Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the telescopic hook in the retracted condition;

[0029] Figure 6 is a side sectional view illustrating the telescopic hook in the retracted condition; and [0030] Figure 7 is a side sectional view illustrating the telescopic hook in the retracted condition with the end removed;

[0031] Figure 8 is a side view of a second example of the hook apparatus in the retracted condition;

[0032] Figure 9 is a sectional side view of the second example of the hook apparatus in the retracted condition;

[0033] Figure 10 is a part side sectional view of an end of the second example of the hook apparatus in the retracted condition;

[0034] Figure 11 is a part side perspective sectional view of the end of the second example of the hook apparatus in the retracted condition;

[0035] Figure 12 is a outer end perspective view of an end cap of the second example of the hook apparatus;

-52014101632 21 Dec 2014 [0036] Figure 13 is a inner end perspective view of the end cap of the second example of the hook apparatus;

[0037] Figure 14 is a front side perspective view of the hook of the second example of the hook apparatus;

[0038] Figure 15 is a back side perspective view of the hook of the second example of the hook apparatus; and [0039] Figure 16 is a side perspective view of the hook of the second example of the hook apparatus.

Detailed Description [0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a hook apparatus 10 including a plurality of telescopic members 12 supporting a hook arrangement 14 so as to be moveable between an extended condition as is shown in Figures 1 and 3, and a retracted condition as is shown in Figure 2.

[0041] The telescopic members 12 include an outer telescopic member 16, at least one intermediate telescopic member 18 and an inner telescope member 20 which is coupled or connected to the hook arrangement 14. The at least one intermediate member 18 and an inner telescope member 20 are dimensioned to be substantially received by the outer telescopic member 16 in the retracted condition.

[0042] The outer telescopic member 16 may include a handle 22 by wrapping or fitted a handle grip material to the outer telescopic member 16. Each of the telescopic members 12 are cylindrical in shape and are dimensioned to fit with a nest within each other in the retracted condition. It is also noted that the fit between the telescopic members 12 is such that a light friction fit is provided to maintain the apparatus 10 in the extended condition whilst in use. The telescopic members 12 are formed from an insulative material such as plastic to inhibit the transmission of electrical current.

-62014101632 21 Dec 2014 [0043] The hook arrangement 14 includes a stem 24 coupled to the plurality of telescopic members 12, a substantially C-shaped first hooking portion 26 and a toothed second hooking portion 28 which is located between the stem 24 and the first C-shaped hooking portion. 26.

[0044] The apparatus 10 include a locking means 30 arranged to releasably engage with at least one of the telescopic members 12, in particular, the inner telescopic member 20 in the retracted condition. In this example, the locking means 30 is provided in the form of a locking part 32 arranged to releasably engage with the inner telescopic member 20 in the retracted condition. The locking part 32 includes cup 34 arranged to receive and retain via a friction fit the inner telescopic member 20 in the retracted condition as is best shown in Figure 6.

[0045] Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, the hook apparatus 10 further includes a removable threaded end cap 36 arranged to be releasably securable to a threaded end 38 the outer telescopic member 16. The end cap 36 supports the locking part 32 with the cup 34 extending from an inner side 40 of the end cap 36. Accordingly, in the retracted position the locking part 32 releasably secures the inner telescopic member 20 to the outer telescopic member 16 which secures the apparatus 10 in the retracted condition.

[0046] Turning to the hook arrangement 14 in more detail, the second hooking portion 28 is substantially V-shaped and includes saw tooth shaped projects 42 which project inwardly thereof. The V-shape and saw tooth shaped projects 42 of the second hooking portion 28 are specifically shaped to receive and grip a tether, in particular, a tether in the form of a 16 mm tag-line.

[0047] The C-shaped first hooking portion 26 includes an outer leg 46 and an inner leg 48 and an entry mouth 49 between the inner leg 46 and outer leg 48. The inner leg 48 of the first hooking portion 26 defines an outer side 50 of the V-shaped second hooking portion 28 and the stem 24 defines the inner side 44 of the V-shaped second hooking portion 28. The C-shaped first hooking portion 26 has a substantially smooth inner surface 52 and the C-shaped first hooking portion 26 is substantially larger than the second hooking portion 28. The hook arrangement 14 is formed from an insulative

-72014101632 21 Dec 2014 material such as plastic to inhibit the transmission of electrical current. The outer leg 46 may provide some resilient movement relative to the inner leg 48 to allow the first hooking portion 26 to resiliently receive or snap fit around an object such as scaffolding.

[0048] As may be appreciated from the drawings, both the first hooking portion 26 and second hooking portion 28 are arranged to face the handle 22 such that a user may draw a tether or tag-line toward them as is further described below. It is also noted that this action also assists to maintain the apparatus 10 in the extended condition whilst in use.

[0049] Referring now to Figures 8 to 16, a second example of the telescopic hook arrangement 10 is provided and like numerals are used to denote like parts. In this example, the overall structure and functionality of the hook apparatus 10 is generally similar to that described in relation to the first example shown in Figures 1 to 7 and as such all parts are not again describe here.

[0050] Referring more specifically to Figures 10 to 13, in this example the locking part or parts 32 are carried by an end cap 136. The end cap 136 is secured or fixed, such as by using an adhesive, to the outer telescopic member 16. The end cap 136 includes an aperture 138 that is dimensioned to have a friction fit with inner telescopic member 20 in the retracted condition. This friction fit serves to retain, hold or lock the telescopic member 20, and the telescopic members 12 coupled thereto, in the retracted condition. The aperture 138 includes a chamfered mouth 140 arranged to guide the inner telescopic member 20 into the aperture when being moved into the retracted condition. The end cap 136 also includes a carriage means 144 provided in the form of a tab 146 having an aperture 148 therein for the carriage of the hook apparatus 10.

[0051] Referring more specifically to Figures 14 to 16, the hook arrangement 14 is shown in further detail. The hooking portion 26 includes an internal length “L” that is about twice its internal width “W”. In this example, “L” is about 70mm and “W” is about 45mm, although other dimensions may also be utilised. Accordingly, in this example, the internal surfaces 150 of the hooking portion 26 present an oval or elliptical side profile or shape. The mouth 49 of the hooking portion 26 is narrower

-82014101632 21 Dec 2014 than the width “W” so that the inner and outer legs 46, 48 can receive and snap fit or resiliently fit around an object such as scaffolding or the like.

[0052] In this example, the toothed second hooking portion 28 has an angle “A” between the opposing V-shaped sides 44, 50 and each side carries four saw tooth projections 44 along the opposing V-shaped sides 44, 50. In this example, the angle “A” is about 50 degrees, although other suitable angles may also be utilised.

[0053] The side faces 155, 157 of the hook arrangement 14 present generally flat surfaces which provides the inner and outer legs 46, 48 with a generally square sectional profile. The body of the hook arrangement 14 includes a recess 151 on opposing the side faces 155, 157 to stiffen the hook arrangement 14 between the hooking portion 26 and the stem 24.

[0054] In use the telescopic hook arrangement 10 may be used in the following method to guide a load carried by a tether such as materials or goods being carried by a crane cable, rope or tag-line. The method may include the steps of extending the hook apparatus 10 by moving telescopic members 12 of the apparatus 10 to an extended condition so as to reach the tether. This may involve a user disengaging the friction fit of the locking part 32 by drawing the hook arrangement 14 and the handle 22 away from one another.

[0055] The user then captures the tether carrying the load using the hook portion 14, and depending on the type and size of the tether may use one or both of the C-shaped first hooking 26 portion and the toothed second hooking portion 28 fitted to the end of the telescopic members 12. The method may also include the step of guiding the tether by applying force to the handle 22 provided by telescopic members 12.

[0056] Once the user has completed the above steps, the user may then store the apparatus 10 by retracting the telescopic members 12 so as to engage with the internally arranged locking part 32 so as to releasably retain the hook apparatus 10 in a retracted condition for ease storage.

[0057] Advantageously there has been described a telescopic hook apparatus which is

-92014101632 21 Dec 2014 lightweight, formed from an insulative material and is easily retractable to a secured retracted position for ease of portability. This provides a unique tool which may be particularly advantageous in the construction industry to provide users with a simple light weight extendable hook which may be used to gather a tether which is supporting a load. The additional reach provided by the light weight telescopic hook allows a user to stay outside the load shadow which has significant safety advantages. The light weight collapsible nature of the telescopic hook also ensures that the telescopic hook would be appealing and ergonomically desirable for users, in particular, as the telescopic hook may be releasably locked or secured in the retracted condition.

[0058] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0059] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0060] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0061] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (17)

1. The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

   1. A hook apparatus including a plurality of telescopic members supporting a hook arrangement so as to be moveable between an extended and a retracted condition, wherein the hook arrangement includes a stem coupled to the plurality of telescopic members, a substantially C-shaped first hooking portion and a toothed second hooking portion which is located between the stem and the first C-shaped hooking portion.
2. 2. The hook apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a locking means arranged to releasably engage with at least one of the telescopic members in the retracted condition.
3. 3. The hook apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the locking means is provided in the form of a locking part arranged to releasably engage with an inner one of the telescopic members in the retracted condition.
4. 4. The hook apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the locking part includes cup arranged to receive and retain, via a friction fit, the inner one of the telescopic members in the retracted condition.
5. 5. The hook apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an end of an outer one of the telescopic members is coupled to the locking part.
6. 6. The hook apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the hook apparatus includes an end cap arranged to be releasably securable to the end of the outer one of the telescopic members, and wherein the end cap supports the locking part.
7. 7. The hook apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the second hooking portion is substantially V-shaped and includes saw tooth shaped projects on inner sides thereof.

   2014101632 21 Dec 2014
8. 8. The hook apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the C-shaped first hooking portion includes an outer leg and an inner leg, the inner leg of the first hooking portion at least partially defining an outer side of the V-shaped second hooking portion, and wherein the stem defines the inner side of the V-shaped second hooking portion.
9. 9. The hook apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the C-shaped first hooking portion has a substantially smooth inner surface.
10. 10. The hook apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the C-shaped first hooking portion is substantially larger than the second hooking portion.
11. 11. The hook apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the telescopic members are cylindrical.
12. 12. The hook apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the telescopic members are formed from an insulative material such as plastic.
13. 13. The hook apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the hook arrangement is formed from an insulative material such as plastic.
14. 14. The hook apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein an outer one of the telescopic members is adapted to provide a handle.
15. 15. The hook apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the C-shaped first hooking portion has an internal width less than its internal length so as to have at least one of an oval and elliptical inner profile shape.
16. 16. A method of using a hook apparatus to guide a load carried by a tether, the method including the steps of:

    Extending the hook apparatus by moving telescopic members of the apparatus to an extended condition so as to reach the tether;

    -122014101632 21 Dec 2014

    Capturing the tether carrying the load using hook portion having at least one of the C-shaped first hooking portion and a toothed second hooking portion fitted an end of the telescopic members; and

    Guiding the tether by applying force to a handle provided at an opposing end of the telescopic members relative to the hook portion.
17. 17. The method according to claim 15, further including the step of retracting the telescopic members so as to engage with an internally arranged locking part so as to releasably retain the hook apparatus in a retracted condition.