NZ616538B - Holding Strap Component - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a holding strap component (10). The holding strap component (10) includes an elastic section (12). The elastic section (12) includes a sleeve or tube (14) formed from a flexible material and at least one elastic member (16) which is secured at either end to respective parts (18, 20) of the sleeve or tube (14). The flexible material expands when the elastic member (16) is stretched and contracts when the elastic member (16) is un-stretched. A first extent (26) and second extent (28) depend from respective ends (22, 24) of the elastic section (12). During expansion, the respective parts (18, 20) of the sleeve or tube (14) are separated by a length longer than the elastic member (16) when the elastic member (16) is un-stretched. The elastic member (16) is unable to be stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts (18, 20) of the sleeve or tube (14). This arrangement allows tension to remain on the holding strap should a secured load shift and require a shorter length holding strap. f the sleeve or tube (14). The flexible material expands when the elastic member (16) is stretched and contracts when the elastic member (16) is un-stretched. A first extent (26) and second extent (28) depend from respective ends (22, 24) of the elastic section (12). During expansion, the respective parts (18, 20) of the sleeve or tube (14) are separated by a length longer than the elastic member (16) when the elastic member (16) is un-stretched. The elastic member (16) is unable to be stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts (18, 20) of the sleeve or tube (14). This arrangement allows tension to remain on the holding strap should a secured load shift and require a shorter length holding strap.

Description

HOLDING STRAP COMPONENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a holding strap.

BACKGROUND Some holding straps are known as octopus straps. They comprise an elastic cord with hooks at either end. The hooks are made of plastic coated wire and are formed by winding a bowl into which a knot at the end of the elastic cord sits and a hook section at the top of the bowl.

Such straps are commonly used to hold down the boot of a car when the luggage inside the boot prevents the boot from being closed ly or to hold down luggage on car roof racks or loads on light trailers. The stretching nature of the elastic cord allows the strap to be bent around corners and to apply a sufficient force to ensure the boot remains closed. These straps are cheap, popular and easy to fit.

One problem with holding straps is that the elastic cord may be exposed to high friction contact and/or rubbing, especially when in use. The contact and/or rubbing may occur at a point, or various points, where the c cord comes into contact with an object being secured by the holding strap. Additionally, when in use, the elastic cord may be in contact with, for example, edges of the boot of a car, edges of a roof rack or other various points.

The high on contact and/or the rubbing, may cause the elastic cord to become frayed, and/or to be cut and/or to be d in some other way. The fraying, cutting and/or damaging of the elastic cord may occur at one point, various multiple points or along a length or various multiple lengths of the c cord. Fraying, cutting and/or damage to the elastic cord may occur ally where there is movement of the elastic cord with t to a point or various multiple points of contact. Such movement may occur, for example, when a car or other vehicle on which objects are secured with a ham\C1are\Speci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciDocx holding strap is moving or Vibrating due to the car or other vehicle moving on a surface.

This may be particularly the case Where a car or other vehicle is traveling on an uneven e, such as an unsealed road.

The fraying, cutting and/or other damage to the elastic cord may lead to weakening of the elastic cord, and the weakened elastic cord may then be subject to failure.

The failure may be catastrophic failure, where the elastic cord completely breaks at a point.

In this situation, objects secured by the holding strap may become unsecured and may then, fall off or out of a car or other vehicle. This can be particularly dangerous when a car or other vehicle is moving along a road with other cars or vehicles, as the usly secured object may cause a driving hazard.

Another way in which a holding strap may become damaged is by the s of nmental conditions. Such environmental conditions include, for example, ultraviolet light. When a holding strap is exposed to ultraviolet light, either in use or otherwise, the elastic cord may degrade. The degradation of the elastic cord may lead to failure when the holding strap is in use. As ned before, failure of the holding strap, in certain circumstances, can lead to a very dangerous ion. r problem with such holding straps is that they can only effectively secure loads of around 10 kilograms. A further problem is that the holding straps can be overstretched when an or secures a load. The elastic cord of the holding strap also tends to loosen off if the load moves, and, as mentioned above, can rub on the load, which can weaken the elastic cord.

Solutions to at least some of these problems were described in various embodiments in Australian Patent No. 743604, in which there is provided a holding strap including an elastic cord having hook means at each end thereof and a sleeve or tube surrounding a substantial portion of said elastic cord and said sleeve or tube is located between both of said hook means and said sleeve or tube is formed of a le plastics material, especially PVC.

M:\Graham\Clare\Speci & s\OP2356 SpeciDocx Other solutions to at least some of these problems were bed in s embodiments in presently pending Australian Patent Application No. 2007221854 in which there was provided a holding strap, including, a main strap, at least one elastic member, wherein one end of the elastic member is secured to the main strap at one end thereof, or wherein the elastic member is secured at two ends to and between parts of the main strap and, at least one ng member, wherein each end of the bridging member is secured to a respective end of the c member, wherein the main strap, the elastic member and the ng member are each formed from a flat material, and n the bridging member is of a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is in a non-stretched state, such that, in use, the elastic member is able to be stretched, but stretched beyond the extended length of the bridging member.

Yet other solutions to at least some of these problems were described in various ments in presently pending Australian Patent Application No. 1184, in which there is provided a holding strap including an elastic cord having hook means at each end thereof and a sleeve or tube surrounding a substantial portion of said elastic cord and said sleeve or tube is located between both of said hook means and said sleeve or tube is formed of a bendable plastics material, especially PVC.

A r problem with the above-mentioned prior holding straps is that such holding straps cannot be easily extended if an operator desires to secure a load having a larger volume. In fact, some of the above-mentioned prior holding straps cannot be safely extended at all. In circumstances in which a larger load must be secured, some operators have resorted to hooking a number of holding straps er so as to form a longer strapping system. However, this can be a very dangerous way to secure a load.

Another solution has been to make available holding straps of various lengths, each designed for securing a load of a particular range of volumes. However, this solution es an operator to have a supply of s length holding straps, which can be inconvenient and expensive.

A further problem with the above—identified prior holding straps is that, for example, where there are hooks at either end of the holding strap, in order to attach those M:\Graham\Clare\Speci & Ainndmts\OP2356 Speci.Docx hooks to tive anchoring points, the operator must apply tension to the holding strap so as to be able to stretch the holding strap sufficiently, thereby allowing the unattached hook to be able to be attached to its respective anchor point. Such stretching can be inconvenient, and, in certain circumstances, can actually be dangerous.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a holding strap, or a ent of a holding strap, which is cheap to manufacture.

There is yet a further need to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which has a substantially reduced risk of being damaged.

A further need is to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which will not be overstretched when in use.

Yet a further need is to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, that is simple to fit.

Yet another problem with certain types of holding straps is that, when a load moves during transport, the holding strap can become slack, which s the holding strap as being ineffective for securing the moved load. This may particularly be the stance where the holding strap is formed only of, for example, a non-stretchable webbing material with hooks on either end and a tightening mechanism. Typically, such a holding strap is fitted over the load, the hooks are attached to ing points, and the tightening mechanism, for example, a t ism, is operated to tighten the strap over the load. The load may be secured to, for example, the roof of a car, and when the moves over a bumpy road, the load will move and may cause the holding strap to become slack and thus ineffective at securing the load.

There is also a need to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which can be y extended. There is also a need to provide a g strap, or a component of a holding strap, which is able to be adapted to be used for holding downloads of a range of differing volumes.

M:\Graham\Clare\Speci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciDocx A further need is to e a holding strap, or a component of a g strap, which can be easily attached to anchor points, without requiring stretching of the holding strap (or parts thereof), so as to be able to attach the holding strap to one or other of respective points.

Yet a further need is to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which is able to operate more effectively when a load moves during transportation.

The present invention provides an improvement to g straps disclosed in Australian Patent No. 743604, and presently-pending Australian Patent ations 2007221854 and 2009201184, as described below.

It is an object of the present ion to overcome, or at least ameliorate, at least one of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and/or to overcome, or at least ameliorate, at least one problem in prior art, which has not been mentioned above and/or to provide at least a useful ative to prior art devices, systems and/or methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a holding strap, including: a holding strap component, including: an elastic section including a sleeve or tube formed from a flexible material and at least one c member secured at either end to respective parts of the sleeve or tube, the flexible material being adapted to expand when the elastic member is stretched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic member is un—stretched; and a first extent and a second extent depending from respective ends of the elastic n, wherein the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, when the sleeve or tube is expanded, are separated by a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un-stretched, such that, in use the elastic member is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, wherein the sleeve or tube forms either or both the first extent and/or the second extent; an extension strap; and an attachment means rating with the second extent, the attachment means for ing the extension strap, wherein the holding strap component and the extension strap form the holding strap. ,ag0p2356 amended speci pages(3),5 SUMMARY OF OPTIONAL EMBODIMENTS In an embodiment, the flexible al is adapted to contract by crumpling.

In this regard, the e sleeve or tube may be formed from webbing material, such as a —like material or a woven r, usually polyester, material. Further, the first extent and the second extent may also be formed from same or similar materials.

The holding strap component may further include a first holding means co— operating with the first extent. In another ment, there may be a second holding means co—operating with the second extent, wherein the holding strap component then forms a holding strap. The first and second g means may be selected from a group including: hooks, buckles, locking members, s-shaped type hooks, carabiner type hooks, swan hooks or the like.

In another embodiment, the first and second extents are attached, respectively, to the first holding means and second holding means by forming a loop at or near respective end parts of the first and second extents for co-operation with respective loop parts of the first and second holding means.

In an alternative embodiment, the holding strap component es an attachment means, which co—operates with the second extent. The attachment means being for attaching an extension strap, wherein the holding strap component and the extension strap form a holding strap.

The extension strap may further e a g means d at or near a first end of the extension strap. The extension strap holding means may be selected from a group including: hooks, buckles, locking member, s-shaped type hooks, carabiner type hooks, swan hooks or the like.

The attachment means may be a ratchet means which is adapted to accept a second end part of the extension strap and, in use, to be operated to tighten the holding strap on a load, such that the elastic member is stretched up to the expanded length of the M:\Graham\Clare\Speci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciDocx respective parts of the sleeve or tube. In this way, when initially securing a load to, for example, a rack, the load will be secured under n as provided by the elastic member being stretched. It may be the case that the load moves, or individual components of the load move, during mtation, wherein the tension provided by the stretched elastic member may operate to keep the load substantially secured.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the technology that, if such a situation occurs, the elastic member will then be in a configuration which is less stretched than when the load was initially d, thus resulting in there being less tension in the holding strap component, and less n in the holding strap. However, it is intended that the elastic member should be able to provide sufficient tension in such a situation so as to provide at least sufficient securing force to the load, thus allowing the load to remain substantially secured to the rack. The elastic member should be able to provide sufficient tension so as to assist in preventing the hooks of the holding strap component and the holding strap from disengaging from their anchor points, which may be designated anchor points or trailer rack or tray bars In another embodiment, the sleeve or tube forms either or both the first extent or/and the second extent. In such an embodiment, the sleeve or tube may also form the loops at respective end parts of the first and second extents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be performed, embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the drawings in which: [003 5] is a ctive view of an embodiment of the holding strap component, also showing an embodiment of an extension strap. The holding strap component and the extension strap, when used together, form a holding strap; [003 6] is a side perspective View of the embodiment of the holding strap ent shown in An elastic n of the holding strap component is shown in a non-stretched configuration; ham\Clare\Spcci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciDocx is a similar View to with the elastic section shown in a stretched configuration; is a perspective View representing two similar parts of the holding strap ent, as shown by the two dotted circles appearing in is a cross-section View across line A-A from ; is a side elevation View of the g strap component in use with the extension strap, forming a g strap, and ing to secure a load (in an initial configuration) to a rack; is a similar view to , wherein the load has moved from its initial configuration (by movement M), thus the elastic n is shown in a contracted state so as to provide tension T; and is a similar view to , wherein below is shown as being secured by an example prior art holding strap; and is a similar view to , as with , showing the operation of an example prior art holding strap when the load has moved from its initial configuration (by movement M), wherein the prior art holding strap fails to keep the load secured.

DETAILED PTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION shows an embodiment of a holding strap component 10, which is also shown with an extension strap 102. The holding strap component 10 and the extension strap 102, together form a holding strap 100.

The holding strap component includes an elastic section 12, the elastic section including a sleeve or tube 14, which is formed from a flexible material, and at least one elastic member 16 (shown inside the sleeve or tube 14 by dotted lines). The at least one elastic member 16 has two ends 22, 24, with one end 22 (refer to Fig. 2) secured to a M:\Graham\Clare\Speci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciDocx part 18 of the sleeve or tube 14 and another end 24 of the elastic member 16 (refer to secured to a respective part 20 of the sleeve or tube 14.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the ends of the elastic member 22, 24 are secured to respective parts of the sleeve or tube 18, 20 by being stitched er (refer to FIGS. 4a, 4b).

The sleeve or tube 14 is formed from a flexible material, such as a canvas~ like material or a woven polymer material. Such material is substantially inelastic, but is able to crumple so as to be able to expand and contract. In this way, the flexible material of the tube or sleeve is able to expand when the elastic member is stretched and the flexible material is able to contract when the elastic member is un-stretched.

The holding strap ent also es a first extent 26 and a second extent 28. The first extent depends from one end 18, 22 of the c section and the second extent depends from the other end 20, 24 of the elastic section 12. In the embodiment of the holding strap component 10 shown in the first and second extents 26, 28 are formed from the tube or sleeve. This enables a simplified manufacturing process, which can reduce costs in manufacturing. However, it will be appreciated that the first and second extents 26, 28 may also be formed from another webbing material layer canvas-like material, or a single-layer woven polyester material.

The holding strap component 10 also includes a holding means 30, which is d at or s the end of the first extent 26. The holding means 30 co-operates with the first extent 26, wherein the holding means includes a loop 32 and a part of the first extent 26 is placed through the holding means loop 32 and folded back over to form a loop 42 in the first extent 26. The part of the first extent which is folded over is stitched 48 (refer to Figs. 4a and 4b) onto another part of the first extent. For extra strengthening of the loop 42 the folded over part of the first extent 26 can also be stitched 46 at a second point (refer to Figs. 4a and 4b).

It is possible to configure the holding means 30 and the first extent 26 so as to co-operate in other ways, apart from that which has been described above.

M:\Graham\Clare\Speci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciDocx The holding means 30, as shown in Fig. 1, is a hook. However, the holding means could be a buckle, a locking member, an s-shaped type hook, swan hook or a carabiner type hook, or any other holding means suitable for connection to an anchoring point. It will be appreciated that there exists a large variety of holding means capable of being used for this purpose.

In another embodiment (not shown) it is possible to attach a second holding means to the second extent 28. In this configuration, the holding strap component forms a holding strap, as no other component is required for such a configuration to perform as a holding strap.

In the example embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the holding strap component r includes an attachment means 34, which cooperates with the second extent 28.

The exemplified attachment means 34 includes a ratchet assembly with a ratchet ism, which allows the holding strap component 10 to be connected with the ion strap 102, so as to form a holding strap 100.

The attachment means 34 (ratchet assembly/mechanism) includes a ratchet lever 36 for ing the ratchet mechanism and a ratchet spool 38 onto which a part of the extension strap 102 may be wound for ning the holding strap 100 (as described later in this specification). The spool 38 includes a slot 40, d to accept a second end part 114 of the extension strap 102, prior to operating the ratchet mechanism so as to wind at least a part of the main strap 104 of the extension strap 102 onto the spool 38. [005 5] Similarly to the holding means 30 co-operating with the first extent 26, the attachment means 34 co-operates with the second extent 28 via a loop 44, which is formed in the second extent. The loop 44 is around a bolt, which is a part of the ratchet ly The extension strap 102 is shown as dashed and dotted lines in Fig. 1, as the extension strap does not form a part of the holding strap component. However, in co- operation, the holding strap component and the extension strap form a holding strap 100.

The extension strap includes a main strap 104 and an ion strap holding means 106, M:\Graliam\Clare\Speci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciDocx which in this example is a hook with a loop 108 for co-operation with the main strap 104.

A loop 110 is formed in the first 112 of the main strap 104 for co—operation with the loop 108 in the extension strap holding means 106.

As shown in this ment, the extension strap main strap 104 may be formed from a single-ply webbing material, such as a canvas-like material or a woven polyester material. It will be understood that the main strap may be formed from other types of material suitable for such an application. r, the extension strap holding means 106 may be another type of g means apart from a hook.

Also shown in Fig. 1 are dotted ovals around the first extent 26 and the second extent 28. Details of the construction of the first and second extents are represented in Figs. 4a and 4b. It will be understood that, as the details of construction of the first and second extents are quite similar, Fig. 4a represents both the first and second extent construction details. Similarly, Fig. 4b shows both the first and second extent construction details.

Fig. 2 shows, perhaps more clearly, respective ends 22, 24 of the elastic member 16. Respective parts 18, 20 of the sleeve or tube 14 are secured to the ends 22, 24 of the elastic member.

Referring to both Figs. 2 and 3, the respective parts 18, 20 of the sleeve or tube 14, when the sleeve or tube is expanded, are separated by a length L2 longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un—stretched (as shown by length L1 in Fig. 2).

In this way, in use, the elastic member is able to be hed, but not hed beyond the expanded length L2 of the tive parts of the sleeve or tube.

In Fig. 2, the length L1 represents both the etched length of the elastic member 16 and the contracted length separating respective parts 18, 20 of the sleeve or tube 14. In Fig. 3, L2 represents the stretched length of the elastic member and the expanded length separating the respective parts of the sleeve or tube.

M:\Graham\C1are\Speci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciDocx Fig. 4a shows details of the construction of an end of the elastic section 12 of the holding strap ent 10, along with details of construction of the first extent 26 or the second extent 28. In this ment, the sleeve or tube 14 forms the first/second extent, as well as forming the loop 42, 44 in the first/second extent.

Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional View across line A—A from Fig. 4a. More clearly shown in Fig. 4b is the layering of the tive parts of 18, 20 of the sleeve or tube 40, secured to respective ends 22, 24 of the c member 16. In this embodiment, the extent 26, 28 is folded over so as to form the loop 42, 44, wherein the folded over part is doubled back and stitched in two locations 48, 46. The stitching penetrates from one side to the other, thus forming a strong attachment.

Figs. 5a and 5b are side elevation views of the holding strap component 10 in use when securing a load 206 to a rack 200 (or pallet). Fig. 5a shows what may be described as an initial configuration of the load, having a first arrangement of containers 210, 212, 214 and 216. This l configuration may be the arrangement of containers when the load is first placed on the rack 200, prior to transportation. Typically, in such circumstances, the dual containers 210, 212, 214, 216 are stacked onto the rack in a particular arrangement, then the holding means 30 (hook) of the holding strap component is attached around a first anchor point 204 of the rack, the holding means 106 of the extension strap 102 is attached to a second anchoring point 202 of the rack 200, the main strap 104 of the extension strap 102 is placed over the load 206, with an end part 114 of the main strap 104 fed into the slot 40 of the ratchet spool 38 in the ratchet assembly 34 (attachment means).

After the part of the main strap 104 of the extension strap 102 is fed into the slot 40, the g strap 100 can be held taught by the operator, so that there is a certain amount of tension on both holding means 106 and 30 against their respective anchoring points 202 and 204. The operator may then operate the ratchet ism by pulling the ratchet lever 36 back and forth, so as to further tension the holding strap 100. The holding strap may be tensioned until the elastic section 12 of the holding strap component 10 is hed/expanded ntially to its maximum length (L2). In this way, the initial configuration of the load 206 is secured to the rack 200 with sufficient force.

M:\Graham\Clare\Speci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciiDocx Fig. 5b shows a configuration of the load 206 at a later time when, for example, the ration of the load has shifted due to movement of the load during transportation. The movement of the load in Fig. 5b is represented by double ended arrow M. As will be shown in Figs. 6a and 6b, with a prior art, tional ratchet tie-down holding strap the hooks would have disengaged from the anchor , wherein the load and holding strap would have likely been lost.

Due to the load 206 moving and the containers 210, 212, 214, 216 being in a different configuration, the effective cross-sectional perimeter length of the load configuration, where the holding strap 100 is located, is somewhat reduced. Accordingly, such a rearrangement would usually produce a slackness in the holding strap due to a loss of n. r, as the holding strap component 10 includes the elastic section 12, the produced slackness is taken up by a contraction of the elastic member 16, so as to maintain a suitable amount of tension T, which assists in keeping the load 206 substantially secured onto the rack 200.

It will be appreciated that tension T may be ntially less than the tension in the holding strap 100 when the load 206 is in a configuration as shown in Fig.

Figs. 6a and 6b are side elevation views of an example prior art holding strap 300 in use when securing the load 206 to the rack 200, wherein shows an example situation where the prior art holding strap may fail. Fig. 6a shows the l configuration of the load, having a first arrangement of containers 210, 212, 214, 216 are stacked onto the rack in a particular arrangement, then the hooks 302, 304 of the prior art holding strap are attached around respective anchor points 204, 202 of the rack 200.

Fig. 6b shows a configuration of the load 206 moving and the containers 210, 212, 214, 216 being in a different configuration, the effective cross-sectional perimeter length of the load configuration, where the prior art holding strap 300 is located, is somewhat reduced. Accordingly, such a ngement produces a slackness in the prior art holding strap 300, due to a loss of tension. In such stances, it is likely that at least one of the hooks 302 will become disengaged from its respective anchor point 204.

M:\Graham\CIare\Spcci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciDocx This failure of the prior art holding strap 300 may then lead to loss of all or part of the load 206, along with the prior art g strap 300 itself.

The invention is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described, and it is to be tood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions, which fall within the scope of the following claims.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

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 ion 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.

M:\Graham\Clare\Speci & Amndmts\OP2356 SpeciiDocx THE

Claims (5)

CLAIMS 1. NG THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. l. A g strap, including: a holding strap ent, including: an elastic section including a sleeve or tube formed from a flexible material and at least one elastic member secured at either end to tive paits of the sleeve or tube, the flexible material being adapted to expand when the elastic member is stretched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic member is un—stretched; and a first extent and a second extent depending from respective ends of the elastic section, wherein the tive parts of the sleeve or tube, when the sleeve or tube is expanded, are ted by a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un-stretched, such that, in use the elastic member is able to be stretched, but not hed beyond the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, wherein the sleeve or tube forms either or both the first extent and/or the second extent; an extension strap; and an attachment means co-operating with the second extent, the attachment means for attaching the extension strap, wherein the holding strap component and the extension strap form the holding strap.
2. 2. A holding strap according to claim I, wherein the flexible material is adapted to contract by crumpling.
3. 3. A holding strap according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sleeve or tube, the first extent and the second extent are formed from a webbing material.
4. 4. A holding strap according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further including a first holding means co-operating with the first extent.
5. 5. A holding strap according to claim 4, wherein the first holding means is selected from a group including: hooks, buckles, locking members, swan hooks, S—shaped type hooks, carabiner type hooks, or the like.