Coupler for connecting lines

1. A coupling device for connecting lines, comprising:

a body portion configured to receive a free end of a first line; and

a coupling mechanism attached to the body portion and being configured to releasably engage a second line;

wherein the coupling mechanism engages a portion of the second line adjacent to a distal end of the second line;

wherein the coupling mechanism includes a plurality of hooks each having an opening for insertion of the second line;

wherein an opening of at least one of the plurality of hooks faces in a direction different from an opening of another of the plurality of hooks;

wherein the plurality of hooks are attached to the body portion along an edge of the body portion; and

wherein the plurality of hooks are coaxial.

2. The coupling device of claim 1 , wherein:

the plurality of hooks is three hooks including a pair of outer hooks and an intermediate hook;

wherein the opening of the intermediate hook of the three hooks is one of inward facing and outward facing; and

wherein the openings of the outer hooks are the other of inward facing and outward facing.

3. The coupling device of claim 2 , wherein:

the opening of the intermediate hook is outward facing; and

the openings of the outer hooks are inward facing.

4. The coupling device of claim 1 , wherein:

the body portion includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture at the first end for receiving the free end of the first line; and

the coupling device further includes at least one clip extending generally perpendicular from the body portion at the second end.

5. The coupling device of claim 4 , wherein:

the at least one clip has a pointed tip for anchoring the coupling device.

6. The coupling device of claim 1 , wherein:

the plurality of hooks are generally cylindrical in shape and have a circumference that extends between about 180 degrees and 355 degrees.

7. The coupling device of claim 1 , wherein:

the first line is a first chalk line; and

the second line is a second chalk line.

8. A coupling device for connecting first and second chalk lines, comprising:

a generally planar body portion having a first end, a second end and opposed sides edges;

an aperture formed in the body portion adjacent to the first end for attaching a free end of a first chalk line to the coupling device; and

a plurality of spaced apart and linearly aligned hooks extending from the body portion adjacent to one of the side edges, the plurality of hooks defining a channel for receiving a second chalk line therethrough;

wherein each of the hooks includes a clearance portion for insertion of the second chalk line into the channel defined by the plurality of hooks.

9. The coupling device of claim 8 , wherein:

the clearance portion of at least one of the plurality of hooks is generally inward facing; and

the clearance portion of at least another of the plurality of hooks is generally outward facing.

10. The coupling device of claim 9 , wherein:

the plurality of hooks is three hooks including a pair of outer hooks and an intermediate hook;

wherein the clearance portion of the intermediate hook is generally inward facing; and

wherein the clearance portions of the outer hooks are generally outward facing.

11. The coupling device of claim 9 , wherein:

the plurality of hooks are generally cylindrical in shape and have a circumference that extends between about 180 degrees and 355 degrees.

12. The coupling device of claim 9 , further comprising:

at least one clip extending generally perpendicular from the body portion at the second end.

13. The coupling device of claim 12 , wherein:

the at least one clip has a pointed tip for anchoring the coupling device.

14. The coupling device of claim 8 , wherein:

at least one of the side edges is curved.

15. A method for connecting first and second chalk lines, comprising the steps of:

securing a first chalk line to a coupling device having a generally planar body portion having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of spaced apart hooks extending from the body portion adjacent to a side edge of the body portion; and

inserting a second chalk line having an anchor secured to a distal end of the second chalk line through respective lateral clearance portions formed in the plurality of hooks so that the second chalk line is received within a receiving channel defined by the plurality of hooks;

wherein when the second chalk line is received in the receiving channel, the anchor cannot be pulled axially through the receiving channel.

16. The method according to claim 15 , wherein:

the plurality of hooks are generally cylindrical in shape and have a circumference that extends between about 180 degrees and 355 degrees.

17. The method according to claim 15 , further comprising the step of:

reeling in the first chalk line to recharge the first chalk line; and

reeling in the second chalk line to recharge the second chalk line;

wherein the reeling steps are accomplished without decoupling the first chalk line from the second chalk line.