Granted Patent B2

US 12,476,445 · App. 18/591,725 · Granted Nov 18, 2025

Inventor: Samuel B. Merrell (Austin, TX)

H02G3/32

Abstract

Claims (33)

1 . A hook apparatus, comprising:

a shank;

a bend portion extending from said shank; and

a groove positioned entirely inside of said shank, wherein said groove extends along the length of said shank, wherein said groove comprises a first threaded portion, and a second threaded portion, wherein said first threaded portion positions at a distal end of said shank, wherein said second threaded portion extends from said first threaded portion, wherein said first threaded portion has a larger diameter than said second threaded portion, wherein said first threaded portion and said second threaded portion are arranged in a step-like structure, and

wherein said groove receives a connecting member in order to connect said hook apparatus to a structure, and wherein said bend portion receives a cable or an extension box.

2 . The hook apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said groove further comprises a third threaded portion, wherein said third threaded portion extends from said second threaded portion, wherein said second threaded portion has a larger diameter than said third threaded portion, and wherein said third threaded portion is arranged in said step-like structure with respect to said second threaded portion.

3 . The hook apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said connecting member comprises an allthread.

4 . The hook apparatus of claim 2 , wherein a diameter of said connecting member matches a diameter of one of said first threaded portion, said second threaded portion, and said third threaded portion.

5 . The hook apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said shank comes in a straight configuration.

6 . The hook apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said bend portion comprises a hook.

7 . The hook apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said bend portion comprises a first hook and a second hook, each extending from said shank in opposite directions.

8 . The hook apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said bend portion comprises a first hook and a second hook, wherein said first hook extends from said shank, and wherein said second hook extends from said first hook.

9 . The hook apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said groove extends the entire length of said shank.

10 . A hook apparatus, comprising:

a shank;

a bend portion extending from said shank; and

a groove positioned entirely inside of said shank and extending along the entire length of said shank, wherein said groove comprises a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion, and a third threaded portion, wherein said first threaded portion positions at a distal end of said shank, wherein said second threaded portion extends from said first threaded portion, wherein said first threaded portion has a larger diameter than said second threaded portion, wherein said third threaded portion extends from said second threaded portion, wherein said second threaded portion has a larger diameter than said third threaded portion, wherein said first threaded portion and said second threaded portion, and said third threaded portion are arranged in a step-like structure, and wherein said groove receives a connecting member having a diameter matching one of said first threaded portion and said second threaded portion in order to connect said hook apparatus to a structure, and wherein said bend portion receives a cable or an extension box.

11 . The hook apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said connecting member comprises an allthread.

12 . The hook apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said shank comes in a straight configuration.

13 . The hook apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said bend portion comprises a hook.

14 . The hook apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said bend portion comprises a first hook and a second hook, each extending from said shank in opposite directions.

15 . The hook apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said bend portion comprises a first hook and a second hook, wherein said first hook extends from said shank, and wherein each said second hook extends from said first hook.

16 . A method of providing a hook apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a shank;

providing a bend portion extending from said shank;

providing a groove positioned entirely inside of said shank, said groove extending along the length of said shank;

receiving a connecting member at said groove for connecting said hook apparatus to a structure;

providing a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion and a third threaded portion at said groove, said first threaded portion having a larger diameter than said second threaded portion, and said second threaded portion having a larger diameter than said third threaded portion;

positioning said first threaded portion at a distal end of said shank such that said second threaded portion extends from said first threaded portion, and wherein said third threaded portion extends from said second threaded portion;

arranging said first threaded portion and said second threaded portion, and said third threaded portion in a step-like structure; and

receiving a cable or an extension box at said bend portion.

17 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising:

receiving said connecting member having a diameter matching a diameter of one of said first threaded portion, said second threaded portion, and said third threaded portion.

Continuity (2)

References Cited (33)