Abstract: Described herein are axially and radially swivelable detangling connector devices that are suitable for preventing entanglement, or detangling, of a device or means that is used to secure one or more mobile objects or subjects to one or more objects or subjects. Methods of making and using the disclosed devices are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure assembly (1, 1?) for closing a connecting link (100) of a tire chain, comprising at least one closure element (10, 10?) that has at least one leg reception member (14, 14?) configured to receive therein, at least sectionwise, a leg (101) of the connecting link (100). In addition, the present invention relates to a connecting link (100) for connecting at least two links of a tire chain, comprising two legs (101) that are interconnected via a yoke (108) as well as to a tire chain, in particular a tire protection chain.

Abstract: Revised tire chain attachments and mounting methods, for use on an otherwise typical, presently marketed link construction, ladder pattern, truck tire chain, to reduce chain slack and increase chain tension, from mounting, and increase the feasibility of one stop mounting for a broader range of tire sizes and truck loading conditions, by providing a better fit of the chain to the tire footprint, as affected by the specific tire size and truck loading.

Abstract: A tire chain assembly is provided that includes a disk that is mounted between dual wheels on a vehicle. A tire chain having a number of cross chains is then releaseably attached to the disk and across the tread surface of the tire using disk connectors that are attached to the end of the cross chains and are interconnected in key slots in the disk. The tire chain can be removed by simply disconnecting the disk connectors from the disk. The tire chain can be installed and removed while the vehicle is stationary.

Abstract: A snow chain (2) comprises an inner ring (3) designed to be closed on the side of the wheel destined to face toward the inside of the vehicle, an outer ring designed to be closed on the side of the wheel destined to face toward the outside of the vehicle and a series of portions of anti-skid chain (10, 10?) disposed on the tread of the tyre (1) of the wheel, which join the outer ring and the inner ring (3). The portions of chain (10, 10?) are chains with twisted links, connected to each other by means of joining elements (4) shaped as triangular links and connected to the inner ring (3) by means of an U-bolt connecting system (5).

Abstract: A system (5, 60) is described for connecting portions of chain (10) to the inner ring (3) of an anti-skid device (2). The portions of chain (10) comprise chains with twisted links (11). The connecting system (5, 60) comprises a U-bolt element (50) constrained to the inner ring (3) and an end link (60) of the portion of chain (10). The end link (60) has a twisted portion (61) connected to a twisted link (11) of the portion of chain (10) and a flat and straight portion (62) connected to the U-bolt element (50).

Abstract: A flexible system for winter traction products that allows for component repairability, interchangeability, customization and resizing, all without requiring tools. The key to this system is the provision of connectors which provide interconnection of multiple components whereby at least three points of connection on three components can be interconnected by the connectors. The interconnection of the points of connection by the connectors enable components to be interchanged within the assembly for establishing a desired style and fit of the tire chain to a variety of tire sizes and tire chain types.

Abstract: A link for a tire chain including a tread portion and flanking side-wall portions with at least the tread portion including vertically extending links, three or four of which are interconnected by horizontal connectors to form a mesh of a desired shape. The link includes a base portion, a medial portion and a head portion, with at least one traction member of a material that is relatively harder than the material of the link partially embedded in the head portion and partially exposed on the surface of the head portion. The traction member may be in the form of tungsten carbide buttons or plates secured in holes in the head portion of the link or may be in the form of a plurality of particles consolidated in a cemented compact or steel matrix that is secured to the head portion of the link, either by being cast or formed on the head portion or by being provided on a body that is weldable to the head portion.

Abstract: The stay member for a tire chain has a base member including a base portion and a wear portion. The base member has a longitudinal center plane. The base member has at least one connecting opening for receiving connecting members of the tire chain. The base portion includes a tire contact surface opposite the wear portion. The wear portion projects at least partly laterally past the base portion and has a wear surface and lateral surfaces. The wear surface includes grooves extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal center plane. The lateral surfaces extend at such an angle to one another that ring members received in neighboring ones of the stay members are spaced from one another when the stay members touch one another.

Abstract: A tire traction chain having a tread or contact section with spikes, and two side sections. The tread or contact section includes plate-like contact section parts in which the spikes are secured. The contact section parts are linked with one another.

Abstract: This invention discloses a snow chain comprising at least three chains or wires arranged and connected to each other in a network providing two series of diamond-shaped openings adjacent and parallel to one another, wherein the two extremities of the first chain or wire respectively extending from the two end-most junctions between the first and second chains or wires are respectively connected to the two extremities of a first retainer cord, which first retainer cord with connectors for removably connecting the two extremities thereof is linked to the first chain or wire at each zig-zag point in a sliding arrangement.

Abstract: Two chain segments of a snow-chain are connected through elongated elements, where both ends of an element each exhibit an open slot in which a link of a chain segment is introduced. Thereafter, the slots are pressed shut until the chain links are at least formlocked, or even forcelocked therein. The method enables one to make the connection elements out of the same material as the one used for the chain segments, and to temper them together with the latter. Futhermore, the method can easily be performed by robots.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous snow chain comprising three cords or chains disposed in zig-zag patterns and connected to each other in a network of cords or chains of a finite length including two parallel rows of substantially diamond-shaped openings. One cord or chain constituting one boundary of the network of cords or chains is slidably connected to a first retaining cord at each of the zig-zag points constituting the one boundary of the network of cords or chains, which first retaining cord includes means for connecting two extremities thereof to one another. The other cord or chain constituting the other boundary of the network of cords or chains is slidably connected to a second retaining cord at each of the zig-zag points constituting the other boundary of the network of cords or chains, which second retaining cord includes means for connecting two extremities thereof to one another.

Abstract: In a non-skid device for tire constituted by two parallel cable-like members, and a plurality of non-skid strips which are fabricated of a flexible resilient material and positioned in a ladder form between the two cable-like members, each of the non-skid strips is formed approximately in an L-shape as viewed from the side face thereof, and two ends of the non-skid strip are secured respectively to the cable-like members via mounting fixtures with a longer side section of the non-skid strip as a surface coming into contact with ground. The non-skid strip securely fits to the peripheral surface of the tire, and the non-skid device can be mounted on a tire easily regardless of changes in outer shape of the tire caused by tire inflation pressure and tire width.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire chain device for automobiles travelling on snow-covered terrain and, in particular, to one having two steel hoops connected by a plurality short lengths of chains, a plurality of plastic tubes enclosing the steel hoops, two packings located between every two of the plastic tubes, a plurality of guide rings disposed between adjacent packings of one of the steel hoops, a ring member disposed at each end of the steel hoops and a binding chain connected to one ring member of one of the steel hoops. During use of the device the plurality of short lengths of chains are held tightly across the outside of the tire, disposed to be substantially parallel to the axis of tire rotation to enhance traction.

Abstract: A fastening member provided at the end of a spring-elastic mounting strap of a tire chain. The fastening member has an introduction passage and an attachment passage for a cooperating fastening member that is secured to the other end of the mounting strap. A guide passage interconnects the introduction passage and the attachment passage. This guide passage, at the level of a hook arm portion that partially separates the introduction passage from the attachment passage, extends at an angle of greater than 90.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the attachment passage. In this way, the cooperating fastening member can be easily hooked in the fastening member. The inclined course of the guide passage relative to the longitudinal axis of the attachment passage assures a high degree of protection against accidental unhooking.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in the mounting of tire chains having a flat base and two upward projecting angle members positioned parallel is disclosed. The angle members have first and second apices respectively positioned relative to one another and the road surface such that an encroaching tire is first engaged across its width by a first apex. The tire is supported on both apices, sized and positioned such that a cross-link of a tire chain positioned therebeneath remains movable, so that a snug and uniform fit of a tire chain is achievable. The apparatus is also useful as a support base for a jack and as a wheel chock.

Abstract: A tire chain adapted to be mounted on and readily removed from a vehicle tire includes an inner support extending, in the mounted state of the chain, circumferentially along and in engagement with an inwardly oriented tire side. The inner support has a spring steel yoke including adjacent opposite free yoke ends and a hook lock having cooperating first and second components mounted on the opposite yoke ends, respectively and adapted to selectively assume an interengaged, closed state or a disengaged, open state. The first component is a flat, quadrangular eyelet defining an eyelet plane oriented such that in the mounted state of the tire chain the eyelet lies flat against the side wall of the tire and further, the second component is a flat hook defining a hook plane oriented perpendicularly to the eyelet plane.

Abstract: A vehicle tire chain has an openable and closable inner and outer support engaging, in a mounted state of the chain, respective inner and outer sides of a vehicle tire, a plurality of runner chains each secured to the inner and outer supports and straddling, in the mounted state of the chain, a running face of the tire. The outer support has a first part supporting the runner chains jointly with the inner support and a deflecting member secured to an end of the first part. The outer support further has a second part including a closing linkage for closing the first part under tension. The closing linkage has a first end secured to another end of the first part, a second end passed through the deflecting member and a hook secured to said second end of the closing linkage and releasably attached to the first part of the outer support in the mounted state of the chain. The closing linkage is deflected by more than 90.degree. by the deflecting member.

Abstract: A chain net comprises a plurality of warp strands (1.1) with mutually equal links (1.2) which at intersections lock round links (1.5) of weft strands (1.4) having mutually equal links. The links of the warp strands have dimensions such that they first allow the insertion of weft strands and, after plastic or elastic deformation, lock links of the weft strands. The plastic deformation is provided by elongating the warp strands. The elastic deformation is provided by the warp strand links being first expanded to allow the insertion of weft strands, after which the warp links are elastically re-deformed for locking round weft links.

Abstract: A fastener for openable and closable side clips for antiskid chains for motor vehicle tires is provided, in which to each end of a side clip is fixed an end portion with a platelike body which, in the fitted state of the chain, is oriented substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle tire. There are further provided a hook and a hooking-in opening on each platelike body in such a way that the hook of one body can be brought into operative engagement with the hooking-in opening of the other body in the locking position. Each hook is constructed in the form of a tongue projecting from the plate-like body so as to slope counter to the closing direction.

Abstract: Antiskid device for motor vehicle tires with an inner fastening or mounting engaging with the inside of the tire and with an inner fastening or mounting for chain strand portions extending over the tire tread, in which in the fitted state, the inner fastening has an approximately circular construction and has a central fastening section, to each of whose two ends is swivellably fixed a side part by means of a swivel joint and for fitting the inner fastening, the side parts can be opened outwards from the central fastening section and are in each case pretensioned by means of a spring device in the direction of a closed form of the inner fastening. In order to further facilitate fitting, particularly in the case of narrow or confined wheel cases, it is provided that the central fastening section comprises at least two portions, which are interconnected in a swivellable manner relative to one another and are also pretensioned in the direction of a closed form of the inner fastening.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for detachably securing together the opposed ends of a lateral cable in a tire chain mounted on a tire. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced-apart anchor members mounted on one end of the lateral cable and a generally U-shaped clasp joined to the other end of the cable. The clasp includes a base, a first expanse which is joined to and extends outwardly from the base at a right angle, and a second expanse, forming part of the other end of the clasp, which is joined to and projects outwardly from the base, and is inclined away from the first expanse. The clasp further includes an elongate slot which extends longitudinally of the clasp, with opposite ends in the first and second expanses, and having in the second expanse in an enlarged portion which accommodates passage therethrough of an anchor member.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for motor vehicle tires is provided including front and rear holding devices, which lie against the inside and outside of the tire when the chain is mounted, and between which chain strand sections extend over the running surface of the tire. One of the holding devices which usually is the rear holding device in the mounted state, is essentially circular and has a rigid middle section and two rigid side sections, one end of each of which is attached by pivotal connections to an end of the middle section in such a way that it can be pivoted. Pretensioned spring devices are provided at the pivot connections to bias the side sections toward each other in the mounted condition after the rear holding device is passed over the tire with the side sections pivoted outwardly. Locking devices for securing the two ends of the side sections together in the mounted position are also provided.

Abstract: A tire chain device of the type which has a rigid structure positioned on the inner side of the wheel upon which it is installed, said rigid structure being comprised of an adjustable length horizontal strap and two rigid depending straps pivoted from either end thereof in a manner that restricts pivoting more than 90.degree., the two ends of the horizontal strap of said inner structure being connected by two short cross links to an adjustable length outer strap, and the lower end of each depending strap being removably connected by two long cross links to a plurality of posts having expanded ends spaced along the exposed side of the outer strap. In another mode of the invention the inner structure is comprised of five rigid straps including four of equal length and shape pivotally depending from one horizontal strap such that they form five sides of an octagon when pivoted to their maximum outward extent.

Abstract: An antislip tire chain has provided therewith an inner part and an outer part joined together by a tread part. The inner part includes a fastener formed by a fastener member and a counter fastener member. An introduction opening of the fastener member is open in a direction towards the counter fastener member; via a guide portion extending transversely of the insertion direction of the counter fastener member, the fastener member is joined to an attachment or securing opening. In a region between the introduction opening and the attachment opening, which lies transversely of the guide portion, there is a securing element for the engaged counter fastener member. The fastener can be easily closed, the counter fastener member being reliably secured against unintentional release.

Abstract: Simplified means for connecting skidder rings to the tag chains that hold the skidder rings in spaced positions around a tractor wheel. Each skidder ring has four hooks spaced approximately 90.degree. apart, two at each side, of novel construction. Each hook is so shaped as to permit easy attachment thereto of the end link of a tag chain but which will positively preclude disconnection of the link from the hook when the parts are in operating position on the wheel.

Abstract: A spacer, such as a block, upon which a tire is driven and positioned upon. Engaged with the spacer is a bracket means for temporary holding an open link. The tire chain is draped over the tire and the end links of the innerside segment of the tire chain are joined by slipping them into the gap of the open link which is held in place by the bracket and clip means. The outerside segment end links are joined and tightened conventionally. The invention is then disengaged from the open link and the tire is driven off the spacer means.

Abstract: A tire chain comprising two-spaced parallel side chains, a plurality of cross chains joining the side chains at spaced intervals, a plurality of spaced junction links in each side chain, wherein each junction link has areas of reduced thickness and a hook element on each end of each cross chain for connecting to one of the junction links. Each hook element consists of a bight and two-spaced hooks which are transverse to the plane of the bight having free ends which overlie the bight and which are spaced from the bight a distance which is less than the thickness of the junction link and greater than the thickness of the areas of reduced thickness to permit the entry of the junction link into the hooks of the hook element.

Abstract: A tire chain device of the type which has a rigid structure positioned on the inner side of the wheel upon which it is installed, said rigid structure being comprised of an adjustable length horizontal strap and two rigid depending straps pivoted from either end thereof in a manner that restricts pivoting more than 90.degree., the two ends of the horizontal strap of said inner structure being connected by two short cross links to an adjustable length outer strap, and the lower end of each depending strap being removably connected by two long cross links to a plurality of posts having expanded ends spaced along the exposed side of the outer strap. The outer strap is slotted near one end for vertical support of the inner structure in the formation of a warning triangle.

Abstract: An antiskid device and its fittings for a tire including a side chain, a cross chain, a connector, an end link, a hook and a stopper. The side chain includes a side link formed as a two-piece link having two links, one a long link and the other a short link, which are integral with each other. The stopper is angled in transverse cross section and formed with a transverse web of a width large enough to contact a lower portion of the end link and a groove of a width large enough to receive the hook. The cross chain is formed as a cross link of bar material, and the connector is in the form of a link on either end and in the form of a rod in its intermediate portion so that the connector is connected at one end to the cross link and at the other end to the side link.

Abstract: A traction device comprises a traction means such as, for example, a chain mounted on a wheel tire, and a connecting means to connect both end portions of the chain when mounted on. Said connecting means comprises a long extension having a first hook portion at one end, and a short extension having a second hook portion at one end corresponding to said first hook portion, the extension being pivoted to said long extension. Said first and second hook portions are respectively hooked to the end portions of the chain, and by rotating said long extension in a predetermined direction, both end portions of the chain are pulled to approach together so as to perform the connection.

Abstract: A composite semirigid snow chain without rear hooking means, for motor vehicles, consisting of two parts to be independently applied onto a wheel and to be connected to one another at a sole side, that is at a sole side of the wheel, by means of an elastic device having a controllable clearance, each of said parts being provided with friction elements.

Abstract: An antiskid tire chain comprises a plurality of cross chains which are systematically arranged in groups of three along the tire chain, one end link of each cross chain in a group being joined in a junction member.

Abstract: In an anti-skid chain with an inner retaining device (1) formed by a resilient steel hoop, a tensioning strand (6) bridging end parts (4, 5) of the steel hoop is used for tensioning and is guided over the tread of the tire to the outer retaining device (3). The deflection device (13), which deflects the tensioning strand (6) out of the region of the inner retaining device (1) to the tread, is held at a distance from the end parts (4, 5) of the inner retaining device (1) by movable connecting elements, especially chain links.

Abstract: Tire protective or traction chain comprising a network of wearing plates 14 substantially perpendicular to the surface of a tire and connectors 12 substantially parallel to the surface of the tire interconnecting the wearing plates. Each wearing plate on the tread portion of tire comprises an assembly of multiple plates 16 that are relatively thin and that together form a wearing plate assembly of the required thickness. Alternate plates of an assembly may be of different heights or have sloping ground engaging edges arranged opposite to one another for increased traction.

Abstract: An anti-skid tire chain is improved by having a resilient strap at one end, the strap being adapted to be secured on the inside wall of a mounted tire having its tread on a road surface. On both of the side wall links of the chain, there are plates having a plurality of sharply pointed hooks or barbs adapted to be pressed into the side walls of the tire when the chain is initially being secured to the tire. In order to have the barbs securely engage the tire so as to hold the chain thereon during the rotation of the wheel and tire, the resilient strap is extended transversely on the chain from adjacent one of the plates to the other and the plates are secured to the tire by pressing them against the side walls with the barbs extending toward the tire wall and toward the tread. At the same time the strap is stretched so that when it is released, the barbs will be additionally pulled into the tire by the resilient retraction of the strap.

Abstract: In the case of an anti-slip chain, possessing an inner and outer holding device (4,5) which holds a chain-net, a tensioning chain-strand (7) runs from the inner holding device (4), over the tread of the tire, to the outer holding device (5). In order to guarantee that the tensioning chain-strand (7) is correctly guided in the region of the tread of the tire, the said strand is led through a sliding sleeve (9,11) which is located at the end of a track piece (3) and is comparatively long.

Abstract: A novel and improved traction device comprises a cable-type chain adapted to be mounted on radial tires for emergency use wherein a pair of lateral cables are adapted to extend cicumferentially along opposite sidewalls of the tire. A plurality of cross-members are arranged at spaced intervals transversely of and between lateral cables to which opposite ends of each of the cross members are connected. Each of the cross members is in the form of an elongated flexible member composed of a wire or wire-like material with an outer plastic coating in surrounding relation to the elongated flexible member. At least one sleeve member is slidably disposed in outer surrounding relation to each of the cross members, the sleeve members being composed of a high impact-resistant material in the form of a plurality of extruded tubular sections of limited length disposed in end-to-end relation to one another for extension along the length of each cross member.

Abstract: A cable-type tire chain comprises side members adapted to extend circumferentially around opposite side walls of a tire and cross members connected between the side members so as to extend over and across the tire tread, the cross members carrying traction means in the form of traction sleeves. A low profile articulated connection is provided between each end of each cross member and one of the side members, the connection comprising one connector element crimped on the cross member and another connector element crimped on the side member. One connector element has a T-shaped head and the other element has a bent-over tab with an opening through which the head is inserted. When the tab is flattened the head is trapped in the other connector element. The connection allows for hinging movement of a cross member both laterally and circumferentially of a tire.

Abstract: A cable-type tire chain comprises side members adapted to extend circumferentially around opposite side walls of a tire and cross members connected between the side members so as to extend over and across the tire tread. The cross members comprise cables connected to the side members in a manner permitting rotation of the cross members about their longitudinal axes. The cross member cables have sheaths of helically wound wire which are free to rotate on the cables, and traction sleeves are freely rotatable on the wire sheaths. The traction sleeves have cylindrical body portions and outwardly flared end portions. Notches in the end portions of the sleeves define sharp corners at the ends of the sleeves for biting into ice and the like.

Abstract: An anti-skid tire chain comprising a pair of parallel side chains, a series of traction rings extending medially between the side chains, and a network of connector chains interconnecting the traction rings with the side chains and with one another is characterized in that the connector chains are interconnected in threes by triradial connector plates. Each triradial connector plate consists of three plate elements welded together, each plate element providing a pair of opposite end portions, subtending an angle of 120.degree. to one another and an arcuate mid-portion defining a convex cylindrical surface, the plate elements being mutually welded together at the convex surfaces thereby defining a symmetrical triradial configuration providing three radially extending pairs of parallel arms, each pair of arms defining a clevis for receiving an end link of a respective connector chain, and including a removable clevis pin for retaining the end link.

Abstract: In a tire protection chain with plate-shaped components (1) which cover the tread of the tire to be protected, and with at least one chain network (4) located on one side of the tire, the chain network is provided with overload safeguards (7, 8, 9, 14, 18, 22) which form a parting position when the chain network is subjected to extremely high loadings. The overload safeguards are here designed in such a way that no parts can be released and thrown off when the chain network is overloaded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-skid device for improving the traction of a wheel on an automotive vehicle on the ground. The invention relates also to a method of producing such anti-skid devices. The anti-skid device comprises at least one chain intended to run along the wall(s) of the tire and a plurality of chains intended to surround the entire tread face of the tire. The various chains are interconnected. The interconnection is provided by welding a certain number of neighboring links of two adjacent chain lengths together. The chain length may preferably be equipped with additional gripping elements welded on at least some of the links.

Abstract: An anti-skid tire guard has three main components. The first component is a pair of spaced strips of material, each of the strips comprising three slats connected end to end by hinge pins. The strips are maintained in spaced relation by a plurality of metal or plastic tread members having studs projecting from one surface thereof. The ends of both of the strips are provided with female connectors. A plurality of blanks comprise each tread member and are connected by wires which are attached to the hinges by adjacent slats forming the strips. The second component comprises two slats attached end to end by a hinge, the free ends of each of these slats comprising male connector members designed to securely fit within the female members. A tread member similar to those used in the first component is provided, which is attached to the hinged portion between the two slats at one end and which has a hook at its other end.

Abstract: A wire rope traction device or cable tire chain includes lateral cables and a plurality of cross cables for extending between the lateral cables across the sole of a tire. Flat metal members secured to the lateral cables and ends of the cross cables form low profile articulated connections therebetween substantially adjacent the sole of the tire and radially outwardly from the tire sidewall flexing point for enabling a tighter grip on the tire by the tire chain. A belt attachment is employed in securing the traction device to a tire and is provided with a hook which is readily released for removal of the traction device.

Abstract: The clamping means of the anti-slip device includes a pair of locking members for selectively clamping the overlapping wire ends of the wire in a manner so as to only permit movement in a sense of a shortening of the effective length of the wire. A pair of release members are actuated simultaneously by a frame so as to move the locking members from an inclined position in which the wires are clamped to an upright position in which the wires are free to move through the locking members. The clamping wire is secured within the helical spring forming the resilient pull element at a point diametrically opposite the clamping means. With the anti-slip device fitted onto a wheel and with the release members in a locking position, the locking members allow the clamping means to move relative to the wire ends only in the sense of a shortening of the effective length of the wire.

Abstract: A pair of side-by-side oppositely facing and threaded eyebolts are provided and threaded in parallel side-by-side bores in a common nut structure to define a turnbuckle. One of the eye portions of the eyebolt is open defining an open throat hook with which a closed ring-type anchor member may be releasably engaged and a sleeve is mounted on the shank of the same eyebolt between the nut and the open eyebolt throat and is shiftable along the eyebolt shank into and out of position closing the throat for releasably locking an associated closed ring-type anchor member within the hook. The sleeve is engageable by the common nut structure for displacing the sleeve toward its throat closing position and the common nut structure additionally includes friction structure for adjustably frictionally resisting rotation of the shank portions of the eyebolts relative to the nut structure.

Abstract: A wire rope traction device for tires, and particularly radial tires, includes lateral cables and a plurality of cross cables for extending between the lateral cables across the sole of a tire. Flat metal members secured to the lateral cables and ends of the cross cables form low profile articulated connections therebetween substantially adjacent the sole of the tire and radially outwardly from the tire sidewall flexing point for enabling a tighter grip on the tire by the traction device.

Abstract: An improved tire chain in which the chain length on the inner side of a tire may be remotely connected by means of a releasable connecting means. The releasable connecting means is initially engaged with a hook and a connecting link on the inner side chain, and a pull on its handle causes the hook to engage with the connecting link. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means automatically disengages from the chain.