Abstract: A safety hook includes a hook body having an opening, a pivoting portion and a latching portion. A composite link includes a fixing rod and a guiding post. The fixing rod is pivoted at the pivoting portion, and the guiding post has a positioning portion, a sliding groove and a fastening portion. The guiding post encloses the opening through the fastening portion fastened with the latching portion. A rotating kit includes a sleeve and a pin, and the sleeve sheathes the guiding post and coupled to the composite link. A resilience component is sleeved outside the fixing rod and abutted the sleeve. The composite link is restricted when the sleeve is pushed by the resilience component.

Abstract: A lever-lock release system is configured to releasably couple two objects together, for example a parachute and a payload. The lever-lock release system may comprise a first lever and a second lever, each rotatably coupled to a rigid base. When activated, the levers cascadingly rotate to release a first object and a second object. With these systems and related methods, various failure modes may be eliminated, such as undesired premature deployment of recovery parachutes during aerial delivery.

Abstract: Support assembly (F5.13.1) moving sliding assembly (F5.13.3), position lock assembly (F5.13.6), push lock rod (F5.13.8), tension spring (F5.13. I0)), threaded cap (F5.13.1 1) and release handle (F5.13.12). Bolt holes (F5.13.2), lower protection rod (F5.13.31) and upper protection rod (F5.1 3.32). Two lower protection rods (F5.13.14) and one upper protection rod (F5.1 3, 15) with strengthening link (F5.13.16). Push lock rod (F5.1 3,8) is equipped to lock sliding assembly (F5.13.3) in to possible positions in in lock down holes (F5.13.9).

Abstract: A shackle with a low-load release mechanism adaptable for remote actuation to releasably connect two entities typically one of which being a rope or a line and the other being an entity controlled or positioned by the rope or line. The shackle consists of a body, a bail, a first pivot arm, a second pivot arm configured to hold the first pivot arm in a closed position, a release cam, and an activation lanyard. The lanyard connects to the release cam such that the release cam moves the second pivot arm when tension is applied to the lanyard thereby releasing the first pivot arm into an open position. The shackle may be configured to allow a tool to open the shackle, a finger release lever, and a release lever shield. The lanyard may pass through the second pivot arm, the release cam, and a pivot boss for attaching the bail.

Abstract: A hook formed into a body formed into a hook shape and having a neck and fabricated from nonferromagnetic material with the body having a first end and a second end. The neck is proximate the first end. One side of the neck includes a center ridge with a flat top surface with either a magnet or ferromagnetic material embedded in the center ridge. The hook also includes a closure having a first closure end and a second closure end and a channel with a floor flanked by two lateral sides. A second magnet or a ferromagnetic material is embedded into the floor opposed to the first magnet or ferromagnetic material. The closure being pivotally and/or pivotally and slidably attached to the hook body by at least one pin. The magnet(s) and/or ferromagnetic material hold the closure in a closed position enclosing a defined space.

Abstract: A snap hook apparatus includes a shell, a bolt, a hook, two pins, a torsion spring and an elastic strip. The shell includes an annular rib formed on an internal side and teeth formed on the annular rib. The bolt includes two lugs, an annular shoulder, and a bore near the annular shoulder. The hook includes a catch at a first end and an aperture in a second end. The first pin is inserted in the first lug and used for engagement with the catch of the hook. The second pin is inserted in the second lug and the second end of the hook. The torsion spring includes a first end inserted in the bore of the bolt and a second end inserted in a recess defined between two adjacent ones of the teeth of the shell. The compression spring and the elastic strip are inserted in the shell.

Abstract: An example holder apparatus includes a body portion and a gate portion. The body portion includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall that opposes the first sidewall to form a channel therebetween. The gate portion is, at least in use, physically coupled to the second sidewall of the body portion and movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The gate portion includes a cross-channel member that, when the gate portion is in the closed configuration, extends across an entire width of the channel to physically engage a channel-facing surface of the first sidewall or a portion of an object held between the cross-channel member and the channel-facing surface of the first sidewall. An example kit for a holder apparatus includes a body portion and a gate portion. The gate portion is selectively physically coupleable to the body portion via a snap fit.

Abstract: An animal lead is arranged for gripping by a handler at one end, and has a releasable attachment means for a collar or harness at the other end. The attachment means has a hooked body (4) with an aperture (20) closed by a gate (7) in a release frame (5). The release frame moves relative to the body and has an open configuration in which the gate is retracted from the gap, and a closed configuration in which the gate is held by the release frame to close the gap. The gate moves relative to the release frame whereby the hooked body may be clipped into a fastening loop of a collar or harness by the gate pushed aside and springing back to close the gap. The release frame has a decoupling member (10) arranged to sweep across the aperture as the release frame is moved from the closed to the open configuration, so that the decoupling member urges the collar to disengage by sweeping a rim of its fastening loop out of the aperture through the gap.

Abstract: A coupling device for securing an ISOFIX child seat to a vehicle is provided with a housing including a first opening; a first pivot member adjacent to the first opening and pivotably secured to the housing, the first pivot member including first and second slots; a second pivot member forward of the first pivot member and pivotably secured to the housing, the second pivot member including a lock pin configured to receive in the second slot; a first biasing member in the housing and anchored on the second pivot member to interconnect the first and second pivot members so that the first and second pivot members can rotate clockwise; and a pulling member having one end held secure to the second pivot member and extending outwardly so that the second pivot member can rotate counterclockwise. The coupling device can be easily connected to or disengaged from an anchorage member.

Abstract: An automatically locking carabiner system including a frame, a gate, a gate biasing system, and a gate locking system. The frame and gate form a continuously enclosed inner region in a closed configuration with respect to the frame. When in an engaged state, the gate locking system is configured to automatically lock the gate in the closed configuration with respect to the frame. The gate locking system may include a trigger coupled to the frame such that the position of the trigger corresponds to the state of the gate locking system. The trigger may be positioned on an opposite side of the frame from the gate with respect to the inner region. The force required to disengage the gate locking system may be substantially opposite that which is required to transition the gate to the open configuration with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A carabiner comprising a body having an opening, a closure movably coupled to the body, the closure being movable to an open position, and to a closed position in which the opening is closed by the closure such that the body and the closure define a closed shape, and an actuator, coupled to the closure and operatively connected to the body, the actuator being configured to cause the closure to move to the closed position in response to loading of the carabiner, and to cause the closure to move from the closed position to the open position in response to unloading of the carabiner.

Abstract: A carabiner includes a carabiner body, and a gate assembly coupled to the carabiner body. The carabiner includes a sleeve bracket, which includes first and second sleeve bracket bodies coupled to the gate assembly, and a stationary bracket, which includes first and second stationary bracket bodies coupled to a distal portion of the carabiner body. An elongate member extends through the sleeve bracket and stationary bracket, wherein the gate assembly is moveable between open and closed conditions in response to apply a force to the elongate member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chain hook which reduces the risk of disengagement of one or more chains connected thereto. The chain hook comprises an elongate body, a first hook at a first end of the elongate body for connection to a load and a second hook at a second end of the elongate body for connection to at least one chain, wherein the first and second hooks are in different planes.

Abstract: Latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchor members and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an ejector movably coupled to a frame. In some embodiments, a biasing member urges the ejector toward a position that holds the latch in a first or open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. When the anchor member presses against the ejector, another biasing member urges the latch to pivot from the first or open position to a second position about a first pivot point, and then from the second position to a third or fully closed position about a second pivot point.

Abstract: A device is provided including a textile article. The textile article includes a leading edge comprising an open loop and a secured loose end. The device further includes a piece of hardware threaded through the open loop. The textile article is configured to easily unravel by removing the piece of hardware from the open loop and pulling upon the secured loose end.

Abstract: A hook article that is constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment between two or more objects includes a fixed frame member and gate member. The gate member includes a first end that is pivotally hinged to the frame member, a second end movable with respect to the frame member to allow access into an interior space and a handle that is integral with the gate member. The position of the handle facilitates the process of and enables a user to easily open and close the gate member with a single hand, while protecting the fingers of the user against jamming. Upon applying pressure to the handle, the gate member pivotally retracts towards an interior space of the hook article.

Abstract: A safety hook contains a body, a bolt member, a torsion spring, a spring coil, an elastic piece, and an actuation member. The body includes a recess and a through hole, the bolt member includes two orifices, an extension, and an aperture, such that a first foot of the torsion spring is limited in the aperture through the extension. The actuation member includes a chamber for receiving the elastic piece, the spring coil, the torsion spring, and the bolt member. The actuation member also includes two notches corresponding to each other, wherein the actuation member further includes a raised fence arranged in the chamber thereof below a notch of the upper end of the outer wall of the actuation member and includes a longitudinal slot formed on the raised fence, such that a second foot of the torsion spring is limited in the longitudinal slot of the actuation member.

Abstract: Latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchor members and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an ejector movably coupled to a frame. In some embodiments, a biasing member urges the ejector toward a position that holds the latch in a first or open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. When the anchor member presses against the ejector, the biasing member causes the ejector to rotate latch from the first or open position to a second position about a first pivot point, and then from the second position to a third or fully closed position about a second pivot point.

Abstract: A snap ring for coupling a purse line to a purse seine includes a frame, a plurality of rollers, a frame opening, and a locking unit. The frame is connected to the purse seine. The purse line passes through a second end of the frame. The rollers are rotatably provided in the frame at positions at which the purse line is brought into contact with the frame. The frame opening is formed in one side part of opposite side parts of the frame to open the frame. The locking unit is coupled to the frame to openably close the frame opening. The locking unit includes a first cylinder which is hinged at a first end thereof to the part of the frame which corresponds to a first end of the frame opening.

Abstract: A snap ring for fishing implements is provided. The snap ring includes a hook-like body having an opening on a portion thereof, a rotary shaft coupled on one side to a portion of the body such that the rotary shaft is rotatable around the opening, a hollow guide into which the rotary shaft is fitted and slides along, and a guide spring provided between the rotary shaft and the guide to elastically support the guide against the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A hook forms a portion of an eye loop. A lever is pivotally movable relative to the hook. The lever forming a remaining portion of the eye loop. A thumb tab engages the lever and is positioned in an angled slot defined in a guide plate. The thumb tab is slidable in the angled slot, forming a release mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the thumb tab in the angled slot urges the lever to pivot relative to the hook to open said eye loop. The lever further includes an opening for receiving a protruding portion of the thumb tab, such that the lever can rotate to open the eye loop, essentially without sliding the thumb tab down in the slot of the hook.

Abstract: Multi-pivot latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchors and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and a release actuator movably coupled to a frame. In operation, movement of the release actuator causes the latch to rotate from a first position to a second position about a first pivot point, and from the second position to a third position about a second pivot point to open the latch. In some embodiments, a blocker holds the latch in the open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. In other embodiments, a biasing member holds the latch in the open position.

Abstract: Latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchor members and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A multi-pivot latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an ejector movably coupled to a frame. In some embodiments, a biasing member holds the latch in a first or open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. When the anchor member presses against the ejector, the latch pivots from the first or open position to a second position about a first pivot point, and then from the second position to a third or fully closed position about a second pivot point.

Abstract: A hook article that is constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment between two or more objects includes a fixed frame member and gate member. The gate member includes a first end that is pivotally hinged to the frame member, a second end movable with respect to the frame member to allow access into an interior space and a handle that is integral with the gate member. The position of the handle facilitates the process of and enables a user to easily open and close the gate member with a single hand, while protecting the fingers of the user against jamming. Upon applying pressure to the handle, the gate member pivotally retracts towards an interior space of the hook article.

Abstract: A fastening clip device comprising arms of different length pivoted together about a transverse pin on one and the other side thereof, and elastic means which maintain two facing portions of said arms spaced apart, one end of one of said arms being bent substantially to U-shape to retain the end of the other arm against the action of said elastic means, characterized in that the arm of smaller length comprises two apertures positioned on one and the other side of the pin about which the two arms are pivoted, and by comprising a flexible puller which passes through said apertures, extends between the pin and the arm of greater length, and is fixed to the curved portion of said arm.

Abstract: A safety hook includes a hook and a latch. The hook may be a twisted hook with a hooked portion twisted 90 degrees from a strap loop, or a flat “S” hook with the hooked portion and the strap loop in a single plane. The latch includes a full circle latch ring and a latch arm. The latch arm extends across a mouth opening of the hooked portion and is biased to prevent the hooked portion from disengaging from a wheel chair or other attachment point without forcing the latch arm away from the mouth. The latch ring resides against a loop portion of the hook and is held in place by grasps, fingers, lips, or the like which reach past center around a cross-section of the loop portion, or by molding-in-place over the loop portion, and by a strap attached around strap loop and the latch ring.

Abstract: Various embodiments for carabiners include two gates. The carabiners include a C-shaped body having a nose region and an end region. An inner gate is configured to pivot about the end region from a closed position in contact with the nose region, and an open position, wherein the inner gate pivots toward the spine of the C-shaped body. An outer gate is configured to pivot about the end region from a closed position in contact with the nose region, and an open position, extending away from the C-shaped body. The inner and the outer gate may each comprise wire gates, alternatively one gate may comprise a generally cylindrical gate and the other gate may comprise a wire gate. Methods include preventing a carabiner from opening.

Abstract: A retainer apparatus and method for removably engaging a first article to a second article includes a beam having a first end portion sized and configured as an open ended hook and a second end portion that attaches to the first article. Also included in the retainer apparatus is a finger that has magnetic attraction to the second article, the finger is disposed adjacent to the second end portion of the beam, with the finger having an open state position allowing free passage of the hook through an aperture of the second article, the finger also having a closed state position wherein the finger is adjacent to the hook such that the hook and finger form a converging interface thereby engaging the first and second articles. Further included is structure for urging the finger from the open state position to the closed state position.

Abstract: Multi pivot latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchors and other attach points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an actuator, each of which is movably coupled to a frame. In operation, movement of the actuator from a locked position toward an unlocked position causes the latch to rotate from a first position to a second position about a first pivot point, and from the second position toward the third position about a second pivot point to open the latch assembly and release the anchor.

Abstract: A fall prevention system with a securing point, in which the recess which accommodates the securing means and/or the recess which accommodates an external securing means can be locked and in which the lock can be actuated by keys on the securing means and/or on the external securing means. Also disclosed is an associated fall prevention method and the use of the fall prevention system.

Abstract: A coupling device for engagement with an anchor member is provided. The coupling device includes a lever that moves between a closed position that substantially covers the mouth of the device and an open position in which the mouth is substantially uncovered by the lever. The lever may be moved to the open position by camming forces or by direct manipulation of a portion of the lever by a user. The coupling device may include a cover with a recognizable shape such as a pet or fictional character. The protruding ears and/or head of the recognizable shape aid in the gripping and operation of the device and the mouth receives the anchor member.

Abstract: A retrofittable hook protection device for use with a hook comprises a first member and a second member. The hook includes an intermediate portion interconnecting a hook portion and an end having an aperture, a gate for opening and closing an opening proximate the hook portion, and a lanyard operatively connected to the end proximate the aperture. The first member is configured and arranged to receive a first portion of the lanyard and a second portion of the end proximate a first side of the hook. The second member is configured and arranged to receive a third portion of the lanyard and a fourth portion of the end proximate a second side of the hook. The first and second members are connectable to sandwich the portions of the lanyard and the end therebetween.

Abstract: A retrofittable hook protection device for use with a hook is provided. The hook includes an intermediate portion interconnecting a hook portion and an end having an aperture, a gate for opening and closing an opening proximate the hook portion, and a lanyard operatively connected to the end proximate the aperture. The protection device includes a first and second member. The first member is configured and arranged to receive a first portion of the lanyard and a second portion of the end proximate a first side of the hook. A second member is configured and arranged to receive a third portion of the lanyard and a fourth portion of the end proximate a second side of the hook. The first and second members are connectable to sandwich the portions of the lanyard and the end there between.

Abstract: A carabiner with a generally C-shaped body includes a first end and a second end located on opposite sides of an opening. A primary gate is mounted to the second end. The primary gate is rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to a plane that bisects the C-shaped body. The primary gate is rotatable between a closed position with the primary gate engaged with the first end and the C-shaped body enclosing an interior region, and an open position with the primary gate located generally in the interior region. A secondary gate is attached to the primary gate and adapted to be displaced in the plane relative to the primary gate between a closed configuration that separates the interior region into a first portion and a second portion, and an open configuration that provides access to the interior region. The secondary gate can be displaced in the plane to extend across the interior region as the primary gate rotates between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A karabiner having at least one hoop (1) and at least one closing part (2) and at least one insertion opening (3) of the hoop (1), which can be closed by the closing part (2) in its closed position, with the closing part (2) being mounted pivotally via a closing part pivoting axle (4) to the loop (1) between the closed position and a maximally opened position and at least one blocking element (5) being pivotally mounted at or in the closing part (2) via a blocking element—pivot axle (6), with the blocking element (5), at least in a closed position of the closing part (2), blocking the closing part (2) in its closed position from pivoting in the direction towards its maximally opened position and in at least one released position allows the closing part (2) to pivot in the direction towards its maximally opened position.

Abstract: Described is a multi-roller snap ring with one or more rollers extending across a space defined by a frame and one or more rollers integrated within the frame of the snap ring. The multiple rollers reduce and mitigate the frictional wear and tear caused by a purse line being drawn through the snap ring during purse seine deployment and retrieval operations. In addition, a locking mechanism with a spring-loaded, sliding and rotating lock forming a portion of the frame and a stopper tab are disclosed.

Abstract: A seat belt device allows easy connection of a lap anchor fixed to one end of a seat belt relative to a vehicle body or the like even when a seat weight sensor is installed below a vehicle seat. The seat weight sensor and the vehicle seat are fixed to a vehicle body floor. A hitch member is attached to the seat weight sensor via a mounting bracket by a bolt. A lap anchor is locked to a hitch member by an engaging hook of the lap anchor. The hitch member is directly attached to a mounting bracket of the seat weight sensor. The mounting bracket is positioned between a seat rail and the seat weight sensor.

Abstract: Multi pivot latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchors and other attach points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an actuator, each of which is movably coupled to a frame. In operation, movement of the actuator from a locked position toward an unlocked position causes the latch to rotate from a first position to a second position about a first pivot point, and from the second position toward the third position about a second pivot point to open the latch assembly and release the anchor.

Abstract: A carabiner provided with a load bearing apex portion having a rubber sleeve for preventing side-to-side slippage of said carabiner on a rounded handle of a mobile vehicle such as a stroller or shopping cart.

Abstract: A device which functions as both a bottle opener and carabiner. The device being a triangular structure having a pivotable segment disposed on one side of the structure, and a lip extending inwardly disposed either of the two remaining sides. The pivotable segment can be manually moved from a closed position to an open position and is urged back into a closed position by a biasing means. A portion of the device is placed on top of the cap of a bottle with the lip positioned underneath the cap such that a user can urge the cap out of engagement with the bottle by applying a downward force to the device. The device can also be used to secure an auxiliary device therein by moving the pivotable segment to an open position and inserting a leg of the device through an opening in the auxiliary, and then closing the pivotable segment.

Abstract: A safety hook includes a hook and a latch. The hook may be a twisted hook with a hooked portion twisted 90 degrees from a strap loop, or a flat “S” hook with the hooked portion and the strap loop in a single plane. The latch includes a full circle latch ring and a latch arm. The latch arm extends across a mouth opening of the hooked portion and is biased to prevent the hooked portion from disengaging from a wheel chair or other attachment point without forcing the latch arm away from the mouth. The latch ring resides against the strap loop and is held in place by grasps, fingers, lips, or the like which reach past center around a cross-section of the strap loop, or by molding-in-place over the strap loop, and by a strap attached around strap loop and the latch ring.

Abstract: A carabiner comprising a body having an opening, a closure movably coupled to the body, the closure being movable to an open position, and to a closed position in which the opening is closed by the closure such that the body and the closure define a closed shape, and an actuator, coupled to the closure and operatively connected to the body, the actuator being configured to cause the closure to move to the closed position in response to loading of the carabiner, and to cause the closure to move from the closed position to the open position in response to unloading of the carabiner.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a hook including a hook body having first and second ends, the first end includes a bent portion having inner and outer surfaces and a nose, and the second end includes an opening, a release lever having a first locking means and spaced apart parallel side walls, the first locking means arranged proximate to the inner surface of the hook body and a gate having spaced apart parallel side walls, the side walls including a second locking means and, the gate arranged to engage the nose, the second locking means arranged to complimentarily engage the first locking means, wherein pivoting of the release lever about a first rotational axis disengages the first and second locking means and permits pivoting of the gate about a second rotational axis.

Abstract: A retractable hook is used to couple a portable article to another thing. The retractable hook has an attachment section that at least partially extends from and at least partially retracts into a housing section. The attachment section has a gate with open and closed positions. The housing section typically is affixed to a portable article. To couple the portable article to another thing, the attachment section is at least partially extended from the housing section and the gate is opened. The attachment section is then engaged with the other thing and the gate is closed. The attachment section is then at least partially retracted into the housing section.

Abstract: A snap hook having a hook shank and a gate keeper. The hook shank includes a main body and a hook member. The hook member has a hook bowl and a hook bill with the hook bill and the main body defining a gateway opening therebetween. The gate keeper has an open position and a closed position. When in its closed position the gate keeper encloses the gateway opening and when in its open position the gate keeper allows passage of an object through the gateway opening. The snap hook further includes a first and a second pivot point such that movement of the gate keeper from its closed to its open position requires at least partially rotating the gate keeper about its first pivot point and thereafter at least partially rotating the gate keeper about its second pivot point.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a carabiner for climbing, a body (1) thereof is connected with a left and a right arm parts (4) and (9) via hinges (5) and (10), the left and the right arm parts (4) and (9) respectively have concave-convex blocks engaging with blocks (3) and (8) of the body so as to perform the fastening function, a liquid crystal timing display (20) is installed on a front casing (1A) of the body (1), a button (13) for setting the modes of time and sound of the timer is mounted at a lower right side of the body (1), a transparent sight-glass shell (15) is disposed on the button (13), an electronic button (14) is arranged near the top of the right edge of the body for controlling the timing start and stop function of the timer, another group of key-press (12) is used for operating the sectional timing and the resetting mode of the timer, a compass is mounted at the lower part of the front casing (1A), a lighting bulb (16) is installed on the top of the body and a switch button (2) for the bulb

Abstract: An adjustable length rope clip with a body having a handle end, a hook end and an arm element formed midway between the hook and handle ends which allows a lead rope to be positioned thereon in one of three positions for permitting a predetermined length of rope to be released when pressure is applied, the pressure could result from a horse being tied to a holding location and pulling on the rope. The adjustable length rope clip aids in training the horse from getting spooked while adjusting to the training program.

Abstract: Various embodiments for carabiners employing a pivoting gate and having a captive eye opening are disclosed. The carabiners of the present invention employ an arm laterally extending from the body of the carabiner to define a major opening and a captive eye opening within the interior of the carabiner. Some of the inventive carabiner designs provide the capability of opening the gate while the captive eye opening is maintained. Methods of fabrication and use of the carabiners are also disclosed.

Abstract: The snap hook of the invention comprises a snap hook body closed by two closure fingers pivoting in opposite directions. The two closure fingers are separated by an insertion space. The insertion space has a width sufficient to allow the insertion of a loop oriented perpendicularly to the mean direction of the closure fingers. The insertion space becomes progressively narrower in the direction of the second end of the closure fingers. As a result, a loop may be inserted between the closure fingers, around the second end of the snap hook body, and pushing the loop, automatically inserts it into the snap hook, which thereafter remains locked.

Abstract: A simple, strong handle for use as a grip for holding articles is disclosed comprising a carabiner-like snap hook provided with a gripping surface of the proper size and shape to be comfortably held by a human hand. The snap hook has a generally C-shaped back portion on which the gripping surface is disposed, and a gate selectively attached to the back portion, forming a closed loop. Articles such as shopping bags and animal leashes received by the snap hook and secured by the gate may be held comfortably by the grip. The snap hook may be made of a variety of materials and shapes depending on the application and requirements of the user.