US Patent 7219868 Hook device for attachment to tables and the like

A hook device for securement to the substantially horizontal, bottom surface of a table top, bar top, or the like for supporting personal items. The hook device includes a base, a hook, and an attachment mechanism pivotally securing the hook to the base. The attachment mechanism includes a torsion spring that biases the hook into a stored position in which the hook is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the table top. To use the hook, the hook is pivoted away from the table surface and a personal item, such as a purse, handbag, backpack, coat, or the like is placed on the hook. Once the personal item is removed, the hook returns to its stored position.