US Patent 9333896 Hook assembly for chain tensioners

Aspects of the invention are directed to an apparatus that may be used as a chain tensioner. The apparatus comprises an attachment element, such as a hook, that is rotatably coupled to a locking plate. In use, the apparatus is operative to take on a plurality of locked states and an unlocked state. Each of the plurality of locked states is characterized by the locking plate being pressed into a cavity of a locking body in a manner that prevents the locking body, and, by extension, the attachment element from rotating. The unlocked state is characterized by the locking plate being outside the cavity, and thereby free to rotate. The attachment element is therefore capable of being swiveled between, and locked into, multiple orientations.