Interchangeable hook-and-bracket system

An interchangeable hook-and-bracket system for a food processing system having a conveyor system, comprising:

• at least one bracket configured to connect to the conveyor system;
• at least one hook configured to releasably connect to the at least one bracket;
• the at least one bracket being formed by a material selected from the group consisting of a metal-based material, a fiber-filled polymer material, a polymer-based material, or a combination thereof;
• and
• the at least one hook being formed by a polymer-based material more flexible than the material forming the at least one bracket;
• wherein the at least one bracket releasably connects to the at least one hook by at least one engagement feature, the at least one engagement feature extends from the at least one hook, and the at least one engagement feature is sized and configured to cooperate with at least one aperture defined by the at least one bracket.

A food processing system comprising a conveyor system having an interchangeable hook-and-bracket system, the interchangeable hook-and-bracket system comprising:

• at least one bracket configured to connect to a conveyor system;
• at least one hook configured to releasably connect to the at least one bracket;
• the at least one bracket comprising a rigid material;
• and
• the at least one hook comprising a flexible material more flexible than the rigid material;
• wherein the at least one bracket releasably connects to the at least one hook by at least one engagement feature, the at least one engagement feature extends from the at least one hook, and the at least one engagement feature is sized and configured to cooperate with at least one aperture defined by the at least one bracket;
• wherein the at least one bracket comprises a head portion defining at least one opening configured for engaging the head portion to the conveyor system.