Patent ID: 9021977
Filing Date: 2015-05-05
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. A suspension system for a lifeboat comprising: a pair of hook assemblies adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling respectively to a pair of suspension cables, each hook assembly comprising a hook member pivoted for movement about a pivotal axis between a closed setting where the line of action of a load on the hook member when in use passes substantially through the pivotal axis thereof and an open setting where an associated suspension cable is released from the hook member, each hook assembly further comprising an internal secondary safety system that prevents the hook member from opening inadvertently, wherein the internal secondary safety system comprises a bell crank, a first pair of links that pivotably connect the bell crank to the hook member, a second pair of links that pivotably connect the bell crank to a flexible release cable; and a control mechanism for the pair of hook assemblies comprising a housing, a mass mounted for movement within the housing, a pair of flexible release cables each having one end operatively connected to the mass and another end connected to a respective hook member to effect pivoting movement thereof, a primary release mechanism for use when the hook assemblies are under no load, the primary release mechanism being coupled to the mass and having a release handle arranged so that when operated from a normal position to a hook-open position the mass is moved thereby pulling the flexible cables to pivot the hook members to their open settings, and an interlock pin disposed within an aperture and engaged with a shaft of the control mechanism, thereby preventing the release handle from being operated until the interlock pin is removed from the aperture.