Patent ID: 8833822
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: B66C

Abstract:
1. A lifting apparatus comprising: a link member suspended from a base along a vertical axis, the link member defining a pivot axis and a latch axis, the pivot axis disposed on one side of the vertical axis and the latch axis disposed on an opposite side of the vertical axis, wherein a distance extending transverse to the vertical axis between the pivot axis and the vertical axis is substantially equivalent to a distance extending transverse to the vertical axis between the latch axis and the vertical axis, the link member also defining a recess disposed along the vertical axis for receiving a load; a latch pin; and a jaw member pivotally coupled to the link member about the pivot axis and selectively fixedly coupled to the link member at the latch axis by the latch pin, the jaw member defining a cam surface such that engaging the cam surface with the load by lowering the lifting apparatus along the vertical axis rotates a portion of the jaw member into alignment with the latch axis, whereby the latch pin may be received by the jaw member and the link member, wherein the jaw member includes a hooking portion, a cam portion, and a suspension portion disposed between the hooking portion and the cam portion, the cam portion defining the cam surface, and wherein the hooking portion includes a receiving surface that guides the jaw member into engagement with the load when hooking the load, and wherein when the jaw member is in an open, unlatched position, the receiving surface has a downward slope extending from the hooking portion toward the suspension portion relative to an axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis.