Automatic release hook

An automatic release hook comprises at least some of a body, a hook, and a counter-weighted locking arm. During operation of an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this invention, the automatic release hook does not need to be manually manipulated to release a suspended, attached, or coupled item. When a load is suspended or hung from the hook, the counter-weighted locking arm maintains the release hook in a locked or secured position because of the weight of the load. When the load is placed on a surface and the weight of the load is no longer carried by the automatic release hook, the counter-weighted locking arm pivots and releases the release hook, which, in turn, releases the load.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to release hooks. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic release hook.

2. Description of Related Art

Generally, release hooks, such as, for example, pelican hooks, are used to temporarily suspend or secure heavy items or articles by chain or rope, for lifting and moving. These known release hooks generally include a hook lock with a manual release mechanism. The manual release mechanism must typically be pulled or manually manipulated in order for the hook lock to be released and the suspended item to be released from the hook.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to release hooks. More specifically, the present invention relates to an automatic release hook.

Unfortunately, known release hooks must be manually manipulated in order for an item secured by the release hook to be released.

In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this invention, the automatic release hook comprises at least some of a body, a hook, and a counter-weighted locking arm.

During operation of an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this invention, the automatic release hook does not need to be manually manipulated to release a suspended, attached, or coupled item. When a load is suspended or hung from the hook, the counter-weighted locking arm maintains the release hook in a locked or secured position because of the weight of the load. When the load is placed on a surface and the weight of the load is no longer carried by the automatic release hook, the counter-weighted locking arm pivots and releases the release hook, which, in turn, releases the load.

Accordingly, this invention provides an automatic release hook, which may be used to suspend items or articles by chain, rope, cable, wire, hook, or the like, for lifting and moving.

This invention separately provides an automatic release hook, which does not require manual manipulation in order for the item secured by the release hook to be released.

This invention separately provides an automatic release hook, which allows a suspended load to be automatically released from the automatic release hook when the load is placed on a surface and the weight of the load is no longer carried by the automatic release hook.

This invention separately provides an automatic release hook, with improved efficiency.

This invention separately provides an automatic release hook, which requires reduced maintenance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the automatic release hook of this invention are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of an automatic release hook according to this invention. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the automatic release hook is applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the automatic release hook of this invention.

FIG. 1shows a first perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an automatic release hook100according to this invention, whileFIG. 2shows a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of an automatic release hook100in a closed position according to this invention.FIG. 3shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment of an automatic release hook100in an open position.FIG. 4shows a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of an automatic release hook holding a load (not shown) in a closed position according to a first exemplary embodiment of this invention.FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate the invention more clearly by showing a front view and a rear view, respectively, of a first exemplary embodiment of an automatic release hook100in a closed position.

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of this invention, the automatic release hook100comprises at least some of a body110, a hook120, and a locking arm130. In various exemplary embodiments, each of these components and their associated elements is formed substantially of a type or alloy of steel, such that the automatic release hook100may be capable of suspending relatively heavy loads. However, it should be appreciated that the automatic release hook100should be formed of a material such that the automatic release hook100is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear associated with the desired use of the automatic release hook100. The particular material used to form the components of the automatic release hook100is a design choice based on the desired strength, durability, appearance, wearability, and/or functionality of the automatic release hook100.

As shown inFIGS. 1-6, the body110is generally rectangular. The body110includes a primary body attachment means112formed at or proximate a first or distal end of the body110, such that the body110may be suspended, via the primary body attachment means112, in any known or later developed manner, such as, for example, by a chain, rope, cable, wire, hook, or the like, via the primary body attachment means112. In various exemplary embodiments, the primary body attachment means112may be formed integral to and comprise a portion of the body110. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 8, the primary body attachment means112may comprise a hook, loop, or other elements attached or coupled to the body110.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, a hook pivot pin114is formed at or proximate a second end of the body110, such that the hook120may be pivotally attached or coupled to the body110, via the hook pivot pin114and the hook aperture122. In various exemplary embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1-6, the hook pivot pin114may be formed integral to and comprise a portion of the body110.

Alternatively, the body110may form a generally inverted “U” shape, and the hook pivot pin114may comprise a pin means comprising a separate pin or other element that may be attached or coupled to the body110, such as, for example, by fitment into a hole or other aperture (not shown) in the body110, to allow the hook120to be pivotally attached or coupled to the body110, via the hook aperture122.

As shown inFIGS. 1-6, a locking arm pivot pin aperture116is formed on the body110between the first and the second end of the body110, such that the locking arm130may be pivotally attached or coupled to the body110, via a locking arm pivot pin132. In various exemplary embodiments, the locking arm pivot pin aperture116may be formed integral to and comprise a portion of the body110. Alternatively, the locking arm pivot pin aperture116may comprise a collar means comprising a separate collar, a tube, corresponding holes, or some other element that may be formed in or attached or coupled to the body110, to allow the locking arm130to be pivotally attached or coupled to the body110.

As also shown inFIGS. 1-6, the body110includes an optional secondary load attachment means118, such that a load may be suspended via the hook120and the secondary load attachment means118. In various exemplary embodiments, the secondary load attachment means118, if included, may be formed at or proximate the locking arm pivot pin aperture116. In various alternative exemplary embodiments, the secondary load attachment means118may be formed integral to and comprise a portion of the body110. Alternatively, the secondary load attachment means118may comprise a hook, loop, or other elements attached or coupled to the body110.

The hook120comprises at least some of a hook aperture122and a locking portion124. The hook aperture122is formed in the hook120such that the hook120may be pivotally attached or coupled to the body110, via the hook pivot pin114. The locking portion (indicated generally as124) of the hook120is formed such that the hook120may be maintained in a closed position by the locking arm130when an appropriate load is suspended by a chain, rope, cable, wire, hook, or the like, from the automatic release hook100, and more specifically, the hook120. The locking portion124is also formed such that the hook120may be released by the locking arm130when the suspended load is placed on a surface and the weight of the load is no longer carried by the automatic release hook100.

The hook120comprises sufficient weight, such that when the locking arm130releases the hook120, the hook120will pivot to the open position. In various exemplary embodiments, the locking portion124includes sufficient weight such that when the locking arm130releases the hook120, the hook120will pivot to the open position.

The locking arm130is generally rectangular and includes a locking arm pivot pin132formed between a first and a second end of the locking arm130, such that the locking arm130may be pivotally attached or coupled to the body110, via the locking arm pivot pin aperture116. In various exemplary embodiments, the locking arm pivot pin132may be formed integral to and comprise a portion of the locking arm130. Alternatively, the locking arm pivot pin132may comprise a pin means comprising a separate pin or other element that may be attached or coupled to the locking arm130, such as, for example, by fitment into a hole or other aperture (not shown) in the locking arm130, to allow the locking arm130to be pivotally attached or coupled to the body110.

The locking arm130also includes a counterweight134formed or coupled at or proximate a first end of the locking arm130. The counterweight134is of a sufficient weight and is formed or coupled to the locking arm130such that the locking arm130is maintained or biased in an open position, as illustrated inFIG. 3.

Thus, the locking arm130is able to pivot between a first, closed position (as illustrated inFIG. 1) and a second, opened position (as illustrated inFIG. 2). It should be appreciated that when the hook120is in the closed position and a load is suspended by a chain, rope, cable, wire, hook, or the like, by the hook120, the locking portion124may be engaged by the locking arm130such that the locking arm130is maintained in the closed position by the locking portion124of the hook120.

When the weight of the suspended load is no longer carried by hook120, such as, for example, when the load is placed on a surface, the locking arm130pivots to the biased, or open, position and releases the locking portion124of the hook120, which, in turn, releases the load.

In various exemplary embodiments, the locking arm130may also include an optional locking arm attachment means138, such that the locking arm130may be secured in place or manually released. In various exemplary embodiments, the locking arm attachment means138, if included, may be formed at or proximate a second end of the locking arm130. In various alternative exemplary embodiments, the locking arm attachment means138may be formed integral to and comprise a portion of the locking arm130. Alternatively, the locking arm attachment means138may comprise a hook, loop, or other elements attached or coupled to the locking arm130.

FIG. 7shows a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of an automatic release hook holding a load (not shown) in a closed position according to a second exemplary embodiment of this invention. As also shown inFIG. 7, a load is suspended by a chain, rope, cable, wire, hook, or the like, via the hook120and the secondary load attachment means118.

It should be appreciated that when the weight of the suspended load is no longer carried by the hook120and the secondary load attachment means118, such as, for example, when the load is placed on a surface, the locking arm130pivots to the biased, or open, position and releases the locking portion124of the hook120, which, in turn, releases the portion of the load suspended by the hook120. When the portion of the load suspended by the hook120is released, and the end of the chain, rope, cable, wire, hook, or the like, that was attached to the hook120is permitted to disengage from the load, while the end of the chain, rope, cable, wire, hook, or the like, attached to the secondary load attachment means118remains attached to the secondary load attachment means118.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes, modifications, and/or adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.