Patent ID: 8215257

Claim:
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 having 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; and a control mechanism for the pair of hook assemblies which control mechanism comprises a housing, a control member mounted for movement within the housing, a pair of flexible release cables each having one end operatively connected to the control member 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 control member and having a release handle arranged so that when operated from a normal position to a hook-open position the control member is moved thereby pulling the flexible cables to pivot the hook members to their open settings, and an emergency release mechanism also connected to the control member to effect movement thereof to move the hook members to their open settings, the emergency release mechanism being for use when the hook assemblies are under load and having a mechanical advantage relative to that of the primary release mechanism.