Patent ID: 7648183

Claim:
A latching mechanism for lifting and lowering loads comprising: a prong having a protuberance at a first end; a receiving receptacle configured to receive said first end of said prong, said receiving receptacle comprising: a body having a central passage; a plurality of jaws arranged about said central passage, each of said jaws having a pin extending therefrom; biasing means for biasing said jaws to extend into said central passage and engaging said protuberance, said biasing means comprising a plurality of springs, each of said springs having a first end engaging one of said jaws and a second end engaging an internal portion of said body so that said jaw is biased into said central passage; and an activation disc for disengaging said jaws from said protuberance, said activation disc containing a plurality of cam surfaces, each of said cam surfaces engages one of said pins of said jaws.