GB1111176A - A prehensile hook and engaging ring for lifting loads - Google Patents

Abstract

1,111,176. Article engaging and lifting devices. A. A. S. HAINES. 8 Feb., 1967 [27 July, 1966], No. 6010/67. Heading B8H. A load-engaging and lifting device comprising a body supporting three pivoted hooks 14 which engage a ring member 21, 22, 23 attached to the load, has three electromagnets 7 which hold the hooks in their disengaged position. When the load is set down further lowering of the lifting device causes a plate 24 to abut the plate 20 of the ring member. The parts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 continue to descend until a plate 5 supporting the magnets 7 abuts a plate 15 which is attached to the plate 24 by fins 13. As this relative movement takes place the hooks 14, which are pivoted to the fins 13 at 12, are swung inwardly by pins 9 mounted on the members 4 which depress lugs 10 of the hooks. Energization of the magnets 7 holds the plate 15 against the plate 5 and so holds the hooks in the retracted position. When a load is being lifted the lugs 10 are raised by bars 11. In the load engaging position the plate 15 is too far away from the magnets 7 to be attracted thereby. An annular guide 19 prevents the device from tilting as it is lowered on to a load. Instead of being recessed into the load the ring may be raised, Fig. 2 (not shown).