GB156310A - Improvements in or relating to coupling means for releasably suspending a mass and for like purposes - Google Patents

Abstract

156,310. Wearham, G. A. Sept. 26, 1919. Hooks, safety.-A hook or coupling, applicable for carrying a suspended load as in a bomb-drop. ing device for aircraft or for use as a slip coupling for railway vehicles, comprises a pivoted hook member retained by a pawl so that upon release of the pawl the load is automatically released. In the construction shown in Fig. 1, the hook a, which is pivoted at b in a frame c, has a nose g adapted to be engaged by one end of a pawl j pivoted at k in the ends of links m pivoted in the frame c at n. The pawl has a hook adapted to be engaged by a pivoted trigger r coupled to a spring-controlled piston working on a pneumatic cylinder x. When the load is entered between. the frame and hook, upward movement turns the hook so as to close it against the frame and lifts the links m until the pawl engages with the nose g and the trigger r with the beak of the pawl. In this position, the line of thrust of the nose on the pawl close to the load is in the line joining the pivots k, n so that no thrust is transmitted to the trigger. Upon release of the trigger and pawl, a spring 12 moves the pawl and the hook turns on its pivot and releases the load. In place of the spring 12, the trigger r, or the pivot n may be made adjustable so that the pawl is slightly out of the dead centre position; in this case on release of the trigger, the load serves to move the pawl and affect release. In a modification the trigger is provided with a. projection 16 adapted to move the pawl on release of the trigger. Electromagnetic, mechanical or other means may be provided, in place of the pneumatic means for releasing the trigger.