GB2417286A - Gated hook with rope guide - Google Patents

Abstract

A guide device which prevents the incorrect engagement of a rope (or other means) with a load supporting hook. The device (5) is either incorporated into or attaches to the gate mechanism (3) of a load supporting hook (2), should any slack in the rope pass across the gate of the hook it is directed clear of any protrusions (1) preventing incorrect and potentially dangerous engagement of the rope with the hook.

Description

GUIDE DEVICE FOR USE WITH A HOOK

The invention relates to a device which is used in conjunction with a lifting hook, safety hook or similar to prevent the rope, web, ring or other load supporting member (collectively referred to hereinafter as rope) from incorrectly engaging with the hook and thus being held in a potentially dangerous position.

Lifting hooks, safety hooks and similar are well known for attaching one load supporting member to another. Such hooks are commonly used to attach the rope from a crane to a sling around a load or to attach a personal safety lanyard to an eyebolt. Most hooks have a gate mechanism to prevent the rope to which it is attached from becoming accidentally released. The most common gate mechanism takes the form of a sprung lever which pivots about one end and covers the open portion of the hook, this design is popular as it allows easy placement of ropes into the hook. It is inherent in the design of this gate mechanism that the end of the hook protrudes above the sprung lever. This protrusion can cause incorrect engagement of the rope such that it is prevented from entering the hook proper and held in a potentially dangerous position whereby the rope can become detached from the hook. The rope may become detached as follows: the rope (1) is engaged in the hook (2) correctly, but if slack develops in the system the rope and hook re-align - the rope passing across the gate mechanism (3), the rope then becomes engaged with the protrusion (4) and if a load is then applied the rope (1) pivots open the gate mechanism (3) and becomes detached from the hook.

The invention seeks to eliminate the danger of incorrect engagement by providing a hook which cannot incorrectly engage the rope. The invention may also be produced as a separate unit and thus be fitted to an existing hook.

The invention provides a directing means to prevent a rope from incorrectly engaging with a load supporting hook or its gate mechanism.

Figure 1 shows a rope correctly engaged with a typical hook Figure 2 shows how a rope may become incorrectly engaged with an typical hook Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention in place on a typical hook.

A preferred embodiment of the device comprises a guide piece (5) attached to the gate mechanism (3) of the hook (2). Should the rope pass across the gate mechanism (3) of the hook it is directed clear of any protrusions (1) by the guide piece (5) thus preventing incorrect engagement. The guide piece (5) is of a smooth profile so that it does not constitute a protrusion and therefore potentially engage the rope itself.

Claims (6)

1. A device comprising at least one plate or similar means extending substantially perpendicular to the gate mechanism; said at least one plate or similar means presenting a smooth profile across the gate mechanism of a load supporting hook preventing a rope (tape, ring or other load supporting member) from incorrectly engaging with said load supporting hook or its gate mechanism.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said at least one plate is so placed as not to interfere with the operation of said hook or the gate mechanism thereof.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein said device may be fitted to an existing hook retrospectively.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is substantially wedge shaped.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is of a smooth profile and so does not engage the rope itself.

6. A guide device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6. A guide device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A device capable of being securedly attached to a variety of known load supporting hooks; said device comprising at least one plate or similar means extending substantially perpendicular to the gate mechanism of said hook; said at least one plate or similar means presenting a smooth profile across the gate mechanism of said load supporting hook preventing a rope (tape, ring or other load supporting member) from incorrectly engaging with said load supporting hook or its gate mechanism.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said at least one plate is so placed as not to interfere with the operation of said hook or the gate mechanism thereof.

3. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is substantially wedge shaped.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is of a smooth profile and so does not engage the rope itself.