GB2553076A

GB2553076A - A shackle

Info

Publication number: GB2553076A
Application number: GB1605560.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brooks Anthony
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-01
Filing date: 2016-04-01
Publication date: 2018-02-28

Abstract

A shackle 1 has a shackle body 2 having free ends 3, the free ends each including a hole 3a, 3b for receiving a shackle pin 4. The shackle pin has a latch 5 pivotally and captively attached thereto. When the pin is attached to the body, the latch and the part of the shackle pin to which the latch is attached extends beyond the shackle body. The latch is moveable between a first configuration where the longitudinal axis of the latch is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin, and a second configuration where the longitudinal axis of the latch extends in a direction on a radial axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin. The shackle pin may have a bifurcated end in which the latch is held on a hinge pin 6. The latch may have a spring member attached to a side wall which extends towards and opposite side wall. The shackle may have a perimeter wall and a slot inward of said wall, with the hinge pin passing through the slot and slidable on the path defined by the slot. Also disclosed is a shackle pin as described above.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Anthony Brooks

Stokesley Crescent, BILLINGHAM, Cleveland, TS23 1LX, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Anthony Brooks (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2079704 A GB 0105011 A US 0575032 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CLF16G Other: WPI, EPODOC

GB 0155884 A US 1273689 A US 0342887 A (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Hargreaves Elsworth

Northumberland Square, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1PW, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A shackle

Abstract Title: A shackle with a shackle pin latch (57) A shackle 1 has a shackle body 2 having free ends 3, the free ends each including a hole 3a, 3b for receiving a shackle pin 4. The shackle pin has a latch 5 pivotally and captively attached thereto. When the pin is attached to the body, the latch and the part of the shackle pin to which the latch is attached extends beyond the shackle body. The latch is moveable between a first configuration where the longitudinal axis of the latch is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin, and a second configuration where the longitudinal axis of the latch extends in a direction on a radial axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin. The shackle pin may have a bifurcated end in which the latch is held on a hinge pin 6. The latch may have a spring member attached to a side wall which extends towards and opposite side wall. The shackle may have a perimeter wall and a slot inward of said wall, with the hinge pin passing through the slot and slidable on the path defined by the slot. Also disclosed is a shackle pin as described above.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Picket 3

A Shackle

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to shackles and in particular to safety shackles where a means to prevent undesired release of the shackle pin is provided.

Background of the Invention

Shackles are used in numerous applications. One of the most common uses of a shackle is in the connecting together of two links of a chain or wire rope to facilitate the lifting or securing of loads.

A shackle typically comprises a U shaped body (also known as a shackle dee) and a shackle pin which passes through aligned holes in the free ends of the U shaped body. In some shackles the internal surface of each hole is smooth, the pin passes through the holes and the pin provides the securing means. For example the shackle pin may be a nut and bolt. The bolt is passed through the holes and the nut then attached to the bolt. In other shackles, one of the holes is threaded internally so that the pin attaches to the U shaped body, the shackle pin being correspondingly threaded externally.

A long acknowledged problem associated with shackles is that the shackle pin can work loose as a result of friction between the components of the shackle or elements supported on the shackle and the shackle.

A solution to this problem is to provide a means of securing the nut on the bolt. This typically involves providing a bore extending radially through the bolt. The nut is attached to the bolt so that it passes the bore extending radially through the bolt, with a split pin then being passed through the hole and secured in place.

To secure a split pin in place takes time, often a tool and is a procedure that requires two hands. Securing a split pin in place can be difficult where the environmental conditions are harsh. For example, a shackle may be being used to secure a load or chains by a worker working at height perhaps from a rope, in low temperatures or high winds. The requirement to use two hands and possibly a tool to secure a split pin can result in workers adopting fasteners that are simpler to fit, yet inadequate. For example, it is not uncommon to see pieces of bent wire, or nails being used in place of the split pin.

A number of patent applications addressing the above-mentioned problem have been filed.

GB 2,305,486 describes the state of the art in terms of the type of shackles presently used in industry.

GB13,180 describes a shackle that comprises a lifting ring that is attached to one end of the shackle pin and pivotable thereto. The function of the lifting ring is to lift a triangular piece out of engagement with a catch so that the pin may then be removed from the shackle dee.

US 4,759,177 describes a shackle where the pin is provided with a keeper. The purpose of the keeper is to prevent rotation of the pin relative to the shackle dee.

GB 12,612 describes a shackle where the shackle pin is hollow and mounts jaws. The jaws are movable between a first position in which they may pass through the bores in the ends of the shackle dee and a second position in which they engage the outer surface of the shackle dee if the pin rotates so as to work loose. The jaws are arranged so that under their own weight they are biased to the retracted position.

US 6,023,927 describes a shackle where the pin is provided with a locking lever pivotably mounted at one end thereof. The locking lever includes a finger that projects into a recess in the shackle dee, thereby preventing rotation of the pin relative to the shackle dee. The lever is biased by a spring so that when aligned with the recess the finger engages the recess.

It would be desirable to provide an improved shackle that is configured to resist inadvertent release of the shackle pin from the shackle.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a shackle as specified in Claim 1.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a shackle pin as specified in Claim 22.

Preferred features of the invention are set out in the claims dependent on Claims 1 and 22, in the description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of shackles and shackle pins according to the Invention, and which are by way of example:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a shackle and shackle pin of the invention with the shackle pin in a first configuration;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the shackle and shackle pin illustrated in Figure 1 with the shackle pin in a second configuration; and

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a shackle ad shackle pin of the invention with the shackle pin a first configuration;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the shackle and shackle pin illustrated in Figure 3 with the shackle pin in a second configuration

Figure 5 is a side view of a part of a shackle pin according to another aspect of the invention;

Figure 6 is an end view of the part of the shackle pin illustrated in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is plan view of the part of the shackle pin shown in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the part of the shackle pin illustrated in Figures 5 to 7 with a latch attached thereto; and

Figure 9 is a plan view of the latch shown in Figure 8.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The embodiment of the shackle 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a body 2 having free ends 3. Each free end includes a bore 3a, 3b. The bore 3a has a smooth internal surface whereas the bore 3b is threaded internally. A shackle pin 4 extends through the bore 3a and the bore 3b. The end of the shackle pin 4 that is engaged in the bore 3b is threaded externally, those threads co-operating with the internal threads of the bore 3b.

The invention is concerned with how the shackle pin 4 is prevented from coming loose. One end 4a of the shackle pin 4 mounts a latch 5 that is pivotably mounted in the end 4a of the shackle pin 4.

The latch 5 comprises spaced apart side members 5a, 5b and ends 5c, 5d which for a continuous wall.

The end 4a of the pin 4 is bifurcated with each bifurcation 4a’, 4b’ including an aligned bore.

The latch is mounted in the space between the bifurcations with a hinge pin passing through the aligned bores and the latch. The latch is pivotable about the hinge pin 6. In Figure 1 the longitudinal axis of the latch is 5 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin 4. One or more of the bifurcations of the end 4a, the hinge pin 6 and the latch 5 are so shaped and dimensioned that the latch 5 remains in the position shown in Figure 1 unless a force is applied to the latch to move it to the position shown in Figure

2. For example, looking at Figure 1, the end of the latch 5 through which the hinge pin passes may be dimension so that there is a friction fit between the inner walls of the bifurcations of the end 4a, or there may be a friction fit between the hinge pin 6 and the same part of the latch 5.

The latch is also weighted so that the end distal from the hinge pin 6 is heavier than the end proximal the hinge pin 6. This is so that when the latch is moved from the position shown in Figure 1 to that shown in Figure 2, the latch will be biased gravitationally to the position shown in Figure 2.

The latch 5 is provided with inwardly extending teeth 6a, 6b which extend into the path of the pin 6. These teeth serve to resist sliding of the latch 5 on the hinge pin 6 when the latch is in the configuration shown in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 1, a securing means may be provided between the end of the shackle pin distal from the latch 5 for securing the shackle pin 4 to the body 2. In Figure 1 this is a lanyard 10. The purpose of the fastening means is to ensure that the components of the shackle 1 remain together, reducing the possibility of a shackle body 2 being used with a shackle pin 4 of incorrect size. Also, by attaching the shackle pm 4 to the body 2, the use of the shackle 1 becomes easier. With the shackle body 2 to hand the workman does not need to search in a container or pocket for the correct shackle pin, because it is attached to the body 2. Further, shackle pin 4 cannot by itself be dropped.

To use the shackle 1 the body 2 is passed through one or more chain links with the shackle pin 4 removed. With the desired parts of the chain link positioned in the body 2 and with the latch 5 extending in the longitudinal direction of the shackle pin 4 as shown in Figure 1, the shackle pin 4 is passed through the first bore 3a and its threaded end engages with the internally threaded bore 3b.

With the shackle pin 4 in the position shown in Figure 1, the latch may be moved to the position shown in Figure 2. When in the configuration shown in Figure 2, if the shackle pin 4 rotates in a direction that would release the shackle pin 4 from the body 2, the latch 5 will engage the end face of the free end 3 of the shackle to which the latch 5 is proximate, thereby resisting further rotation of the shackle pin 4 and hence inadvertent release of the shackle pin 4 from the body 2.

The latch 5 may be weighted so that it will tend to lie in the position shown in Figure 2.

The end of the latch 5 most proximate the pin 6 and/or the pin 6 and/or the bifurcated end of the pin 4 may be configured so that the latch 5 may rotate only through 90 degrees, or alternatively through 180 degrees.

In Figure 3 the latch 5 is configured slightly differently. Instead of the latch including inwardly extending teeth 6a, 6a, a spring element 7 is provided. The spring element 7 in the illustrated example is a piece of spring steel. The spring element 7 is attached to the side member 5b of the latch 5 and extends towards the other side member 5a. The pin 6 passes through the latch 5, the spring element 7 being configured so that as the latch 5 is pushed upwards from the position shown in Figure 3, the pin 6 will ride over the element 7 causing the end thereof proximate the side 5a to move towards the side member 5b. When the latch has moved to the position shown in Figure 4 the free end of the spring element 7 moves back towards the side member 5a until it lies adjacent and possibly though not necessarily touching the inner surface of the side said member 5a.

To remove the shackle pin 4 the latch 5 must be returned to the position shown in Figure 3 so that it may be rotated about the hinge pin 6 until the latch 5 lies on the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin

4. This would require a workman physically to press die spring element 7 towards the side member 5b so that spring member 7 is moved out of the path of the hinge pin 6.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 5 to 9. In this embodiment it is the arrangement of the shackle pin that 14 differs when compared with the embodiment showing Figures 1 to 3 and hence it is only the shackle pin 14 that is shown in Figures 5 to 9.

One end 14a of the shackle pin 14 is bifurcated with each bifurcation 14a’, 14b’ including an aligned bore 14c.

A latch 15 is pivotably mounted in the end 14a of the shackle pin, with the latch 15 situated between the bifurcations 14a, 14b’. A hinge pin 17 passes through the aligned bores 14c of the bifurcations and a slot 16 of the latch 15.

The slot 16 has a truncated “Z” shape, that is the slot 16 comprises a part 16b that lies on a small angle to the longitudinal axis of the latch 15, with portions 16a and 16c extending from the opposing ends of the portion 16b in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the latch 15. The slot 16 is described as having a truncated “Z” shaped because the portion 16c does not extend by the same distance as the portion 16a.

The latch 15 also includes an indent 15a in one side of the latch 15. The indent 15a is aligned with the portion 16c of the slot 16. The indent 15a forms part of a locking arrangement that locks the latch in a position that prevents the shackle pin 14 from being released from a shackle unintentionally.

The end of the shackle pin 14a mounts a spring loaded element 17, which may be a ball or plunger mounted in a bore. In such an arrangement the end of the bore is configured so that the element is captive in the bore. The element 17 is biased towards the spaced between the bifurcations 14a’, 14b’, with for example a coil spring pushing the ball or plunger towards the latch.

As can be seen from Figure 8, the element 17 is engaged with the indent 15a, and when so engaged the force biasing the element 17 towards the latch forces the latch 15 into a position where the pin 17 is engaged with the portion 16c of the slot 16. The latch 15 is therefore locked in the configuration shown in Figure 8. In order to release the shackle pin 14 from a shackle body 2 of the type showing Figures 1 to 4, the latch must be moved so that its longitudinal axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin 14. This is achieved by pushing or pulling respectively one of the ends 15a, 15b of the latch 15. When the end 15a is pushed or the end 15b pulled, the biasing force on the element 17 is overcome. The direction of movement of the latch 15 relative to the end 14a of the shackle pin 14 is determined by the shape of the slot 16. Hence, the pushing force on the end 15a initially causes the latch to move towards the element 17. As the position of the latch 15 moves relative to the end 14a of the shackle pin such that the pin 17 is in the portion 16b of the slot, the latch 15 moves both sideways, away from the element 17 and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin 14 until the pin 17 reaches the portion 16a of the slot 16. With the pin 17 in the portion 16a of the slot the latch may rotate about the pin 17 to a position where the longitudinal axis of the latch 15 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin 14. The end 15a of the latch 15 includes an indent 15c. When the longitudinal axes of the latch 15 and the shackle pin 14 are aligned, the element 17 engages the indent 15c. Providing a means to lock the latch 15 in the configuration required to fasten the shackle pin 14 in a shackle body 2 is advantageous since it allows for one handed assembly and disassembly of the shackle pin 14 to the shackle body 2.

The shackle of the invention provides a number of advantages: The shackle pin is adapted to resist inadvertent release from the shackle body without the need to attach separate components to the shackle pin after insertion thereof into the shackle body; With the shackle pin in place, positioning of the latch into the locking position is a one handed operation; The shackle pin can be adapted so that the latch is held in the position required for insertion thereof through the holes of the shackle body, so that this task may be a one handed operation.

The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and individual features illustrated in one embodiment may be used in addition to or in replacement of individual features of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A shackle comprising a shackle body having free ends the free ends each including a hole for receiving a shackle pin therethrough, the shackle pin having a latch pivotally and captively attached thereto, wherein the shackle pin is configured such that when attached to the body the latch and the part of the shackle pin to which the latch is attached extend beyond the shackle body, and wherein the latch is moveable between a first configuration where the longitudinal axis of the latch is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin and a second configuration where the longitudinal axis of the latch extends in a direction on a radial axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin.

2. A shackle according to Claim 1, wherein the shackle pin includes a bifurcated end and a hinge pin extending between the bifurcations forming said bifurcated end and wherein the latch is captive on the hinge pin.

3. A shackle according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge pin is removable from the shackle pin.

4. A shackle according to any preceding claim, wherein the latch and/or the hinge pin and/ or the shackle pin are so shaped and dimensioned that the latch remains in a selected one of the first and second positions until subject to a rotating force.

5. A shackle according to any preceding claim, wherein the latch is weighted such that it is biased into the second configuration.

6. A shackle according to any preceding claim, wherein the latch includes at least one inwardly projecting element so shaped and dimensioned as to interfere with sliding of the latch in said radial direction.

7. A shackle according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the latch includes a spring member attached to a side wall of said latch and extending towards an opposite side wall of said latch.

8. A shackle according to Claim 6, wherein the spring member is configured to facilitate movement of the latch with respect to the hinge pin on the radial axis in one direction and resists movement of the latch won the radial axis in a substantially opposite direction.

9. A shackle according to Claim 7, wherein the spring member is in the shape of a lazy S.

10. A shackle according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the spring member is a piece of spring steel.

11. A shackle according to any preceding claim, wherein the latch is constrained to move from the first to the second configurations in only one direction.

12. A shackle according to any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the latch is constrained such that it may move from the first to the second configurations in two directions.

13. A shackle according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the latch comprises a perimeter wall and a slot situated inward of the perimeter wall of said latch, the hinge pin passing through said slot and the latch slidable on the hinge pin along a path defined by the slot.

14. A shackle according to Claim 13, wherein the latch includes at least one deviation in the perimeter wall and wherein the shackle pin mounts an element biased to engage said perimeter wall, and the at least a first deviation when said deviation is aligned with the element, and wherein the first deviation is located in said perimeter wall in a position that locks the latch in the second configuration.

15. A shackle according to Claim 14, wherein the latch includes two deviation and the second deviation is located in said perimeter wall in a position that locks the latch in the first configuration.

16. A shackle according to any of Claims 14 or 15, wherein the slot comprises a first portion extending on an axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the latch and a second portion that extends from one end of the first portion towards the first indent.

17. A shackle according to Claim 16, wherein the slot includes a third portion extending from the other end of the first portion and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the latch.

18. A shackle according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the first portion lies at an angle of up to +/- 15 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the latch.

19. A shackle according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the holes for receiving the shackle pin is threaded internally and wherein the end of the shackle pin is threaded externally in the region proximate the latch.

20. A shackle according to any preceding claim, further comprising an attachment member, wherein the attachment member is attached to the shackle body and the shackle pin.

21. A shackle according to Claim 20, wherein the attachment member is flexible.

22. A shackle pin having a latch pivotally and captively attached thereto, wherein the latch is moveable between a first configuration where the longitudinal axis of the latch is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin and a second configuration where the longitudinal axis of the latch extends in a direction on a radial axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shackle pin.

23. A shackle pin according to Claim 22, wherein the shackle pin includes a bifurcated end and a hinge pin extending between the bifurcations forming said bifurcated end and wherein the latch is captive on the hinge pin.

24. A shackle pin according to Claim 22 or 23, wherein the hinge pin is removable from the shackle pin.

25. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 22 -24, wherein the latch and/or the hinge pin and/or the shackle pin are so shaped and dimensioned that the latch remains in a selected one of the first and second positions until subject to a rotating force.

26. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 22-25, wherein the latch is weighted such that it is biased into the second configuration.

27. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 22-26, wherein the latch includes at least one inwardly projecting element so shaped and dimensioned as to interfere with sliding of the latch in said radial direction.

28. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 22 to 25, wherein the latch includes a spring member attached to a side wall of said latch and extending towards an opposite side wall of said latch.

29. A shackle pin according to Claim 28, wherein the spring member is configured to facilitate movement of the latch with respect to the hinge pin on the radial axis in one direction and resists movement of the latch won the radial axis in a substantially opposite direction.

30. A shackle pin according to Claim 29, wherein the spring member is in the shape of a lazy

S.

31. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 28-30, wherein the spring member is a piece of spring steel.

32. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 22-31, wherein the latch is constrained to move from the first to the second configurations in only one direction.

33. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 22 to 31, wherein the latch is constrained such that it may move from the first to the second configurations in two directions.

34. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 22 to 25, wherein the latch comprises a perimeter wall and a slot situated inward of the perimeter wall of said latch, the hinge pin passing through said slot and the latch slidable on the hinge pin along a path defined by the slot.

35. A shackle pin according to Claim 34, wherein the latch includes at least one deviation in the perimeter wall and wherein the shackle pin mounts an element biased to engage said perimeter wall, and the at least a first deviation when said deviation is aligned with the element, and wherein the first deviation is located in said perimeter wall in a position that locks the latch in the second configuration.

36. A shackle pin according to Claim 35, wherein the latch includes two deviations and the second deviation is located in said perimeter wall in a position that locks the latch in the first configuration.

37. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 34-36, wherein the slot comprises a first portion extending on an axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the latch and a second portion that extends from one end of the first portion towards the first deviation.

38. A shackle pin according to Claim 37, wherein the slot includes a third portion extending from the other end of the first portion and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the latch.

39. A shackle pin according to Claim 37 or 38, wherein the first portion lies at an angle of up to +/- 15 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the latch.

40. A shackle pin according to any of Claims 22 to 39, wherein one of the holes for receiving the shackle pin is threaded internally and wherein the end of the shackle pin is threaded externally in the region proximate the latch.

41. A shackle pin according to any preceding claim, further comprising an attachment member, wherein the attachment member is attached to the shackle body and the shackle pin.

42. A shackle pin according to Claim 41, wherein the attachment member is flexible.

43. A shackle pin substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to, the drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Mr Christian GibsonFaux

15 June 2017

Application No: