GB740113A - Apparatus for handling cargo and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

740,113. Hooks. ELSNER, E. C. Jan. 11, 1954 [,)-an. 19, 1953], No. 717/54. Class 89 (2). [Also in Group XXI] A cargo hook, particularly for the transportation of freight below the underbody of an aircraft such as a helicopter, or for use with parachutes, comprises a frame structure 10, a hook member 19 pivoted at 24 in the structure 10, latch means 25 for interconnecting the structure 10 and the free end of the hook 19, and means including an electromagnet 46 for releasing the latch 25 in response to withdrawal of suspended load pressure acting on the hook. This last means includes an arcuate trigger 56 pivoted at 57 and biased by springs 59 to a position wherein a projecting end finger 60 abuts an adjacent portion of the hook. Upon withdrawal of the load, the springs 59 lift the trigger 56 which is provided with a projection 61 to close a switch 63 and energize the magnet 46 controlling a plunger 45. The latter, through a link 41, moves a locking-bar 36 about a pivot 361 and against the resistance of a spring 37 to the position shown in dotted lines and hence releases the latch 25 to permit the hook 19 to swing away from the structure 10 and release the load. The switch 63 may be connected in a circuit which also includes a manually-operable switch in the cabin of the aircraft, operation of either switch releasing the load. A mechanical system comprising a lever 49 operated by a flexible cable (not shown) may also be employed to release the load. The structure 10 consists of a pair of side rails held in parallel spaced relation by spacing blocks 13, 14.