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US 12,054,965 B2Granted
Clevis-sensing adjustable hook latch
AssigneeHartwell Corporation
InventorThomas John Helsley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A latch mechanism includes a hook, a displaceable handle, and links connected between the handle and hook for the operation of the latch mechanism. The handle and links cooperate with the hook to hold the latch mechanism in a locked position.
Claims17
A latch mechanism comprising:
- a hook including a hook body and a hook end coupled to the hook body, the hook body formed to define a pocket, the hook end including a head and a single shaft extending from the head, the shaft extending through a portion of the hook body into the pocket;
- a handle coupled to the hook body for rotation relative to the hook body between a closed position where the handle extends along the hook and an opened position where the handle is spaced apart from the hook end;
- a linkage coupled between the handle and the hook, the linkage configured to move the hook relative to a clevis with rotation of the handle;
- and
- a clevis-sensing mechanism including a detent extending into in the pocket and coupled to the shaft of the hook end and a balking structure coupled to the handle for movement with the handle, the detent movable relative to the hook body within the pocket between a blocking position to engage with the balking structure and block rotation of the handle to the closed position and an access position to define a void in the pocket between the detent and the hook body for at least a portion of the balking structure to enter the void and allow the handle to move to the closed position,
- wherein the clevis sensing-mechanism is configured to block the handle from moving to the closed position in response to the hook end being spaced apart from the clevis.
3 more elements
A latch mechanism for retaining a first component against a second component, the latch mechanism comprising:
- a hook including a hook body and a hook end coupled to the hook body, the hook body formed to define a pocket, the hook end including a head and a single shaft extending from the head, the shaft extending through the hook body into the pocket;
- a handle coupled to the hook body for rotation relative to the hook body between a closed position where the handle extends along the hook and an opened position where the handle is spaced apart from the hook end;
- a linkage coupled between the handle and the hook and arranged for mounting the latch mechanism on the first component, the linkage configured to move the hook relative to a clevis of the second component with rotation of the handle;
- and
- a clevis-sensing mechanism including a detent extending into the pocket and coupled to the shaft of the hook end and a balking structure coupled to the handle for movement with the handle, the detent movable relative to the hook body within the pocket between a blocking position to engage with the balking structure and block rotation of the handle to the closed position and an access position to define a void in the pocket between the detent and the hook body for at least a portion of the balking structure to enter the void and allow the handle to move to the closed position,
- wherein the clevis sensing-mechanism is configured to block the handle from moving to the closed position in response to the hook end being spaced apart from the clevis.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.