Hook latching device

In a hook assembly of the type including a hook having a hanger or shank portion, a curved portion with a tip end, and an opening through which a looped rope or wire is movable;

• and a latching device for closing said opening;
• the improvement wherein said latching device comprises:
• a bracket on said hanger portion of said hook adjacent said opening, said bracket having upper and lower surfaces with upper and lower recesses, respectively, therein;
• a latching arm pivotally connected at a first end thereof to said bracket, said latching arm having adjacent a second end thereof a cap adapted to contact and receive said tip end of said hook;
• said latching arm being pivotable from a closed position blocking said opening with said cap contacting said tip end to an open position opening said opening with said cap spaced from said tip end;
• a locking lever pivoted to said latching arm interiorly thereof and at a position between said first and second ends thereof, said locking lever having at a first end thereof a pawl dimensioned to fit within said upper and lower recesses;
• said locking lever being pivotable with respect to said latching arm from a first locking position wherein said pawl is within one of said recesses, thereby locking said latching arm against pivoting movement, to a second unlocking position wherein said pawl is in neither of said recesses, thereby allowing pivoting movement of said latching arm;
• and
• means acting on said locking lever for biasing said locking lever to said first locking position thereof;
• whereby, when said latching arm is in said closed position thereof said pawl of said locking lever is in said lower recess, and when said latching arm is in said open position thereof said pawl is in said upper recess.