Automatic release coupling

Abstract

An automatic quick release coupling/decoupling mechanism for deploying and retrieving a tethered object such as a rescue boat, life boat, or the like, the mechanism generally comprised of a frame a hook member pivotally attached to the frame a lock member pivotally attached to the frame a lock pin slidably disposed in a slot in the frame and a trip member pivotally attached to the frame, the hook member having first and second hook portions adapted to engage the lock pin and a lift ring attached to the tethered object, respectively, and an attached counterweight disposed eccentric to the pivot point, the lock member having first and second recessed portions separated by a cam surface, the first recessed portion adapted to engage the lock pin in a first, locked position wherein the lock pin also engages the first hook portion of the hook member, whereby the lock pin may be biased within the frame slot along the cam surface of the lock member into the second recessed portion, thereby allowing the hook member to rotate freely about its pivot point when the moment generated thereabout by the eccentric counterweight overcomes frictional forces between the lift ring and the second hook portion of the hook subsequent to lowering the rescue boat into a body of water where buoyant forces on the boat relieve tension in the tether, and whereby the tethered object may be retrieved by reversing the process.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.