Lifting assembly
AssigneeKonecranes PLC
InventorJoseph A. Yustus
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lifting assembly includes a link member defining a pivot axis and a latch axis. The lifting assembly also includes a latch pin and a jaw member. The jaw member is pivotally coupled to the link member about the pivot axis and selectively fixedly coupled to the link member about the latch axis by the latch pin. The jaw member defines a cam surface. Engaging the cam surface with a load rotates a portion of the jaw member into alignment with the latch axis, such that the latch pin may be received by the jaw member and the link member.
Claims19
A lifting assembly comprising:
- a link member defining a pivot axis and a latch axis;
- a latch pin;
- a jaw member pivotally coupled to the link member about the pivot axis and selectively fixedly coupled to the link member about the latch axis by the latch pin, the jaw member defining a cam surface such that engaging the cam surface with a load rotates a portion of the jaw member into alignment with the latch axis, such that the latch pin may be received by the jaw member and the link member;
- and
- a cover member movably coupled to the link member, the cover member movable between a first position, wherein the cover member substantially obstructs the latch pin from being withdrawn from the jaw member, and a second position, wherein the latch pin may be freely withdrawn along the latch axis.
A method of selectively engaging a load to a lifting apparatus, the method comprising:
- pivotally coupling a jaw member to a link member about a pivot axis;
- rotating the jaw member about the pivot axis, thereby exposing a hook portion of the jaw member;
- hooking a trunnion of the load with the hook portion;
- lowering a cam-surface of the jaw member upon the trunnion, thereby rotating the jaw member into alignment with a latch axis of the link member;
- latching the jaw member to the link member by extending a latch member through the jaw member and the link member along the latch axis;
- and
- movably coupling a cover member to the link member, the cover member movable between a first position, wherein the cover member substantially obstructs the latch member from being withdrawn from the jaw member, and a second position, wherein the latch member may be freely withdrawn along the latch axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.