Lower link hook
A coupling device is disclosed which is designed as a hook with a hook body, an opening that allows the mating part of the attachment to enter the hook body, a guideway and a shoulder to counter any offset between the mating part of the attachment to the hook. Furthermore, the coupling device includes a locking latch that protrudes into the opening of the hook body and locks the mating part of the attachment in order to engage the mating part with the hook body, thereby retaining the mating part in a locked position. In an embodiment, the locking latch has a geometry that limits the motion of the locking latch and generates a motion curve. Furthermore, the locking latch moves on a motion curve to allow the locking latch to release the opening in order to allow the mating part to enter the socket.
1 . A coupling device comprising:
a hook body including a shoulder and an inner surface;
an opening defined between the shoulder and a guideway of a locking latch, wherein the opening is configured to receive a mating part of an attachment to engage with the inner surface of the hook body, and wherein the guideway and the shoulder are positioned at distal ends of the opening;
the locking latch that protrudes into the opening, wherein in a locked position the locking latch is configured to engage and lock the mating part of the attachment with the inner surface of the hook body, and wherein in an unlocked position the locking latch is configured to allow movement of the mating part relative to the hook body;
an actuation lever connected to locking latch, the actuation lever being movable from a first position to a second position to allow disengagement of the locking latch from the mating part in order to release the mating part and to disconnect the attachment wherein the actuation lever and the book body define a resting position such that the actuation lever maintains the locking latch in a disengaged condition; and
a safety device coupled to the locking latch, wherein the safety device includes a portion extending beyond the inner surface of the hook body towards a base of the coupling device.
2 . The coupling device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hook body comprises a hole to allow the operator to enter the safety device to permanently lock the coupling device for the time the operator wants to avoid activation of the actuation lever, and to avoid disengagement of the attachment.
3 . The coupling device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the safety device is elastic, and is connected directly to the locking latch.