Lifeboat disengagement system

1. A lifeboat disengagement system for supporting and releasing a twin fall lifeboat, comprising:

a single lifeboat release assembly; and

a pair of hook assemblies for releasable engagement with a corresponding pair of lifting links;

wherein the lifeboat disengagement system includes an engaged configuration, wherein the lifting links are secured by the hook assemblies;

wherein the lifeboat disengagement system includes a disengaged configuration, whereby the lifeboat release assembly is employed to release the lifting links from the hook assemblies simultaneously;

wherein the lifeboat disengagement system provides positive locking under load including a load over center design such that a load of the lifeboat is in line with a center of hook rotation; and

wherein the hook assembly includes hooks that are configured to release when under load.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the load over center design prevents the hook from opening inadvertently and eliminates the need for a hydrostatic device.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein:

the hook assemblies feature stable hooks; and

a load of the lifeboat locks the hooks such that they do not release under load.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein an operator may pull a hook release lever of the lifeboat release assembly and open the hooks once the lifeboat is afloat in water.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein each hook assembly comprises a hook that is positioned between a pair of plates by way of a shaft such that the hook is capable of rotating about the shaft.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the hook includes an engaging surface that is provided with a predetermined arcuate shape.

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the plates include a release surface which is vertically extended and curved relatively toward a rearward portion of the hook.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the release surface acts to positively disengage a hoisting ring held by the hook during disengagement.

9. The system of claim 5 , further comprising a counter weighted retainer which captures a lifting link before a load is applied.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein:

the hook is engaged with the lifting link by passing a hoisting ring between the hook and the counter weighted retainer, overcoming the gravity of the counter weight; and

after engagement, the counter weighted retainer returns to its original closed position, such that a distal end of the counter weighted retainer is in close proximity to a distal end of the hook.

11. A lifeboat disengagement system for supporting and releasing a twin fall lifeboat, comprising:

a single lifeboat release assembly; and

a pair of hook assemblies for releasable engagement with a corresponding pair of lifting links;

wherein each hook assembly comprises a hook that is positioned between a pair of plates by way of a shaft such that the hook is capable of rotating about the shaft;

wherein the lifeboat disengagement system includes an engaged configuration, wherein the lifting links are secured by the hook assemblies;

wherein the lifeboat disengagement system includes a disengaged configuration, whereby the lifeboat release assembly is employed to release the lifting links from the hook assemblies simultaneously;

wherein the lifeboat disengagement system provides positive locking under load including a load over center design such that a load of the lifeboat is in line with a center of hook rotation; and

wherein the hook assembly includes hooks that are configured to release when under load.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein:

the hook includes a joint for connecting the hook to a first end of a push rod;

a second end of the push rod is attached to a first end of a flexible cable; and

a second end of the flexible cable is attached to the lifeboat release assembly.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the lifeboat release assembly comprises a housing, and a release handle.

14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the lifeboat release assembly comprises a housing, a release handle, first and second release links, and a pull plate connected to a pair of flexible cables, which are connected to respective hook assemblies.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the load over center design prevents the hook from opening inadvertently and eliminates the need for a hydrostatic device.

16. The system of claim 11 , wherein:

the hook assemblies feature stable hooks;

a load of the lifeboat locks the hooks such that they do not release under load; and

an operator may pull a hook release handle of the lifeboat release assembly and open the hooks once the lifeboat is afloat in water.

17. The system of claim 11 , wherein:

the hook includes an engaging surface that is provided with a predetermined arcuate shape;

the plates include a release surface which is vertically extended and curved relatively toward a rearward portion of the hook; and

the release surface acts to positively disengage a hoisting ring held by the hook during disengagement.

18. The system of claim 11 , further comprising a counter weighted release for maintaining the engagement between the hook and the hoisting ring.

19. The system of claim 18 , wherein:

the hook is engaged with the lifting link by passing a hoisting ring between the hook and the counter weighted safety latch, overcoming the gravity of the counter weight; and

after engagement, the counter weighted release returns to its original closed position, such that a distal end of the counter weighted release is in close proximity to a distal end of the hook.