Modular unmanned line/tool emplacement (MULE) hook

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11926507-B1
Application number	US-202117300560-A
Country	US
Kind code	B1
Filing date	Aug 18, 2021
Priority date	Aug 18, 2021
Publication date	Mar 12, 2024
Grant date	Mar 12, 2024

Abstract

A hook assembly includes a first hook having a first open end and a second hook having a second open end. The first hook is parallel to the second hook where the first open end is adjacent to the second open end. Extensions extend from each of the first hook and the second hook. The extensions extend perpendicular to a hook plane of the first hook and the second hook members. The first hook is a mirror image of the second hook. A hinge connects the first hook to the second hook. The hinge is located at an opposite end of the hook from where the extensions are located. A resilient member exerts a constant force at the hinge to bias the first hook and the second hook toward an open position.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A latching device, comprising:
a first hook comprising a first U-shaped body having a first upper arm and a first lower arm, wherein the first upper arm includes a first end and the first lower arm includes a second, end, wherein said first end of said first upper arm is connected to a second end of said first lower arm by a first base, and wherein a first open end is opposite said first base;
a second hook comprising a second U-shaped body having a second upper arm and a second lower arm, wherein the second upper arm includes a third end and the second lower arm includes a fourth end, wherein the third of said second upper arm is connected to the fourth end of said second lower arm by a second base, wherein a second open end is opposite said second base,
wherein said first hook is parallel to said second hook having said first open end adjacent said second open end;

a hinge connecting said first lower arm to said second lower arm;
a resilient member biasing said first hook away from said second hook;
a first extension being connected to said first upper arm and extending perpendicular to a plane of said first hook; and
a second extension being connected to said second upper arm and extending perpendicular to a plane of said second hook.

2. The latching device according to claim 1 , wherein each of said first hook and said second hook comprises an inner body half and an outer body half presenting a cavity therebetween.

3. The latching device according to claim 2 , wherein said cavity is filled with an energetic.

4. The latching device according to claim 1 , wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.

5. The latching device according to claim 1 , wherein said first hook is a mirror image of said second hook.

6. The latching device according to claim 1 , wherein said hinge enables each of said first hook and said second hook to transition between an open position and a closed position.

Assignees

• Us Navy

Inventors

• Foltz Lee
• Pegouske Adam

Classifications

• B66C1/28 Primary

  Duplicate, e.g. pivoted, members engaging the loads from two sides · CPC title

• F16B45/06 Primary

  Hooks with two symmetrically-pivoting hook parts {within the same locking cavity (F16B45/035 takes precedence)} · CPC title