The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 11, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 07, 2000
Eric Brian Van Gorp, Schererville, IN (US);
Myron Glickman, Arlington Heights, IL (US);
Daniel Brian Zakula, Sr., Mokena, IL (US);
James Baty, Alsip, IL (US);
Mi-Jack Products, Inc., Hazel Crest, IL (US);
Abstract
A gantry crane including a lifting grappler is provided with a hoist locking mechanism to prevent undesired downward drifting of the grappler, especially during periods when the crane is parked and not in operation. The hoist locking device can selectively secure the grappler in a raised position, maintaining a maximum clearance under the raised grappler. The crane includes a hoist line, such as a chain or cable, that suspendably supports the weight of the grappler, and a hoist actuator for moving the hoist line, thereby lifting or lowering the grappler. In an embodiment, the hoist locking device is selectively operable to secure the hoist line in a predetermined position, preventing the grappler from lowering. For example, an embodiment of the hoist locking device includes a hook-shaped latch member movably mounted to the frame for engagement with a catch member fixed relative to the hoist line. The catch member may, for example, be a projection from a clevis mounted to the hoist actuator. A latching actuator is provided for driving the hook between engaged and disengaged positions.