The present invention is a block including a hollow housing within which a cylindrical container is loosely received and retained against axial motion relative to the housing. A hook supporting shaft is inserted within this container and the shaft is axially slidable relative to the container within predetermined limits. A shock absorbing mechanism within the container dampens the sliding motion of the shaft. The last named mechanism may include a dashpot with a dashpot housing mounted to the shaft and piston supported by the container. A flange projecting outwardly from the dashpot housing slidably engages the internal surface of the container and guides the sliding of the shaft. The housing includes a base member through which the shaft is inserted into the container. An annular collar comprised of two axially split collar sections is assembled around the shaft after the shaft is inserted through the base member. This collar comprises an end member of the container. Also, the collar defines an axial slot which slidably receives an axial elongated key projecting outwardly from the shaft. This key and slot also guides the axial sliding motion of the shaft. The container and shaft, are rotatable about their axis and relative to the housing. A mechanism is provided to selectively lock the container and shaft against such rotation. Also, the shock absorption mechanism may include a coil spring and a spring tension adjustment. The lower end of the shaft comprises a yoke to which a hook is pivoted. The hook includes a body and hook member which mates with the body and is held in place by a keeper.
A load block having a body, a sheave rotatably positioned within the body, and a hook having a shank received within the body and having a portion positioned in a generally air-tight volume within the body. The body includes a first side plate, a second side plate in generally parallel relationship to the first side plate, and a crossblock affixed to and extending between the first and second side plates. The air-tight volume is formed within the crossblock. The crossblock includes a cover which is affixed to a top surface of the crossblock and is in generally liquid-tight relationship to the crossblock. A liquid fills the volume of the crossblock so as to extend around a portion of the shank. The cover has a check valve positioned on a surface for allowing air to pass from the volume and for preventing air from passing into the volume. The sheave includes an inner race around a bearing assembly adjacent to a shaft formed in the body. A pair of dead-eyes are positioned on opposite sides of the body.
A retaining keeper assembly for a hoisting device. A shank has a plurality of circumferential grooves perpendicular to an axis of the shank. A thrust bearing surrounds the shank and is supported by the hoisting device. A split retaining collar having a plurality of interior circular protrusions mates with the circumferential grooves in the shank to prevent axial movement of the shank. A cylindrical retaining keeper ring having an open top and an open bottom encloses the assembled retaining collar, the keeper ring having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the retaining collar. A pair of retaining rings surround the split retaining collar above and below the keeper ring to trap the keeper ring in place.
A retaining keeper assembly for a hoisting device. A shank has a plurality of circumferential grooves perpendicular to an axis of the shank. A thrust bearing surrounds the shank and is supported by the hoisting device. A split retaining collar having a plurality of interior circular protrusions mates with the circumferential grooves in the shank to prevent axial movement of the shank. A cylindrical retaining collar cover having a closed top and an open bottom encloses the retaining collar, the cover having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the retaining collar. A fastener mechanism fastens the retaining collar cover to the split retaining collar and to the shank.
