Remote controlled load lifting hook and methods

摘要

One embodiment of a hook system for lifting heavy loads includes a body, a hook coupled to the body and a lock member positioned at least partially within the body and engageable with the hook, where the locking axis of the lock pin is not coaxial with the body axis of the body. Another embodiment has a hook clearing member coupled to the body that can clear lifting slings from the hook as it moves from a closed position to an open position. In another embodiment, the body is rotatably coupled to a swivel and has a rotation pin allowing for selective rotation of the body relative to the swivel. Another embodiment has a deliberate engagement feature providing a predetermined resistance to movement of the hook from an open position to the closed position to prevent inadvertent locking. Another embodiment has a retractor that moves the hook, when unlocked, toward an open position.