Abstract: A release mechanism that decreases the effort necessary to release a tensile load is provided. The mechanism includes a connecting body that secures a member connected to a load between a fixed jaw and an opposing jaw, two floating links connected to a moveable jaw and to a moveable toggle pivot, and a moveable toggle that includes a central lever and two toggle links mounted on the moveable toggle pivot. A cam lobe is formed on the lever and rotation of the cam lobe against a flat rise included in the connecting body decreases the effort necessary to unlock the mechanism and release the load. The central lever is interspersed between the toggle links and can move between spacer/stops attached to each of the toggle links. The spacer/stops keep the lever from exceeding the prescribed range of motion.

Abstract: An improved toggle locking release mechanism (8) is provided, including a connecting body (10), and opposing pivoted jaw (22), and multi-pivoted floating links or movable lock/release links (30) and a movable toggle link/release lever (34). The mechanism of the present invention is adapted to provide a secure locking connection as well as facilitating multi-directional quick releasing while the mechanism (8) is under high-tensile load.

Abstract: An improved releasable toggle locking mooring hook (10) having a releasable hook (20), toggle linkage (89), a stop/release mechanism (119), a self locking safety latch (126) and a self release mechanism (251) adapted to provide a secure locking mooring hook and a low friction, low effort releasing means while mooring hook is under heavy tensile load. In the mooring of ships, boats and barges to a dock or oil well platform, a line, usually under tension, is run from the ship to a mooring means mounted on the dock or platform. When it is desired that the ship leave this moorage, this mooring means can be actuated manually, mechanically or by a pre-set tensioned self releasing means to release mooring line and thus, allow the ship to sail. This mooring means is identified as a releasable toggle locking mooring hook (10) of this invention.

Abstract: An improved releasable toggle locking connecting device (8) having a connecting body (10), an opposing pivoted retaining arm (18), and a multi-pivoted lock/release lever (24) and toggle link (2) adapted to provide a secure locking connection and quick releasing while the device (8) is under tensile load.