Patent ID: 6279682
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: A62B

Abstract:
A speed responsive coupling device for locking a first member with respect to a second against relative rotation in at least one direction, which device comprises a ratchet wheel carried by said first member which is engageable by a pawl carried by the second member, characterised in that said pawl is arranged as a mechanical toggle switch which is biased to assume and remain in either of a ""free"" condition in which such relative rotation is permitted and a ""lock"" condition in which the pawl engages the ratchet wheel to disallow such relative rotation, said pawl being linked to a rocker which is so shaped and disposed that when the pawl is in the free condition, such relative rotation causes the rocker to rock and that when the speed of such relative rotation exceeds a threshold value, the strength of the rocking motion imparted causes the rocker to flip the pawl to the lock condition.