Patent ID: 8567562
Filing Date: 2013-10-29
Classification: A62B

Abstract:
1. A braking system for a self-retracting lifeline comprising: a housing having an interior surface that forms a cavity; a centrifugal clutch assembly operationally coupled to rotate in response to a movement of a lifeline, the centrifugal clutch assembly including at least one pawl, the at least one pawl configured to pivot outward in response to an angular velocity greater than a select maximum angular velocity caused by the movement of the lifeline, the centrifugal clutch assembly received within the cavity in the housing; a ratchet cam having a central cam opening received within the cavity of the housing, the ratchet cam including an inner edge that defines the central cam opening, the inner edge of the ratchet cam having a plurality of inward extending teeth, the at least one pawl of the centrifugal clutch assembly configured to engage a tooth of the plurality of teeth when the at least one pawl pivots outward in response to the select centrifugal forces, the ratchet cam further having an outer edge that is opposably positioned in relation to the inner edge, the outer edge having a select geometry, at least a portion of the outer edge engaging the interior surface of the housing thereby preventing angular motion of the ratchet cam in relation to the housing, wherein the engagement of the at least one pawl with a tooth of the plurality of inward extending teeth of the ratchet cam prevents further movement of the lifeline.