Patent ID: 7775506
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: A63J,B66D

Abstract:
1. A lift system, comprising: a substantially rectangular tube having an opening in a bottom along at least a portion of a length of the tube, and connectable to an overhead structure; a drum external to the tube and adapted to wind and unwind an elongate member to raise and lower an article attached to the elongate member; a drive mechanism structurally connected to one end of the tube externally, and comprising a motor rotatingly connected to a first traction drive and operably connected to the drum and to a second traction drive, such that the elongate member extends along a first generally horizontal path from the drum about the first and second traction drives to the tube; a head block fixedly connected to an opposite end of the tube and located to redirect the elongate member from the first generally horizontal path to a second generally horizontal path toward the drive mechanism; and a loft block connected to the tube internally, spaced from the head block, and located to redirect the elongate member from the second generally horizontal path to a generally vertical path through the bottom opening in the tube to the attached article.