Patent ID: 7946387
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: A62B

Abstract:
1. A self-retracting lifeline assembly, comprising: a) a brake hub including teeth on opposing first and second sides, the teeth being integral with the brake hub on the first and second sides; b) a first lifeline assembly including a first lifeline wound about a first drum and a first centrifugal clutch assembly with a first pawl operatively connected to the first drum, the first drum being rotatable to pay-out the first lifeline, the first pawl being pivotable and configured and arranged to engage at least one of the teeth proximate the first side of the brake hub when the first pawl pivots in a first outward direction, wherein sudden acceleration of the first drum causes the first pawl to pivot in the first outward direction to engage the at least one of the teeth thereby stopping rotation of the first drum and preventing additional pay-out of the first lifeline; and c) a second lifeline assembly including a second lifeline wound about a second drum and a second centrifugal clutch assembly with a second pawl operatively connected to the second drum, the second drum being rotatable to pay-out the second lifeline, the second pawl being pivotable and configured and arranged to engage at least one of the teeth proximate the second side of the brake hub when the second pawl pivots in a second outward direction, wherein sudden acceleration of the second drum causes the second pawl to pivot in the second outward direction to engage the at least one of the teeth thereby stopping rotation of the second drum and preventing additional pay-out of the second lifeline.