Patent ID: 8316994
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: B66B

Abstract:
1. A battery powered vertical lift assembly adapted for raising and lowering a load vertically, the battery powered vertical lift assembly comprising: a vertical guide member of selected length adapted for securing to a substantially vertical structure; a roller chain member secured to an exterior surface of the vertical guide member and extending essentially the selected length of the vertical guide member; a carriage member movably attached to the vertical guide member; a platform member, which supports a load, rigidly attached to the carriage member; the carriage member raised and lowered along the vertical guide member by a drive mechanism supporting the carriage member; the drive mechanism comprising a battery member powering a DC motor member driving a gear unit operatively connected to a sprocket member, which engages the roller chain member on the vertical guide member, the supported carriage member and attached platform member raised and lowered by controlled rotation of the sprocket member engaged with the roller chain member on the vertical guide member; a control switch member selectively controlling operation of the DC motor member; and a safety brake assembly actuated to immobilize the carriage member with respect to the vertical guide member upon relative movement between the carnage member and the drive mechanism, the safety brake assembly including a biased brake clamp member encircling the vertical guide member and pivotally contacting the carriage member below a beveled lower end thereof, the brake clamp member biased in an unlocked state by a pair of brake actuation arms extending from the drive mechanism with the drive mechanism supporting the carriage member, the brake clamp member actuated to a locked state upon relative movement between the carriage member and the drive mechanism caused by at least one of failure of the roller chain member electrical failure of the D.C. motor member and the platform member encountering an obstacle there beneath, thereby locking the carriage member and attached platform member to the vertical guide member.