Patent ID: 6223868
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: A62B

Abstract:
A device for raising and lowering a load, comprising:a frame;a pulley rotatably mounted on said frame;a rope wound about said pulley;at least two flyweights operatively connected to said pulley and rotatable about a flyweight axis in response to rotation of said pulley relative to said frame;at least one bearing surface operatively connected to said flyweights and movable against said rope in response to rotation of said flyweights; anda coupling means, interconnected between said flyweights and said bearing surface, for converting centrifugal force on said flyweights into axially directed force against said bearing surface, thereby causing an increased braking effect on said rope as a function of rotational speed of said flyweights, wherein said coupling means includes contact zones that are angled relative to said flyweight axis and convert radial movement of said flyweights into axial movement of said coupling means.