Patent ID: 7097005
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: A62B

Abstract:
1. A rappelling device, comprising: a housing; a pulley mounted for rotation within the housing for guiding a rope; first and second centrifugal brakes each comprising at least first and second brake shoes movable from an idle position to an operating position in response to rotation of the pulley at a predetermined velocity; means for transmitting the rotation of the pulley to the first and second centrifugal brakes; a first brake pad on each of the first and second brake shoes of each of the first and second centrifugal brakes for engagement with the housing when the first and second brake shoes are in their operating position; a second brake pad on the first and second brake shoes of at least one of the first and second centrifugal brakes for engagement with the housing subsequent to the engagement by the first brake pad; a magnet on one of the first and second brake shoes of at least one of the first and second centrifugal brakes; and an element on the other of the first and second brake shoes responsive to the magnet for maintaining the first and second brake shoes in the idle position.