Patent ID: 7281620

Claim:
A centrifugal clutch assembly for use with a self-retracting lifeline having a brake hub with ratcheting teeth within a cavity of the brake hub and a plate with a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end each having a first portion and a second portion defining an inlet portion, comprising: a) a pawl having a base portion, an intermediate portion, and an extension portion, said intermediate portion interconnecting said base portion and said extension portion, said intermediate portion configured and arranged to be placed within the inlet portion between the first portion and the second portion on each end of the plate, the inlet portion providing a cavity within which said pawl is kept in place by the first portion and the second portion absent interconnections, said pawl being pivotable proximate the first portion and the second portion, said intermediate portion being kept in place while allowing said pawl to be pivotable therein proximate said intermediate portion, said base portion extending outward from said intermediate portion and away from said inlet portion, said extension portion extending outward from said intermediate portion and into said inlet portion; and b) a spring configured and arranged to be kept in place within the inlet portion between the second portion and said extension portion of said pawl absent interconnections, the second portion and said pawl keeping said spring in place within the inlet portion, said spring placing a biasing force upon said pawl.