Patent · US Active

Theater rigging system

US7766308B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
27References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 10, 2009
Grant dateAug 3, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 10, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB66D5/34
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A theater rigging assembly having a beam, which is attached to structural support members of a theater or other performing arts venue. The assembly further includes a winch assembly and head block that can be positioned at any point along the beam and selectively fixed in position. The winch portion includes cables for raising and lowering battens or other loads. The head block includes head sheaves, which redirect the cables to loft sheaves that are selectively attached to the beam. The head sheaves are diagonally displaced to separate the cables. The winch portion includes a motor, a gear box, a drum and a brake. The brake includes a ratchet and two brake disks. It uses at least one friction surface that contacts at least one of the brake disks to cause a pawl to engage or disengage from the ratchet.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.