Hoist safety lock mechanism
US9656844B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G57/035
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hoist safety lock mechanism includes a pair of pawls formed on terminal ends of each corner of a pallet support structure. The pawls are biased outward to an extended position and include a lower support surface adapted to rest on a support surface. The pawls may be pivotally deflected downward (but not upward) due to impact on a top surface of the pawl. Each pawl is configured to be received within a respective parallel column of slots formed on inwardly-facing sides of the vertical posts forming the lifting frame of the hoist. The slots within each column are vertically offset and separated by separators which can vertically deflect the pawls. Because the slots are vertically offset, and because each terminal end includes a pair of pawls, there is always at least one pawl engaged within the slot even if the other of the pair is deflected by contact with a separator. Thus, any failure of the hoist will cause the pallet support structure to only fall to the next lower separator before the pawl catches it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.