US3630488A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-lowering mechanism
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1969-10-06
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Granted: 1971-12-28
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Expires: 1989-10-06
Abstract
Abstract A reel of flexible wire, or the like, is rotatably mounted on a reel within a housing strapped to the body. A hand-operated lever is pivoted to a fixed shaft and is indexed into and out of engagement with a shoulder stop on the reel for controlling the rate of descent of the wearer when the wire end is secured to a fixed object. The device is useful as a portable fire escape mechanism or the like.
Inventors
- 👤 Anton Stangl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:18
CPC Classifications
A; A62; A62B; A62B1/00; A62B1/06; A62B1/08; A62B1/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
212 words
A self-lowering device, comprising, a. a housing, b. harness means connected to said housing for attaching said housing to a person, c. a fixed shaft mounted to said housing and extending through a wall thereof, d. a reel rotatably mounted about said shaft and within said housing, e. a length of line wound about said reel and passing out through said housing, f. said reel being formed with a hub extending out through said wall, g. a shoulder stop formed on the outer portion of said hub, and, h. a manually operated lever arm pivoted to the end of said shaft about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said reel, and formed with a plurality of angularly spaced abutments in position to be moved by said person into and out of the path of travel of said shoulder, said lever in one position stopping said reel against rotating and in another position permitting said reel to rotate less than a full cycle, i. the working end of said lever being formed with two flaT reel-engaging faces disposed at an oblique angle to one another to limit the angle of oscillation of said lever whereby one abutment will clear said stop and the other will be in the path thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
212 words
A self-lowering device, comprising, a. a housing, b. harness means connected to said housing for attaching said housing to a person, c. a fixed shaft mounted to said housing and extending through a wall thereof, d. a reel rotatably mounted about said shaft and within said housing, e. a length of line wound about said reel and passing out through said housing, f. said reel being formed with a hub extending out through said wall, g. a shoulder stop formed on the outer portion of said hub, and, h. a manually operated lever arm pivoted to the end of said shaft about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said reel, and formed with a plurality of angularly spaced abutments in position to be moved by said person into and out of the path of travel of said shoulder, said lever in one position stopping said reel against rotating and in another position permitting said reel to rotate less than a full cycle, i. the working end of said lever being formed with two flaT reel-engaging faces disposed at an oblique angle to one another to limit the angle of oscillation of said lever whereby one abutment will clear said stop and the other will be in the path thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said housing is formed with an aperture through which said line passes and at least one roller is mounted at the edge of said aperture for reducing friction between said line and said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said arm is formed with a right-angular bend along the length thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-27 | 1975-06-28 | 1975-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-27 | 1979-06-28 | 1979-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-27 | 1983-06-28 | 1983-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |