Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

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.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim