Speed control for cable retractor

摘要

The present invention is a speed control for a cable retractor. The cable retractor with which the speed control is used comprises a pulley that engages a cable that may be extended and retracted. A friction element configured to adjustably contact the cable adjacent to the pulley is attached to a movable linkage. The movement of the linkage is constrained to move along a predetermined path such that movement of the linkage along the path alters the distance between the friction element and the pulley. In one or more embodiments a cantilevered spring is attached to the linkage. An adjustable control, for example a thumbscrew, is configured to move the spring in relation to the linkage in a manner that alters the position of the friction element with respect to the cable and/or the pressure exerted by the friction element on the cable.

主权项

1. A speed control for a cable retractor, said cable retractor comprising a first pulley mounted to a pulley axle configured to guide a cable into a housing of said cable retractor, said speed control comprising:
a drag assembly mounted adjacent to said first pulley, said drag assembly comprising a post mounted to a first end plate, said first end plate configured to restrain movement of said post in directions towards and away from a periphery of said first pulley; a drag adjustment mechanism mounted to said housing, said drag adjustment mechanism comprising a bracket and a cantilever spring, said cantilever spring comprising a first end attached to said bracket and a second end extending to said drag assembly, said second end of said cantilever spring configured to exert a spring force on said drag assembly so as to bias said post of said drag assembly towards said periphery of said first pulley.