Abstract: An apparatus for separating, controlling, and directing a lift cord or lift chain of an architectural opening includes a body structure having first and second upper openings that are separated by an upper medial guide member that protrudes beyond the upper openings A rotatable wheel within a cavity of the body structure is configured to engage a lift cord or lift chain provided as a loop, wherein such engagement allows free passage of first and second segments of the loop through the cavity in opposing directions, while preventing free passage of the first and second segments through the cavity in the same direction. The apparatus may be coupled to a top end of a cord channel enclosure having a slider moveably engaged thereto to actuate the lift cord or lift chain, with a fixed length loop portion of lift cord or lift chain extending upward from the apparatus.

Abstract: An elevator includes a car, a counterweight, and a hoisting member connecting the car with the counterweight over a traction sheave. A free fall protection system includes a free fall protection controller, a free fall protection member connecting the car with the counterweight over the traction sheave or over a separate free fall sheave. The car and the counterweight are supported by the hoisting member in normal operation and by the free fall protection member only in a situation in which the hoisting member support fails. At least one free fall protection brake is arranged to stop the movement of the free fall protection member and thereby also the movement of the car and/or the counterweight, when being activated by the free fall protection controller.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to grasp, including a lower and upper arms that are hingedly connected by a first hinge, an elastic element maintaining the apparatus in a non-operative state, a guiding route located below or above at least one of the arms, configured to receive a section of a threading aspect, wherein during an operative state, a simultaneous press of the two arms, one towards the other, applies a grasping force.

Abstract: A variable speed controlled device used for ascending and descending along a rope such as used in mountain climbing, tree climbing, rescue operations and the like. A friction mechanism controls the speed of the movement of the device along a rope line. A person can quickly and freely ascend a steep slope along a rope line. A person can also descend a steep slope along a rope line and be confident that a friction mechanism will control the rate of descent. An optional e-brake mechanism can further ensure the device will lock and prevent further downward movement if the person begins a freefall. The device allows other persons (e.g., a teammate, guide or rescue agency) to safely lower an incapacitated or unconscious person down, for example, an alpine mountain, burning building, cliff or the like.

Abstract: A locking system for fall protection and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. An example locking system includes a housing. The housing defines a guide path through which the housing is slideably attached to a guide member. The locking system also includes a braking lever having a braking end that is configured to engage the guide member. The braking lever includes a shock absorber configured to deform during a fall instance. The locking system further includes a secondary braking feature configured independent from the braking lever. The secondary braking feature is an inertial structure configured to rotate into engagement with the guide member during the fall instance. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also provided.

Abstract: A vertical lift system having a safety brake assembly (10) employing a pair of brakes attached to cables running vertically on each side of a guiderail (1). Each brake has a series of wedges (13, 14, and 15), including a braking wedge (14) that presses against the guiderail to brake downward motion of an elevator or lift basket upon an interruption in cable tension. A cable tension adjustment mechanism (3, 4 and 6) to equalize tension in the cables is also incorporated into the safety brake assembly. An electrical sensor (18) is also provided to disrupt power to the lift system upon slackening of a cable.

Abstract: A system assists a user to traverse a structure. A safety device includes a sensor assembly to detect positions of a user along a travel path for a structure, wherein the travel path includes a plurality of attachment points to secure the user to the structure via one or more lines, a motion assembly to move the safety device along the travel path based on the detected positions of the user, wherein the motion assembly maintains a threshold distance from the user, and a coupling mechanism to couple the one or more lines to one or more of the attachment points encountered along the travel path. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and program product for assisting a user to traverse a structure in substantially the same manner described above.

Abstract: A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller. The fixed cylindrical body or capstan is surrounded by a vented sleeve to prevent the rope from becoming heated and to prevent the user from being injured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector (10) for securing a rope (12) to a support structure (54), comprising a sleeve (16) which can be interlockingly and/or frictionally or integrally connected to a support structure element (56), and which has an inner casing surface (18) having at least one region (20) with an inner thread (22) and having at least one further region (24) for guiding a rope, as well as comprising a screw-in sleeve (32) which has an outer thread (34) at least in sections for screwing into the sleeve, and which also has an inner casing surface (36) for guiding a rope.

Abstract: An assembly includes a seatbelt guide. The seatbelt guide includes a slot. A webbing extends through the slot. A releasable post is supported by the seatbelt guide and extends across the slot. The releasable post releases during a vehicle impact to allow the webbing to move along the slot to reduce chest deflection of an occupant during the vehicle impact.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved rowing machine, for the execution of gymnastic exercises similar to strokes and the like, comprising actuating means movable between a rest position and a working position, and a first braking device, operatively connected to said actuating means configured to brake the motion of said actuating means during the passage from said rest position to said working position, characterized in that said rowing machine comprises a second braking device operatively connected to said actuating means, said second braking device being configured to brake the motion of said actuating means during the passage from said rest position to said working position.

Abstract: The limit switch uses a rolling sprocket mounted on an offset pivot point mounted in a housing in combination with inserts into individual links of the chain. The sprocket engages the chain using spring tension on the pivot point and rolls along the chain as the chain moves with the teeth of the sprocket inserting into the chain link spaces. An insert is attached in a chain link and positioned such that when the curtain reaches the desired terminal position, the inserts are at the point where the sprocket contact the insert. The insert blocks the cog of the sprocket which pushes the sprocket away from the chain and inwardly into the interior of the housing. Inside the housing the limit switch that is activated—either by contact or other means. The activation of the kill switch stops the motor and thus the movement of the curtains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device (1) for locking and unlocking an elongate tubular element (2), the device comprising: a. A braided or knitted tubular locking sleeve (3) that has a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), and that has an inlet orifice (4) for allowing said elongate tubular element (2) into it, and an outlet orifice (5) for allowing said elongate tubular element (2) out of it; b. Fastener means (6) for fastening said locking sleeve (3) to a support (7); and c. Tensioner means (8) for tensioning said locking sleeve (3) along a substantially rectilinear path (L) making it possible to lock said elongate tubular element (2) inside said locking sleeve (3) between said inlet orifice (4) and said outlet orifice (5), said tensioner means (8) being deactivatable manually, and/or by using deactivation means (9), for unlocking said elongate tubular element (2) to enable it to slide inside the internal volume of the locking sleeve (3) and through said inlet orifice (4) and said outlet orifice (5).

Abstract: An electronic device includes a charge receiving coupler. The charge receiving coupler includes a switching assembly and an inserting member. The switching assembly includes a gear transmission shaft, an elastic member, a first transmission wheel, a second transmission wheel fixed to the first transmission wheel, a button gear, and a button fixed to the button gear. The button gear engages with the first transmission wheel. The gear transmission shaft extends through the elastic member, the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel in that order. The inserting member defines a receiving groove, and the second transmission wheel is partly received in the receiving groove. The present disclosure further provides a power adapter which is matched with the charge receiving coupler.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fall prevention brake buffering system for high-speed mine lift, including brake ropes (2) fixed on two sides of a car (5). One end of the brake rope (2) is fixed on the top part of a vertical well (6), and the other end is fixed on the bottom part of the vertical well (6). A linkage mechanism (11) is arranged at the bottom of the car (5). A buffer (1) is arranged at the top of the brake rope (2), and a tension connector (4) is arranged at the bottom of the brake rope (2). A brake rope safety tong (3) fixed on the brake rope (2) and connected with the linkage mechanism (11) is arranged at the bottom of the car (5). The buffer (1) includes an inverted brake rope gradual safety tong (8) with a buffering rope (9) provided therein and connected with the brake rope (2). A buffering rope clip (10) is arranged on the buffering rope (9). The system is convenient to install, and the buffering force of the brake rope is constant and adjustable.

Abstract: A brake for a trolley which travels atop a zip line is presented. The brake includes a brake body having a brake body with a top plate and two side plates extending downward from the top plate, the top plate having an underside which faces the zip line. One or both of the side plates may contain an aperture for accepting a rigid member which secures the trolley to the brake body. A brake pad is preferably positioned on the underside of the top plate. Exemplary embodiments may contain a brake extension which connects with the brake body and extends downward towards the user.

Abstract: Linear brake systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment, a baseplate having a linear brake housing mounted thereto is provided. A linear brake is partially disposed within the brake housing. The linear brake includes a braided cable; a collar attached to the proximal end of the braided cable; a member attached to the distal end of the braided cable; a rope having a portion that passes into a bore in the collar, through a tunnel formed by the braided cable and the collar, and exits the braided cable by passing between cable strands; and an interface mounted to the baseplate to extend the braided cable constrict the braided cable upon the rope. The collar secures the proximal of the braided cable to the brake housing and the member secures the distal end of the braided cable to the interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator wire rope braking apparatus, and more particularly, to a rope braking apparatus which prevents partial abrasion of the wire rope while increasing braking efficiency by preventing a deviation in the pressure applied to the wire rope by a pressure plate moving in a straight line to apply pressure to the wire rope. Since the pressure application is based not on a hydraulic method but on a purely mechanical structure using only a spring elastic force, environmental pollution caused by hydraulic oil may be prevented and product cost may be reduced.

Abstract: A device for preventing the hook, or a similar attachment element, mounted at the free extremity of a winch cable to contact the winch or associated related structures is disclosed. The device is mounted to the winch cable, typically near or adjacent to the hook and comprises a resilient member or cushion configured to resiliently absorb over-tension in the cable and/or hook when the cable is wound on the shaft of the winch. The device therefore generally prevents damaging contacts between the hook and the winch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid actuator, consisting of a magnet body (1), a magnet armature, a cover (3) closing the space in which the magnet armature travels back and forth, at least one electric coil (4), which is arranged in the magnet body (1) concentrically around the axis of travel of the magnet armature, and means (5) for power transmission, which are in operative connection with the magnet armature and protrude out of the solenoid actuator. According to the invention, the magnet armature of the solenoid actuator is an axially guided annular magnet armature (2), and the means (5) for power transmission are arranged coaxially around the axis of travel of the annular magnet armature (2). This has the advantage that the solenoid actuator allows long switching paths and a small construction, along with high tightening and holding forces.

Abstract: A zipline braking system comprising a zipline cable and a destination supporting member; a rider carrier coupled to the zipline cable for movement towards the destination supporting member, such movement generating kinetic energy; a damper having a posterior end and an anterior end and connected to the destination supporting member at the posterior end; a tension line; a stopping member coupled to the zipline cable and the tension line; and the tension line for transferring the kinetic energy to the damper upon the rider carrier engaging the stopping member in movement to the destination supporting member.

Abstract: A split circumference wheel assembly is provided for an aircraft landing gear wheel configured to maximize the space available within a landing gear wheel well to support a motor driver assembly with drive means that drives the aircraft wheel on the ground. The split circumference wheel assembly includes separable inboard and outboard support walls that are spaced axially apart a maximized distance so that the motor driver assembly is completely contained within the maximized space defined. A preferred wheel assembly employs a demountable flange and a locking ring to integrally and removably support the motor driver assembly within the maximized wheel volume to drive one or more aircraft wheels and move the aircraft independently on the ground. The wheel and motor driver assembly described herein are designed to be retrofitted in an existing aircraft wheel.

Abstract: A rope arresting apparatus for use with a rope having a first end and a weighted second end is disclosed. The rope arresting apparatus includes a cam portion for exerting frictional force on the rope and a pinching portion. The cam portion has a resting position and a pinching position. At the resting position, the cam portion is in frictional contact with the rope when the tension on the weighted second end of the rope is less than or equal to tension on the first end of the rope. A pinching point is formed when the cam portion at the pinching position engages the rope against the pinching portion.

Abstract: A brake system comprising a structural unit adapted to be connected to a structure and defining a channel for the axial movement of a hoisting rope therein. A brake unit has a brake pad and an arm secured to one another for concurrent movement and movably mounted to the structural unit by at least one joint. The arm is in operative contact with a user end of the hoisting rope to be displaced with the brake pad between a hoisting position by a tautening of the hoisting rope, in which hoisting position the brake pad is distanced from the hoisting rope in the structural unit to allow movement of the hoisting rope in both pulling and releasing directions of the axial movement, and a braking position by a release of tension in the hoisting rope, in which the brake pad is displaced into contact with the hoisting rope.

Abstract: Improvements in a braking system for a zip line are presented. Braking occurs when a zip line rider makes contact with a braking carriage that slides along the zip line. The braking carriage pulls on a rope. The rope pulls on a length of chain in a chain reservoir to slide and lift the claim through the chain reservoir. The chain reservoir is an elongated tube that is mounted at an angle. As the zip liner moves further into the landing platform they lift a continuing greater amount of chain from the chain reservoir. The angle of the chain reservoir, coefficient of friction between the chain and the chain reservoir affects the pull-back. After the zip liner comes to a complete stop they remove the carriage from the zip line and gravity returns the brake mechanism. Minimum pull-back makes removal of the cable trolley easier.

Abstract: A fall arrest block 10 has a spindle on which a length of lifeline 14 is wound. In normal use, the lifeline (preferably webbing) retracts onto and extends from a drum housing 12, as the workman moves towards and away from a secure point to which the housing is attached. In the event of a fall, an inertia mechanism sensitive to acceleration of the spindle operates to lock a locking mechanism to hold the spindle against further rotation. An energy absorbing link 18 is built into the webbing, close to a hook 16 to which the workman is attached. The energy absorbing link 18 includes a section of lifeline that is stretchable, but non-elastic. The locking mechanism includes a toothed ratchet wheel that is engaged by a pawl in order to lock the spindle rotation. The toothed ratchet wheel is part of a unitary body with the spindle.

Abstract: In a rappelling device (10) for braking a load guided on a cable which can be fixed to the rappelling device (10), the cable (14) is friction-guided over a distance (22) and the cable (14) which runs through the rappelling device (10) is guided over a brakable shaft (24). The cable (14) is pressed onto the brakable shaft (24) by means of a pre-definable pressing force (29). The braking elements for the brakable shaft (24) can be kept small in weight and design because an additional braking of the cable (14) takes place over the friction-guided distance in the rappelling device (10).

Abstract: A fall arrest safety apparatus with blocking on a rope, comprising: a rigid body provided with a trunking for housing the rope, a securing system designed to swivel between a closed position to collaborate with the rope by blocking the latter at the bottom of the trunking in case of a fall, and an open position releasing access to the trunking for fitting or removal of the rope, and a control device to move said securing system from the closed position to the open position, and vice-versa, wherein the control device comprises a pair of gripping cleats able to be actuated simultaneously to stabilize and lock the securing system in the open position, the two gripping cleats being arranged side by side on a transverse pivot-pin integral to the pivoting securing system.

Abstract: A brake device having a block member, a first and second brake member movable relative to each other, and at least one adjustment member positioned between the block member and the first brake member to adjust the distance there between.

Abstract: A brake and capture system for zip lining are disclosed. The brake has a housing with first and second ends. Inside the brake are a number of fixed guide plates, each with an angled slot. A number of wheels are mounted are movably mounted within the housing so as to be guided by the angled slots. When the brake is struck by a trolley with sufficient momentum, the wheels within the brake are driven inwardly by the angled slots, into rolling engagement with the zip line, to slow the trolley. The trolley and brake may be provided with complementary engaging structures, such that the brake may be sent out on the zip line to capture the trolley if it has insufficient momentum.

Abstract: A rope arresting apparatus for use with a rope having a first end and a weighted second end is disclosed. The rope arresting apparatus includes a cam portion for exerting frictional force on the rope and a pinching portion. The cam portion has a resting position and a pinching position. At the resting position, the cam portion is in frictional contact with the rope when the tension on the weighted second end of the rope is less than or equal to tension on the first end of the rope. A pinching point is formed when the cam portion at the pinching position engages the rope against the pinching portion.

Abstract: A safety device on a rope, comprising a first flange-plate and a movable second flange-plate, a roller mounted on a first spindle integral to the first flange-plate, which presents clearance in the heightwise direction. The movable second flange-plate is equipped: with a securing notch operating in conjunction with the first spindle to block the device in the closed position when the roller is under load, and with a latch actuated by control means to perform unlatching of the latter enabling opening of the second flange-plate when the device is no longer under load.

Abstract: A self-belay device for controlling climbing and descending along a rope. The self-belay device comprises a hollow casing, a linear frictionless track fixed inside the casing and a braking unit disposed in the casing and mounted on the track for reciprocating sliding movement along the track between a first position and a second position. The braking unit is normally biased to the first position. The braking unit has a passage there through for passing of the rope. The rope is moveable through the passage in the braking unit in the first position, while the movement of the rope through the passage in the braking unit prevented in the second position thereof.

Abstract: A seatbelt tension adjustment device includes an elongated upper body having a downward facing protrusion that is pivotally secured to a lower body having a box-like shape. The lower body including an upper surface for receiving the protrusion and an internal cavity for positioning a paddle drum therein. The paddle drum working in unison with the downward facing protrusion to engage a seatbelt in an adjustable manner.

Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.

Abstract: A rope grab for a vertical fall protection system is provided. The rope grab includes a housing with an elongated member passage. The elongated member passage is configured to receive an elongated member. A locking cam is pivotally coupled to the housing and selectively engages an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A cam biasing member positioned to provide a relatively slight biasing force on the locking cam in a direction towards an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A locking arm, pivotally coupled to the housing, has a first end that is configured to be coupled to a safety harness of a user and a second end that selectively engages the locking cam to lock the locking cam on an elongated member in the elongated member passage during a fall event.

Abstract: A method of applying frictional braking to motion of a cutter providing chain thereof, involving the entering of an insertional element into the chain channel guide.

Abstract: A mobile safety anchoring device is adapted to be slidably sleeved around a vertical extension member and includes an outer ring member whose inner surface has a converging portion, an inner ring member slidably received in the outer ring member and having multiple positioning holes, multiple positioning members respectively disposed in the positioning holes and between the converging portion and the vertical extension member, a resilient component for biasing the positioning members toward the converging portion to abut against the vertical extension member, and a limiting member connected to the protruding portion and operable to move relative to the inner ring member between locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-arresting rope belay device comprising a cam arranged to clamp the rope when the rope is under tension, and a lever arranged to act on the cam to progressively release the rope by manual action on the lever. The lever acts on the cam respectively with a geared-down effect in an initial part of its release travel, and with a direct effect in a final part of its travel. This results in the relative movement of the cam with respect to the lever being smaller in the initial part of the travel than in the final part, which enables accurate adjustment of the braking effort and of the running speed of the rope in the initial part of travel of the lever.

Abstract: A series of elastic break brakes are provided throughout a travel path of elastics in a machine operation. Elastic strands thread through each individual brake mechanism, and if an elastic strand breaks downstream, a natural snap back of the elastic, which ordinarily travels through the system under tension, drives an immediately upstream cam mechanism back, and holds the elastic thread in place at the elastic break brake immediately upstream of the break as to minimize rethreading required downstream of the elastic break brake.

Abstract: Rope grip apparatus for raising or lowering a load has a rope-engaging portion with opposing projections. The opposing projections are arranged to grip a rope by compressing the rope between the projections. In use the rope is fed through the apparatus.

Abstract: A brake for a trolley which travels atop a zip line is presented. The brake includes a brake body having a brake body with a top plate and two side plates extending downward from the top plate, the top plate having an underside which faces the zip line. One or both of the side plates may contain an aperture for accepting a rigid member which secures the trolley to the brake body. A brake pad is preferably positioned on the underside of the top plate. Exemplary embodiments may contain a brake extension which connects with the brake body and extends downward towards the user.

Abstract: An elevator car braking apparatus includes a gear drive assembly for compressing one or more springs which are coupled by a cam follower to one or a pair of brake shoes. When the springs are released from a compressed state, the brake shoes engage and grip hoisting ropes, part of the hoisting apparatus or the car guide rails, within a predetermined time from the start of a brake application cycle. During a brake application cycle, the springs move the cam follower along cam surfaces shaped and disposed to cause the cam follower to move at least one of the brake shoes toward the other brake shoe. The gear assembly includes clutch means for disengaging from and engaging with a gear or axle of the gear assembly during decompression and compression of the springs, respectively. A resilient material in the braking apparatus initially accelerates movement of the cam follower when the springs begin to decompress, and may protect gears of the gear assembly from damage at the end of a brake release cycle.

Abstract: An elevator rope braking system including a base portion and a top portion affixed by at least one mounting structure; an outer housing and a magnetic core arranged on and affixed to the base portion; an armature plate intermediate the top portion and the base portion having an armature extending toward the base portion; and an electromagnetic coil positioned between the outer housing and the magnetic core and operative to provide an electromagnetic force sufficient to move the armature from a first braking position to a second non-braking position.

Abstract: A self-belay device for controlling climbing and descending along a rope. The self-belay device comprises a hollow casing, a linear frictionless track fixed inside the casing and a braking unit disposed in the casing and mounted on the track for reciprocating sliding movement along the track between a first position and a second position. The braking unit is normally biased to the first position. The braking unit has a passage there through for passing of the rope. The rope is moveable through the passage in the braking unit in the first position, white the movement of the rope through the passage in the braking unit prevented in the second position thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator wire rope braking apparatus, and more particularly, to a rope braking apparatus which prevents partial abrasion of the wire rope while increasing braking efficiency by preventing a deviation in the pressure applied to the wire rope by a pressure plate moving in a straight line to apply pressure to the wire rope. Since the pressure application is based not on a hydraulic method but on a purely mechanical structure using only a spring elastic force, environmental pollution caused by hydraulic oil may be prevented and product cost may be reduced.

Abstract: A brake system comprising a structural unit adapted to be connected to a structure and defining a channel for the axial movement of a hoisting rope therein. A brake unit has a brake pad and an arm secured to one another for concurrent movement and movably mounted to the structural unit by at least one joint. The arm is in operative contact with a user end of the hoisting rope to be displaced with the brake pad between a hoisting position by a tautening of the hoisting rope, in which hoisting position the brake pad is distanced from the hoisting rope in the structural unit to allow movement of the hoisting rope in both pulling and releasing directions of the axial movement, and a braking position by a release of tension in the hoisting rope, in which the brake pad is displaced into contact with the hoisting rope.

Abstract: A movable cable loop descent system comprises a cable for forming into a loop, a receiver for attachment to a structure having a receiver pulley for engaging the cable loop, a brake assembly, having a drive pulley for being rotated by the cable loop, the brake assembly for slowing a rate of travel of the cable loop and a carriage supporting a load for attachment to the cable loop at a point and for movement between the structure and the ground. A rotor and substantially parallel conductive frame is mounted on an axle through the drive pulley. Magnets on a surface of the rotor and/or the frame induce eddy currents, as they are relatively rotated, which create a rotational braking force controlling descent of the carriage and load. The brake assembly may be removably positioned by a drive-on anchor. The cable is removable and the system may form a kit.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly to quickly and efficiently adjust the length of a lanyard used in conjunction with aircraft umbilical connector release mechanisms. The lanyard cable includes at least two retaining mechanisms spaced apart thereon. The adjustment assembly includes a cam portion that retains one of the retaining mechanisms when in the locked position, and allows movement of the retaining mechanisms through the adjustment assembly when in the released position. The cable length can be adjusted when in the released position.