CAPSTANS; WINCHES; TACKLES, e.g. PULLEY BLOCKS; HOISTS

Introduced: September 1968

Classification Context

Section:: PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Class:: HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
Subclass:: CAPSTANS; WINCHES; TACKLES, e.g. PULLEY BLOCKS; HOISTS

Description

B66D encompasses mechanical devices and systems for lifting, lowering, and hauling loads through rotational or leverage mechanisms. This subclass covers capstans (rotating drums), winches (motorized or manual winding mechanisms), pulley block systems, tackle arrangements, and hoist equipment used in construction, maritime, industrial, and material-handling applications. The classification includes both the mechanical components and drive systems (electric, hydraulic, manual) that enable load movement, as well as control mechanisms and safety features integral to these devices. Adjacent classes address related lifting technologies such as elevators (B66B) and general hoisting apparatus, while B66D focuses specifically on rope-and-pulley-based or rotational drum systems for load handling.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass B66D recorded 48,091 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 2,533 in 2013 to 5,601 in 2023 (+121%), peaking at 6,453 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B66 are INVENTIO (3,843 applications), OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY (3,709 applications) and SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) (2,987 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

Related Keywords

CRABS [= winches]winches for DREDGERSPULLING [= hauling]SHEAR(S) -legshauling or towing of SHIP(S)cable, chain, or rope STOPPERS for hauling or hoistingWINCHES

3 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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B66D 1/00 Rope, cable, or chain winding mechanisms; Capstans
B66D 3/00 Portable or mobile lifting or hauling appliances
B66D 5/00 Braking or detent devices characterised by their application to lifting or hoisting gear, e.g. for controlling the lowering of loads

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class B66, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

INVENTIO CH 3,843
OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY US 3,709
SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) 2,987
KONE CORPORATION FI 2,922
TOSHIBA ELEVATOR COMPANY 2,922
HITACHI 2,321
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION JP 2,287
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION 1,870
HITACHI BUILDING SYSTEMS COMPANY 1,700
ANHUI HELI COMPANY 1,325