Patent attributes
A lift system includes an overhead support, a counterweight, a base unit including a brake and secured to a floor, a fly line, and a load line. The fly line connects the counterweight, the overhead support, and the base unit via pulleys. The brake is configured to engage the fly line to limit movement of the counterweight and a load. A manual rope brake includes a housing having a base portion, an upper portion, and a hinge rotatably connecting the upper portion to the base portion. A cam lock is within the housing between pulleys. The cam lock engages a rope when the brake is engaged, and disengages from the rope when the brake is disengaged. A portable lift system includes a container configured to carry pulleys, a base unit, a fly line, and a load line when the lift system is in transport. Related methods are also disclosed.