Counterweight handover test device and method

An elevator counterweight assembly (11), comprising:

• a counterweight structure (38);
• at least one safety brake (12a, 12b) mounted on the counterweight structure (38);
• a safety actuation mechanism (16), comprising a connection (17) for a suspension member (18), wherein the safety actuation mechanism (16) is configured to move, relative to the counterweight structure (38), between a normal position, and a safety position, wherein in the safety position the safety actuation mechanism (16) is arranged to actuate the at least one safety brake (12a, 12b) and thereby brake the counterweight structure (38);
• and
• a mechanical actuator (22) disposed vertically above the safety actuation mechanism, configured, when actuated, to apply a downward acting force to the safety actuation mechanism (16) and thereby move the safety actuation mechanism (16) from the normal position to the safety position, the mechanical actuator configured to be selectably actuated by rotating the mechanical actuator to produce the downward acting force and actuate the at least one safety brake to test operation of the safety actuation mechanism;
• wherein the safety actuation mechanism (16) comprises at least one lever (19a, 19b), wherein the at least one safety brake (12a, 12b) comprises a safety brake arm (26a, 26b), and wherein the at least one lever (19a, 19b) contacts the safety brake arm (26a, 26b), such that when the safety actuation mechanism (16) moves between the normal position and the safety position, the at least one lever (19a, 19b) is moved, thereby moving the safety brake arm (26a, 26b), which causes actuation of the safety brake (12a, 12b);
• and
• wherein the at least one lever pivots relative to the connection when moved between the normal position and the safety position.