Portable winch assembly actuated by auxiliary handheld torquing device

It is often desirable to lift heavy equipment, such as a riding lawnmower, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or a jet ski, to service, clean, or transport the equipment (e.g., by loading onto a trailer). Typically, a winch is employed for hoistingthe equipment to a desired height. The winch may be either electrically powered or manually driven, for example, by turning a crank or handle. Similarly, a winch may be used for lifting large or heavy containers for storage or transporting.

While manually operated winches may be easy to use and maintain, they may require a significant amount of
force to create the torque necessary to lift a heavy object. Accordingly, not all users may be capable of operating a manual winch. On theother hand, electric winch may lift an object more quickly and with less effort by the user thereof, but may be costly and require more maintenance than a manual winch.

What is needed in the industry is a portable winch that operates on the principles of a manual winch, but which is capable of actuation by an auxiliary electric torquing device, thus simplifying the manufacture and use of the winch assembly.

Further, what would also be desirable is a reduction gearbox that may be incorporated into existing winch assemblies of various sizes to permit actuation by an electric torquing device.

Provided herein are a portable winch assembly for use in lifting equipment or heavy containers and a planetary reduction gearbox that may be incorporated into existing winch assemblies. The planetary reduction gearbox of the winch assemblyincludes a primary sun gear, a first plurality of planet gears, a secondary sun gear, a second plurality of planet gears, and a ring gear. The primary sun gear is fitted with a drive head, which is configured for engagement by a handheld torquingdevice, such as an electric drill. The rotation of the primary sun gear results in the subsequent rotation of a cooperatively engaged gear-driven lifting assembly, to which a rope, cable, or strap may be attached for hoisting equipment. Optionally, ahandle assembly may also be included, the handle being selectively disengageable from the lifting assembly, so that the handle may be remain stationary with respect to the rotation of the primary sun gear.