Friday, January 28, 2011

Suspension connector assembly for multiple pin electrical connector

Suspension connectors for mast-supported street lights are well known in the prior art. Such connectors allow the bulbs of the street light to be changed without the need for a cherry-picker truck to lift a man to the top of the support mast. Such connectors generally comprise a female, spring clip electrical connector mounted within a bell-shaped housing which in turn is secured onto the arm of the support mast. The street lights are screwed into a fixture having a prong-type male electrical connector. The light fixture and male connector may be lifted and lowered with respect to the female connector by means of a cable connected to a hand-cranked winch located at the base of the mast. A latching mechanism is provided between the male and female connectors for latching and unlatching them whenever the male connector is forcefully engaged against the female connector for a predetermined distance (referred to hereinafter as the latching stroke distance).

When it becomes necessary to change a burned-out bulb or to perform some other maintenance operation on the light fixture, the system operator first obtains access to the winch (which is usually stored within a hollow section of the mast). The winch is then cranked so that the cable forcefully engages the male connector against the female connector. Such an action unlatches the cam-operated latching mechanism. The operator then unwinds the reel of the winch. The weight of the light fixture and male connector is greater than the frictional force between the prongs of the male connector and the blade-type receivers of the female connector. Consequently, the male connector and light fixture will disengage from the female connector. The operator can then gently lower the male connector and light fixture by unreeling the cable of the winch. After the light fixture has been lowered to a convenient height, the bulb replacement or other maintenance operation is performed. The light fixture and male connector are then raised via the cable of the hoisting mechanism both to reengage the male and female connectors and to relatch the latching mechanism.

Broadly speaking, the invention is an improved suspension connector assembly capable of reliably interconnecting a plurality of connector pins and barrels without the shortcomings associated with the prior art. The suspension connector assembly of the invention includes a female connector mounted within a stationary, bell-shaped housing, a movable male connector adapted to be raised and lowered toward and away from the female connector via a hoisting cable, a latching mechanism for latching and unlatching the male connector to and from the female connector, and a resilient mounting assembly for mounting the female connector within the interior of the housing. The mounting assembly includes one or more coil springs whose resiliency stroke is at least as long as the stroke distance required by the latching mechanism to latch and unlatch the male connector from the female connector. Additionally, the stiffness of the springs used in the mounting assembly is greater than the amount of force needed to completely insert the connector pins into their respective barrels. Hence, when the cable of the hoisting mechanism begins to push the connector pins of the male connector into the connector barrels of the female connector, the pins and barrels will become fully mated before the compression springs of the assembly become fully compressed. Because the resiliency stroke of the springs of the mounting assembly is greater than the stroke necessary for the latching mechanism to operate, the pins will not become partially withdrawn from their respective barrels at the completion of the latching stroke.

In the preferred embodiment, the resilient mounting assembly includes a pair of guide rods connected to a support plate which is mounted within the bell-shaped housing. The guide rods are slidably movable within guide sleeves disposed within bores present in the female connector. The aforementioned compression springs are concentrically disposed around the guide rods, and are compressed on one end by a top edge of a guide sleeve, and on the other end by the base plate. The resilient mounting assembly may further include a pair of retaining screws which not only retain the female connector to the base plate, but further define the stroke of the mounting assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the ends of the retaining screws are mounted on the base plate, while the heads are disposed within (and slidably movable within) bores present in the female connector. Retaining sleeves concentrically disposed at the top ends of the retaining bores prevent the heads of the retaining screws from being pulled out of the bores, thereby retaining the female connector to the support plate.

While this invention has been described with respect to a particular preferred embodiment, various modifications, variations, and additions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art. All such additions, modifications, and variations are intended to be encompassed within the scope of this patent, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Winch having split housing and drive components

Winch is typically designed for heavy duty applications and are constructed of expensively machined parts to withstand the forces they are expected to encounter. Whereas there are many potential uses for winches by consumers (for personal use as differentiated from commercial use), winches heretofore available have been either of the expensive variety (with expensively produced machined parts) and thus prohibitively costly for most consumer uses, or they were so limited in their capability as to be inadequate for many consumer winching needs.

The present invention provides a unique design for a winch that enables the use of heavy duty steel where needed to withstand substantial loading of the winch, in combination with less expensive molded plastic, powder metal and stamped parts and the like, where high strength of the material is not as important a factor. A particular benefit of the invention is the achievement of common parts in a number of the sub assemblies of the winch. This commonality of parts dramatically reduces the production costs.

The operation of the winch will now be reviewed. The motor 16 is capable of rotating shaft 46 in either direction i.e. for winding and unwinding the wire rope 18 onto and off of drum 36 as desired. Shaft 46 is engaged with sun gear 52 which rotates the planet gears 60 of the first planetary carrier assembly 54. Gears 60 being also inter-engaged with gear teeth 62 of housing element 50 (which gear teeth 62 thus function as a ring gear) force turning rotation of the entire planetary carrier assembly. The purpose of the planetary carrier assembly is of course to reduce the rotation of the output 46 of the motor 16. Thus depending on the ratio of the number of gear teeth 62, to the number of gear teeth on sun gear 52, the sun gear 52 has to rotate a number of times in order for the planetary gear assembly to make one complete revolution. That reducion e.g. of five to one, is transferred by output shaft 72 of the carrier assembly to shaft 74 and then to sun gear 80. Sun gear 80 engages the planet gears of planetary carrier assembly 86 and with the same five to one ratio of reduction between gear teeth 62 in second housing section 78 and gear teeth 86, output shaft 88 turns at 1/5th the rotative rate of gear 80 and 1/25th of the rate of output shaft 46.

Output shaft 88 functions as the sun gear to the third planetary carrier assembly 90 and turns drive gear 92 at 1/5th its speed. Output shaft 92, being directly splined to drum 36, thus rotatably drives the drum 36 at 1/125ths the rotative speed of drive shaft 46 of the motor 16. The motor 16, being rotatably drivable in either direction, winds and unwinds the wire rope 18 from the drum 36 through the fairlead 100 of the base plate 22 (FIG. 2).

In an alternate embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, means are provided to disconnect the second planetary gear assembly from the shaft 102 (corresponding to shaft 74 above) thus disconnecting the first and second planetary gear assemblies. Shaft 102 is allowed limited axial movement between a far left or retracted position (shown in dash lines) with the hexagon configuration of the shaft disconnected from sun gear 80, and a far right or engaged position (shown in solid lines) with the hexagon configuration of the shaft connected to sun gear 80. A spring 104 compressed between the first planetary carrier assembly and a retainer 106 on the shaft 102, urges the shaft 102 toward the interconnected position.

Mounted to the outside of housing element 78 is a cam activated disconnect mechanism 108. A cam follower 110 including three cam following fingers 112, is axially slidable but rotatably fixed relative to a cap 114. The thrust bearing 84 is carried by the follower 110 and remains in continuous engagement with the end of the shaft 102. The cap 114 surrounds the cam follower 110 and is axially fixed but free to rotate relative to the housing. Cap 114 has a cavity that allows axial movement within the cap. Provided in the housing 78 are cam surfaces or ramps 118 positioned in engagement with each of the cam following fingers 112, i.e., at interface points 116 in FIG. 5. The ramps 118 extend right to left. Forcing the fingers down the ramp surfaces 118 i.e. by turning the cap, forces rearward movement of the cam follower 110 in the cavity of the cap 114. Thus it will be appreciated that manually turning cap 114 clockwise (as viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6) causes rotative movement of the fingers 112 relative to ramps 118 to force the fingers to the left within the cavity of the cap. Counterclockwise movement of the cap allows the cam follower to move to the right. This movement is urged by spring 104, (acting against shaft 102, which abuts thrust bearing 84 carried by the cam follower).
The inventive concept of this invention is believed to reside in several areas. Splitting the planetary carrier assemblies so as to place them on both sides of the drum is believed to have a very significant benefit. Whereas molding long splines in a housing section (e.g. extensions of spline 62) is impractical, the present invention avoids the problem by generating the interconnection of shaft 74 (102) to allow the planetary carriers to be located at both sides of the drum. The planetary carrier assemblies and other sub assembly parts of the winch have common parts that can be mass produced and fit into the various assemblies at substantially reduced manufacturing cost. Similarily, housing elements 50 and 78 are essentially identical except only for the access holes for drive shaft 46 and mechanism 108. The above spliting of planetary carrier assemblies to provide for molded housing elements, e.g., of plastic nylon, is made feasible by reason of the direct support for the drum 36 through the mounting brackets 24, 28 and base 22. The invention is however, considered to be broader than the specific examples herein described, and accordingly the scope of the invention is specifically defined in the claims appended hereto.

Overhead lifter for electrical switching apparatus

Electrical switching apparatus for opening and closing electrical distribution circuits are well known in the art. Such electrical switching apparatus includes power circuit breakers and network protectors which provide protection, and electrical switches which are used to energize and deenergize parts of the circuit or to transfer between alternative power sources.

It is also known to house electrical switching apparatus within an electrical cabinet, such as, for example, a switchgear cabinet for the distribution of electrical power from incoming utility lines to electrical loads distributed throughout a building or other facility. Typically, a plurality of electrical switching apparatus, such as power circuit breakers, are removably mounted within a plurality cells in the electrical cabinet. Such electrical switching apparatus may vary in size and may weigh up to several hundred pounds. Therefore, means must be provided to lift the electrical switching apparatus to properly position the electrical switching apparatus for insertion into their respective cells.

It is known to provide a rail mounted lifter positioned on or adjacent a top side of an electrical cabinet for lifting the electrical switching apparatus for insertion into the cells of the electrical cabinet. One such lifter includes a cantilevered portion that extends outwardly from the electrical cabinet where the lifter includes a winch assembly for connecting to and lifting the electrical switching apparatus. The winch assembly includes a spool for winding a cable thereon. It has been found that often the cable does not wind evenly onto the spool of the winch assembly. The cable has a tendency to accumulate on one area of the spool causing sporadic jumping as the spool turns and releases or retracts the cable. This can result in sudden drops to the electrical switch apparatus during lifting. Of course, the uneven winding of the cable on the spool and the resulting sudden drops to the electrical switching apparatus during lifting are undesirable and may possibly result in damage to the electrical switching apparatus and excessive stress and fatigue being applied to the lifter.
It has also been observed that the lifter has a tendency to bind or twist as a result of the load of the electrical switching apparatus being applied on the cantilevered portion of the lifter. This is particularly the situation when the lifter is supporting the weight of the electrical switching apparatus and it is desired to translate or laterally move the lifter along the top of the electrical cabinet.

These and other needs are satisfied by the invention which is directed to a lifting assembly for lifting an electrical switching apparatus for placement in an electrical cabinet. The lifting assembly includes a first rail member horizontally disposed adjacent a top surface of the electrical cabinet where the first rail member is generally parallel to and positioned adjacent a front surface of the electrical cabinet. The lifting assembly also includes a second rail member horizontally disposed adjacent the top surface of the electrical cabinet where the first rail member is generally parallel to and spaced apart from the second rail member. The lifting assembly further includes a support frame and wheel means mounted on the support frame for providing movement of the support frame along the first rail member and the second rail member. A winch having a spool is provided for cooperating with a cable having a first end attached to the winch and a second end for securing to the electrical switching apparatus and lifting of the same. The lifting assembly includes a pivotable, rotatable cable support member mounted upon the support frame to provide even distribution of the cable on the spool. The cable support member guides the winding of the cable onto the spool of the winch where the cable would otherwise be wound on the spool due to its own natural tendency. The pivotable, rotatable cable support member of the invention prevents the cable from accumulating on one area of the spool which may result in sporadic jumping or sudden drops as the spool turns and releases or retracts the cable.
The wheel means for mounting on the support frame and providing movement of the support frame on the first rail member and the second rail member preferably includes at least one wheel rotatable about a horizontal axis for movement on the second rail member. The wheel means also preferably includes at least one wheel rotatable about a horizontal axis for movement on the first rail member and at least two wheels rotatable about vertical axes also for movement on the first rail member. This wheel configuration provides support for the lifting assembly and also provides lateral stability to the lifting assembly and minimizes binding or twisting of the lifting assembly during lifting of the electrical switching apparatus.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Planetary gear winch comprising selectively operable freewheel arrangement

A planetary gear winch broadly comprises a prime mover coupled to a winch drum through a planetary gear reduction drive train. The planetary gear reduction drive train comprises at least two serial, coacting and coaxially oriented planetary gearreduction stages, each stage comprising a plurality of planet gears journalled in a carrier therefor, said planet gears surrounding and being in engagement with a central sun gear. Each planetary gear reduction stage also comprises a ring gearsurrounding and being in engagement with said planet gears, said ring gear acting as a fixed reaction member. While separate and distinct ring gears may be utilized for each planetary gear reduction stage it is conventional to employ a single ring gearof sufficient length to house and serve the entire complement of planetary gear reduction stages, thereby simplify the construction and/or to render it more economic. Rotary power is delivered into each planetary gear reduction stage through thecentrally located sun gear thereof. In the case of the first reduction stage, the sun gear is driven by the prime mover. In the case of later stages, the sun gears are each driven by the output of the previous planetary gear reduction stage. Theplanet gears of each reduction stage are carried in a planet carrier generally comprising a plate member having a plurality of axle stubs extending perpendicularly from one surface thereof and to which axle stubs the planet gears are journalled. Conventionally, the planet carrier for each of the planetary gear reduction stages preceding the final reduction stage also comprises a centrally located sun gear rigidly affixed thereto and extending downstream therefrom, said sun gear acting, aspreviously mentioned, as the power input member for the suceeding planetary gear reduction stage.
The power output of the final planetary ger reduction stage is coaxially coupled to the winch drum in any suitable manner. For example, the planet carrier of the final planetary gear reduction stage and the bore of the winch drum element caneach define a keyway or splined recess, which recesses receive a common suitably conformed key or spline coupling member. As another example, the upstream flange of the winch drum can serve as the planet carrier for the final planetary gear reductionstage, thereby to simplify the construction of said stage and to provide a direct coupling of the output thereof to the winch drum. In this last-mentioned arrangement, axle stubs extend upstream from the upstream winch drum flange and the planet gearsof the final reduction stage are journalled thereto. Thus, said planet gears are caused to act as the power output members of the final planetary gear reduction stage driving the winch drum through said axle stubs. Another example of suitable coaxialcoupling of a final planetary gear reduction stage to a winch drum is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 197,654 Muessel et al., filed Oct. 16, 1980, entitled Rotary Power Coupling and Planetary Gear Winch Comprising Same, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,635, July 12, 1983. Therein there is disclosed a flexible coupling arrangement employing an intermediate plateform coupling member whereby the planetary gear train is effectively isolated from racking loads imposed on the winch drum duringoperations.

It is in the nature of a planetary gear reduction train that the forces required to drive the train in reverse, when applied rearwardly through the final reduction stage of the gear train, are relatively great. This inherent characteristic ofplanetary gear reduction trains is employed to advantage in winch applications in that, when the prime mover is inactivated, the planetary gear train acts to produce a substantial braking of the winch drum against reverse rotation thereof under lineload. Where the load capacity of the winch is substancial it is also conventional to provide various supplemental mechanical and/or electrical braking systems to mitigate against unintentional reverse rotation of the winch drum upon shutdown of theprime mover. Generally speaking, such supplemental braking systems are located upstream from the planetary gear train thereby to ensure that full use is made of the inherent braking effects of the planetary gear reduction train and to minimize the bulkand complexity required of the supplemental braking system.

In many planetary gear winch applications it is highly desirable that the winch be provided with means by which the winch drum, in the unloaded condition, can be temporarily disconnected from the drive train therefor, thereby to be renderedfreely rotatable and to allow rapid unwinding of the line therefrom. This is a particularly desirable feature, for instance, in connection with off-the-road vehicle and boat trailer winch applications wherein a lone operator may be called upon to deploythe line from the winch drum, affix it to a fixed object or to a load and place the winch in operation. In accordance with the present invention, a winch construction comprising such selectively operable freewheel arrangement is provided.

The winch of the invention comprises a planetary gear reduction train comprising at least two planetary gear reduction stages including a final planetary gear reduction stage and a penultimate planetary gear reduction stage. The final planetarygear reduction stage is coaxially coupled to a winch drum having a central passageway through the drum element thereof. A selector shaft is received in a freely slidable manner through said passageway. To the upstream interior end of said selectorshaft there is journalled the sun gear driving the final planetary gear reduction stage. The planet carrier of the penultimate planetary gear reduction stage comprises a centrally located internal gear adapted to engage the upstream portion of saidfinal stage sun gear in driving relationship therewith. The selector shaft passes through the passageway and terminates exteriorly of the winch drum element. A two-position manually operable stop means is provided in association with said selectorshaft to position the upstream portion of the sun gear journalled to the interior end thereof in either a first "engaged" position or a second "disengaged" position with respect to the internal gear of the penultimate reduction stage planet carrier. Biasing means are provided to continuously urge said selector shaft and the sun gear journalled thereto to stroke towards the first "engaged" position.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Device for connecting a winch to a box hitch

Traditionally, winch connectors permitted a winch to be attached to a truck's box or ball hitch in one position only, thereby limiting the number of pulling angles the winch could provide. This is due to the fact that most winches were used for only a single purpose (i.e., pulling a boat out of the water, pulling stumps out of the ground, pulling a car onto the truck's bed, etc.,) thus only a limited number of pulling angles were required. If it was necessary to utilize the winch for any other purpose that required a pulling angle outside the scope of possible pulling angles, either the truck carrying the winch had to be repositioned to place the winch in an appropriate position or, barring that, it was simply impossible to perform the necessary task.

Situations where a large variety of pulling angles may be necessary are, for instance, when a truck's front and rear wheels on one side are in a ditch and the only pulling point is adjacent the side of the truck not in the ditch. If the winch is usually used for pulling a boat out of the water it is not possible for the winch to draw cable around the pulling point and pull the truck out of the ditch. Rather, in this situation it is necessary to have a winch capable of pulling in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the truck in order to pull the truck out of the ditch. There are innumerable other situations where it may be necessary to utilize a winch over a large range of pulling angles but the prior art suggests no ways of achieving this in a practical manner. In furtherance thereof, it may also be useful to provide a transportable box hitch in which a universal winch connector may be positioned in order to use the winch in a variety of locations (i.e., on the side of a truck, or on an outside wall of a house, etc.).

In accordance with the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention provides a universal winch connector which permits a conventional electrically or manually operated winch to be attached to a conventional box hitch (class 2 or 3) in any one of four possible positions. By having the ability to position the winch in four different orientations, the winch may apply pulling force over a large range of pulling angles (about 4 times the range of pulling angles when attached via a conventional winch connector).

The universal winch connector which embodies the present invention is generally comprised of an elongated, square cross-section, tubular member having means for attaching a winch to one end thereof (i.e., welding), and means for attaching itself to a box hitch at its opposite end. The box hitch attaching means simply include first and second sets of longitudinally spaced holes drilled through each wall of the tubular member adjacent the hitch attaching end thereof. The holes formed through opposite walls, of each of the first and second sets, respectively, are axially aligned with one another. The first holes drilled through each wall of the tubular member permit secure attachment of the connector to a conventional class 2 box hitch, while the second holes permit secure attachment to a conventional class 3 box hitch. Once the holes are aligned in the box hitch, any appropriate type of pin may be passed through the holes in the hitch and tubular member to secure the attachment.

The reason for holes being formed through each of the four walls of the tubular member is to permit the connector to be positioned in the box hitch in any of four positions. Therefore, when a winch is attached to a first wall of the tubular member, simply by pulling the connector out and rotating it 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees about its longitudinal axis, the pulling angles at which the winch may pull vary accordingly, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

Four Tips for Buying ATV Winches

ATV winches come in handy if you ever get stuck while riding your ATV as they will be able to pull you out. There are a few things you need to think about before you go out and buy one. This article will give you a few tips for buying ATV winches.

Weight

Before buying ATV winches, you need to know the weight of your vehicle. If you don't know how much it weighs, you should check in your owner's manual. The weight of the ATV is important because you will need to know how much power will be required to pull you out in case you get stuck. This leads to the next point.

Power

ATV winches are listed by pulling power. Most have a minimum of 1,500 pounds while some are capable of pulling over 3,000 pounds. You should only consider buying ATV winches that are capable of pulling 1.5 times the weight of your vehicle. Although you can never have enough power, it would be a waste of money to buy a winch with much more pulling power than you will need.

Mount

You also need to consider the mounting system when buying ATV winches. These winches can put a lot of strain on the frame of your vehicle. Therefore, you will need to buy a proper mount that can attach to your ATV properly so the winch will not damage your frame. You have to make sure any ATV winches you buy are capable of being supported by your vehicle.

Electrical System

One of the final things you need to consider before buying ATV winches is how much power the winch uses. You have to make sure your electrical system is capable of providing enough power for the winch. Your battery has to be strong enough to avoid being drained while you're operating the winch. Most new ATV are capable of handling the required power, but you may need to check if you own an ATV that is a few years old.

These are a few tips for buying ATV winches. One of the most important things to consider is the weight of your ATV. You will need to buy a winch that is capable of pulling at least 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle. You also need to consider how much power the winch requires to operate. Your electrical system has to be capable of providing enough power without being damaged.

Top Accessories for Your Honda FourTrax Rincon ATV

The Honda FourTrax Rincon ATV is one of the most reliable ATVs available on the market. Being as reliable as its bulletproof Honda engine is, you can still up the ante for all your friends by adding the powerhouse parts that will really make your ATV stand out. While the FourTrax Rincon is still a great machine, there's a lot missing from it. Particularly if you are purchasing a new Honda, choosing the right accessories can help make your Rincon ATV not only the best on the block, but the fastest, coolest, safest machine around. Honda has put a lot of thought into making the FourTrax Rincon the best, but choosing the wrong accessories will do a whole lot more harm than good.

The first aftermarket purchase that should be on any ATV buyers' list is a Warn Winch. These are the undisputed leader in the aftermarket winch parts field, providing the best quality winches for your machine that are available today. If you've seen someone stuck in mud or rolled down a hill, chances are that they were pulled to safety by a Warn winch.

Next are some Honda-made parts. The best thing about these parts is that you can purchase and have them installed by the dealership before you even walk out the door. You'll need a winch mount, particularly if you opt for the Warn winch, but optional parts are always more fun to look for. Look for the wireless winch remote control, snowplow kit, and gun holder for all you hunters out there. Also for the hunters, check out the various bags that are available. The best look to be the seat back bag, which incorporates a bit of a backrest for extended riding comfort and features Real tree camo and a plush lining to protect all your favorite gear.

You almost owe it to yourself to pick up a utility bumper for your quad, because chances are you're going to need it the first time you pound on the gas through that soon-to-be-a-trail that you haven't forged yet. WWW.partsforatvs.com sells a great front guard for your Quad that is powder coated against corrosion, custom fitted, and features a recessed, protected mounting area for Warn trail lights. At $159.99, this part is practically a no-brainer for its versatility and low cost.

Next on your list of protective parts list is a set of skid plates for the front, center, and rear. Get all three, because you'll use them. At under four hundred dollars from your dealership, these could also qualify for the no-brainer, but for those of you who like to replace driveline parts, please, by all means, don't bother with these.

Next, check out www.highlifter.com for their line of parts to put your Rincon that much closer to heaven. While you're going to lose some cornering ability, running through mud will never seem easier. While you're at it, pick up some CV boot guards and wide track spacers which will make the whole package come together.

Don't take a chance on second hand parts, though, unless you inspect them carefully. Always remember that if it sounds too good to be true, than it probably is. Finding a complete set of skidplates in new condition on Ebay for under a hundred dollars may seem like a great deal, but chances are they're stolen, and the thief is just out to turn a buck. If you buy from the dealership, you can usually add the purchase price to the amount of your loan. If you can't, find another dealership. Honda in particular likes for you to add parts onto your invoice. If a dealership won't, then don't shop there, because someone else will.

Four Disadvantages of a Hydraulic Winch

The hydraulic winch was introduced in order to compete with winches powered by electricity. However, these winches have numerous disadvantages when compared to the electric variety. Some of these disadvantages include braking, speed, and steering. This article will discuss some of the disadvantages of a hydraulic winch.

Braking

One of the first disadvantages of a hydraulic winch deals with braking. These winches use the power steering pump in order to get hydraulic power. The winch will have to share the pump pressure with your brakes and steering. If you need to have your foot on the brake, the hydraulic winch will not be able to get power. This is a serious disadvantage when you need to anchor yourself by using the brake. In addition to being unable to brake, it will also take a longer time to operate the winch.

Speed

Another disadvantage of a hydraulic winch is the line speed. Electric winch is faster than the hydraulic variety, especially with little to no loads on the winch. A hydraulic winch will maintain a steady but slower line speed no matter what load it has. Besides the reduced line speed, you will also encounter problems if you are unable to have your engine running while operating the winch.

Engine

One of the biggest disadvantages of a hydraulic winch is that the engine has to be running in order for it to work. You won't have to have your engine running for winches powered by electricity to work. If you have a hydraulic winch, you won't be able to use it if you are having engine trouble. In addition to having to run the engine, you also wont' be able to steer very well while using the winch.

Steering

One of the final disadvantages of a hydraulic winch is steering. As mentioned earlier, these winches use the power steering pump in order to get hydraulic power, so you won't be able to use your brakes. While using a hydraulic winch, you will also have a reduced ability to steer your vehicle.

These are some of the disadvantages of using a hydraulic winch instead of one powered by electricity. You will not be able to use your brakes and the winch at the same time, so you will have a problem when you need to anchor yourself by using the brake. A hydraulic winch is also considerably slower than the electric variety.

Five Advantages of a Hydraulic Winch

Most winches use hydraulic or electrical power. The hydraulic winch has numerous advantages over those that use electrical power. Some of these advantages include weight, power, and safety. This article will discuss the advantages of using a hydraulic winch.

Overheating

One of the first advantages of a hydraulic winch is overheating. An electric winch will overheat if you use it too long, and you will have to let it cool down for a while before using it again. It may also get too hot for you to touch. A hydraulic winch will never overheat. It will continuously pull for however long you need it.

Battery

Electric winches will only work while the batteries are charged. This type of winch can easily drain your battery in less than a minute, so you would need to have a very strong battery. A hydraulic winch doesn't rely on your battery power. Therefore, you never have to worry about being stranded because your battery has been drained.

Weight

Another advantage of a hydraulic winch is the weight. Winches have to be very strong to do their job, and this usually causes them to weigh a lot. Too much weight can put more strain on your front axle and front springs. You don't have to worry about this with a hydraulic winch because they weigh less than an electric one.

Power

Pulling power is also an advantage of a hydraulic winch. Those powered by electricity have a tendency to become bogged down while under heavy loads. A hydraulic winch usually has more pulling power than electric winches. The hydraulic type of winch will provide a constant pull no matter how much weight it has to pull.

Safety

One of the final advantages of a hydraulic winch is safety. An electric motor may stall and cause too much pressure to be put on the wire rope which is very dangerous. A hydraulic winch will never stall so you don't have to worry about over torque.

These are some of the advantages of using a hydraulic winch over one that uses electrical power. The hydraulic variety will never overheat, so you can use it as long as you need it. The hydraulic winch also won't drain your battery or put too much strain on your front axle and springs. These winches also have more pulling power and will provide a constant pull no matter how much weight it's pulling.

Boat Launching Tips For The Beginning Boater

When it comes to launching a boat your entire success depends on how well you’re prepared. Everyone will benefit if you take the time to prepare your boat before you even reach the ramp.

You should conduct an inspection of your boat prior to using it since there is always the possibility of damage or failure on the hull. Then, before backing down the ramp you should raise your outdrive or outboard motor and remove all tie-down straps and binders. It is also important to make sure that the boat winch is engaged and that it is attached to the eyebolt on the bow of your boat.

While waiting in line to launch your boat take the time to check your fuel level, vital fluids and make sure all your safety equipment is on board. Make sure the drain plug is installed, without the drain plug you won’t be going very far in your boat.

Once it’s your turn to launch it would be a good idea to have a partner so the entire process can go smoother. It’s best to have one person down the ramp while another holds a pre-attached line to help guide the boat off the trailer. It’s also a good idea to have someone in the boat so they can drive it away from the trailer after it’s in the water.

Backing The Trailer Up

One of the hardest parts of launching a boat is reversing with a trailer. To do this you should first position your vehicle and trailer in as straight a line as you can manage and stay about a trailer’s length from the place where you are going to reverse to. While you slowly reverse, keep your eyes on the trailer from the driver’s window, then start turning the steering wheel to the right slightly.

To steer gently and progressively you should grab the wheel at the bottom, this makes it easier to add more steering to correct after turning too much. Grabbing at the bottom will also prevent you from over-turning the wheel. It also provides you with an excellent reference point without having to look, you always know that at the lowest point your wheels will be straight again.

Once you notice the trailer start to turn then you should straighten slightly while reversing. The trailer will jack-knife if you straighten too late or move the wheel too quickly. Soon you will be steering in the opposite direction while reversing. Have the front of the vehicle follow the trailer and watch where the trailer is in case you need to make corrections.

Look in both mirrors and continue to reverse in a straight line. Back up carefully and slowly. If you notice more of the trailer in one mirror then steer towards that side in order to get the trailer to move the other way. When correcting only use small steering movements.

You can also move forward to straighten the trailer if needed. Be sure to practice some at home until you are confident with your ability so that you won’t have to learn the hard way at the ramp while people wait in line behind you.

Launching Your Boat

When launching your boat there are a few simple suggestions you should follow to make it easy and simple. Make sure you observe the direction signage. Keep the rear wheels of your tow vehicle out of the water, which means you are also keeping the exhaust pipes out of the water.

Immersing the exhaust pipes in water may cause the engine to stall. Make sure you set the parking brake and have the transmission in park. Start the boat motor to make sure water is passing through the engine cooling system and that there are no fuel leaks.

Once the boat operator is ready you can release the winch and disconnect the winch line from the bow. By now your boat should easily launch with a simple shove or just by backing off the trailer under power.
As soon as you launch your boat return your towing vehicle and trailer to the parking lot so the next person can launch. If there is any final loading required you can do that at the transient mooring float so that you aren’t in anyone’s way.

How to Dig a Dead Man Anchor

Maybe you've been there before. You've been riding hard for the last couple hours, conquering boulders, mud, and tight spots until suddenly you find yourself good and stuck, and no amount of pushing, pulling, or cursing will make your vehicle budge. You've got a winch. The problem is there's not a rock, tree, or stump in sight and no buddy around to pull you out. How are you going to find an anchor point to winch out? Roll up your sleeves and get ready to move some dirt. It's time to dig a dead man.

Digging your own anchor is a last resort, but when you find yourself in a desperate situation, miles from civilization, it may be your only option. Here's how you can make your own winch anchor if the situation calls for it.

If you're adequately prepared for times like this, most likely you have a shovel stashed in your ATV or truck. Pull it out and start digging. The depth of the hole will depend somewhat on the size and weight of your vehicle and just how good you're stuck. The deeper the hole, the sturdier your anchor will be. At minimum, it should be deep enough to fully cover an object the size of your spare tire and rim.

Dig the hole directly in line with the stuck vehicle, if possible, and far enough away from your quad or truck to spool out a decent length of cable for a maximum power pull. Spool out the cable ahead of time to measure the distance if you're unsure where to start digging. Taking the time to plan out where your dead man needs to be is better than making the hole too close or too far away from your vehicle and then having to dig a new one.

A broad, weighty object makes the sturdiest dead man winch anchor, such as a log, large rock, or spare tire. If you carry a spare, you have a heavy, solid object on hand without scrounging around for a log or other large object. The size of the tire corresponds to the size of your vehicle and, if buried deep enough, should hold fast as you winch out.

Attach a chain or tree strap to the anchor and bury the log or tire deep in the hole, angled away from your vehicle for greater resistance during the pull. Fill in the open areas with dirt and pack it down solid. Hook up your winch to the chain or strap and you're ready to start the recovery. After you winch out your vehicle, make sure to retrieve your makeshift anchor and fill in the hole. Leave as little trace of your digging as possible.

Instead of burying a heavy object, you can also drive in long stakes or axles. They should be at least three feet in length to reach deep enough into the ground. For a solid anchor, pound in several stakes, one behind the other, at an angle away from the line of pull. The stakes must be deep enough and the ground dense enough to sustain the force of the pull or the winch will yank the anchor right out and all your work will be for nothing. This can also create a potentially dangerous situation if the buried anchor pulls free and rockets toward you or your vehicle.

After driving in the stakes, connect them with a chain or strap, and attach the winch hook to the strap as close to the ground as possible. If you have trouble pulling the stakes back out, try winching them out by pulling at the same angle as the anchor.

As you can see, digging a dead man takes time and hard work and is not going to be your first option, but when it comes down to walking back for help or making your own winch anchor, now you have the option of getting out on your own without the embarrassment of calling in the rescue squad.

A Basic Guide for ATV and Recovery Winch Safety

Any fearless offroader knows that the day will come when the mud and rocks conquer your quad, leaving you good and stuck. If you enjoy putting your quad or truck through the toughest muck and obstacles it can handle, you're going to need a winch that's powerful enough to get you out. You're also going to need to know how to winch out safely.

If you're looking to buy an ATV or recovery winch and put it to good use, it's important to take the time to understand how to recover your vehicle without creating a dangerous situation for yourself and others. Don't wait until you're stuck to use your winch for the first time.

Getting Your Act Together

Before you get ready to winch out, make sure you have some basic equipment on hand. First you're going to need a pair of heavy duty leather gloves. These will protect you from rope burn and from any burrs or slivers that can slice into your bare hands when you handle the winch rope.

If you use a steel cable, you may also need a heavy coat or blanket you can throw over the line in case it snaps. A steel cable can whip through the air if it breaks under load, damaging anything in its path.
Depending on the type of pull, you may also need a snatch block to guide the rope in a straight line onto the drum or to double the load capacity of your winch.

Choosing an Anchor Point

Your first task in winching out is to choose a solid anchor point. Your best options are either a natural anchor point, such as a tree, stump, or large rock, or another vehicle.

If you choose a tree as your anchor point, use a tree strap rather than a chain to attach the winch rope. Using a chain may damage or even kill the tree. Also, never wrap the cable around an anchor point and hook it back on itself. This can damage your cable or cause it to snap.

If possible, choose an anchor point directly in line with your vehicle in order to allow the cable to wrap in straight, even rows onto the drum. Pulling at an angle may cause the rope to pile up on one side of the drum. If the rope piles up too high on one side, it can chafe against the winch housing and cause extensive damage.
Angle pulls are less efficient than straight-line pulls. They also increase the chances of your winch line rubbing against a sharp edge on your vehicle. If your only option is to pull at an angle, use a snatch block to guide the cable straight into the drum.

The more line you spool out, the greater the load your winch can handle. So choose an anchor point that is far enough away to get the most power out of your winch but close enough to leave at least one row of cable on the spool.

If you choose another vehicle as your anchor point, block the wheels of the recovery vehicle, put it in neutral, and engage the hand brake before you start to winch out. This will keep the recovery vehicle from rolling.
Using the right equipment and choosing a solid anchor point are key factors in winch safety. The steps you take before you start winching out can make a huge difference in your own safety and the safety of those around you.

Numerous Winches and Their particular Designed Purposes

A 12V Winch is an electric powered version of a mechanised apparatus that's utilized to bring in a cable of some variety. Typically this line can be manufactured from a rope like material, or perhaps a metal wire cable. They may often be found in just about every type of industry. From lumberjacks to auto technicians, there is typically a place for a good winch. While a simple mechanised winch might have just a hand turn crank, an electric winch actually makes use of an electrical motor that subsequently rotates a group of gears to wrap a winch cable about its drum or spool.

The gears driven mechanism is one of the most crucial components of winches. These gears let an electric motor that ordinarily doesn’t have very much torque. You will often find the fact that the gear set ratios are usually upwards of 100-250:1 ratios. A ratio of 250:1 would mean that for each time the motor rotates 250 times, the drum to reel in the winch rope just turns once.

Likelihood is you’re searching for winches since you have to have one for your specific task. Thus we are going to talk about a few of the basic needs of why you may be looking at winches. Offroading, ATVing, boating, recreation, and even construction, there's bound to be a winch for your task.

For offroading, offroad fans will usually get themselves in really compromising circumstances. Imagine yourself stuck in some mud, or rolled over on your vehicle's side. This is when these strong winches are very useful.

Another frequent utilization is for boating. Winches are a mainstay on lots of premium boats. Nonetheless, many folks do not know this. They're utilised for hauling an anchor in and out of the waters. They could also be utilized for sailing to maneuver the big sails up and down. Having said that, the winches used in sailing are usually a different style, generally known as a capstan winch, whereby the line or rope does not build up about the drum. Another place you will sometimes discover them, when it comes to boating, is on the boat trailer itself. In such a location they are used to snug the boat to the trailer to prevent it from shifting when moving.

You can even come across individuals utilizing winches for outdoor activities, for example wakeskating. Wakeskating is a hobby whereby a watersports fan runs a winch to full length. He'll next hang on to an end while the winch is briskly drawn in at speeds up to Twenty-five mph. It is rather popular with those boarders who cannot pay for a boat, or just do not have the water area that's big enough for the motorboat to operate.
A heavy duty use for the winch is often seen in ship yards, or development sites. That’s correct, those huge cranes which stand so ominously over almost everything, make use of incredibly powerful winches to get the task executed. These type of winches are commonly not electric powered, as they are generally driven by hydraulic pressure.

So, no matter the reason you need to have a winch, there is likely to be one out there to suit your purposes. The best place to research a winch is generally online. Just do a search, or look at any of the websites we’ve linked to, and you should be able to get yourself what you need. Make certain that you choose a model that will support all of your needs.

Whatever you are wanting it for, remember to constantly be careful with winches. They're powerful tools, not toys, and utilizing one incorrectly could trigger serious or lethal accidents. You will find truly a number of little details which you ought to take into consideration to prevent injury. So please be very careful, and enjoy your new winch!

Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Winch

People who are keen on purchasing a electric boat winch has to search up the different sorts of merchandise that are out there online. If you do your homework you'll be able to seek out a high quality product which will work for your needs. Analysis is terribly necessary when it comes to finding a solid product for you to use.
Anyone who is looking to purchase a winch for their boat should understand some of the basis winches that are available. Because a winch is an important aspect of boat trailers or even anchors, you will need to choose something that offers value. Be sure to consider some of the following points before you decide to buy a winch.

The first thing you will need to decide before purchasing your winch is whether or not you want to get an hand crank winch or an electrical winch. The main difference between the two winches is the level of effort that you need to put into the winch. You will probably find it easy to use an electrical winch.

Anyone who is going to be loading their boat into the water should ensure that they have a winch that will offer enough weight. You will need to focus on choosing something that can give you enough power to lift your boat out of the water.

The best way to decide how much your winch should bear is to calculate the weight of your boat and all the items in it. If you don't know the weights of your boat you can look it up in the manufacturer's manual or call the company directly.

Anytime you are buying an electric winch for your boat it is important for the winch to offer a manual option. If the electric component ever fails you will need a backup for your winch. This is where the hand crank comes in handy.

Looking through the different retailers that are available online is the best way to choose the right winch for you. Be sure to find a winch that will offer you the right amount of pulling power. Take your time and also look up some of the boat winch product reviews that are available.

Boarding ladder and winch mount system for boat trailers and the like

A wide variety of devices have heretofore been devised for transporting loads of various configurations. For example, boats are commonly transported on trailers, and are often stored on trailers during periods of non-use. An important trailer function is providing means for pulling a boat or the like onto the trailer. This is often accomplished by means of a winch, which can be either cranked by hand or electrically powered.

Accessibility to a trailer-mounted boat can be a problem. For example, boarding ladders of the type commonly provided with boats are typically designed for access from the water and thus may be located too high for convenient access to a boat on a trailer. Moreover, the accessibility to a boat on a loading ramp can be significantly restricted due to the submerged position of the portion of the trailer under the boat's stern.
A common type of boat trailer includes a frame with a longitudinal member extending axially and terminating at a tongue mounting a hitch. The longitudinal member of such a conventional trailer commonly mounts a winch mounting post, with a resilient engagement means such as a forked bumper for engaging and positioning the boat bough.

Such boat trailers have the advantage of being relatively easy to construct. However, they have the disadvantage of requiring relatively accurate alignment of the boat and trailer, and the further disadvantage of the boat being difficult to access when placed on the trailer.

Some of these disadvantages have been addressed by trailers with front step structures, such as those manufactured by the assignee of the present invention, Bear Trailer Manufacturing, Inc., which include steps for providing access to the boat and associated with a winch mounted on a post. However, such previous designs typically required a person attempting to board the boat to walk between the boat and the tow vehicle, and often provided only very limited space for foot placement in order to attain the boat deck.
Another function of structures mounted on the fronts of boat trailers is to properly align the boat, especially during loading operations. For this purpose previous devices of the applicant's assignee have provided engagement members adapted for engagement by the front edge of a boat deck, such as that of a pontoon or deck boat, with the boat loaded thereon.

However, heretofore there has not been available a combination access step and winch mounting assembly with the advantages and features of the present invention. The present invention addresses some of the shortcomings of previous load carrying structures.

In the practice of the present invention, an access step and winch mount system is provided for a boat trailer including a frame with a longitudinal member. A front member includes a lower end connected to the trailer longitudinal member by a mounting plate and an upper end mounting a top member. A cross bar is mounted on the top member and extends laterally therefrom. A step subassembly includes multiple rungs with diameters which decrease upwardly. A hand rail subassembly is mounted on the cross bar and on the step subassembly. A winch is mounted on the top member and includes a strap or cable for connection to a boat, such as a deck boat or pontoon boat, on the trailer.

Winch with automatic clutch assembly

This invention relates to an electric winch and clutch assembly which is exceptionally compact in size and includes an automatically operated clutch that is readily engaged and disengaged without binding.

Electric winches are old in the art, as are those where an electric motor is mounted within the spool portion of the winch. It is also known to include with such winches a clutch mechanism of some type for engaging and releasing the spool. However, it is not believed to be known a winch and clutch assembly as hereinafter described which is of the exceptionally compact design provided by this invention and which includes a clutch assembly automatically engaged and disengaged in response to the direction of rotation of a driving member and which is readily engaged and disengaged without binding.

The winch and clutch assembly of this invention generally comprises a rotatable spool having an electric motor mounted therein for operation in both the forward and reverse directions, the electric motor having a housing and drive shaft. The spool is rotatably mounted on the motor housing and a gear train assembly is mounted at one end of the housing for transmitting power from the motor shaft to a driving gear which is concentric therewith. At that same end of the housing is located a driven member associated with and secured to the spool and which is also concentric with the motor shaft. The driving gear and the driven member have adjacent annular surfaces and there is mounted between the gear and member a clutch assembly which is uniquely designed to be readily engaged and disengaged without binding in response to the direction of rotation of the driving gear.

Hence, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a winch and clutch assembly which is exceptionally compact in design and which includes a clutch which is automatically and readily engaged and disengaged and thus particularly useful for those applications where the spool is to be driven in one direction and released for free rotation in the opposite direction. It is a further primary object of the invention to provide such an assembly wherein there is included an electric drive motor mounted within the spool, and wherein the clutch is automatically engaged and disengaged in response to the direction of rotation of a driving member without the use of any wedging action which could cause binding.

The construction of the winch and clutch assembly of this invention provides a very compact design with the motor mounted within the spool and the gear train drive at one end. The clutch assembly further adds to the compactness of the design in providing an automatically engaging and disengaging clutch that requires virtually no additional space. It is additionally significant that the clutch assembly 180 operates in respose to the direction of rotation of the driving gear 176 and without any "wedging" action that could cause binding of the clutch and thereby prevent ready disengagement for releasing the anchor or other load. The pin 200 is "clamped" between the rounded surfaces 183 and 195 when the clutch is engaged and there is no wedging action at all. With the clamping action described, the clutch is readily disengaged by simple reversal of the winch, without any fear of binding.

Apparatus and method for wave motion compensation and hoist control for marine winches

This invention relates to winches, in particular winches used in a marine environment. It provides a means for maintaining a substantially constant tension on the winch rope despite the fact that the load and the winch is moving relative toeach other. It further provides a means for safely raising a load from, or lowering a load onto, a vessel moving on the sea surface relative to the crane which is raising or lowering the load.
There are a number of applications in which it is necessary or desirable to maintain a constant tension on a winch rope, despite the fact that the winch and the load are moving relative to each other. Examples are preventing shock loads on amarine crane when lifting is initiated, maintaining a constant pressure on a drill stem being operated from a floating rig and maintaining a steady tension on a marine anchor.

A number of servo-controlled systems intended to automatically operate the winch so as to follow the movement of the load and thereby maintain a constant tension are described in the prior art. Examples can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,249,947 and 3,753,552. However, all such mechanical or electro-mechanical control systems have an inherent lag between input of a command to alter the operation of the winch motor and the alteration actually occurring. This lag means that the tensioncannot be maintained constant, particularly at a point where the relative direction of motion changes. The conventional response to this problem is to design the control system so as to have as small lag as possible under the circumstances. However, inthe types of application described above, the winch loads are typically large, and to control such loads the winch motor and controller must be of a design that typically has a relatively long lag time.
The above noted and other disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by providing a wave motion compensator which synchronizes the movement of the winch rope with the movement of the load without significant lag, thereby maintaining asubstantially constant tension on the winch rope. There is further provided a hoist control which automatically initiates lifting or completes lowering at the optimum point for the particular sea state experienced at that time.

The present invention provides a wave motion compensator for a marine winch, in which the winch drive motor has a servo controller. The controller is actuated so as to apply a predetermined tension to the winch rope. A means for making a firstand second determination of the direction of vertical motion, vertical displacement, vertical velocity and vertical acceleration of a load on the winch rope relative to the winch and for comparing these determinations is provided, and from thiscomparison and standard sea state data a suitable means predicts the vertical displacement, vertical velocity and vertical acceleration of the load relative to the winch at a time in advance of the time at which the prediction is made at least as long asthe lag time of the controller and winch drive motor. The controller is actuated according to this prediction so as to effect changes in the winch speed and direction such that the motion of the winch rope substantially corresponds without significantlag to the motion of the load, thereby maintaining substantially constant tension on the winch rope.

The present invention further provides a marine crane hoist control, which applies a tension less than the weight of the load to be hoisted or lowered to the hoist rope while the hoist rope is connected to the load and while the load is on avessel from which it is to be hoisted or onto which it has been lowered and which automatically maintains this tension constant as the load rises and falls with the vessel relative to the position of the crane. There is also provided means fordetermining data representing the direction of vertical motion, vertical displacement, vertical velocity and vertical acceleration of the vessel relative to the crane, and for comparing this data to standard sea state data to determine the optimum timefor initiating lifting or completing lowering of the load. When it is determined that this optimum time has been reached, the lifting is initiated or the lowering completed automatically by electronic means.

Winch pulley attachable to a motor vehicle-mounted box hitch

Motor vehicles, particularly those traveling off-road, often get bogged down in mud, snow, ditches and the like. Since four-wheel-drive vehicles are frequently used off-road, they are particularly prone to getting stuck. If such an incident occurs in a remote area, such as on a hunting trip, help may be unavailable. For this reason many four-wheel-drive vehicles have an attached winch. The winch can be attached to a convenient fixed object, such as a tree, and used to pull the vehicle to better ground or back on a road.

Most vehicle-mounted winches are electrical, as pulling a heavy truck out of muck is very difficult work with a mechanical winch. Most electrical winches are mounted on the front of the vehicle. This position gives easier access to the vehicle's electrical system, reducing the expense of installation. A front-mounted winch also does not interfere with moving cargo in and out of the rear. Electrical winches are available which can be either front-mounted or rear-mounted, but such winches tend to be more expensive and heavier than conventional winches and require extra wiring.

A conventional front-mounted winch can only pull the vehicle forward. Attempting to pull a vehicle backwards or sideways with a conventional front-mounted winch leads to the winch cable bending at sharp angles where it contacts the vehicle body or frame. At best the winch jams and/or damages the vehicle; at worst the winch cable breaks. A front-mounted winch will operate properly only when pulling toward a fixed object within a fairly narrow range of pulling angles toward the front. This can be very inconvenient when no fixed objects are available in suitable positions, or when the best way out is backwards or sideways.

Unfortunately, vehicles typically get into trouble front first, so that the best way out most often is backwards or sideways. For example, a truck stuck with its front wheels in a roadside ditch is not likely to get back on the road by being pulled forward.

The present invention is a winch pulley accessory. The winch pulley accessory is used with a motor vehicle-mounted winch and a motor vehicle-mounted box hitch. Preferably the winch and the box hitch are mounted on the front of the vehicle, with the box hitch below the winch. However, the pulley accessory may be attached to a box hitch installed anywhere on a vehicle. The winch is preferably an electric winch, but may be a mechanical vehicle-mounted winch. Typical winches for use with the pulley accessory would be Warn and Ramsey's 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 lb. electric winches.

The pulley accessory can direct the pull of a winch to pull a motor vehicle in any desired direction. The pulley accessory allows a front-mounted winch to pull backwards and sideways, either left or right, a full 360 degrees. The pulley accessory also allows the winch to pull upward when necessary to lift the front of the vehicle off the ground. This can be helpful for emergency repairs.

With the pulley accessory, a front-mounted winch can be used to free a stuck vehicle even if suitable fixed objects are located only to the side or the back of the vehicle. The pulley accessory does not reduce the pulling power of the winch in any direction. The pulley accessory can withstand the same force as the winch or the cable in any direction. The pulley accessory greatly increases the flexibility and the value of a front-mounted vehicle winch for freeing stuck vehicles. The extra expense and complexity of a rear-mounted electrical winch or of mounting both front and rear winches can be avoided. The combination of a front-mounted winch, a front-mounted box hitch, and the pulley accessory provides an inexpensive and versatile system for freeing a bogged down vehicle.

The pulley accessory is light in weight and easy for anyone to lift into position or remove after use. No tools at all are necessary for installation or removal. Proper installation is easy even for a person lacking in mechanical aptitude. Due to its simplicity, the pulley accessory is easily used at night or in bad weather.
The pulley accessory is mechanically very simple and inexpensive to produce. It is also very rugged. It requires no special protection during transport, but can simply be thrown behind a seat, in a toolbox, or in the back of a truck. The compact shape, without awkward protrusions, also makes it easy to store in the vehicle so that it is readily available when needed.

The winch pulley accessory comprises an elongated tubular member and a pulley block fixedly attached to the tubular member. The winch cable passes through the shell and over the sheave. The shell keeps the winch cable in place over the pulley during use, the groove defined in the sheave serving to guide the cable. The shell also protects the pulley from damage during transport. The pulley directs the winch cable in the desired direction. The tubular member is used to mount the winch pulley accessory to the vehicle and holds the pulley block far enough away from the vehicle so that the winch cable never has to bend at a sharp angle. The winch and winch cable are prevented from jamming and breaking, no matter what direction the winch is pulling.

The winch pulley accessory is very easy to install, requiring only sliding the tubular member into the box hitch. It is equally easy to remove by pulling it out of the hitch. Installation and removal take only seconds to accomplish. The entire process of freeing a stuck vehicle with the winch pulley accessory can be completed by one person in a few minutes.

Since the pulley accessory is not used when the winch pulls forward, it is generally unnecessary to secure the tubular member in the box hitch. Even in situations where a vehicle is stuck at an angle, with the front lower than the rear, friction is generally adequate to keep the pulley accessory in place. If a more secure attachment is needed, the tubular member may be provided with holes to admit a pin passing through matching holes in the box hitch.

The pulley accessory has two possible positions, one with the longitudinal axis through the pulley pin vertical, the other with the axis horizontal. The vertical position is best for a sideways pull. The horizontal position is best for a backwards pull or an upwards pull. For a forwards pull the pulley accessory need not be used, as a front-mounted winch functions adequately in this direction. To switch the pulley accessory from the horizontal to the vertical position, all that is necessary is to pull the pulley accessory out of the box hitch, turn it 90 degrees, and slide it back into the hitch. Due to the pulley accessory's light weight and compact design, this is easily accomplished by one person in a few seconds.

The elongated tubular member has an approximately square cross-section. The tubular member removably attaches the pulley accessory to the box hitch. The tubular member is preferably between 7 inches and 30 inches in length along its longitudinal axis, most preferably 18 inches. Preferably the tubular member has a width and a height of about 2 inches. The tubular member has four walls, making it square in cross-section. The tubular member has a hitch end and a pulley end. The tubular member slides into the box hitch at the hitch end and is attached to the pulley block at the pulley end. The longitudinal axis of the tubular member extends from the hitch end to the pulley end.

The four walls of the tubular member may each have a hole, with the two pairs of holes axially aligned. This allows the pulley accessory to be securely attached to the box hitch if necessary by passing a pin through a pair of holes and simultaneously through pin receiving holes on the box hitch.

The shell of the pulley block includes a strap having an attachment end, a free end, a first side, and a second side. The attachment end of the strap is attached to the tubular member at the pulley end of the tubular member. The pulley block preferably has a length of about 11 inches, a width of about 33/4 inches, and a height of about 3 inches.

The sheave is rotatable about a pin. The pulley accessory is attached to the box hitch so that the longitudinal axis of the pin extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the desired direction of vehicle movement.

The tubular member and pulley block are composed of steel, aluminum, or magnesium, and possibly other metals or alloys. Preferably aluminum or magnesium is used to minimize weight. The pulley accessory is light in weight, preferably having a total weight of no more than 26 pounds, most preferably no more than 15 pounds.

The pulley accessory is used by sliding it onto a motor vehicle-mounted box hitch so that the longitudinal axis of the pin is roughly perpendicular to the desired direction of vehicle movement. Preferably the winch is an electrical winch mounted on the front of a vehicle. The draw hook and its attached winch cable are extended from the winch downward and forward to the pulley. The draw hook is passed through the swallow so that the winch cable lies in the groove of the sheave. The draw hook is then attached to a stationary object appropriately located for movement in the desired direction. The winch is then operated, moving the motor vehicle in the desired direction.

Winch

An electric winch for automobile is a vehicle-carried apparatus used for vehicle rescue, loading/unloading, or cargo lifting etc, which can be mounted on an engineering vehicle, an off road vehicle, SUV sports vehicle, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,567 discloses one example of a winch known in the related art. The power transmission device of the above conventional winch employs a multi-stage series-connected planetary mechanism to achieve deceleration function withlarge speed ratio and has a complicated structure.

However, the power transmission device of the conventional winch has a complicated structure with low transmission efficiency. Thus, the self-weight of the winch and the number of the components thereof increase accordingly. In addition, themanufacturing and assembling of the winch are complicated with high cost.
U.S. Pat. No. Re. 36,216 discloses another example of a winch known in the related art. However, the braking mechanism of the winch is very complicated. Therefore, manufacturing and assembling of winch are complicated, the cost and failurerate thereof are high. In addition, the maintenance is difficult with high cost.
The present invention is intended to resolve at least one of the technical problems occurring in the conventional winch. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a winch in which a power transmission device employs a singlestage planetary mechanism to achieve deceleration function with large speed ratio. In addition, the transmission efficiency of the present invention is high, the structure is simple, the weight is light and the cost is low.

The winch according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a drum defining an axial central hole and being rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the axial central hole. A motor is longitudinally disposed at an end of the drum, anda power transmission device is longitudinally disposed at the other end of the drum and operatively connected to the motor and the drum respectively. The power transmission device includes a casing mounted at the other end of the drum. A transmissiongear shaft extends longitudinally in the axial central hole of the drum where a proximal end of the transmission gear shaft is connected to the motor and a distal end thereof is provided with a transmission gear and extends into the casing. The winchalso includes a planetary mechanism assembly having first and second planetary carriers that are disposed in the casing and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. First to third planetary gears are rotatably supported on the first and second planetarycarriers via first to the third planetary gear shafts and engaged with the transmission gear, respectively. An annular gear is fixed in the casing and engaged with the first to third planetary gears respectively. A power output member is disposed inthe casing, rotatable about the longitudinal axis and formed with an input gear portion and an output gear portion. The input gear portion engages with the first to third planetary gears respectively, and the output gear portion engages with the drum.

The power transmission device of the winch according to embodiments of the present invention achieves deceleration function with large speed ratio by employing a single stage planetary mechanism. In addition, the transmission efficiency is high,the structure is simple, the weight is light and the cost is low.

Each of the first to third planetary gears is divided into two portions in axial direction so that the transmission gear and the planetary gears can be conveniently engaged with or disengaged from each other through moving the transmission gearshaft, thus easily achieving the engaging/disengaging function of the winch.
In addition, the fixing strength of the annular gear in the casing can be increased by forming the casing gear portion to be engaged with the annular gear, thus preventing the annular gear from being unintentionally moved.

The braking device of the winch according to embodiments of the present invention has a simple structure with low manufacturing cost and reliable braking capability, and is not apt to fail.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood while reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications andvariations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Front/rear mounted portable load-bearing winch

Winches have been conventionally utilized to facilitate pulling loads or objects. It is well known in the art to permanently mount a winch on the front of a vehicle to enable the vehicle to extract itself from a river bed or muddy terrain. By permanently mounting the winch to the front of the vehicle, such vehicle can be extracted only if an anchor object, such as a tree, is in front of the vehicle. Extraction of such vehicle is much more difficult, if not impossible, if the only anchored objects are located behind the vehicle.

Another variety of applications involving winches includes vehicles to which trailers are mounted, such as boat trailers. In this situation, the winch is fixed to the boat trailer which is connected to a hitch mounted to the rear of the vehicle. While such winches are well adapted for drawing the load onto the trailer, the difficulty encountered is in backing the trailer, often in a blind situation, thereby necessitating the use of rear-view mirrors and reverse turning directions.

Rear hitch-mounted winches have been used advantageously to extract vehicles, but are thereafter removed. Disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,159,368 and 3,718,317 are winches which are detachable from rear-mounted hitches. The structures of these winches loosely engage around a hitch ball to sustain a pulling load, but cannot sustain a downward load, such as experienced by a trailer or other transportable load attached thereto.

It can thus be seen that a need exists for a portable winch which can be easily, releasably mounted to the front or rear of a vehicle. There is also a need for a winch that is mountable to a vehicle hitch, and that is load-bearing as to other trailer equipment mounted to the winch. There is yet another need for a front-mounted hitch, which may be employed in connection with a load-bearing winch, for connection to trailers so that the trailers can be pushed by the vehicle.

In accordance with the present invention, the disclosed portable load-bearing winch, construction and use thereof substantially reduces or eliminates the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with the prior art winch structures. According to the invention, a portable winch is mounted to a drawbar structure having at one end a receptacle, and at the other end a stub. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the drawbar is adapted for releasable engagement with a class 3 load-bearing vehicle hitch. The stub of the winch drawbar can be inserted into the hitch receptacle and pinned. A conventional ball-type hitch and plug can then be inserted into the winch drawbar receptacle. A trailer or other towable structure can be connected to the ball, thereby interposing the winch in the pulling train between the vehicle and the load. The cable of the power driven winch can be connected to the load so that it can be pulled onto the trailer.

In accordance with the invention, the vehicle can also be equipped with a hitch mounted to the front thereof, for releasable engagement with the portable load-bearing winch. With this arrangement, the winch can be mounted either at the back or the front of the vehicle so that it can tow or push loads and reposition such loads, as well as winch loads from the front or back of the vehicle. When the winch is mounted to the front of the vehicle, a trailer or other equipment can also be connected to the winch ball equipment so that the trailer can be pushed to a desired location. Moreover, when the winch is mounted to a frontal vehicle hitch it can be utilized to winch loads onto a trailer which is also connected to the load-bearing winch.

The environments or uses of the invention are not limited to use with utility or boat trailers as noted above. Indeed, the load-bearing winch of the invention can be utilized to pull a disabled vehicle on a wheeled dolly at safe low speeds. Also, while the winch of the invention is disclosed for use with square receptacle and stub drawbar elements, other shapes and types of connecting structures can be utilized. To that end, a trailer tongue other than the ball type can be used in conjunction with corresponding structures engageable with the winch.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed with reference to a specific winch structure and method of use, it is to be understood that many changes in detail may be made as a matter of engineering choices without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

ELECTRIC WINCH

The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for lifting and hoisting. More particularly, the present invention relates to winches and more specifically for winches used to lift personnel.
In many working environments, personnel are required to perform certain functions at elevated locations where platforms or other working surfaces are not provided. In these situations, a winch, or other type of lifting appliance, is often used to lift and support the worker while performing the task. Among the working environments where winches are commonly used for handling personnel are offshore oil and gas platforms and vessels.
Most facilities have dedicated, specially designed winches that are used only for handling personnel. These winches are known as `manrider` winches and are often designed with higher safety design factors as compared to standard utility winches. In certain regions, such as both the Norwegian and UK Sectors of the North Sea, manrider winches are subject to stringent rules and regulations as equipment used in handling personnel. Manrider winches, which must safely support a worker in an elevated working position, must also allow that worker some freedom of movement to perform the assigned task. It is often difficult to balance the need for complete safety and fall support with the need to allow the worker being supported some freedom of movement.
Thus, there remains a need to develop methods and apparatus for winches developed within rules and regulations such as those used in the North Sea that govern equipment for handling personnel, which overcome some of the foregoing difficulties while providing more advantageous overall results.
The problems discussed above are addressed by apparatus and methods for operating a winch system comprising a wire spooled onto a drum rotatably mounted to a shaft. A permanent magnet is mounted to the drum such that, when an electric current is applied to a coiled winding mounted to the shaft, the drum rotates about the shaft. The winch comprises a first braking system that controls the rotation of the drum about the shaft by controlling the application of the electric current to the coiled winding. The winch also comprises a second braking system that mechanically engages the drum so as to prevent the rotation of the drum about the shaft. The winch is used in conjunction with a control system that facilitates the use of the winch with lifting and supporting personnel working in elevated environments.
The preferred embodiments include an electric winch utilizing a permanent magnet electric motor integrated into the wire rope spool. The permanent magnet electric motor provides resistor induced emergency braking and motor-controlled emergency lowering if power is lost. Because the speed and torque of the motor are easily and precisely controllable, preferred embodiments may include climbing and walking functions to safely support worker movement while maintaining safety. Some embodiments are configured for top of derrick mounting, i.e. reduced number of wire lines. Because the motor is integrated into the drum, the total number of parts required is reduced. The fully electrical winch requires no other power sources, i.e. hydraulic or pneumatic supplies.
Thus, the present invention comprises a combination of features and advantages that enable it to overcome various problems of prior devices. The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Tow Truck Financing

Tow trucks are used by towing companies and some auto repair companies in order to drag heavy vehicles. Generally, tow trucks are more useful in roads. Since the vehicle can help generating more revenues to towing companies, the cost of the vehicle is more. Hence, many companies look for tow truck financing.
There are various types of tow trucks which are used for various purposes. Boom tow truck is one among them which has boom winch to pull heavy vehicles that are trapped into ditches or other places where normal tow trucks are not useful. Due to this specialized nature, they are extremely expensive and so the companies need boom tow truck financing.

Hook and chain tow trucks are very useful in transporting vehicles from one place to another in case the vehicle may not be able to transport themselves. For this purpose, the truck has separate hook and chain. This truck is highly useful in case of towing accident vehicles. Due to their cost, many companies look for hook and chain tow truck financing.

Wheel lift tow trucks have a large yoke to support the towing vehicle by touching only the wheel. This truck is useful in towing vehicles without any scratches. Flat bed tow trucks also called roll back tow trucks or slide tow tracks can carry any type of vehicles irrespective of its weight. They offer invaluable service for towing companies. Their comfortable features and sophisticated nature make them highly expensive. Therefore tow truck financing is often desirable.

Quick pick tow trucks also known as integrated tow trucks or repo provide priceless services for legal agencies and repossession companies. They are used to remove the illegally parked vehicles. Since people may get angry while towing their vehicles, it is important to do the work speedily. Quick pick tow trucks provide such fast towing service. Due to their special feature, they are quite pricey. Hence tow truck financing is often preferable to acquire them.

Tow truck generates revenue to many companies. Even if any company uses it for its internal fleet and does not generate any income, the cost of the tow trucks are really high and many companies find it impossible to acquire from their own money. Therefore they need to consider tow truck financing to acquire it.

There are some genuine financing companies that can understand the need of tow trucks and they arrange for fast approval of desired amount to towing companies or some other auto repair companies that want to acquire these trucks. A simple application process is enough to get speedy approval of the amount. They provide financial assistance at low interest rates. Hence the towing companies find it easier to repay the low monthly payments since they are generating much revenue with the help of tow trucks.

Tow truck financing is the best option to acquire the expensive vehicles. A simple online application is enough to get financial help.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Snow Mobile Safety Tips

Snow Mobiles can be the ultimate rush: in an area with enough space and varied terrain, jetting along in a snow mobile is unequaled in terms of excitement, challenge and thrills. Snow mobiles are also just plain convenient for traveling where there is lots of snow. Obviously you're not going to cruise down Main Street in a snow mobile, but in rural areas a snow mobile just may be the transportation mode of choice.

Having said that - it's important to know that a snowmobile is only as safe as the person operating it. The key to safe operation is knowing your snowmobile, using good judgment, and respecting those around you.There are a lot of similarities between operating a snow mobile and driving a motorcycle or automobile. The big areas of concern involve registration, transportation, turning on the engine and driving skills. Let's try to cover the basics of each area in the following paragraphs. For more information contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your local area.

Let's begin with a few words about snow mobile registration. It is not as easy as just purchasing a new or used snow mobile, hopping on and hitting the back roads

Registering your snowmobile is important and is required by the law in every state and province. Simply put -- you need to register your snowmobile in order to operate your snowmobile on the trails and areas open to the public. According to the American Council of Snow Mobile Associations your registration fee goes back into the state's/province's snowmobile program to provide trails and riding areas.

Once you have paid the registration fee, you will receive a certificate and adhesive decals to apply to your snowmobile. This certificate should be carried on the snowmobile. The decals are to be attached permanently to the snowmobile as directed by the information supplied with your certificate.

Furthermore, although states may vary - most DMV's require that you take a snowmobile certification course. Adult snowmobile safety certification is for snowmobile operators age 16 and over. Anyone born after transporting your snowmobile. It's recommended to use a trailer especially designed for transporting snowmobiles. There are 2-capacity tilt-bed trailers, 2-, 4- or higher capacity flat bed open trailers, and 2, 4, or higher capacity enclosed trailers. The tilt-bed trailers may be equipped with a winch system to assist with the loading of your snowmobile. Open flat bed trailers will come equipped with folding or self-storing ramps that allow snowmobiles to be driven on the trailer from the rear for loading and off the trailer in the front for unloading. And don't forget to check the weight limit of your trailer, the amount of required tire pressure, and your vehicle's towing capacity before you start.

O-k, so you've registered your snow mobile, you have properly mounted it and secured it to a trailer and you have arrived where you want to go so you can do some riding. Time to start your engines! Operating a snow mobile is easy but requires focus. When preparing to ride, consider the following:

- Point the snowmobile in a safe direction

- Be ready to start it by kneeling or sitting on the machine

- Check the throttle by depressing it at least once to be sure it isn't frozen. When released it should return quickly to the idle position

- Check all important switches like key and safety switches, which should be in the "on" positions

- Depending on the machine, choke or prime the engine if it is cold

- Always drive at speeds that will allow you to stop safely if a dangerous object appears. Adjust your speed to snow conditions, other riders and basic safety reasons. It is important to ride at safe speeds under all conditions, not just for night riding.

- Do not override your headlights, meaning that you are going so fast that you pass through the area illuminated by your headlights before you can stop safely. Your stopping distance is greater than 200 feet or whatever your headlights illuminate.

- Stay on all marked trails; follow trail signs, and speed limit signs while night riding. Be cautious when crossing roads and always be prepared to stop for anything at a moment's notice.

Snow mobil'ing this holiday season can be fun but it demands that you be an alert, responsible rider. Have fun and happy trails!

Safe Autumn Off-Roading for the Seasoned Adventurer

Are you ready?? Summer's almost over, the weather's getting cooler at the higher elevations, and the leaves are just about to turn.? Those who have never experienced the exhilaration of off-roading in the magnificent Rocky Mountains of Montana and Colorado may think that at summer's end there's nothing to do or see at 10,000 feet; how wrong they are!? Autumn is the time when nature takes a deep breath in the Rockies and prepares for the winter season by turning the aspen leaves a brilliant gold, the animals come out to mate, and the streams run clear and cold.? Time for you and your equally-adventuresome companions to jump into your off-road vehicle and head for the top of the world.

Off-roading in the Rockies is a risky adventure at any time of the year, but the fall can be particularly tricky unless you're well-equipped and know what you're doing.? It isn't a season for novice off-roaders; if you're new to this type of recreation, wait until next summer to tackle the peaks.? But if you're a well-seasoned off-roader, even at lower elevations, this is the perfect time to experience the glory of the season in a safe, practical manner.? Remember, in autumn there are less people around to winch you out of a ditch.? The Rocky Mountains are very unforgiving when the wind whips up and the temperature drops suddenly; you may find yourself coated with three inches of snow within an hour in mid-September.? When you travel roads that aren't really roads at all, you assume the risk of misadventure.

Extensive preparation is the key to safe autumn off-roading.? First, you need a four-wheel drive vehicle that you know how to drive.? And we're not talking about some kind of buff luxury car; we're talking about a real "utility" vehicle that may get dented and scratched, but will get you home alive.? If you're concerned about how your vehicle looks, leave it in the garage.? You'll be traversing the highest points in the Rockies, at least 10,000 feet - well above timber line and into the perpetual winter of permafrost tundra.? Your vehicle must be equipped with these basics:? a roll-bar on top in case you and your vehicle take a tumble, working seat belts, two spare tires (steel-belted, all-weather radials), three cans of extra gas, a hard grill on the front in case you have a close encounter with an elk, and a front-mounted winch that can automatically haul your vehicle out of a ditch, a fast-rising stream, or an unexpected pile of mud, snow, or ice.?

Manual winch is cheaper, sure.? But to haul a Jeep Cherokee out of a snow bank manually takes the strength of three grown men.? Pay the bucks; get the auto-winch.? Make sure you're very familiar with your vehicle; if you've just gotten a new one that you're dying to try out, do some practice runs at lower elevations before you head up the peaks so you're sure about how your vehicle performs and you don't find yourself having to guess what it will and will not do.? Get yourself the best CB radio you can afford, and equip it with a battery-operated power microphone so you can broadcast for help if you're stuck or injured.? Take two sets of extra batteries for the microphone.? Your antenna should be the "whip" type, not the "shortie" that magnetically adheres to your hood.? Tie the whip antenna down well to protect it from unruly trees.