Abstract: A flip-out function converter apparatus is attached to and functions in combination with a tree-mountable frame apparatus for use by arborists in handling loads in a wide variety of arbor rigging procedures. When positioned in its operational mode, the function converter apparatus enables additional functional rigging procedures to be performed which could not be effectively and efficiently performed with the original frame apparatus. When the function converter apparatus is positioned in its stowed mode in an unused recessed region of the frame apparatus, the frame apparatus can be used in its original application mode without interference from the function converter. In an embodiment of a frame apparatus with spikes, the function converter in its operational position enables the frame apparatus to be used in rigging procedures on live trees without the frame spikes producing damage to the bark and cambium layer of the live trees.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preventing overlap of coils on a cable of a rotatable winch drum have a rotatable roller which is mounted at a certain location with respect to the axis of rotation of the winch drum. The rotatable roller has an outer surface which is engageable with a side surface of the incoming coil of the cable as the incoming coil is being formed. The rotatable roller exerts a sufficient force through the roller and the body of the cable at the incoming coil to maintain the roller engaged portion of the incoming coil at the location of the rotatable roller and to shift all previously formed engaging adjacent coils of the cable sufficiently longitudinally on the surface of the winch drum in a direction along the axis of rotation of the winch drum so as to make room for the formation of the incoming coil directly on the surface of the winch drum.

Abstract: A frame apparatus is constructed to be mounted on and conformed to the trunk of a tree for use by arborists in handling loads involved in an arbor rigging procedure. The frame apparatus engages a curved surface of the trunk of the tree at three triangularly disposed locations. In one embodiment an angled spike structure at one lower end of the frame structure penetrates the trunk at an angle which utilizes circumferential shifting and inward pulling of the frame apparatus on the tree to secure the frame apparatus to the tree. In another embodiment resilient pads are mounted at each of the three triangularly disposed locations for resiliently gripping the opposed portion of the trunk to minimize damage to the tree.

Abstract: A levered, gravity-assisted, side dump utility cart for transporting and dumping objects and materials has load carrying apparatus, bedframe, a rear carriage, a 360 degree rotatable front carriage, four wheels, and towbar unit. A towbar is used as a lever against underside regions of the bedframe by the operator for manually dumping of loads from either side of the cart. Proximate maximum gravity assistance for levered dumping is obtained by unique and predetermined wheel alignments for each selected embodiment of the side dump cart. For such levered dumping, dump alignment devices define the towbar positions where the proximate maximum gravity assistance is obtained for dumping the load with proximate minimum upward and horizontal force on the towbar lever. The range of selectability and the extent of gravity assistance available to the operator for dumping the cart is determined by the embodiment of this invention.