Abstract: A support beam for stabilizing a motorcycle on the wheel lift of a tow truck is provided. The support beam includes a mount that positions the beam horizontally on a rear portion of the tow truck at a level generally equal to the level of the motorcycle's handlebars when the motorcycle is resting on the wheel lift. The beam includes a first end attachable to the motorcycle's left handlebar using a left strap, and a second end attachable to the motorcycle's right handlebar using a right strap. With the motorcycle resting on the tow truck's wheel lift, and the beam configured to provide support to the motorcycle's handlebars, the motorcycle is secured to the wheel lift, stabilized, and able to be towed. In some embodiments, the mount is designed to be received into a wheel lift cable guide through-hole thereby securing the beam to the wheel lift.

Abstract: An improved drive pin retention system for mining chains is disclosed, including several embodiments. The drive pin retention system further decreases the chance that the chain can break due to sheared dowel pins.

Abstract: A winch arrangement including a cable guide having a plurality of manually-repositionable guide surfaces to guide the cable as it is wound onto the winch drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a flexible elongate tension member onto a spool comprises a pivot located in front of the spool extending along a vertical axis and a head extending between proximate and distal ends wherein the proximate end is rotatably supported by the pivot along the vertical axis. The apparatus further includes a fairlead located in the distal end of the head, the fairlead defining an opening for passing the flexible elongate tension member therethrough, the opening extending along a plane which is parallel to and spaced apart from the vertical axis.

Abstract: A tank car lifting apparatus is provided. The lifting apparatus can include a spreader beam, a first arm rotatably connected to the spreader beam, a second arm rotatably connected to the spreader beam, and a synchronizing linkage to synchronize movement of the first arm and the second arm such that the first arm and the second arm move at the same time.

Abstract: A clamping device includes a supporting bracket, a lifting assembly, a first adjusting assembly and a holding assembly. The supporting bracket includes a supporting member. The lifting assembly includes a first lifting member, a second lifting member, a fixed pulley, a connecting member and a clump weight. The first lifting member and the second lifting member are both slidably sleeved on the supporting member. The fixed pulley is mounted on the supporting member. The connecting member is arranged on the fixed pulley and couples the first lifting member to the second lifting member. The clump weight is detachably fixed to the first lifting member. The first adjusting assembly includes a first fixed member rotatably sleeved on the second lifting member and a first adjusting member rotatably sleeved to the first fixed member. The holding assembly is rotationally mounted on the first adjusting member.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A collapsible and mobile lifting apparatus. The apparatus includes a mobile base, a lifting mechanism mounted to the mobile base, suspension members extending from the lifting mechanism for operatively engaging an object to be lifted, and a counterweight system that is automatically moveable relative to the mobile base. Helical band actuators provide the lifting force. A lower counterweight at the base is moveable to variable positions in response to the load of an object on the suspension members. An upper counterweight is mounted proximate to the upper end of the lifting mechanism to resist the load on the suspension members as well. A tension cable extending from the base proximate to the upper end of the lifting mechanism provides additional force to balance the load of the object.

Abstract: A portable crane for installing and removing windows. The portable crane for installing and removing windows includes a wheeled base with a platform having front and rear ends; a boom support assembly removably fastened to the wheeled base; and a boom assembly supported by the boom support assembly.

Abstract: A system is mounted onto a forklift truck for covering and/or uncovering a cargo with a tarpaulin. The system comprises a tube frame assembly having a telescoping frame slidably attached to it. The telescoping frame is configured to be capable of being extendable and/or retractable within the tube frame assembly. The telescoping frame comprises a plurality of rollers configured to be capable of rotating when engaged with the plurality of flexible members and the flexible cover. A powertrain device is installed onto the tube frame assembly for causing to retract and/or to extend the telescoping frame within the tube frame assembly. A winch assembly is configured to be coupled to the tube frame assembly and having a plurality of straps engaged with the tarpaulin to cover and/or uncover the cargo.

Abstract: A portable hoist adapted for attachment to a hand truck nose plate is disclosed. The hoist comprises an adapter that sandwiches the nose plate and a hole or holes may be fabricated in the nose plate for securing hardware to be installed, such as a bolt, bolts, strap, etc. Receivers on the hoist hold removable, load supportive legs securely in place. Casters may be attached to legs to improve mobility. A jib assembly capable of several height settings remains reasonably level at all times when in use, making it ideal for tight spaces. The pivot point of the arm is at the end of the mast opposite the adapter assembly, the other end attaching to the handle of the hand truck and securing with a latch. A winch attached to the arm provides a cable extending to and about a sheave or sheaves, terminating beyond the sheave carried at the free end of the jib boom. A brace on the mast allows the arm latch to secure when the arm is collapsed.

Abstract: A power operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. A pair of the new winches can be controllably operated using a portable or fixed control device, with one winch controlled to retrieve one line while another winch controllably releases line in a coordinated procedure. Among other things, such coordinated operations can be useful in carrying out tacking and gybing maneuvers without crew involvement in line handling operations. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, and positively drawn from the drum when the line is not under load. Significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew is enabled.

Abstract: A side puller accessory frame for a tow truck having a cab and a truck frame mounts to the truck frame behind the cab. The accessory frame preferably includes two stiff legs, a wire rope winch mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the truck that provides pulling force via a removable pivotable center sheave that directs the pulling force to sides or the rear of the truck as desired. The accessory frame may include a removable pivotable side sheave that may mount in a side sheave mounting tube. The side puller accessory frame makes a conventional car carrier with a roll back bed a recovery truck.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus comprising a first part to be removably secured to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The first part is removably integrated with a boom receiver. The boom receiver can be removably connected to a boom extending upward at an angle from the first part. An electric powered winch can be attached to the boom receiver. The winch includes a cable to hang down from the boom. Coupled to the cable is a device to connect an object to be moved by the apparatus.

Abstract: A lifting device comprises at least two multi-stage masts and a cable mechanism. Each multi-stage mast comprises a first length and a second length that is longer than the first length. Each multi-stage mast further comprises a plurality of stages, such that at least one stage of a mast is vertically movable with respect to at least one other stage. The cable mechanism comprises a spool and at least one cable that is coupled to the spool and arranged with respect to the multi-stage masts so that when each cable is wound onto the spool, each mast simultaneously and in unison changes length in a direction from the first length to the second length, and when each cable is unwound off the spool, each mast changes length simultaneously and in unison in a direction from the second length to the first length.

Abstract: A hoist device adaptable to lift or pull load material of various types. The hoist device is attachable to the trailer hitch of a vehicle and comprises a telescopic boom of a pair of rectangular tubular members attachable slidably to a base support member. In adjacent position on the base support is a control post member to which other components are attached, including a motor-driven winch positionable on the upright end thereof. A lifting component is attachable to the end of the boom member to be able to rotate easily, in any direction, since the angular movement of the boom member is always only one direction in regard to the axis of the boom member. A cable is used to operate the movement of the boom member, and has one end attached to the winch and a second end attached to a rigid component on the boom member after engaging pulley means on the boom member or control post member as chosen to provide suitable angular orientation of the boom member and telescopic extension of the boom member.

Abstract: A hoist device adaptable to lift or pull load material of various types. The hoist device is attachable to the trailer hitch of a vehicle and comprises a telescopic boom of a pair of rectangular tubular members attachable slidably to a base support member. In adjacent position on the base support is a control post member to which other components are attached, including a motor-driven winch positionable on the upright end thereof. A lifting component is attachable to the end of the boom member to be able to rotate easily, in any direction, since the angular movement of the boom member is always only one direction in regard to the axis of the boom member. A cable is used to operate the movement of the boom member, and has one end attached to the winch and a second end attached to a rigid component on the boom member after engaging pulley means on the boom member or control post member as chosen to provide suitable angular orientation of the boom member and telescopic extension of the boom member.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus comprising a first part to be removably secured to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The first part is removably integrated with a boom receiver. The boom receiver can be removably connected to a boom extending upward at an angle from the first part. An electric powered winch can be attached to the boom receiver. The winch includes a cable to hang down from the boom. Coupled to the cable is a device to connect an object to be moved by the apparatus.

Abstract: A power or manually operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, operating in conjunction with a level wind mechanism, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, to assure proper windup of the line in organized coils on the drum. During line release, the line is placed under tension by the level wind mechanism and thus positively drawn from the unwinding winch drum even when the line is not under load from the sail to which it is attached. The arrangement enables lines to be automatically released from one winch and retrieved on a second which, under a common control, as when tacking or resetting the sails of a yacht, all without the necessity of any physical line handling by crew members, resulting in a significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew.

Abstract: Winch for a vehicle and method for coupling and/or uncoupling an anchoring device to and/or from a positionally fixed anchor part The invention relates to a winch for a vehicle, in particular for a piste maintenance vehicle, with an elongate flexible traction means which is assigned to a drive device which is configured for the introduction of tractive forces to the traction means, and with a guide device which is provided for feeding the traction means to the drive device, and also with an anchoring device which is mounted on a free end region, facing away from the drive device, of the traction means and is configured so as to be adjustable between an opening position and a locking position, in order to allow a positive anchoring of the traction means on a positionally fixed anchor part, and also to a method for coupling and/or uncoupling an anchoring device to and/or from the fixed anchor part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle mounted winch and cable assembly that may include a slide track, a winch, a cable guide and a powering means. Also disclosed is a related method. The slide track may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle and may have a track axis extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The winch may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle for accepting and discharging the cable. The cable guide may be movably secured to the slide track and may accept the cable from the winch and then redirect the cable from a direction generally parallel to the track axis to a direction generally perpendicular to the track axis. The powering means may adjustably move the cable guide along the slide track.

Abstract: A lifting device utilizing a utility winch having an electric motor and cable drum. The cable on the cable drum extends around a pulley located on a load cell beam. Excessive loads will deflect the load cell beam causing a contact on a micro switch to be engaged to shut off power to the motor. The cable is attached to a trolley which reciprocates along a mast between upper and lower limits. The trolley includes a brake which has a drum which engages the mast to stop in travel of the trolley in the event of a cable breakage. Cable tension is also sensed and cable slack will actuate a switch to interrupt power to the electric motor. Various load handling attachments are detachably securable to the trolley.

Abstract: A portable winch suitable for use in underground pipe bursting and replacement includes a mounting frame positionable at a top opening of a hole such as a receiving pit or manhole. A telescoping mast having a series of nested, top and bottom mast sections is mounted on the frame. A powered winch unit, also mounted on the frame, includes a drive unit and a cable. A guide assembly includes a sheave that guides the cable from the drive unit to the bottom mast section. Suitable means are connected to the frame for mechanically raising and lowering the mast into and out of the hole. As such, the mast according to the invention does not require assembly or disassembly at the beginning and end of each job. The mechanical means for raising and lowering the mast is preferably the powered winch unit.

Abstract: A level winder is provided for winding cable in a winch system. The winch is suitable for use on a tracked vehicle, such as a snow grooming vehicle, to assist the vehicle in maneuvering on steep inclines. The level winder uses a pivoting pulley assembly to feed cable onto and off of a drum.

Abstract: A hitch alignment device for aligning a ball and socket of a ball and socket type hitch is disclosed. The alignment device includes a base with a winch and pivotable cable guide mounted on it. The cable guide includes a plate with an arm extending outwardly from it at an angle and an adjustable leg extending outwardly from the arm. A pulley is mounted on the leg and a cable is connected to the winch at one end, is threaded around the pulley and then through holes in the socket and ball of the hitch and is then secured. The cable is wound onto the winch to draw the ball and socket together. The cable guide can be extended and pivoted so that the pulley and therefore the cable is brought into sufficient alignment with the socket on the trailer that undue strain is not placed on the alignment device as the cable is wound onto the winch.

Abstract: A portable hoist for suspending a load, which may be an animal. The portable animal hoist may include a telescopic arm rotatable about a base. The base may be configured to be releaseably attachable to many devices, one of which may be a receiver hitch on a vehicle. A winch may be attached to the telescopic arm for supporting a load. The telescopic arm may also include one or more pulleys for supporting a cable coupled to the winch. The portable hoist may be used to transport animals while being suspended by the hoist.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming wire bundles from a plurality of wire or cable is provided. A plurality of wires are withdrawn from a rack configured to easily receive and retain a wire spool axial. A driven pulling spool, preferably configured for quick-release coupling to a front loader or other vehicle, is used to pull a cable or bundle along a desired path. Pulling is facilitated by rollers, preferably configured to reduce pulling tension, intermediate endless track tuggers and/or sheaves configured to facilitate coupling to trays or scaffolding. Jacks are described for positioning or holding cables. Preferably rollers or sheaves may be positioned to guide cables along a path above the cable tray or other ultimate position.

Abstract: A wire winding and ordering device for an electromotive winch is installed at a front opening of a winch. The wire winding and ordering device includes a transversal displacement element and a longitudinal displacement element. The longitudinal displacement element is movably combined with a transversal displacement element and is penetrated through by a twisting wire so as to clamp the wire. Thereby, the twisting wire with or without burden can be rewound in order.

Abstract: A door operating apparatus is provided for safely and efficiently opening and/or closing a side door of a railway boxcar by moving a door engagement member laterally.

Abstract: A portable hoist primarily for mounting on the ground at a manhole or similar location for lifting a load such as a person entering the manhole includes a base with a generally Y-shape defining a rear leg and two diverging front legs for mounting on the ground with the front legs either side of the hole. A jib portion is mounted on a vertical post portion of the base and extends upwardly and forwardly therefrom to a cable guide at an upper end overlying the hole. The jib portion is formed by a tubular body extending substantially from the bottom end at the base to the upper end which is smoothly curved with a constant radius of curvature. The body is formed in two parts with one siding inside the other and of the same curvature. Each part has a straight end portion where it attaches to the base and the cable guide respectively. A winch mounting for a winch for the cable is attached to the lower portion at its upper end. The front legs are also formed similarly as two inter-fitting curved parts.

Abstract: 1A movable machine including a frame having an end, an electrical motor on the frame, a cable electrically connected to the motor and adapted to be connected to a source of power, and a sheave bracket assembly mounted on the frame end. The sheave bracket assembly includes a mounting plate, two spaced apart sheaves rotatably mounted on the mounting plate, the cable extending between the sheaves, and hinged arms connecting the mounting plate to the frame end for permitting pivotal movement of the mounting plate relative to the frame.

Abstract: A recovery device particularly useful in confined space and remote rescues. The recovery device includes a base plate, a winch coupled to the base plate, and an anchoring plate coupled to the base plate to detachably couple the base plate to an object that will support the recovery. A cord is attached to the winch to raise or lower the load to or from the recovery device or object. A guide roller assembly is coupled to the base plate to guide the cord and reduce the amount of friction on the cord that occurs when raising a load with the winch.

Abstract: A cable pulling machine in which all of the operative mechanisms are mounted on a trailer for portability. The machine has an internal combustion engine driving a hydraulic pump supplying fluid pressure to a hydraulic motor on a winch spool which holds a length of line for pulling cable through a conduit. The trailer has, at its distal end, a pair of splayed legs allowing the trailer to be backed over-top of the job site conduit so as to position a boom mounted on the trailer to have the boom free end positioned over the conduit. The boom is adjustable for angle of incidence with respect to the ground for achieving a proper pulling angle. The ends of the splayed legs have adjustable jack rods for leveling the trailer.

Abstract: A winch pulley accessory for directing the pull of a vehicle-mounted winch to move a motor vehicle in any desired direction. The pulley accessory comprises an elongated tubular member and a pulley block. The tubular member slides into a box hitch mounted on the front of a vehicle. The pulley block is attached to the end of the tubular member. The pulley block has a sheave rotatably mounted on a pin. The pulley accessory allows a front-mounted vehicle winch to pull the vehicle backwards by sliding the pulley accessory into the hitch with the pin oriented horizontally and extending the winch cable under the vehicle, or laterally by sliding the pulley accessory into the hitch with the pin oriented vertically. The pulley accessory is lightweight, easy to install, and easy to remove for transport.

Abstract: A pulling apparatus includes a frame having a securing stirrup for securing a beam. The beam is provided at one end with a return pulley. Due to the structure of the securing stirrup, the tractive forces are transferred completely to the beam and the frame so that the means for securing the apparatus to the ground can be minimized. Such a design easily allows the beam to be set at an angle when the pipe is off center. The apparatus may also be easily placed in a cable chamber for operation.

Abstract: A recovery device particularly useful in confined space and remote rescues. The recovery device includes a base plate, a winch coupled to the base plate, and an anchoring plate coupled to the base plate to detachably couple the base plate to an object that will support the recovery. A cord is attached to the winch to raise or lower the load to or from the recovery device or object. A guide roller assembly is coupled to the base plate to guide the cord and reduce the amount of friction on the cord that occurs when raising a load with the winch.

Abstract: An assembly for lifting items and work pieces that is collapsible for storage and that includes that includes a collapsible lifting structure and a detachable wheel assembly. The collapsible lifting structure includes a forked base member, a hollow vertical support tube, a derrick structure, a pulley assembly suspended, a winch assembly, and a cable having an end attached to a connecting hook. The vertical shaft is securable to the hollow vertical support tube in a first orientation for use with the extension arm positioned between the two legs of the forked base member and a second orientation for storage with the extension arm offset ninety degrees from its orientation in the first orientation.

Abstract: A cable guide for a winch having a lifting drum over which a cable is wound back and forth between two end flanges. A guide body in the form of a truncated cone is slidably mounted upon a pinion that is located adjacent to one end of the drum, generally perpendicular to the axis of the drum. The guide body contains a groove at its narrow end in which the cable rides as it approaches the end of the drum. The guide smoothly plays the cable onto the drum so that it can reverse its direction without producing multiple wraps at the end of the drum. A spring biases the guide body into a home position to accommodate the cable during the time the first wrap is being wound on the drum. Thereafter, the guide automatically moves back against the spring force to automatically align itself with regard to further wrapped layers.

Abstract: A rope guiding device (1) for rope winches (W) comprises a stand with points of attachment for the attachment of a rope winch, which stand accommodates a rope guide (3) constituting the rope outlet and inlet and a guide roller (4) pivotally supported on this rope guide for deflecting the rope between rope winch and rope guide.

Abstract: A load lifting apparatus for enabling an individual user to lift a heavy weight. The load lifting apparatus includes a tricycle type base which supports a vertical beam. The vertical beam is height adjustable. The vertical beam supports a horizontal boom. The horizontal boom is capable of horizontal translational motion relative to the tip of the vertical beam. The horizontal boom has a pulley at each of its ends. A third pulley is supported by the vertical beam. A cable from a powered winch is routed around the pulleys and can have its free end attached to a load. The powered winch is attached to the vertical beam. The tricycle type base has a platform for supporting a counterweight. The powered winch can be operated under the control of the a user to draw in the cable and thus lift a load toward the horizontal boom.

Abstract: A trailer assembly adapted to pivot with respect to the horizontal comprising a trailer frame, the trailer frame adapted to be connected to a towing vehicle; a trailer bed, the rearward end of the trailer bed being pivotally connected to the rearward end of the trailer frame; a lifting ramp coupled to the trailer frame, the lifting ramp extending along the trailer frame, from the upper portion and forward end of the trailer frame to below the lower portion and rearward end of the trailer frame; a lifting assembly including a lifting arm, a pivotal connection assembly connecting the upper end of the arm and the lower surface of the trailer bed at its forward end, a wheel connected to the lower end of the lifting arm, the wheel adapted to ride along the upper surface of the lifting ramp, a pulley arm coupled to the lower end of the lifting arm with a pulley connected to the forward end of the pulley arm; a cord having an end anchored to the forward end of the lifting ramp, the pulley adapted to ride along the l

Abstract: An overhead lifting apparatus adapted to a wheelchair lifts a disabled person from the wheelchair to a forward elevated position. The disabled person is rotated and lowered to a second desired location approximate to the front of the wheelchair. The overhead lifting apparatus includes a cable and frame assembly connected to the wheelchair, a harness coupled to the cable and fitted to the disabled person, and a cable driving means such as a winch and battery. The cable driving means is controlled from the wheelchair to lower and raise the disabled person. The winch and battery are located at a rearward portion of the wheelchair behind the hubs of the rear wheels. The location and substantial mass of the winch and battery preventing tipping of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A portable cable hoist mechanism is provided which incorporates a wheel mounted base structure having base legs that are capable of being unlocked and folded or otherwise moved to an out-of-the-way position for storage or handling. The base forms a framework to which the extendible base legs are movably secured. Latch members fixed to each of the base legs are projected through latch receptacles in the base framework when the base legs are fully extended. Locking elements establish locking engagement with the respective latch elements to secure the base legs at the extended positions thereof.

Abstract: A winch assembly for mounting on a boat trailer having a casing substantially enclosing the conventional winch apparatus, and including adjustable mounting provisions for maintaining the winch strap in alignment with and close proximity to a bow stop for proper securement to the bow eye of the boat for loading purposes, regardless of the position of the winch assembly on the boat trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for skidding timber. Conventional skidders are generally large tracked or rubber tired vehicles having a fixed frame to which a towing cable is attached. The cable load applied to such skidders is rearward of the rear wheels tending to reduce the load on the front wheels and increase the load on the rear wheels. A vehicle in accordance with the invention includes a frame pivotally mounted upon the vehicle's chassis. A cable sheave is mounted upon the outer end of the frame and a towing cable reeved over the sheave with a cable winch attached to the forward end of the cable. Attachment means secure logs to the end of the cable. Abutment means connected to the outer end of the frame engage the attachment means as the cable and log are drawn forwardly by the winch. When the attachment and abutment means engage further winching in of the cable rotates the frame from a rearward position to a forward position. In the rearward position, the cable sheave is rearward of the vehicle's rear wheels.

Abstract: A variable rate boat loading method includes using a frame having transverse front, rear-powered and rear-pivot rollers. Two pulleys are mounted on the boat gunwales between the boat's bow and center of gravity. Two winch lines are connected at one end to the powered roller in laterally spaced position. Each line extends forward atop the vehicle, upward around the front roller, and back over the frame and lengthwise of the boat to the pulleys. The lines extend through the pulleys, forward to the frame, over the pivot roller to be supported thereby, and down to the stern of the boat. The lines are supportingly connected to the stern of the boat. This arrangement provides a doubled mechanical advantage in lifting the boat from the ground up to the level of the frame. From this level, as the effective load being lifted decreases, the mechanical advantage decreases while the lifting speed increases. The winch lines automatically bind the boat to the front roller and pivot roller when the boat is fully loaded.

Abstract: A hoist and dolly apparatus includes a pair of vertical columns mounted with angle braces to a horizontal base supported by wheels. A boom has a proximal end pivotally connected to cross braces extending between the vertical columns, and a distal end carrying a pulley. A cable reel is rotatably mounted between the vertical columns, and a cable extends from the reel to and over the pulley at the distal end of the boom. A crank handle is connected through a crank shaft to the crank reel. A cable reel brake is provided for securing the cable reel in a selected position, and a cable brake release provides for controlled releasing of the brake to permit taking up and feeding out of cable from the cable reel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a winch for a vehicle which is compact enough to be located at the rear of the vehicle without causing due limitation to the cross country ability of the vehicle and yet at the same time, provides a reliable winch for drawing a vehicle to be towed to it and enabling the coupling member to be physically secured to the vehicle when the cable is in the fully wound position.

Abstract: A hoist and method are provided for lifting objects inside a vessel having a wall defining a port and having a platform on the exterior of the wall. The hoist includes a frame with a support portion extending outwardly from the port adjacent the platform and a cantilevered portion for extending through, and inwardly from, the port. A suitable clamping system is provided for clamping the frame support portion to the platform. A hoist cable is provided along the frame from the support portion to the cantilevered portion and extends over a sheave at the end of the cantilevered portion so that it hangs down inside the vessel. A winch is operatively engaged with the hoist cable and is mounted to the frame support portion for feeding out and retracting the cable whereby the end of the cable may be raised and lowered inside the vessel.