Abstract: A strap winch apparatus includes a frame with a drum gear connected to a drum. The drum is configured to receive an end of a strap whereby the strap is wound around or unwound from the drum when the gear is rotated. The frame also includes a braking member to arrest inadvertent reverse rotation of the drum to maintain strap tension. A handle configured to engage with the drum includes a pivotable pawl. One end of the pawl is configured to engage the gear teeth of the drum gear and index the drum gear in order to tension the strap about the drum. An opposite end of the pawl is configured to displace the braking member whereby the gear and drum are permitted to rotate in a direction loosening the strap tension. Typically, the braking member has a gear tooth engaging portion and a striking portion that may be in intermittent contact with the pawl for controlled loosening of the strap tension.

Abstract: Provided herein is a balanced locking pawl. In particular, the center of gravity of the locking pawl is located at or near the pivot point of the locking pawl. The balanced approach allows for a faster locking response during the rebound (whiplash/return) forces of a crash.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for tensioning a retractor in a wheelchair securement system. The tensioning device may include a clutch assembly for communicating rotational movement of a handle to a drive shaft operably connected to the spool of the retractor. The clutch assembly may include a pawl operably connected to the handle, which pawl communicates rotational movement of the handle to a drive sprocket. The clutch assembly may also include a friction member which communicates rotation of the drive sprocket to the drive shaft up to a predetermined amount of rotational force. If the rotational force exceeds the predetermined amount, the friction member will slip and cease to transfer rotational movement from the drive sprocket to the drive shaft. The clutch assembly may also include a compression member for compressing the friction member and drive sprocket whereby the predetermined amount of force may be adjusted.

Abstract: A hoist for transferring the ends of power lines between supports at different locations including a pair of hoist mechanisms each having a respective tension line receiving drum and which are simultaneously operable with a single crank arm. Each drum has a respective ratchet mechanism that can be selectively set such that upon pivotable movement of the single crank arm between a first and second positions the ratchet mechanisms (i) simultaneously rotate both the drums in a take up direction for simultaneously winding said tensions lines onto the drums, (ii) simultaneously enable rotation of the drums in a release direction for simultaneously unwinding the tensions lines from the drums, or (iii) rotate one drum in a take-up direction for winding the respective tension line on the one drum while simultaneously enabling rotating the other drum in a release direction for unwinding the tension line from the other drum.

Abstract: A mobile winching system is provided, whereby a preferred embodiment describes a motorized winch and power source mounted on a small frame that includes wheels, a handle, and a means for securing the winch system during operation. This mobile winch system provides a way to transport and operate a winch in areas that are otherwise inaccessible by traditional vehicle mounted winches.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for tensioning a retractor in a wheelchair securement system. The tensioning device may include a clutch assembly for communicating rotational movement of a handle to a drive shaft operably connected to the spool of the retractor. The clutch assembly may include a pawl operably connected to the handle, which pawl communicates rotational movement of the handle to a drive sprocket. The clutch assembly may also include a friction member which communicates rotation of the drive sprocket to the drive shaft up to a predetermined amount of rotational force. If the rotational force exceeds the predetermined amount, the friction member will slip and cease to transfer rotational movement from the drive sprocket to the drive shaft. The clutch assembly may also include a compression member for compressing the friction member and drive sprocket whereby the predetermined amount of force may be adjusted.

Abstract: The frame of a large heavy duty ratchet supports a spool about an axis of rotation. A handle, pivotable about the axis of rotation, includes protrusions engageable with toothed wheels on opposed sides of the spool to urge incremental rotation of the spool upon repetitive pivotal movement of the handle. A pair of spring-loaded pawls engage the toothed wheels to limit the direction of rotation of the toothed wheels. A cam, formed as part of the handle, disengages the pair of pawls from the toothed wheels upon pivotal movement of the handle to a certain extent to permit rotation of the spool in either direction.

Abstract: A handle-engaging assembly for releasably engaging a winch hoist handle in a winch hoist, where the winch hoist comprises a frame with an integral handle-receiving socket that is adapted to receive the handle. There is a pull pin assembly that comprises a spring-loaded pin that is constructed and arranged to be manipulated such that it engages with or disengages from an opening in the handle.

Abstract: The frame of a large heavy duty ratchet supports a spool about an axis of rotation. A handle, pivotable about the axis of rotation, includes protrusions engageable with toothed wheels on opposed sides of the spool to urge incremental rotation of the spool upon repetitive pivotal movement of the handle. A pair of spring-loaded pawls engage the toothed wheels to limit the direction of rotation of the toothed wheels. A cam, formed as part of the handle, disengages the pair of pawls from the toothed wheels upon pivotal movement of the handle to a certain extent to permit rotation of the spool in either direction.

Abstract: Rope grip apparatus for raising or lowering a load has a rope-engaging portion with opposing projections. The opposing projections are arranged to grip a rope by compressing the rope between the projections. In use the rope is fed through the apparatus.

Abstract: A collapsible component lift for removal and replacement of, for example, a helicopter engine or transmission in a remote location. The lift includes a mast, boom, adjustable support arm and winch. The mast is supported substantially vertical and stands next to the failed helicopter. The boom extends outwardly, over the helicopter during removal and replacement of the component (e.g. engine, transmission) and swivels away from the helicopter to access the component. A strap and winch provide lifting force. An adjustment arm connects between the mast and the boom, forming a triangle with the mast and boom. The collapsible component lift disassembles into component sections that are short enough to be transported in a maintenance helicopter that is flown to the site of the failed helicopter. Preferably, a carrying case is provided for the transportation of the individual components.

Abstract: The tensioning device for belts and the like comprises a supporting base (2), a winding reel (6) which can rotate relative to the base (2) about a respective axis of rotation (A1), a ring gear (13) which rotates integrally with the reel (6), an operating lever (14) for rotating the reel (6) in a first predetermined direction of rotation (S1) for winding the belt, a ratche mechanism (39), operating on the ring gear (13) and designed to prevent the reel (6) from rotating in a second direction of rotation (S2) opposite to the first predetermined direction (S1), the ratchet mechanism (39) comprising respective release means for allowing belt unwinding by reel (6) rotation in the second direction of rotation (S2). Further, the ratchet mechanism (39) comprises a first tooth (19) for engagement with the ring gear (13), the first tooth being designed to oscillate about two respective axis of oscillation (O1, O2).

Abstract: A winch has a color area or other indicium that indicates whether an elongate member extending from winch spool is or is not tensioned. The winch includes a biasing member between a winch drive system and the spool that allows only limited rotation of the spool relative to the drive system. Movement of the drive system relative to the winch spool causes the indicium to signal that the elongate member is under tension.

Abstract: A come-along for pulling loads includes a rope winding mechanism that enables the rope to be wound and fed out smoothly. The rope winding mechanism includes a positioning hole that reduces the angle between the secured end of the rope and an axial tube about which the rope is wound. The come-along also includes a rope securing mechanism. The secured end of the rope has a seal head that fits through an installation hole and rests against the positioning hole. A helical slot around the axial tube enables the rope to wind evenly.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to hoists, and more particularly to a hoist system for safely raising, storing, and lowering loads.

Abstract: A winching and drawing machine comprises a drive shaft for driving a load sheave, a pressure receiving member fitted onto the drive shaft, brake plates installed in contact with the pressure receiving member and fitted onto the drive shaft, a pawl wheel interposed between the brake plates, a drive member screwed on the drive shaft so as to be pressed to and separated from the brake plates, an idler spring installed between the drive shaft and the drive member, and a lever. A stopper engaging with the drive shaft is provided at an end face of the drive member and an idler grip is fixed on an outer face of the stopper 7. Lever latching structure at a drive-shaft end of the winching and drawing machine has a function of adjusting a chain length.

Abstract: A manual swivel winch includes safe loading mechanism. The winch has a pair of spaced side plates, a rotating drum supported between the side plates, a drum gear coaxially mounted with the rotating drum, a pinion drive gear engaging and rotating the drum gear, and a lever supported by at least one side plate for rotating the pinion drive gear. The lever includes a selectable lever gearing assembly. The lever is selected to be operated in an initial tensioning mode for rotating the pinion drive gear, and in a final tensioning mode wherein the lever utilizes the lever gearing assembly to provide a mechanical advantage over the initial tensioning mode.

Abstract: A rope tensioning device includes a support base, a handle, a connecting post, two fixing plates, two ratchet wheels, two locking blocks, two shafts, a snap ring, two elastic members, two insertion pins, a bolt, a nut, and a fixing pin. Thus, the rope tensioning device can be assembled rapidly and conveniently, thereby greatly reducing costs of assembly. In addition, the rope tensioning device can wind and unwind the rope easily, conveniently and rapidly.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle uprighting device having a support bar with a stabilizing base on one end and a ratcheting mechanism on another end, a cable sling adapted for attachment to a lower portion of the two-wheeled vehicle, and a flexible lifting member with a first end adapted for attachment to the cable sling and a second end for engaging relationship about a spindle of said ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A hand operated cable dragging machine includes a frame having a hook and a check pawl on one end, a tongue and a guide tube on the other end a cover with a crest on bottom and a capstan, a ratchet and a Y-shaped handle coaxially and rotatably secured in the middle portion of the frame. A check pawl in the frame to prevent the ratchet from turning backward. A pawl member in the Y-shaped handle to operated the ratchet and the capstan. An adjustable device above the pawl member for controlling the engagement condition of the pawl member with the ratchet. It is characterized that this hand operated cable dragging machine can be able to serve any sized cable and the length of the cable is not limitative so as capable of dragging the heavy object at along distance.

Abstract: A damper assembly in which the position of the damper blades is controlled by an electric powered actuator. The powered actuator rotates a threaded lead screw shaft attached to an operator means attached to the damper blades of the damper, which causes the damper blades to open and close or be positioned somewhere in-between. The actuator can be controlled by sensors in a remote location. The actuator allows the damper to be modulated to set up pressure differentials and to be closed well in advance of oncoming smoke, fire, or other detected toxic fumes. There are a variety of nuts and gear arrangements coacting with the lead screw to drive the operator.

Abstract: A handle for a hand power puller includes a transparent handle having a first chamber and a second chamber, a tubular adapter engaged into the first chamber and releasably connected the handle with a tubular projection of a fork like operator of the hand power puller, a miniature flash light removably engaged into the second chamber with a sealing engaged therebetween and a rubber cap secured to the rear end of the flash light. So that the handle is waterproof and the flash light facilitates the hand power puller can be worked in darkness or in the rain.

Abstract: A strap tightener includes a limit nub extending outward from each of the wing plates of the seat. An indent is defined in each of the cams of the side plates to correspond to the limit nub and receive the limit nub when releasing the strap to lock the lever and the seat together to reduce the shearing force between the lever and the seat and the pivot pin. Consequently, the pivot holes in the seat and the lever do not wear as much and maintain good concentricity.

Abstract: The cable puller uses a compound handle to create great leverage in order to generate a large pulling force with a minimal amount of force applied by the operator. The pulling force can be used for heavy lifting applications. The cable puller could be used to hoist motors, shafts, gears, automobile engines, construction material, machinery and other heavy objects. The cable puller could also be used in the demolition of building structures, the erection of buildings and towers, straightening collision damage, opening railroad car doors, securing tent structures, stretching fence and wire, and tightening conveyor belts. In one embodiment, the handle creates a lever ratio of 65:1. In this instance, 8,000 lbs. can be lifted with an exertion of 123 lbs. of force by the operator. The compound handle is formed by a driven member that engages and rotates the ratchet wheel. A cable is taken up by the wheel in order to move objects. The driven member is connected to a driving member by a connection member.

Abstract: A motor winch, which is suitable as a sheet or halyard winch (11) for sailing yachts, etc., has an integrated electric or hydraulic drive. The motor (52) is integrated into the winch in such a way that it is located within the winch body and in particular within the winch drum (16). The motor brings about rotation of the winch drum through a multistage gear located in the winch foot (22), optionally assisted by an epicyclic gear (54). A manual operation with a winch crank is made possible by a winch crank nut (32) in the winch head (29). The manual driving shaft is past the somewhat eccentrically positioned motor. A reverse rotation or veering function can be provided in which following the disconnection of the drum locking mechanism, the motor is rotated back in braking manner with a controlled speed.

Abstract: For providing a chain lever hoist that can ensure a stable free rotation operation over a long term with a simple design, improvement is made in the chain lever hoist wherein an engaging pawl is switched to a neutral position, at which the engaging pawl is not allowed to engage with engaging teeth in the forward direction or a reverse direction, by the operation of a selector lever and then a load chain on the non-loaded side is pulled or an operating handle is rotated in the reverse direction to thereby produce the free rotation state just the way it is, the improvement being such that the operating lever is rotatably supported on a brake cover at its opening with a predetermined spaced interval from a first hub. By virtue of this, the first hub is allowed to rotate together with the drive shaft, without contacting with the operating lever, during the free rotation operation, and as such can attain reliable free rotation operation.

Abstract: A winding device includes a hand crank, a securing substrate plate, and two unidirectional gears pivotally coupled between the hand crank and the substrate plate by a pivot member. A pivot member is inserted, in one operation, through axial holes of pivot mounting portions of the hand crank and the securing substrate plate, and through a semicircular through holes of the unidirectional gears to pivotally couple the hand crank with the securing substrate plate and unidirectional gears. The pivot member includes two semi-circular pivot portions that are disposed parallel and opposite to each other. Each pivot portion is formed by curling and bending a plate into a semi-circular structure. The pivot portion includes a curved face and two curled portions disposed on an inner side of the curved face. The curled portions have end portions curling in opposite directions and abutting the inner side of the curved face at different points so as to increase the bending strength of the curved face.

Abstract: A hoist is a hoisting device wherein a pressure receiving member 6 rigidly secured to a drive shaft 5 is rotated by a press drive member 7 through a reverse rotation stop ring 10 and a pair of friction members 8,9 disposed on both sides of said stop ring. The member 7 is formed with a spring-loading hole 71 opening at the axially base side for accepting the tip 13d of a left hand coil spring 13 and a second engaging groove 7e opening at the axially base side extending radially outwardly. The groove 7e is inclined in the wind-down direction as it approaches the axially forward surface. The angle .alpha. formed between the wind-down directional inclined surface 7k of said groove 7e and the axially backward surface 7j of said member 7 is an acute angle.

Abstract: A method for supporting modular furniture including panels to allow access to a floor for reflooring or the like, and suitable for supporting a panel end while providing a clear space under said panel end. The method uses a bridge member capable of spanning a distance of several feet and end supports engageable with outer end portions of the bridge member for supporting it clear of the floor. A carrier slidably mounted on the bridge member between its end portions has a support which is connectable to a lifting jig engaged with the panel end. A tensioning or jacking device is provided for applying force to the support so that the panel end may be supported while allowing access to a floor area between said end supports.

Abstract: In order that an operating lever for a hoist and traction apparatus is combined as a unit to ensure the smooth operations so as to provide an improved workability with achieving a downsizing, a driving member of the hoist and traction apparatus is provided with a non-circular configured part, while also the operating lever is provided with a ratchet wheel having a non-circular fitting hole engageable with the non-circular configured part to be non-rotatable relative thereto and a transmission tooth around its outer periphery; a feed pawl engageable with the ratchet wheel; and a switching mechanism for selectively switching the feed pawl to a normal engagement position, a reverse engagement position, and a free rotation position at which the feed pawl is not engaged with the ratchet wheel in either of the normal and reverse directions.

Abstract: A driving arrangement for a motorized fishing reel has a first or driving gear, a second larger gear, a third or pinion gear, and a fourth gear. The driving gear is mounted to and driven by a shaft of a motor. The second gear is meshed with and driven by the driving gear. The pinion gear is meshed with and driven by the second gear. The fourth gear is meshed with and driven by the pinion gear. A clutch arrangement including a cam clicker input drive and a cam plate output drive is disposed such that the cam clicker positively engages and is driven by the fourth gear for rotation in one direction when the motor is actuated and the cam clicker yields from engagement with the fourth gear when the clutch arrangement rotates in that one direction relative to the fourth gear. A reel shaft is connected to the cam plate such that the reel shaft and the cam plate rotate with each other in that one direction.

Abstract: A lever-type hoist comprising a pressure receiving member 6, a press drive member 7 adapted to press-drive the pressure receiving member 6 through friction members 8, 9 and a reverse rotation stop ring 10, and a coil spring 13 interposed between the pressure receiving member and press-drive member, the base engaging portion 13b of coil spring 13 being engaged by an engaging groove 6d of pressure receiving member and the tip engaging portion of coil spring 13 being engaged by an engaging surface 7k of press-drive member, with an inclined surface 7h formed in the wind-up side of the engaging surface 7k.

Abstract: The most commonly used spring type chain lever hoists suffer from a major drawback in that, if the chain is drawn quickly over the load sheave while it is set for free running operation, the brake will automatically be applied and the free running movement terminated. Similarly, if a light load is suspended from the chain, the weight of the load may be insufficient to activate the brake with the result that the load will be wound down dangerously quickly, leading on occasion to accidents. The present invention is designed to resolve these potentially fatal flaws by enabling a hub, which screws freely onto a spindle in the conventional manner, to be rotated through a few degrees into a prescribed lock position relative to the spindle and then locked there either temporarily or permanently as required.

Abstract: A strap collector (1) is provided which is designed to be attached to the connecting arm (6) of a cargo tightener (2). The strap collector includes a magazine (8, 9) for the protection and storage of the long tensioning strap of the cargo tightener when wound to the shaft (14) of the strap collector. In this manner the strap will be stored, without affecting or impeding the active parts of the strap tightener and without having the tensile force, applied by the cargo tightener upon lashing the cargo down, loading the strap collector or the end of the strap wound thereto.

Abstract: The most commonly used spring type chain lever hoists suffer from a major drawback in that, if the chain is drawn quickly over the load sheave while it is set for free running operation, the brake will automatically be applied and the free running movement terminated. Similarly, if a light load is suspended from the chain, the weight of the load may be insufficient to activate the brake with the result that the load will be wound down dangerously quickly, leading on occasion to accidents. The present invention is designed to resolve these potentially fatal flaws by enabling a hub, which screws freely onto a spindle in the conventional manner, to be rotated through a few degrees into a prescribed lock position relative to the spindle and then locked there either temporarily or permanently as required.

Abstract: A boat trailer having a wheel and axle supported frame including a pair of V-shaped cross members supporting a pair of elongated, laterally spaced bunks for supporting a single personal watercraft, a tongue unit longitudinally adjustably attached to the front of the frame, and a winch mounting assembly including a winch post longitudinally adjustably mounted on the tongue in a plurality of vertically adjustable positions for carrying a bow stop and a ratchet-action winch mounted intermediate the ends of the post for strap engagement with the watercraft.

Abstract: A hoist and traction machine having a load sheave, a driving shaft and a driving member which is screw-threadedly engageable with the driving shaft. An operating handle 16 has an inner plate 16a and a brake cover 13a to cover a mechanical brake. The inner plate and the brake cover both have apertures of about the same size through which passes a portion of the driving member. A sleeve 102 which is separate from the brake cover and the operating lever is received in the apertures and held in place by a flange and a retaining ring so as to facilitate easy assembly.

Abstract: A function selector knob for selecting a free-chain function is provided with a selectively positioned bias dog which contacts a brake driving gear threadingly engaged on a pinion shaft, alternatively biasing the gear in a brake engaging or brake release direction as determined by an over center spring disposed between a selector knob and a pinion supported stop.

Abstract: A strap extending and tensioning system includes a strap winding mechanism to wind a predetermined length of strap on itself. A clevis slip hook is included for coupling to a rear end of a tow truck or the like. A strap tightener allowing the strap to be tightened passes through a through slot in the strap tightener. The strap tightener has a rotatable handle to rotate counter-clockwise a pair of ratchet wheels and a shaft to wind the strap on the shaft and thus place the strap in tension loading. Two pawls, as part of a pawl plate in the rotatable handle, may engage the ratchet wheels to rotate counter-clockwise through a biasing spring which pushes the pawl plate in a predetermined direction. The shaft can wind the strap to tighten it when the displaceable handle is rotated to provide a counter-clockwise rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A friction winch assembly for securing automobiles or other heavy objects to a transporting vehicle includes a spindle rotatably mounted on the transporting vehicle, a ratchet gear axially mounted on said spindle, and an actuator cap for threaded engagement on said spindle. A chain or other flexible elongated member is connected at one of its ends to the spindle for winding or unwinding thereon, and at its other end to the automobile. To wind the chain and secure the vehicle, the actuator cap is rotated with a tool for longitudinal movement along the spindle toward the ratchet until longitudinal movement is limited by a collar affixed to the spindle. The actuator cap, ratchet and spindle eventually frictionally engage each other sufficiently so that they rotate synchronously with the spindle while the chain is wound, until the chain tension secures the automobile.

Abstract: A lever-operated hoist with an operation lever support structure capable of operating smoothly, especially in the horizontal position. The operation lever has an inner tubular part which is slidably and rotatably supported in or on the a tubular part of the brake cover. A tubular assembly member is radially inward of the innermost of these tubular parts and has flanges at the ends to arrest and hold the tubular parts against movement in the axial direction of a drive shaft of the hoist.

Abstract: Pulley hoists are disclosed which provide moving anchor hooks that are suspended by two "pulls" of rope, and which may be fabricated by a single part. Anchor hooks are also disclosed which have multiple, independently movable hook portions so that certain large objects may be moved using a sole power unit having said anchor hooks at either end thereof. The anchor hooks of the present invention are also provided with tension indicator apparatuses and safety apparatuses in the event of the overloading of the device. Safety apparatus and sound alarm apparatus are also provided on the power units of the pulley hoists of the present invention in the event of the overloading of the device.

Abstract: The hoist system of the instant invention is intended for use with an overhead support and includes an elongate bar disposed below the overhead support and extending in a generally horizontal direction. A lifting device is attached adjacent opposed ends of the bar for connecting the bar to the object to be lifted. At least one intermediate pulley is attached to an upper side of the bar intermediate the ends thereof. A fastening mechanism cooperating with the overhead support for affixing the system to the support is provided which includes a downwardly extending pulley. A winch mechanism is mounted on the bar and includes at least cable having one end thereof affixed to the bar and trained, serially, over the fastening mechanism pulley and under the intermediate pulley while the other end of the cable is secured to the winch mechanism. The winch mechanism is operable to lift the bar and the object connected thereto.

Abstract: An accessory or an accessory mount for a yacht comprises a device (1) not involved with the normal operation of a winch and having an integral supporting leg (3) which is adapted to locate in the handle receiving socket of a winch. The leg (3) is designed to be a jamm fit in the handle receiving socket, and has a thread (5) at least towards its upper end. A threaded ring (6) engages the threaded upper end of the leg (3) and is screwable down the leg (3) so that it will engage the top of the winch and force the leg (3) out of its jamm fit with the socket.

Abstract: A portable winch incorporating at one end a mechanism for providing its suspension from a stabilized support, said frame member having a cable winding drum provided therein, and a handle lever operatively associated with the drum and disposing a ratchet pawl for engagement with the ratchet wheel of the drum, in order to provide for a winding of the cable upon the drum, for lifting or supporting of a load, or for providing its gradual release therefrom. The ratchet pawl of the handle lever capable of manipulating into two positions, one providing for its permanent engagement with the ratchet wheel teeth, or in the alternative, through a maneuvering of its supporting spring, can be shifted out of engagement with the ratchet wheel teeth. A stop pawl operatively associates with the frame member and normally in engagement with the ratchet wheel, to maintain it in its wound position during manipulation of the handle lever.

Abstract: A manual winch which includes two manually operable release levers for the ratchet mechanism both of which must be manually held in retracted position in order to enable free unwinding of a cable from the winch drum. Specifically, a latch structure is provided for the drum ratchet release lever and a pin is provided to hold the retrieving ratchet release lever disengaged thereby enabling an operator to unwind cable from the winch drum without hand holding the release levers in released position. The winch includes a handle for manually winding a cable on a drum with a storage arrangement being provided for the handle to retain it in stored position when not in use.

Abstract: Pulley hoists are disclosed which provide moving anchor hooks that are suspended by two "pulls" of rope, and which may be fabricated by a single part. Anchor hooks are also disclosed which have multiple, independently movable hook portions so that certain large objects may be moved using a sole power unit having said anchor hooks at either end thereof. The anchor hooks of the present invention are also provided with tension indicator apparatuses and safety apparatuses in the event of the overloading of the device. Safety apparatus and sound alarm apparatus are also provided on the power units of the pulley hoists of the present invention in the event of the overloading of the device.

Abstract: An accessory for a yacht or a mounting device for a range of accessories has a supporting leg which is adapted to locate and key with the socket of a yacht winch. The accessory or mounting device has a locking device which releasably locks the leg in the socket and also has a clamping member which after the accessory or mounting device has been locked to the winch can be adjusted to engage the winch to take up any slackness and also to prevent rotation of the winch socket.

Abstract: A tensioner for straps, especially for systems for keeping loads in position, has an anchoring means for the fixed end of the strap and a strap drum worked by a ratchet, the drum then acting as a winch for tensioning the strap. The drum has a locking pawl that may be moved clear of it. The tensioning ratchet has tooth means on the side of the strap drum so that a driving pawl fixed on the ratchet lever and loaded towards the strap drum by a spring, may be put into driving connection with the tooth means. The ratchet lever further has means limiting the torque that may be transmitted to the tooth means on operation of the ratchet lever by having the driving pawl spring-pre-loaded tangentially in relation to the strap drum.

Abstract: A winch for the spooling of a flexible cord and having a collapsable and storable handle and which may be used in a variety of applications, as for example, in the in-line pulling of a rope in a sailboat. The winch generally comprises a spool which is mounted on a frame such as a spindle for rotatable movement. A handle or crank arm is axially shiftable and storable within a bore in the spool and is capable of shifting outwardly of the spool for use. The crank arm is mounted through a hinge mechanism which permits the same to be located in a plane essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the spool. A releasable locking means is provided for releasably locking the crank arm to the spool for causing rotation of the same. A hand grip is hingedly mounted on the crank arm and is telescopically shiftable relative to the crank arm.