US 2004/0134721 A1 · Manual Multi-ratio tension-applying device

Abstract

A tension applying device including a housing in which are mounted a primary shaft, a main shaft, a pinion shaft, and a load-member sheave shaft. A ratchet handle is associated with the primary shaft for imparting rotation thereto when pumped by a user. Rotation of the primary shaft causes rotation of the main shaft which, in turn, is imparted to the pinion shaft and to a load-member sheave mounted on the load-chain sheave shaft. Rotation of the load-member sheave then applies tension to the load member which, in turn, is connected to a desired application. The tension applying device further includes a plurality of drive mechanisms for achieving different mechanical advantages between the ratchet handle and the load-member sheave, thereby allowing a desired input force to attain a desired output force. Further, the load on the tension member may be used for automatically switching between the plurality of drive mechanisms and for a load limit lock-up.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A tension applying device comprising:

a load member;
a load-member sheave;
a ratchet handle;
a gear train interconnecting said load-member sheave and said ratchet handle so that motion of said ratchet handle results in movement of said load member sheave to thereby pull said load member;
and
wherein said gear train comprises a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism, and further wherein said first drive mechanism provides a different mechanical advantage with respect to said load-member sheave than does said second drive mechanism.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Manual Multi-ratio tension-applying device

Life of this patent

Manual Multi-ratio tension-applying device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19