Handle-operated brake/release mechanism for a cable drum winch
AssigneeAmoss Trading Services, Inc.
InventorsRobert S. Amoss, jun Ren Zeng
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A handle operated brake and release mechanism for a cable drum winch provides a winch that can be used in the assembly of inland river barges to form multi-barge tows. The handle of the brake and release mechanism can in one function and entirely by hand (without using any other tools) release the cable tension and apply the brake at the same time. The entire brake and release mechanism is mounted on the outside of a winch frame having winch side plates, thereby allowing the mechanism parts to be replaceable in the field without taking the winch side plates apart.
Claims18
A winch apparatus comprising:
- a) a frame;
- b) a cable drum supported by the frame;
- c) a drive shaft mounted on the frame;
- d) gearing that enables the drive shaft to rotate the cable drum;
- e) a holdback mechanism on the frame that includes a holdback gear and a holdback dog having an extended arm and at least one tooth to engage the holdback gear to hold back against a cable pulling force;
- and
- f) a handle mounted on a handle shaft separate from the drive shaft and next to the holdback dog, the handle having two fixed pins, including a first pin that acts to pry out the holdback dog and a second pin that tensions a brake band around a brake drum of the winch, wherein the holdback dog can be pried out using the mechanical advantage of the handle.
A winch apparatus comprising:
- a) a frame;
- b) a cable drum supported by the frame;
- c) a drive shaft mounted on the frame;
- d) gearing that enables the drive shaft to rotate the cable drum;
- e) a holdback mechanism on the frame that includes a holdback gear and a holdback dog having an extended arm and at least one tooth to engage the holdback gear to hold back against a cable pulling force;
- and
- f) a handle mounted on a handle shaft separate from the drive shaft and next to the holdback dog, the handle having two fixed pins, including a first pin that acts to pry out the holdback dog and a second pin that tensions a brake band around a brake drum of the winch,
- wherein the holdback dog can be pried out using the mechanical advantage of the handle, and
- handle movement both releases the hold back dog and simultaneously tightens the brake band around the brake drum.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.