WO1993013006A1 - A portable winch mounted on a backpack frame - Google Patents

A portable winch mounted on a backpack frame Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993013006A1
WO1993013006A1 PCT/US1992/011206 US9211206W WO9313006A1 WO 1993013006 A1 WO1993013006 A1 WO 1993013006A1 US 9211206 W US9211206 W US 9211206W WO 9313006 A1 WO9313006 A1 WO 9313006A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cable
pincers
frame
loop
hydrauuc
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1992/011206
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Joe H. Cleveland
Original Assignee
Cleveland Joe H
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/812,428 external-priority patent/US5474278A/en
Application filed by Cleveland Joe H filed Critical Cleveland Joe H
Publication of WO1993013006A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993013006A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66D—CAPSTANS; WINCHES; TACKLES, e.g. PULLEY BLOCKS; HOISTS
    • B66D1/00—Rope, cable, or chain winding mechanisms; Capstans
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66D—CAPSTANS; WINCHES; TACKLES, e.g. PULLEY BLOCKS; HOISTS
    • B66D1/00—Rope, cable, or chain winding mechanisms; Capstans
    • B66D1/02—Driving gear
    • B66D1/08—Driving gear incorporating fluid motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B45/00—Hooks; Eyes
    • F16B45/04—Hooks with sliding closing member
    • F16B45/045—Hooks with sliding closing member provided with position-locking means for the closing member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B45/00—Hooks; Eyes
    • F16B45/06—Hooks with two symmetrically-pivoting hook parts within the same locking cavity
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B1/00—Engines characterised by fuel-air mixture compression
    • F02B1/02—Engines characterised by fuel-air mixture compression with positive ignition
    • F02B1/04—Engines characterised by fuel-air mixture compression with positive ignition with fuel-air mixture admission into cylinder
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
    • Y10T24/45272—Projection passes through cavity then moves toward noninserted portion of its member to complete interlock [e.g., snap hook]
    • Y10T24/45288—Hook type projection member
    • Y10T24/45293—Plural hooks entering opposite sides of same cavity

Definitions

  • This invention relates to winches and other devices useful in moving loads utilizing a cable.
  • the desire has existed since prehistoric times to transport objects heavier and more unwieldy than an individual can lift and carry. Efforts to answer this need also predate recorded history and were integral to the development of the earliest basic machines and tools, including levers, wheels, skids, rollers and utilization of animal power. While ancient humankind managed the movement of extraordinarily heavy objects, as demonstrated by the existence, for instance, of the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge, dramatic advances in this technology awaited development of combustion-based power sources, including steam and other external combustion engines and internal combustion engines. Later still, electrical motors came to the assistance of those interested in moving heavy objects.
  • the present invention provides a compact, backpackable winch and power source together with a cable quick release device that may be taken by an individual to a remote location, particularly, for instance, in wooded areas, and there operated single handed to move a heavy object over a substantial distance.
  • the power train and cable retrieval mechanisms are mounted on one side of a platform or plate that serves as a backpack frame, and straps and padding enabling the mechanism to be carried like a backpack are mounted on the other side of the plate together with folding legs that assist in supporting the winch assembly during operation.
  • a small diameter, high breaking strength cable is wound onto a spool utilizing a level wind mechanism.
  • the spool and level wind mechanism are powered by a laminar flow hydraulic motor acting through a speed-reducing chain and sprocket assemblies to achieve desired rotational speeds.
  • a compact internal combustion engine driving a pump provides hydraulic fluid that passes through a valve, the motor, a radiator-type heat removal system (or cooler), a filter, and a fluid reservoir.
  • the hydraulic fluid valve allows the cable-wind mechanism to be quickly operated in either forward or reverse, or stopped as desired.
  • An engine kill switch shuts the engine off when substantially all the cable has been wound onto the spool.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the backpackable winch of the present invention shown positioned for operation secured to a tree with the cable quick release mechanism of the present invention opened.
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the cable quick release mechanism shown in FIG. 1 , with portions of the mechanism shown broken away to reveal internal structure.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the winch of the present invention being carried on the back of a user.
  • FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic view of the hydraulics, speed reduction and cable retrievable mechanisms of the winch of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the winch of the present invention shown secured to a tree trunk that is illustrated in broken lines and with a portion of the cable shown broken away from the cable spool.
  • FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the winch of the present invention with portions of the hydraulic lines broken away for clarity.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cable spool of the winch of the present invention illustrating the automatic shut off mechanism and an optional mechanical brake.
  • the backpackable winch of the present invention comprises generally a platform or plate 12 that provides a frame on which substantially all of the components are mounted.
  • a small diameter, high tensile strength cable 14 winds onto a spool 16.
  • a substantial length of cable 14 is accommodated in a small space on spool 16 by the use of level-wind mechanism 18 that functions to guide cable 14 onto spool 16 in an orderly spiral that occupies the minimum space possible.
  • Spool 16 and level-wind mechanism 18 are powered, through chain and sprocket drive trains 20 and 22, by a laminar flow hydraulic motor 24, although pneumatic or other suitable equipment may alternatively be used.
  • Hydraulic fluid flow is provided by a hydraulic power source 26 comprising a compact internal combustion engine 28 directly coupled to a hydraulic pump 30 through a "love joy" or other appropriate coupling mechanism 32.
  • Hydraulic fluid contained in fluid reservoir 34 flows, as is illustrated in FIG. 4, through pump 30 and then through valve 36 operable by rotation of valve control lever 38 to choose a "neutral,” “cable in” or “cable out” position.
  • valve 38 With valve 38 in the "cable in” position, hydraulic fluid is caused to flow through the motor 24 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4 and thereby rotate its shaft 25. Fluid flows from the motor again through valve 36, to the cooler 40 mounted in the illustrated embodiment so that airflow through the engine 28 draws air through cooler 40. From the cooler 40, fluid flows through filter 42 and then back into fluid reservoir 34. Air can, of course, be moved through cooler 40 in a variety of alternative ways, such as by driving a fan off of the driver shaft of engine 28 or motor 24, among other means.
  • an automatic kill switch may be provided utilizing a spring metal switch contact 44 shown in solid lines in FIG. 7 in contact with cable 14 on spool 16.
  • Contact 44 is shown in broken lines in FIG. 7 in an alternative inoperable position in which it is retained behind a stud 46 that holds it out of contact with cable 14, regardless of the quantity of cable 14 on spool 16.
  • Manipulation of contact 44 may be accomplished utilizing a plastic, non-conductive cover 48 on the exposed end of contact 44.
  • Kill switch contact 44 is mounted so that it is insulated from electrical contact with plate 12 and all other components of the winch 10 but is electrically connected with an insulated wire 50 to the ignition system of engine 28.
  • kill switch contact 44 electrically connects the ignition system of engine 28 to "ground” through otiier metal components of the winch, thereby disabling the ignition system and stopping engine 28.
  • Contact 44 may be suitably positioned, when used, so that cable 14 on spool 16 touches contact 44 when a predetermined quantity of cable 14 has wound onto spool 16.
  • An "anti-reverse” mechanism may be added to spool 16 utilizing, for instance, a conventional rachet and pawl mechanism to insure, if desired, that spool 16 cannot reverse direction in response to tension applied to cable 14.
  • the level wind mechanism 18 and associated drive trains 20 and 22 of the present invention are powered, as explained above, by hydraulic motor 24 that rotates, during typical operation, at approximately 350 revolutions per minute (rpm).
  • a motor sprocket 50 mounted on motor 24, may have twelve teeth and drive, through spool chain 54, a spool sprocket 56 having seventy-two or more teeth, so that spool 16 rotates at 58.3 rpm or less when motor 24 rotates at 350 rpm.
  • a mechanically operable coupling mechanism 58 controllable by manipulating coupling knob 60 from side to side to engage or disengage a lovejoy or other coupling 62 permits spool 16 to free-wheel when coupling 58 is disengaged.
  • Level-wind shaft 68 parallels spool shaft 64 and carries on one end, aligned with the level wind drive sprocket 66, a tliirty-six tooth level-wind shaft sprocket 70.
  • Level-wind chain 72 couples level-wind sprocket 66 and 70 so that level-wind shaft 68 always rotates when spool 16 rotates at a relative speed that ensures (in light of the cable 14 diameter, sprocket 66 and 70 sizes and the pitch of level-wind spiral grooves 74) that a level-wind traveler 76 will traverse back and forth in front of spool 16 at a rate that results in cable 14 being laid on spool 16 in a uniform, tight spiral.
  • Traveler 76 may be a bearing carrier 78 that traverses back and forth on carrier rods 80 journaled in parallel bores in the carrier 78, controlled by a follower (not visible) positioned under follower cap 82, which follower engages spiral groove 74 in level wind shaft 68.
  • Horizontal bearings 71 and 73 are positioned in bearing carrier 78 to bracket the minimum and maximum positions of cable winding onto spool 16 when the spool is empty and full, respectively, or, in the case of lower bearing 73, to facilitate cable 14 travel when the load is well below the plane of plate 12.
  • Vertical bearings 75 and 77 are spaced just wider than the diameter of cable 14, and thus closely control cable 14 as it feeds onto spool 16. For instance, bearings 75 and 77 may typically be spaced 3/16 inch (or twice the cable diameter) apart for 3/32 inch cable, but adjustment may be necessary to optimize loading of cable 14 on spool 16. All of bearings 71, 73, 75 and 77 may be rotatable rollers or smooth rods of metal or other suitable, low friction material.
  • traveler 76 could be moved back and forth in front of spool 16 utilizing a hydraulically actuated piston.
  • spool and cable handling configurations may also be desirable.
  • quick cable removal capability may be desirable in some applications by orienting the axis of the cable spool in line with the direction the cable is drawn off so that it can be stripped off the spool end like fishing line on a spinning reel.
  • CABLE Spiral groove 74 has a pitch of 3.5 to 1 for use with the above described sprockets and cable 14 that is three tliirty-seconds of an inch (3/32") in diameter.
  • cable 14 one-eight inch in diameter may be utilized if the relative speeds of spool shaft 64 and level-wind shaft 68 are altered by using sprockets 66 and 72 having twelve and twenty- seven teeth, respectively.
  • Cable 14 may be steel "aircraft" cable, but a variety of other cables having sufficient tensile strength, suitably small diameter to accommodate the desired length of cable on spool 16 and the necessary flexibility to wind onto spool 16 may also be used. While nonconductive cable may be desirable in certain applications, use of nonconductive cable 14 will require appropriate modifications of the above-described kill switch, since the described embodiment relies on electrical contact between contact 44 and electrically conductive cable 14.
  • BACKPACK STRUCTURE As is illustrated in FIG. 3, shoulder straps 84 and a waist band 86 allow the winch 10 to be transported on user's back 91.
  • Appropriately contoured padding 8, as illustrated in FIG. 6 (similar, for instance, to such structures used with scuba diving tanks or hiking backpack frames) is attached to the underside of plate 12 to permit winch 10 to lie comfortably against the back of user 90.
  • SECURING STRUCTURES Winch 10 may be positioned for use in a variety of ways. Most typically, winch 10 will be positioned horizontally on the ground (as illustrated in FIG. 1) resting on and stabilized by splayed legs 92 and supported and secured to a tree trunk or post 94 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 5).
  • plate 12 is machined to have a semicircular saw tooth shape on the edge opposite the level wind mechanism, and a semicircular, like-shaped saw toothed plate 96 (visible in FIG. 5) is rigidly attached parallel to plate 12 and spaced above it an appropriate distance on the order, for example, of one and one-half inches, with spacers such as round studs 98 shown in broken lines in FIG. 5.
  • a securing strap 100 may then pass behind studs 98 and encircle trunk 94 to draw trunk engaging teeth 102 of the plates 12 and 96 against the trunk 94.
  • Legs 92 shown in their folded position in FIG.
  • FIG. 7 A variety of hydraulic and mechanical mechanisms may be utilized if it is desired to permit spool 16 to rotate in a controlled fashion.
  • One such optional mechanical brake is illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • a Z-shaped bracket 108 is pivotally attached to plate 12. Rotation of a threaded foot 110 mounted on the lower arm 112 of bracket 108 pivots bracket 108 to force a rubber wheel 114 or other appropriate bearing device mounted on arm 116 against one end 118 of spool 16, thereby frictionally i-nhibiting rotation of spool 16 in proportion to the pressure applied through foot 110 and accordance with the other characteristics of the mechanical brake.
  • a quick release attachment device 120 is critical to safe, single handed operation of the transportable winch 10 of the present invention under certain circumstances and may be used in a wide variety of other applications where releasable connection to a cable or other line is desired.
  • Release 120 comprises pivoting pincers 122 to which cable 14 is connected to pincers 122 with a lock screw 124 illustrated in FIG. 2. Additional lock screws, not shown, may also be employed to ensure fail-safe connection of cable 14 to pincers 122.
  • Pincers 22 comprise two generally L-shaped arms 128 that pivot on a shaft 130. Cable 14 passes through a hole 131 in shaft 130 and then to the point it is secured by screw 124, so that the cable does not obstruct the operation of pincers 122. Alternatively, cable 14 may be secured to shaft 130 by wedging it in hole 131 or other appropriate means.
  • Arms 126 and 128 close against each other like pliers around a chain link 132, with abutting surfaces 134 that meet inside the link 132 and adjacent sloping surfaces 136 are oriented at an acute angle and together form a V-shaped cradle within which link 132 rests. Because surfaces 136 slope, there is no tendency for link 132 to catch on either of arms 126 or 128 when the arms open.
  • This feature of quick release 120 could be further refined, particularly in quick release 120 units intended for very heavy duty applications. For instance, rotatable bearings could be substituted for surfaces 136 to further facilitate smooth release of link 132 from pincers 122.
  • pincers 122 When closed to grasp link 132, pincers 122 have a cylindrical section 138 and a tapered section 140.
  • Pincers 122 are held closed to grasp link 134 by a tubular cover or shroud 142 that preferably has a conical end 144 pieced by a cable tunnel 150 that is coaxial with shroud 142 and through which cable 14 passes freely.
  • An optional means for fixing shroud 142 on cable 14 or controlling passage of cable 14 through shroud 142 may be provided by a set screw 146 threaded into the conical end of shroud 142 and acting against a plug 148 that in turn bears against cable 14 in response to rotation of set screw 146.
  • quick release mechanism 120 normally functions with cable 14 able to pass freely through passage 150 in the conical end 144 of shroud 142.
  • shroud 142 With shroud 142 fully covering pincers 122, arms 126 and 128 are maintained firmly closed around link 132, and loads attached to link 132 are pulled by cable 14 with the conical end of shroud 142 facilitating the avoidance of snags.
  • Cable 14 may be quickly disconnected from link 132, and thus from the load, by firmly grasping shroud 142 and sliding it along cable 14 away from link 132.
  • Straight section 138 may include roller bearings or other friction-reducing means to facilitate movement of shroud 142.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate, the conical shape of end 144 of shroud 142 presents a sloping surface to obstructions as quick release 120 advances toward winch 10 as cable 14 is retrieved. This permits quick release to pass over obstructions like rocks, protruding roots and brush with little risk of catching on such obstructions.
  • Cable 14 may be steel "aircraft" cable, and typically will be when quick release 120 is used as the connector on the end of a small winch cable, as is illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • Quick release connector 120 may also be used with a variety of other types of cables, lines and ropes, including monofilament and multi-filament lines of metal, synthetics, and natural materials such as nylon, fiberglass, carbon fiber, sisal and hemp among many others.
  • Quick release 120 may also be used with cable 14 that is chain rather than a stranded cable or by substituting a rod or other rigid or semi-rigid structure for a flexible cable 14, provided only that shroud 142 is permitted to slide with respect to pincers 122 so that they can open as described above and release link 134.
  • pincers 122 and link 134 shown in the drawings and described above is, of course, only illustrative of the quick release connector of the present invention.
  • shroud 142 need not be cylindrical but could have an oval cross sectional shape as well as numerous other shapes corresponding to appropriately modified pincers 122.
  • cylindrical section 138 of pincers 122 could be extended so that surfaces 136 of pincers 122 are not covered by shroud 142 when pincers 122 are closed and shroud 142 is fully seated. This would permit pincers 122 to encircle and lock around a link that need not be small enough to fit within the end of shroud 142 as does link 134 shown in the FIGS.
  • pincers 122 could lock around a rod positioned transverse to the longer dimension of pincers " 122 and extending beyond quick release 120 on either side of it, or pincers 122 could meet within a hole in a steel plate in order to attach to the plate.
  • This alternative configuration of the present invention would, however, sacrifice the benefit associated with protecting the pincers 122 from damage from impact with or abrasion from other objects that the shroud 142 provides when it fully covers pincers 122 as illustrated in the FIGS.
  • winch 10 it will typically be desirable to secure winch 10 to a tree trunk or a post as describe above, so that winch 10 remains stationary while a load is drawn toward the winch, or the load is permitted, operating spool 16 in reverse, to move away from the winch under powered control.
  • winch 10 it may be desirable under certain circumstances to secure the winch to the load to be moved and the remote end of cable 14 to an anchor or other fixed object. Then the winch 10 may be operated to draw both it and the load toward the anchor as cable is accumulated on spool 16.
  • handles, skids or wheels may desirably be mounted on winch 10 to facilitate such alternative operation.
  • Winch 10 may also be secured to anchor points or loads in a variety of alternative manners.
  • coaxial holes bored through saw-tooth plate 96 and plate 12 may receive studs or bolts secured to a truck bed or a vehicle bumper so that the winch 10 is securely mounded on such a mobile platform and is thus usable as a vehicle-mounted winch.
  • the engine 28, pump 30, reservoir 34, valve 36 and the associated components can be used as a hydrauUc power module to power a wide variety of other hydrauUcaUy actuated equipment, particularly including mechanisms such as impact wrenches, pruners and saws widely utilized by utiUty maintenance crews and parks departments.
  • hydrauUc motor 24 and spool 16 and level wind mechanism 18 can be utilized to power the cable 14 handling structures of the present invention, which can then be used as one of several devices usable with such existing hydrauUc, pneumatic or other power units such as the "jaws of life" system.
  • alternative embodiments of the present invention can be configured using other engines, such as external combustion engines or (battery or commercial alternating current) electric motors.
  • Other embodiments may also utilize alternatives to the hydrauUcs described in detail above, such as entirely mechanical coupling, through an appropriate transmission, between (1) the engine 28 and (2) spool 16 and level wind 18, or other fluidic coupling such as pneumatic operation.
  • both the engine 28 and valve 38 can be remotely controUed by conventional radio apparatus utilizing a suitable transmitter, receiver, servos and other control apparatus coupled to the engine 28 and valve 38 controls.
  • the winch 10 operator could then use a hand-held transmitter to control engine speed (or to stop the engine) and to operate the valve 36 to cause spool 16 to retrieve or dispense cable or stop, as desired.
  • Suitable radio control apparatus is widely used, for instance, in radio controUed model airplanes and remote-controUed garage door operators.

Abstract

A compact, light weight, backpackable winch and power source (10), including a cable quick release connector (120). The power train (20, 22) and cable retrieval mechanism (16) are mounted on one side of a backpack frame (12) and straps (84) enabling the mechanisms to be carried like a backpack are mounted on the frame (12) together with folding legs (92) that assist in supporting the assembly during operation. A cable (14) is wound onto the winch spool (16) by a level wind mechanism (18). The spool and level wind mechanism are powered by a hydraulic motor (24). The hydraulic motor (24) is powered by a compact gasoline engine (28). The quick release utilizes pincers (122) attached to the cable end and a shroud (142) that holds the pincers closed or permit them to open and release the load attached to the chain link (132) or loop.

Description

A PORTABLE WINCH MOUNTED ON A BACKPACK FRAME
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to winches and other devices useful in moving loads utilizing a cable. The desire has existed since prehistoric times to transport objects heavier and more unwieldy than an individual can lift and carry. Efforts to answer this need also predate recorded history and were integral to the development of the earliest basic machines and tools, including levers, wheels, skids, rollers and utilization of animal power. While ancient humankind managed the movement of extraordinarily heavy objects, as demonstrated by the existence, for instance, of the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge, dramatic advances in this technology awaited development of combustion-based power sources, including steam and other external combustion engines and internal combustion engines. Later still, electrical motors came to the assistance of those interested in moving heavy objects.
A need persists, however, for a light weight, easily transported winch usable in locations remote from conventional power sources and vehicles, to move relatively heavy loads over relatively substantial distances, preferably with a single operator. Such a need exists, for instance, to retrieve large game from remote areas, in connection with rescue work, and in utilities installation and building construction. Numerous efforts have been undertaken to meet this need. For instance, one prior device, disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,552,340, marries a chain saw engine to a winch mechanism.
However, these efforts have not resulted in a device that is easily transported, accommodates substantial cable length, is safely operable by a single individual and exhibits other desirable features of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a compact, backpackable winch and power source together with a cable quick release device that may be taken by an individual to a remote location, particularly, for instance, in wooded areas, and there operated single handed to move a heavy object over a substantial distance. The power train and cable retrieval mechanisms are mounted on one side of a platform or plate that serves as a backpack frame, and straps and padding enabling the mechanism to be carried like a backpack are mounted on the other side of the plate together with folding legs that assist in supporting the winch assembly during operation. A small diameter, high breaking strength cable is wound onto a spool utilizing a level wind mechanism. The spool and level wind mechanism are powered by a laminar flow hydraulic motor acting through a speed-reducing chain and sprocket assemblies to achieve desired rotational speeds. A compact internal combustion engine driving a pump provides hydraulic fluid that passes through a valve, the motor, a radiator-type heat removal system (or cooler), a filter, and a fluid reservoir. The hydraulic fluid valve allows the cable-wind mechanism to be quickly operated in either forward or reverse, or stopped as desired. An engine kill switch shuts the engine off when substantially all the cable has been wound onto the spool. A quick release mechanism on the remote end of the cable permits almost instantaneous disconnection of the cable from the load during operation, even under full load, thereby permitting an operator to position himself at the load in order to manage its movement, without concern about the possible need to release the connection to the load if that becomes necessary. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention can alternatively be powered by pneumatic or any other suitable equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the backpackable winch of the present invention shown positioned for operation secured to a tree with the cable quick release mechanism of the present invention opened.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the cable quick release mechanism shown in FIG. 1 , with portions of the mechanism shown broken away to reveal internal structure.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the winch of the present invention being carried on the back of a user.
FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic view of the hydraulics, speed reduction and cable retrievable mechanisms of the winch of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the winch of the present invention shown secured to a tree trunk that is illustrated in broken lines and with a portion of the cable shown broken away from the cable spool.
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the winch of the present invention with portions of the hydraulic lines broken away for clarity. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cable spool of the winch of the present invention illustrating the automatic shut off mechanism and an optional mechanical brake.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the figures, particularly including FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the backpackable winch of the present invention comprises generally a platform or plate 12 that provides a frame on which substantially all of the components are mounted. A small diameter, high tensile strength cable 14 winds onto a spool 16. A substantial length of cable 14 is accommodated in a small space on spool 16 by the use of level-wind mechanism 18 that functions to guide cable 14 onto spool 16 in an orderly spiral that occupies the minimum space possible. Spool 16 and level-wind mechanism 18 are powered, through chain and sprocket drive trains 20 and 22, by a laminar flow hydraulic motor 24, although pneumatic or other suitable equipment may alternatively be used.
Hydraulic fluid flow is provided by a hydraulic power source 26 comprising a compact internal combustion engine 28 directly coupled to a hydraulic pump 30 through a "love joy" or other appropriate coupling mechanism 32. Hydraulic fluid contained in fluid reservoir 34 flows, as is illustrated in FIG. 4, through pump 30 and then through valve 36 operable by rotation of valve control lever 38 to choose a "neutral," "cable in" or "cable out" position. With valve 38 in the "cable in" position, hydraulic fluid is caused to flow through the motor 24 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4 and thereby rotate its shaft 25. Fluid flows from the motor again through valve 36, to the cooler 40 mounted in the illustrated embodiment so that airflow through the engine 28 draws air through cooler 40. From the cooler 40, fluid flows through filter 42 and then back into fluid reservoir 34. Air can, of course, be moved through cooler 40 in a variety of alternative ways, such as by driving a fan off of the driver shaft of engine 28 or motor 24, among other means.
As is best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, an automatic kill switch may be provided utilizing a spring metal switch contact 44 shown in solid lines in FIG. 7 in contact with cable 14 on spool 16. Contact 44 is shown in broken lines in FIG. 7 in an alternative inoperable position in which it is retained behind a stud 46 that holds it out of contact with cable 14, regardless of the quantity of cable 14 on spool 16. Manipulation of contact 44 may be accomplished utilizing a plastic, non-conductive cover 48 on the exposed end of contact 44. Kill switch contact 44 is mounted so that it is insulated from electrical contact with plate 12 and all other components of the winch 10 but is electrically connected with an insulated wire 50 to the ignition system of engine 28. Thus, contact between kill switch contact 44 and cable 14 electrically connects the ignition system of engine 28 to "ground" through otiier metal components of the winch, thereby disabling the ignition system and stopping engine 28. Contact 44 may be suitably positioned, when used, so that cable 14 on spool 16 touches contact 44 when a predetermined quantity of cable 14 has wound onto spool 16. An "anti-reverse" mechanism may be added to spool 16 utilizing, for instance, a conventional rachet and pawl mechanism to insure, if desired, that spool 16 cannot reverse direction in response to tension applied to cable 14.
LEVEL WIND MECHANISM The level wind mechanism 18 and associated drive trains 20 and 22 of the present invention are powered, as explained above, by hydraulic motor 24 that rotates, during typical operation, at approximately 350 revolutions per minute (rpm). A motor sprocket 50 mounted on motor 24, may have twelve teeth and drive, through spool chain 54, a spool sprocket 56 having seventy-two or more teeth, so that spool 16 rotates at 58.3 rpm or less when motor 24 rotates at 350 rpm.
A mechanically operable coupling mechanism 58, controllable by manipulating coupling knob 60 from side to side to engage or disengage a lovejoy or other coupling 62 permits spool 16 to free-wheel when coupling 58 is disengaged.
On the remote end of spool shaft 64 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), a twelve tooth level-wind drive sprocket 66 is mounted. Level-wind shaft 68 parallels spool shaft 64 and carries on one end, aligned with the level wind drive sprocket 66, a tliirty-six tooth level-wind shaft sprocket 70. Level-wind chain 72 couples level-wind sprocket 66 and 70 so that level-wind shaft 68 always rotates when spool 16 rotates at a relative speed that ensures (in light of the cable 14 diameter, sprocket 66 and 70 sizes and the pitch of level-wind spiral grooves 74) that a level-wind traveler 76 will traverse back and forth in front of spool 16 at a rate that results in cable 14 being laid on spool 16 in a uniform, tight spiral. Traveler 76 may be a bearing carrier 78 that traverses back and forth on carrier rods 80 journaled in parallel bores in the carrier 78, controlled by a follower (not visible) positioned under follower cap 82, which follower engages spiral groove 74 in level wind shaft 68.
Horizontal bearings 71 and 73 are positioned in bearing carrier 78 to bracket the minimum and maximum positions of cable winding onto spool 16 when the spool is empty and full, respectively, or, in the case of lower bearing 73, to facilitate cable 14 travel when the load is well below the plane of plate 12. Vertical bearings 75 and 77 are spaced just wider than the diameter of cable 14, and thus closely control cable 14 as it feeds onto spool 16. For instance, bearings 75 and 77 may typically be spaced 3/16 inch (or twice the cable diameter) apart for 3/32 inch cable, but adjustment may be necessary to optimize loading of cable 14 on spool 16. All of bearings 71, 73, 75 and 77 may be rotatable rollers or smooth rods of metal or other suitable, low friction material.
Alternative level wind mechanisms and alternative elements of the level wind mechanism illustrated and described in detail can also be used. For instance, traveler 76 could be moved back and forth in front of spool 16 utilizing a hydraulically actuated piston. Significantly different spool and cable handling configurations may also be desirable. For example, quick cable removal capability may be desirable in some applications by orienting the axis of the cable spool in line with the direction the cable is drawn off so that it can be stripped off the spool end like fishing line on a spinning reel.
CABLE Spiral groove 74 has a pitch of 3.5 to 1 for use with the above described sprockets and cable 14 that is three tliirty-seconds of an inch (3/32") in diameter.
Alternatively, cable 14 one-eight inch in diameter may be utilized if the relative speeds of spool shaft 64 and level-wind shaft 68 are altered by using sprockets 66 and 72 having twelve and twenty- seven teeth, respectively. Cable 14 may be steel "aircraft" cable, but a variety of other cables having sufficient tensile strength, suitably small diameter to accommodate the desired length of cable on spool 16 and the necessary flexibility to wind onto spool 16 may also be used. While nonconductive cable may be desirable in certain applications, use of nonconductive cable 14 will require appropriate modifications of the above-described kill switch, since the described embodiment relies on electrical contact between contact 44 and electrically conductive cable 14.
BACKPACK STRUCTURE As is illustrated in FIG. 3, shoulder straps 84 and a waist band 86 allow the winch 10 to be transported on user's back 91. Appropriately contoured padding 8, as illustrated in FIG. 6 (similar, for instance, to such structures used with scuba diving tanks or hiking backpack frames) is attached to the underside of plate 12 to permit winch 10 to lie comfortably against the back of user 90. SECURING STRUCTURES Winch 10 may be positioned for use in a variety of ways. Most typically, winch 10 will be positioned horizontally on the ground (as illustrated in FIG. 1) resting on and stabilized by splayed legs 92 and supported and secured to a tree trunk or post 94 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 5). i order to secure the winch 10 to such a generally circular trunk 94, plate 12 is machined to have a semicircular saw tooth shape on the edge opposite the level wind mechanism, and a semicircular, like-shaped saw toothed plate 96 (visible in FIG. 5) is rigidly attached parallel to plate 12 and spaced above it an appropriate distance on the order, for example, of one and one-half inches, with spacers such as round studs 98 shown in broken lines in FIG. 5. As will readily be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, a securing strap 100 may then pass behind studs 98 and encircle trunk 94 to draw trunk engaging teeth 102 of the plates 12 and 96 against the trunk 94. Legs 92, shown in their folded position in FIG. 3 and extended position in FIG. 6, are lockable in each of their folded and extended positions with pins 104 that engage appropriately spaced holes in the brackets 106 within which legs 92 pivot. i their splayed, open position, legs 92 extend below and well outboard of plate 12 to provide stable support for winch 10 in cooperation with the above-described attachment to trunk 94.
BRAKE A variety of hydraulic and mechanical mechanisms may be utilized if it is desired to permit spool 16 to rotate in a controlled fashion. One such optional mechanical brake is illustrated in FIG. 7. A Z-shaped bracket 108 is pivotally attached to plate 12. Rotation of a threaded foot 110 mounted on the lower arm 112 of bracket 108 pivots bracket 108 to force a rubber wheel 114 or other appropriate bearing device mounted on arm 116 against one end 118 of spool 16, thereby frictionally i-nhibiting rotation of spool 16 in proportion to the pressure applied through foot 110 and accordance with the other characteristics of the mechanical brake.
QUICK RELEASE ATTACHMENT DEVICE
A quick release attachment device 120, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is critical to safe, single handed operation of the transportable winch 10 of the present invention under certain circumstances and may be used in a wide variety of other applications where releasable connection to a cable or other line is desired.
Release 120 comprises pivoting pincers 122 to which cable 14 is connected to pincers 122 with a lock screw 124 illustrated in FIG. 2. Additional lock screws, not shown, may also be employed to ensure fail-safe connection of cable 14 to pincers 122. Pincers 22 comprise two generally L-shaped arms 128 that pivot on a shaft 130. Cable 14 passes through a hole 131 in shaft 130 and then to the point it is secured by screw 124, so that the cable does not obstruct the operation of pincers 122. Alternatively, cable 14 may be secured to shaft 130 by wedging it in hole 131 or other appropriate means. Arms 126 and 128 close against each other like pliers around a chain link 132, with abutting surfaces 134 that meet inside the link 132 and adjacent sloping surfaces 136 are oriented at an acute angle and together form a V-shaped cradle within which link 132 rests. Because surfaces 136 slope, there is no tendency for link 132 to catch on either of arms 126 or 128 when the arms open. This feature of quick release 120 could be further refined, particularly in quick release 120 units intended for very heavy duty applications. For instance, rotatable bearings could be substituted for surfaces 136 to further facilitate smooth release of link 132 from pincers 122. When closed to grasp link 132, pincers 122 have a cylindrical section 138 and a tapered section 140. Pincers 122 are held closed to grasp link 134 by a tubular cover or shroud 142 that preferably has a conical end 144 pieced by a cable tunnel 150 that is coaxial with shroud 142 and through which cable 14 passes freely. An optional means for fixing shroud 142 on cable 14 or controlling passage of cable 14 through shroud 142 may be provided by a set screw 146 threaded into the conical end of shroud 142 and acting against a plug 148 that in turn bears against cable 14 in response to rotation of set screw 146.
As will be readily appreciated by reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, quick release mechanism 120 normally functions with cable 14 able to pass freely through passage 150 in the conical end 144 of shroud 142. With shroud 142 fully covering pincers 122, arms 126 and 128 are maintained firmly closed around link 132, and loads attached to link 132 are pulled by cable 14 with the conical end of shroud 142 facilitating the avoidance of snags. Cable 14 may be quickly disconnected from link 132, and thus from the load, by firmly grasping shroud 142 and sliding it along cable 14 away from link 132. Straight section 138 may include roller bearings or other friction-reducing means to facilitate movement of shroud 142. Once shroud 142 has advanced beyond the straight section 138 of pincers 122, their tapered shapes, and the tendency the application of load to link 132 acting against V-shaped surfaces 136 to cause pincers 122 to open, actually facilitates further movement of shroud 142 and opening of pincers 122, thereby immediately disconnecting the winch 10 from the load.
As FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate, the conical shape of end 144 of shroud 142 presents a sloping surface to obstructions as quick release 120 advances toward winch 10 as cable 14 is retrieved. This permits quick release to pass over obstructions like rocks, protruding roots and brush with little risk of catching on such obstructions.
Cable 14 may be steel "aircraft" cable, and typically will be when quick release 120 is used as the connector on the end of a small winch cable, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. Quick release connector 120 may also be used with a variety of other types of cables, lines and ropes, including monofilament and multi-filament lines of metal, synthetics, and natural materials such as nylon, fiberglass, carbon fiber, sisal and hemp among many others. Quick release 120 may also be used with cable 14 that is chain rather than a stranded cable or by substituting a rod or other rigid or semi-rigid structure for a flexible cable 14, provided only that shroud 142 is permitted to slide with respect to pincers 122 so that they can open as described above and release link 134. The geometry of pincers 122 and link 134 shown in the drawings and described above is, of course, only illustrative of the quick release connector of the present invention. For instance, shroud 142 need not be cylindrical but could have an oval cross sectional shape as well as numerous other shapes corresponding to appropriately modified pincers 122. Additionally, cylindrical section 138 of pincers 122 could be extended so that surfaces 136 of pincers 122 are not covered by shroud 142 when pincers 122 are closed and shroud 142 is fully seated. This would permit pincers 122 to encircle and lock around a link that need not be small enough to fit within the end of shroud 142 as does link 134 shown in the FIGS. Indeed, with such an arrangement, pincers 122 could lock around a rod positioned transverse to the longer dimension of pincers" 122 and extending beyond quick release 120 on either side of it, or pincers 122 could meet within a hole in a steel plate in order to attach to the plate. This alternative configuration of the present invention would, however, sacrifice the benefit associated with protecting the pincers 122 from damage from impact with or abrasion from other objects that the shroud 142 provides when it fully covers pincers 122 as illustrated in the FIGS.
WINCH OPERATION It will typically be desirable to secure winch 10 to a tree trunk or a post as describe above, so that winch 10 remains stationary while a load is drawn toward the winch, or the load is permitted, operating spool 16 in reverse, to move away from the winch under powered control. However, other modes of operation are possible. For instance, it may be desirable under certain circumstances to secure the winch to the load to be moved and the remote end of cable 14 to an anchor or other fixed object. Then the winch 10 may be operated to draw both it and the load toward the anchor as cable is accumulated on spool 16. As will be readily appreciated, handles, skids or wheels, among other alternatives, may desirably be mounted on winch 10 to facilitate such alternative operation.
Winch 10 may also be secured to anchor points or loads in a variety of alternative manners. For instances, coaxial holes bored through saw-tooth plate 96 and plate 12 (Fig. 5) may receive studs or bolts secured to a truck bed or a vehicle bumper so that the winch 10 is securely mounded on such a mobile platform and is thus usable as a vehicle-mounted winch.
For heavier loads, it may be desirable to utilize a block and tackle arrangement (not shown). For instance, cable 14 might pass through a block attached to the load, with the end of cable 14 attached to hitch 129 (FIG. 1). ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS Substantial additional flexibility utilizing the present invention and numerous additional applications for elements of it can be achieved by recognition that it provides (1) a hydraulicalry (or other fluid) powered winch mechanism that can utilize a separate source of hydrauUc (or other) fluid and (2) a hydrauUc (or other fluid) power mechanism that can be utilized to power other hydrauUc (or other fluid) devices. This flexibility can be achieved, for instance, by utilization of conventional quick connect and disconnect hydrauUc fittings 152 and 154 (FIG. 4) in the hydrauUc lines 21 and 23 attached to motor. With such fittings 152 and 154 in place, the engine 28, pump 30, reservoir 34, valve 36 and the associated components can be used as a hydrauUc power module to power a wide variety of other hydrauUcaUy actuated equipment, particularly including mechanisms such as impact wrenches, pruners and saws widely utilized by utiUty maintenance crews and parks departments.
Similarly focusing on the valve 36, hydrauUc motor 24 and spool 16 and level wind mechanism 18, alternative, commercially available hydrauUc power sources (or other power sources, such as pneumatic cylinders or compressors) can be utilized to power the cable 14 handling structures of the present invention, which can then be used as one of several devices usable with such existing hydrauUc, pneumatic or other power units such as the "jaws of life" system. Furthermore, alternative embodiments of the present invention can be configured using other engines, such as external combustion engines or (battery or commercial alternating current) electric motors. Other embodiments may also utilize alternatives to the hydrauUcs described in detail above, such as entirely mechanical coupling, through an appropriate transmission, between (1) the engine 28 and (2) spool 16 and level wind 18, or other fluidic coupling such as pneumatic operation.
Alternative means may also be used to control the winch 10, including remote control apparatus. For instance, both the engine 28 and valve 38 can be remotely controUed by conventional radio apparatus utilizing a suitable transmitter, receiver, servos and other control apparatus coupled to the engine 28 and valve 38 controls. The winch 10 operator could then use a hand-held transmitter to control engine speed (or to stop the engine) and to operate the valve 36 to cause spool 16 to retrieve or dispense cable or stop, as desired.
Suitable radio control apparatus is widely used, for instance, in radio controUed model airplanes and remote-controUed garage door operators.
As wfll also be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the embodiments of the present invention described above in detail are intended to be merely illustrative of the various combinations of components and arrangements of components that can be utilized to obtain the described objectives of the invention without departing from the intended scope or spirit of the foregoing description, the associated drawings and the foUowing claims.

Claims

I claim:
1. A portable winch, comprising:
(a) a backpack frame,
(b) at least one carrying strap attached to the frame and
(c) mounted on the frame:
(i) a cable retrieval mechanism and (ii) a powered means for operating the cable retrieval mechanism.
2. A portable winch, comprising a hydrauUc power source coupled to a cable retrieval mechanism mounted on a backpack frame.
3. A portable winch, comprising
(a) a frame,
(b) a means for securing the frame to a fixed object,
(c) a gasoline powered engine coupled to
(d) a hydrauUc pump fluidicaUy coupled to
(e) a hydrauUc motor mechanicaUy coupled to
(f) a rotatable cable spool to which cable is attached and
(g) a level-wind mechanism for guiding cable onto the spool.
4. The winch of claim 3, further comprising a flow control valve for controlling the direction of flow of hydrauUc fluid through the hydrauUc motor.
5. The winch of claim 3, further comprising a means for disabling the engine when the spool has accumulated a predeteimined quantity of cable.
6. A portable winch, comprising:
(a) a backpack frame,
(b) at least one carrying strap attached to the frame,
(c) mounted on the frame:
(i) a cable retrieval mechanism and (ii) a powered means for operating the cable retrieval mechanism,
(d) a quick release mechanism for attachment to a load, and
(e) a cable attached at one end to the cable retrieval mechanism and to the quick release mechanism at the other end.
7. A portable winch, comprising a hydrauUc power source coupled to a cable retrieval mechanism mounted on a backpack frame, and a cable attached between the cable retrieval mechanism and a quick release attachment device.
8. A portable winch, comprising
(a) a frame,
(b) a means for securing die frame to a fixed object,
(c) a gasoline powered engine coupled to
(d) a hydrauUc pump fluidicaUy coupled to
(e) a hydrauUc motor mechanicaUy coupled to
(f a rotatable cable spool to which cable is attached, (g) a level-wind mechanism for guiding cable onto the spool, and (h) attached to the cable, a quick release connector for releasibly attaching the cable to a loop, comprising:
(1) pincers for connection to the cable, the pincers having abutting surfaces and adjacent sloping surfaces and being selectively closable to grasp the loop by encircling a portion of the loop as the abutting surfaces of the pincers meet inside the loop and the adjacent sloping surfaces of the pincers together form an acute V-shaped cradle to receive a portion of the loop and
(2) a shroud journaled to sUde on the cable to a position encircling the pincers and thereby holding them closed or other positions clear of the pincers that permit the pincers to open and release the loop.
9. The winch of claim 3, further comprising a means for quickly disconnecting the cable from a load while the cable is under tension.
10. A portable winch, comprising:
(a) a backpack frame,
(b) at least one carrying strap attached to the frame and
(c) mounted on the frame, a cable retrieval mechanism.
11. A portable winch, comprising a cable retrieval mechanism mounted on a backpack frame.
12. A portable winch, comprising
(a) a backpack frame,
(b) folding legs attached to the frame,
(c) a means for securing the frame to a fixed object,
(d) a hydrauUc pump fluidicaUy coupled to
(e) a hydrauUc motor mechanicaUy coupled to
(f) a rotatable cable spool to which cable is attached and
(g) a level-wind mechanism for guiding cable onto the spool.
13. A portable hydrauUc power source, comprising:
(a) a backpack frame,
(b) at least one carrying strap attached to the frame and
(c) mounted on the frame, a gasoline powered engine coupled to a hydrauUc pump.
14. A portable hydrauUc power source, comprising an engine coupled to a hydrauUc pump mounted on a backpack frame.
15. A portable hydrauUc power source, comprising
(a) a backpack frame,
(b) folding legs attached to the frame,
(c) a gasoline powered engine coupled to
(d) a hydrauUc pump fluidicaUy coupled to
(e) a reservoir for hydrauUc fluid and a flow control valve, and (f) means for fluidicaUy coupling the pump to a hydrauUc fluid powered device.
16. A portable winch, comprising
(a) a frame for transporting the winch,
(b) a means for securing the frame to a fixed object,
(c) a pump fluidicaUy coupled to
(d) a fluidic motor mechanicaUy coupled to
(e) a rotatable cable spool to which cable is attached and
(f) a level-wind mechanism for guiding cable onto the spool.
17. A cable quick release connector for releasibly attaching a cable to a loop, comprising
(a) pincers for connection to the cable, the pincers having abutting surfaces and adjacent sloping surfaces and being selectively closable to grasp the loop by encircling a portion of the loop as the abutting surfaces of the pincers meet inside the loop and the adjacent sloping surfaces of the pincers together form an acute V-shaped cradle to receive a portion of the loop and
(b) a shroud journaled to sUde on the cable to a position encircling the pincers and thereby holding them closed or other positions clear of the pincers that permit the pincers to open and release the loop.
18. The cable quick release of claim 17, wherein the pincers comprise two generaUy L-shaped arms, each terminating in a jaw having one of the abutting surfaces and one of the adjacent sloping surfaces and each pivoted on a common axis to open so that the abutting surfaces are separated or close so that the abutting surfaces are in contact.
19. The cable quick release of claim 17, wherein the shroud comprises a tube with a conical end having a coaxial tunnel through which the cable passes.
20. The cable quick release of claim 17 further comprising a means for selectively fixing the shroud on the cable.
21. The cable quick release of claim 17 further comprising a set screw and plug within the conical end of the shroud to contact the cable within the coaxial tunnel for selectively fixing the shroud on the cable or controlling passage of the cable through the shroud.
22. The connector of claim 17 wherein first longitudinal opposed portions of the shroud-contacting surfaces of the L-shaped arms are paraUel when the arms are closed and second longitudinal opposed portions of the arms converge when the arms are closed.
23. A cable quick release connector for releasibly attaching a cable to a loop, comprising
(a) pincers for connection to the cable, the pincers comprising (1) two generaUy L-shaped arms selectively pivotable on (2) a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a hole to receive the cable transverse to the axis, and
(3) a means for fixing the cable to one of the arms, each of which arms terminates in a jaw having an abutting surface and an adjacent sloping surface positioned so that the abutting surfaces are in contact when the arms pivot closed to grasp the loop by encircling a portion of the loop as the abutting surfaces meet inside the loop and the adjacent sloping surfaces together form a V-shaped cradle to receive a portion of the loop and (b) a round, one-piece, constant diameter, tubular shroud having a conical end and a coaxial cable tunnel in the conical end, which shroud is journaled to sUde on the cable to
(1) a position encircling the pincers and at least a portion of the loop, thereby holding the pincers closed and shielding the loop from contact with obstructions, or
(2) other positions clear of the pincers that permit the pincers to open and release the loop.
24. The connector of claim 23 further comprising a set screw and plug proximate the conical end of the shroud to contact the cable within the coaxial tunnel for selectively fixing the shroud on the cable or controlling passage of the cable through the shroud.
PCT/US1992/011206 1991-12-23 1992-12-23 A portable winch mounted on a backpack frame WO1993013006A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/812,428 US5474278A (en) 1991-12-23 1991-12-23 Backpack mounted device for moving loads
US812,428 1991-12-23
US81785592A 1992-01-06 1992-01-06
US817,855 1992-01-06

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US5275452A (en) 1994-01-04

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