Patent ID: 7325773
Filing Date: 2008-02-05
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
1. A kite winch comprising: a first shaft coupled to a first sprocket wheel; a second shaft coupled to a second sprocket wheel, the second sprocket wheel having a larger diameter than the first sprocket wheel; a chain coupling both sprocket wheels; a spool for retaining kite string around the second shaft; a handle coupled to the first shaft: a locking pin to selectively lock the second sprocket wheel to hold the string at a constant length; adjustable chain tensioners to reduce slack in the chain by exerting at least a slight pressure on the chain; and a clip to allow a kite to be coupled and decoupled from the kite string on the spool, wherein when the handle is turned, the first sprocket wheel engages the chain which in turn engages the second sprocket wheel thereby turning the spool allowing the kite to be pulled-down with reduced effort, wherein the first sprocket wheel is a ratcheting sprocket wheel comprising an internal ratcheting mechanism to selectively allow rotation in one direction and to allow the handle to operate as a ratchet, wherein the kite winch further comprises: a receiver at an end of either the first or the second shafts, the receiver to receive either a square or hexagonal insert for an electric hand-held drill; mounting braces and a mounting platform to separate and to support the first and second shafts; and a plurality of ground-coupling wedges to couple the mounting platform to earth, wherein the locking gin is coupled to one of the mounting braces, wherein the one or more chain tensioners is coupled to one of the mounting braces, wherein the handle and the first and second shafts comprise plastic or PVC pipe, wherein the mounting braces, the mounting platform and the ground-coupling wedges comprise wood, and wherein a first of the chain tensioners is mounted on one side of the one mounting brace and a second of the chain tensioners is mounted on an opposite side of the one mounting brace.