Patent ID: 7686282
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: B66D

Abstract:
1. 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.