Patent ID: 7922153
Filing Date: 2011-04-12
Classification: B66D

Abstract:
1. A variable speed winch comprising: a drive shaft; a power source configured to rotate the drive shaft; a single gear operation lever; a variable gearing system in rotational connection with the drive shaft, the variable gearing system configured to change gearing based on the rotation of the single gear operation lever; a drum in rotational connection with the variable gearing system; a clutch axis assembly coupled to the gear operation lever such that when the gear operation lever is rotated the clutch axis assembly is rotated, the clutch axis assembly having a gear positioning knob extending from a surface of the clutch axis assembly; a clutch housing having a helical slot, the clutch axis assembly received in the clutch housing such that the gear positioning knob of the clutch axis assembly extends through the helical slot of the clutch housing; and a cam clutch gear having an internal clutch positioning groove, the clutch housing received in the cam clutch gear such that the gear position knob extending through the helical slot of the clutch housing is received in the clutch positioning groove, wherein rotation of the operation handle moves the gear positioning knob of the clutch assembly in the respective helical slot of the clutch housing and in the clutch positioning groove of the cam clutch gear to change gearing of the variable speed winch.