Abstract:
An apparatus and a system for improving rope tie downs is provided. The apparatus includes a new design whereby the apparatus has a thick walled nylon, aluminum and/or stainless steel body, with a tangential rib opposing the face wheel. The apparatus may have a gear on the wheel with a spring loaded cam for rotation which may allow for proper engagement of the cam along the tangential ribs of the wheel.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/084,490 filed Jul. 29, 2008, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Generally, ratchets include a gearwheel or linear rack with teeth, and a pawl. The pawl may be a spring-loaded pivoting mechanism that interacts with the teeth of the gearwheel to permit motion, linear or rotation, in one direction while preventing the opposite motion. The teeth or the pawl may be curved so that the pawl may slide up and over each tooth in turn, while the spring forces the pawl back into the depression of the next tooth permitting smooth motion in one direction. However, when the gearwheel is moved in the opposite direction, the angle of the pawl causes it is to catch against a tooth and prevents further motion. 
         [0003]    Generally, ratchets are used with cords, such a rope, metallic cables, etc., that wrap around a spool. The spool may be integrated with the gearwheel, and therefore include teeth located circumferentially around the edge of the spool. The teeth then interact with the pawl to permit rotation in one direction to tighten the cord and prevent rotation in the other direction. The pawl may include a thumb release to permit selective rotation of the spool in either direction. A hook or other securing member may also be included to anchor the ratchet. 
         [0004]    Known ratchets include many parts, including the ratcheting function parts, the supporting structure parts of the spool, the thumb release parts, and the hook. Additional parts increase the time and costs attendant with manufacturing and assembling each ratchet. Alternatively, the operating surfaces of the cord engaging spool usually abrade and destructively compress the cord resulting in reduced tensile strength and possible catastrophic failure of the cord after a short period of use. The armature supporting the spool is also generally a relatively small diameter that imposes significant forces per unit area of the supporting housing and results in a likelihood of catastrophic failure. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates to an apparatus and a system for improving rope tie downs. The apparatus includes a new design whereby the apparatus has a thick walled nylon, aluminum and/or stainless steel body, with a tangential rib opposing the face wheel. The apparatus may have a gear on the wheel with a spring loaded cam for rotation which may allow for proper engagement of the cam along the tangential ribs of the wheel. 
         [0006]    To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus is provided. 
         [0007]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide a ratchet for use with a cord, the ratchet comprising: a first and second body rotatable coupled to one another to form a housing, wherein the first body can swing with respect to the second body to permit access to an interior of the housing; and a wheel, coupled to the housing, having first and second sections that have interior faces forming a cavity to support the cord. 
         [0008]    In another exemplary embodiment, comprising an opening in the housing to permit the cord to enter and exit the interior of the housing, wherein the opening is smaller than a diameter of the wheel. 
         [0009]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the housing is secured in a closed position by a push button. 
         [0010]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the housing is secured in a closed position by bearing lock pins. 
         [0011]    In another exemplary embodiment, comprising at least one pulley coupled to housing at a cord access hole in the housing to reduce frictional wear on the cord from rubbing against the housing. 
         [0012]    In another exemplary embodiment, comprising at least one pulley coupled to housing and positions to keep the cord in contact with more than half of a circumference of the wheel. 
         [0013]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the interior face of the first section has a plurality of first ribs and the interior face of the second section has a plurality of second ribs to grip the cord, wherein the plurality of first and second ribs project into the cavity between the first and second sections. 
         [0014]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the plurality of first and second ribs extend generally from a center of the first and second sections to an edge of the first and second sections. 
         [0015]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the plurality of first and second ribs are flared. 
         [0016]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the plurality of first and second ribs are rectilinear. 
         [0017]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the plurality of first and second ribs are non-radial. 
         [0018]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the plurality of first and second ribs are non-radial, rectilinear, and flared. 
         [0019]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the plurality of first and second ribs form a generally V-shaped profile within the cavity between the first and second sections. 
         [0020]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the interior faces of the first and second sections are textured to further grip the cord. 
         [0021]    In another exemplary embodiment, further comprising a cam coupled to the housing to reduce slipping between the cord and wheel. 
         [0022]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the cam is spring loaded to permit the cam to rotate away from the wheel. 
         [0023]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the cam is spring loaded to permit the cam to slide away from the wheel. 
         [0024]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the cam is rotatable coupled to housing, wherein an axis of rotation of the cam is off centered. 
         [0025]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the cam is configured to permit the wheel to rotate in one direction and permit the cord to easily pass, but grip the cord when the wheel rotates in an opposite direction. 
         [0026]    In another exemplary embodiment, further comprising a pawl coupled to the housing, wherein the pawl permits the wheel to rotate in one direction but prevents rotation in a reverse direction. 
         [0027]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the pawl includes at least two teeth to interferingly engage a set of teeth on the wheel to prevent the rotation in the reverse direction. 
         [0028]    In another exemplary embodiment, further comprising a shoulder in the housing to support a notch in the pawl when the ratchet is support weight and the pawl is preventing the rotation in the reverse direction. 
         [0029]    In another exemplary embodiment, wherein the pawl includes a thumb release for selectively limiting rotation of the wheel. 
         [0030]    In another exemplary embodiment, further comprising a handle coupled to the housing. 
         [0031]    In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus may be provided whereby the apparatus may be constructed of aluminum. 
         [0032]    Another exemplary embodiment is an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may be constructed of stainless steel. 
         [0033]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may be constructed of nylon. 
         [0034]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may be constructed of G10 material. 
         [0035]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may be constructed of any suitable rigid material. 
         [0036]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus is able to support large weight capacities with fewer mechanical parts. 
         [0037]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus may have a fixed housing access for a rope. 
         [0038]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a swing able housing for rope access. 
         [0039]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a spring loaded button on the wheel. 
         [0040]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a spring loaded button on the cam to release the housing. 
         [0041]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a spring loaded button to release the housing allowing the housing to swing freely, to an open position and easily close and lock. 
         [0042]    An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may be easier to use than prior art applications. 
         [0043]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may be easier to use and may have higher weight capacities than prior art applications. 
         [0044]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a secondary tooth design to add to a wedging against the housing screw shoulder for additional support. 
         [0045]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a “V” notch for additional support and to stop the breaking of the gear or tip of the pawl. 
         [0046]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a wheel with opposing face ribs. 
         [0047]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus may have a plurality of ribs whereby the ribs flare out at the end of each rib to increase holding capacities. 
         [0048]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have at least one tangential rib. 
         [0049]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a wheel whereby the wheel may have a pattern of puzzles, ridges, ribs, spikes, knurled or starts to aid in gripping the rope with the cam under tension. 
         [0050]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a handle. 
         [0051]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a plurality of handles for rotating the wheel or a gear with a cam. 
         [0052]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a plurality of handles for rotating the wheel or the fear with a cam, whereby the handles are mounted inside the housing and a handle mounted outside the housing may attach to the axis of the wheel. 
         [0053]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide a ratchet having a mold formed primarily of plastic elements. 
         [0054]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus, whereby the apparatus may be non-corrosive having a minimal amount of parts. 
         [0055]    In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus, whereby the apparatus may have a minimal amount of parts thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. 
         [0056]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may be usable in harsh environments without fear of deterioration. 
         [0057]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus is to assemble by sonic welding. 
         [0058]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a spool for a ratchet, which spool has a large diameter supporting journal to reduce the load density of forces imposed. 
         [0059]    A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system for a rope tie down apparatus whereby the apparatus may have a spool for a ratchet having a pair of wheels mechanically aligned and welded with one another to ensure their positional relationship. 
         [0060]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
         [0061]    Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described herein, and will be apparent from the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0062]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including the housing. 
           [0063]      FIG. 2A-2B  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including an alternate embodiment of the housing. 
           [0064]      FIG. 3A-3C  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including an alternate embodiment of the housing. 
           [0065]      FIG. 4  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including an alternate embodiment of the housing. 
           [0066]      FIG. 5A-5E  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the presenting invention, including a pawl. 
           [0067]      FIG. 6A-6D  illustrates a representative pawl according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0068]      FIG. 7  illustrates a blown up view of the ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0069]      FIG. 8A-8D  illustrates a representative wheel, according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0070]      FIG. 9A-9E  illustrates a representative cam, according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0071]      FIG. 10A-10E  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including the cam. 
           [0072]      FIG. 11A-11B  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including a handle. 
           [0073]      FIG. 12A-12B  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including an alternate embodiment of the handle. 
           [0074]      FIG. 13A-13C  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including an alternate embodiment of the handle. 
           [0075]      FIG. 14A-14B  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including an alternate embodiment of the handle. 
           [0076]      FIG. 15A-15D  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including a handle and pulley system. 
           [0077]      FIG. 16  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including a disengage bar. 
           [0078]      FIG. 17  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including a pulley. 
           [0079]      FIG. 18  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including an alternate embodiment of the pulley. 
           [0080]      FIG. 19  illustrates a ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, including a come along. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0081]    In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this invention. 
         [0082]    Generally, ratchet assembly includes housing  1 H, enclosing a wheel  1 W, one or more pawls  5 P, and one or more cams  9 C. Wheel  1 W supports a cord and provides easy rotation of the cord. Wheel  1 W generally includes a gear with teeth that engagingly interacts with pawl  5 P to permit smooth rotation in one direction, but catches to prevent the opposite rotation. Cam  9 C applies pressure on the cord against the wheel  8 W, and may include additional gripping features to increase the friction against the cord and reduce slipping. The pawl  5 P and cam  9 C may be separate components or combined, integrated, or coupled together. Ratchet assembly may further include one or more pulleys  17 P to assist in directing the cord and reduce cord wear through rubbing against the housing. Alternately or in combination, a disengage bar  16 D may further direct the cord out of housing  1 H. A come along  19 C may also be included to support the incoming cord weight and provide easier rotation of wheel  8 W. To provide further tension on the cord, a handle  11 H may be coupled to rotate wheel  8 W. An alternate handle may be used including a cam  9 C to provide an additional locking mechanism. Housing  1 H, wheel  8 W, pawl  5 P, cam  9 C, pulley  17 P, disengaging bar  16 D, come along  19 C, and handle  11 H are used generally to refer to the various components according to embodiments described herein. The embodiments of these components may be used singularly or in combination. 
         [0083]    Housing  1 H, illustrated in various embodiments in  FIGS. 1-4 , may be opened by rotating one body part with respect to another to permit easy access to the interior of the housing for loading. The housing  1 H may rotate about the axis of one of the housing corners, the hook, or the wheel. Housing  1 H may include various locking mechanisms to ensure the housing stays closed during use, such as push button lock, bearing locking pins, detents, etc. 
         [0084]    Wheel  8 W, illustrated in  FIG. 8 , supports the cord and is generally permitted to rotate in only a single direction, thereby holding tension on a line. Wheel  8 W may be coupled to housing  1 H through a bearing race surface to permit easy rotation. Wheel  8 W includes interior facing sides to contact cord with surface features to grip the cord. The interior facing sides may include ribs that generally flare as they approach the outside perimeter of the wheel. The cross section of the interior space may be generally V or U shaped to grip the cord as it is pushed against the wheel by cam  9 C. 
         [0085]    Pawl  5 P, illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 , engages the teeth of the wheel gear to permit easy motion in one direction while preventing the opposite motion. The pawl  5 P includes a double tooth design to increase the support surface area and thereby increase the load weight. The pawl  5 P may also include a V-notch behind the teeth to further support the pawl  5 P, which rests against a corresponding shoulder of housing  1 H. Pawl  5 P may also include a release mechanism to permit Cam  9 C, various embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 10 , may be included to provide additional pressure against the cord and increase the grip between the wheel and cord. The cam  9 C may be used as an additional safety stop, holding the cord in tension. The cam surface may be textured to increase the grip between the cord and cam. The outside edge of the cam, in contact with the cord, may be shaped in a U or V shape. The U shape may be an indention into the edge of the cam to create a half void space when in position against the wheel. The V shape may be an outward extension of the outer edge of cam to correspond with the interior of the wheel profile. The cam&#39;s outer edges may also be tapered. The cam may be spring loaded to provide additional pressure against the cord and wheel, but may be moved by a handle or thumb release to permit easy access between the cam and wheel to load the assembly. 
         [0086]    Pulleys  17 P, various embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 17-19 , may be included to direct the cord to increase the potential gripping surface between cord and wheel  8 W. Pulleys  17 P also provide a smooth rotation surface for cord as it passes through housing  1 H, reducing wear through rubbing against the housing. Pulleys  17 P may be spring loaded to further provide access to wheel  8 W during loading, or may provide an additional safety stop mechanism when the cord is under tension. Pulley  17 P may be used to further support the incoming side of the cord to provide easier rotation of wheel  8 W. 
         [0087]    Although embodiments of the invention may be described and illustrated herein in terms of separate components, it should be understood that embodiments of this invention are not so limited, but may be used in various combinations for the desired application. Furthermore, although embodiments of the invention may be described and illustrated herein in terms of a ratcheting pulley assembly, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention are also applicable to other applications including general ratcheting systems, such as clocks, capstans, turnstiles, spanners, winders, cable ties, jacks, hoists, etc. Embodiments of the various components may be combined to reduce the total components, such as, the cam and pawl integrated into single part. 
         [0088]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate exemplary ratchet pulley assemblies  10  according to embodiments of the invention representing various alternate embodiments of the housing assembly  1 H. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the housing  1 H of the ratchet  10  may be essentially pear shaped to provide a lateral balance from the point of suspension of the ratchet from the hook  122 . The body may alternatively be substantially triangular, tear-drop shaped, or any combination therebetween. In order to secure the cord with the ratchet, the terminal end of the cord is inserted through the bottom opening on the left side of the wheel  8 W. The wall of the interior of the housing  1 H may be curved to form a cavity within which the wheel is housed. The housing may include openings to enhance insertion of the cord by permitting manual rotation of the wheel in the clockwise direction. The terminal end of the cord is brought out from within the housing through the bottom opening. 
         [0089]    However, in another exemplary embodiment, instead of feeding the cord through the opening in the bottom of the ratchet, housing is in multiple parts that may be opened, permitting direct access to the interior of housing  1 II to load the cord around wheel  8 W. The housing may include locking mechanisms to secure the housing while in use. The locking mechanisms may be disengaged to permit the housing parts to rotate relative to each other. For example, one or more lock pins, or a spring loaded button on the spool or cam may be used separately or in conjunction to allow the housing the spool to swing freely, to an open position which allows for the cord to be threaded therethrough and may be easily closed and locked when not in use. The use of the lock pins allows for easier use of the ratchet along with stronger capabilities of same. 
         [0090]    Generally, ratchet pulley assembly  10  has a housing  1 H,which includes two pieces, a front housing  102  and a back housing  103 . A wheel  1 W may be rotatably coupled to the back housing  103 , which may support and accommodate a cord (not shown). Also coupled to the housing  1 H may be a cam  9 C and/or pawl  5 P through a spring  107 , which is held in place by screws  106 . The components, wheel, cam, and pawl, may be coupled to housing  1 H generally by any devices known in the art, such as screws, rivets, snap fits, etc. In one embodiment, a hook  122  may extend from the upper end of the housing  1 H to secure the ratchet to an anchor, or the like. 
         [0091]    The housing may also be fixed, or swingable to simplify the access to the cord. A button on the wheel or cam may be used to release the housing allowing it to swing freely, to an open position and easily closed and locked. Pins, screws, or shoulder rivets may be used to assembly the housing in a fixed or swingable position. 
         [0092]    The bottom of the ratchet assembly  10  may include one or more openings (not shown). The cord may be partially wrapped about the wheel  1 W with a first end and a second end exiting through the same or different openings. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the wheel  1 W such that the cord is urged radially inward about the wheel  1 W. Therefore, when a force is applied to the cord on either end of the cord, a greater length of the cord will stay in contact with the wheel to mechanically engage the cord with the wheel and reduce slippage. Housing  1 H may also include housing supports or pulleys, described in further detail later, to additionally direct the cord path. 
         [0093]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the housing assembly.  FIG. 1A  is a front view of the ratchet pulley assembly  10 , where the front housing  102  swings away from the back housing  103  to permit access to the interior of the ratchet body, as indicated by arrow  133 .  FIG. 1B  illustrates a profile view of the same assembly. The front housing  102  may swing about rivet  112 , which couples the front housing  102  to the back housing  103  and the hook  122 . Therefore, instead of feeding the cord through a bottom opening in the housing  1 H to wrap around the wheel  8 W and back out of the housing, the front housing  102  may be swung open to permit direct access to the wheel  8 W. Rivet  112  may be a ball bearing spring pin. Alternatively, the body  103  may include a rod, which may be coupled to housing  103  or integrally formed with the housing. 
         [0094]    The housing  102  and  103  may include one or more pull lock pins at the bottom of the wheel  8 W. By pulling the locking pins, the front housing  102  may release from the back housing  103  to permit rotation. In one embodiment, the back housing  103  and front housing  102  may include one or more bearing locking pin holes  129 . In  FIG. 1A , two bearing locking pin holes  129  are shown at the bottom of ratchet body  102  and  103  on either side of wheel  8 W. A locking pin  129 A may then be used with these pin holes  129  to secure the front housing  102  to the back housing  103  to prevent relative motion during use. 
         [0095]    The wheel  8 W may additionally include a push button  130  to permit the wheel to release from housing  102 . The front housing  102  may also include a curved plate surface  131  to allow the push button wheel  130  to engage and disengage. As seen in  FIG. 1B  the push button  130  may extend exterior of front housing panel  102 . The front housing  102  may be held in place, preventing rotation relative to the back housing  103  by this push button. The push button  130  may then be depressed to permit the front housing  102  to slide past the wheel  8 W and open the housing, exposing its interior. The front panel  102  may include a curved surface  131  that covers the push button  130  when the housing is closed. The curved surface  131  of the front panel  102  may be of a flexible material to permit depression and therefore disengage the push button  130  from housing  102 . The push button  130  and wheel  8 W may be coupled to the back housing  103  by screw  112 , or rivet, or other means known in the art. 
         [0096]    As seen in  FIG. 1A , the cam  9 C may move outside the perimeter of the back housing  103 . This permits easier loading of the cord when the front housing  102  is open; the cam  9 C may be rotated outside of the housing  103  perimeter, thereby increasing the space between the cam  9 C and the wheel  8 W. A cord may then be easily loaded into the ratchet before the assembly  10  is closed, by returning the cam  9 C against the wheel  8 W and closing the front panel  102 . The back housing  103  may also include a thumb release  132  to permit the cam  9 C to move outside of the back housing  103  when the front housing  102  is open. The thumb release  132  may be used to easily release and rotate the cam to a desired loading or engaged positions. Thumb release  132  is coupled to cam  9 C by pin  132 B. Pin  132 B is permitted to slide along groove  132 A in housing  103  to rotate cam  9 C to the desired position. Spring  107  may be coupled to cam  9 C to bias cam against wheel  8 W when engaged. 
         [0097]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a side view, while  FIG. 2B  illustrates a profile view of alternate embodiments of the ratchet pulley assembly  10  according to embodiments of the invention, including alternate embodiments of the housing  1 H. The ratchet assembly  10  includes a front body  102  and back body  103 . Front body panel  102  may swing in direction of arrow  233 , rotating about the lower corner of the ratchet assembly  10 , as opposed to the hook connection at the top of the assembly. Again the housing may include a locking mechanism, which may include a push pin, detachable pin, screw, detent with mated contours for a friction fit, etc., to prevent the housing from opening during use. As seen in  FIG. 2 , a locking pin  129 A with bearing is used with bearing locking pin hole  129 . 
         [0098]    In one embodiment, a locking mechanism may be included. For example, a push button  225  coupled to cam  9 C mount or push button  221  coupled to hook  122  mount may engage housing  102  and prevent rotation during use. To permit easy release of the front housing  102 , the front housing may include a lock hole  224  for a push button release  225  in the cam  9 C to lock the housing  102  with  103 . The front housing  102  may also include a locking track  208  from the lock hole  224  to the edge of the housing  102  to permit easier release of the bush button  225 . Locking track  208  may couple with push button  225  by a head that fits the groove opposite the housing to lock the front panel  102  with the back housing  103 . In another embodiment, a housing hook pin  221  is included with a wash head to latch in the front housing  102 . The front housing  102  may include an additional lock hole  224 B with housing track  208 B. The housing hook pin  221  may latch in the track  208 B or hole  224 B or may lock with a ball bearing spring loaded connection with the hole  224 B. 
         [0099]    The locking mechanisms described above, including the push button for the cam  225  with lock hole for push button release  224 , and housing hook pin  221  with lock hole  224 B may be used in conjunction to ensure the front housing  102  is securely locked to the back housing  103  during use. These locking mechanisms may alternatively be used independently so the housing is coupled together by either the push button  225  on the cam  9 C or the housing hook pin with latch  221  to secure the front housing  102  to the back housing  103 . Alternatively, a hex  223  on wheel  8 W may alternatively be used to secure the front housing  102  with the back housing  103 , and may be used to rotate wheel  8 W to increase tension in cord (not shown). 
         [0100]    The ratchet pulley system  10  may also include a pulley  17 P. The pulley may be the joint where the front housing  102  pivots to swing away from the back housing  103 . The pulley may be coupled to the front  102  and back housing  103  in any manner that permits the front housing to rotate about the pulley. As seen in  FIG. 2B , the pulley  17 P is coupled to the housing by a screw  206 . The housing also may include a slide hole  227  for the pulley to permit additional flexibility in loading the ratchet and access to the interior. 
         [0101]      FIG. 3A-3C  illustrates a representative alternate embodiment of the ratchet body  1 H according to aspects of the invention.  FIG. 3A  illustrates a side view of a ratchet pulley assembly  10  according to aspects of the invention including alternate housing embodiments. Front housing  102  may move with respect to back housing  103  as indicated by arrows  333 A and  333 B, rotating about the center of wheel  8 W. Wheel  8 W is coupled to housing  102  with a screw or bolt  314 , as seen in  FIG. 3A , or with a rivet  112 , as seen in  FIG. 3B . Cam  9 C may be attached with a pin  309  that includes a head designed to fit in indention  309 A on the back housing  103  to lock the housings  102  and  103  together. The housing may include two rivets  112 , one on each housing  102  and  103 . The rivets  112  may be used to couple hook  313  to the housing and anchor the ratchet system. When the housing is closed, the two holes for rivet  112  may align to support hook  313 . 
         [0102]      FIGS. 3B and 3C  illustrate representative profile views of ratchet assembly  10  of  FIG. 3A , where  FIG. 3B  illustrates the ratchet assembly in an open position and  FIG. 3C  illustrates the ratchet assembly in a closed position. Cam  9 C is coupled to housing  103  by a lock pin  311  including a pin  309  with head to fit a groove  308  in the opposite housing  102  to lock the housing together. Housing  102  includes a hook or main weight carrying area to support hook point  315 . When the housing is closed, housing support cover  316  of back housing  103  is adjacent to the main support  317 . Each housing  102  and  103  may include a locking mechanism to secure the front housing  102  with the back housing  103  when in the closed position. For example, housings  102  and  103  may include bearing locking pin holes  129  to engage locking pin  129 A. 
         [0103]      FIG. 4  illustrates a representative ratchet pulley assembly  10  according to aspects of the invention including alternative embodiments of the housing  1 H.  FIG. 4  is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in that the two housing sections  102  and  103  may rotate relative to each other about the center of wheel  8 W as indicated by arrows  433 A and  433 B. Housing  102  and  103  includes hooks  410  integrally formed with the housing. 
         [0104]    The housing may be constructed of moldable plastic material. However, it should be understood that the housing may be constructed of any suitably rigid material which may be able to withstand sufficient loads imposed thereon. Other suitable materials may include nylon, delrin, or any of the other known or to be developed plastic materials having high strength characteristics. In one embodiment, the housing is a carbon fiber glass filled nylon. Preferably, the housing is approximately, and particularly is approximately 43% carbon fiber glass filled nylon. The housing may alternatively be fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel, nylon, G10 material. The desired component materials need not necessarily be the same, but may be chosen to add to the structural support of the unit, providing the design with greater weight capacities with fewer parts. The housing may be coupled together through any coupling methods known in the art, such as, welding, gluing, rivets, detent, screws, snaps, or any combination thereof 
         [0105]      FIGS. 5A-7  illustrate representative ratchet assembly  20  including pawl  5 P according to various embodiments of the invention. Pawl  5 P is generally used to engage with teeth on wheel  8 W and permit rotation in a single direction. Pawl  5 P includes a double tooth design to increase the surface contact to reduce the stress on the pawl when supporting a load in a locked position. The pawl  5 P may also include a wedge to rest against a shoulder of housing  1 H to further support the pawl. Pawl  5 P may be spring loaded, where the pawl is biased to an engaged position with wheel  8 W, but may be removed to permit the wheel to rotate freely. 
         [0106]      FIG. 5A-5E  illustrates a representative ratchet pulley assembly  20  according to embodiments of the invention, including the pawl  5 P or trigger.  FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the ratchet pulley assembly  20 ,  FIG. 5B  is a side view,  FIG. 5C  is a top view looking down at the pawl, and  FIGS. 5D and 5E  are cut away views from perpendicular angles, where  FIG. 5D  is an open sided view with pawl trigger, and  FIG. 5E  is cut in half. 
         [0107]    Ratchet pulley assembly  20  includes housing  1 H, as previously described. Pawl  507  interacts with wheel  509  to permit motion in only one direction. Spring  511  is used to bias the pawl  507  against the wheel  8 W. A push button release  508  may be included to release the pawl  507  from the wheel  8 W to permit rotation in either direction. Pulley  17 P may also be included. 
         [0108]      FIG. 6A-6D  illustrates a representative pawl  5 P, as seen in  FIG. 5D .  FIG. 6A  is a perspective view,  FIG. 6B  is a side view,  FIG. 6C  is a top view, and  FIG. 6D  is a front view. Pawl  507  includes a thumb or finger engagement surface  601 . Pawl  507  also includes a secondary tooth design  602 A and a V-notch  604 . Teeth  602  and  603  engage with corresponding structures on wheel  8 W to permit the wheel to freely rotate in one direction, but catch, preventing rotation in an opposite direction. The teeth may be curved on a bottom side  603 A, similar to a wave form, to reduce resistance with the wheel  8 W as the teeth slide over ribs of the wheel. Two teeth  602  and  603  increase the surface holding to wheel, preventing the wheel from rotating backwards, therefore, increasing the potential load of the device. V-notch  604  wedges against corresponding housing shoulder  604 A. The wedging against the housing shoulder supports the pawl and reduces the potential to break off the gear or tip of the pawl. Therefore, preventing this from being a weak point in the product. The load limit of the assembly may be increased to about 760 pounds from a 400 to 500 pound maximum. 
         [0109]      FIG. 7  is a blown apart view of the ratchet pulley assembly of  FIG. 5 . Housing  1 H is in two parts, coupled together by screws  716 , enclosing the rest of the components. Ratchet  20  may include pulley  17 P coupled between the housing  1 H panels. Pawl  507  is biased against wheel  8 W by a spring  511 . A release push button  508  may be coupled to pawl  507  to release the pawl  507  from the wheel  8 W. The release button  508  is biased with spring  717 . Wheel  8 W may be coupled to the housing  1 H by screw  714  and nut  712  along with wheel grip plate  710 . 
         [0110]      FIG. 8A-8D  illustrates a representative wheel  8 W according to embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 8A  is a profile of wheel  8 W illustrating the interior of the wheel surface  804 . Wheel  8 W includes a bearing  801  or race surface on either side of the wheel  30 . The bearing  801  is adjacent to a gear  802  on one side of the wheel  8 W. The interior facing sides of the wheel  8 W includes a wheel surface  804  configured to grip the cord. Along the perimeter of the wheel interior is a wheel edge support  820 . 
         [0111]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a perspective view of the two parts of the wheel  8 W according to aspects of the invention, separated from each other. The wheel surface  804  on both sides of the wheel are the interior adjacent faces of the wheel  8 W. On the wheel surface  804  are ribs  803  to better grip a cord and prevent slippage during use. On the exterior facing sides of wheel are bearings  801 . Adjacent to the bearing  801  and on the backside of the wheel surface  804  on one face is a gear  802 . The gear  802  includes teeth to engage the pawl  5 P and limit motion to a single rotational direction. Through the center of the wheel  8 W is a screw hole  806  to couple the wheel  8 W parts together and to the ratchet housing  1 H. At the center of the wheel surface  804 , axially aligned and centered with the screw hole  806 , are corresponding hex key  805 . Represented as a hex key  805 , this surface can be any compatible surface to reduce slippage between the wheel parts. As illustrated, one face includes a hex key  805 A that is sunken into the piece, while the other face include a corresponding hex key  805 B emerging from the piece to couple with the adjacent face and form a friction fit. 
         [0112]    The ribs  803  may flare out at the end of the rib toward the periphery of the wheel surface  804 , which forces the cord to engage the opposite face. The additional grip provided by the rib flare increases the wheel hold capacity by approximately  280  pounds. The ribs  803  may include a profile projecting into the interior space between opposing faces  804 . This profile may be generally V-shaped, where the rib projections  803  are greater near the center of the wheel than at the edges. As discussed later, cam  9 C, may include a corresponding V-contour to fit within the wheel interior. Rib interior profile may alternatively be U-shaped with an inverted corresponding pawl shape, so when the two come together they form an ovoid or circular cross section for the cord, just under the cord diameter. 
         [0113]    In the pieced wheel design, the cam support prevents the wheel from separating, extending the longevity of the device. 
         [0114]    An alternate embodiment may include a unitary wheel design. In this embodiment, the wheel is an extrusion of a single piece solid heavy duty material. The flared rib concept may be combined with extruded abilities to form the same tangential rib in a one piece wheel. The bosses of the wheel may additionally pressed into close ball bearings for smoother rotation when they are pressed into the hub of the housing. A unitary wheel provides extra strength when the wheel is under pressure since separation in the V groove, where the cord forces down between the wheel, is eliminated. To improve carrying weight load, wheel  8 W may be a solid based wheel with a sealed bearing and press in pin for a smoother rotation. The wheel may include a V shaped or a light U cut into the center to hold the rope in place under rotation and a V face wheel with the same width as the cam for a solid surface grip without crushing the rope. 
         [0115]      FIG. 8C  illustrates a surface of wheel  8 W including various patterns to aid in gripping the cord when the cam  9 C is under tension. These surface features may be used in combination or alone to increase the gripping effect of the wheel. For example, the surface of the wheel may have a pattern of puzzles  808 , ridges, ribs or tangs  807 , step tangs  809 , spikes, knurls, or stars  810 , or other raised or gripping surface. 
         [0116]      FIG. 8D  is a side view of the wheel  8 W looking toward gear  802 . Gear  802  includes teeth to engage the pawl  5 P to permit easy rotation in one direction, but to interfere and prevent rotation in the opposite direction. The teeth may be in a wavelike pattern where one side is curved to permit the corresponding teeth of the pawl, as seen in  FIG. 6 , to easily slide over the gear surface. The adjacent tooth face may also be curved so that there is an overhang to provide a better interference surface to engage the teeth of the pawl. The wheel  8 W may include holes  819  for screws to help support the wheel flex. Four holes are illustrated in  FIG. 8C  but any number may be used to support the wheel. The wheel  30  may also include set pins  818 . 
         [0117]    In one embodiment, Wheel  8 W is a reverse cam bearing for one way-push button. Wheel  8 W is a bearing gear system, whereas a push of the button allows the wheel to forward for tension or reverse to loosen like the radion bearing ¾″ ratchets on the market by pushing the forward or reverse button allows the bearing to roll in one direction, or pulling roll in the other direction. 
         [0118]      FIG. 9A-9E  illustrates a representative cam  9 C according to embodiments of the invention, which interacts with the wheel of  FIG. 8  to increase cord grip between the wheel and cam. The cam  9 C may have a outer edge surface that is shaped and textured to improve cord grip. The outer edge surface may be U-shaped, V-shaped, or straight. The surface may additionally include corresponding patterns and designs as the wheel to better grip the cord.  FIG. 9A  illustrates a representative cam  9 C with a U-shaped outer edge groove  812 . The U-shape profile is inverted, cutting into the cam interior body, so that when the wheel and cam are aligned, the cross-sectional space between them is generally circular, oblong, ovoid, or similarly shaped to accommodate the cord.  FIG. 9B  illustrates the cam  9 C with U-shaped outer edge grove  812  including various gripping patterns. The surface of the cam  9 C in contact with the cord or wheel may include various patterns to increase the grip between surfaces. For example, a star pattern  813  or other raised surface may be used; other gripping surfaces may include varying puzzle patterns  814 A or  814 B, spikes  815 B, knurled pattern  815 , or other friction increasing surface.  FIG. 9C  illustrates a cam  9 C with V-shaped tapered outer edge surface  811 . The patterns may be on the outer edge of cam  9 C or may also be on the sides of the cam including the tapered portion  811 .  FIG. 9D  illustrates different profile embodiments of the cam&#39;s  9 C outer edge surface, including a square profile with and without tapered edges. 
         [0119]    As seen in  FIGS. 9A and 9C , the cam  9 C may be in a half moon shape.  FIG. 9E  illustrates a representative cam  9 C in a circular shape including V-shaped outer edge surface with tapered sides  811  and surface patterns including knurled pattern  815 , puzzle pattern  814 B, and stars  813  on the outer edge surface as well as the tapered edge surface. Cam  9 C may include an offset hole  825  to couple to housing  1 H by pin, screw, rivet, or other device. The offset hole, used to couple the cam to the housing permits the cam to permit the cord to pass easily when the wheel is rotated in one direction. However, when the wheel rotates in the opposite direction, the cam is pulled against the cord thereby putting pressure between the cord and the wheel to prevent slipping. 
         [0120]      FIG. 10A-10E  illustrates a representative ratchet pulley system according to embodiments of the invention including alternate embodiments of cam  9 C. Cam  9 C may be round or half moon shaped with an off-set hole  1022 . Cam  1015  may additionally include a thumb grip. Ratchet pulley assembly may includes hook  1001 , pawl  5 P coupled to housing  1 H with pawl pin  1003 , wheel  8 W coupled to housing with ratchet drive socket  1014 , pulley  17 P, and cam  9 C coupled to housing with rivet  1021 , according to embodiments of the invention. 
         [0121]      FIG. 10A  illustrates cam  9 C according to embodiments of the present invention included in a ratchet assembly  40 . In one embodiment, cam  1015  includes a U grove, as described above, on its outer edge. Cam  1015  may be coupled to housing  1002  by various devices known in the art. For example, cam  1015  may be coupled by screws to secure the cam to the housing. Alternatively, cam  1015  may be coupled to housing  1 H by rivet screw pin, which provides an axis of rotation for the cam. The cam couple may also include bearing and race to provide smoother rotation. The coupling may also include spring  1006  to permit the cam  1015  to rotate and press against the wheel  8 W as indicated by dashed line  1015   a.  By permitting the cam  1015  to rotate or slide away from the wheel, the cord may be easily positioned inside the ratchet assembly  40 . 
         [0122]    As seen in  FIG. 10B , an alternate embodiment of cam  1015  may include handle  1019 . Handle  1019  may be used to rotate the cam  1015  away or against the wheel  8 W as indicated by dotted line  1019   a.  The handle  1019  may be integrated with cam  1015  or may be fitted over the cam. For example, handle  1019  may snap over cam  1015  and therefore remain removable. Handle  1019  may be used as a safety feature where a particular position of the handle locks the cam  1015  in place, but may include an emergency release. The cam handle may also include a tensioning device, such as a screw, to adjust the tension on the cord in a locking position. The handle may also include an unlocking free-wheeling position to place the handle out of the way. 
         [0123]      FIG. 10C  illustrates an alternate embodiment of ratchet pulley assembly  42  including handle  1017 . Handle  1017  couples the cam  9 C to pawl  5 P to release and engage the ratchet pulley system  42  in one motion  1024 . When the handle  1017  is lifted, the pawl  5 P and cam  9 C will release to permit wheel  8 W to rotate freely and disengage cord (not shown). When the handle  1017  is lowered, the pawl  5 P and cam  9 C simultaneously engage wheel  8 W and cord to secure cord and ratchet system. Handle  1017  may be jointed and couple to cam and pawl to permit relative rotation at the joint. For example, pawl  5 P may be coupled to handle  1017  by a snap fit  1018 , while cam  9 C is coupled to handle  1017  by a screw  1005   a.    
         [0124]      FIG. 10D  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the ratchet pulley assembly  44  according to embodiments of the invention including cam  9 C coupled to hook  1019 . The body  1002  may include a housing guide  1020  to support the hook body  1019  coupled to housing by screws or rivets  1005 . 
         [0125]    The cam  9 C is coupled to hook  1019  by rivet  1011 , pivots about  1021  to contact wheel  8 W and engage cord (not shown). Once under pressure, the weight on the ratchet pulley assembly  44  engages the cam  9 C. The more weight or tension on the system, the more grip of the cam and wheel. The cam and wheel may also include a textured surface to further increase its grip, including knurled grip, puzzled pieces, spikes, pyramid triangle teeth, stars, (all ranging in height and size) as disclosed above. 
         [0126]      FIG. 10E  illustrates a representative ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the present invention where the cam  9 C is permitted to move. The cam  9 C is a spring loaded  1006 . Cam  9 C is permitted to move along gear channel  1012  for axis of cam roller. Cam  9 C engages the cord with a push of your thumb along with the pulling tension of the cord, sets the cam to lock position, stopping the cord from continuing through the unit. 
         [0127]      FIG. 11A-11B  illustrates ratchet pulley assembly  50  according to embodiments of the invention including a handle  11 H. Ratchet pulley assembly  50  may include one or more cams  9 C and one or more pawls  5 P.  FIG. 11A  illustrates a cam  9 C and pawl  5 P adjacent one another, with a pair on both the top and bottom side of the wheel  8 W. Wheel  8 W includes gear  1101  with teeth to interact with pawl  5 P. Therefore, cord  1115  enters housing  1 H, wraps around wheel  8 W, while cam  9 C pushes the cord again the wheel to increase the grip. The cord  1115  continues around the wheel  8 W and is held against the wheel by a second cam  9 C 2 , thereby increasing the total circumference of the wheel in contact with the cord and increasing the total frictional grip between the cord and wheel. 
         [0128]      FIG. 11A  illustrates one embodiment of the handle  11 H. Handle  1108  couples to the wheel  8 W through housing  1 H and may be used to rotate the wheel. Alternatively, the handle  1108  may be coupled to the gear with a cam. As illustrated, the handle  1108  is coupled to the wheel  8 W on the outside of the housing  1 H and is attached to the axis of the wheel. The handle may be used in conjunction with the pawl  5 P and cam  9 C to positive drive the wheel  8 W and gear  1101  forward and to aid in the ease of the release of the cord by allowing the user to slowly reverse the pull of the rope to release tension. Handle  1108  may include a rubber coated portion  1110  for comfort. 
         [0129]      FIG. 11B  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the pulley ratchet assembly  50  with handle  11 H, which permits the user to crank the ratchet increasing tension in cord  1115 . Ratchet pulley assembly  50  includes four pulleys  17 P to ensure that the cord rests against the wheel  8 W. Handle  1108  rotates about wheel axis and includes a pawl  5 P 2 . Main pawl  5 P includes a trigger or thumb release  1128  and act as the main lock. Pawls  5 P and  5 P 2  are spring loaded  1106 . 
         [0130]      FIG. 12A-12B  illustrates an alternate embodiment including handle  11 H coupled to secondary cam  9 C 2  and including separate main cam  9 C and pawl  5 P. Cam  9 C interacts with wheel  8 W and cord  1115 , while pawl  5 P interacts with gear of wheel  8 W. Handle  1208  may be covered with a comfort grip  1210 , such as rubber. Handle  1208  lies inside housing  1 H, with secondary cam  9 C 2  and pawl  5 P 2  coupled to handle  1208 . Pulley  17 P may also be coupled to housing  1 H to direct the cord. 
         [0131]      FIGS. 13A-13C  illustrate alternate embodiment of handle  11 H, where  FIG. 13A  illustrates in an open position with the handle down,  FIG. 13B  illustrates the handle in transition, and  FIG. 13C  illustrates a closed position where the handle is up. When the handle is open, as in  FIG. 13A , the main cam  9 C and secondary cam  9 C 2  may be engaged or disengaged. When the handle  11 H is up or closed, as in  FIG. 13C , the main cam is locked by the handle against the wheel or cord. 
         [0132]    The second cam  9 C 2  is coupled directly to handle  1308  by screw  1305 . Handle  1308  is coupled to wheel  8 W by a screw  1305 , and a hex key  1312  may be used to hold the handle in place. Cam  9 C 2  may be spring loaded to ensure pressure again cord and wheel. Handle  1308  may also include a groove  1309  with release  1309  to release the spring cam  9 C 2  and permit the cam to rotate away from the wheel. Alternatively, when the handle is raised, the cam rolls back free, and when the handle is pulled forward the cam rolls forward to engage the grip in the cord  1315  and the wheel allowing the pressure to rotate the wheel to tension to rope pulling the weight or load tighter. Housing  1 H may include groove  1311  near the bottom to act as a stop and to prevent release of the main cam. 
         [0133]    Main cam  9 C is shown in an outline in  FIG. 13B , which may also be spring loaded  1306 . Housing  1 H may include a groove  1313  to accommodate a pin  1313 A coupled to cam  9 C. Cam  9 C may rotate about is axis, which is the axis coupled to the housing. Handle  1308  may also include an indention  1317  to interact with pin  1313 A to lock the pin in position and therefore position the main cam  9 C when the handle is raised. When the handle  1308  is lowered, the spring  1306  biases main cam  9 C against wheel  8 W and engage cord. 
         [0134]      FIG. 14A-14B  illustrates an pulley ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the invention including handles to lock the pulley preventing movement in either direction. Cord  1415  enters housing  1 H through a space in the bottom. Housing support  1412  may be included to close the entrance gap and direct the cord. The cord  1415  then wraps around wheel  8 W. The wheel  8 W is permitted to rotate in only a single direction, as pawl  5 P interferingly engages with teeth  1408  on the wheel gear. Spring  1407  is round with tails to bias pawl  5 P against wheel  8 W while permitting pawl  5 P to slide over teeth  1408 . Pulley  17 P Cord  1415  then passes by cam  9 C before exiting the housing  1 H. Housing  1 H may include housing support wall  1411  for a cam lock stop. 
         [0135]    Wheel  8 W may be coupled to handle  1406 . Handle  1406  may be used to rotate wheel  1401  and increase the tension on cord  1415 . The hex  1413  of wheel  8 W supports handle  1406  and permits the handle to rotate. The handle  1406  is coupled to cam  9 C by pull spring  1407 . When the handle  1406  rotates to tighten the cord  1415 , the rotation of the handle reduces the pull on the spring  1407 , which releases pressure on cam  9 C and permits the cord to move through the housing exit. When the handle  1406  is rotated in the opposite direction, the spring  1407  pulls against cam  9 C, and the cord  1415  is caught between the cam  9 C and the housing support  1411 , preventing the cord to slip. The ratchet may also include a cam lock handle  1409 , which puts pressure against cam  9 C regardless of wheel handle  1406  location preventing cord movement. 
         [0136]      FIG. 15A-15D  illustrates a representative pulley ratchet assembly according to embodiments of the invention including an alternate embodiment of the handle  11  H.  FIG. 15  illustrates the use of a cam handle  1522 A applying pressure on a swing arm  1524  that reaches across the bottom of the assembly and couples to the right pulley  17 P, where the second swing arm  1525  couples to the left pulley  17 P 2 . When cam handle  1522 A is engaged, the system pushes the cord into the center bottom cord separator or stop block  1535 , which may be textured, such as by ridges, puzzles, stars, triangles, pyramids for gripping. This provides the unit a locking safety ability. 
         [0137]      FIG. 15C  illustrates the pulley ratchet assembly of  FIGS. 15A and 15B  including a gear on the outside of pulley  17 P and  17 P 2 , with a round pin to roll in the wing arm  1524 , permitting the pulley assembly to move and engage the cord with the center surface. Cam handle  1522 A. In this embodiment, ratchet assembly also includes pulley arm  1524  that pulls when the cam handle  1522 A is engaged. As seen in  FIG. 15C , pulley arm  1524  may include a guide strip cut out at its end near the cam handle  1514  to allow a short pulley arm pin to move freely. The short pulley arm  1525  includes a pin that is pushed inward when the cam is engaged to force the pulley to engage the center cord striper  1535  and lock both ropes in position. Pulleys  17 P and  17 P 2  may also be coupled to molded gear channels  1526  for pulleys to roll in to and from center. 
         [0138]      FIG. 15D  is a bottom view illustrating a curved plate  1520 . A screw tensioning cam handle  1522  permits tension adjustments on the cord while locked, or permits an unlocked free wheel position that permits the handle  1522  to be placed out of the way. This embodiment includes a curved base bottom plate  1520 , with corresponding housing humps  1523  with grooves to support opposite side for curved base lock at the cam handle. Cam handle  1522  is used to adjust thread rod to curved base to lift in to lock position. Coupled to housing  1 H and cam handle  1522  and curved buse bottom plate  1520  is a spring and threaded adjustable screw  1521 . As the cam handle  1522  is rotated, the curved buse bottom plate  1520  is either moved toward or away from the cam handle, thereby squeezing or releasing the cord between the bottom plate  1520  and associated housing humps  1523 . Therefore, the cord is permitted to move freely or be locked in place. 
         [0139]      FIG. 16  illustrates a representative ratchet pulley with a disengage bar  1618 . Disengage bar  1518  is coupled to housing  1 H by rivet  1614 . Cord  1615  coils around wheel  8 W, while pawl  5 P interact with gear  1601  to permit the cord to move in only one direction. Disengage bar  1618  pulls the rope out of wheel  8 W to exit the housing  1 H. 
         [0140]      FIG. 17  illustrates pulley ratchet system  60  according to embodiments of the invention, including pulleys  17 P. Pulleys  17 P may be coupled to housing  1 H by screws  1705 . Pulley  17 P at the bottom of the housing  1 H, may be both on the right and the left side of the wheel  8 W or just the front or right side of the wheel  8 W. Pulley  17 P will ease the flow of the cord  1709  rather than allow the cord to rub or drag under friction across the housing  1 H surfaces while engaging the cord in the wheel. 
         [0141]      FIG. 18  illustrates a free flowing one direction pulley cam to help lock the cord in place once tension has been reached. Cam  9 C is spring loaded  1806  against wheel  8 W. Pulleys  17 P and  17 P 2  direct cord  1815  around wheel  8 W. Pulley  17 P 2  is permitted to move along gear channel  1802  for bottom housing gripping for safety and loading. 
         [0142]      FIG. 19  illustrates a ratchet pulley assembly including additional wheel bearing surfaces to add strength. Cord  1909  wraps around bearing wheel pulley  17 P 3  at least once, but may be multiple times, then continues around the wheel  8 W with the cam lock and half side, full side, inside, or outside mounted handle  1912  for rotating the wheel in either direction. Bearing race pulley  17 P 3  supports the cord weight on the entry side of ratchet assembly reducing the backward pull on wheel  8 W. Bearing race pulley  17 P 3  is permitted to support the main tensions being applied, the weight, allowing the wheel  8 W to work on gripping the cord  1909  and to tension device. Pulley  17 P 2  on the opposing side of the wheel  8 W is a cam pulley. When the ratchet assembly is in use, pulley  17 P 2  is in a free-wheeling open position. The pulley  17 P 2  can be pulled up to lock the cord  1909  between pulley  17 P 2  and wheel  8 W. Opposing faces of pulley  17 P 2  and wheel  8 W may include ridges to lock the cord once tightened. 
         [0143]    It is important to note that ratcheted pulley apparatus embodies numerous novel features that, individually and in combination, distinguish it from prior art of ratchets. As such, it may be characterized in a number of ways using one or more of such features. The following paragraphs provide some exemplary characterizations, but the list is not exhaustive as other combinations are contemplated and would be readily apparent to one of average skill in the art after reading the disclosure.