Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide pulley apparatuses that can be easily incorporated into block-and-tackle configurations. In some embodiments, a rope can be easily dropped into place and removed, rather than having to be threaded in. For example, the pulley housing can include a rope channeling structure near the end opposite the aperture, and the rope channeling structure can facilitate introducing the rope into engagement with the wheel and/or removing the rope from engagement with the wheel. In some embodiments, the rope channeling structure can prevent the rope from inadvertently becoming removed from the pulley. Some pulley apparatuses can comprise a minimal number of parts, which can significantly simplify the manufacturing process and provide for a more consistent final product.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This document relates to various pulley apparatuses and, more particularly, to pulley apparatuses that can be used in block-and-tackle configurations (as well as the associated configurations, methods, kits, etc.). 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There are many situations in which relatively heavy objects must be lifted and/or suspended (and/or lowered under control). For example, hunters must often suspend heavy animals (e.g., from a tree) for cleaning purposes; furniture and other heavy objects must be loaded onto trucks; trunks/crates must be moved to attics or garage lofts; portions of smaller vehicles (e.g., ATVs) must be lifted for purposes of changing a tire or pulled out of a stuck situation; and so on. In many instances, even a strong individual is unable to lift the objects in the desired manner. 
         [0003]    The same can hold true when someone wants to introduce an optimum amount of tension in a line of some sort. For example, during the construction of a barbed-wire fence, the wire must be pulled tight to create a viable fence. Pulling the wire tight can be difficult or impossible for even a strong individual. 
         [0004]    One mechanism that can aid in lifting such objects and/or pulling such objects tightly is a block-and-tackle configuration. Block-and-tackles involve arranging one or more pulleys in relation to a fixed object and feeding rope through the pulleys in such a way as to create a mechanical advantage. In this way, by pulling the rope over a longer distance, a greater lifting force can be achieved. 
         [0005]    In many instances, configuring a block-and-tackle can present difficulties. Feeding the rope through the pulley(s) and/or attaching the load to the block-and-tackle can pose challenges that limit the usefulness and/or applicability of block-and-tackles. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the present invention provide pulley apparatuses that can be easily incorporated into block-and-tackle configurations. In some embodiments, the pulley can be fixed via its hook and/or via its aperture. In some embodiments, a rope can be easily dropped into place and removed, rather than having to be threaded in. For example, the pulley housing can include a rope channeling structure near the end opposite the aperture, and the rope channeling structure can facilitate introducing the rope into engagement with the wheel and/or removing the rope from engagement with the wheel. In some embodiments, the rope channeling structure can prevent the rope from inadvertently becoming removed from the pulley. In some embodiments, the pulley can be hung by the aperture, the hook, or both. In some embodiments, the hook can be weighted such that it always hangs down (unless otherwise acted upon). In some embodiments, the hook can be oriented at various angles relative to the aperture (e.g., 180 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.). In some embodiments, the wheel&#39;s axle and the hook can be integrally formed of the same material. Some such embodiments can result in increased strength, improved performance, and/or reduced manufacturing costs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a pulley apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the pulley apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the pulley apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4A-4D  are isometric views of a pulley apparatus like that of  FIGS. 1-3  in connection with a rope. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the pulley apparatus of  FIG. 1 , with the hook assembly being rotated relative to the support structure. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6A-6B  are an isometric view and a side view, respectively, of a pulley apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a block-and-tackle kit according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a tie-down tensioning device that can be implemented in embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 9A-9C  illustrate a method of creating a block-and-tackle according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate a method of creating a block-and-tackle according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a block-and-tackle according to embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a block-and-tackle according to embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The following detailed description is illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 1-3  show a pulley apparatus  10  according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the pulley apparatus  10  includes a support structure  15 , a hook assembly  20 , a wheel  25 . Some embodiments can include a clipping mechanism  26  for securing the support structure  15  with the hook assembly  20 . In some embodiments, the pulley apparatus  10  can assist in raising and/or lowering objects by providing a mechanical advantage, as is discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein. The pulley apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  comprises only four parts, which can significantly simplify the manufacturing process and provide for a more consistent final product. 
         [0022]    The support structure  15  of the pulley apparatus  10  can support the other components of the pulley apparatus  10 . In some embodiments, the support structure  15  can include first and second opposed end sections  32 ,  34 , along with first and second opposed side members  27 ,  30  extending between the first and second end sections  32 ,  34 . In many embodiments, the first and second opposed side members  27 ,  30  include substantially solid panels. In some embodiments, all of the support structure  15  is integrally formed of the same material. In such embodiments, the support structure  15  can be a strip of sheet metal bent into a desired shape. In many embodiments, the first end section  32  of the support structure defines an aperture  36 . In many embodiments, the portion of the first end section  32  that defines the aperture  36  is generally parallel to the first and second opposed side members  27 ,  30 . In some embodiments, the portion of the first end section  32  that defines the aperture  36  is generally perpendicular to the first and second opposed side members  27 ,  30  (e.g., with the first end section  32  being twisted go degrees). As is discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, in some embodiments, the support structure  15  can include a hook assembly anchor  38 . 
         [0023]      FIGS. 4A-4D  show a pulley apparatus  410  like that of  FIGS. 1-3  in connection with a length of rope  412  to illustrate how the rope  412  can be inserted into the pulley apparatus  410 . The pulley apparatus  410  has a support structure  415 , which has a second end section  434 . As shown, in certain preferred embodiments, the second end section  434  can include a rope channeling structure  440 . The rope channeling structure  440  can assist in inserting rope  412  into the pulley apparatus  410 , as well as inhibiting rope  412  already inserted from being accidentally removed from the pulley apparatus  410 . The rope channeling structure  440  can include a first segment  442  extending from the first side member  427  and a second segment  444  extending from the second side member  430 . The first and second segments  442 ,  444  can together define an entrance portion, an exit portion, and a narrower restrictor portion.  FIG. 3  shows the entrance portion  316 , the restrictor portion  317 , and the exit portion  318  defined by the pulley apparatus  10  of  FIGS. 1-3 . Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , in some embodiments, the first and second segments  442 ,  444  of the rope channeling structure  434  curve toward one another from the respective side members  427 ,  430  in defining the exit portion and curve back away from one another in defining the entrance portion. In some such embodiments, the restrictor portion can include a location at which the first segment  442  is nearest the second segment  444 . 
         [0024]    As noted,  FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate how a length of rope  412  can be inserted into the pulley apparatus  410 .  FIG. 4B  shows how the entrance portion can be configured to channel the rope  412  toward the restrictor portion upon entrance into the pulley apparatus  410 . The restrictor portion can be configured to inhibit rope channeled to it from passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the support structure  415  is configured to hingedly flex, with the first support structure end section  432  serving as a hinge and the first and second segments  442 ,  444  being configured to be pressed apart. In some such embodiments, the rope  412  can press the first and second segments  442 ,  444  apart to pass through the restrictor portion. As shown in  FIGS. 4C-4D , the rope  412  can engage the wheel  425  and be moved into an operational position. 
         [0025]    To remove the rope  412  from the pulley apparatus  412 , the process previously discussed can be reversed. The rope  412  can be removed from the operational position and disengaged from the wheel  425 . The exit portion can be configured to channel the rope  412  toward the restrictor portion upon exit from the pulley apparatus  412 . The rope  412  can be pulled through the restrictor portion, thereby removing the rope  412  from the pulley apparatus  412 . The restrictor portion can inhibit the rope  412  from being accidentally removed from the pulley apparatus  412 , which can be beneficial during setup and/or operation of the pulley apparatus  412 . In many embodiments, an operator must intentionally pull the rope  412  through the restrictor portion in order to remove the rope  412  from the pulley apparatus  412 . 
         [0026]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , in some embodiments, the pulley apparatus  10  can include a hook assembly  20  coupled to the support structure  15 . The hook assembly  20  can be configured to hang the pulley apparatus  10  from an object (e.g., a tie-down tensioning device, as is discussed elsewhere herein) and/or to hang an object (e.g., some type of weight) from the pulley apparatus  10 . The hook assembly  20  can include a hook  50  configured to hook the pulley apparatus  10  to the object and/or to hook the object to the pulley apparatus  10 . The hook assembly  20  can include a wheel axle  55  extending between the first and second opposed side members  27 ,  30  of the support structure  15 . The hook assembly  20  can include a shaft  60  connected on one end to the pulley hook  50  and on an opposed end to the wheel axle  55 . In some embodiments, all of the hook assembly  20  is integrally formed of the same material (e.g., by bending a metal rod into a desired shape). In many embodiments, the hook  50  of the hook assembly  20  is positioned opposite the first end section  32  of the support structure  15 . 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the hook assembly is rotatable relative to the support structure  15  about the axis ( 61  in  FIG. 2 ) defined by the wheel axle ( 55  in  FIGS. 2-3 ). The hook assembly  20  can be released from the hook assembly anchor  38  of the support structure  15  and rotated to any desired position. In many instances, this rotatability can make assembly of the pulley apparatus  10  significantly easier, with one step being inserting the wheel axle  55  into the first side member  27 , into the central bore  63  of the wheel (discussed further elsewhere herein), and out of the second side member  30 , another step being securing the wheel axle  55  (e.g., with clipping mechanism  26 ) to prevent the hook assembly  20  from disengaging, and a third step being rotating the hook assembly  20  to engage the hook assembly anchor  38 . Assembly in this manner can be considerably easier in terms of alignment of the various components. If the desired position of the hook assembly  20  is 180 degrees opposite from the support structure aperture  36  (which is often the case), the hook assembly  20  can engage the hook assembly anchor  38 , according to some preferred embodiments. The hook assembly anchor  38  (which is often part of the first segment  42  of the rope channeling structure  34 ) of the support structure  15  is configured to align the hook  50  of the hook assembly  20  opposite the aperture  36  of the support structure  15 . 
         [0028]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , the pulley apparatus  10  can include a wheel  25 , which can be positioned between the first and second opposed side members  27 ,  30  of the support structure  15 . The wheel  25  can be configured to rotate about the axis  61  defined by the wheel axle  55  of the hook assembly  20 . The wheel can include a central bore  63  interfacing with the wheel axle  55  of the hook assembly  20 . The wheel  25  can include a groove  64  extending around a circumference of the wheel  25  and being configured to receive rope (as is shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B ). 
         [0029]      FIGS. 6A-6B  show a pulley apparatus  610  according to embodiments of the present invention. In many ways, the pulley apparatus  610  of  FIGS. 6A-6B  is similar to the pulley apparatus  10  of  FIGS. 1-3  and the pulley apparatus  410  of  FIGS. 4A-4D . Referring again to  FIGS. 6A-6B , the pulley apparatus  610  can include a support structure  615  (such as those discussed elsewhere herein), a hook assembly  620  (such as those discussed elsewhere herein), and two wheels  624 ,  625  (such as those discussed elsewhere herein). As shown, both wheels  624 ,  625  are positioned between the first and second opposed side members  627 ,  630  of the support structure  615 . Both wheels  624 ,  625  can be configured to rotate about the axis  661  defined by the wheel axle  655  of the hook assembly  620 . In many embodiments, both wheels  624 ,  625  include a central bore that interfaces with the wheel axle  655  of the hook assembly  620 . In many embodiments, both wheels  624 ,  625  include a groove  664 ,  665  extending around a circumference of the wheel  624 ,  625  and being configured to receive rope. Although two wheels  624 ,  625  are shown, pulley apparatuses according to embodiments of the present invention can include one wheel, two wheels, three wheels, four wheels, or any suitable number of wheels, depending on the particular application. 
         [0030]      FIG. 7  shows a block-and-tackle kit according to embodiments of the present invention. The kit can include a length of rope  712 , one or more pulley apparatuses  710  (such as those discussed elsewhere herein), a tie-down tensioning device  713 , and a tie-down hook  714 . As is discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, the tie-down hook  714  can be adapted to hook into a second tie-down aperture  716 . In some embodiments, the kit can include instructions for creating a block-and-tackle out of the rope  712 , the pulley apparatus(es)  710 , the tie-down tensioning device  713 , and the tie-down hook  714 , according to methods discussed elsewhere herein and/or other suitable methods. Although one pulley apparatus is shown, block-and-tackle kits according to embodiments of the present invention can include one pulley apparatus, two pulley apparatuses, three pulley apparatuses, four pulley apparatuses, or any suitable number of pulley apparatuses, depending on the particular application. 
         [0031]      FIG. 8  shows an illustrative tie-down tensioning device  813  (split open to expose the interior) that can be used in block-and-tackles according to embodiments of the present invention. In many embodiments, the tie-down tensioning device  813  can include a housing  809 . The housing  809  can include first and second housing end sections  871 ,  872 . The first housing end section  871  can define a first tie-down aperture  817 . In many embodiments, the pulley apparatus&#39;s pulley hook ( 50  of  FIGS. 1-3 ) can be configured to hook into the first tie-down aperture  817 . The second opposed housing end section  872  can define a second tie-down aperture  816 . In some embodiments, the housing  809  can include both a rope inlet  873  and a rope outlet  874  in the first housing end section  871 . In many embodiments, the housing  809  can include a rope path  876  from the rope inlet  873  to the rope outlet  874 . In some such embodiments, the rope path  876  can pass through the second housing end section  872  around the second tie-down aperture  816  and/or through a clam cleat  877 . Tie-down tensioning devices such as those discussed herein are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,428,769 (titled “Tie Down Tensioning Device” and assigned to Tie Boss LLC, the owner of the present invention), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 9A-9C  and  10 A- 10 C show methods of creating a block-and-tackle according to embodiments of the present invention. A block-and-tackle can provide a mechanical advantage in lifting and/or lowering objects with a rope. An object can be lifted and/or lowered via the exertion of a force that is less than the weight of the object, provided that the force is applied over a longer distance. In many embodiments of the present invention, an object can be lifted (and/or lowered) by pulling a longer length of rope than would ordinarily be required with a force that is less than the weight of the object. Some methods of creating a block-and-tackle involve providing one or more pulley apparatuses (such as those discussed elsewhere herein) and a tie-down tensioning device (such as those discussed elsewhere herein). 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, methods of creating a block-and-tackle can include feeding a leading end  951  of a rope  912  through the tie-down tensioning device  913 . As is discussed elsewhere herein, in many embodiments, feeding a leading end  951  of a rope  912  through the tie-down tensioning device  913  involves feeding the leading end of the rope into the rope inlet, along the rope path, and out through the rope outlet. Most methods of creating a block-and-tackle further include fixing the tie-down tensioning device  913  to a stationary object (e.g., via tie-down hook  914 ). The tie-down tensioning device  913  (including the clam cleat— 877  in  FIG. 8 ) can aid in the pulling of the rope by inhibiting slippage. 
         [0034]    Many methods of creating a block-and-tackle according to embodiments of the present invention involve introducing an intermediate portion  953  of a trailing end  952  of the rope  912  to a first pulley apparatus  910 . As is discussed elsewhere herein, in many embodiments, introducing the intermediate portion  953  of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912  to the first pulley apparatus  910  involves contacting the entrance portion of the rope channeling structure with the rope, pressing the rope past the restrictor portion of the rope channeling structure, and positioning the rope in the first-wheel groove (see  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A- 4 D and corresponding discussion for additional detail). 
         [0035]    In many embodiments, methods of creating a block-and-tackle can include securing an end portion  954  of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912 . The end portion  954  of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912  can be affixed to a rope hook  990 .  FIG. 9C  shows how the end portion  954  of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912  can be secured by hooking the rope hook  990  into the first tie-down aperture  917  of the tie-down tensioning device  913 . With the end portion  954  of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912  being secured in the embodiment of  FIG. 9C , an object to be lifted can be coupled to the first pulley apparatus  910  (e.g., it can be hooked onto the hook  950  or the first pulley apparatus  910  can be oriented with the hook  950  pointed up (or rotated relative to the support structure) and the object can be hooked into the pulley aperture  936 ). The leading end  951  of the rope  912  can be pulled, which can cause the first pulley apparatus  910 , and the attached object, to move upwardly. Pulling the rope  912  a distance of x will cause the object to move upwardly by a distance of roughly x/2. If the object weighs y pounds, the rope  912  must be pulled with a force of y/2 pounds in order to lift the object. 
         [0036]    The method of creating a block-and-tackle illustrated in  FIGS. 10A-10C  involves multiple pulley apparatuses  910 ,  911 . As shown, the method can include hooking the pulley hook  949  of a second pulley apparatus  911  into the first tie-down aperture  917  of the tie-down tensioning device  913 . In this way, the pulley apparatuses  910 ,  911  can be oriented oppositely of one another in an operational block-and-tackle. After introducing the intermediate portion  953  of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912  to the first pulley apparatus  910  (see discussion elsewhere herein), a portion of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912  that is between the intermediate portion  953  and the end portion  954  can be introduced to the second pulley apparatus  911 . For example, as is discussed elsewhere herein, such introduction can involve contacting the entrance portion of the rope channeling structure with the rope, pressing the rope past the restrictor portion of the rope channeling structure, and positioning the rope in the groove (see  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A- 4 D and corresponding discussion for additional detail). 
         [0037]    As noted, methods of creating a block-and-tackle can include securing an end portion  954  of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912 .  FIG. 10C  shows how the end portion  954  of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912  can be secured by hooking the rope hook  990  into the pulley aperture  936  of the first pulley apparatus  910 . In some embodiments, the first pulley apparatus  910  can be weighted such that its pulley hook  950  naturally hangs downwardly and its pulley aperture  936  is oriented upwardly, thereby aiding in hooking the rope hook  990  into the pulley aperture  936  of the first pulley apparatus  910 . With the end portion  954  of the trailing end  952  of the rope  912  being secured in the embodiment of  FIG. 10C , an object to be lifted can be coupled to the first pulley apparatus  910  (e.g., it can be hooked onto the hook  950 ). The leading end  951  of the rope  912  can be pulled, which can cause the first pulley apparatus  910 , and the attached object, to move upwardly. Pulling the rope  912  a distance of x will cause the object to move upwardly by a distance of roughly x/3. If the object weighs y pounds, the rope  912  must be pulled with a force of y/3 pounds in order to lift the object. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the first pulley apparatus  1110  can include a second wheel (like the two-wheel pulley discussed in connection with  FIGS. 6A-6B ). After the rope  912  has been introduced to the first pulley apparatus  1110  and then the second pulley apparatus  911  (as is discussed elsewhere herein), the rope  912  can be re-introduced to the first pulley apparatus  1110 . Specifically, a portion of the trailing end of the rope  912  that is between the portion that was introduced to the second pulley apparatus  911  and the end portion  954  can be re-introduced to the first pulley apparatus  1110 . The rope  912  can be positioned into contact with the entrance portion of the rope channeling structure, and then pressed past the restrictor portion of the rope channeling structure, and then positioned in the second-wheel groove of the first pulley apparatus  1110 . In such a block-and-tackle configuration, the rope hook  990  affixed to the end portion  954  of the trailing end of the rope  912  can be hooked into the pulley aperture  1137  of the second pulley apparatus  911  to secure the end portion  954  of the trailing end of the rope  912 . The leading end of the rope  912  can be pulled, which can cause the first pulley apparatus  1110 , and an object attached thereto, to move upwardly. Pulling the rope  912  a distance of x will cause the object to move upwardly by a distance of roughly x/4. If the object weighs y pounds, the rope  912  must be pulled with a force of y/4 pounds in order to lift the object. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the second pulley apparatus  1211  can likewise include a second wheel  1296  (like the two-wheel pulley discussed in connection with  FIGS. 6A-6B ). After the rope  912  has been introduced to the first pulley apparatus  1110  and then the second pulley apparatus  1211  and then re-introduced to the first pulley apparatus  1110  (as are discussed elsewhere herein), the rope  912  can be re-introduced to the second pulley apparatus  1211 . Specifically, a portion of the trailing end of the rope  912  that is between the portion that was re-introduced to the first pulley apparatus  1110  and the end portion  954  can be re-introduced to the second pulley apparatus  1211 . The rope  912  can be positioned into contact with the entrance portion of the rope channeling structure, and then pressed past the restrictor portion of the rope channeling structure, and then positioned in the second-wheel groove of the second pulley apparatus  1211 . In such a block-and-tackle configuration, the rope hook  990  affixed to the end portion  954  of the trailing end of the rope  912  can be hooked into the pulley aperture of the first pulley apparatus  1110  to secure the end portion  954  of the trailing end of the rope  912 . The leading end of the rope  912  can be pulled, which can cause the first pulley apparatus  1110 , and an object attached thereto, to move upwardly. Pulling the rope  912  a distance of x will cause the object to move upwardly by a distance of roughly x/5. If the object weighs y pounds, the rope  912  must be pulled with a force of y/5 pounds in order to lift the object. 
         [0040]    Certain block-and-tackle configurations are provided in the drawings, but embodiments of the present invention can include block-and-tackle configurations that are not shown. For example, block-and-tackle configurations according to embodiments of the present invention can include one, two, three, four, or more pulley apparatuses. Pulley apparatuses used in block-and-tackle configurations according to embodiments of the present invention can include one, two, three, four, or more wheels. In some embodiments, all of the pulley apparatuses used in block-and-tackle configurations have the same number of wheels. In some embodiments, one or more of the pulley apparatuses used in a block-and-tackle configuration have a different number of wheels than one or more of the other pulley apparatuses used in the block-and-tackle configuration. The number of pulley apparatuses and the number of wheels per pulley apparatus often depends on factors such as the amount of force a user is likely able/willing to exert, an optimum length of rope to be used, the desired simplicity/complexity of the block-and-tackle configuration, and so on. 
         [0041]    In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Thus, some of the features of preferred embodiments described herein are not necessarily included in preferred embodiments of the invention which are intended for alternative uses.