Abstract:
A gas powered self-contained winch includes a combustion engine, a transmission assembly, a gear assembly and a clutch assembly connect to a spool capable of winding and unwinding a cable wire using forward and reverse drives. A hand controller communicates with the clutch assembly through a cable wire sufficient to control the winding and unwinding of the cable. Securing the winch for operation includes placing its center of gravity below the force line. A field changeable capstan option and remote control handle with throttle, power out lever, and kill switch are built in. A field installable hook float is provided for water rescue operations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/719,579, filed on Mar. 8, 2010, which is currently pending. The patent application identified above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention is generally directed to a winch, and in particular to a self-contained and portable adjustable torque winch. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A winch is typically a mechanical device used to pull in (or alternatively let out) a tensioned cable, wire, or cable. In its simplest form, a winch consists of a spool (that winds and unwinds) attached to a crank—which can either be hand or machine driven. Winches are often rigidly attached to an immobile object or heavy item such as a tow truck or steam shovel. 
         [0004]    Winches have various applications, which are determined largely by their size and underlying design considerations. Many are used for recreational purposes, such as the towing of cars, boats or gliders. Others help retrieve recreational vehicles, such as pulling a boat onto a trailer. They are also used to accomplish the backstage mechanics necessary to move scenery in theatrical productions—such as to move large set pieces between performances. A new generation of winches have surfaced for use in snowboarding, wakeboarding and wakeskating designed to pull riders swiftly across a body of water or snow to simulate a riding experience normally supplied by a snow mobile, boat or wave runner. 
         [0005]    Apart from recreation, winches also serve a very important role in the field of emergency rescue. Winches help remove debris and support recovery after various natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and fires. This includes the lifting and removal of concrete partitions or other items which may have fallen on or trapped survivors of a natural disaster. 
         [0006]    While various winches have been developed for purposes of emergency rescue, there exist numerous disadvantages and limitations in well known designs. For example, many winches today are add-on features to other motorized devices—typically chainsaws. One example of a chainsaw attachment is the “Lewis Winch.” While the device boasts a 150-foot cable capable of pulling a load of 4,000 pounds, the device has several drawbacks. Most notably is the fact it requires a significant amount of time to assemble the Lewis Winch onto a chainsaw. In addition to assembly time, the operator must stand and hold the chainsaw throttle to operate the device, which can place the operator in a compromised and dangerous position. 
         [0007]    While some all-in-one gas powered winches have been developed, these current systems also have multiple drawbacks—most notably their limited capacity due to design configuration. As one example, Chicago Power Tools, Inc. offers a winch that includes a  2 . 5  horse-powered four-stroke engine-which can pull a load of only 3,000 pounds. As a second example, Portable Winch Company offers a Honda® powered four-stroke engine that can pull 2,500 pounds at 60 feet per minute. Despite their larger engines both of the aforementioned examples suffer from relatively low load capacities and the fact that four-stroke engines must be kept upright to operate, which is often impossible in a rescue or off road situation. 
         [0008]    One of the key issues in rescue and recovery after an emergency is not only the ability to move large objects to search for and recover survivors—but also how to return these bulky objects to a resting place without risking the lives of still trapped or isolated survivors. For example, once a fallen concrete and steel beam is lifted to release a trapped survivor, it is often necessary to gently lower that fallen beam at the scene after the trapped victim is removed. A controlled release of such an object is important to ensure that the beam is not uncontrollably dropped, which may risk the safety of others still trapped. 
         [0009]    Current winch designs, including the three currently offered gas-powered winches discussed above, fail to allow for the controlled release of the cable tension and to allow a user to have sufficient control during release of the load. In addition, current winch designs fail to allow for a compact design which affords a durable transmission system that includes a clutch assembly capable of allowing controlled release of loads. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there is a need for an efficient gas powered compact all-in-one winch design that allows for controlled release of the cable, along with the ability to vary the torque, pulling rate and load capacity of winch. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention solves many of the current design limitations found in conventional winch designs. In one embodiment, the winch first includes an external casing having a first side wall, a corresponding second side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and a stabilizing bar. Located within the external casing is a two-stroke gas combustion engine, a transmission assembly, a gear assembly and a centrifugal clutch/brake assembly which in turn powers a spool. A pull-starter is used to initiate the engine. 
         [0012]    One transmission assembly may include a main transmission drive (having a first end and corresponding second end), as well as a power drive (also having a first end and a second end). The first end of the power drive connects to the combustion engine. The power drive contains a first power drive gear proximate the first end and a second power drive gear proximate the second end, both of equal size. In contrast, the transmission drive has a first transmission gear and larger second transmission gear. 
         [0013]    The transmission assembly is protected by a rigid transmission casing. Located on top of the transmission casing is a transmission knob connected to a cantilever via a shaft. By twisting the transmission knob, the cantilever rotates the shaft and toggles the transmission drive (moving it towards or away from the combustion engine). In one setting, the transmission drive engages the first transmission gear to rotate the transmission drive—providing a lower torque but a higher rate of rotation. In another setting, the transmission drive engages the second transmission gear—leading to a higher torque but slower rate of rotation for the transmission drive. 
         [0014]    A gear assembly connects to the transmission drive regardless of the toggle setting caused by turning the transmission knob. The gear assembly includes at least one planetary gear and at least one threaded ring. Each planetary gear has a plurality of sub-gears (located between a first plate and a second plate) capable of fitting into a recess within each respective threaded ring and capable of receiving the second end of the transmission drive. By rotating the transmission drive, each sub-gear engages threads within the threaded ring providing stability and efficient rotation—which in turn provides rotational power to the clutch assembly. These components are maintained and protected through a first mounting plate and a corresponding second mounting plate. 
         [0015]    A centrifugal clutch/brake assembly is connected to the transmission drive of the gear assembly. This assembly includes a first connecting gear which fits within a threaded clutch ring, which in turn can be engaged by a pivoting threaded arm member. A clutch cable connects with this threaded arm member, which is operated through a hand controller. By operating the hand controller, a user can apply pressure to the threaded arm member to pivot it onto the threaded clutch ring to control the rate of controlled release of the cable when under load. A clutch enclosure protects the various components of the clutch assembly and includes a rigid outer casing and a corresponding flat plate. 
         [0016]    Moreover, the assembly serves as both a centrifugal clutch and a resistive break. The clutch includes shoes which engage a drum once the two-stroke engine reaches a predetermined speed. A drum housing coupled to the drum output plate contains a brake tab coupled to the input shaft of the transmission assembly. Each of these brake tables on the output plate ensures that the transmission input shaft will not rotate backwards. This in essence provides braking power necessary to hold tension on the cable when not retrieving line. 
         [0017]    A spool located between the first side plate and second side plate connects with the gear assembly through at least one connecting gear emanating from the gear assembly. The spool winds and unwinds the cable. Located proximate the spool is a fairlead capable of directing and supporting the cable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a winch in keeping with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  is a right rear perspective view of the winch of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  is left rear perspective view of the winch including a hand held controller; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the various internal components of the winch including the transmission assembly, the gear assembly and two-stroke combustion engine; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is another exploded view of spool and fairlead; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the various components of the pull-starter; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the various gears that help drive the spool; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the transmission assembly; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the transmission assembly; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the preferred gear assembly; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the internal components of the preferred gear assembly; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the components of the second planetary gear; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the exterior of the clutch assembly; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the clutch assembly; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16  are right front, right rear, and left front perspective views, respectively, of a winch in keeping with teachings of improvements of the invention herein described; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a connector and cable extending from a fairlead of the winch, wherein a float attached proximate the connector allows the connector to be buoyed and float in water; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a right side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14  illustrating a pulling force line therethrough passing above a center of gravity thereof; 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a partial front perspective exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is an exploded view illustrating an improved spool power train operable with the winch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0038]      FIGS. 21 and 22  are left and right side perspective views, respectively, of a gearbox assembly employed in the winch of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0039]      FIGS. 23 and 24  are perspective and side views, respectively, of on opened gearbox assembly of  FIG. 22 , illustrating internal elements; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is an exploded view illustrating elements of the gearbox assembly of  FIG. 22 ; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a side view of a hand held remote control operable with the winch of  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
       Exterior Components of the Winch 
       [0043]      FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  2 B offer various perspective views of an exterior casing of one embodiment of a winch  100 .  FIG. 1  provides a perspective front view of the winch  100 . As shown, the winch  100  includes a first side wall  110  and a corresponding second side wall  120 , generally parallel to the first side wall  110 . The first side wall  110  is essentially flat and includes a front side  111  and a corresponding back side  112 . Likewise, the second side wall  120  is essentially flat and includes a front side  121  and a corresponding back side  122 . 
         [0044]    Located between both side walls  110 ,  120  is a top wall  130 . These three walls  110 ,  120 ,  130  help create a rigid and durable exterior casing  140  which helps protect and maintain various internal components  200  of the winch  100 . While the exterior casing  140  is preferably made of high strength aluminum, other similar lightweight but strong materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art can be used. 
         [0045]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the first side wall  110  and the second side wall  120  maintain a spool  150  which houses, winds, unwinds, releases and retracts a high strength cable  151 . The cable  151  (which can be any type of rope wire, or other similar high strength and tension device) is capable of connecting to a variety of connectors  152 . The connectors  152  can include various hooks, latches and similar attachments. Located at the front sides  111 ,  121  of the side walls  110 ,  120  is a fairlead  160 . The fairlead  160  includes a passage  161  and resting surface  162 . The function of the fairlead  160  is two-fold. First, it creates an opening to allow the cable  151  to release and retract from the winch  100 . Second, the resting surface  162  provides a strong structure where the cable  151  rests while it pulls, dislodges and moves various loads  250  during use. 
         [0046]    Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a pull-starter  170 , components of which are illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The pull-starter  170  includes a handle  171  that a user can pull to start a two-stroke gas powered combustion engine  500  (herein illustrated by way of example with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 3  and described below). In addition, a hard casing  172  is located and placed over the pull-starter  170  to help protect its various moving parts. 
         [0047]    While  FIG. 1  offers a view of the front end of the winch  100 ,  FIG. 2A  provides a perspective view of a corresponding back end. Positioned proximate to both back sides  112 ,  122  of the side walls  110 ,  120  are two rigid attaching members  113 ,  123 . The attaching members  113 ,  123  are in a parallel relationship to one another and include an attachment opening  114 ,  124  of sufficient size and dimension to allow a hook or other strong gripping device to cling to the winch  100 . This in turn creates a sufficient stable anchor in which the winch  100  can operate and move loads during use. A stabilizing bar  125  positioned between the attaching members  113 ,  123  helps provide lateral support. 
         [0048]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2A , the second side wall  120  includes a secondary gear casing  180 . This gear casing  180  helps protect the various moving gears that turn and power the spool  150 , which in turn helps retract and release the cable  151  as described earlier with reference to  FIG. 1 . Located on the top side wall  130  is a transmission knob  190 , described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 3 . The transmission knob  190  helps a user select a desirable setting regarding the amount of pulling capacity of the winch  100  as well as rate of acceleration of the cable  151 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 2B  is another perspective view of the winch  100 . As shown in this view, the winch  100  includes a hand controller  210 . The hand controller  210  acts as a throttle and slip clutch to help regulate not only the retrieval of the cable  151  but also its steady release. The hand controller  210  includes a pivoting trigger member  211  and a rotatable rate control instrument  212 . 
         [0050]    Attached to the hand controller  210  are two independent control cables  213 ,  214  which are encased in a controller tubing  215 . The first control cable  213  is connected to the pivoting trigger member  211  for controlling the rate of acceleration of the cable  151  when moving the loads  250 . The second control cable  214  is connected to the rotatable rate instrument  212  for regulating the rate of release of the cable  151 . The control cables are connected to the two-stroke gas powered engine  500  and clutch assembly  404 , illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  12  and  13  and discussed in greater detail below. 
       Interior Components of the Winch 
       [0051]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the various interior components  200  of the winch  100 . These interior components  200  are located between the first side and second side walls  110 ,  120  earlier described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2A . As further illustrated with reference to  FIG. 3 , these interior components  200  include a transmission assembly  300  operable with a gear assembly  400  and a two-stroke gas powered combustion engine  500 . A rigid bottom plate  220  provides a portion of the winch enclosure. The bottom plate  220  can optionally include the stabilizing bar  125 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 2A . The bottom plate  220  prevents debris from entering into the various components  300 ,  400 ,  500  and acts as a collection basin for any gas or oil residue from these components. A motor mount  230  secures the engine  500  to the bottom plate  220 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  illustrates one assembly including additional components of the winch  100 . As shown, the gear assembly  400  and related transmission assembly  300  are located proximate to the second side plate  110 . Protecting both of these assemblies  400 ,  500  is the top plate  130  and the bottom plate  220 . In addition, the stabilizing bar  125  is located between the first side plate  110  and second side plate  120 . 
         [0053]    With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , and as above described, the fairlead  160  helps direct the cable  151  as it retracts and releases from the winch  100 . Located behind the fairlead  160  is the rotatable spool  150  that maintains, winds, unwinds and houses the cable  151 . To the right of both the spool  150  and fairlead  160  is the second side wall  120 . 
         [0054]    With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the spool  150  connects to the second side wall  120  through a combination of three structures. First, there is a recessed groove  126  on the exterior of the second side wall  120  of sufficient size and dimension to allow the end of the spool  150  to be drawn through the second side wall  120 . Second, there is a spool bearing  127  that fits within the groove and connects directly to the end of the spool  150 . An end disk connector  128  also connects at the distal end of the spool  150 . The exterior dimension of the end disk connector  128  is sufficient to closely mate with dimension of the recessed grove  126 . The spool bearing  127  and end disk connector  128  help direct and assist in rotating the spool  150  as it draws the cable  151  in and out. These various components are protected through a rigid outer casing  173 . 
       The Pull-Starter 
       [0055]    With reference again to  FIGS. 1 and 4 ,  FIG. 5 , a detailed view of the components illustrates the pull-starter  170 . As shown, these components include a handle  171 , which connects to a starter cord  174 . The starter cord  174  feeds into pull starter casing  172 , which connects to the starter wheel  175 . The starter wheel  175  includes an inner groove  176  that helps house the wound starter string  174 . 
         [0056]    Located between the starter wheel  175  and the starter casing  172  is a coil spring  177 . At the distal end of the coil spring  177  is a bent prong  178 . The bent prong  178  attaches to the interior of the starter casing  172 . When a user pulls the starter string  174  through a grabbing of the handle  171 , the starter wheel  175  turns resulting in an uncoiling of the coil spring  177 . Upon releasing the handle  171 , the coil spring  177  returns to its normal setting, that causes the starter wheel  175  to likewise rotate back to its usual orientation. Put another way, drawing the handle  171  away from the winch  100  causes the starter wheel  174  to turn and release the wound starter string  174 —which also uncoils the coil spring  177 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 5  illustrates how the starter wheel  175  connects with a secondary coil spring  179 . Positioned around the secondary coil spring  179  is a drive connector  181 . The drive connector  181  connects the starter wheel  175  via a connecting bolt  183 . The drive connector  181  directly connects with the two-stroke gas powered engine  500 , described earlier with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
       The Spool Power Train 
       [0058]    While  FIG. 4  illustrated how the spool  150  connects with the first side panel  110 ,  FIG. 6  illustrates how the spool  150  connects with various gears that provide power to drive the spool  150 . At a distal end of the gear assembly  400  is a first connecting gear  153 . The first connecting gear  153  protrudes from the exterior of the second side panel  120  and connects with an end drive gear  154 . A chain tensioner  155  is used to set and maintain tension on a final drive chain  156 . The end drive gear  154  has a larger diameter in comparison to both the first connecting gear  153  and the chain tensioner  155  thus adding the final gear reduction of the power train. 
         [0059]      FIG. 6  further illustrates how these various gears  153 ,  154  and  155  are protected from being compromised when the winch  100  is operated. An end gear cover plate  157  is positioned around the gears  153 ,  154 ,  155  to help protect the gears from foreign matter, as well as to protect an operator from getting injured by the gears. This end gear cover plate  157  is secured to the second side wall  120  by a plurality of screws  158 . 
       The Transmission Assembly 
       [0060]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate salient components of the transmission assembly  300 . One function of the transmission assembly  300  is to regulate an amount of torque when releasing (unwinding) and retrieving (winding) the cable  151  of the winch  100 . For example, when lifting and removing heavier loads  250 , the transmission knob  190  of the transmission assembly  300  should be set to allow for greater torque that will invariably slow down the rate to retrieve the cable  151 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exterior of the transmission assembly  300  that includes a tear shaped transmission casing  310  enclosed by a separate transmission cover  320 . The transmission cover  320  has a particular size and dimension to mirror the shape of the tear shaped transmission casing  310 . A series of connector bolts  315  fasten the transmission cover  320  to the transmission casing  310 . The transmission plate  320  includes a recess  321 . Positioned in the middle of the recess  321  in an opening  322  that allows a transmission drive  330  to exit the transmission assembly  300 . A cover plate  323  can be placed over the opening  322 . The cover plate  323  has a passage closely sized and dimensioned as the outer diameter of the transmission drive  330 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  provides an exploded view of the transmission assembly  300  illustrating various internal components. By way of example, there are two primary drives including the main transmission drive  330  and a power drive  340 . The power drive  340  has a first end  341  and a corresponding second end  342 . Positioned near the first end  341  is a first power gear  343 , while a second power gear  344  is positioned near the second end  342 . The first end  341  of the power drive  340  protrudes outside the transmission casing  310 , as described earlier with reference to  FIG. 7 , and connects directly with the two-stroke gas powered combustion engine  500 , illustrated earlier with reference to  FIG. 4 . A ratcheted end cap  345  having an opening closely sized and dimensioned to fit the outer diameter of the power drive  340  is positioned on the transmission casing  310 . Optionally placed between the first power gear  343  and the transmission casing  310  is a first power drive bearing  346 . The second end  342  of the power drive  340  rests within a second power drive bearing  348  which is pressed into boss  347  located on the interior side of the flat plate  321 . 
         [0063]    With continued reference to  FIG. 8 , one embodiment of the transmission drive  330  includes a first end  331  and a corresponding second end  332 . Positioned near the first end  331  is a first transmission gear  333 . Similarly, placed near the second end  332  is a second transmission gear  334 . The second transmission gear  334  is substantially larger in diameter compared to the first transmission gear  333 . The first end  331  of the transmission gear  333  protrudes outside of the transmission casing  310  and is housed by an end cap  335 . This end cap  335  is secured to the transmission casing  310  through a gasket  336  secured via a plurality of bolts  337 . A bearing  338  can be used to maintain the first end  331  into the end cap  335 . 
         [0064]    The transmission knob  190  located on top of the transmission casing  310  connects to a rotating shaft  191 . At the distal end of the shaft  191  (farthest from the knob  190 ) is a cantilever member  192 . By turning the transmission knob  190 , the cantilever member  192  shifts the transmission drive  330  either toward or away from the two-stroke gas combustion engine  500 . By twisting the knob  190  at one setting, the cantilever member  192  toggles the transmission drive  330  so that it engages with the first transmission gear  333 . Likewise, positioning the knob  191  at a separate setting causes the transmission drive  330  to engage with the second transmission gear  334 . A differential torque results based upon the varying diameters of the first transmission gear  333  and the second transmission gear  334 . 
         [0065]    As further shown in  FIG. 8 , a cover plate  193  is placed between the transmission knob  190  and the top of the transmission casing  310 . A gasket  194  can be placed between the cover plate  193  and the transmission case  310  and secured via multiple bolts  195 . 
       The Gear Assembly 
       [0066]      FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11  illustrate various components of the gear assembly  400 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , the exterior of the gear assembly  400  and the transmission assembly  300  are illustrated with the transmission assembly affixed to the exterior casing  401  of the gear assembly  400 . This exterior casing  401  includes a first mounting plate  402 , a second mounting plate  403 , planetary gear set  408 ,  409  and a slip clutch assembly  404  (later illustrated and described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 12 ). In one embodiment, the first mounting plate  402  has the same shape and dimensions as the second mounting plate  403 . Exiting the gear assembly  400  is the first connecting gear  153 . 
         [0067]    While  FIG. 9  shows the exterior casing  401  of the gear assembly,  FIG. 10  illustrates its various moving components. These components include a first threaded ring  405  and a corresponding second threaded ring  406 . Positioned on both sides of these threaded rings  405 ,  406  are multiple gaskets  407 . These gaskets  407  not only help seal the threaded rings  405 ,  406  to each other but also to the transmission cover  320  and the outer casing  601 . 
         [0068]    In addition,  FIG. 10  illustrates both a first planetary gear  408  and a corresponding second planetary gear  409 . Both planetary gears  408 ,  409  have essentially the same outer diameter and are capable of fitting into the threaded rings  405 ,  406 . The first planetary gear  408  includes a circular first planet carrier  410  and a corresponding circular second planet carrier  411  in parallel relation to one another. Fitted between both the planetary carriers  410 ,  411  are a plurality of planet gears  412 . The gear teeth of these various planet gears  412  are capable of engaging the gear teeth of the first ring  405 . Each of the various planet gears  412  within the first planetary gear  408  have essentially the same size, width, dimension and number of threads. 
         [0069]      FIG. 11  illustrates the various components that comprise the second planetary gear  409 . As shown, the second planetary gear  409  includes a first planet carrier  413  and a corresponding second planet carrier  414  in parallel relation to one another. The first planet carrier  413  has the same size and outer dimensions as the second planet carrier  414 . Positioned between the parallel carriers  413 ,  414  are four planet gears  415 . Each planet gear  415  has essentially the same size, width, dimension and number of teeth. A sun gear  416  protrudes through the second planet carrier  414 , and in turn connects with the clutch assembly  404  (shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ). A combination of multiple washers  417  and rivets  418  help connect the planet carriers  413 ,  414  to the rotatable planet gears  415 . 
         [0070]    Both planetary gears  408  and  409  illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11  provide multiple functions for the gear assembly  400  including a function of increasing the torque and decreasing a speed directed to the spool  150 , described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
       The Clutch/Brake Assembly 
       [0071]    The clutch/brake assembly  404  illustrated in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , while part of the general gear assembly  400  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), and is also separate and distinct assembly with multiple parts. Moreover, the assembly  404  connects with the control cable  214  (shown in  FIG. 2B ), which in turn connects to the hand controller  210  (also shown in  FIG. 2B  and discussed above). Accordingly, the clutch/brake assembly  404  shown in  FIG. 12  helps control the rate of release of the cable  151  through operation of the hand controller  210 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 12  offers one preferred embodiment of the clutch enclosure  600  of the clutch/brake assembly  404 . This includes a rigid outer casing  601  and a corresponding flat plate  602 . Exiting the clutch enclosure  600  is the first connecting gear  153  (illustrated in  FIG. 6 ) that powers the spool  150  (illustrated earlier with reference to  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0073]      FIG. 13  illustrates various internal components of the clutch/break assembly  404 . There are six main components of the clutch assembly  404  including a first connecting hub  603 , a faceted clutch ring  604 , a coil spring  605 , a second connecting hub  606 , a clutch drive  608  and a threaded arm member  609 . The first connecting hub  603  connects with the second carrier/gear plate  414  found on the second planetary gear  409  (shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). Next, the first connecting hub  603  feeds into the threaded clutch ring  605 . The threaded clutch ring  605  has an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the first connecting hub  603 . Moreover, this faceted clutch ring  604  has a smooth inner surface and a treaded outer surface capable of making contact with corresponding threads on a pivoting threaded arm member  609 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 13  further illustrates how a coil spring  605  is positioned within the smooth inner surface of the faceted clutch ring  604 . More specifically, the coil spring  605  fits over the first connecting hub  603  and inside of the faceted clutch ring  604 . Likewise, the second connecting hub  606  is positioned within the coil spring  605 . The second connecting hub  606  attaches directly to the clutch drive  608  which in turn leads to the connecting gear  153  that powers the spool  150  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The clutch drive  608  is seated in bearing  611  and is held in place with bearing plate  610  and gasket  612  and is secured to the flat plate  602  by a series of bolts  613 . 
         [0075]    Further illustrated in  FIG. 13  is the pivot faceted arm member  609 . Through engaging the hand controller  210  (shown in  FIG. 2B ), the control cable  213  pivots the faceted arm member  609  onto the faceted clutch ring  604 , which in turn engages the coil spring  605 . This helps control and slow release of the cable  151 . 
         [0076]    There are additional benefits of this release mechanism allowed by the clutch/brake assembly  404 . First, if there is any change in tension on the cable  151  (not shown) during operation of the winch  100 , there is no stripping of the various gears within the transmission assembly  400 . In addition, the combination of the coil spring  605  and connecting gears  603 ,  606  ensure that if there is a change in direction of the cable  151  this does not compromise the two-stroke engine  500 . 
         [0077]    Optionally, the clutch/brake assembly  404  can include a group of spring loaded clutch shoes housed within a drum. This operates akin to the brake shoes on a car. In one embodiment, these spring-loaded brake shoes travel with the output of the two-stroke engine  500  and the drum is connected to the input shaft of the transmission assembly  300 . At idle speeds, the springs hold the shoes so that they do not come into contact with the drum. As the engine speed is increased the centrifugal force on the shoes increases to a point that they overcome the springs and move outwardly enough to press against the drum, which in turn begins turning the transmission assembly input shaft. 
         [0078]    With reference now to  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16 , a winch  101 , an improved embodiment of the winch  100  above described, is herein illustrated and described by way of example. As described above for the winch  100 , the winch  101  may be described as including a first side wall no and a corresponding second side wall  120 , generally parallel to the first side wall  110 . The first side wall  110  is essentially flat and includes a front side  111  and a corresponding back side  112 . Likewise, the second side wall  120  is essentially flat and includes a front side  121  and a corresponding back side  122 . Located between the side walls  110 ,  120  is a top wall  130 . The walls  110 ,  120 ,  130  form the rigid and durable exterior casing  140 . The first side wall  110  and the second side wall  120  maintain the spool  150  which houses, winds, unwinds, releases and retracts the cable  151 , illustrated with reference again to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0079]    The cable  151  is connected to the connector  152 , herein illustrated by way of example as a hook. As earlier described, the fairlead  160  includes a passage  161  and resting surface  162 . The fairlead  160  creates an opening to allow the cable  151  to release and retract from the winch  100 , and the resting surface  162  provides a strong structure where the cable  151  rests while it pulls, dislodges and moves various loads  250  during use. As illustrated with reference to  FIG. 17 , a float  163  or any material that has sufficient buoyancy to keep the connector  152  from sinking in water is carried by the cable  151  proximate the connector  152 . With a rope that floats used for the cable  151 , the addition of a floating hook is desirable for water rescues. 
         [0080]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16 , and as above described with reference to  FIG. 1 , the pull-starter  170  includes a handle  171  that the user pulls to start the engine  500 . 
         [0081]    For the improved embodiment of the winch  101 , the two rigid attaching members  113 ,  123 , earlier described with reference to  FIG. 2A  are relocated and herein referenced as attaching members  113 A,  123 A, as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , by way of example. The attaching members  113 A,  123 A are in a parallel relationship to one another and include the openings  114 ,  124  of sufficient size and dimension to allow a hook or other strong gripping device to cling to the winch  101 . The stabilizing bar  125  is positioned between the attaching members  113 A,  123 A. In addition, an attachment ring  115  is carried by the winch  101  and is elevated generally above the bar  125 . With such a structure as herein now described, and as illustrated with reference to  FIG. 18 , a enter of gravity  129  of the winch  101  is below a force line  131  created between the cable  151  pulling on the spool  150  and the attaching members  113 A,  123 A attached to a supporting structure, such as a tree, piling, and the like. 
         [0082]    With continued reference to  FIG. 18 , arrows  131 A,  131 B diagrammatically illustrate forces on the winch  101 , wherein the left arrow  131 A represents the force from the load  250  on the cable  151  and the arrow  131 B on the right shows a balancing force from an anchor  131 C, such as the tree, piling, and the like above described. With the center of gravity  129  below the force line  131 , if the winch  101  comes up off the ground upon which it was positioned during operation, it will not flip over but will “hang” from the cable and any anchor lines used to connect the attaching members  113 A,  123 A to the anchor  131 C. 
         [0083]    With reference now to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , as earlier described for the winch  100 , the winch  101  may be described as having the engine  500  operable with a transmission assembly  300 , which itself is operable with the gear assembly  400 . The gear assembly  400  is operable with a spool power train  149  to drive the spool  150  using the drive  330 . 
         [0084]    With reference now to  FIGS. 21-25 , improvements to the transmission and gear assemblies  300 ,  400  are now described. As illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the transmission drive  330  remains operable with the spool power train. However, as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , a forward and reverse capability is made available using a shift mechanism assembly  420  having a shift handle  422  operable with a shift rod  424  for driving a dog clutch  426  to offset positions. A first off set position results in a forward gear  428  being engaged to drive a worm gear  430  in a first direction, which worm gear is engaging a gear wheel  432  driving the transmission drive  330  for reeling in the cable. Alternatively, operating the shift handle  422  to move the dog clutch  426  to an opposing offset position results in a reverse gear  434  driving the worm gear  430  is a counter direction which results in the gear wheel  432  rotating the transmission drive  330  for reversing rotation of the spool  150  and unwinding the cable. While elements of the transmission and gear assemblies are herein presented as illustrated with reference to the exploded view of  FIG. 25 , by way of example, those of skill in the art will recognize that alternate embodiment are possible while keeping within the teachings of the present invention. 
         [0085]    As an aside, and as is well known in the art, a dog clutch is a type of clutch that couples two rotating shafts or other rotating components not by friction, but by interference. The clutch is designed such that one portion will push the other, causing both to rotate at the same speed and will not slip. While found to be desirable for the embodiment herein described, alternate clutch assemblies will come to the mind of those skilled in the art now having the benefit of the teachings of the present invention. 
         [0086]    As above described with reference to  FIG. 2B , the hand controller  210  for the winch  100  control cables  213 ,  214  are encased in a controller tubing  215 . The first control cable  213  is connected to the pivoting trigger member  211  for controlling the rate of acceleration of the cable  151  when moving the loads  250 . The second control cable  214  is connected to the rotatable rate instrument  212  for regulating the rate of release of the cable  151 . The control cables are connected to the two-stroke gas powered engine  500  and clutch assembly  404 , illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  12  and  13  and discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0087]    With reference again to  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  19  and  20 , and now to  FIG. 26 , a remote control handle  220  now has the throttle  211 , a reverse power out lever  222 , and kill switch  224  built in so that the user can completely control pulling in under load, power out under load, and stopping the engine all from the remote. Pulling the reverse lever  222  up moves the dog clutch  426  to the left and engages the reverse gear  434 . Releasing the lever  222  allows the dog clutch  426  to move back to the right which engages the forward gear  428 . The winch  101  is preferably in forward mode by default. 
         [0088]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the winch  101  has the ability to remove and respool the cable via the drum groove. A user can remove the entire cable, insert a rope through the hole in the fairlead, wrap it around the drum from outside into the middle, pull it up though the hook attachment loop, and use the winch drum as a capstan. This allows the winch to operate at its maximum pulling power through the entire length of the rope. 
         [0089]    Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and alternate embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of claims supported by this disclosure.