Patent Publication Number: US-7913978-B1

Title: Portable powered winch

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to winches, and more particularly to a portable winch, that is alternatively used alone, or is mountable on a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Winches are common outdoor tools and are used for many applications. A winch is typically comprised of a bi-directional motor, which drives a cable drum around which a cable is wrapped. One end of the cable is secured to the drum while the free end of the cable includes a hook or other clevis. A typical winch has a cable made of wound metal strands, rope, chain, or other similar material having high tensile strength wound around the drum. Thus when the motor turns in one direction, the cable can be fed outwardly, while the motor turns in the opposite direction, the cable is pulled inwardly, creating a pulling force on the cable and the hook. Thus the winch is used in a situation where a pulling force on an item is required and the winch is relatively fixed relative to another object. In some cases the winch can be used in a portable sense, where the winch is attached to a fixed item such as a tree or other item, or the winch can be attached to a vehicle such as all terrain vehicle (ATV), snowmobile, four-wheel drive vehicle and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,695 shows multiple winches mounted to the vehicle, and is incorporated herein. 
     By way of example, the addition of a winch to an ATV provides further utility to the vehicle. ATVs are multipurpose vehicles that are popular for recreational use, such as camping, fishing, and hunting. The adaptability and versatility of an ATV can support many off-road tasks within agriculture, forestry, horticulture and utility applications. In addition, this adaptability and versatility also make ATVs ideal for military use. ATVs easily traverse various off-highway trails, reach rugged locations that other vehicles cannot, and offer business operators the opportunity to accomplish work in the field at significant financial savings when compared to using a truck, tractor or other 4-wheel drive vehicle. Utility ATVs, especially suited for hauling and towing as well as trail riding, are as popular as ATVs for weekend recreational riding. ATVs operate in all climates and are among the most versatile vehicles in operation today. One such example of an ATV is shown in our U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,695, incorporated herein by reference. 
     The winch can be used in a variety of ways, which provide great assistance to the vehicle driver. For example, one end of the cable may be attached to a stationary object and the winch used to help move or extricate the vehicle from a stuck position. Additionally, one end of the cable may be attached to an object in order to hoist or haul it, or to remove an obstacle from the road in order for the vehicle to pass. 
     While the vehicle mounted winch has multiple attributes, the shortcoming is that the winch is permanently coupled to the vehicle, and the winch can only be used in conjunction with the vehicle, or where the vehicle may maneuver. Moreover, as the winches are hardwired and powered by the vehicle&#39;s battery, extended use of the winch can reduce vehicle battery voltage to below starting requirements and may strand the operator without sufficient battery power. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A combination portable winch, comprises a frame; a power source selectively mounted on the frame; and an electric winch mounted to the frame, the electric winch comprising an electric motor coupled to the power source. 
     The device may further comprise a jumper for electrically coupling the power source to a power-consuming device separate from the frame to provide power thereto. The power source may provide power to a power-consuming device regardless of whether the power source is mounted on the frame. The frame may provide a carrying handle for the device. 
     The frame may comprise a mounting mechanism for mounting the frame to a vehicle. The mounting mechanism may be profiled for mounting the frame to a stay. The frame may comprise a first mounting mechanism for mounting the frame to a vehicle, and a second mounting mechanism for mounting the frame to a stay. The device may further comprise a remote control to operate the device. The remote control may be a tethered remote control. 
     In another embodiment, a portable winch apparatus, comprises a frame; a mount associated with the frame for alternatively mounting the frame to a vehicle or to a stay; and an electric winch mounted to the frame. 
     The apparatus may further comprises a power source mounted on the frame. The apparatus may also further comprise a jumper for electrically coupling the power source to a power-consuming device separate from the frame to provide power thereto. The electric winch comprises an electric motor coupled to the power source. The mount is sized and shaped to be mounted at a plurality of locations on a vehicle. The power source may be electrically coupled to a power source of the vehicle. The power source may be a battery. The apparatus may further comprise a housing substantially enclosing the power source. The apparatus may also further comprise controls for directing the operation of the winch, the controls being located externally of the housing. The apparatus may also further comprise quick disconnect connections between the power source and the electric motor of the winch. 
     A portable winch apparatus, comprises a frame; a power source selectively mounted on the frame; a winch mounted to the frame, the winch comprising an electric motor coupled to the power source, and a handle for carry the apparatus. 
     The frame may be selectively and alternatively coupled to a vehicle, or to a stay. The apparatus may further comprise a mount associated with the frame wherein the mount is profiled for connection to a hitch located at the periphery of the vehicle. The frame may comprise a first mounting mechanism for mounting the frame to a vehicle, and a second mounting mechanism for mounting the frame to a stay. The handle may provide a fulcrum for carrying, the winch and the power source being attached to the frame on opposite sides of the fulcrum for weight distribution. 
     The power source may be removable from the frame. The handle may be integrated with the frame. The power source may be a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a housing having a handle, the battery pack handle being positioned proximate the frame handle, whereby a user may grasp both the frame handle and battery pack handle for carrying. 
     In another embodiment, a portable winch apparatus comprises a frame. A mounting mechanism is associated with the frame for mounting the frame to a stay. An electric winch is mounted to the frame, the winch having a cable feed opening. The mounting mechanism and the feed opening being profiled to apply insubstantial torque to the winch when in operation. 
     The frame may be profiled for alternatively mounting the frame to a vehicle or to a stay. The mounting mechanism may be comprised of two openings positioned at the opposite side of the frame as said cable feed opening. The vertical height of the cable feed opening, and the mounting mechanism is substantially equal. The lateral position of the cable feed opening may be substantially centered with the lateral position of the mount. 
     The portable winch may further comprise a mounting aperture adjacent to, and substantially laterally aligned with, the feed opening. The portable winch, further comprising a pulley for placement around a cable of said winch, whereby a hook at a free end of said cable may attached to the mounting aperture placing the combination of the winch and pulley in a block and tackle configuration. The pulley may include two plates with a pulley wheel rotatably attached therebetween, at least one of said walls being rotatable to access said pulley wheel. 
     In yet another embodiment, a portable winch, comprises a power source; an electric winch comprising an electric motor coupled to the power source; and a remote control electrically connected to the electric motor to operate the device. 
     The winch may further comprise a frame, to which the electric winch and power source are mounted. The frame comprises a mounting mechanism for mounting the frame to a vehicle. The device comprises a mounting mechanism for mounting the frame to a stay. The remote control may be comprised of a tethered switch, or a wireless control switch. 
     In a further embodiment, a portable winch comprises a power source; an electric winch comprising an electric motor coupled to the power source; and a dolly for carrying the power source and electric winch. 
     The device may further comprise a frame, to which the electric winch and power source are mounted. The frame may comprise a mounting mechanism for mounting the dolly to the frame. 
     The above mentioned and other features of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front upper perspective view of a winch assembly according to an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front underside perspective view of the winch assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear underside perspective view of the winch assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective of the battery booster pack shown in the assembled view of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a lower perspective of the battery booster pack shown in the assembled view of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  show alternate battery booster packs; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the winch shown in the assembled view of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a frame for supporting the powered winch; 
         FIG. 10  is an underside perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  shows a rear perspective of the frame of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a pulley assembly for use with the winch; 
         FIG. 13  shows the pulley assembly of  FIG. 12  in position for use with the winch; and 
         FIG. 14  shows a dolly for use with the winch of the above mentioned Figures. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. 
     While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains. 
     With reference first to  FIGS. 1-3 , a portable powered winch  10  is illustrated, which generally comprises a frame  12 , to which is mounted, a high power battery booster pack  14  and a winch  16 . Battery booster pack  14  includes a front housing  18  and back housing  20  that combine to house a battery (not shown) or other power source therein. Battery booster pack further includes an integrally molded handle  21  for carrying. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , battery booster pack  14  includes a control panel  22 , having a plurality of controls  24 , and a light  28 , which upon activation from one of the controls  24 , draws power from the battery to provide illumination for a user. Controls  24  further include information regarding the state of the battery charge. Information sheet  30  may be provided as a placard on the front ( FIG. 4 ) or rear ( FIG. 3 ) to provide instructions to the user on how to operate powered winch  10 , safety information, specifications, or other information to be conveyed to a user. 
     Battery booster pack  14  further comprises jumper cables  32  extending outwardly from housing  18  which are electrically coupled to the battery. Jumper clamps  34  are provided which are suitable for connection to a separate battery. Battery booster pack  14  may include housing side portions  36 , around which, cables  32  may be wrapped, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , housing side portions  36  may include recessed portions  38 , including a recessed back portion, as shown in  FIG. 7 , that are profiled and shaped to receive jumper cables therein in a storage position. Housing  18  further includes a reduced profile portion  39 , as best shown in  FIG. 5 , and as described herein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , winch  16  includes a motor  40 , a drum/axle  42  coupled to motor  40 , winch cable  44 , and frame attachment portions  46 . Motor  40  is electrically coupled to the battery within battery booster pack  14  and is selectively operated by controls, as further described herein. Motor  40  is mechanically coupled to drum/axle  42  such that drum/axle  42  rotates at the direction of motor  40 . Winch cable  44  is coupled to drum/axle  42  such that rotation of drum/axle  42  either retracts or extends winch cable  44  thereon depending on the direction of rotation urged by motor  40 . A free end of winch cable  40  includes a hook  48  thereon for attaching to a stay or for attaching to winch cable  40  after being wrapped around a stay. Attachment portions  46  include apertures  50  for mounting to frame  12 , as described herein. Additionally, attachment portions  46  include upper flanges  52  that abut a motor housing  54  and define therebetween, the area in which winch cable  44  collects on drum/axle  42 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , frame  12  provides a connection surface and support for battery booster pack  14 , including the battery therein, and winch  16 . With reference now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , frame  12  includes a post tube  60 , two offset tubes  62 , and side frame portions  64 . Frame  12  further comprises a winch plate  66 , a handle portion  68 , and a shroud  70  all welded together. Post tube  60  is of a substantially square cross section and sized to receive a mounting post (not shown) therein. The mounting post is of a size to be received in or be part of a hitch or mount on a vehicle such as an ATV. Post tube  60  may also include a key bore sized to receive a bolt or other fastener that can secure the mounting post within post tube  60 . 
     Offset tubes  62  extend at right angles from opposing sides of post tube  60  to form a “T.” Outer ends of offset tubes  62  couple to side frame portion  64 . Side frame portions  64  include side plates  80 , angled bracket portions  82 , front eyelet  84 , and rear mount ends  90 , including rear plate  92 . Brackets  82  narrow to support winch plate  66  thereon. Mount ends  90  include apertures  94  therein for use of the winch in the portable mode, as will described in greater detail herein. 
     Winch plate  66  includes a support  100  and a vertical guide mount  102 . Support  100  includes apertures  104  which are spaced to cooperate with apertures  50  ( FIG. 8 ) which in turn receive fasteners therein such as bolts to couple winch  16  to frame  12 . Vertical guide mount  102  includes a pair of apertures  106  sized and located to align with similar apertures  108  in a winch cable guide  110  ( FIG. 1 ). Cable guide  110  receives winch cable  44  through an opening  112  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to align winch cable  44  with a proper section of drum/axle  42 , and to feed and retract the cable  44  within a defined lateral position, as will be described herein. 
     Handle portion  68  includes two vertical extensions  120  and a top bar  122  therebetween. Top bar  122  provides a grip surface suitable for carrying power winch  10  when not attached to a vehicle. Shroud  70  is coupled to vertical extensions  120 , and extends horizontally therefrom. Shroud  70  provides space for wiring and connections to an external power supply to charge the battery. A relay (not shown) is positioned in aperture  72  ( FIG. 9 ) and is interconnected between the battery and motor to control the winch as is known in the art. A tethered control  74  ( FIG. 9 ) is electrically connected to the relay, to remotely control the operation of the winch in order that an operator may locate himself remotely from winch  16 , out of the path of working objects. An electrical connector (not shown) can be used to interconnect the battery  14  to the relay, so as to be easily disconnected, if the battery pack  14  needs to be removed from the frame  12 . 
     The frame  12  provides an ergonomic carrying device for the battery booster pack  14 . Offset tubes  62 , post tube  60 , and frame  12  generally, combine to provide a support surface for battery booster pack  14 . More particularly, the combination of tubes  60 ,  62 , side plates  80 , and rear plates  92  form a nest  96  ( FIG. 11 ) for receipt of the reduced cross section portion  39  ( FIG. 5 ) of battery power pack  14 . The manner in which the reduced cross section portion  39  nests, is best depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 . Moreover, the vertical extension portions  120  are profiled to angle with the contour of the battery pack  14 , with the top bar  120  being positioned proximate to the handle portion  21  of the battery booster pack  14 , as also best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Thus the entire device may be picked up with one hand by grasping the top bar  120  and handle  21  together. Additionally, VELCO® straps (not shown) can be wrapped around the top bar  120  and handle  21  to temporarily hold the two together. 
     Powered winch  10  combines the attributes of a high power battery booster pack and a traditional ATV winch. The battery may be recharged by coupling to a vehicle&#39;s charging system through a 12V cord such as a cigarette lighter outlet or by 120V transformed current off the vehicle. Jumper cables  32  and jumper clamps  34  allow the portable battery to provide a jump starting power source or a portable 12V and 120V power if used in conjunction with a DC/AC adapter. 
     Alternatively, winch  16  and the battery power source may be provided as separate components such that winch  16  may be attached to the portable battery or to the vehicle via quick disconnect terminals, to receive power therefrom. In such a configuration, the battery may be removed from frame  12  and taken remotely from frame  12 . 
     Thus the winch assembly may be used in at least two alternative ways. That is, the frame can be attached to the front or the back of the vehicle or may perform non-vehicle related winching/lifting tasks. 
     First, the frame  12  provides for portable winch to be attachable to a vehicle to provide a solid stay. The tube  60  is profiled for mounting to a square tube type trailer hitch for mounting the assembly  10  to either the front or rear of an ATV, or other vehicle. 
     Alternatively, the assembly may be removed and used remotely. In this manner, the winch may be tied off by way of the apertures  94  ( FIGS. 9 &amp; 10 ). For example, a clevis (not shown) can be attached to each of the apertures  94 , which in turn can be attached to a chain, nylon strap or the like to connect to a stay. 
     Also as shown best in  FIG. 9 , the frame is designed in an ergonomic manner for carrying the assembly, when the unit is used alone. More particularly, handle portion  122  is centrally located relative to the assembly, and acts as a fulcrum for the assembly. The battery booster pack  14  is mounted on one side of the fulcrum, while the winch assembly is mounted on the opposite side for balance and weight distribution. In addition, if the user needs to carry the unit to a distant location, the battery pack  14  may be disconnected and removed from the frame and carried separately, one in each hand. 
     It should also be appreciated that the geometry of the device has been designed to provide little to no torque on the winch itself. More particularly, the winch has been designed to offset the pulling forces seen by the winch to provide little torque on the unit, providing a stable system. First, and with reference to  FIG. 2 , the opening  112  is laterally aligned between the two apertures  94 , such that little to no torque is applied to the winch in the vertical axis. Also, the opening  112  and the apertures  94  are vertically equidistant from a common reference point, for example, from the bottom edge of frame  12 . This prevents a torque on the winch in an axis parallel to the axis going through the apertures  94 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 12 through 14 , other accessories usable with the winch assembly described above will be explained. With reference first to  FIG. 12 , a pulley assembly  130  is shown comprised of plate members  132 ,  134 , and pulley  136 . Each of the plate members  132 ,  134  is comprised of a flat plate portion  138  and angled portion  140  which transitions the plate end  142  towards the center line of pulley  136 . Each of the plates  132 ,  134  and pulley  136  are commonly attached by way of a pin  144  which may be attached in multiple ways although a snap ring  146  is shown in  FIG. 12 . Each of the plate portions  142  includes an aperture  148 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 13 , the pulley assembly  130  can be used in combination with winch  10  to increase the pulling capacity of the winch. When the pulley is in the configuration of  FIG. 12 , the pulley is accessible, and cable  14  may be wrapped there around. The pulley  136  is easily accessible as plates  132  and  134  independently rotate relative to each other, and can be further rotated to the position of  FIG. 13  where apertures  148  are aligned. A further hook or other mechanism may be attached through apertures  148  and attached to the item to be pulled by winch  10 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . Thus the pulley assembly  130  acts a block and tackle type assembly increasing the pulling capacity of cable  44 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 14 , a dolly  160  for use with the winch  10  is shown. Dolly  160  is generally comprised of an axle  162 , to which are attached brackets  164  carrying wheels  166 . On the opposite side of axle  162  is provided a mounting peg  168 , which as should be appreciated is profiled as a square configuration which is receivable in post  60  ( FIG. 11 ) of frame  12 . A vertically upright handle  170  is attached to axle  162  which is telescopic and includes handlebar  172 . Thus in operation, if the portable winch is to be used and moved distant from its location, peg  168  can be inserted into post  60  of frame  12  and the user can simply grasp handlebar  172  and rotate handle  170  rearwardly (counter clockwise as viewed in  FIG. 14 ) to lift the winch assembly. 
     While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention as defined by the following claims.