Patent Publication Number: US-11034559-B2

Title: Portable pulling device and method thereof

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/773,022, filed Nov. 29, 2018. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention is directed to the field of pulling devices, and more particularly to a portable cable and/or nylon rope pulling device. The present invention is also directed to a series of functions that may be performed to pull an object out of a confined or barren area without the use of a third-party counterweight. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     When a person desires to physically move an excessively dense object to an alternate location, the person typically must use pushing or pulling force. However, it is known that there exist multiple forces which counteract the moving object, such as gravitational and frictional forces. Frictional force is the resistance to motion of one object relative to another object. This frictional force is the force exerted by a surface as an object attempts to move across it, and different surfaces provide varying frictional force magnitudes that must be overcome. Thus, an object may be easily slid on a smooth surface but moving the same object may be arduous on a rough terrain surface. 
     When attempting to move a heavy object in a varying terrain such as the outdoors, a number of factors can magnify the already difficult task of moving the object, such as the presence of trees, rocks, sloped terrain, and the like. Not only does the surface of the ground provide frictional resistance, but downed trees, rocks, and sloped terrain are some examples of burdens which may require the object to be lifted as well as pulled or pushed to overcome these vertical encumbrances. 
     These difficulties cause great concerns for persons in the outdoors that desire to move heavy objects such as a medium to large game animal that has been successfully hunted. For example, a white-tailed deer is an animal that weighs approximately 150 pounds, a black bear can weigh around 400 pounds, elk frequently weigh 700 pounds, and moose typically weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds. These weights are generally too excessive for the average person to be able to lift and/or move on their own without assistance, and this excessive weight combined with the additional frictional force is only exacerbated by the constricted nature of a forest which is the typical place to hunt some of these animals. 
     One current method used is a rope tied around an animal&#39;s neck to provide dragging assistance. A hunter can then drag the animal through the forest to a location not as constricted whereupon they can load the animal onto a vehicle such as a truck or an ATV. These vehicles are not able to get into dense forest and up or down some slopes. Typically, hunters must take breaks every so often to catch their breath as this process is exerting and the hunter is generally wearing a lot of clothing to protect against the elements, such as cold weather. This process is quite a burden as a downed animal can be a mile or more from an area that a vehicle may enter when the animal is recovered. Additionally, larger animals may be too much weight to overcome even with the rope assistance. 
     Another method, used in combination with the above, is to call other persons to the hunter&#39;s location. These other persons can either alternate turns dragging the animal or may tie additional ropes around the neck in order to provide additional pulling force on the animal. The same limitations as above apply, and the process is not ideal. 
     A third method used is to begin quartering the animal in the field. This is a process where the animal is cut into smaller, more manageable pieces, and the individual pieces are then dragged or carried out. The issues with this method are that multiple trips must be taken, the process is a lengthy one, and scavenger animals may begin to move in on the hunted animal while the hunter is walking to the vehicle and before returning for the other sections. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a portable device which can be brought into a close quarters such as a forest which can also reduce the burden on a person pulling an object such as a hunted animal carcass, a felled tree, or other object in a timely and convenient method. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a portable pulling device that provides a pulling force to assist with the movement of heavy objects. A preferred portable pulling device constructed in accordance with the present invention is not only well suited for traversing constricted areas but can also be used to emit a powerful pulling force upon a heavy object so as to facilitate the movement of said object from one location to another. The portable pulling device contains anchoring elements, such that no additional counterweight such as a tree, building, or vehicle is required. 
     The portable pulling device chassis frame has a power source attached to the frame, and the power source utilizes a centrifugal clutch. Therefore, the pulling device is different than a typical winch, in that the pulling device of the present invention contains no gearbox or gear train. The centrifugal clutch utilizes a drivetrain such as one that is a chain-driven or belt-driven drivetrain. The mechanical power created by the power source is conveyed from the drivetrain to a spool, reel, or shaft whereupon a cable or synthetic rope is attached. The cable or rope may contain an additional rope attachment method or device to facilitate encircling an object desired to be pulled. The rope attachment method may be as simple as tying the rope around an object but may alternatively consist of an additional device such as a carabiner, d-clip, clamp, or hook. 
     The power source has an output shaft, which operates as, or similar to, a crankshaft and which provides rotational motion. The output shaft is generally mated with a centrifugal clutch, and the centrifugal clutch possesses or is mated with a drive sprocket. The drive sprocket moves in tandem with a rear sprocket on the spool drum by way of a roller chain or belt, thus creating the drivetrain. As the drive sprocket is activated, the rear wheel sprocket and spool are activated as well by way of the roller chain acting on these pieces. The drive sprocket, the rear wheel sprocket, and the roller chain all together are known and defined herein as the drivetrain. 
     For ergonomic efficiency, a handle shaft may be attached to the device with a handlebar. The handle shaft may be a single handle shaft or may be multiple handle shafts, such as to form a dual handle shaft. The handlebar is presently thought to be a straight line bar, but it may be contoured for ergonomics, such as a track drop bar, drop handlebar, bullhorn handlebar, or any shape desired. The handle shaft is connected to the chassis frame by way of a carrying handle connection point on the outer frame edge. The outer frame edge is known as the portion of the chassis frame where the handle shaft is attached. The connection of the handle shaft to the chassis frame may be attached in many fashions, such as welded, bolted, fastened, or otherwise attached. 
     Located on or near the handlebar, a throttle handle is provided. The throttle handle utilizes a throttle cable, which is an attachment braid or cable that connects the throttle handle to the power source by way of a throttle cable connection point. The throttle handle controls the activation of the power source by regulating the fuel or air to the power source. When the power source is turned on, and when the throttle is not engaged, the power source is generally at idle. When the throttle is engaged, the power source activates and reacts with the output shaft and the centrifugal clutch to provide rotational movement on the drivetrain. When the throttle is so engaged, the spool is rotating, and the rope is being retracted. To halt the retraction of the rope, the user releases the throttle handle. 
     It is desired that the device is able to traverse a constricted area such as a forest or any area without roads with ease, and thus the device has frame propulsion components, such as wheels, skis, or tracks for example. Skis are an option when the device is to be used in a snowy environment, and wheels are also contemplated as a practical and cost-effective method. However, in some embodiments, a user might desire to use tracks for the better weight distribution provided, and when there are soft or slippery conditions. Any of the above propulsion may be used in an embodiment of the present invention. 
     The chassis frame itself may be constructed of any material or in any shape desired, so long as it is able to support the power source, but preferably is a size and shape that is the least restrictive in terms of size and overall weight, while still maintaining the strength and durability desired. The chassis frame may be made of a durable material such as steel, carbon steel, aluminum, iron, polyvinyl chloride, or any other durable material. The power source is attached to the frame with power source frame attachments. This is presently thought to be a fastener, such as bolts, nuts, or screws, though any sturdy fastening method is appropriate. 
     As stated above, the spool contains a rope or cable connected or wound thereon. This cable or rope can be fed out and given slack when the power source is at idle due to the centrifugal clutch being in an idle position as the throttle is not at that moment engaged. The cable or rope can then be attached to the object desired to be moved, and the power source, when the throttle is activated, provides mechanical power through the drivetrain to the spool that retracts the cable or rope, and thus the object. 
     It is known that a cable may be more durable and longer lasting than a synthetic rope, but the cable is also heavier than a rope, can rust, and may be difficult to handle due to kinetic energy storage, and barbs, among other issues. The synthetic rope can be easier to handle, lighter weight, and less maintenance, but it can be susceptible to freezing, and debris buildup, along with abrasion and other potential issues. According to the particularities of the desired object to be pulled and the location of the pulling device as well, either option is able to be utilized with the present device and the terms are used interchangeably herein. 
     It is contemplated that while the power source may be of a number of different sources, a small gasoline engine may be used to reduce the weight of the device itself, as opposed to an electric motor which would require the need for a heavy battery. However, other power source types such as petroleum, alcohol, natural gas, hydrogen, or the like may be used to power the drivetrain without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The power source may be a larger engine when an objective is to pull an extremely heavy object that a smaller embodiment with a smaller engine could not pull. Electrical power of the device may come by way of a stator located on or near the power source, should the user desire to have electrical accessory items such as an luminescent light. 
     The centrifugal clutch is able to spin in one direction and can also be adjusted so as to spin in the opposite direction or be released in an idle position so as to be able to pull slack out of the line of the rope. This feature allows the user to let out slack on the cable or rope line while simultaneously moving in the desired direction that the user wishes the object to be moved. Once the line is let out a desired length, the user can activate the power source with the throttle, and the line will be retracted and wind on the device&#39;s spool, thereby pulling the object towards the pulling device itself. At this point the user can repeat and perform these steps again until the object has reached the desired final location. 
     The spool of the device, otherwise known as the drum, shaft, or reel, is presently contemplated to be generally cylindrical and spun by a chain or belt of the drivetrain which contacts a rear wheel sprocket located on or near the spool. The mechanical energy provided by the drivetrain induces the rotation of the spool itself through this rear wheel sprocket. The spool is mated on both ends by pillow blocks, which are pedestals which provide support for the spool to rotate and are attached to a front-facing frame, as described below. 
     The pulling device also contains at least one anchoring element in which to provide a counterweight to the object being pulled. Devices that contain no anchors require a counterweight to be used, such as the weight of a vehicle, or attachment to a stationary object such as a building or a tree. Naturally, it is difficult to find a stationary object such as above if a user is in a field, marsh, or other area where robust trees are not readily available and vehicles are not able to traverse. In such a scenario, a user might be tempted to use their own strength to be the counterweight. However, there is a safety concern if a user uses their own weight, as this requires the user to provide a lot of strength, depending on the size and weight of the pulled object. 
     The anchoring elements of the present invention may be any number of elongated posts attached to the front end of the front-facing frame such that the elongated posts are vertically positioned towards the ground. The attachment might be through any variety of methods, such as welding, bolts, or screws to name a few. These posts are presently contemplated to have a general shape as a three-dimensional trapezium, but may also be generally tubular, wheeled legs, or any-shaped heavy weight which contacts the ground or close thereto. 
     At the distal end away from the front-facing frame closest to the ground according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention exists a triangular edge which is capable of driving into the ground so as to provide the most counterweight for the pulling device. However, alternative methods are contemplated depending on the circumstances, the anchoring elements selected, or the location or climate where the device is to be used, such as an alternative to a triangular edge, heavy weights are positioned at the distal end of the anchoring elements, or any multitude of shapes as opposed to a triangular point such as a diamond, an arrow, a cone, a crescent, or the like, so long as said shape acts as an anchoring element to create the desired counterweight. 
     On a distal end of the chassis frame, opposite the handle shaft, is a front-facing frame. The front-facing frame is thought to be a strong frame which is attached to the chassis frame of the pulling device. The front-facing frame is presently thought to be generally perpendicular to the ground, at a generally right-angle to the chassis frame, and the component upon which the pillow blocks are attached. The front-facing frame need not be a true right-angle, and may be slightly acute or obtuse in angle, depending on the particularities of the device&#39;s intended use. 
     Additionally, it is contemplated that the angle of the front-facing frame may be adjustable in certain embodiments. The front-facing frame is attached to the chassis frame, or is a singular piece formed together with the chassis frame, depending on construction. In one embodiment, the front-facing frame attachment pieces are presently thought to be a type of fastener, such as bolts, nuts, screws, or welds, though any sturdy fastening method is appropriate. Presently it is thought that one method of constructing the front-facing frame is to use the same durable material that the chassis frame itself is constructed out of, though it may be alternatively constructed with any other durable material without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The front-facing frame thus provides horizontal stability and a mounting location for the spool by way of the pillow blocks. To provide additional strength and stability, oblique support arms may be optionally provided, which are support pieces that provide additional strength to the front-facing frame and are attached to the chassis frame on one end, and to the front-facing frame on the other end. 
     These and various other features, advantages, modes, and objects of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and any appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       One or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable pulling device with the pulling device spool shown utilizing a synthetic rope; 
         FIG. 2  is a second perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable pulling device and the power source therefore; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable pulling device showing a chain drivetrain; 
         FIG. 4  is a side-perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable pulling device; 
         FIG. 5  is a vertical perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable pulling device where the device utilizes a handle and a throttle thereon; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable pulling device wherein a front shield wall and an oblique side wall is provided. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a method to pull an object in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Before explaining one or more embodiments of the disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited in its application to the details or modes of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or previously disclosed illustrations. This invention is capable of multiple embodiments and modes, which can be practiced or carried out in many various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description, and should not be regarded as limiting, or used as an absolute. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings in detail,  FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a portable pulling device  10  in accordance with the present invention that is a chassis frame  20  having a generally rectangular shape, and a power source  30  attached thereon. 
     The device spool  120  as shown here is generally cylindrical, and a cable, or in this particular embodiment, a rope  60 , is wound thereon. A rear wheel sprocket  140  is attached near a distal end of the pulling device spool  120 , and both ends of the pulling device spool  120  are mated with a pillow block  220  (as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 ). 
     The pillow blocks  220  are attached to a front-facing frame  40  by way of front-facing frame attachments  170  to provide stability. The front-facing frame  40  of the embodiment of the present invention shown here is a rectangular chassis with equilibrium guide bars  230 , which assist in the winding of the rope  60  upon the spool  120 , such that the rope  60  does not get wound cattywampus or otherwise improperly interact with the rear wheel sprocket  140 . 
     The rope  60  on the spool  120  may additionally contain a rope attachment device  65 , which is a device used to surround the object with the rope  60 . The rope attachment device  65  as shown here is a carabiner, otherwise known as a d-clip, but may be any other type of attachment method or device as described above. 
     The front-facing frame  40  of the present invention further includes anchoring elements  50 , attached to the front-facing frame front edge bottom  175 , wherein said anchoring elements  50  are shown in this embodiment as generally vertical posts containing a triangular point  55  at a distal end. These triangular points  55  interact with the ground, so as to provide a counterweight to the pulling action of the device  10  on the object desired to be pulled. 
     The front facing frame  40  is attached to the chassis frame  20  by way of oblique support arms  240 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The front facing frame  40  may be positioned at a generally right-angle to the chassis frame  20 , such as shown, though it may be positioned at an acute or obtuse angle, depending on the location and desired use of the pulling device  10 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the power source  30  of the portable pulling device  10  is shown. The power source  30  shown here is a small gasoline engine which is attached to the chassis frame  20  by way of power source frame attachments  160 . While the power source  30  may be welded or otherwise formed into the chassis frame  20  itself, here the power source frame attachments  160  are bolts. 
     On the end of the chassis frame  20  opposite that of the front-facing frame  40 , a carrying handle shaft  90  may be attached to the chassis frame  20  on a carrying handle connection point  95  located on the outer frame edge  105 . This carrying handle shaft  90  helps to support the carrying handlebar  200  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and assists the user in moving the portable pulling device  10  itself, as will be described in detail below. 
     The power source  30  as shown in this embodiment is a gasoline engine which is coupled to a drivetrain  210  by way of an output shaft  150  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The output shaft  150  is combined with a centrifugal clutch  70  which is connected to the drive sprocket  130  which interacts with a rear wheel sprocket  140  by way of a roller chain  80  to form a drivetrain  210 . 
     The drivetrain  210  moves the spool  120  and retracts the rope  60  when the throttle handle  180  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) is engaged. The centrifugal clutch  70  and the spool  120  are not activated until the power source  30  provides power to the output shaft  150 , such that the rope  60  may be released from the spool  120  by pulling on the rope  60  itself in a direction away from said spool  120 . 
     Once the throttle handle  180  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) is activated, and provides power to the power source  30  by way of the throttle cable  190  coupled to the power source  30  at a throttle cable connection point  195 , the power source  30  provides power to the output shaft  150 , the centrifugal clutch  70  activates, and the drivetrain  210  provides rotational torque to the spool  120  such that the rope  60  is retracted back into position on the spool  120 . 
     To move the portable pulling device  10 , a user produces downward force on the carrying handlebar  200  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), which induces the anchoring elements  50  and the triangular points  55 , if any, to release contact with the ground, and the chassis frame  20  to be diagonal when juxtaposed with a flat ground, such that the outer frame edge  105  is nearer to the ground than the front-facing frame front edge bottom  175 . When this is done, the user may produce a force on the carrying handlebar  200  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), in a side direction or in a pushing or pulling motion so as to move the portable pulling device  10  by way of the frame propulsion components, such as skis, tracks, or wheels  110  in the direction of the horizontal force applied. Another optional provisional is the attachment of a foot placement deck  106  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) attached to the outer frame-edge  105 . A user may place their foot on the foot placement deck  106 , to coincide with the downward force applied on the carrying handlebar  200  as described above. 
     The chassis frame  20  in this preferred embodiment of the present invention shows optional vertical slopes  100  which provide a height element to the chassis frame  20  of the portable pulling device  10  when viewed from the side as in this figure. The outer frame edge  105  can impact the ground when the user is moving the portable pulling device  10  as described above, and the vertical slopes  100  provide additional clearance for the outer frame edge  105  as to the ground when the portable pulling device  10  is being moved. 
     Moving now to  FIGS. 3-4 , a preferred embodiment of the portable pulling device  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown from alternate side perspective views. As is made clear, the pulling device  10  is resting on the wheels  110  and the anchoring elements  50 . The anchoring elements  50  may contain additional weight at the distal end contacting the ground, or it may have sharpened edges, such as the triangular points  55  as is shown in this embodiment. These anchoring elements  50  provide that the weight of the pulling device  10  itself is the counterweight that allows the portable pulling device  10  to not be required to strap down to a tree or vehicle while the rope  60  is being retracted and the pulling device  10  is in operation with a pulled object. 
     It is contemplated herein that the anchoring elements  50  may alternatively be connected to the front-facing frame edge bottom  175  as well as the front-facing frame front edge top  176  and thus be dual-purpose acting additionally as equilibrium guide bars  230 . 
     The chassis frame  20  as shown is generally rectangular, but it is contemplated herein that the frame may be constructed in any general shape such as an oval, a triangle, a circle, or any quadrilateral while adhering to the spirit of the invention as disclosed herein. The power source  30  is located on top of the chassis frame  20  and between the carrying handle shaft  90  and the front-facing frame  40 . As described above, the pillow blocks  220 , which couple with the device spool  120  are attached to the front-facing frame  40  by way of front-facing frame attachments  170  as shown from alternative sides in  FIGS. 3-4 . 
     To provide supplemental stability to the front-facing frame  40 , oblique support arms  240  may be utilized, which are generally support rods connected to the front-facing frame  40  on one end, and to the chassis frame  20  on the opposite end. 
     Additionally, a frame guide arm  250  may be provided and positioned as one optional method is shown in  FIG. 4 , whereupon parts of the power source  30  can be positioned, such as the throttle cable connection point  195 . This frame guide arm  250  thus provides additional stability to the power source  30  components. 
     In  FIG. 5  a vertical top-down perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable pulling device  10  is shown. The carrying handle shaft  90  is connected to a carrying handlebar  200 . The carrying handlebar  200  as shown here is coupled with a throttle handle  180  which is coupled to a throttle cable  190 . The throttle cable connects to the power source  30  by way of a throttle cable connection point  195 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
     Looking at  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the portable pulling device  10  is shown where the equilibrium guide bars  230  are covered by an optional front shield wall  235 , which is a cover around or approximately around the front-facing frame  40 , so designed to prevent debris from ingressing the portable pulling device  10 , or the rear wheel sprocket  140 . Also shown are the anchoring elements  50  attached to or around the front-facing frame  40  or the front-facing frame front edge bottom  175  by way of optional front-facing frame attachments  170 . In this embodiment shown here, the oblique support arms  240  are covered and shielded by way of an optional oblique side wall  245 , which is a cover designed to prevent debris or obstructions from ingressing the portable pulling device  10 . 
     A method for pulling an object  260  out of a confined or barren area is depicted in  FIG. 7 . Those with skill in the art will understand that this method for pulling an object  260  can be performed in various orders and arrangements, rearranging the steps as illustrated herein, and adding some additional actions, and further knowing that some steps are not necessary in particular circumstances. 
     This method for pulling an object  260  generally commences upon the action S 1  of providing a portable pulling device  10 . In currently preferred embodiments, the portable pulling device  10  has a frame chassis  20 , anchoring elements  50 , a power source  30 , a centrifugal clutch  70 , a rope  60  or cable attached to a spool  120 , and frame propulsion components such as skis, tracks, or wheels  110 . 
     The method for pulling an object  260  further includes the action S 2  of attaching the rope  60  around the object desired to be pulled or moved, by way of tying the rope, or using a rope attachment device  65  as described above. 
     After attaching the rope  60  to the object, or surrounding the object with the rope  60 , the carrying handlebar  200  is tilted toward the ground, causing the frame chassis  20  to be diagonal to the ground, whereupon the anchoring elements  50  are released, and the portable pulling device  10  is pushed or pulled and moved to a desired location S 3 . 
     Once in location, the anchoring elements  50  reengage the ground S 4  as the frame chassis  20  is put back in a generally parallel to the ground position, whereupon the portable pulling device  10  provides a counterweight. 
     Once in position and with the portable pulling device  10  acting as a counterweight, the throttle handle  180  is engaged S 5 , and the power source  30  activates, which causes the centrifugal clutch  70  and drivetrain  210  to provide rotation torque on the spool  120 , thereby retracting the rope  60 , and thus the object, towards the portable pulling device  10 . 
     After the object is brought towards the desired location, the user may repeat steps 3-5 if necessary, until the object is in the final desired location S 6 . At this point, remove the rope from the object S 7 . 
     Understandably, the present invention has been described above in terms of one or more preferred embodiments and methods. It is recognized that various alternatives and modifications may be made to these embodiments and methods that are within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that, although the foregoing description and drawings describe and illustrate in detail one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, to those skilled any art to which the present invention relates, the present disclosure will suggest many modifications and constructions, as well as widely differing embodiments, applications and methods without thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.