Abstract:
A flagpole winch that fits inside the internal hollow space a flagpole and is configured to alternatively wind or unwind a cord spool or to lock the cord spool into a rotational position. The winch uses a release spindle that unlocks an actuator mechanism when turned in either direction, allowing the cord spool to be positively rotated in either direction. Once the positive input or turning ceases, the continuous tension on the cord causes the actuator mechanism to automatically lock to arrest the cord spool.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/995,730 filed Sep. 28, 2007 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and entitled, “Internal Winch System for a Flagpole,” which application is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to methods and systems for raising and lowering flags about a flagpole and more particularly to winch systems operable with a flagpole to raise and lower flags. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART 
   Small, manually operated or motorized winches have innumerable applications and are used for a variety of tasks, including raising and lowering flags on flagpoles. When used with a flagpole, the winches may be mounted to the outside of the pole or inside the hollow interior, as is the case with internal halyard flagpole designs. In spite of their increased expense, interior mounted winches are quite popular as they offer several advantages over exterior winches. The flush outer surface of a flagpole with an interior winch is both more aesthetically pleasing and safer than an exterior winch, as it eliminates the potential bump hazard caused by a hard, protruding object at torso level. An additional advantage comes from having both the winch and the cord enclosed within the flagpole and protected from the elements, which significantly extends the useful life of the winch system. And finally, it is easier to secure a flagpole with an internal winch from unauthorized tampering or vandalism as both the winch and the reachable section of the cord can be secured behind a locked door or access cover. 
   Internal winches are not without problems of their own, however. An access passage for installing and operating the winch must be drilled or machined into the side of the flagpole near its base, which may create regions with high stress concentration factors that significantly weaken the overall pole structure. And because entry to the apparatus is constrained by the size of the opening, some traditional winch designs, such as the common ratchet winch, are precluded from being installed inside the flagpole. Furthermore, maintenance and repair operations also become more difficult with the restricted access to the components of the winch located inside the flagpole. 
   The internal winch is also limited in capacity by the outer frame and support structure of the apparatus, otherwise known as the shield. As the volume between the cord spool and the shield is finite, both the amount of available cord and the useful height of the flagpole are limited. The shield also contributes to the common problem of clogging, which occurs when loops of the cord become bound inside the winch between the spool and the internal surface of the shield. 
   All these considerations must be taken into account in designing a flagpole winch that performs the basic functions of easily raising and lowering the flag, and then reliably locking the winch to secure the flag in its new position. It is important that the locking mechanism prevent the winch from unreeling despite severe weather conditions, such as stiff breezes and gusting winds that are capable of imparting instantaneous high loads on the brake or locking mechanism. It is an additional constraint that winch operations be inherently safe and easy to operate since flagpole duties are often given to the young or unskilled. And from an economic and manufacturing perspective, it would be more cost-effective to produce a family of internal flagpole winches of standardized sizes that could readily be adapted to fit into uncut stock flagpoles of different diameters using simple machining methods. 
   One of the more common internal winch designs used in flagpoles is today is the brake winch. A brake winch typically has a square cross-sectional frame surrounding a cylindrical spool, with provisions for a detachable winch handle on one end of the spool and a cast bronze internal brake at the other. The internal brake is modeled after the brake drum on an automobile, with the exception that the brake winch only releases when rotational pressure is exerted by the winch handle. Like the drum brake on an automobile, however, the brake winch is subject to frictional wear and requires periodic maintenance. 
   While its simple and straightforward operation is an advantage, the installation of the brake winch creates significant problems. First, the square cross-section of the winch requires that a square hole to be machined into the sidewall of the flagpole. Even with large-radius corners, a square hole in the sidewall of the pole creates stress concentration factors sufficient to decrease the overall strength of the pole and move the weakest point of the structure from the base of the pole up to the winch location. To compensate at least in part, a welded reinforcement is often added around the edges of the opening and a door is installed over the breach to stiffen the pole when the winch is not actively being turned. However, any additional welding on the pole requires heat treatment to temper the new weld material, which heat treatment must be completed prior to anodizing the flagpole. These additional installation steps require that the flagpole be cut and prepared to receive the brake winch while still in the factory, and that distributors stock their inventory with a wide variety of poles in different configurations in order to quickly respond to customer orders. 
   One current alternative to the brake winch that alleviates some of the installation difficulties is the “M” winch, which is a smaller, self-locking winch having a cylindrical configuration. The round cross-section of the “M” winch only calls for a circular opening to be cut into the sidewall of the flagpole. This eliminates the need for additional reinforcement or welding because a smooth, round hole does not result in stress concentration factors high enough to significantly weaken the flagpole, as long as the opening is not too large. Furthermore, a round opening can be easily cut into a blank pole with a common hole saw, which facilitates field installation. Thus the “M” winch resolves many of the installation problems associated with brake winches. 
   However, the “M” winch does have issues relating to its operation. The “M” winch design uses a spool having a spring-loaded end plate with a number of axially orientated pins that fit within a series of machined slots in the housing. When the pins are engaged within the slots, the spool is locked. The winch is turned by first pushing inward on the handle to release the spins from the slots, and then rotating the handle to turn the spool. Operation of the “M” winch is more complicated than with a brake winch, as the user must simultaneously apply both inward pressure and rotational force while turning the device. Releasing the inward-directed force allows the spring-loaded spool to re-engage with the stationary slots and lock in its new rotational position. It has been observed, however, that on occasions when the winch is heavily loaded the end plate pins may skip backwards over the slots after the operator releases the handle. And if the winch is allowed to gain sufficient rotational momentum, the spool may unreel completely. 
   Another disadvantage of the “M” winch is that its capacity is even smaller than that of the brake winch design, as all the cord must fit within the shield&#39;s cylindrical housing. And because of the tight space between the shield and the spool, the “M” winch is more susceptible to clogging. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, the present invention seeks to overcome these shortcomings by providing an internal flagpole winch that offers easy bi-directional rotation and reliable locking while at the same time surmounting the capacity limitation and clogging issues found in earlier designs. The present invention also resolves many installation concerns found in the prior art by requiring only a few, simple machining operations to install the apparatus, which procedures can easily be performed in the field on blank flagpoles. Moreover, despite being installed inside the structure, the winch of the present invention provides a means for securing the winch to the pole which actually contributes to its structural integrity and moves any potential failure point away from the winch location and back down to the base of the flagpole. 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment as broadly described herein, the present invention features an internal winch for a flagpole which fits into a circular hole cut into the sidewall of the flagpole, but does not require a shield or outer frame to provide structural support for the winch. Instead, the winch uses an internal, axial support system attached to both sides of the flagpole to help align and carry the cord spool. By eliminating the shield frame and any outer structural supports located in the space between the cord spool and the interior walls of the hollow flagpole, the present invention becomes bounded only by the interior surfaces of the pole. This change results in significant benefits, as it eliminates the potential for cord clogs between the wound spool and the stationary frame or shield, and it increases the internal winch&#39;s cord capacity. The increase in capacity, in turn, enables flagpoles using flush-mounted internal winches to be taller for a given base thickness, resulting in aesthetically pleasing designs that have more slender and graceful profiles. 
   In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention also provides for a novel turning and locking system that allows for easy, bi-directional operation of the winch simply by turning a handle, but then supplies a reliable braking and a secure locking of the cord spool as soon as the force rotating the winch is removed. A key component of this turning and locking system is the release spindle, which has an axle that simultaneously supports the cord spool in the radial direction and provides an axis of rotation about which the cord spool freely spins. The release spindle also includes an actuator disc which interfaces with a clutch mechanism. Both the actuator disc and the clutch mechanism are enclosed within the outer brake ring of a brake drum. Furthermore, the backside of the clutch mechanism is directly coupled to the proximal end of the cord spool, forming a clutch mechanism/cord spool sub-assembly. When the release spindle is not rotating, the clutch mechanism is positively locked against the inner surface of the brake ring, which in turn locks the cord spool in its rotational position and prevents it from spinning, regardless of the forces or loads imparted through the cord onto the spool by adverse weather conditions acting on the flag. 
   Positively rotating the release spindle causes components in the actuator disc to push against components in the clutch mechanism, forcing the clutch mechanism/cord spool sub-assembly to disengage from the brake ring and link up, or follow along, with the rotating actuator disc. Thus the clutch mechanism/cord spool sub-assembly turns together with the release spindle when the release spindle is rotated by an external force. This linking up with the rotating actuator disc occurs regardless of whether the release spindle is being turned in a direction that winds the cord onto the cord spool or in a direction that unwinds the cord. However, as soon as the positive force turning the release spindle is removed, the clutch mechanism disengages from the actuator disc and locks back up with the stationary brake ring, strongly securing the clutch mechanism/cord spool sub-assembly in its new rotational position. The position of the flag on the flagpole is thus secured despite stiff breezes and gusting winds which impart instantaneous high loads on the locking mechanism of the present invention. 
   In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features a flagpole winch that is configured to fit within a flagpole and facilitate winding and unwinding an attached halyard cord. The flagpole winch includes a cover plate that is attachable to an outside surface of a near sidewall of a flagpole and a ring bushing coupled to the backside of the cover plate with an inner bushing surface configured for rotatably supporting a release spindle. The rotatable release spindle comprises an actuator disc having a circular front flange that is rotatably disposed within the ring bushing, an axle extending internally from the center of the actuator disc, and an actuator arm extending internally from an outer portion of the actuator disc. The winch further includes a non-rotating elongate bushing having a distal portion and a proximal portion, with the distal portion coupled to a far sidewall of the flagpole and the proximal portion having a bore for receiving the axle of the rotatable release spindle. The winch also includes a cord spool that is rotatably disposed on the distal portion of the elongate bushing and which is configured to receive and support a cord between a distal spool flange and a proximal spool flange. The cord spool also has first and second spool arms that extend outwardly from the proximal spool flange. 
   The flagpole winch further includes a torsion spring that is rotatably disposed about the proximal portion of the elongate busing and between the proximal flange of the cord spool and the actuator disc of the release spindle. The torsional spring has first and second spring ends that are configured to engage with the first and second spool arms, so that a tension force applied to the cord spool acts to engage one of the first and second spool arms with one of the first and second spring ends, causing the torsional spring to close and bind about proximal portion of the elongate bushing and prevent further rotation of the cord spool. 
   The flagpole winch further allows for a manual rotatable force to be applied to the release spindle, which rotatable force operates to engage the actuator arm of the release spindle with one of the first and second spring ends, to overcome the tension force and cause the torsional spring to release the proximal portion of the elongate bushing, allowing for the rotation of the cord spool in the direction of the manual rotatable force. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an internal winch ideally suited for use within a flagpole; 
       FIGS. 2   a - 2   d  together illustrate front, side, back and perspective views of a cover plate, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  together illustrate front and side views of a lock pawl, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  together illustrate front and side views of a brake drum, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  together illustrate front and side views of a release spindle, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  together illustrate perspective and side views of a crank, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1   
       FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  together illustrate front and side views of a cam unlock roller, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  together illustrate front and side views of a cord spool, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  together illustrate a front and side views of a support shaft, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  together illustrate front and side views of a spool spacer, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  together illustrate front and side views of a roller cam, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  together illustrate front and side views of a locking roller, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  together illustrate perspective and front views of the assembled clutch mechanism, in its locked and non-turning state, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of the assembled and installed winch system, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of an internal winch system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an exploded view of the internal winch system of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an end view of the internal winch system of  FIG. 15 , with the spool shown as being rotated counterclockwise causing the first spool arm to come in contact with the first spring end, thus inducing a torsion within the torsion spring and causing it to clamp down on the bushing, arresting the rotation of the spool; 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an end view of the internal winch system of  FIG. 15 , with the spool shown as being rotated clockwise causing the second spool arm to come in contact with the second spring end, thus inducing a torsion within the torsion spring and causing it to clamp down on the bushing, arresting the rotation of the spool; 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a top view of the internal winch system of  FIG. 15 , as contained and supported within a flagpole; and 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a bottom view of the internal winch system of  FIG. 15 , as contained and supported within a flagpole. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
   The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims. 
   The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention are designated by numerals throughout. 
   With reference to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an internal flagpole winch  10  ideally suited for use with a flagpole employing an internal halyard or similar interior cord configuration. The winch can be comprised of four principle sub-assemblies. The cover plate  12 /brake drum  14  sub-assembly can include the cover plate  12  and the brake drum  14 , which are the two stationary components attached to the proximal end of the winch. The cover plate  12  can have a large front face  22  which is curved to match the rounded surface of the flagpole. The brake drum  14  can attach to the backside of the cover plate  12  and, when installed, extend into the interior of the flagpole. 
   The next sub-assembly is the release spindle  16  which can have two portions: an actuator disc portion  30  and an axle portion  40 . The actuator disc  30  can be orientated perpendicular to the centerline of the rotating assembly, fits snuggly inside the brake drum  14  and has a bushing surface on its front face and outer edges which allows it to spin freely inside the brake drum. The actuator disc can have a number of cam unlock rollers  32  attached at equally spaced intervals around the interior face of the disc, near the outer edge. 
   The axle  40  can extend from the center of the actuator disc  30  partway into the hollow center of the flagpole. It can be integral to and rotate with the actuator disc  30 , and provide partial support for the third sub-assembly: the cord spool  50  and the roller cam  70 . The cord spool  50 /roller cam  70  sub-assembly can slide onto the axle  40  and can have bushings inside the spool which allow it to spin freely about the axle  40 . The roller cam  70 , the principal component of the clutch mechanism, can be attached to the front face of the proximal end of the cord spool  50  and can have multiple symmetrically-curved sprockets  72 , equal in number to the number of unlock rollers  32 , extending radially from a small central disc section  74 . Like the cord spool  50 , the roller cam  70  can also have a central passage or bore which allows it to slide over the axle  40 . In its assembled position, the roller cam can fit snuggly within the brake drum  14  and against the interior face of the actuator disc  30 , with the sprockets  72  sliding between the unlock rollers  32 . 
   The release spindle  16  and the cord spool  50 /cam roller  70  sub-assemblies can be configured to rotate both one relative to the other and together in unison. The selection of which form of rotation takes place can be determined by the pairs of floating locking rollers  78  which are positioned in the spaces between the unlock rollers  32  and the sprockets  72 . There can be two locking rollers  78  for each unlock roller  72 . Each locking roller  78  can be enclosed within a volume bounded by the actuator disc  30  and the proximal end of the cord spool  50  on either end, the roller cam  70  and the unlock roller  32  on the bottom and sides, and the brake drum  14  on the top. However, the locking roller  78  can be free to rotate and slide anywhere within this limited volume. Stated differently, each locking roller  78  can be configured and able to float within this volume. The cam unlock rollers  32  on the actuator disc  30 , the floating locking rollers  78 , the roller cam  70  and the brake ring  44  of the brake drum  14  together combine to form what is otherwise known as the clutch mechanism. 
   The fourth component is the fixed support shaft  60 /spool spacer  64  sub-assembly which attaches to the far sidewall of the flagpole and provides additional support for the distal end of the cord spool. The support shaft  64  can be co-axial with the axle portion  40  of the release spindle  16  and can have the same diameter while filling the remainder of the gap between the end of the axle  40  and far sidewall of the flagpole. The spool spacer  66  can have a curved distal surface that matches the curved interior surface of the far sidewall, and the length of the body can be configurable to fill any remaining distance between the distal end of the cord spool  50  and the far sidewall. The proximal face of the spool spacer  66  can have a bushing surface  68  to allow the cord spool  50  to ride up against the spool spacer  66  and still spin freely. 
   The flagpole (not shown) can be prepared to receive the internal winch by cutting a circular winch hole in the side of the flagpole with a standard hole saw. The winch hole can be configured to be large enough to accommodate the internal components of the winch, but small enough to be completely enclosed by the outer edges of the cover plate. A smaller screw hole can be drilled and countersunk directly opposite and in line with the centerline of the winch hole to allow for the attachment of the support shaft  60 /spool  64  spacer sub-assembly. 
   Illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d  are more detailed views of the cover plate  12 . The cover plate  12  can have a large front face  22  with edges that extend some distance beyond the limits of the winch hole cut into the sidewall of the flagpole. The front face  22  can have a thickness and a curvature that matches the outer curvature the sidewall, and mounts flush against the sidewall when installed. A number of countersunk screw holes  24  can be located around the circumference of the cover plate  12  to allow for installation using self-tapping machine screws. A significant advantage offered by the present invention over the prior art is that the thickness of the cover plate  12 , combined with its secure attachment by self-tapping machine screws around its entire circumference, can allow the cover plate to replace the structural integrity lost by cutting the winch hole into the sidewall of the flagpole. With the present invention, instead of creating a weak point in the flagpole at the location of the internal winch, the cover plate  12  can reinforce the structure of the flagpole near the winch hole and move the weak point back down to the base of the flagpole, where it would be located had the flagpole remained unmodified. 
   The backside of the cover plate  12  has a smaller, circular flat face portion  26  which can be generally perpendicular to the centerline of the front face  22  and which can fit into the circular winch hole to provide a platform upon which the rest of the apparatus is built. However, the flat face  26  can be aligned with a small angle relative to the centerline of the front face  22  to accommodate sharply tapered flagpoles, so that even when the cover plate  12  mates flush against the outer surface of sharply tapered flagpole, the flat face  26  can remain parallel to the flagpole&#39;s vertical centerline. The flat face  26  can have screws holes  28  for attachment of the brake drum  14 . 
   The cover plate  12  can have a center slot  20  extending from the front face  22  to the backside flat face  26  that provides access to the workings of the internal winch via a crank, as discussed hereinafter. The center slot  20  can be configured with a short section having an oblong profile with flattened sides, followed by another short section having a circular profile of the same diameter. This configuration can permit the installation of a locking pawl  36 , as shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , that can be inserted through the oblong section and then turned  90  degrees to be locked to place, blocking access to the internal workings behind. The locking pawl  36  can be configured with an interface  38  that can only be fitted with a custom tool provided by the manufacturer, thereby eliminating the opportunity for unauthorized users to remove the locking pawl  36  and gaining access to the operations of the winch  10 . The interface  38  can be a square hole in the exemplary embodiment shown. The center slot  20  of the cover plate  12  can also be secured with a standard, keyed cabinet lock, or with any other locking means available in the art. 
     FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are illustrative of the roller brake drum  14 . The brake drum  14  can have an attachment face portion  46  and a brake ring portion, and can be connected to the backside flat face  26  of the cover plate  12  by machine screws inserted though screw holes  48  in the attachment face  46 . Furthermore, the attachment face  46  can have a central hole to allow access to the internal workings of the winch via the center slot  20 . 
   The brake ring portion  44  of the brake drum  14  can be concentric with the centerline of the winch apparatus and extends into the hollow interior of the flagpole when installed. The inner surface on the brake ring  44  can be configured to provide a smooth bearing surface against which several components of the internal winch may slide or roll, and against which the locking rollers may bind to lock the clutch mechanism into a rotational position. In addition, the brake ring  44  can provide structural support and alignment for the winch apparatus by supporting and the aligning the actuator disc portion of the release spindle. 
   A front and side view of the release spindle  16  is shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b . The release spindle  16  can be comprised of an actuator disc portion  30  and an axle portion  40 . The actuator disc  40  can be configured to be slidably inserted into the brake drum  14  and to contact both the vertical attachment face of the brake drum and the inner surface of the brake ring. The front face of the actuator disc  30  can be configured with a recess  42  or groove to limit the contact area between the two flat surfaces to a brake ring portion that can more easily be treated with a bushing material. Furthermore, the outer rim of the actuator disc  30  can also be treated with a bushing material that allows free rotation of the actuator disc  30  within the brake ring. 
   The center portion of the actuator disc  30  can be configured with a profiled cutout  34  that can be engaged by a crank (see  FIG. 6 ). To operate the winch, the center slot lock can be removed and the crank tip can be inserted through the cover plate/brake drum sub-assembly to mechanically engage the profiled cutout in the release spindle  16 . The cutout  34  can have a square cross-section as shown in the exemplary embodiment, a hexagonal cross-section, or any other standard or customized design that can be configured to mate with the corresponding crank tip. 
   The actuator disc portion  30  of the release spindle  16  can have provisions for fixably mounting a number of freely-spinning cam unlock rollers  32  (see  FIG. 7 ) around the circumference of the interior face at equally spaced attachment points  18 , as shown in the exemplary embodiment. However, nothing in the drawings nor the specification should be construed to limit the quantity of unlock rollers to three, as any internal winch configuration having two or more equally-spaced unlock rollers falls within the scope of the present invention. Upon assembly, the cam unlock rollers  32  will engage the locking rollers positioned between the unlock rollers and sprockets of the roller cam. 
   As further shown in  FIG. 5   a , the release spindle  16  can have an axle portion  40  that can be integral with the actuator disc  30  and that extends further into the interior of the flagpole. The axle  40  can be configured to support and align the proximal end of the roller cam/cord spool sub-assembly with the actuator disc  30  and the brake drum. The axle  40  can turn with the actuator disc  30  when the release spindle  16  is engaged by a crank  4 , and at the same time can provide a bearing surface upon which the cord spool may rotate when the release spindle  16  is not turning. 
   Illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  is the crank  4  which can be used to turn the release spindle and operate the winch system. That crank can have a profiled crank tip  8  which can engage the cutout in the actuator disc. The profiled crank tip can have a square shape, a hexagonal shape, or any other standard or customized design that can be configured to mate with the corresponding actuator disc receiver or cutout. In one aspect of the invention, the tip of the crank can further be equipped with a smaller-diameter extension ‘nose’ or rod  9  that projects further into a comparably-sized bore in the axle portion of the release spindle, providing a stabilizing slip-fit which can loosely hold the extension nose to reduce crank wobble during operation. 
     FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are illustrative of the cord spool  50 , which can be configured to hold and secure the cord, rope or cable used in the internal halyard flagpole system. The proximal end of the cord spool  50  can slide over and can be supported by the axle portion  40  of the rotating release spindle  16 , while the distal end can be supported by the non-rotating support shaft  60 . To allow for rotation about both rotating and fixed support structures, the cord spool  50  can be provided with a bushing surface  58  inside the tubular portion  52 . The proximal end of the cord spool  50  can be also configured with a means for attaching  48  the roller cam  70 , such as the three threaded holes for machine screws shown in the exemplary embodiment. 
   The cord spool  50  can generally be described as a hollow tube  52  with two end pieces or flanges  54 ,  56  defining a central recess or landing, the flanges and the landing providing the support boundaries for the cable or cord. In one aspect of the invention, the inner walls or sides or surfaces of the flanges  54 ,  56  can comprise a tapered configuration or orientation with respect to the landing (e.g., they can slope outwards and upwards from the landing to create a bowl-shaped profile). However, due to the sloped nature of the walls of the flange, the cable may be encouraged to “climb” the wall and thus get situated beyond the flanges. Thus, in another aspect, the inner walls or sides or surfaces of the flanges  54   56  can comprise an orthogonal configuration or orientation with respect to the landing (e.g., be perpendicular, or 90 degrees, to the outer surface of the landing  52 ), in order to discourage the cable from climbing the wall and traveling beyond the flange. In a further aspect, one or more nubs  57  or other protrusions or guides can also be formed along the inner walls of the flanges  54 ,  56  to further prevent the cable from traveling outside the edges of the spool  50 . The nubs  57  can also facilitate or urge winding of the cable away from the flange wall before the cable has a chance to contact the inner wall. This, again, helps to keep the cable properly constrained between the two flanges and about the spool. 
   The support shaft  60 , shown in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , can be configured with a threaded hole  62  that can be engaged by a machine screw attached through the back sidewall of the flagpole. During installation the support shaft  60  can be aligned with the axle portion of the release spindle to form a single axis of rotation for the cord spool. Having the same diameter as the axle portion, the non-rotating support shaft  60  carries the distal end of the cord spool by occupying the gap between the end of the axle and far sidewall of the flagpole. 
   The spool spacer  64 , as shown in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b , can be configured to fit over the support shaft. It can include a tapered distal edge  68  that fits against the curved interior face of the far sidewall to provide a more rigid connection between support shaft/spool spacer sub-assembly and the far sidewall of the flagpole, while the opposite, proximal face  66  of the spool spacer  64  has a bushing surface that allows the cord spool to contact the spool spacer and still rotate freely. And furthermore, the length of the spool spacer  64  can be configurable to fill any remaining distance between the distal end of the cord spool and the far sidewall. 
     FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  are illustrative of the roller cam  70 , which can have multiple symmetrically curved sprockets  72  extending radially from a central disc section  74 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the roller cam  70  has three sprockets  72  and can be joined to the proximal end of the cord spool with machine screws that attach through three countersunk holes, one in each sprocket  72 . The central disc section  74  can have a central passage  76  which allows the roller cam/cord spool sub-assembly to slide onto the axle portion of the release spindle. 
   The sprockets  72  on the roller cam  70  can be symmetric, meaning that either side of the sprocket  72  can be a mirror image of the other. The outer edges of the sprockets  72  can have an outer radius that fits inside the inner diameter of the brake ring. Immediately below the outer edge can be rounded indentations, or pockets  82 , on both sides of the sprocket  72 . These pockets  82  can be deep enough to accommodate the locking rollers  78  (see  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b ) and allow them to freely spin without contacting the brake ring. The bottom portion of each pocket  82  can smoothly merge with the central disc section  74  and follow the contour of the central disc section  74  around to the next sprocket  72 , forming a land section  84  between the sprockets  72 . However, this land section  84  may not be concentric with the center of the roller cam  70 . Instead, the land section  84  can have a slightly greater outward curvature with respect to the radius of the disc section, eventually reaching a peak  86  in the center between the two sprockets  72 , and then a slightly greater inward curvature to the next sprocket  72 . This change in curvature can give the land section  84  between any two sprockets  72  a slightly mounded profile. 
   The increase in the outward curvature of the land section  84  can be enough to narrow the gap between the roller cam  70  and the brake ring such that a locking roller  78  will become lodged between the two surfaces. This simultaneous dual contact between the roller cam  70  and the locking roller  78  and between the locking roller  78  and the brake ring, when repeated about the circumference of the roller cam  70  preferably by at least one other locking roller  78 , provides the locking mechanism which temporarily restrains the roller cam  70 /cord spool  50  sub-assembly in any particular rotational position. 
   The clutch mechanism is shown in its assembled position in  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b , with the roller cam  70  slidably contacting the actuator disc  30 , and with both the roller cam  70  and the actuator disc  30  fitting snuggly inside the brake ring  44  of the brake drum  14 . In the exemplary embodiment, the three sprockets  72  can fit between the three cam unlock rollers  32  projecting from the actuator disc  30 , and six non-fixed locking rollers  78  can be placed in the spaces between the sprockets  72  and the cam unlock rollers  32 . Each sprocket  72  can also be configured with a hole  92  between the pockets  82  to house two spring-loaded actuator pins  90 , one for each pocket  82 . The actuator pins  90  can be spring-loaded and can be made from or coated with Teflon or a similar low-friction, longwearing Teflon-like substance. The actuator pins  90  can serve to push the locking rollers  78  away from the pockets  82  and up the sloped land section  84 , while at the same time the Teflon coating can allow the locking rollers  78  to freely spin against the actuator pins  90 . 
     FIG. 13   b  further depicts the roller cam  70  in a locked position. In the illustration, the roller cam  70  can be under a preload  102  to rotate clockwise, such as provided by tension on a cord  100  attached to the cord spool  50 . However, the roller cam/cord spool sub-assembly can be prevented from turning clockwise by the three locking rollers  78  that have rolled up onto the mounded land sections  84  and become wedged between the roller cam  70  and the inner surface of the brake ring  44 . The other three locking rollers  78  can be in neutral, non-locking positions within the opposite pockets  82 . In addition, the cam unlock rollers  32  can also be in resting neutral positions against the three locked rollers  78 , although they may be free to move between the roller on either side as the actuator disc  30  of the release spindle rocks back and forth. 
   If the cord  100  attached to the cord spool preloads the roller cam  70  to turn in the clockwise direction, then rotating the roller cam  70  in the counter-clockwise direction would wind more cord  100  onto the spool. This can be accomplished by turning the release spindle  16  in the counter-clockwise direction, as viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 13   b . Turning the release spindle  16  counter-clockwise can cause the cam unlock rollers  32  to first rotate around and push against the locking rollers  78  initially at rest in the left hand pockets  82 , forcing them against the right hand side of each sprocket  72 . The continued application of torque to the release spindle can then force the roller cam  70  itself to rotate counter-clockwise. This releases the opposite locking rollers  78  wedged on the mounded land sections  84  and allows them to slide down into trailing pockets  82  against the biased actuator pins  90 . As long as turning force is applied to the release spindle, the roller cam/cord spool sub-assembly can rotate counter-clockwise and additional cord  100  will be wound onto the cord spool. However, as soon as the turning torque is released, the preload  102  can force the roller cam  70  to rotate back a few degrees clockwise, which immediately causes the locking rollers  78  in the right hand pockets  82  to again roll back up onto the mounded land sections  84  and become wedged again between the roller cam  70  and the brake ring  44 , locking the winch  10  into its new rotational position. 
   The same process can apply in unwinding cord  100  from the winch, except in the opposite direction. Starting again from the locked position depicted in  FIG. 13   b , the release spindle  16  can be turned clockwise, so that the cam unlock rollers  32  now compresses the spring-loaded actuator pins  90  and force the wedged locking rollers  78  to slide down out of their locked positions and into the right hand pockets  82 , well clear from the outer brake ring  44 . The continued application of torque to the release spindle  16  forces the roller cam  70  to turn clockwise, unwinding the cord spool  50  in a controlled fashion. When the turning torque is finally released, the preload  102  on the cord spool can cause the roller cam  70  to continue turning clockwise, but now the cam unlock rollers  32  are no longer keeping the locking rollers  78  in the right hand pockets  82 , and the natural motion of the roller cam  70 , along with the force induced by the biased actuator pins  90 , can cause the locking rollers  78  to roll back up on the mounded land sections  84  and once again lock the roller cam  70 /cord spool  50  sub-assembly into another rotational position. 
   The internal winch  10  of the present invention can thus be turned in a controlled fashion in both directions, to either wind cord  100  onto or unwind cord  100  off of the cord spool  50 . The torque required to release the locking mechanism and turn the internal sub-assemblies can be minimal, and once the turning force is released the preloaded cord spool can automatically lock itself against the brake ring  44  after turning just a few degrees. The interaction between the roller cam  70 , the release spindle  16  and the locking rollers  78  can be similar to the operation of a sprag bearing, with the difference being that the present invention is able to release, rotate and lock in both rotational directions. 
   The assembled exemplary embodiment is shown after installation in a flagpole  2  in  FIG. 14 . As can readily be seen, the length of the cord spool  50  can be sized to nearly span the entire internal diameter of the flagpole  2  to maximize the capacity of the internal winch. The remainder of the distance can be occupied by the brake drum  14  at the proximal end of the cord spool  50  and the spool spacer  64  at the distal end. Both the release spindle and the roller cam can be completely enclosed within and shielded by the brake drum  14 . Furthermore, the spool spacer  64  can be just long enough to provide enough clearance so that the distal end piece of the cord spool  50  does not contact the far sidewall of the flagpole  2 . Unlike the prior art, the present invention can be supported from a center axis and requires neither a cage structure or an external shield to support both ends of the cord spool  50 . This both increases the capacity of the internal winch  10  over the prior art and greatly reduces its opportunity for clogging. 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, the cord spool  50  can come in a variety of lengths in order to completely span the internal cavity of a number of differently sized flagpoles. In an alternative embodiment, however, the size of the principal components of the internal winch  10 , including the length of the cord spool  50 , can be fixed in a “one-size-fits-all-flagpoles-of-a-similar-height” marketing system. Under these circumstances it is the support shaft  60  and the spool spacer  64 , the two components attached to the far sidewall of the flagpole  2 , which can be made with different lengths to accommodate the variations in flagpole diameters. As these two components are far simpler to make than the cord spool  50 , the manufacturing and inventory costs for a line of internal winches can be reduced considerably. 
   Also as shown in  FIG. 14 , the installation of the present invention within the flagpole  2  can be greatly simplified. Only a single large winch hole needs to be cut in one sidewall of the flagpole  2 , with a smaller hole for the distal end support screw drilled directly opposite and in line with the winch hole. After de-burring the cut surfaces, the entire internal winch assembly can be slid into the winch hole and secured at the distal end with one machine screw, and at the proximal end with six self-taping screws through recessed holes in the cover plate. The simplified installation eliminates the costly welding, annealing, and painting required by the prior art, and yet results in a structurally sound flagpole which can be just as strong as unmodified counterpart. 
   With reference to the perspective assembled and exploded views of  FIGS. 15 and 16 , respectively, illustrated is another exemplary embodiment  110  of the winch or winch system of the present invention that is ideally suited for use with a flagpole as part of an internal halyard system. As shown, the winch  110  comprises a spool  150  that can be rotatably supported about an elongate bushing  142 , wherein the spool  150  has a bore that allows it to slide over and freely rotate about the elongate bushing  142 . The spool  150  can further comprise first and second flanges  154 ,  156  located at opposing ends, and a landing  152  situated therebetween. The spool  150  can be configured to receive and support and retain a cord, rope, wire or other flexible line  100  as part of an internal halyard system and as commonly known in the art. The spool  150  also comprises first and second spool arms  172 ,  174  that extend outward from the flange  154  as shown. 
   As described in the previous embodiment, the inner surfaces of the first and second flanges  154 ,  156  of the spool  150  can slope outwards and upwards to create a bowl-shaped profile. In another aspect, however, the inner surfaces can be orthogonal, or 90 degrees, to the landing surface  152  in order to discourage the cable from climbing the walls and traveling beyond the flanges. Nubs  157  can also be formed along the inner edges of the flanges  154 ,  156  to urge winding of the cable in an opposing direction (e.g., towards the opposite flange) and to further reduce the likelihood of the cable traveling outside the spool  150 . 
   The elongate bushing  142 , and hence the spool  150 , can be supported by a mounting shaft  160  at a distal end and an actuator shaft  140  at a proximal end. As can be seen in  FIG. 16 , the elongate bushing can have a length that is greater than the length of the spool piece, so that while the distal portion of the elongate bushing can be aligned flush with the second spool flange  156 , a proximal portion of the elongate bushing projects beyond the first spool flange  154  as it fits over the actuator shaft  140 . As will be discussed below, this projecting proximal portion of the elongate bushing  142  provides a fixed surface against which the rotating spool piece can be secured. 
   At the distal end of the internal winch, the mounting shaft  160  can operate with a fastener  188  to secure one side of the winch  110  to a flagpole. The mounting shaft  160  can couple to the inside surface of a flagpole with a flange portion  158  having an outer surface that conforms to the contour of the inside surface of the flagpole, to help to prevent the mounting shaft from rotating during normal operating conditions of the internal winch  110 . The fastener  188 , such as a screw, bolt, etc., releasably engages the mounting shaft  160  through an aperture formed in the wall of the flagpole to facilitate internal mounting of the winch  110 . 
   The mounting shaft  160  can be fixed and non-rotating. In one aspect of the invention, the elongate bushing  142  can be press fit onto the mounting shaft  160 , thus also fixing the elongate bushing  142  in a non-rotating state. In another aspect, the mounting shaft  160  can be provided with a square or non-round cross-section that is smaller than a corresponding square or non-round bore in the distal end of the elongate bushing  140 , leaving a gap between the two components. During assembly of the elongate bushing  142  to the mounting shaft  160 , this gap can be filled with an elastomeric or resilient material  138  to provide a flexible yet secure fit between the non-rotating mounting shaft and elongate bushing. This flexibility can allow for a greater lateral tolerances in positioning the aperture for the restraining fastener  188  in the rear portion of the flagpole. 
   Adjacent the spool  150  can be an actuator  130  having an actuator shaft  140  extending outward from a head portion  146  on one side, which actuator shaft  140  can be inserted into the bushing  142  at an end opposite that configured to receive the mounting shaft  160 . The actuator shaft  140  can be configured to fit within the elongate bushing  142 , and to facilitate the free rotation of the actuator  130  within and about the elongate bushing  142 . The actuator  130  can be contained or situated between the elongate bushing  142 , which proximate end abuts the head portion  146  of the actuator  130 , and the ring bushing  144 , and can freely rotate between these two components. The actuator  130  can further comprise a rim or circular flange  126  extending outward from the head portion  146  in a direction opposite than that of the actuator shaft  140 . The actuator  130  can be configured to freely rotate within or about a ring-bushing  144  that mates with the actuator  130  via the flange portion  126  of the actuator  130 . The ring bushing  144  can be configured to be supported or seated within a cover plate  112  in order to provide support to the actuator  130  and the spool  150  at an end of the winch  110  opposite that of the mounting shaft  160 . In other words, the components can be assembled together and supported within the flagpole at one end by the mounting shaft  160  (which mounts directly to the flagpole) and at an opposite end by the cover plate  112  (which also mounts directly to the flagpole). The actuator  130  can further comprise an actuator arm  132  extending outward from the head portion  146  in the same direction as the actuator shaft  140 . 
   Situated between the spool  150  and the actuator  130  and about or over the elongate bushing  142  can be a torsion spring  192  having first and second ends  196 ,  198  extending linearly a distance from a coiled portion  194 , which first and second ends  196 ,  198  are each configured to engage and interact with the first and second spool arms  172 ,  174  located on the spool  150 . The first and second ends  196 ,  198  of the torsion spring  192  can also each be configured to engage and interact with the actuator arm  132  of the actuator  130 . The interaction between these components is discussed in more detail below. 
   A cover plate  112  can be configured to mount to the exterior surface of a flagpole to support the ring bushing  144  about an interior surface of the cover plate  112 . The ring bushing  144  in turn can operate with and directly supports the actuator  130 . With the components of the winch  110  assembled, the cover plate  112  can function to operably support these about the flagpole, and to provide a cover enclosing the winch  110  within the interior of the flagpole. The assembly and interaction of each of the above-identified components operates to provide an internal winch system  110  supported within a flagpole, and operable with a halyard system. 
   A crank  4 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6  and described previously above, may be used to operate the winch  110 , and particularly actuate the actuator  130  of the winch  110 , to manipulate the halyard system. To facilitate this, the actuator  130  can include means for interfacing with the crank  4  (or other member), such as a key hole formed in the head of the actuator, which key hole can correspond to and be configured to receive an end of the crank  4 . As so configured, the crank  4  may be inserted through the cover plate  112  and into the key hole of the actuator  130  to engage the actuator, whereupon rotation of the actuator  130  operates the winch  110 . 
   The present invention winch may further comprise a lock  134  operable with the cover plate  112  to prevent unauthorized access to the internal winch  110 . The lock  134  can include a pawl  136  that can be rotated in different directions or to different positions by a key or other unlocking member to lock and unlock the lock  134 . The pawl can be sized and shaped to correspond with an aperture, particularly an oblong aperture, formed in the cover plate  112 . Upon aligning the pawl  136  and the aperture  130 , the lock  134  can be unlocked and may be removed, thus providing access to the winch  110 . The pawl  136  may also be positioned so that the lock  134  can be locked, wherein the pawl  136  is out of alignment with the aperture  130 , and access to the winch  110  denied. 
   The present invention winch may further comprise a spacer or bushing  164  situated between the mounting shaft  160  and the elongate bushing  142 . This bushing is preferably non-metal to eliminate a metal to metal contact between the mounting shaft  160  and the elongate bushing  142 . 
   Under normal operating conditions, the winch of the present invention can secure the flexible line  100  wound around the spool  150 , preventing inadvertent rotation of the spool  150 . To wind or unwind the flexible line  100 , the spool  150  can be configured to rotate only upon being positively manipulated. Stated differently, the winch  110  can be configured such that the spool  150  rotates only when actuated on by the actuator  130 . This is the case with respect to rotation in either direction. Advantageously, the present invention winch can provide bi-directional locking or arresting of the spool  150  to prevent inadvertent rotation of the spool  150  and unwinding of the flexible line  100  in either direction, and also bi-directional actuation of the spool  150  to positively operate the winch  110  to wind or unwind the flexible line  100  from the spool  150  in either direction. 
   To prevent unwanted rotation of the spool  150 , and also to secure the flexible line  100 , the rotation of the spool  150  can be arrested as a result of the torsional spring  192  clamping down, binding, or otherwise closing upon the projecting proximal end of the elongate bushing  142 . This clamping effect can be achieved by one of the spool arms  172 ,  174  coming in contact with one of the first or second ends  196 ,  198  of the torsion spring  192 . The torsion spring  192  can be situated such that upon induced rotation of the spool  150  (e.g., that resulting from a tension force being induced within the flexible line  100 , which tension force pulls on the spool  150  and creates a tendency to rotate the spool  150  in a direction to unwind the flexible line  100 ), depending upon the direction of rotation, one of the spool arms  172 ,  174  can be caused to engage and exert a force on one of the spring ends  196 ,  198 . This action can induce a torsional force within the torsional spring  192  that causes the inside diameter of the coiled portion  194  of the torsional spring  192  to contract or shrink. As this happens, the torsional spring  192  effectively clamps down on the outer surface of the elongate bushing  142 , thus arresting further rotation of the spool  150  and preventing the unwinding of the flexible line  100  from the spool  150 . 
   The above described functionality can be present within the winch  110  no matter the direction of the induced rotation of the spool  150 . In other words, the winch  110  can prevent inadvertent rotation of the spool  150  in any direction. Thus, it can be said that the winch  110  operates on the basis of positive manipulation and rotation of the spool  150  in order to wind and unwind the flexible line  100 . Indeed, to rotate the spool  150  in either direction, and thus to wind or unwind the flexible line  100 , the actuator  130  can be caused to be rotated in the desired direction. As the actuator  130  can be rotated about its axis, the actuator arm  132  can be caused to come in contact with one of the first and second ends  196 ,  198  of the torsion spring  192 , depending upon the direction of rotation of the actuator  130 . As the actuator arm  132  engages the end of the spring  196 ,  198 , and as the rotation of the actuator  130  can be caused to be continued, the actuator arm  132  exerts a force on the end of the spring  196 ,  198  that functions to induce an inverse torsional force within the spring  192 , which inverse torsional force effectively functions to expand the inner diameter of the coil portion  194  of the torsion spring  192 . While this inverse torsional force may not of any great magnitude, it can be enough to permit the torsional spring  192  to resist clamping down on and instead freely rotate about the elongate bushing  142 . Steady or continued application of rotational force in this direction by the actuator  130  on the torsional spring  192  causes the spool  150  to also rotate, thus facilitating the winding or unwinding of the flexible line  100  from the spool  150 . In operation, the winch  110 , and more particularly the actuator  130 , may be actuated using a crank  4  or other member configured to engage and operate with the actuator  130 . 
     FIG. 17  illustrates a partial end view of the winch system  110  of  FIG. 15 . As shown, the flexible line  100  or halyard can be subject to a tension force F inducing or having a tendency to induce rotation of the spool  150  in a counterclockwise direction. Under these conditions, the spool  150  can be allowed to rotate only until the first spool arm  172  comes in contact with the first spring end  196  and exerts a force on the first spring end  196 , which contact and resulting force causes a torsional force to be induced within the torsion spring  192 . This torsional force can cause the torsional spring  192  to contract and clamp down and bind about the proximal portion of the elongate bushing  142  arresting further rotation of the torsional spring  192  and also the rotation of the spool  150 . With the torsional spring  192  clamped down on the elongate bushing  142 , thus becoming statically positioned, any further rotational force induced in the spool  150  by the flexible line  100  will be ineffective to further rotate the spool  150 . This is due to the interaction and contact of the first spool arm  172  with the first spring end  196 . The first spring end  196  essentially serves as a stopper to the first spool arm  172 . The stiffness within the torsional spring  192 , and particularly within the first spring end  196 , can be configured to be sufficient enough to withstand the rotational force of the spool  150  and the forces applied by the first spool stop. Indeed, the winch system  110  may be designed to comprise a torsional spring  192  having a torsional or spring constant sufficient to withstand the types of loads experienced by a halyard system. Different winch systems may obviously comprise different torsional springs with different spring constants as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. 
   The first and second spool arms  172 ,  174  may be positioned about the spool  150  to contact and engage the spring ends  196 ,  198  at any location along their linear extension. As one skilled in the art will recognize, the further from the central axis of the torsional spring  192  this contact takes place, the stiffer the torsional spring  192  will have to be due to the increased mechanical advantage obtained the further radially outward the contact position is located from the central axis. As shown, the first spool arm  172  can be configured to contact the first spring end  196  at approximately a midpoint between the central axis of the torsional spring  192  and a terminal end of the first spring end  196 . In another aspect of the invention, the torsional spring can be formed with the first spring end  196 ′ in a more flattened orientation to provide greater contact surface area between the first spring end  196 ′ and the first spool arm  172 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 18 , illustrated is a partial end view of the winch system  110  of  FIG. 15 . As shown in this particular operating condition, the flexible line  100  or halyard can be subject to a tension force F inducing or having a tendency to induce rotation of the spool  150  in a clockwise direction. Under these conditions, the spool  150  can be allowed to rotate only until the second spool arm  174  comes in contact with the second spring end  198  and exerts a force on the second spring end  198 , which contact and resulting force can cause a torsional force to be induced within the torsion spring  192 . This torsional force can cause the torsional spring  192  to contract and clamp down and bind about the proximal portion of the elongate bushing  142  arresting further rotation of the torsional spring  192  and also the rotation of the spool  150 . With the torsional spring  192  clamped down on the elongate bushing  142 , thus becoming statically positioned, any further rotational force induced in the spool  150  by the flexible line  100  will be ineffective to further rotate the spool  150 . This is due to the interaction and contact of the second spool arm  174  with the second spring end  198 . The second spring end  198  essentially serves as a stopper to the second spool arm  174 . The stiffness within the torsional spring  192 , and particularly within the second spring end  198 , are configured to be sufficient enough to withstand the rotational force of the spool  150  and the forces applied by the second spool stop. 
   Similar to the first spool arm  172  described above, the second spool arm  174  can be configured to contact the second spring end  198  at approximately a midpoint between the central axis of the torsional spring  192  and a terminal end of the second spring end  198 . In another aspect of the invention, the torsional spring can be formed with the second spring end  198 ′ in a more flattened orientation to provide greater contact surface area between the second spring end  198 ′ and the second spool arm  174 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 17 and 18  collectively, to positively operate the winch  110  and rotate the spool  150  in either direction to wind or unwind the flexible line  100 , the actuator  130  can be engaged with a driving member, such as a crank  4 , and caused to be rotated in the desired direction. For example, to wind the flexible line  100  about the spool  150  (assuming the flexible line  100  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 17 ), the actuator  130  can be caused to rotate in a clockwise direction. As the actuator  130  rotates, the actuator arm  132  can be caused to come in contact with and engage the first spring end  196 . As indicated above, this can induce an inverse torsional force within the torsional spring  192  preventing it from contracting and clamping down on the surface of the elongate bushing  142 . Instead, the torsional spring  192  expands to increase the diameter of the coiled portion  194  with respect to the diameter of the elongate bushing  142 . Continued rotation of the actuator  130  eventually causes the first spring end  196  to come in contact with and engage the first spool arm  172 , which rotates the spool  150  in the clockwise direction and further winds the flexible line  100  about the spool  150 . Similarly, to unwind the flexible line  100  from the spool  150 , the actuator  130  can be caused to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. As the actuator  130  rotates, the actuator arm  132  can be caused to come in contact with and engage the second spring end  198 , which can induce a similar inverse torsional force within the torsional spring  192  due to the configuration of the torsional springs to provide ends  196 ,  198  extending outward at offset positions with respect to one another and a central axis of the torsional spring  192 . Continued rotation of the actuator  130  causes the second spring end  198  to come in contact with and engage the second spool arm  174 , which rotates the spool  150  in the counterclockwise direction, unwinding the flexible line  100  from the spool  150 . 
   With respect to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , shown are respective top and bottom views of the present invention winch system  110  as supported within a flagpole  2 . As can be seen, the cover plate  112  mounts to the outside of the flagpole  2  on one side, thus supporting the winch  110  from this side, with the fastener  188  engaging the mounting shaft  160  to support the winch  110  about the flagpole  2  from the other side. The cover plate  112  can comprise a size and configuration that covers the opening in the flagpole  2  formed to access the interior and insert the winch  110 . The cover plate  112  can also comprise a configuration that corresponds to the exterior surface of the flagpole  2 . The cover plate  112  may be mounted using fasteners  124 , such as bolts, screws, etc. 
   Further illustrated in  FIG. 19  is a shroud  176  which can extend over and protect the actuator portion of the internal winch  110 . The shroud can be formed integrally with or coupled to the first flange  154  of the spool  150 , and can rotate with the spool during operation of the internal winch. The shroud can extend over the torsional spring, spool arms  172 ,  174  and the actuator arm, and function to prevent stray loops of the cable from becoming bound within the rotating components of the actuator and spring. The shroud  176  can have a thickness  178 , and can extend across the gap to the back face of the cover plate  112 , where a circular recess  106  or groove can formed to receive the leading edge of the shroud to completely seal off and protect the actuator portion of the internal winch. 
   In another aspect of the present invention, the shroud can be fixed to the non-rotating inside back face of the cover plate  112  and extend inwardly, rather than outwardly from the rotating first flange  154  of the spool  150 , to cover and protect the actuator portion. 
   As can be seen, the present invention does not require an intrinsic or built-in housing like many prior related winches. Rather, once assembled and inserted within the flagpole  2  the present invention winch  110  can utilize the flagpole  2  as its housing. Although the exemplary winch  110  shown herein can be sized to extend substantially the diameter of the flagpole  2 , one or more spacers  164  may be used in order to allow a single sized winch to be used on a plurality of flagpoles having different diameters. The spacer  164  may be configured to extend between the spool  150  and the mounting shaft  160 . In such cases, the mounting shaft  160  may also be configured with different lengths to accommodate different sized flagpoles. 
   In addition, the present invention winch  110  can be minimally intrusive and provides many installation advantages over prior related winches. For instance, although an opening in the flagpole  2  can be formed to insert the winch  110 , the flagpole  2  may not required to be re-tempered after installation of the winch. This is unlike many prior related winches that require the flagpole to be re-tempered, thus weakening or reducing the integrity of the flagpole. 
   The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein. 
   More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodiments having modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the foregoing detailed description. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the foregoing detailed description or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably, but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given above.