Patent ID: 7980202

Claim:
A multi-reel, line-handling apparatus comprising: (a) at least two reels on each of which is wound a line having one end anchored to the reel on which it is wound and an opposite end adapted for fastening to an object in motion, each reel being individually positionable and rotatable about its own axis of rotation; (b) an assembly comprising said reels and rotatable about its own central axis of rotation passing between two of said reels; (c) said axes of said reels being angled with respect to said central axis; (d) at least one brake engageable with at least one reel, said brake comprising a first member that is user-operable to engage said brake, and a second member that engages the at least one reel when the brake is engaged to restrict unwinding of the line wound on said brake-engaged reel, said first member and said second member being rotatable with respect to one another about said central axis, wherein said assembly is free to rotate about said central axis regardless of whether the brake is engaged, so as to permit continuous rotation of said assembly in response to tension on said lines; and (e) a housing comprising an enclosure and a handle fixed to said enclosure, wherein said enclosure encloses said assembly, and said assembly is rotatable with respect to said handle and said enclosure about said central axis of rotation.