Patent ID: 7735809

Claim:
A pulley apparatus, comprising: (a) a support structure including (i) a first end section, (ii) a second opposed end section including a rope channeling structure, and (iii) first and second opposed side members extending between the first and second end sections, wherein the rope channeling structure includes a first segment extending from the first side member and a second segment extending from the second side member, the first and second segments together defining an entrance portion, an exit portion, and a narrower restrictor portion, with the entrance portion being configured to channel rope toward the restrictor portion upon entrance into the pulley apparatus, the exit portion being configured to channel rope toward the restrictor portion upon exit from the pulley apparatus, and the restrictor portion being configured to inhibit rope channeled to it from passing therethrough; (b) a hook assembly coupled to the support structure, the hook assembly including (i) a hook configured to hook the pulley apparatus to an object, (ii) a wheel axle extending between the first and second opposed side members of the support structure, and (iii) a shaft connected on one end to the hook and on an opposed end to the wheel axle; and (c) a first wheel positioned between the first and second opposed side members of the support structure and configured to rotate about an axis defined by the wheel axle of the hook assembly, the first wheel including (i) a first-wheel central bore interfacing with the wheel axle of the hook assembly and (ii) a first-wheel groove extending around a circumference of the first wheel and being configured to receive rope.