Patent · US Expired

Winch wheel device with half cleat

US5676349A · kind A · utility

88Cited by
19References
19Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 29, 1996
Grant dateOct 14, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 29, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T74/2087
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A winch wheel for attachment to conventional sailboat winches for trimming sails comprises a crank shaft adapted to be inserted into the winch mechanism, a hub located on the shaft, at least two spokes extending radially from the hub to an outer rim, and an outer rim connected to the spokes. A crank handle is located on one of the spokes. The rim is provided with a resilient foam sheath, to provide comfort and flotation. In one preferred embodiment, the crank handle is selectably movable between a plurality of discrete positions, permitting a user to conveniently select a preferred radial distance from the hub for the crank handle while using the device. One or more half cleats may be provided on the hub to secure a tensioned line.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.