The present invention relates to a winch assembly.
The invention has been primarily developed for use in tensioning a load retaining strap for restraining freight or load on vehicles including rigid-bodied trucks, semi-trailers, flat-deck trailers, drop-deck trailers, car carriers and logging trailers and will be described with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these particular applications.
The use of winches in applying tension to load retaining straps in the transport industry is well known, Known winches include a winch shaft mounted for rotation in a bracket that can be attached to, for example, a semi trailer. Cylindrical extensions coupled to respective ends of the winch shaft are provided on either side of the bracket. The extensions include a radial aperture through which a drive bar or pole may be inserted to rotate the extension and thus the winch shaft.
The rotational axis of the winch shaft is generally substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer and the cylindrical extension and the bar rotate about that axis. In recent times, it has become necessary to mount additional components to the trailers, for example mud guards. These components greatly restrict access to the cylindrical extension at certain locations along the length of the trailer and can make rotation by the bar or pole difficult or impossible.
It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate this deficiency
Accordingly, the present invention provides a winch assembly including:
a winch shaft adapted for rotation about a first axis; and
a substantially right angled drive transferring mechanism having a drive input coupled to a tool engagement device and drive output coupled to the winch shaft, the tool engagement device adapted for rotation about a second axis extending substantially radially from the first axis, wherein rotation of the tool engagement device causes rotation of the winch shaft.
The tool engagement device is preferably a nut, most preferably a nut of common size to those used in attaching road wheels to a vehicle or vehicle trailer.
The assembly desirably includes a mounting bracket. In one form, the bracket is adapted to be slidably received within complimentary mounting formations on a vehicle or vehicle trailer. In another form, the bracket is attached directly to the vehicle a vehicle trailer, for example by welding.
The drive transferring mechanism is preferably contained in a housing. In one form, the housing is fixed relative to the mounting bracket. In another form, the housing is rotatable about the first axis relative to the bracket.
The housing is desirably positioned adjacent one end of the winch shaft and a cylindrical extension with a radial aperture therethrough is desirably positioned adjacent the other end of the winch shaft.
The drive transferring apparatus preferably includes a relatively small gear coupled to the tool engagement device that meshes with a relatively large gear coupled to the winch shaft. The gears are preferably helical bevel gears.
The winch shaft preferably includes means for engaging a load retaining strap, most preferably in the form of a slot.