Provided is an improved come along device with a handle, a release trigger for a stop pawl, and a push tab for a release pawl. The handle may allow an operator to better grasp the come along device. The release trigger allows an operator to release tension in a cable by disengaging the stop pawl when the trigger is pulled and engaging the stop pawl when the trigger is released. The push tab allows an operator to disengage the release pawl when the push tab is pressed and engage the release pawl when the push tab is pulled.

An elongated cam pin for use in a clamping assembly, the pin comprising a first half-round portion and a second half-round portion laterally offset from the first half-round portion, wherein the centers of the first and second half-round portions are spaced-apart a distance S along a diametral center line of the pin, wherein each of the half-round portions has a radius R and a diameter D equal to 2R, and wherein the ratio D/S is between approximately 2 and approximately 3. In one embodiment the ratio D/S is approximately 2.3. In some embodiments rotation of the cam pin within the clamping assembly is actuated by a shaft having a relatively short stroke length. In some embodiments the cam pin is rotatable within the clamping assembly through an arc of up to approximately 40. In some embodiments the actuating shaft is movable within the housing of a compact locking apparatus to cause the clamping assembly to releasably engage a restraint cable in a self-gripping fashion. In some embodiments the locking apparatus may be used in a locking system designed to safely lock a suspended load at a desired location relative to the cable. In some embodiments the cable is at least one inch in diameter and the diameter D of each of the half-round pins is approximately 1.75 times the diameter of the cable. In some embodiments the suspended load may comprise a bin floor and any supported lumber travelling between loading and discharge positions in a lumber sorting apparatus.

An elongated cam pin for use in a clamping assembly, the pin comprising a first half-round portion and a second half-round portion laterally offset from the first half-round portion, wherein the centers of the first and second half-round portions are spaced-apart a distance S along a diametral center line of the pin, wherein each of the half-round portions has a radius R and a diameter D equal to 2R, and wherein the ratio D/S is between approximately 2 and approximately 3. In one embodiment the ratio D/S is approximately 2.3. In some embodiments rotation of the cam pin within the clamping assembly is actuated by a shaft having a relatively short stroke length. In some embodiments the cam pin is rotatable within the clamping assembly through an arc of up to approximately 40. In some embodiments the actuating shaft is movable within the housing of a compact locking apparatus to cause the clamping assembly to releasably engage a restraint cable in a self-gripping fashion. In some embodiments the locking apparatus may be used in a locking system designed to safely lock a suspended load at a desired location relative to the cable. In some embodiments the cable is at least one inch in diameter and the diameter D of each of the half-round pins is approximately 1.75 times the diameter of the cable. In some embodiments the suspended load may comprise a bin floor and any supported lumber travelling between loading and discharge positions in a lumber sorting apparatus.

Embodiments of a rotary winch includes a support arm, a winch assembly and a pulley arrangement arranged so as to facilitate effective pulling of heavy loads.

Embodiments of a rotary winch includes a support arm, a winch assembly and a pulley arrangement arranged so as to facilitate effective pulling of heavy loads.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a cinch for securing a train of nested shopping carts, the cinch having a non-abrasive cart-handle coupler for securely attaching the cinch to a shopping-cart handle of a front and/or rear cart of the train. In an illustrative example, the non-abrasive cart-handle coupler may include a soft loop of braid configured to latchedly circumscribe the shopping-cart handle. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-abrasive cart-handle coupler may include a latching hook having a non-abrasive handle-engagement surface. In some embodiments, the cinch may secure both a front and a rear cart of the train of nested shopping carts. In some embodiments, a ratcheting member may be used to tighten the cinch that secures the train of nested carts. When tightened, the train of carts may bow upwardly, elevating wheels attached to carts at both the front and rear ends of the train.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a cinch for securing a train of nested shopping carts, the cinch having a non-abrasive cart-handle coupler for securely attaching the cinch to a shopping-cart handle of a front and/or rear cart of the train. In an illustrative example, the non-abrasive cart-handle coupler may include a soft loop of braid configured to latchedly circumscribe the shopping-cart handle. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-abrasive cart-handle coupler may include a latching hook having a non-abrasive handle-engagement surface. In some embodiments, the cinch may secure both a front and a rear cart of the train of nested shopping carts. In some embodiments, a ratcheting member may be used to tighten the cinch that secures the train of nested carts. When tightened, the train of carts may bow upwardly, elevating wheels attached to carts at both the front and rear ends of the train.

A trailer cart includes a frame having a front end, a rear end and sides. A wheel assembly is attached to the frame. The wheel assembly includes an axle and a pair of wheels. A tongue is attached to and extends from the front end of the frame. The tongue includes a trailer coupler configured to secure to a trailer ball. A winch assembly is attached to the trailer. The winch assembly includes an upright post and a winch attached to the upright post. The winch assembly is attached to at least one of the tongue and the frame and is disposed near the front end of the frame.

A trailer cart includes a frame having a front end, a rear end and sides. A wheel assembly is attached to the frame. The wheel assembly includes an axle and a pair of wheels. A tongue is attached to and extends from the front end of the frame. The tongue includes a trailer coupler configured to secure to a trailer ball. A winch assembly is attached to the trailer. The winch assembly includes an upright post and a winch attached to the upright post. The winch assembly is attached to at least one of the tongue and the frame and is disposed near the front end of the frame.

A silo-mountable rescue assembly for accessing a distressed person in a silo includes a tripod that is configured to couple to a top of a silo so that an apex of the tripod is substantially centrally positioned over an opening in the silo. A block and tackle is coupled to the tripod proximate to the apex. The block and tackle is configured to lower equipment and personnel into the silo to rescue a distressed person in the silo.