An overhead storage device or system may include a mechanism for hoisting the object to be stored (e.g., a bicycle) at an elevated height (e.g., above grade or floor level). In general, the present teachings may include a cable pulley engaged with a constant torque spring unit structurally configured to apply an approximately constant torque to the cable spool that promotes rotation of a spool thereof for winding of a lift cable about the spool to lift a load. Also disclosed are techniques for improving such a constant toque lifting unit such as an inertial brake structurally configured to slow down or stop an undesired, accelerated winding of a lift cable, a self-coiling device structurally configured to advantageously wind the lift cable a predetermined amount (e.g., for removal of same as a hinderance), and an attachment mechanism structurally configured to securely couple to a load.

A rotary chain jack may include a frame, a dual chain wheel rotatably coupled to the frame, and a stopper assembly mechanically coupled to the frame. The stopper assembly may include latches. The stopper assembly may be positioned to selectively engage a chain passing over the dual chain wheel. The rotary chain jack may be used to moor offshore structures.

A rotary chain jack may include a frame, a dual chain wheel rotatably coupled to the frame, and a stopper assembly mechanically coupled to the frame. The stopper assembly may include latches. The stopper assembly may be positioned to selectively engage a chain passing over the dual chain wheel. The rotary chain jack may be used to moor offshore structures.

A device for retrieving a stranded or drowning person can attach to a boat cleat and be used to draw the stranded person towards the boat. The device has a floatation portion that is thrown to the stranded person. The floatation portion has multiple latches for different sized persons. A winch portion pivots about a cleat adaptor, which attaches to the horns of a boat cleat using an aperture and a locking pin. The winch portion receives the cord that is attached to the floatation portion. An optional ice foot mates to the cleat adapter for retrieving a person who has fallen through ice.

A hoist for transferring the ends of power lines between supports at different locations including a pair of hoist mechanisms each having a respective tension line receiving drum and which are simultaneously operable with a single crank arm. Each drum has a respective ratchet mechanism that can be selectively set such that upon pivotable movement of the single crank arm between a first and second positions the ratchet mechanisms (i) simultaneously rotate both the drums in a take up direction for simultaneously winding said tensions lines onto the drums, (ii) simultaneously enable rotation of the drums in a release direction for simultaneously unwinding the tensions lines from the drums, or (iii) rotate one drum in a take-up direction for winding the respective tension line on the one drum while simultaneously enabling rotating the other drum in a release direction for unwinding the tension line from the other drum.

A hoist for transferring the ends of power lines between supports at different locations including a pair of hoist mechanisms each having a respective tension line receiving drum and which are simultaneously operable with a single crank arm. Each drum has a respective ratchet mechanism that can be selectively set such that upon pivotable movement of the single crank arm between a first and second positions the ratchet mechanisms (i) simultaneously rotate both the drums in a take up direction for simultaneously winding said tensions lines onto the drums, (ii) simultaneously enable rotation of the drums in a release direction for simultaneously unwinding the tensions lines from the drums, or (iii) rotate one drum in a take-up direction for winding the respective tension line on the one drum while simultaneously enabling rotating the other drum in a release direction for unwinding the tension line from the other drum.

A module for transmission of a force including two toothed wheels which are connected to a main shaft; a first ratchet holder and a second ratchet holder which are provided with a first ratchet and a second ratchet, and are designed such, when they are actuated, to rotate the toothed wheels by support of the ratchet concerned against a tooth of the toothed wheel; a first cam and a second cam, which are designed to actuate respectively the first ratchet according to a first angular course around an axis YY of the first cam, and the second ratchet according to a second angular course around the axis YY of the second cam, which is different from the first angular course.

A module for transmission of a force including two toothed wheels which are connected to a main shaft; a first ratchet holder and a second ratchet holder which are provided with a first ratchet and a second ratchet, and are designed such, when they are actuated, to rotate the toothed wheels by support of the ratchet concerned against a tooth of the toothed wheel; a first cam and a second cam, which are designed to actuate respectively the first ratchet according to a first angular course around an axis YY of the first cam, and the second ratchet according to a second angular course around the axis YY of the second cam, which is different from the first angular course.

According to some embodiments, a winch tightening apparatus comprises a mounting plate; a first moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate; and a pawl comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate such that the second end pivots to engage a ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a first direction and pivots to disengage the ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. Some embodiments include a second moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate. Some embodiments include a counterweight coupled to the mounting plate and positioned to rotate the mounting plate in the second direction

According to some embodiments, a winch tightening apparatus comprises a mounting plate; a first moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate; and a pawl comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate such that the second end pivots to engage a ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a first direction and pivots to disengage the ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. Some embodiments include a second moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate. Some embodiments include a counterweight coupled to the mounting plate and positioned to rotate the mounting plate in the second direction