A winch assembly includes a lower body having a base, first and second sides, first and second upper body sides, a spacer positioned between the first and the upper body second sides, a first shaft extending through the upper body sides, the first shaft supporting first and second gears, a winding bar supported and rotated by the first shaft and attached to a first end of a strap, a second shaft extending through the first and second upper body sides and supporting first and second ratchet gears, the first ratchet gear meshing with the first gear and the second ratchet gear meshing with the second gear, a pawl for engaging one of the first and second ratchet gears, and a handle attached to the second shaft for rotating the second shaft, wherein rotation of the second shaft imparts rotation of the first and second ratchet gears and the first and second gears.

According to some embodiments, a winch tightening apparatus comprises a mounting plate; it 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; it 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

An elevator with a brake device may be configured to provide a variable brake force, from a minimum brake force up to a maximum brake force (Vmax). The brake device may include a first energy store that provides the maximum brake force and a second energy store that provides an adjustable counterforce. The adjustable counterforce may be directed in an opposed manner with respect to the maximum brake force provided from the first energy store. Further, the variable brake force may amount to a difference between the maximum brake force and the adjustable counterforce. In some cases, the first energy store may comprise a compression spring for providing the maximum brake force.

An elevator with a brake device may be configured to provide a variable brake force, from a minimum brake force up to a maximum brake force (Vmax). The brake device may include a first energy store that provides the maximum brake force and a second energy store that provides an adjustable counterforce. The adjustable counterforce may be directed in an opposed manner with respect to the maximum brake force provided from the first energy store. Further, the variable brake force may amount to a difference between the maximum brake force and the adjustable counterforce. In some cases, the first energy store may comprise a compression spring for providing the maximum brake force.

A hoist mechanism for loading an object onto a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include an affixed roof rack having at least two transverse bars. The hoist mechanism includes: a horizontal bar and a vertical lift mechanism. The horizontal bar is affixable to a transverse bar, is hollow, and has an open end. The vertical lift mechanism is removably mate-able with the horizontal bar and includes: a vertical mast; a boom joined to the upper end; an insert bar fits into the open end, located away from the boom, and is releasably affixed in the horizontal bar; and a lift wire with a grapnel at a distal end, the lift wire running between the end of the boom and down the vertical mast. Wherein after the horizontal bar and insert bar are is affixed to the vehicle, the object is attached to the grapnel and hoisted onto the vehicle.

A lever hoist includes a housing in which a load chain wheel and a drive shaft driving the load chain wheel via a transmission are rotatably mounted, as well as a safety brake. A load chain is movable via the load chain wheel. The safety brake implements emergency braking in response to excessive rotational speed of the drive shaft. The safety brake includes a locking disc with teeth and a control disc with control cams. The locking disc and the control disc are rotatable in a limited manner. A catch hook is movable in a swiveling manner and has a latch contour at a front end and a sensing contour at a rear end. The sensing contour rests on the control disc. When a defined rotational speed is exceeded, the sensing contour lifts off the control disc. The latch contour engages with a locking tooth of the locking disc.

A lever hoist includes a housing in which a load chain wheel and a drive shaft driving the load chain wheel via a transmission are rotatably mounted, as well as a safety brake. A load chain is movable via the load chain wheel. The safety brake implements emergency braking in response to excessive rotational speed of the drive shaft. The safety brake includes a locking disc with teeth and a control disc with control cams. The locking disc and the control disc are rotatable in a limited manner. A catch hook is movable in a swiveling manner and has a latch contour at a front end and a sensing contour at a rear end. The sensing contour rests on the control disc. When a defined rotational speed is exceeded, the sensing contour lifts off the control disc. The latch contour engages with a locking tooth of the locking disc.

A lever hoist includes a housing in which a load chain wheel and a driveshaft driving the load chain wheel are mounted, as well as a safety brake. A load chain is movable via the load chain wheel. The safety brake brings about an emergency braking in the event of excessive rotational speed of the driveshaft. The safety brake has a locking disc with teeth and a control disc with control cams. The locking disc and the control disc are rotatable in relation to one another in a limited manner. A catch hook is movable in a swiveling manner and has a latch contour and a sensing contour. The sensing contour rests on the control. In response to exceeding a defined rotational speed, the sensing contour lifts off the control disc. The latch contour rotates towards the locking disc and engages with a locking tooth of the locking disc.

A lever hoist includes a housing in which a load chain wheel and a driveshaft driving the load chain wheel are mounted, as well as a safety brake. A load chain is movable via the load chain wheel. The safety brake brings about an emergency braking in the event of excessive rotational speed of the driveshaft. The safety brake has a locking disc with teeth and a control disc with control cams. The locking disc and the control disc are rotatable in relation to one another in a limited manner. A catch hook is movable in a swiveling manner and has a latch contour and a sensing contour. The sensing contour rests on the control. In response to exceeding a defined rotational speed, the sensing contour lifts off the control disc. The latch contour rotates towards the locking disc and engages with a locking tooth of the locking disc.