A cocking mechanism is disclosed. The cocking mechanism comprises an actuator assembly, a hand crank assembly, and a bow string hook assembly. The actuator assembly further comprises clutch assembly having a bearing housing, a bearing cage, a support axle and bearing elements. The bearing housing is defined by an inner peripheral surface having a plurality of inwardly extending annular ramps, wherein the bearing elements contact a portion of the ramps to prevent rotation of the support axle in a first direction, but allows for rotation of the support axle in a second direction when the actuator assembly is in a locked configuration. This provides for immediate braking action against any unforeseen forward motion of the bow string of a crossbow such as when inadvertently or accidently releasing the removable hand crank assembly during the cocking operation.

A cocking mechanism is disclosed. The cocking mechanism comprises an actuator assembly, a hand crank assembly, and a bow string hook assembly. The actuator assembly further comprises clutch assembly having a bearing housing, a bearing cage, a support axle and bearing elements. The bearing housing is defined by an inner peripheral surface having a plurality of inwardly extending annular ramps, wherein the bearing elements contact a portion of the ramps to prevent rotation of the support axle in a first direction, but allows for rotation of the support axle in a second direction when the actuator assembly is in a locked configuration. This provides for immediate braking action against any unforeseen forward motion of the bow string of a crossbow such as when inadvertently or accidently releasing the removable hand crank assembly during the cocking operation.

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.

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.

A lifting aid for an attic ladder includes a track system having a plurality of attachment means configured to secure about a corresponding number of attic ladder rungs. A hand winch is secured to the base of the device and is in mechanical operation with a tray which runs up and down the attic ladder to which the track system is secured.

A small, portable, powered winch that may employ a power drill or socket wrench.

A manual marine winch includes a safety loading handle and integrated locking dog release. The winch includes a handle for selectively tensioning and selectively releasing tension on winch; a tensioning ratchet gear coupled to the drum assembly for selectively tensioning the winch; a tensioning ratchet pawl mounted on the handle and selectively engaged with the tensioning ratchet gear for tensioning of the winch; at least one tension holding ratchet gear coupled to the drum assembly for holding tension on the winch; at least one locking dog pawl selectively engaged with each tension holding ratchet gear to hold tension on the winch; and a knockout member carried on the handle and configured to selectively disengage the locking dog pawls from the tension holding ratchet gears to allow for release of tension on the winch.

A manual marine winch includes a safety loading handle and integrated locking dog release. The winch includes a handle for selectively tensioning and selectively releasing tension on winch; a tensioning ratchet gear coupled to the drum assembly for selectively tensioning the winch; a tensioning ratchet pawl mounted on the handle and selectively engaged with the tensioning ratchet gear for tensioning of the winch; at least one tension holding ratchet gear coupled to the drum assembly for holding tension on the winch; at least one locking dog pawl selectively engaged with each tension holding ratchet gear to hold tension on the winch; and a knockout member carried on the handle and configured to selectively disengage the locking dog pawls from the tension holding ratchet gears to allow for release of tension on the winch.

A man over board rescue system 100 may comprise a main body 200 with the main body quickly and easily being attached and detached to a ship's bitt. Thus, the system may be quickly set up prior to departing and quickly put away at the end of a voyage. The system allows for the fast and efficient rescue of a person overboard without need for a rescuer to enter the water or to risk bodily injury in retrieving a person in the water. The system provides secure mechanical means allowing for a winch to be used in the support of a person which is a significant departure from the prior art.

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