WO1996011841A1

WO1996011841A1 - Method and apparatus for winching

Info

Publication number: WO1996011841A1
Application number: PCT/GB1995/002400
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Robert Reece Jones
Original assignee: Michael Robert Reece Jones
Priority date: 1994-10-12
Filing date: 1995-10-11
Publication date: 1996-04-25
Also published as: AU3702195A; GB9420547D0

Abstract

Method and apparatus for operating a winch (10) on a sailing vessel and elsewhere comprises providing pedals (50) whereby an operator may power the winch member from his/her legs whereby the operator's arms are freed for the performance of associated tasks such as tailing the winch or controlling the drive from the pedals to the winch, while simultaneously driving the winch with greater power than is available from the arms.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WINCHING

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for winching, and to winch systems. More particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to winch systems for use with yachts and other water craft. Another application of the invention is to a winch system for winching trailable boats onto their trailers.

Winches are commonly employed in yachts for the raising, lowering and adjustment of sails. in addition, winches have other uses such as moving crew and equipment on board. It is a characteristic of yachting, in particular race yachting that winches need to be operated at high speeds by crew members.

Yacht winch systems normally comprise a rotatable drum around which the various lines or ropes may be coiled. The drum includes a handle adapted to be mechanically rotated in the same plane as the drum.

A line attached to the drum is wound onto the drum or extended by loosening the line end and allowing the coils around the drum to slip round to free the sails.

However, the above winch system has various disadvantages. The requirement for winding a handle in the same plane as a winch drum requires substantial physical activity by the user. Also, this system allows for only one crew member to operate the winch system at one time. In addition, the close proximity of the drive means or handle to the rope and winch drum increases the likelihood of objects or persons being caught within the system hindering operation of the winch system and also producing dangers for crew members.

Prior proposals have attempted to alleviate some of the above disadvantages. High performance racing yachts, in particular, employ a system of operating a winch distant from the winch drum. The drive produced by the operator is transferred to the winch drum and hence to the line attached thereto by drive means such as belts or chains. This system attempts to alleviate the disadvantages of having crew activity in close proximity to the winch drum or line. Increased torque or velocity may be provided by employing gear transmission systems. Also, this type of drive system provides the possibility of having dual drive input arrangements, thereby enabling dual person drive.

Examples of prior winching systems for use in sailing vessels are disclosed in EP-A-0182 547 and WO 85/03925.

All the aforementioned systems, however, have the disadvantage of restricting a user to performing only one activity, namely operating the winch system, at a given time. In addition, users operate the system employing their arms, whilst in a standing or stooping position, which is both uncomfortable and energy- inefficient. The requirement to stoop or crouch arises from the otherwise inevitable impact of the boom of the sailing vessel with the user's head. A related factor is that the user accordingly inherently is not easily able to observe in an upward direction, which limits his/her ability to monitor movement of the sails and rigging generally.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for winching, offering improvements in relation to human power input, and/or offering the opportunity for the operator to perform other duties while operating the winching system, and/or which provides other improvements in relation to one or more of the above matters, or improvements generally. According to the invention there is provided a method and apparatus for winching as defined in the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment, there is provided a method and apparatus for operating a winch on a sailing vessel, or elsewhere, comprising a driveable drive element to be rotated (as in the case of a pedal) or reciprocated

(as in the case of a treadle) by human power and comprising a foot element adapted to be powered by at least one foot of an operator, so as to generate continuous rotary motion. By arranging for power input from one or both feet of an operator, advantage is taken of the considerably greater continuous power output capabilities of an operator's legs as compared with his/her arms and simultaneously the arms are freed for the performance of other tasks.

By arranging matters so that the operator is positioned relatively close to apparatus for the carrying out of associated tasks, the means is provided for simultaneous performance of same while operating the winch. Examples of suitable tasks in this respect include the "tailing" of the winch

(meaning controlling the operation of the winch by manual tensioning or loosening of the tail end of the rope coiled around the winch member) . Another example of a suitable associated task is that of controlling the drive between the rotatable winch member itself and the driveable foot element or elements, whereby the drive ratio is adjusted for the purpose in hand. Also in an embodiment described below there is provided support means associated with the foot element to support or brace, at least in part, the operator's body while operating the drive. In the embodiment, the operator's body is supported in a generally reclining position which enables even better power output to be achieved. Such a reclining position also has significant advantages in relation to maintaining a low centre of gravity in the boat, avoidance of collision between the boom and the operator's head and indeed reduction in wind resistance.

In the embodiment, the foot element is provided in the form of a pair of pedals and associated cranks generally disposed and arranged in a manner similar to those used in bicycles. A drive transmission system is provided between the pedals and cranks assembly and the winch element or drum. It is also envisaged that the foot and leg power of a user could possibly be utilised to generate continuous rotary motion employing a treadle, as known for use on sewing machines, lathes etc.

In the embodiments, the adoption of a pedal or treadle drive arrangement can be achieved with a relatively modest modification to existing hand-drive arrangements, yet with an additional small change in the disposition of the drive input facility relative to the winch drum, not only is the advantage achieved of enabling the higher power input from a user's legs to be applied, but also the facility is provided of enabling an important additional function to be simultaneously carried out, such as tailing the winch drum or controlling the winch drive. Moreover, these improvements are achieved while allowing the user to adopt a reclining position in which leg power is maximised and centre of gravity is kept low, and likewise wind resistance is reduced.

In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is adopted of providing the pedal assembly centrally of the width or beam of the boat with interchangeably- useable opposed operating positions in each of which the operator is adjacent one of the two winch drums for the main sail and can therefore tail it. In the embodiment, the drive from the driveable drive elements to the winch member may comprise shafts, belts, chains or combinations of these, and for certain applications an hydraulic drive is envisaged. Generally, the present invention requires little substantial change in the drive arrangements provided in existing systems other than increasing the velocity ratio to take account of the substantially increased torque which is available. Other changes include, of course, the substitution of a pedal or treadle arrangement for the hand-drive members, and a substantial reduction in the height of the pedestal on which this assembly is mounted. The height of the pedestal required in the case of the present invention need only be sufficient to accommodate one of the cranks together with its associated pedal and the space required by a user's foot and associated boot or other footwear, plus the requisite degree of clearance from the deck. Likewise also, the present invention will usually require some modification in terms of the provision of support means for the user, such as at least a support or rest for the small of the user's back (if a reclining position is adopted) , or else a saddle, or in some cases a mere harness may be sufficient. The support arrangement for the user may be as simple as mere provision of an indentation in the side of the cockpit of the craft or indeed the provision of a seat as shown in the described embodiment. Other alterations with respect to presently known arrangements for driving winches on sailing vessels include changes in the relative disposition of the so- called "grinding" position (in which the operator drives the drive system to the winch drum) , with respect to that winch drum and associated equipment. As indicated above, this is in order to achieve the facility made available by the invention of enabling the operator to carry out two functions simultaneously.

The drive systems of the present invention enable the use of known systems for enabling input from two or more operators simultaneously, whereby a single winch drum receives two or more power inputs. The drive system from one, two or more drive inputs may be arranged to drive one, two or more winch drums, likewise. Known button or lever control systems may be employed for this purpose.

The present invention frees the hands of crew members engaged in "grinding" or driving the winches to carry out other work, and indeed more easily to see the results of their actions. Accordingly, even in the case where the operator does not him/herself carry out trimming of sails by tailing the winch, the operator can liaise more readily with the sail "trimmers" who, in such a case, direct the winching operation.

Provision is made in the embodiments of the invention to allow for adjustment of the seating or support to accommodate the stature and footwear of the user. Thus, for example, the pedal or treadle arrangements may be designed to accommodate a normal flat-soled boot or shoe and may be fitted with releasable bindings similar to those found on skis and bicycle pedals.

In general terms, in the embodiments, apparatus for winching comprises drive means, pedal means, winch drum means and a seating arrangement. Said drive means may comprise a crank type arrangement the movement of which performs the winching operation. Pedal means are attached to drive cranks and are adapted to receive user's feet and may comprise releasable bindings. The seating arrangement is positioned a suitable distance from the pedal means in order that a user's feet are comfortably within reach of said pedals whilst the user is in a seated or semi reclining position. During rotation, the cranks are actuated so as to provide a winching operation.

In another embodiment the drive means comprises a crank type mechanism which transfers the drive of the pedals to one or more winch drums around which lines attached to sails or the like may be wound. In yet another embodiment a gearing arrangement is provided between the cranks and winch drums which may be arranged to make efficient use of the power produced by the legs of the user. Such a gearing arrangement may also comprise belt drives or the like. In use, the winch system is operated by a user in a seated position. The user applies pressure to the pedals through his feet and torque is then transmitted to a winch drum through the rotation of the cranks. A line which frictionally grips the winch drum is wound onto the drum or extended by loosening the line end and allowing the turns around the drum to slip round to free the sails. The arrangement provides a comfortable drive position for a user, enabling other activities to be performed by the user's arms, whilst performing the winching operation. In addition, the power derived from the leg motion of a user is substantially greater than that provided by the arms of a user in the prior art systems. The seated position of the system also provides the advantage that a user may comfortably watch the results of the winding operation whilst simultaneously using the system.

In another embodiment restraining means may also be provided to secure the operator and brace his feet against the pedal means.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

Fig 1 shows a perspective view indicative of a prior art arrangement; Fig 2 shows a plan view of the prior art arrangement of Fig 1;

Fig 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig 4 shows, on a smaller scale, the corresponding plan view of the apparatus of Fig 3 indicating the relative positions of the apparatus in relation to the remainder of the boat;

Fig 5 shows, on a larger scale, details of a pedal and crank drive of the apparatus of Fig 3; and Fig 6 shows a side elevation view of the user position in the apparatus of Fig 3.

As shown in Fig 1 a sailing vessel 10 comprises a hull 12, a mast 14 with a boom 16 and associated control equipment 18. A helmsman 20 operates steering gear 22 and a trimmer 24 operating a winch drum 26 gives orders to a crewman or operator 28 who manually drives a crank assembly 30.

Crank assembly 30 is mounted on a pedestal 32 and is provided with handles 34 for the user to grip. Drive shafts or belts 36 transmit drive to winch drums 26, 27.

Crewman 28 operates within a cockpit area 28. Trimmer 24 controls a rope 40 which is frictionally gripped by winch drum 26 to control a sail (not shown) .

Turning now to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig 3, this will be described by reference to the system of Figs l and 2. Except where otherwise stated in Figs 3 to 6, parts numbered as in

Figs 1 and 2 correspond to those structures. As regards the general relationship between the embodiments illustrated in Figs 3 to 6, Fig 3 shows in some detail the arrangement of the drive 42 from crewman 28 to winch drum 27 and its associated rope 40. Fig 4 shows the general disposition of the drive 42 in relation to the vessel 10 as a whole, including the provision of seats or supports 44, 46 on opposite sides of cockpit 38 for interchangeable use so that the crewman 28 can selectively also control the tailing of the winches 26, 27.

Fig 5 shows further details of the drive input end of drive 42 including the pedestal 48 which supports the pedal assembly 50 which provides drive elements in the form of foot elements 52, 54 namely the pedals. Fig 5 shows further details of the assembly seen in Fig 3.

Fig 6 shows the general disposition of crewman 28 in relation to pedestal 48 and pedal assembly 50. Notably also, there can be seen in Fig 6 the corresponding seat or support 46 which can be adopted in place of the more reclining operating position seen in Fig 3.

Turning to the details of drive 42 seen in Fig 3, the drive 42 comprises pedal assembly 50 driving a pulley or sprocket 56 connected by a belt or chain 58 to a further pair of pulleys or sprockets 60, 62 and their associated belt or chain 64. Tensioning means, not shown, may be provided for the belt, which may include ribs or other drive formations. Pulley or sprocket 62 is connected by a shaft drive 66 to a right-angle drive gear box 68 having an output shaft 70 coupled to winch drum 27.

A corresponding drive output arrangement 72 is provided from pedal assembly 50 to winch drum 26. As shown in Fig 5, pedal assembly 50 comprises crank arms 74, 76 and associated journalled pedals or foot elements 52, 54 and, projecting therefrom, corresponding journalled handles 78, 80. These permit hand operation of the drive if so required in emergencies or otherwise. In a modification, not shown, there is provided an additional drive input arrangement similar to that of Fig 5 and having handles corresponding to items 78 and 80 provided conveniently within reach of crewman 28 so that he can simultaneously drive both with his arms and legs if so required. This hand drive input constitutes an associated task which can be carried out by the hands freed by the pedal drive arrangement of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS : -

1 A method of operating a winch on a sailing vessel comprising : a) providing a rotatable winch member; b) providing a drive for said winch member; c) said drive comprising a driveable drive element to be engaged by an operator and caused to rotate or reciprocate to drive said winch member by human power; characterised by d) said drive element comprising a foot element adapted to be powered by at least one foot of said operator; and e) said method comprising the step of said operator driving said foot element to drive said winch member, to produce continuous rotary motion.

2 A method of operating a winch characterised by causing a foot-operable drive element to drive a winch member.

3 A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised by said operator simultaneously carrying out an associated task on said sailing vessel while driving said foot element.

4 A method according to claim 3 characterised by said associated task comprising tailing said winch.

5 A method according to claim 3 characterised by said associated task comprising operating a control of a drive mechanism between said foot element and said winch member.

6 Winch apparatus adapted for use on a sailing vessel and comprising : a) a rotatable winch member; b) a drive for said winch member; c) said drive comprising a driveable drive element to be engaged by an operator and caused to rotate or reciprocate to drive said winch member by human power; characterised by d) said drive element comprising a foot element adapted to be powered by at least one foot of said operator to generate continuous rotary motion.

7 Winch apparatus characterised by a foot operable drive element adapted to drive a winch member of said apparatus.

8 Winch apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 characterised by said drive being located relatively close to an associated mechanism on said sailing vessel whereby said operator can reach said associated mechanism from his/her position during use of said drive.

9 Apparatus according to claim 8 characterised by said associated mechanism comprising said winch element itself whereby said operator can tail said winch while operating said drive.

10 Apparatus according to claim 8 characterised by said associated mechanism comprising said drive whereby said operator can control said winch while operating said drive.

11 Apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10 characterised by support means associated with said foot element to support or brace at least in part the operator's body while he/she is operating said drive. 12 Apparatus according to claim 11 characterised by said support means being adapted at least partially to support said operators body in a generally reclining position.

13 Apparatus according to claim 12 characterised by said support means being adapted to support said operator's body in a position with the operator's head below the level of the boom of said sailing vessel.