Economy hoist

Claim 1

A power unit hoist characterized by its economy of manufacture and symmetry of force distribution comprising, in combination, an elongated frame having a longitudinal axis, end regions and a central region defined by spaced frame portions, anchor means mounted on said frame adjacent one of said end regions, a ratchet drum mounted on said frame central region intermediate said frame portions rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to said frame axis, said drum including a pair of spaced, radial extending end plates each having ratchet teeth defined upon the periphery thereof concentrically disposed about said drum axis, a flexible tension member wound upon said drum, a manually pivotable lever arm mounted on said frame central region for pivotal movement about said drum axis, a catch pivotally mounted on said arm having a width at least equal to the spacing between said drum end plates for selective simultaneous engagement with said ratchet teeth of both end plates, resilient means biasing said catch toward said ratchet teeth, catch positioning means mounted on said lever arm selectively positioning said catch relative to said ratchet teeth comprising a resilient leaf spring supported on said lever arm for movement thereon toward and away from said catch, said leaf spring including a deformable portion selectively engaging said catch for pivoting said catch about its pivotal axis, a slide member slidably mounted on said lever arm adjacent said catch for movement toward and away from said catch, said leaf spring being mounted on said slide, detent means interposed between said slide and said lever arm, a pawl pivotally mounted in said frame central region having a width at least equal to the spacing between said drum end plates for simultaneous engagement with the ratchet teeth of both end plates, and resilient means biasing said pawl toward said ratchet teeth for engagement therewith.