Automatic Ratchet Block

The present invention relates to an improvement over conventional ratchet blocks, especially suitable for use on sail boats, but applicable to any filed where ratchet blocks are used.

Ratchet blocks typically consist of a sheave rotatably mounted on a shaft between two side plates and a ratchet assembly inside the sheave to allow rotation in one direction only when engaged, and in both directions when disengaged. Typically a ratchet arm is engaged with teeth on the inside of the sheave (or disengaged) by a mechanical switch, which can be thrown only when there is little or no pressure/load on the sheave. Thus if the user wants to shift the block from a ratcheting mode to a freewheeling mode (rotate in either direction) for reduced friction or from the freewheeling to ratcheting mode to increase, one must physically move to reach the switch with a hand, and concurrently remove the load from any line or wire that is running through the block. In many instances it is not possible to do either, so there is significant friction when the line or wire is eased out through the block as the sheave will not rotate in the direction of easing, or the benefit of ratcheting cannot be attained.

In sailboat racing, where the use of conventional ratchet blocks is widespread, the high friction caused by a ratchet-engaged non-rotating sheave helps reduce the effort required to pull a line through a block under load. However, this friction; 1) reduces the speed by which sailors can execute sail changes such as taking down the spinnaker; 2) encumbers rapid easing of a line attached to a sail; and 3) slows down sail adjustment required for rapid alteration of course and tacking/jibing. The advantage of friction caused by engaging the ratchet when trimming sails, is a disadvantage when easing them.

Further, because conventional ratchet blocks require manual switching to change from the ratchet-engaged to freewheeling mode and vice versa, they can only be located where they can be easily reached. On sailboats, this precludes their use high on the mast for halyards, or in other areas where the crew can't normally reach while sailing. It is therefore an objective of the present invention to automatically provide load dependent ratchet action for increased friction and freewheeling for significantly reduced friction, without the manual switching of conventional ratchet blocks. It is also an objective to expand the number of locations for using a ratchet block beyond those normally within easy reach. Further, it is object of the present invention to provide such a device which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

The present invention relates to a ratchet block assembly comprising:

a) a frame with two walls joined at at least one end having a fixed axis between the walls serving as the shaft for a moveable sheave assembly;

b) a moveable sheave assembly inside the frame comprising two side plates and a freely rotating sheave having teeth around the interior for engagement of a ratchet assembly, with the sheave having means to rotate in at least two different positions about the shaft; and

c) a ratchet assembly comprising a cam having means to move about the shaft, an articulated ratchet arm, and means to concurrently engage the ratchet arm with the sheavers teeth and to provide contact between the cam and said ratchet arm.

The sheave rotates freely in either direction when no load is placed upon it, and when a load is placed on the sheave, the sheave assembly moves towards the cam and causes the ratchet arm to engage the sheavers teeth thereby permitting rotation in only one direction. This engagement of the ratchet arm is automatic and does not require a conventional switch. The sheave assembly has means to move away from the cam when the load is removed and thereby automatically disengaging the ratchet arm from sheave's teeth allowing free rotation in either direction. This automatic disengagement of the ratchet arm which allows the sheave to rotate freely in either direction, significantly reduces friction when a rope or wire is run through the sheaves, and thus does not require the user to disengage the ratchet mechanism with a conventional switch.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a bearing block with a moveable sheave assembly and a ratchet assembly activated by the sheave's position relative to a cam. The sheave assembly has an oval shaft aperture slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft fixed to the block frame, enabling it to rotate in two different positions, one at each end of the shaft aperture. When loaded (pressure generated by tension on the line or wire passing through the block), the sheave assembly is pulled towards the general direction of the load, forcing an articulated ratchet arm against a cam such that it engages teeth on the inside of the sheave. The teeth engaging end of the ratchet arm prevents rotation in one direction but allows it in the other. When the load is released, a compression spring at one end of the frame pulls the sheave assembly away from the direction of the released load. In this position, the pressure of the cam no longer forces the ratchet arm to engage, and a coil spring pulls the arm away from the sheave teeth, allowing the sheave to rotate freely in either direction (free wheel).

This automatic disengagement of the ratchet arm will occur when the user releases the line or wire running through the block because it will remove the load pressure on the sheave, and the compression spring will move the sheave assembly back to its original position. Instead of staying in the ratchet mode (preventing rotation in one direction), the sheave will freewheel and allow the line to run out through the block with little or no friction. Thus someone on a sailboat, in this case, can cast off (let go) a sheet or halyard and have it run out much faster. This will speed up sail changes and maneuvers that require dramatic change in sail trim.

The ratchet block has a manual switch that allows the user to put in the "automatic" mode, where only a load will engage the ratchet arm, in the "on" mode, where the ratchet is always engaged, and the off mode where the block freewheels in both directions whether or not there is a load on the sheave.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an external view of the ratchet block.

FIG. 2 is a transverse vertical section of the ratchet block.

FIG. 3 is an exploded transverse vertical view of the ratchet block components.

FIG. 4 is an internal side view of the sheave assembly, sheave, and ball bearings.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the articulated ratchet arm.

FIG. 6 shows the articulated ratchet arm with its two parts separated.

FIG. 7 shows one of two cam retaining plates of the sheave assembly.

FIG. 8 is an internal side view of the teeth on the inside of the sheave.

FIG. 9 shows the cam fixed to the ratchet block shaft.

FIG. 10 is an internal side view of the ratchet assembly with cam in the automatic mode.

FIG. 11 is an internal side view of the ratchet assembly with cam in the on mode.

FIG. 12 is an internal side view of the ratchet assembly with cam in the off mode.

Although it is recognized that other configurations are possible, the drawings represent one specific embodiment of the invention. However, advantageous use of the self releasing ratchet block is in no way limited to sailing. The devices of the present invention may be used for any purpose where automatic engagement and disengagement of a ratchet mechanism is necessary or desirable.

FIG. 1 shows an external view of the ratchet block fully assembled. The sheave (3) is held between the side plates 17 and 17" of the sheave assembly (1), which is held in place by the frame (2). A switch (12) on each side of the block enables the user to put the block in three modes, automatic ratching (auto), always ratcheting (on), and always freewheeling (off).

FIG. 2 is a transverse section of the ratchet block. The sheave (3) with ball bearings (4) between the side plates of the sheave assembly (1), which is held in place by the frame (2) composed of side plates 17 and 17" plate 18 and a centerpost (13). The cam (7) fixed upon the shaft (10) engages the ratchet arm (6) when a load is placed on the sheave (3) thereby moving the sheave (3) and sheave assembly (1) away from the end of the frame (2) and compressing the compression spring (11) about the centerpost (13).

FIG. 3 is an exploded transverse section of the ratchet block showing most of the critical components.

FIG. 4 is an internal side view of one side of the sheave assembly (1), sheave (3), and ball bearings (4). The shaft (10) can provide means for rotation of the sheave (3) in two different positions as the shaft aperture (14) is oval. When a load is placed on the sheave (3), the sheave assembly (1) moves toward the load and the sheave (3) rotates in the top part of the oval aperture (14).

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the articulated ratchet arm (6) assembled and separated into its two parts. The teeth engaging end (9) of the ratchet arm rotates on a small shaft to allow movement for the

FIG. 7 shows cam retaining plate or disk 15. There are two such cam retaining plates 15 and 16, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 8 shows the sheave C3) and the teeth C5) on the inside ratcheting mode. which become engaged by the teeth engaging end {9) of the articulated ratchet arm (6).

FIG. 9 shows the cam (7) fixed on the shaft (10). The cam (7) has three radii to enable it to be set in three different positions per the aforementioned description of the switch {12) in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an internal side view of the lower part of the ratchet block and sheave assembly (1) with the cam (7) engaging the ratchet arm (6) and the teeth engaging end of the ratchet arm (9) locked between sheave teeth (5) so the sheave (3) cannot rotate in the counter clockwise direction. The ratchet spring (8) serves two functions, holding the larger part of the articulated ratchet arm (6) against the cam (7), and permitting the teeth engaging end (9) to move in the direction of rotation when the sheave (3) rotates in a clockwise direction, and to spring back (ratcheting) in between the teeth (5) when clockwise rotation stops. The cam (7) is in the automatic mode which allows engagement of the ratchet arm (6) only when the sheave assembly (1) is under load.

FIG. 11 is an internal side view similar to FIG. 10 except that the cam (7) is in the on position, forcing the ratchet arm (6) to engage the sheave teeth (5) whether or not there is a load placed on the sheave (4).

FIG. 12 is an internal side view similar to FIGS. 10 and 11 except that the cam (7) is in the off position, enabling the ratchet arm (6) to be pulled far enough away from the sheave teeth (5) by the ratchet spring (8) so that ratcheting will not occur whether or not there is a load on the sheave (3).