GB2179011A - Two-handled crank for lock gates - Google Patents

Abstract

A double handled windlass for use on canal locks and lift bridges by one or more persons in order to increase the purchase that can be applied to operate paddles and gears. The handles, at the ends of a main beam, are both cranked in the same direction. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Double handled windlass This invention relates to a double handled windlass to be used to open and close the gate and/or ground paddles on narrow and wide canal locks and canal lift bridges.

Single handled windlasses are used for these purposes but it is well known that it is frequently difficult if not impossible to operate with such a windlass due to the lack of purchase.

According to the present invention, providing a second handle, diametrically opposite, of the same design and construction and cranked in the same direction, makes the operation not only possible but relatively simple.

The invention is now described with reference to the attached drawings which show: Figure 1 The double handled windlass in elevation.

Figure 2 The double handled windlass in plan, viewed from the top.

Figure 3 An isometric drawing showing the construction of the windlass.

Referring to the drawings, the windlass in constructed out of 16 mm outside diameter mild steel bar, 4.5 mm thickness mild steel plate, 4 mild steel washers and 2 x 160 mm lengths of 21 mm nominal outside diameter polypropylene tube.

Two mild steel sections, tapered as shown in Figure 3 each 38 mm in length and 32/30 mm square taper 1 and 27/22 mm square taper 2 are welded together to form the keys to which are welded the shafts as shown in Figure 1.

Each shaft is 190 mm over all to a 32 mm radius 90 bend to form the handle each 21 5 mm over all. As shown in Figure 1 the handles are covered with a polypropylene sheath 4 held in place by welded washers.

The joint between the keys and the shafts is strengthened by mild steel fillets 5 as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3. It is an essential feature that the bend in each handle is in the same direction creating a 'U' rather than a 'Z' form as in a more normal crank.

All of the foregoing dimensions may be varied within reasonable limits without affecting the operation of the windlass provided that the tapered keys will fit the standard BWB shafts.

1. The windlass is double handled enabling a very considerable purchase to be applied.

2. The provision of two handles diametrically opposite enables two persons to exert purchase at the same time thereby increasing the efficiency.

3. Paddles that cannot be opened with a single handled windlass yield to a double handled windlass.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (3)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Double handled windlass This invention relates to a double handled windlass to be used to open and close the gate and/or ground paddles on narrow and wide canal locks and canal lift bridges. Single handled windlasses are used for these purposes but it is well known that it is frequently difficult if not impossible to operate with such a windlass due to the lack of purchase. According to the present invention, providing a second handle, diametrically opposite, of the same design and construction and cranked in the same direction, makes the operation not only possible but relatively simple. The invention is now described with reference to the attached drawings which show: Figure 1 The double handled windlass in elevation. Figure 2 The double handled windlass in plan, viewed from the top. Figure 3 An isometric drawing showing the construction of the windlass. Referring to the drawings, the windlass in constructed out of 16 mm outside diameter mild steel bar, 4.5 mm thickness mild steel plate, 4 mild steel washers and 2 x 160 mm lengths of 21 mm nominal outside diameter polypropylene tube. Two mild steel sections, tapered as shown in Figure 3 each 38 mm in length and 32/30 mm square taper 1 and 27/22 mm square taper 2 are welded together to form the keys to which are welded the shafts as shown in Figure 1. Each shaft is 190 mm over all to a 32 mm radius 90 bend to form the handle each 21 5 mm over all. As shown in Figure 1 the handles are covered with a polypropylene sheath 4 held in place by welded washers. The joint between the keys and the shafts is strengthened by mild steel fillets 5 as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3. It is an essential feature that the bend in each handle is in the same direction creating a 'U' rather than a 'Z' form as in a more normal crank. All of the foregoing dimensions may be varied within reasonable limits without affecting the operation of the windlass provided that the tapered keys will fit the standard BWB shafts. CLAIMS

1. The windlass is double handled enabling a very considerable purchase to be applied.

2. The provision of two handles diametrically opposite enables two persons to exert purchase at the same time thereby increasing the efficiency.

3. Paddles that cannot be opened with a single handled windlass yield to a double handled windlass.