US3648978A

US3648978A - Cable hoist

Info

Publication number: US3648978A
Application number: US25190A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ralph A Ratcliff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-04-02
Filing date: 1970-04-02
Publication date: 1972-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 1989-03-14
Also published as: CA931556A

Abstract

A load sustaining device employing a cable for supporting a load. Improved guide means is provided through which the cable passes prior to winding on a spool to insure that the cable is wound in uniform layers. The guide means is defined by a slotted pivotal guide member which is frictionally held in contact with prior layers of cable wound on the spool so that bunching is obviated. To enhance the utility of the device, it is provided with a multiposition operating lever structure defined by an interengaged polygonal projection and star socket construction which is spring-held in engagement in a predetermined position selected therefor.

Description

United States Patent Ratclifi 51 Mar. 14, 1972 [54] CABLE HOIST [21] Appl. No.: 25,190

[52] US. Cl ..254/167, 242/157, 254/190,

254/186, 254/164 [51] Int. Cl ..B66d 1/00 [58] Field of Search ..254/167, 186 BC, 190, 163, 254/164, DIG. 11; 242/157; 74/142, 144

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 676,994 6/ 1901 OKeefe ..254/D1G. 11 1,458,354 6/ 1923 Neller ..254/167 2,506,029 5/1950 Maasdam.. ....254/190 X 2,738,954 3/1956 Du Bois ..254/186 l-lC 2,913,224 11/1959 Uhlig ..254/167 2,967,046 1/1961 Ratcliff.... .....254/167 3,198,487 8/1965 Cox ..254/167 Primary Examiner-Harvey C. Homsby Assistant ExaminerMerle F. Maffei AttorneyFlehr, Hohbach, Test, Albritton & Herbert [S 7] ABSTRACT A load sustaining device employing a cable for supporting a load, lmproved guide means is provided through which the cable passes prior to winding on a spool to insure that the cable is wound in uniform layers. The guide means is defined by a slotted pivotal guide member which is frictionally held in contact with prior layers of cable wound on the spool so that bunching is obviated. To enhance the utility of the device, it is provided with a multiposition operating lever structure defined by an interengaged polygonal projection and star socket construction which is spring-held in engagement in a predetermined position selected therefor.

1 1 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures CABLE nolsr CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Certain features of the hoist illustrated in the attached drawings are disclosed in greater detail in applicants copending applications Ser. No. 25,210, entitled Safety Lever For Load Sustaining Device," filed Apr. 2, 1970; Ser. No. 25,209, entitled Improved Cable Rigging Arrangement For Hoist," filed Apr. 2, 1970; and Ser. No. 25,211, entitled Improved Hoist Housing-Hook Combination filed Apr. 2, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of load sustaining devices. More particularly, this invention relates to the field of winch or hoist type load sustaining devices in which a load sustaining cable is wound upon a spool or drum. Still more particularly, this invention relates to the field of means for preventing bunching of cable wound on a spool and to the field of improved arrangements for operatively connecting an operating lever of a hoist with the operating mechanism therein.

2. Description of the Prior Art Cable hoists, winches and related load sustaining devices of various types have been long known and used. Examples of several of such constructions are shown in Uhlig U.S. Pat. No. 2,913,224; Wallace US. Pat. No. 2,633,328; Anglemyer US. Pat. No. 2,501,253; Clark US. Pat. No. 2,927,771 and DuBois US. Pat. No. 2,738,954. Other patents in addition to those exemplary patents listed illustrate other cable hoist constructions and further additional cable hoist constructions are available commercially. Also, a multiposition handle construction has been disclosed heretofore, as seen in Ratcliff US. Pat. No. 2,967,046.

However, so far as is known, no hoist has been known or made commercially available heretofore which embodies therein the novel cable guide structure or the particular multiposition handle construction disclosed herein.=

While certain prior known cable hoists, such as those exemplified in the patents noted above, include in their construction some structure designed to effect limited guiding of the cable into and out of a hoist housing or casing, none of the patented structures noted, nor so far as is known any other hoist structures, utilizes or suggests a guiding arrangement of the particular type disclosed herein which insures proper winding and layering of successive layers of cable on a spool during operation of the hoist. With prior known arrangements, no provision is made to insure even filling of a spool with successive layers of neatly wound cable. Rather, it has been common in available cable hoists to have the cable wound on the spool thereof in tangled, uneven, bunched fashion which, not infrequently, resulted in jamming of the hoist when the cable was subjected to substantial tension loads.

Such uneven cable winding characteristic of prior known devices is obviated by the present invention in a hoist construction which has multiposition utility to facilitate its use by an operator, particularly in difficult to use positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to an improved load sustaining device. More particularly, this invention relates to guide means in conjunction with a cable hoist type load sustaining device for insuring smooth and even filling of a spool upon which the cable is wound during operation of the hoist so that bunching and tangling of the cable is obviated.

Still more particularly, this invention relates to means provided in a cable hoist for effectively guiding and uniformly feeding a cable onto a spool. This invention furthermore relates to an improved hoist in which multiposition operational capability is imparted thereto through a selectively positionable operating lever which may be located in numerous positions, oneof which is preselected by the operator in accordance with particular needs at a given time.

Prior known cable hoists are characterized by their inherent disadvantage of permitting the cable to become bunched or tangled as the same is wound on a spool during operation of the hoist. Similarly, most prior known hoists have generally been constructed so that they are utilizable with their operating lever positioned in one or two operating positions which limits accessibility thereof by the hoist operator. The present invention has been constructed to provide multiposition capability for a hoist and to insure smooth and even winding, in neat and uniform layers, of a cable type load sustaining element as the same is wound on a spool rotated by the hoist operating mechanism.

From the foregoing, it should be understood that objects of this invention include the provision of an improved load sustaining device of the cable hoist type;"the provision in a cable hoist of guide means to insure smooth, even filling of a spool upon which the cable is wound during operation of the hoist; the provision of an improved guide member in conjunction with the spool of a cable type hoist to'insure uniform cable winding thereon; and the provision in a load sustaining device of the hoist type of an improved multiposition operating lever construction which facilitates utilization of the hoist by the operator thereof.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following description in which I reference is directed to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the improved cable hoist of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view partly in section, of a portion of the subject hoist taken in the plane of line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a generally horizontal sectional view through the subject hoist taken in the plane of line 3-3 of FIG. I.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view through a portion of the hoist taken in the plane of line 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view through a portion of the hoist taken in the plane of line S5 of FIG. 4 showing the operative interrelationship between the improved guide means thereof and the spool upon which the cable is wound.

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding generally to a portion of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an isometric exploded view of the guide means of the subject hoist.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view through a portion of the operating lever construction of the subject hoist taken in the plane of line 8-8 of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Hereinafter particular reference will be directed to a load sustaining device of the cable hoist type, namely one in which a wire rope or cable is utilized as a load sustaining element to support a load engaged therewith. In that regard, it should be understood, however, that other load sustaining elements other than wire cables or rope have utility in conjunction with this invention, such as nonmetallic ropes and the like.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 3, the preferred embodiment of the subject hoist, generally designated 1, comprises an open housing 2 defined by opposed parallel side walls 3 and 4 interconnected by opposed top and bottom walls 6 and 7 respectively.

Positioned generally within the housing is the operating mechanism of the hoist which may take various configurations and constructions in accordance with particular needs and known concepts, as will be described. Positioned in operative engagement with top wall 6 of the housing is a hook member 8 secured to the housing in any suitable fashion. In that regard, a preferred arrangement for inexpensively and expeditiously connecting the hook member to the housing is incorporated in the structure described in detail in applicants aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 25,2l l, entitled Improved Hoist Housing-Hook Combination." It should be understood, however, that the hook 8 by means of which the subject hoist may be supported in an operative position may be operatively connected thereto in any other acceptable fashion.

The operating mechanism of the illustrated hoist is of generally conventional construction and is defined by pawl and ratchet structure which permits step-by-step raising and lowering of a load supported by the hoist. In that regard, the operating mechanism includes a ratchet drum or spool, generally designated 11. The spool comprises a ratchet wheel 12 having a spaced single directional ratchet teeth around the periphery thereof, and an opposing cylindrical flange 13, the ratchet wheel and flange defining opposite margins of the spool and having a cylindrical base 14 extending therebetween. It is upon the base 14 of the spool that the load sustaining element defined by a wire cable 16 is wound as a load supported by the hoist is raised.

As will be described in detail hereinafter, an important feature of this invention is the guide means which insures uniform winding of the cable 16 on the spool between the ratchet wheel 12 and the retaining flange 13 which define opposite marginal limits of the spool.

The spool 11 is rotatably supported within the housing by means of a shaft 17 which is secured coaxially with the spool and extends laterally through and is secured in the opposite side walls 3 and 4 of the hoist casing in known fashion.

Rotation of the cable spool in the clockwise or counterclockwise directions viewed in FIGS. 1 and 4 is effected by that portion of the operating mechanism which is cooperable with ratchet wheel 12. In that regard, a pivotal spring urged holding pawl 18 is mounted on a pivot pin 19 which extends between the opposite side walls of the hoist and is normally maintained in holding engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel by a bent spring 21 engaged therewith in known fashion, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 4. So long as pawl 18 is engaged with the ratchet wheel, rotation of the spool in a counterclockwise direction is positively precluded and a load engaged with cable 16 may be positively supported.

Rotation of the ratchet wheel 12 and the spool therewith to wind the cable upon the spool and to raise a load is effected by means of an operating pawl 22 pivotally mounted on a pin 23 positioned upon part of the operating lever structure of the hoist as will be described. Pawl 22 is normally spring urged into engagement with ratchet wheel 12 by a spring 24 in the manner seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 in known fashion. Upon movement of the operating lever structure and the pawl 22 carried thereby in the clockwise direction seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the spool 11 is similarly rotated clockwise and cable 16 is wound upon the spool in successive layers to raise a load supported thereby in known fashion.

Lowering of a load may be effected in step fashion by manually and alternately engaging and disengaging operating pawl 22 and holding pawl 18 from the ratchet wheel as the operating lever structure is oscillated in a fashion well known and understood in the cable hoist art.

Such selective clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the cable winding spool is effected by means of the lever structure mentioned previously. In that regard, such lever structure includes an operating handle 26 of elongated construction as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3. In that regard, preferably the handle is provided with a fail safe safety construction, generally designated 27 of the type described in greater detail in applicants aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 25,210, entitled Safety Lever For Load Sustaining Device." While other handle constructions may be utilized with the subject hoist, an improved safety handle structure of the type described in said copending application is preferred to obviate the possibility of injury to the hoist operator from overloading the hoist during use thereof.

The manually graspable handle 26 is operatively connected in the fashion to be described with an operating lever yoke 28 of generally U-shaped configuration which is defined by a pair of

parallel yoke arms

29 and 31 between which the aforementioned rotatable pawl mounting pivot pin 23 is positioned as best seen in FIG. 3. As noted, yoke 28 is pivotally secured on the aforementioned spool mounting shaft 17, also as best seen in FIG. 3. Thus, it should be understood that, upon rotation of lever yoke 28 in the clockwise direction seen in FIG. 4, engagement of pawl 22 carried thereby with the ratchet wheel 12 will effect incremental clockwise rotation of the spool 11 and incremental winding of the cable 16 thereon. Oscillation of the yoke will effect the desired amount of load raising sought.

Selective raising or lowering of a load by winding or unwinding cable 16 on the base of the spool 11 may be effected in known fashion with a pawl and ratchet operating mechanism of the type illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, a hoist of the type illustrated preferably is provided with means for single or double cable rigging the same to permit selective modification of the capacity of the hoist. In that regard, a pulley and hook structure, generally designated 36, which is defined by a pulley 37 pivotally mounted on a supporting plate 38 having a supporting book 39 also engaged therewith, is operatively connected with the cable 16, such cable passing around the pulley to permit raising and lowering of the hook and pulley structure as the pawl and ratchet controlled spool 11 is rotated selectively as described. In that regard, double cable rigging of the subject hoist may be effected by means of an improved cable attachment arrangement, generally designated 41, of the type disclosed in applicants aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 25,209, entitled Improved Cable Rigging Arrangement For Hoist. In that connection, the cable end is specially formed to cooperate with a particular slotted recess arrangement in the bottom wall 7 of the housing to permit selective single or double cable rigging in the manner disclosed in greater detail in said copending application.

Irrespective of whether cable 16 is rigged for single or double load an important feature of this invention resides in improved means provided to insure effective and uniform winding of the cable on the spool during operation of the hoist. In that regard, guide means is provided in conjunction with the spool which comprises a slotted cable guide member 46 which, as best seen in the exploded view of FIG. 7, comprises a body portion 47 which is produced from a single piece of sheet metal formed into the configuration shown. Such body portion is generally peripherally continuous and elongated in horizontal cross section and defines an elongated guide slot 48 therethrough. The body terminates at its lower end in a pair of

parallel tabs

49 and 51 by means of which the guide member may be pivotally mounted between the side walls 3 and 4 of the hoist housing in the manner shown in the FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings. In that regard, a pivot mounting pin 52 is positioned to extend between inwardly directed

bosses

53 and 54 which form bearings for the pivot pin. Such pivot pin extends through suitable recesses provided in the mounting

tabs

49 and 51 so that the guide member may be properly positioned adjacent the cable spool in the manner best seen in FIGS. 4 and 6.

Preferably, the guide means further includes structure for insuring smooth movement of the cable 16 through the guide member during operation of the hoist and such additional structure comprises a cylindrical roller 56 mounted on the aforementioned pivot pin 52 between the

tabs

49 and 51. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, cable 16 passes over roller 56 as it enters and passes through the guide slot 48 of the guide member. In that connection, it will be also noted from FIG. 4 that bottom wall 7 of the housing is provided with an additional opening 57 through which cable 16 passes prior to its entry into the guide member 46. Such an opening 57 is conventionally used in hoists of the cable type shown herein.

It will be noted from FIGS. 5 and 7 that the slot 48 thru the guide member body is of elongated configuration in the lateral direction so that the cable may move laterally therein in accordance with the particular location of the prior convolution of cable which has been wound upon the spool. That is, the cable may move laterally within the guide member 46 as the same is wound upon the spool to raise a load. However, the dimension of slot 48 is such that no more than one cable thickness may be positioned therein at one time.

When the cable is loaded, the tension on the cable and its connection with the spool pivotally urges guide member 46 into contact with the base 14 of the spool, or into contact with a prior layer of cable wound on the spool, depending upon the location of the load relative to the hoist housing. Compare FIGS. 4 and 6. It is such contact of the guide member with a former layer of cable on the spool (or with the base 14 of the spool) which insures effective cable winding without bunching or tangling of the cable. Because the guide member 46 is at all times maintained in contact with a prior layer of cable wound on the spool, as each succeeding convolution of cable is positioned on the spool the guide member precludes such successive convolution from overlying an adjacent convolution. That is, the guide member forces each successive convolution to lie next to, rather than on top of, a preceding convolution as should be evident from FIG. 5 taken in conjunction with FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. As a result, smooth and even winding of the cable onto the spool and onto prior layers thereof is insured during operation of the pawl and ratchet operating mechanism of the hoist in response to oscillating motion of the operating lever structure described previously.

It should be understood that one end of the cable is operatively and preferably irremovably connected with the base 14 of spool 11 so that the same cannot become disengaged from the spool if the cable is run out to its full extent. In that regard, various manners and procedures are known in the art for attaching a cable end to a spool. Any of such known procedures may be employed with the present invention and, by way of example only, one such arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 9 of the aforementioned DuBois U.S. Pat. No. 2,738,954.

As mentioned previously, a further important feature of this invention resides in the inclusion in the operating lever structure of means which imparts multiposition capability to the operating handle 26 so that the same may be located in a position most convenient for the operator of the hoist under all operating conditions. In that regard, the multiposition lever arrangement shown in applicants aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 2,967,046. While the multiposition arrangement shown in such patent is particularly useful and effective in hoist constructions of the type described therein, as well as in cable types of the type disclosed in this application, the present arrangement modifies such a multiposition handle arrangement and adapts the same to the needs of the particular hoist construction embodied in this invention.

In the present arrangement multiposition capability is imparted to the subject hoist by means of interengaged boss and socket means, defined by a polygonal boss 61 of hexagonal configuration, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 8, which projects from arm 31 of the yoke member 28 of the operating lever structure. Polygonal projection 61 is operatively engaged with a multipoint star socket 62 formed within a projecting cylindrical extension 63 integrally secured at one end of the aforementioned operating handle 26, as best seen in FIG. 3. Projection 63 is a continuation of an enlarged socket 64 which projects in an opposite direction from and is integrally connected with the operating handle 26 as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. The projecting boss 61 is of hexagonal outline and may be interengaged with star socket 62 in any one of twelve positions defined by the twelve point configuration of the socket. Thus, the handle may be most conveniently located for use by an operator employing the same.

To permit selective and rapid disengagement and reengagement of the boss and star socket with each other, means is provided in the form of a coil spring 66 which is held in place on an outer end of the aforementioned pivot shaft 17 by means of a retaining ring 67 secured to an end of the shaft 17. Spring 66 is interposed between an internal shoulder 68 on the inside of the socket 64 and the ring 67 and thereby normally holds the star socket 62 engaged over the polygonal projection 61. To reposition the handle from the orientation shown, it is merely necessary to pull outwardly on the handle to compress spring 66 and disengage the boss and socket. Thereafter, the socket may be relative to the polygonal projection while the spring is held compressed, after which the spring may be allowed to return to its normal position to hold the handle in the reoriented position chosen.

Having thus made a full disclosure of this invention, reference is directed to the appended claims for the scope of protection to be afforded thereto.

I claim:

1. An improved cable hoist comprising A. a housing,

B. a load sustaining cable extending from said housing for engagement with a load to be sustained,

C. a spool supported by said housing on which said cable is to be wound during raising of said load,

D. operating mechanism for effecting rotation of said spool when said cable is to be wound thereon,

E. operating lever structure for actuating said operating mechanism, and

F. guide means through which said cable passes in said housing adjacent said spool for insuring that said cable winds in uniform layers upon said spool rather than unevenly bunching thereon, said guide means comprising 1. a guide member movably positioned adjacent said spool and having a portion thereof in contact with said spool and prior layers of cable wound thereon to guide successive convolutions of cable into proper position as the same are wound around said spool and to preclude successive convolutions of cable from overlying adjacent convolutions previously wound on said spool.

2. The hoist of claim 1 in which 2. said guide member has an elongated guide slot extending transversely thereof through which said cable extends, and

3. a mounting pin extending between opposed wall portions of said housing pivotally supporting said guide member for pivotal movement relative to the axis of said spool.

3. The hoist of claim 2 in which said guide means further includes 4. a roller supported on said mounting pin and positioned beneath the entrance to said guide slot for facilitating passage of said cable therethrough.

4. The hoist of claim 2 in which said guide member comprises a. a generally peripherally continuous laterally elongated body defining said guide slot therein,

b. the lateral extent of said body corresponding generally to the internal width of said spool so that said body may contact the base of said spool when the first layer of said cable is being wound thereon,

c. the tension on said cable pivotally holding said guide member against the convolutions of cable previously wound on said spool during subsequent winding thereon.

5. The hoist of claim 2 in which said guide slot is dimensioned relative to the diameter of said cable so that only a single section of cable may pass therethrough at one time.

6. The hoist of claim 1 in which said operating lever structure comprises 1. a lever yoke defined by parallel arms pivotally supported on said housing,

a. a multipoint polygonal projection on one arm of said yoke,

2. an elongated handle operatively connected with said yoke,

a. a multipoint star socket on one end of said handle,

3. said yoke projection and said star socket being selectively interengaged whereby the orientation of said handle relative to said yoke may be selectively varied, and

4. means for releasably retaining said projection and said socket interengaged in a predetermined position selected by the operator of said hoist.

7. The hoist of claim 6 in which said means releasably retaining said projection and said socket interengaged comprises a. a spring normally urging said projection into said socket.

8. A hoist having a load sustaining element projecting from a housing thereof for engagement with a load to be supported by said hoist,

A. operating mechanism for regulating and effecting movement of said load sustaining element relative to said housing when a load is to be raised or lowered,

B. operating lever structure for actuating said operating mechanism, comprising 1. a lever yoke defined by parallel arms pivotally supported relative to said housing, a. a multipoint polygonal projection on one arm of said yoke,

2. an elongated handle operatively connected with said yoke including a. a multipoint star socket on one end of said handle,

3. said yoke projection and said star socket being selectively and releasably interengaged whereby the orientation of said handle relative to said yoke may be varied, and

4. means for releasably retaining said projection and said socket interengaged in a predetermined position selected by the operator of said hoist, and

C. guide means through which a cable passes in said housing adjacent a spool on which said cable is to be moved for insuring that said cable winds in uniform layers upon said spool rather than unevenly bunching thereon, said guide means comprising l. a guide member movably positioned adjacent said spool and having a portion thereof in contact with said spool and prior layers of cable wound thereon to guide successive convolutions of cable into proper position as the same are wound around said spool and to preclude successive convolutions of cable from overlying adjacent convolutions previously wound on said spool.

9. The hoist of claim 8 in which said retaining means comprises a. a spring normally urging said projection into said socket. 10. The hoist of claim 8 in which 2. said guide member has an elongated guide slot extending transversely thereof through which said cable extends, and a mounting pin extending between opposed wall portions of said housing and pivotally supporting said guide member for pivotal movement relative to the axis of said spool during winding of said cable thereon. 11. An improved cable hoist comprising A. a housing, B. a load sustaining cable extending from said housing for engagement with a load to be sustained, C. a spool supported by said housing on which said cable is to be wound during raising of said load, D. operating mechanism for effecting rotation of said spool when said cable is to be wound thereon, E. means for actuating said operating mechanism, and F. guide means through which said cable passes in said housing adjacent said spool for insuring that said cable winds in uniform layers upon said spool rather than unevenly bunching thereon, said guide means comprising 1 a guide member movably positioned adjacent said spool and having a portion thereof in contact with said spool and prior layers of cable wound thereon to guide successive convolutions of cable into proper position as the same are wound around said spool and to preclude successive convolutions of cable from overlying adjacent convolutions previously wound on said spool.

lOlO27 039R

Claims

1. An improved cable hoist comprising A. a housing, B. a load sustaining cable extending from said housing for engagement with a load to be sustained, C. a spool supported by said housing on which said cable is to be wound during raising of said load, D. operating mechanism for effecting rotation of said spool when said cable is to be wound thereon, E. operating lever structure for actuating said operating mechanism, and F. guide means through which said cable passes in said housing adjacent said spool for insuring that said cable winds in uniform layers upon said spool rather than unevenly bunching thereon, said guide means comprising 1. a guide member movably positioned adjacent said spool and having a portion thereof in contact with said spool and prior layers of cable wound thereon to guide successive convolutions of cable into proper position as the same are wound around said spool and to preclude successive convolutions of cable from overlying adjacent convolutions previously wound on said spool.

2. The hoist of claim 1 in which

2. said guide member has An elongated guide slot extending transversely thereof through which said cable extends, and

2. an elongated handle operatively connected with said yoke, a. a multi-point star socket on one end of said handle,

2. an elongated handle operatively connected with said yoke including a. a multi-point star socket on one end of said handle,

3. a mounting pin extending between opposed wall portions of said housing and pivotally supporting said guide member for pivotal movement relative to the axis of said spool during winding of said cable thereon.

3. The hoist of claim 2 in which said guide means further includes

4. a roller supported on said mounting pin and positioned beneath the entrance to said guide slot for facilitating passage of said cable therethrough.

4. The hoist of claim 2 in which said guide member comprises a. a generally peripherally continuous laterally elongated body defining said guide slot therein, b. the lateral extent of said body corresponding generally to the internal width of said spool so that said body may contact the base of said spool when the first layer of said cable is being wound thereon, c. the tension on said cable pivotally holding said guide member against the convolutions of cable previously wound on said spool during subsequent winding thereon.

4. means for releasably retaining said projection and said socket interengaged in a predetermined position selected by the operator of said hoist, and C. guide means through which a cable passes in said housing adjacent a spool on which said cable is to be moved for insuring that said cable winds in uniform layers upon said spool rather than unevenly bunching thereon, said guide means comprising

6. The hoist of claim 1 in which said operating lever structure comprises

8. A hoist having a load sustaining element projecting from a housing thereof for engagement with a load to be supported by said hoist, A. operating mechanism for regulating and effecting movement of said load sustaining element relative to said housing when a load is to be raised or lowered, B. operating lever structure for actuating said operating mechanism, comprising

9. The hoist of claim 8 in which said retaining means comprises a. a spring normally urging said projection into said socket.

10. The hoist of claim 8 in which

11. An improved cable hoist comprising A. a housing, B. a load sustaining cable extending from said housing for engagement with a load to be sustained, C. a spool supported by said housing on which said cable is to be wound during raising of said load, D. operating mechanism for effecting rotation of said spool when said cable is to be wound thereon, E. means for actuating said operating mechanism, and F. guide means through which said cable passes in said housing adjacent said spool for insuring that said cable winds in uniform layers upon said spool rather than unevenly bunching thereon, said guide means comprising