Douglas Walker

US Patent:

60954515, Aug 1, 2000

Filed:

Oct 5, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/412939

Inventors:

Douglas E. Walker - McDonough GA

International Classification:

B65H 7534

US Classification:

242392

Abstract:

A wheel for a vehicle is adapted for use as a winch. The wheel has an axis of rotation, an end face and a contoured surface visible when a tire is mounted on the wheel. A plurality of spaced brackets are fastened to the surface of the wheel and lie parallel to the axis of rotation. A plurality of fingers, with each finger slidably movable in an associated bracket of the plurality of brackets, are deployable from a retracted position at which the fingers lie parallel to the axis of rotation and do not protrude beyond the end face of the wheel, and an extended position at which the fingers extend beyond the end face. When extended, the fingers can engage a rope attached to a stationary object, and when the wheel is rotated, the vehicle can be drawn toward the stationary object thereby rescuing the vehicle from tractionless environments.