Importance

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Abstract

This invention relates to a ratchet apparatus adapted to be connected to a hand truck assembly in order to control movement of an article connector assembly about an article to be conveyed. The ratchet apparatus includes a ratchet housing assembly; a ratchet handle assembly connected to the ratchet housing assembly; and a ratchet actuator assembly mounted between the ratchet handle assembly and the ratchet housing assembly. The ratchet handle assembly includes a main handle assembly operable in a reciprocal rotational movement to achieve positive, controlled movement of a connector belt member. The ratchet actuator assembly includes a main actuator assembly having a ratchet dog assembly and a ratchet pawl assembly operably connected to a ratchet drive assembly. The ratchet dog assembly and the ratchet pawl assembly are operably engageable with the ratchet drive assembly to achieve positive increment rotational movement of a ratchet gear member in opposite directions under rotational movement of the ratchet handle assembly while preventing rotational movement of the ratchet gear member in the opposite direction to prevent release thereof. The ratchet dog assembly and the ratchet pawl assembly are operable to be reversed so as to provide positive movement in either direction and prevent movement in the opposite direction.

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First Claim