This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013904578 filed on 27 November 2013 and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014902051 filed on 29 May 2014, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference.

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to winch assemblies and also to towrope guide assemblies. The inventions have particular, but not exclusive application to use on water vessels of the type used for water sports.

Background of Invention

[0002] Skiers, wake boarders and knee boarders are able to perform many different tricks and manoeuvres. Different rope lengths are commonly used depending on the trick or manoeuvre being performed. In competition situations, towropes are commonly colour coded so that an observer can easily detect what length of towrope is in use. However, in order to vary the length of a towrope, a towrope change must be made and this requires the skier to stop activity during the changeover. Alternatively, the towrope may be connected to a winch allowing the length of the towrope extending out from the winch to be varied.

[0003] US patent 8,220,405 describes a winch designed for use with water sports towropes. The winch system described includes a handle assembly with reel-in and reel-out buttons for rider control of the winch. Thus, the rider is able to control the length of the towrope during use and accordingly there is no need to stop activity during a towrope length change.

[0004] One practical difficulty with feeding the towrope from a winch drum is the angle that can be generated between the position of the rider and the intake of the winch drum. Extreme angles may result in an inability to properly return the towrope back onto the drum and the ability of the rider to position themselves too far to the side of the vessel they are being towed by. This is potentially dangerous for the rider, particularly when the vessel is turning. This incorrect positioning of the rider with respect to the vessel is even more likely to occur when the winch is located on a tower. Such a tower positioning of a towrope winch is shown in Figure 2 of US patent 8,220,405.

[0005] The winch described in US patent 8,220,405 further describes a safety shutoff device. The safety shutoff device is arranged to deactivate the winch if the rope moves outside a designated range of angles relative to the intake of the winch. A fairlead assembly is included through which the towrope is fed into the towrope winch. The fairlead assembly guides the towrope onto the winch and prevents bunching and snagging of the towrope. The safety shut off device and fairlead assembly are quite complicated arrangements.

[0006] A first invention described herein seeks to provide a winch assembly which is advantageous compared to prior art arrangements.

[0007] A second invention described herein seeks to provide a simple but yet effective solution for maintaining the towrope within a predetermined range of angles relative to the intake of a towrope winch. The second invention may be used in conjunction with the first invention.

[0008] The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of this application.

Summary of Invention

[0009] According to a first invention there is provided a winch assembly including a winch drum, a motor, a gearbox, a mounting end plate and a drum support, the motor arranged to drive a drive shaft to impart rotation to the winch drum, the winch drum located between the mounting end plate and the drum support and wherein the motor and gearbox are located fully within the winch drum. [0010] In accordance with an embodiment of the first invention, the winch drum has a closed end and an open end. The drive shaft has an outer end that projects through the closed end of the winch drum and is arranged to be supported by the drum support. Power for the motor, for example via an electrical power cable, is preferably provided through the mounting end plate. The motor and gearbox are preferably mounted to at least one support member extending from the mounting end plate or are mounted directly to the mounting end plate. The gearbox is preferably an inline gear box.

[0011] The open end of the winch drum is arranged to fit over the at least one support member, the gearbox and the motor so that the motor and gearbox are located fully within the winch drum. The open end of the winch drum is supported so that the winch drum can be rotated by the drive shaft whilst being retained in a desired orientation with respect to a rotation axis. In one preferred form, this support is provided by a series of rollers, for example four rollers, mounted on the mounting end plate and are arranged to engage with an internal face of the winch drum. The internal face of the winch drum thereby rolls against the rollers as the winch drum is rotated, either clockwise or anti-clockwise, by the drive shaft. The rotation axis is preferably coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

[0012] The winch drum is arranged to receive one or more towropes thus enabling multiple users to be towed simultaneously. When two towropes are to be wound on the winch drum, the winch drum preferably includes a divider that establishes different winding areas for each towrope. An attachment mechanism, for example a loop, is provided for each towrope to enable an inner end of the towrope to be secured to the winch drum.

[0013] The winch assembly preferably further includes a cover mounted to extend over the winch drum and arranged to prevent inadvertent engagement with the winch drum and/or a towrope as it is fed on and off the winch drum.

[0014] The mounting end plate and drum support are preferably connected to a mounting base and are each formed as generally upright plates. The mounting base is arranged to be secured to a vessel, platform, tower or other arrangement suitable for supporting the winch assembly. Preferably, extending from a front of the mounting base is an upright member that incorporates at least one guide track for a rope guide. The rope guide and upright member establish a towrope guide assembly.

[0015] Embodiments of the first invention provide a winch assembly which is well suited for use on vessels being used for water sports such as skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding and tube riding. By locating the motor and gear box fully within the winch drum, the winch assembly is compact and thus requires a relatively small amount of deck space in the vessel and improves customer appeal. Further, the motor and gearbox are not exposed for accidental contact which may cause injury. Similarly, the cover protects accidental engagement with the towrope as it winds on and off the drum winch. Embodiments of the first invention are also easy to manufacture and service because of the simple construction and componentry.

[0016] According to a second invention there is provided a towrope guide assembly including an upright member and a rope guide, said upright member including a guide track formed therein, said rope guide being arranged for location along a length of a rope and further arranged in use to be movable with respect to said guide track of said upright member and wherein movement of the rope guide is restricted by engagement with said guide track.

[0017] The guide track preferably has a length that extends across a first width direction of the upright member. When mounted on a vessel, such as a ski boat, the first width direction typically extends generally parallel to the width direction of the vessel (i.e. from port to starboard). The rope guide is preferably arranged to move substantially along at least a part of the length of the guide track during use of the assembly. The rope guide is preferably arranged to be located on the rope so that, in use, a free end of the rope can be played inwardly and outwardly with respect to a location on the vessel. In use, the free end of the rope is arranged so as to be located away from the vessel and to be held by a user whilst they are being towed by the vessel.

[0018] A towrope guide assembly according to an embodiment of the second invention restricts the amount of sideways movement of the rope at a predetermined point, that is, movement in a direction away from a centre position. The centre position would typically be coincident with a centre point of the drum of the winch. Typically, a towrope drum winch would be mounted centrally of the width of the vessel, although this may not always be the case. The sideways or angular movement of the towrope is restricted at a predetermined point along the length of the rope. The predetermined point along the length of the rope will be determined by the location of the guide track relative to the fixed end of the rope. The fixed end of the rope is the end normally attached to the vessel. The fixed end of the rope may be secured to the vessel via a winch drum or the like.

[0019] The rope guide preferably includes at least one groove or channel for engagement with the guide track of the upright member. The groove or channel may be continuous, for example it may extend about a circumference of the rope guide. Alternatively, the grove or channel may be discontinuous, meaning that it only extends about a part of the rope guide.

[0020] The guide track preferably includes an engagement surface along which the at least one groove or channel of the rope guide is arranged to travel. The rope guide may travel along all or only a part of the engagement surface of the guide track.

[0021] The engagement surface of the guide track preferably has a generally planar contact face. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the second invention, the engagement surface includes a first half and a second half, the first and second halves being substantially symmetrical about a centre line of the guide track. Each half of the engagement surface preferably includes a first part that extends substantially perpendicular to the centre line, a second part that curves downwardly away from the first part and a third part that curves upwardly from the second part. Each half may further include a fourth part that curves generally upwardly and in a direction towards the centre line, a fifth part that curves generally upwardly away from the fourth part and a sixth part that extends substantially perpendicular to the centre line.

[0022] The centre line of the guide track is preferably coincident with a centre line of the upright member. [0023] The guide track is preferably established by forming an aperture in the upright member. The aperture may adopt different shapes, for example rectangular, oval, peanut shaped etc.

[0024] The guide track preferably includes first and second end most parts. The first and second end most parts establish a limit of the movement of the rope guide in the width direction of the upright member.

[0025] The upright member may be connected to or integrally formed with a winch arrangement. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the second invention, the upright member includes a mounting plate for mounting the upright member to a vessel, platform or to a winch arrangement. The mounting plate preferably extends generally perpendicularly to the upright member. The upright member extending upwardly of the mounting plate so as to enable the rope guide to be movable along the guide track without contact with the mounting plate or a part of the vessel on which the upright member is mounted.

[0026] The rope guide preferably includes a rope guide front and a rope guide back arranged for connection together. The rope guide front and rope guide back preferably include complementary male and female fittings. When the rope guide front and rope guide back are connected together, the complementary male and female fittings together or separately establish a running surface. The running surface of the rope guide in use is preferably arranged to move or run along the engagement surface of the guide track of the upright member. The rope guide front and rope guide back are preferably arranged to be secured together using one or more fasteners, for example one or more screws with associated securing nuts. Alternatively, the rope guide front and rope guide back may be secured together via a threaded connection. Other securing arrangements are envisaged.

[0027] An aperture extends through the rope guide to enable the length of a towrope to extend there through. The aperture is sized so that the length of the towrope can be moved through the aperture without restriction or rubbing that may cause damage to the rope. [0028] The rope guide is preferably made of a plastics material, such as an acetal copolymer material. The upright member is preferably made of marine grade stainless steel.

[0029] Another aspect of the second invention provides a towrope guide upright member with a guide track formed therein, said guide track arranged to engage with a rope guide so that said rope guide is movable with respect to said guide track and wherein movement of the rope guide is restricted by engagement with said guide track.

[0030] Still further the second invention provides in another aspect a towrope guide arranged in use for location along a length of a rope and further arranged in use to be movable with respect to a guide track and wherein the rope guide is configured so that movement thereof along the guide track is restricted by engagement therewith.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0031] Embodiments of the first and second inventions will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a winch assembly according to an embodiment of the first invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but with some of the external parts shown in phantom so that the internal arrangement is visible;

[0034] Figurers 3 to 6 are respective top, first side, front and second side views of the winch assembly shown in Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 7 is an assembly view looking from the first side of the winch assembly shown in Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 8 is a partially cut away view looking from the second side of the winch assembly shown in Figure 1 and with the cover removed; [0037] Figure 9 is an isometric view of a towrope guide assembly according to an embodiment of the second invention;

[0038] Figure 10 is an assembly view depicting the connection of the rope guide to the upright member;

[0039] Figures 1 1 A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C and 1 1 D are respective isometric, top, side and end views of the upright member of the towrope guide assembly shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0040] Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 1 1 D but is marked with the centre line CL and dimension markers Di , D ₂ and D ₃ ;

[0041] Figures 13A, 13B and 13C are respective isometric, top and side views of the rope guide front of the rope guide shown in Figures 9 and 10;

[0042] Figure 13D is a cross sectional view of the rope guide front shown in Figure 13A;

[0043] Figures 14A, 14B and 14C are respective isometric, top and side views of the rope guide back of the rope guide shown in Figures 9 and 10; and

[0044] Figure 14D is a cross sectional view of the rope guide back shown in Figure 14A.

Detailed Description

[0045] As used herein, the term "vessel" is meant to be understood broadly as any machine or device that may provide sufficient force to pull an object, including a rider, board, tube, etc. on water. A vessel may include, for example, a personal watercraft (PWC), or a boat or ship of any kind. Further, as used herein, the term "towrope" or "rope" is meant to be understood broadly as any rope, cable or the like attached to a vessel, and used to pull any object, including a rider, board, tube, etc. behind the vessel, and may be of any given length.

[0046] Still further, the vessel may be used to tow a user or rider who is barefoot or is using some form of "board". The term "board" should be understood broadly as any object being utilized by a rider to plane on the surface of the water when being towed by a vessel. Examples of a board may include skis, water skis, a wakeboard, a wakeskating board, a surfboard, a skurfing board, a kneeboard, a boogey board etc. Also, although a tube is not a board, per se, a tube and other devices may also be utilized by a rider to plane on the surface of the water when being towed by a vessel.

[0047] Figures 1 to 8 illustrate a winch assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the first invention. As best shown in Figure 7, the winch assembly 10 includes a winch drum 20, a motor 30, a gearbox 40, a mounting end plate 50 and a drum support 60. The motor 30 is arranged to drive a drive shaft 70 via the gearbox 40 to impart rotation to the winch drum 20. The gearbox 40 is preferably an inline gearbox.

[0048] The winch drum 20 has a closed end 22 (shown partly cut away in Figure 8) and an open end 24. As best understood by examination of Figure 2, the motor 30 and gearbox 40 are both positioned fully within the winch drum 20 of the assembled winch assembly 10. The drive shaft 70 has an outer end 72 that projects from the gearbox 40 and through a drive bush 25 that is welded to the closed end 22 of the winch drum 20.

[0049] The outer end 72 of the drive shaft 70 is supported in a bearing

arrangement 80 located in the drum support 60. Accordingly, the drive shaft 70 is free to rotate relative to the drum support 60 in response to drive from the motor 30 and gearbox 40.

[0050] As best depicted in Figure 8, a drive key 74 transmits rotation of the drive shaft 70 to the drive bush 25 causing the attached winch drum 20 to rotate with the drive shaft 70. The direction of rotation of the drive shaft 70 will either be such to allow release of further towrope off the winch drum 60 or to wind more towrope onto the winch drum 60.

[0051] The motor 30 and gearbox 40 are mounted to a support member 90 that is connected to the mounting end plate 50. Accordingly, the position of the motor 30 and gearbox 40 are fixed relative to the mounting end plate 50. The motor 30 as depicted is an electric motor and power to the motor 30 is provide via apertures 52 in the mounting end plate 50. [0052] The open end 24 of the winch drum 20 is arranged to fit over the support member 90, motor 30 and gearbox 40. When the winch assembly 10 is fully assembled, the open end 24 of the winch drum 20 is positioned closely adjacent to the mounting end plate 50 so that the mounting end plate 50 acts to effectively 'close off' the open end 24 of the winch drum 20. It will of course be appreciated that a small gap will be established between the open end 24 of the winch drum 20 and the mounting end plate 50 to enable the winch drum 20 to rotate without interference with the mounting end plate 50. The motor 30 and gearbox 40 are located fully within the winch drum 20 when it is 'closed off' by the mounting end plate 50.

[0053] The open end 24 of the winch drum 20 is supported so that the winch drum 20 can be rotated by the drive shaft 70 about a rotation axis. As shown in Figure 2, this support is provided by four roller arrangements 100 which are each mounted to and extend from the mounting end plate 50. The roller arrangements 100 are located so that rollers thereof engage with an internal face 26 of the winch drum 20 to maintain the winch drum 20 in the desired orientation relative to the drive shaft 70. The internal face 26 of the winch drum 20 rolls against the rollers as the winch drum 20 is rotated by the drive shaft 70. The roller arrangements 100 locate the winch drum 20 so that the rotation axis about which the winch drum 20 rotates is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 70. However, it is envisaged that other

arrangements are possible. For example only two, three or more than four roller arrangements 100 may be provided. The roller arrangements 100 may alternatively engage with an external or end face of the winch drum 20. Further, other means for supporting the open end 24 in the desired orientation as the drum winch 20 rotates are envisaged. The rotation axis of the winch drum 20 need not necessarily be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 70.

[0054] The winch drum 20 as illustrated is arranged to receive two towropes so that two skiers can be towed at the same time behind the vessel. Thus, the winch drum 20 includes a divider 28 that establishes different winding areas for each towrope (i.e. to either side of the divider 28). The divider 28 as illustrated includes a flange located midway along the length of the winch drum 20. An attachment loop 29 is provided for each towrope to enable an inner end of the towrope to be secured to the winch drum 20. Other mechanisms for securing the towropes to the winch drum 20 may be adopted.

[0055] It will of course be appreciated that the first invention is not limited to an arrangement receiving two towropes. It is envisaged that alternatively a single towrope could be accommodated or more than two towropes accommodated.

[0056] The winch assembly 10 as depicted further includes a cover 1 10 arranged to be mounted to extend over the winch drum 20 and to be connected to the mounting end plate 50 and the drum support 60. The cover 1 10 is arranged to prevent inadvertent engagement with the winch drum 20 and/or a towrope as it is fed on and off the winch drum 20. It is desirable to include such a cover 1 10, but arrangements without such a cover 1 10 or different types of cover are envisaged.

[0057] The mounting end plate 50 and drum support 60 are shown connected to a mounting base 120. The mounting base 120 is arranged to be secured to a vessel, platform, tower or other arrangement suitable for supporting the winch assembly 10. Extending from a front of the mounting base 120 is an upright member 130 that incorporates two guide tracks 140. A towrope guide 150 is shown mounted in each guide track 140.

[0058] Although the winch assembly 10 depicted in Figures 1 to 8 includes an upright member 130 with guide tracks 140, the inclusion of such an upright member 130 is optional.

[0059] In accordance with an embodiment of the first invention, the mounting end plate 50 and the mounting base 120 are permanently connected together (e.g. by welding). The drum support 60 is preferably connected to the mounting base 120 by a series of connectors such as screws 160. In this way, the screws 140 can be removed allowing the drum support 60 to be disconnected from the outer end 72 of the draft shaft 70. This in turn enables removal of the winch drum 20 so that the motor 30 and gearbox 40 can be accessed for service and repair.

[0060] Embodiments of the first invention provide a compact winch assembly that is well suited to vessels of the type used for water sports. The motor and gear box of the winch assembly are safely located fully within the winch drum and thus all electrics are located out of the way of any users. Embodiments are simple to manufacture, simple to service and simple to repair.

[0061] Other advantages of embodiments of the invention include:

[0062] - an enhanced ability of the rider to get right on the "sweet spot" to maximise the thrill and performance of tricks

[0063] - the tow vessel is no longer required to stop to achieve swap towropes and thus length adjustment of the towrope can be done on the go

[0064] - reduced risk to a fallen rider as the rope can be quickly retrieved by driving it back onto the winch drum minimising the risk of the rider becoming tangled in the tow rope

[0065] - the "sweet spot" can be located through rope length adjustment irrespective of rider weight

[0066] - increased aesthetic appeal due to the internal location of the motor and gearbox within the winch drum

[0067] Figures 9 to 14D illustrate a towrope guide assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the second invention. The assembly 1000 includes an upright member 1020 and a rope guide 1030. The upright member 1020 has a guide track 1022 formed therein. The rope guide 1030 is arranged in use for location along a length of towrope (not shown). The rope guide 1030 is further arranged so that in use the rope guide 1030 is movable with respect to the guide track 1022 and wherein movement of the rope guide 1030 is restricted by engagement with the guide track 1022. This "restriction" will be explained in more detail subsequently.

[0068] The upright member 1020 in accordance with this embodiment is integrally formed with a mounting plate 1024. The mounting plate 1024 extends generally perpendicular to the upright member 1022 and is arranged to enable the upright member 1020 to be mounted to a vessel, platform, tower or a winch arrangement. Four screw holes 1026 are shown in the mounting plate 1024. Other arrangements for mounting the upright member 1020 are envisaged. For example the upright member 22 may be welded to the mounting plate 1024 or may be screwed or otherwise connected directly to another member, for example a part of a winch assembly and this is shown in Figures 1 to 8 describing an embodiment of the first invention.

[0069] The configuration of the guide track 1022 is best illustrated in Figures 1 1A, 1 1 B, 1 1 C, 1 1 D and 12. As shown, the guide track 1022 is formed as an opening in the upright member 1020. The opening as illustrated may be described as peanut shaped. The guide track 1022 has a length that extends across a first width direction W of the upright member 1020 (Figure 1 1 B). When mounted on a vessel (not shown), such as a ski boat, the first width direction W typically extends generally parallel to the width direction of the vessel (i.e. from port to starboard). The guide track 1022 includes an engagement surface 1023 having a generally planar contact face.

[0070] As best shown in Figure 12, the engagement surface 1023 includes a first half and a second half, the first and second halves being substantially symmetrical about a centre line CL. Each half of the engagement surface 1023 includes a first part 1023a that extends substantially perpendicular to the centre line CL, a second part 103b that curves downwardly away from the first part 1023a and a third part 1023c that curves upwardly from the second part 1023b. Each half further includes a fourth part 1023d that curves generally upwardly and in a direction towards the centre line CL, a fifth part 1023e that curves generally upwardly away from the fourth part 1023d and towards the centre line CL and a sixth part 1023f that extends substantially perpendicular to the centre line CL. Each half includes an end most part located generally where the third part 1023c and the fourth part 1023d join.

[0071 ] Figure 12 also depicts that the engagement surface 1023 drops

downwardly by a distance D-i as it moves away from the centre line CL. When D ₂ equals about 86mm, D equals about 5mm and D ₃ equals about 52mm.

[0072] As shown most clearly in Figure 10, the rope guide 1030 is formed from a rope guide front 1032 and a rope guide back 1034. The rope guide front 1032 includes a male part 1032a arranged to engage in a female part 1034a of the rope guide back 1034. The female part 1034a is shallower than the length of the male part 1032a so that when the front 1032 and back 1034 are connected together a circumferential groove 1036 is established. The groove 1036 has a running surface 1036a. The running surface 1036a is shown in Figure 13A and includes a part of the length of the periphery of the male part 1032a.

[0073] Each of the rope guide front 1032 and rope guide back 1034 include apertures 1032b, 1034b arranged in use to align so that the towrope can pass there through. The apertures 1032b, 1034b are sized so that towrope can pass through the apertures 1032b, 1034b without rubbing thereon, which may result in wearing of the towrope.

[0074] The rope guide front 1032 and rope guide back 1034 are preferably connected together, for example using fasteners 1040. This two part construction of the rope guide 1030 enables it to be connected together with the male part 1032a extending through the opening establishing the guide track 1022. This connection of the two parts 1032, 1034 of the rope guide 1030 is best shown in Figure 10, whilst Figure 9 best shows the engagement between the groove 1036 of the rope guide 1030 and the guide track 1022.

[0075] As best appreciated by examination of Figures 9 and 10 , the groove 1036 is sized and shaped so that in use the rope guide 1030 can traverse along the guide track 1022 back and forth between the end most parts of the guide track 1022. Rope guide 1030 is able to 'roll' sideways in the directions generally indicated by the double headed arrow shown in Figure 9. However, further sideways movement of the rope guide 1030 is prevented once the running surface 1036a contacts with the sideways most part of the engagement surface 1023 of the guide track 1022.

[0076] The tow rope guide assembly 1010 is arranged to be mounted to a vessel (not shown) so that the upright member 1020 extends substantially vertically and a towrope extends through the rope guide 1030 away from a winch (not shown). In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the second invention, the winch would be located on the mounting plate 1024 so that the towrope feeds off the winch, through the apertures 1032b, 1034b in the rope guide 1030 and in the direction of the single headed arrow shown in Figure 9. [0077] During use of the towrope, the free end of the towrope is held by the user. As the user is towed along behind the vessel, the user will have the ability to move sideways, generally beyond respective lines parallel to each of the port and starboard sides of the vessel. If this movement is allowed without any restraint it may become dangerous to the user because of their relative positioning with the vessel. Further, the towrope may be positioned so that it is no longer possible to operate the winch to wind the towrope back onto the rope drum. However, in accordance with an embodiment of the second invention, the use of the towrope guide assembly 1010 limits the permissible sideways movement (i.e. angular movement) of the rope at a predetermined point along the length of the rope. That predetermined point being established by the distance between the winch and the rope guide 1030 when the rope guide 1030 is connected to and restrained for movement by the guide track 1022 formed in the upright member 1020. At this predetermined point along the length of the towrope, any sideways movement is limited to the possible sideways movement (i.e. movement in the direction of the double headed arrow in Figure 9) of the rope guide 1030 along the guide track 1022. Once the rope guide 1030 has reached its maximum sideways movement, any further angular change in the towrope occurs about the predetermined point along the length of the towrope and as such any further angular change beyond the predetermined point does not impact on the ability to later wind the towrope back onto the winch. It will thus be appreciated that the towrope is always maintained within a predetermined range of angles at the predetermined point and thus within a predetermined range of angles relative to the intake of a towrope winch.

[0078] The particular shape of the guide track 1022 between the first part 1023a and the third part 1023c as illustrated in Figure 12 helps to ensure even feeding of the towrope back onto the winch drum.

[0079] The described embodiment of the second invention provides a simple but yet effective solution for maintaining the towrope within a predetermined range of angles relative to the intake of a towrope winch. [0080] Although the embodiment of the second invention has been described with reference to a drum winch, the second invention is not limited to use with such an arrangement.

[0081] A further embodiment of the second invention includes an arrangement with a winch connected to or integrally established with the upright member, for example as described in relation to Figure 1 .

[0082] The embodiments of the first and second inventions have been described by way of example only and modifications within the spirit and scope of the inventions are envisaged.