This would be so much easier with specific information and clear, close up pictures. But since that doesn't appear to be forthcoming, I will do the best I can with the following. (Either that, or just call it quits altogether).
Anyway, what I am attempting here is to focus on specific areas with the enlarged picture below. Unfortunately, enlargements get blurry, but I still think it will help.
Note: I still don't believe the handle was intended for turning. But rather a "full-curl spring-tension" feature intended to release the inner gear of the ratchet. If you zoom in or print out a larger picture of it as I have, I believe you will be able to better understand what I am referring to. In the meantime, I will do my best to walk you through features 1. thru 6 - which include some additional observations.
1. Possible word(s) or numbers.
2. Ratchet gear shaft axle - "protruding out" for some reason.
3. End of "coil tension rod." (Secured ? )
4. Protruding "flange" where "tension rod" either "rest" or is "fixed tight."
5. Possible more word(s) or numbers. (I realize what Ant said about the H002)
6. Possible "rivet pin" where chain is attached. (May not reel out).
I fully realize how much easier it would be to have all of this clarified rather than these endless guesses and assumptions, but it's all we have to go with at present.
And the only reason I am even bothering with this in the first place is to help support my main theory that ...
The handle is not for turning or cranking ...
But rather is a simple tension rod for setting/releasing the ratchet/pawl
Bottom line?
It is not a jack or anything similar!
The entire functioning portion of the mechanism is simply intended to allow the "foot" to be adjusted to different heights, and then "set/lock" it into place!
But what it was intended for after that - is anybody's guess!
(I'm still working on that part).
That's my theory - what's yours?
SBB
If it turns out that the chain does in fact reel out - then I have some theories about that as well. But in the meantime, I will stick with this one. The number one question for me is ...
Does the chain reel out?