Spring-loaded winch adaptation for load restraint system
First Claim
1. A winch for securing loads to a flat-bed by way of a tensioned flexible load securing member, the winch having a first capstan for the prior application of a first torquing force to the winch to tension said member, first ratchet means to prevent overhauling of said winch by said load securing member, in combination with a powerful spring attached to the capstan, wherein the application of a second torquing force to the spring in tensioning relation therewith substantially equivalent to one half turn of the capstan imparts sustaining torque to the capstan independently of said first torquing force applied in tensioning said member, said sustaining torque being in the range of 25% to 100% of said prior applied torquing force.
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Abstract
Hand operated truck winches used for securing loads to a flat bed are given a powerful tensioning spring which is tensioned independently of the operation of the usual winch mechanism, enabling the hold-down force to be maintained, by providing a sustaining spring torque acting upon the winch to take up a substantial degree of slack that may otherwise occur in the tie down member, so as to sustain tension in the tie down member. Several embodiments enable hold-down tensions to be increased significantly. The device can be a kit, some elements of which may be hooked or pinned onto an existing winch for retro-use or with new OEM winches. An extended winch drum may be included. The tensioning spring may be a coil spring or a flat, “clockwork” type spring.
22 Citations
16 Claims
- 1. A winch for securing loads to a flat-bed by way of a tensioned flexible load securing member, the winch having a first capstan for the prior application of a first torquing force to the winch to tension said member, first ratchet means to prevent overhauling of said winch by said load securing member, in combination with a powerful spring attached to the capstan, wherein the application of a second torquing force to the spring in tensioning relation therewith substantially equivalent to one half turn of the capstan imparts sustaining torque to the capstan independently of said first torquing force applied in tensioning said member, said sustaining torque being in the range of 25% to 100% of said prior applied torquing force.
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14. The method of operating a winch in securing a load, said winch having a rotatable first capstan for the application of torsional energy in tensioning relation with a flexible load securing member, including the steps of applying a first rotation to said capstan to tension said securing member to a first extent;
- providing a powerful spring;
connecting said spring in torque transfer relation with said capstan; and
tensioning said spring by a portion of one rotation to apply a sustaining torque to said capstan, whereby, upon diminishment of said tension in said securing member to a value below said sustaining torque, said spring will operate to sustain said securing member in a tensioned condition.
- providing a powerful spring;
Specification