Spring-loaded load restraint winch system
First Claim
1. A load restraint system for securing an elongated load hold-down member in secured, tensioned relation, including a winch having a drum rotatably mounted in a frame and securing said hold down member;
- torque-applying first capstan means for rotating the drum within the frame to wind-on and apply load-securing tension to the hold-down member, ratchet means to prevent over-hauling of the drum by the tensioned hold-down member, and spring-loaded tensioning means removably secured to said first capstan means in pre-tensioned relation, to drive the drum in tension increasing relation with the hold-down member, wherein said spring-loaded tensioning means extends in supported relation by said frame, whereby in use, upon diminishment of the load-securing tension in the hold-down member, the spring-loaded tensioning means operates to rotate the winch drum, to thereby maintain tension in the hold-down member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An add-on spring driven tensioner for a load restraint winch incorporates in an OEM embodiment or a reworked winch, an axially extended barrel portion of the tensioner that extends through the endplate of the winch, to withstand added bending stresses from the overhung tensioner. The loading provision for the tensioner limits spring tensioning to one half of a revolution. A reinforced winch structure includes a twin ratchet wheel, which can have spring-loaded ratchet pawls. A safety ratchet clip removably attached to the winch endplate can secure the ratchet pawl/pawls, in a positively engaged or a positively disengaged condition.
33 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A load restraint system for securing an elongated load hold-down member in secured, tensioned relation, including a winch having a drum rotatably mounted in a frame and securing said hold down member;
- torque-applying first capstan means for rotating the drum within the frame to wind-on and apply load-securing tension to the hold-down member, ratchet means to prevent over-hauling of the drum by the tensioned hold-down member, and spring-loaded tensioning means removably secured to said first capstan means in pre-tensioned relation, to drive the drum in tension increasing relation with the hold-down member, wherein said spring-loaded tensioning means extends in supported relation by said frame, whereby in use, upon diminishment of the load-securing tension in the hold-down member, the spring-loaded tensioning means operates to rotate the winch drum, to thereby maintain tension in the hold-down member.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A spring-loaded torque transfer mechanism, for attachment in pinned relation to a first capstan portion of a load restraint winch having a drum rotatably mounted within a frame, said transfer mechanism including a mounting cylinder for attachment in telescoping relation with said winch flame and said capstan portion;
- shear pin means for insertion in coupling relation between said winch capstan portion and said mounting cylinder;
a torsion spring mounted upon supporting sleeve means, positioned coaxially with said mounting cylinder, and rotatable thereabout;
second capstan means including a ratchet wheel, secured to said mounting cylinder;
said supporting sleeve means including a ratchet pawl pivotally suspended therefrom in axially aligned relation with said ratchet wheel, said spring support sleeve means including torque-bar receiving third capstan means whereby, in use said torque bar may be inserted in said second capstan means and rotated in a first direction, to tighten said load winch against a load restraint strap, and said torque bar may be repositioned to engage said third capstan means, to rotate said sleeve means and said spring in a tensioning direction opposite said first direction, and to enable said ratchet pawl to pivot into engaging relation with said ratchet wheel, to automatically couple said spring in torsioned driving, load take-up relation with said winch and said load restraint strap. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
- shear pin means for insertion in coupling relation between said winch capstan portion and said mounting cylinder;
Specification