초록 ▼

A self-tensioning tie down assembly and safety system for tightening the retaining straps securing cargo on a carrier. Retaining straps are connected to winches connected to the carrier. A ratchet system is used to tighten the winch. A two bar torque linkage has a ratchet arm connectable to the ratc

A self-tensioning tie down assembly and safety system for tightening the retaining straps securing cargo on a carrier. Retaining straps are connected to winches connected to the carrier. A ratchet system is used to tighten the winch. A two bar torque linkage has a ratchet arm connectable to the ratchet wheel of the winch via a socket and has a connector arm connected to an actuator. The actuator is connected to a pneumatic/electrical circuit and provides reciprocating linear motion thereby actuating the torque linkage. The torque linkage may be set in a tightening or loosening position. The required tension level of the retaining strap is pre-set. Pressure within the circuit drives the actuator thereby actuating the torque linkage which tightens the strap on the winch until the tension level is reached. Signals are sent to a display panel to indicate when a strap is loose.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A self-tensioning tie down assembly for use in automatically tightening a retaining element on a winch securing cargo on a carrier comprising:a mounting bracket connected to said carrier adjacent to said winch;an actuator having an extended position and a retracted position, s

What is claimed is: 1. A self-tensioning tie down assembly for use in automatically tightening a retaining element on a winch securing cargo on a carrier comprising:a mounting bracket connected to said carrier adjacent to said winch;an actuator having an extended position and a retracted position, said actuator being mounted to said bracket and when powered providing reciprocating linear motion between said extended and retracted positions;a linkage, a portion of said linkage being connected to said actuator and another portion of said linkage being connectable to said winch;a power source for actuating said actuator;wherein when said linkage is connected to said winch and when said actuator is actuating, said actuator transmits a tightening torque through said linkage to said winch; anda display unit connected to a circuit, said circuit being mounted to said bracket, wherein said circuit sends a signal to said display unit to indicate when said actuator is being actuated.