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.

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.

Abstract: In a load tie-down system that incorporates a wind-down winch for securing and tensioning a hold-down member, the improvement consists of incorporating a tensioning spring that maintains a resilient loading upon the drum of the winch, such that in the event of reduction in the tension of the hold-down member, the drum is driven in a winding-on sense, to maintain tension in the hold-down member. A releasable coupling between the spring and the winch drum enables independent operation of the winch and of the tensioning spring. One embodiment incorporates a spring mounted upon an extension of the winch drum, outside the frame. Helical springs are used. The spring torque is automatically connected to the winch drum, and is automatically disconnected when the spring is de-tensioned.