SELF-TENSIONING TIE DOWN ASSEMBLY

摘要

A self-tensioning tie down assembly for tightening retaining straps about winches securing cargo on a carrier. The assembly has an actuator connected to a pneumatic circuit and providing reciprocating linear motion to a torque linkage connected to the winch. The torque linkage has a wrap spring clutch connectable to the ratchet wheel of the win ch and a connector arm connected to the actuator. The torque linkage transmits the linear motio n to the winch as a corresponding rotational motion. 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. The flow of pressure to the actuator is controlled by a control valve having a valve lever that is toggl ed back and forth between an extend position and a retract position by a pair of opposed trip mounts mounted on the connector arm.