The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 08, 1993
Filed:
Feb. 15, 1991
Everett H Stephenson, Savannah, GA (US);
Union Camp Corporation, Wayne, NJ (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for maintaining a restraining device placed over a load in constant tension as the load shifts during transit are disclosed. The present invention provides a winch having two ratchets, the first of which provides the initial tension in the restraining device. The second ratchet is connected to a spring, which is connected to the shaft upon which the restraining device is wound. By operating the second ratchet, the spring is displaced and an urging force is created. Upon a reduction of the initial tension in the restraining device, the urging force acts upon the shaft, advancing the shaft and the first ratchet, thereby maintaining the tension in the restraining device. Since the first ratchet is advanced, any slack in the restraining device is accumulated and the strap is locked into a tighter position. Methods and apparatus providing a locking bar to prevent unauthorized use of the winch and theft of the restraining device are also disclosed.