Patent ID: 7632052
Filing Date: 2009-12-15
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
1. A method for tying down at least one tire of a vehicle on a load carrying platform, comprising the steps of: providing at least two raised ribs at the platform, each of said ribs having a plurality of elongated completely closed retaining apertures at a top surface and a respective downwardly depending side wall at each opposing side edge of said top surface; providing at least one winch and chock assembly supported by said top surface of each of said at least two ribs, said assembly comprising a winch, a chock surface, a rotating lock mechanism with an elongated lock element which in an insertion position fits within one of the apertures in one of the two ribs and in a locking position has its longitudinal extent substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the elongated aperture to engage the aperture, and at least one hook engageable; in another of the elongated apertures of one of the two ribs at the platform; positioning the at least one chock assembly with the chock surface adjacent one end of the tire, and engaging the lock element and the hook with the respective elongated apertures; connecting one end of a tire harness to a winch and securing the other end of the tire harness; and tightening the harness on the tire with the winch.