Patent ID: 7972099
Filing Date: 2011-07-05
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
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; and a 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.