Load-tie-down system and winch assembly

A load-tie-down system comprising:

• a load-supporting structure constructed to cradle a load, having a side support means, a second support means adjacent the side support means, and a load-supporting region defined by the side support means and the second support means;
• a winch frame mounted on the load-supporting structure including a horizontal crosspiece and two downwardly and outwardly projecting struts mounted to the horizontal crosspiece;
• a winch drum rotatably mounted on the winch frame between the two struts;
• a belt having a hook attached to one free end and a second end attached to and wound around the winch drum;
• anchoring means, located on the winch frame, for fastening the free end of the belt to the winch frame after wrapping the belt around the load including a bar mounted between the two struts of the winch frame around which the hook may fasten;
• locking means for restraining the rotation of the winch drum;
• and
• the winch drum and anchor means located on the winch frame in such a position that the belt may extend around and secure the load by the belt holding the load against the side support means and the second support means.

A winch assembly comprising:

• a winch frame having a crosspiece and two struts projecting downward from the crosspiece;
• a winch drum rotatably mounted between the two struts of the winch frame;
• a belt having a hook attached to one end and a second end attached to and wound around the winch drum;
• anchoring means comprising a bar mounted between the two struts of the winch frame around which the hook may attach;
• locking means to restrain the rotation of the winch drum;
• and
• the winch drum and anchoring means located so that the belt may extend around the crosspiece and then anchor on the winch frame.

A winch assembly comprising:

• a winch frame having a crosspiece and two struts projecting away from the crosspiece;
• a winch drum rotatably mounted between the two struts of the winch frame;
• a strap having a free end and a second end attached to and wound around the winch drum;
• anchoring means on the winch frame for allowing the free end of the belt to be secured;
• and
• locking means to restrain the rotation of the winch drum;
• whereby the winch drum and anchoring means are located so that the strap may extend around the crosspiece and then anchor on the winch frame.