Tensioning apparatus for a lashing strap

A tensioning apparatus for a lashing strap having a fixed end and a free end, comprising:

• a frame having two side walls which extend parallel to one another, the fixed end of the lashing strap being operationally connected to the frame;
• a wind-up spindle that is rotatably mounted on the frame and that receives the free end of the lashing strap;
• and
• ratchet mechanism means for securing the wind-up spindle from rotation in a first direction with respect to the frame, the ratchet mechanism means including
• a ratchet wheel connected to the wind-up spindle,
• first and second locking pawls that are mounted on the frame and moveable between an engaged position wherein the locking pawls contact the ratchet wheel and a disengaged position wherein the locking pawls are withdrawn from the ratchet wheel, the first locking pawl having a curved configuration so as to reduce the structural height required for the frame, and
• biasing means for biasing the locking pawls toward the engaged position,
• wherein the first locking pawl is shaped as a ring segment,
• wherein each side wall of the frame has a respective first pawl guide slot through which the first locking pawl extends, the first pawl guide slots conforming to the curved configuration of the first locking pawl and being shaped as ring segments, and
• wherein each side wall of the frame additionally has a second pawl guide slot through which the second locking pawl extends.