Device For Independently Tensioning Lines By Hand

A hand-actuated device for independently tensioning lines, comprising:

• (a) a drive assembly;
• (b) two spool assemblies;
• and
• (c) a ratchet assembly;
• (d) wherein,
• (i) manual rotation by hand of the drive assembly in a first rotational direction about a drive axis results in rotation of a first spool assembly in a first rotational direction of the first spool assembly, but does not result in rotation of the second spool assembly, and
• (ii) manual rotation by hand of the dial in a second rotational direction about the drive axis opposite to the first rotational direction of the drive assembly results in rotation of the second spool assembly in a first rotational direction of the second spool assembly, but does not result in rotation of the first spool assembly;
• and
• (e) wherein,
• (i) the ratchet assembly precludes rotation of the first spool assembly in a second rotational direction of the first spool assembly that is opposite to the first rotational direction of the first spool assembly;
• and
• (ii) the ratchet assembly precludes rotation of the second spool assembly in a second rotational direction of the second spool assembly that is opposite to the first rotational direction of the second spool assembly.

A device for independently drawing lines into a housing, comprising:

• (a) means for drawing at least a portion of a first line into the housing when a control handle is manually rotated by hand in a first rotational direction;
• (b) means for drawing at least a portion of a second line into the housing when the control handle is manually rotated by hand in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction;
• (c) means for retaining the portion of the first line within the housing when a portion of the second line is drawn into the housing and for retaining a portion of the second line within the housing when a portion of the first line is drawn into the housing;
• (d) means for manually releasing by hand a portion of the first line from the housing without also releasing a portion of the second line from the housing;
• and
• (e) means for manually releasing by hand a portion of the second line from the housing without also releasing a portion of the first line from the housing.