Line tensioning apparatus and method
OwnerDaniel M. Schaefferinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Interchangable line tensioning by bending or folding of a pre-strung line as well as a line having an accessible working end is taught by the method of this invention which advantageously uses apparatus embodied in a non-captive, unitary, passive line tensioning apparatus to shorten line by selectively engaging the line with three engaging members in a spaced-apart triangular array. The three engaging members are selected from a plurality of spaced-apart, selectively-engagable engaging members so as to provide a desired amount of tensioning when the engaged line forms a releasable sigmoid bend secured against accidental detensioning. A removably-captive embodiment of the line tensioner is also disclosed.
Claims11
In a method of releasably tensioning line, in which a final tensioning is achieved by bending or folding a section of the standing part of said line after the working end is made fast, said line fastened at the bitter end and strung as may be required so that a said standing part is accessible, the improvement comprising tentation which includes at the final steps:
- positioning a first section of said standing part between a first selected engaging member and a second selected engaging member of a plurality of spaced-apart, selectively-engagable engaging members of a passive, unitary line tensioner;
- rotating said line tensioner in a first rotational sense around a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to said standing part until said standing part is in contacting engagement with both said first selected engaging member and said second selected engaging member and said standing part forms a sigmoid bend generating a first rotational couple in a first sense;
- and, then bringing a third selected engaging member of said line tensioner into contacting engagement with a second section of said standing part in rotational engagement in a second rotational sense around said axis, said contacting engagement generating a second rotational couple exactly counterbalancing said first couple, said first selected engaging member, said second selected engaging member, and said third selected engaging member defining a spaced-apart triangular array, whereby said line is releasably tensioned against accidental detensioning.
A line tensioner for releasably tensioning a line, said line strung as may be required, secured at its opposite ends and having an accessible standing part, said line tensioner comprising:
- means for engaging a first section of said standing part to generate a first couple in a first sense around an axis, said means for engaging comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, selectively-engagable engaging members;
- and, means, comprising at least a third engaging member, for contacting a second section of said standing part in engagement to selectively generate a second couple exactly counterbalancing said first couple, said third engaging member together with said selectively-engagable engaging members defining a triangular array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.