Device for increasing the tension on a cable or the like

A tensioning device for providing a mechanical advantage to aid in increasing the tension on a cable having a first cable end fixed to a load and a second, free cable end adapted to be secured to an anchoring means, said tensioning device being adapted to be used to increase tension on the cable prior to the free end being secured to said anchoring means, said tensioning device comprising an elongated body formed in a generally serpentine shape and having a pair of oppositely-facing bights lying generally in a single plane and a midportion between said bights, a first end of said body protruding in a laterally outward direction to form a first horn, and a second end opposite said first end protruding in said laterally outward direction to form a second horn, said first horn having friction enhancing means thereon being adapted to removably receive a first portion of the cable wrapped therearound a plurality of times to substantially prevent slippage thereon, and said second horn being adapted to removably receive and slidably engage a second portion of the cable wrapped less than one complete turn around said second horn in order to cause the second portion of the cable to extend to said second horn on one side thereof and away from said second horn on the other side thereof and be slidably movable thereon, said midportion of said body being spaced laterally outwardly relative to said bights and being adapted to guidingly receive and engage a third portion of the cable extending thereunder with the third portion of the cable being between the first and second portions of the cable.