Apparatus for isolating a cord section from tension

An apparatus for isolating a cord section from tension, said apparatus comprising in combination:

• a cord section comprising at least one cord;
• a tension isolating device comprising:
• a hollow generally cylindrical member;
• first and second annular flanges at opposite ends of said cylindrical member, each of said first and second flanges having first and second slots positioned approximately 180 degrees from each other around each flange, said first and second slots on each flange being of substantially the same shape and area;
• said first slot on said first flange being substantially axially aligned with said first slot on said second flange and said second slot on said first flange being substantially axially aligned with said second slot on said second flange;
• said cord section having a protected section positioned inside said cylindrical member and two wrapped sections adjacent said protected section, each wrapped section emerging from a respective end of said cylindrical member, extending through one of said first slots, wrapping around the outer surface of said cylindrical member at least 180 degrees, and extending through one of said second slots in one of said flanges which is opposite to the flange having the first slot through which the wrapped section extends;
• whereby tension on said wrapped sections results in frictional engagement of said wrapped sections with said outer surface of said cylindrical member and with said slots so that said tension on said wrapped sections is not transmitted to said protected section.