Elastic cord tensioning and length adjusting apparatus

An elastic cord tensioning and length adjusting apparatus, for use by individuals to strap items in position and maintain them in that position, comprising:

• a support platform;
• said support platform having a plurality of apertures;
• said support platform further having a centerline projection tube located thereon;
• a locking mechanism;
• said locking mechanism comprising a base;
• said base comprising cut outs at each end of said base;
• said base further comprising a tubular extension for positioning said tubular extension within said centerline projection tube of said support platform;
• and
• means for retaining said locking mechanism.

An apparatus for adjusting the length and/or tension of and elastic cord, comprising:

• a planar support member having two spaced apertures dimensioned to receive an elastic cord and an hollow tube projecting from said support member intermediate said apertures;
• a locking mechanism comprising a planar base member having two cut outs dimensioned to receive the elastic cord and a cylindrical extension projecting from said base member, said extension being dimensioned to be received by said hollow tube through a third aperture in said support member;
• and
• means for assembling together and said base member, the arrangement being such that, in use, when said extension is received in said hollow tube, said base member and said support member are maintained in substantial parallel relation with adjustable spacing therebetween, the apertures and corresponding cut outs being so dimensioned and positioned that the effective openings for the elastic cord are progressively reduced as dimension between the base member and the support member is reduced thereby to lock around the elastic cord to prevent relative movement between the cord and the apparatus.