Abstract: An over-center pelican hook includes a hook body having an attachment end which fixably attaches the pelican hook to a threaded cable and a hooked end configured for selectively retaining and releasing an anchoring member in the pelican hook. The hook-shaped second end carries a tensile load when the pelican hook is connected between the cable and the anchoring member. A hinged keeper is pivotally mounted to the second end and moves from a closed position in which the anchoring member is retained within a closed eye formed by the hook body and the hinged keeper, to an open position which opens the eye and allows the anchoring member to be released from the pelican hook. The hinged keeper has an extractor claw which engages the anchoring member as the hinged keeper is moved from the closed position to the open position to facilitate the release of the anchoring member from the pelican hook.

Abstract: A self-contained tensioning device for adjusting the tension of a backstay cooperates with a bridle which connects the backstay to the transom of a sailboat. The device includes a pair of plates having sheaves rotatably mounted between the plates to form a passageway for the bridle cables and a block and tackle for adjusting the plates and sheaves along the bridle cables relative to the transom. By varying the position of the plates and sheaves along the bridle, the spacing between the bridle cables is decreased or increased and the tension in the backstay is adjusted.

Abstract: A pelican hook of the type utilized to make rapid and secure connections with cables, chains and eyelets is provided with adjustment features permitting the distance between or tension applied to the connected articles to be varied. The hook is designed to permit the distance or tension adjustment to be made while the articles are interconnected by the hook. Additional safety features prevent the hook from opening until it is manually released.