Abstract: A linear blocking apparatus has a linear device which is longitudinally displaceable along an axis and is guided in a housing. It is possible to switch back and forth, by means of a connectable or integrated switching device, between two motional states of the linear device. The linear device acts directly or indirectly on a rotary device. The rotary device, in dependence on the motional direction of the linear device, can be set in rotation in diverse rotational directions. A, in particular mechanical, blocking device is present, which is, or can be brought, directly or indirectly into operative connection with the rotary device. The blocking device is actuable by the switching device, whereby it is possible to switch back and forth between a first motional state and a second motional state of the linear device, and hence between the possible rotational directions of the rotary device.