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 hinged cleat assembly for the deck of boats and the like is comprised by a T-shaped cleat formed by a contoured rod with two opposed, U-shaped ears interconnected at a midpoint of the cleat and two stem sections connected with the ears. A base plate is connected to the depending ends of the stem sections by means of a hinge which allows the cleat to be folded from an operative, upright position to a folded position relative to the deck.

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 positive locking turnbuckle has a generally cylindrical barrel with an internally threaded bore at each axial end in which terminal members are threadably received. Rotation of the barrel relative to the terminal members permits the overall length of the buckle and any attaching objects to be adjusted in conventional fashion. The barrel has a slot extending longitudinally between the ends and penetrating through the wall of the barrel into the respective bores. Each terminal member has a transverse channel or crosshole which can be rotated into a position registering with the slot in the barrel. Two coil springs are resiliently mounted on the outer surface of the barrel and each spring has a tang which projects through the slot of the barrel into the channel of a respective terminal member to prevent relative rotation of the barrel and terminal members and, thus, lock the turnbuckle in a selected adjustment condition.

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.