Abstract: This rope tightener is supported by or is engageable with a rope, line cord, or the like before it is manually tensioned and thereafter manipulated to draw the rope taut. The rope is stressed by threading the rope through a rectangular shaped loop in the device and then rotating the device in a plane parallel to the rope to twist the rope around a central body portion of the rectangular shaped loop in the device. After the first rotation of the device, the rope begins to wrap around itself. This lengthens the path of the rope and applies tension to the rope. The device is secured against reverse rotation by placing a reach of the rope under a reverse hook on the other end of the device. The device is a simple, one piece, rigid element, which is capable of giving a huge mechanical advantage in applying tension to a rope, line, cord or the like.

Abstract: A weight assembly for an exercising apparatus is provided and includes a pair of vertically spaced superposed upper and lower generally horizontal panel members each including four openings formed therethrough spaced about a central area of the panel member. The two sets of four openings are at least generally registered and four upstanding elongated flexible tension member sections have their lower ends slidably received through corresponding openings in the panel members and the lower terminal ends of the tension member sections are anchored through the openings in the lower panel member. The upper ends of the tension members are upwardly convergent and are anchored relative to an anchor member. Variable weight value structure is supported on the lower panel member below the upper panel member and the tensioning of the tension member sections and the weight of the upper panel member tend to cause the variable weight value structure to be clamped between the upper and lower panel members.

Abstract: A horizontal first structure and a second structure elevated above the first structure are provided and the elevated second structure supports a pulley assembly therefrom including a journaled pulley. Abutment structure is provided on the first horizontal spaced normal from an upstanding plane containing the pulley assembly and against which a person disposed on the first horizontal structure may abut at least a portion of his body to prevent sliding of that person relative to the first horizontal structure toward the aforementioned plane. An elongated flexible tension member has its mid-portion passed over the journaled pulley and a first end portion of the tension member depends downwardly from the journaled pulley and supports a weight body therefrom.