Abstract: A tension fastener for securing elongated implements to a backpack or other device. The fastener comprises a base that has a bar for attaching it to a strap, a hook disposed on the top surface of the base near one of its ends, and two parallel channels for adjustably receiving and securing a cord. The fastener also comprises a cover having a bar mounted across one end and an aperture extending through its sides on the other end. There is a cord threaded through the aperture in the cover and secured in the receiving and securing means in the base to connect the cover to the base. An implement is secured to the fastener by placing the implement on the top surface of the base, placing the cover over the implement, sliding the bar of the cover over the hook on the base, and tightening the cord until the desired tension is achieved. This fastener is easily operated using only one hand and securely keeps the implement attached to the backpack.

Abstract: A releasable retention assembly includes an elongated flexible member, a retention member and a lock mechanism. The flexible member has opposite end portions and a length sufficient for wrapping at least once about an utility pole to retain a cover in place on the utility pole. The retention member is secured to one opposite end portion of the flexible member and defines a slot through which the other opposite end portion of the flexible member can extend. The lock mechanism includes a latch element mounted to the retention member for undergoing pivotal movement between angularly displaced latched and unlatched positions relative to the other opposite end portion of the flexible member extending through the slot of the retention member.

Abstract: Device for preventing a fall on a vertical cable, with a channel for guiding the cable, two flanges supporting an axle on which a lever is pivotally mounted, one extremity of the lever including an opening for fixing a link and at the other extremity, a cam which co-operates with the cable in the event that the user falls to block the device along the cable. The flanges are connected via a hinge so that the flanges can be pivoted with respect to each other and moved apart from each other for positioning the device on the cable and closed together whereby the cable is inserted in the channel, and a safety structure is provided to oppose opening of the flanges when the lever does not occupy an angular rest position in which the cam is spaced from the cable.

Abstract: A retractable self-locking cleat for rope, cable and like including means forming a base that can be mounted to a truck body, deck or other surfaces which includes an opening, recess, well or cavity into which an improved self-locking cleat component can be retracted. The cleat component is pivotably secured to the base and can be rotated into and out of the recess. The pivotable connection between the self-locking cleat component and the base may include a pivot pin and slot configuration that permits the cleat component to be maintained in its extended position once rotated thereinto or until it is repositioned so that it can be pivoted into its retracted position. Suitable bolts or other fasteners may be used to secure the base to the apertured wall, deck or other surface. In an alternative embodiment, the base is formed into a classical, fixed cleat configuration having a cavity formed in its midsection for receiving a retractable self-locking cleat component pivotably attached to the fixed base.

Abstract: An adjustable load automatic releasing cleat for automatically releasing a rope or line at a predetermined tension load range. A rolling member (26) positioned adjacent to a cam member (30), releases the rope above the set tension range and recleats the rope below the load setting. The amount of load on the line activates the release and cleating mechanisms which are manually overridable.

Abstract: A roofing safety system having several components that when installed in various combinations permits access to all locations on the roof's surface and allows roofing personnel to be continuously secured to the safety system from the time the roofer leaves the ground to do a roofing job until he descends back to the ground when the job is finished. Included is a one-way ascender having a substantially cylindrical body that has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The body also has two open ends, one opposite the other. The two open ends establish an entrance port and an exit port through which a safety rope is insertable through the body. There is a ratchet member for allowing the rope to pass in a direction from the insert port to the exit port and for restraining movement of the rope in an opposite direction from the exit port to the insert port. A rope conduit sized to accommodate a safety rope is formed within a substantially cylindrical interior space of the ascender body.

Abstract: An improved self-locking cleat for rope, cable, and the like including a housing, a rotatable generally spherically-shaped engaging member, a biasing means and a positioning means. The housing includes an elongated base, a first passageway generally circular in cross-section and extending transverse to the length of the base. A chamber is formed in the base and is disposed adjacent one side of the first passageway. A length of rope is drawn through the first passageway in either a first or an oppositely directed second direction. The rotatable engaging member is pivotally mounted within the chamber and is positionable at either a first or a second position. The member is biased into the first position by the biasing means and is manually positionable, via the positioning means, into the second position.

Abstract: A rope locking device and method are provided to prevent inadvertent rope movement of counterbalanced riggings as used in theaters and auditoriums. The locking device housing is rigidly supported on a floor or wall and includes a handle to manually release a handline passing therethrough as needed. Resiliently mounted jaws with teeth within the housing adjustably grip the handline and prevent slippage thereof. When there is an out-of-balance condition, the jaws grip the handline even though the manual release handle is moved to its release position.

Abstract: A cord lock and release system for use in a window blind assembly. The system has a stationary member, a locking member and a movable segment. The locking member is positioned so that at least one lift cord can move across a portion of the locking member when the locking member is in an open position. The lift cords will be restrained by frictional contact with the movable and stationary members when the locking member is in a locked position. The locking member is biased towards a locked position. A release linkage is attached to the movable member so that when a force is applied to the linkage the movable member moves the locking member toward the open position.

Abstract: A boat anchoring apparatus according to the invention has an elongate rod with a planar end piece attached at one end thereof for driving vertically into the sand or soil on a beach or waterfront. The rod is driven into the beach using a driving device having a weighted closed end with hollow tube for placement over the rod and having an elongate aperture along the length of the tube with a securing pin for attachment to the rod for pulling the rod out of the soil. Attached to the driving device is a pawl actuating mechanism for securing a line from the boat to said pawl when the rod is vertically in the soil and one end of the driving device is slidingly secured over the vertical rod locking at 90 degrees detaining forward tilt of buried rod and maximizing horizontal direction of vector forces.

Abstract: A rope controller constructed without a spring or any other resilient means for controlling movement of a rope having a standing end and a free end. The rope controller is cam actuated and includes a housed cam which is journaled for movement toward and away from a clamping portion of the housing and is responsive to movement of a rope in either direction. The cam is activated to prevent movement of the standing end of the rope by tensioning the standing end of the rope. The cam is deactivated to permit movement of the free end of the rope by tensioning the free end of the rope. The cam is deactivated to permit movement of the rope in either direction by manually depressing an extension of the cam.

Abstract: A self-locking strap mechanism includes inner and outer hollow tubes each having a pair of spaced holes and a separate actuator aperture defined therethrough. The outer hollow tube is inserted over the inner hollow tube. The strap mechanism also includes a length of flexible strap. The length of strap is routed through the holes of the inner and outer hollow tubes. The inner and outer hollow tubes are longitudinally movable relative to one another between locked and released positions wherein the respective holes are aligned and misaligned with one another such that portions of the inner and outer hollow tubes frictional grip and release the length of strap routed therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably clamping an elongated flexible member is provided. This clamping apparatus includes body defining at least one passage therethrough. A clamping member is operatively associated with the body member such that a portion of the clamping member can be selectively moved into and out of the passage. Juxtaposed clamping surfaces on the clamping member and the body converge and diverge as the clamping member is moved into and out of the passage. An actuator member extends from the clamping member and is operable for causing the clamping member to move into and out of the passage to engage and disengage the flexible elongated member therein. A locking mechanism is utilized to releasably fix the clamping member in one of a plurality of engaged positions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for fastening a line, such as a line supporting a fender on a marine vessel. The apparatus has a body portion defining an aperture for receiving the line, and a lever coupled to the body portion and defining a passageway between the lever and the body portion for receiving the line passed through the aperture. A biasing mechanism normally biases the lever into engagement with the line extending through the passageway to fasten the line to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening a line supporting a fender on a vessel has a body portion defining a first bore extending through the body portion for receiving the line, and a second bore spaced apart from the first bore and extending through the body portion for receiving the line after it is passed through the first bore and wrapped around a rail on the vessel. A handle portion is generally U-shaped for receiving the body portion between opposing sides of the handle portion and is slidable relative to the body portion. A drive arm is pivotally mounted on one end to the body portion, and is coupled on another end to the opposing sides of the handle portion. The drive arm defines a toothed surface and is spring biased for engaging the line extending through the second bore with the toothed surface to lock the line in place. The toothed surface of the drive arm is moved into and out of engagement with the line by moving the handle portion toward and away from the body portion.

Abstract: A cord lock and release system for use in a window blind assembly. The system has a stationary member and a movable member. The movable member is positioned so that at least one lift cord can move across a portion of the movable member when the movable member is in an open position. The lift cords will be restrained by frictional contact with the movable and stationary members when the movable member is in a locked position. The movable member is biased towards a locked position. A release linkage is attached to the movable member so that when a force is applied to the linkage the movable member is moved toward the open position.

Abstract: An invalid assistance device mounted on a wall in which a supported locked and guided flexible line is used to stabilize an invalid in the range of desired vertical positions from sitting to standing while a single attendant can work with the stabilized invalid.

Abstract: An indicia-bearing attachment for electrical conductors includes a hollow generally U-shaped housing having a horizontal top wall and a pair of downwardly-depending side walls, thereby to define an open-ended chamber for longitudinally receiving at either end one end of the conductor depending on the orientation of the housing for proper reading of the indicia. In order to maintain the conductor in the chamber adjacent the horizontal top wall, a T-shaped clamp member is pivotally connected between the lower ends of the side walls, two arms of the clamp member being horizontal and colinearly arranged longitudinally in the chamber, and a third arm being vertical and joined to the adjacent ends of the horizontal arms.

Abstract: A safety clamp appliance is disclosed formed of a cable or rope housing having opposed hinged walls for opening to receive a rope and a generally U-shaped cross-section, the housing interior being adapted with a rope slide to receive a safety rope, a brake lever having a pivot point, a brake surface and a handle for attachment to a climber's belt. The brake lever is pivotally mounted in the housing. An actuating spring is provided for spring loading the brake lever, thereby maintaining a constant pressure by the brake surface on the rope. The actuating spring is provided with a quick release fastener to disconnect from the brake lever for converting the safety clamp appliance from a spring loaded mode to a non-spring loaded mode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cam cleat device for use in gripping rope, lines, or the like. The device includes a base plate having a rope receiving surface portion along and against which the rope travels, a cam pivotally connected to the base plate, and a plurality of protrusions extending generally radially outwardly from the surface of the cam. The protrusions provide an improved bite when in operation so as to prevent rotational as well as translational movement of the rope when gripped.

Abstract: An invalid assistance device mounted on a ceiling is which a supported locked and guided flexible line is used to stabilize an invalid in the range of desired vertical positions from sitting to standing while a single attendant can work with the stabilized invalid.

Abstract: A gripping device for releasably gripping a rope-like member comprises a pair of rope-engaging members defining a pair of opposite, mutually spaced rope engaging surfaces defining a rope passageway therebetween. The rope engaging surfaces are mounted in a frame so as to be moveable in relation to each other such that a force applied to the rope engaging surfaces and acting in one direction of the rope passageway will tend to move the rope engaging members closer to each other towards a locking position, while a force applied to the rope engaging surfaces and acting in the opposite direction of the rope passageway will tend to increase the spacing of the rope engaging surfaces and to move the rope engaging members towards a releasing position. At least one of the rope engaging members is connected to an operating handle by means of a lost motion connection. When the operating handle is moved from an inactive position to an active position the rope engaging members are moved to their releasing position.

Abstract: A device attachable to a person's belt to partially support the weight of a flexible cable (or cables) extending between a welding machine and a welding tool (torch or electrode holder) held in the persons's hand. Most of the cable weight is transferred from the person's hand to his belt, thereby enabling him to more efficiently perform the welding operation, with greater assurance of good welds, and with lesser physical strain on the person's hand and arm.

Abstract: A jiffy sure grip line holder is provided and consists of a spring for biasing a handle end of a lever that has an end of a clothes line tied thereto away from a handle end of another lever so that the jaw ends of the two levers will come together to grip an adjustable end of the clothes line therebetween.

Abstract: A closure system for a flexible tube, for example a sleeve, a leg or the waist of a garment. The tube has an outer surface and an inner surface. There is a cord to extend around the flexible tube, between the inner and the outer surfaces. An opening in the inner surface allows passage of a first end of the cord. A releasable anchor engages the first end of the cord. There is a fixed anchor for the other or second end of the cord. Pulling on the first end of the cord with the releasable anchor released contracts the inner surface of the tube to provide a closure or seal for the tube. The closure system provides an effective seal for a leg, sleeve or waist of a garment. The seal can be achieved simply by pulling with one hand on the first end of the cord.

Abstract: A traction hook and rope lock which has a unique locking mechanism wherein accidental release is eliminated. Also this hook and rope lock is unusual in manner due to the fact that it will stay in its locked position even when there is little or no tension applied on the rope. This invention is uncomplicated and easy to use and has promise of being highly efficient when used in hospitals for patients in traction.

Abstract: A cord lock for a venetian blind or shade, such as a pleated shade, having a housing with a stationary pulley and a serrated cam or rivet guided in parallel, aligned S-shaped slots, the cam locking the raised lift cord of the blind or shade against the pulley. The S-shape of the slot maximizes the angle of approach of the slot with respect to the cord and pulley to thereby increase the sensitivity of the lock.

Abstract: A cam cleat includes at least two gripping members mounted in space apart relation. The gripping members provide a line gripping passage therebetween through which a line can extend. At least one of the gripping members includes a cam shaped gripping pawl mounted on a base member for pivotal movement relative to the upper gripping member. Movement of the gripping pawl toward the other gripping member closes the line gripping passage so that a line in the passage is gripped between the gripping members. Each gripping pawl has a pair of gripping surfaces arranged in symmetrical relation so that one of the pair of gripping surfaces engages the line during gripping. The surface allocated for gripping depends on the orientation of the gripping pawl relative to the other gripping member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to shorten and/or fasten flat belts or straps for wrapping and hoisting a load. The apparatus includes a vertical base plate having a crane lug located in its upper portion. Also, at least three deflectors with free ends are mounted in spaced apart relation on the plate so as to project generally perpendicularly therefrom. The free ends of the straps or belts are inserted into the apparatus and pulled between and looped about the deflectors in a meandering fashion to affix the belts to the apparatus before hoisting the load.

Abstract: A gripping device for selectively locking and releasing a flexible member, such as a rope, which may be moved over a guide surface, comprises a lever which may be swung about an axis and which is mounted in a frame. An engaging member is swingably mounted on the lever, and by means of an operating handle on which an eccentric cooperating with the lever is mounted, the lever may be moved between a locking position (FIG. 1) and a releasing position (FIG. 2). By movement of the operating handle in a direction towards and beyond the locking position a force-transmitting projection formed on the operating handle may be brought into direct engagement with an abutment surface on the engaging member, whereby a particularly strong and quick locking of the flexible member may be performed.

Abstract: A rope cleat having a base, a rope abutment structure on the base, a cam, and components for mounting the cam on the base so that the cam can rotate about a rotational axis for purposes of gripping a rope between the cam and the rope abutment structure is configured to better grip truck rope such as that fabricated from monofilament polypropylene. Teeth are provided on at least one of the cam and the rope abutment structure to provide edges disposed generally toward the other one of the cam and the rope abutment structure while a groove is provided to enhance the gripping of a rope having a known diameter against movement between the cam and the rope abutment structure along a path that is generally tangential relative to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A rope tie-down clamp apparatus is provided for quickly and easily tightening and securing a rope between two points. The rope is formed with a loop at one end, and the end of the rope is secured to the housing of the clamping apparatus. A passage is provided through the housing for the length of rope, and the clamping cam is mounted for movement in the housing from a first position engaging the rope in the passageway to a second position out of engagement with the rope. The clamping cam may be manually moved out of engagement with the rope to facilitate adjustment of the rope length and the loop formed by the rope and the housing of the clamping apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable water ski binding includes an upper (18) composed of a toepiece (60) and a heelpiece (69) cooperatively defining a binding cavity (22) for receiving and restraining a foot. The lower perimeter portions of the toepiece (60) and heelpiece (69) are secured to a perimeter frame assembly (20). A pair of oppositely disposed straps (86), provided on binding upper (18), extend forwardly and then laterally across and down the sides of the toepiece (60) to define distal end portions (126). The end portions (126) of the straps (86) are fastened to the binding frame assembly (20) at selected locations along the strap end portion to selectively vary the size of the binding cavity (22).

Abstract: A portable hand held rope cleat has two opposing rope gripping rotatable cams affixed to a tubular handle by two convergent side arms. The size and structure of the device allows for easy and comfortable gripping of jib sheets while trimming sails during boating. The addition of a support brace elevates the user's hand sufficiently to help prevent injury from the rotating cams and from rope burns.

Abstract: A hand operable rope locking device which avoids sliding metal to metal contact of the wearing parts and uses a roller engageable in over center relation with a replaceable elastomeric insert in a pivotally mounted metal locking dog.

Abstract: A rope cleat includes a rectangular plastic bottom plate and a nesting sheet steel top plate. Bolt holes in the corners of the plates allow bolts to retain the plates together and to mount the cleat onto a mounting surface. A pair of cam spindles and back-to-back rope abutments, integral to the bottom plate, protrude through matching cam spindle openings and rope abutment openings in the top plate.The edge of each cam spindle opening is rounded upward into a cam spindle boss to support the cam spindle. A cam, with rope gripping teeth on its rise, rotates on each cam spindle, is retained thereon by a washer and self tapping screw, and is biased by a C-shaped leaf spring.The front of each rope abutment also has rope gripping teeth. The back of each rope abutment is reinforced by a boss, bent upward from the top plate to leave the rope abutment opening. Each boss is strengthened by a vertical crimp, the apex of which supports and is supported by the apex of the crimp in the other boss.

Abstract: An adjustable water ski binding (10) is composed of an upper (18) secured substantially vertically between a laterally supportive, generally U-shaped internal frame (34) and a similarly shaped external frame (50) to form a foot-receiving binding cavity (22). A full length soleplate (24) underlies the internal frame (34) and includes a slot (108), allowing the width of soleplate (24) to be adjusted. A pair of rotation tabs (114) are secured to external frame (50) and include a plurality of adjustment holes (120) that allow tabs (114) to be additionally secured to a mounting plate (12). By selecting the proper pair of adjustment holes (120), the width of binding upper (18) can be increased or decreased. A pair of oppositely disposed strap portions (86), provided on binding upper (18), extend forwardly, overlapping the instep of binding upper (18).

Abstract: A hanger which supports a temporary deck in an intermodal container. The hanger is removably secured to a ledge, which is part of the container, and extends downwardly toward the floor. One set of hangers is placed along each wall and the temporary deck is extended between them. The hanger itself includes a hook end and a link pivotally secured to a lower position. The link pivotally carries the hanger strap that extends down the wall. The hook end fits over the top of the ledge while the link contacts it on the bottom in a pliers-like grip. As vertical force is placed upon the hanger strap, the grip of the hook end and link increases.

Abstract: An improvement to a cam lock mechanism suitable for use in a wide variety of rope and belt tightening apparatus including boat anchor systems and tree seats and climbing aids to insure the positive engagement of the cam locking device employs a transverse rib which substantially spans the rope receiving gap between the ears on the cam wheel bracket.

Abstract: A mounting clamp particularly suited for mounting medical accessories on support poles comprises a stationary clamping surface which can be attached to an accessory housing. A cam is pivotly mounted on a trunnion connected to the stationary clamping surface has a spiral clamping surface, the stationary clamping surface and spiral clamping surface being positioned to constitute a clamping means when the clamp is in a clamping position. A spring means having one end connected to the trunnion and the other end connected to the cam is provided for biasing the cam to the clamping position. A lever pivotly mounted on the trunnion has a projection which engages the cam and causing it to pivot with the lever when the lever is pivoted to a clamp releasing position. The cam preferably has two spiral surfaces, one generated by a line parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam and the second cam surface by a line forming an angle with the axis of rotation of the cam.

Abstract: A dual position cam cleat for use principally on small sailing boats and crafts for maintaining the sail ropes taut. The dual position cam cleat comprises a pair of serrated jaws to grip the rope in either direction. The dual jaws are positioned side-by-side and displaced approximately 90.degree. to 120.degree. apart and mutually pivotable about a common point to either direction. The jaws in a crossdirection comprise a serrated and a non-serrated portion. The non-serrated and smooth portion permits rope slippage for adjusting the tension without movement of the cam cleat. The dual cam cleat is shifted from the one gripping jaw to the other by the sailor vertically jerking the line. A spring means connected between the pivot point and the support member maintains the one jaw in an active position and the other jaw in a passive condition and offers a "crisp" toggling or snapping action when reversing the tension members. A swivel base permits the entire dual structure to be swiveled to any angle within 180.

Abstract: A device for retaining two cords, which may be opposite ends of a single cord, against longitudinal movement in a predetermined direction, and including an actuating member connected to a body for pivotal movement between locking and released positions, and two separate locking members carried by the actuating member for pivotal movement therewith and engaging the two cords respectively to retain them against movement. Each of the locking members is also free for pivotal movement relative to the actuating member and relative to the other locking member in a manner automatically tightening the grip on the corresponding cord in response to the application of longitudinal pulling force to the cord. The actuating member and locking members are connected to the body of the device by a pivot pin which extends between two side walls of the body and through a tubular mounting portion of the actuating member and is preferably retained in assembled position by a snap detent arrangement.

Abstract: A grip device for mounting along a horizontal line, such as a rope or cable, to prevent a load from falling when one end of the line is no longer supported in its horizontal position. The device consists of a shell in which is mounted by means of a pin, a clamping wedge arranged such that when the handle of the wedge is moved in either direction, the wedge becomes clamped against the rope or cable to prevent movement of the rope through the device, and therefore prevent falling of a person attached to the device by means of an approved belt, harness or lanyard.

Abstract: A securing device is disclosed for use in conjunction with a rope or like article to secure the positioning thereof. The securing device is coarsely adjustable to establish the maximum permissible spacing between a pair of clamping plates when the device is in an open position. The clamping plates are configured to allow dual sections of rope to be received through the securing device between the plates while the device is in the open position, with the rope being engageable with the plates at a plurality of points when in the closed position. A camming unit is mounted adjacent to the outside surface of one plate, with the camming unit having a cam surface, that acts in conjunction with the adjacent plate, and an actuating lever, the positioning of which establishes the open and closed positions of the lever and device.

Abstract: A string locking assembly is provided for mounting on the headstock of a guitar or the like between a string nut and tuning pegs. The assembly includes a baseplate that is mounted directly to the headstock. The baseplate includes an outwardly disposed surface for supporting the guitar strings and outwardly extending posts at spaced intervals. The posts separate the individual strings and are sufficiently spaced to allow a wide range of string spacings to pass from the string nut to the tuning pegs through the assembly without interference. The assembly also includes a locking block overlying the strings and the baseplate and an associated cam action lock screw. The lock screw provides an unlocked position to allow quick tuning of the guitar and a locked position to provide clamping pressure between the locking block and the baseplate so as to prevent slippage of the strings over the string nut during play.

Abstract: A locking device for selectively locking and releasing a rope or a similar elongated, flexible element comprises a channel-shaped frame and a clamping member which is provided with a handle and is mounted swingably within the frame. The clamping member cooperates with a rope abutment surface defined by the bottom wall so as to clamp the rope, when the clamping member is swung in one direction by means of the handle, and so as to release the rope when the clamping member is swung in the opposite direction. In order to render it possible to arrange the handle in a convenient, protected position within the channel-shaped frame in the rope releasing as well as in the rope locking or clamping position of the clamping member, the clamping member and the handle are separate parts, each of which are independently swingable about a common axis, and the clamping member and the handle may be releasably interconnected by means of releasable coupling means, which may comprise a locking pawl.

Abstract: A tool for applying banding clamps is provided with means for applying a substantially even amount of force across the transverse direction of a strap to hold the strap in a desired position wherein the force applying means comprises a plurality of superposed levers having means for holding the superposed levers in assembled relationship but permitting relative movement between the levers.

Abstract: A halyard stopper for a sailboat includes a pair of spaced-apart side plates extending up from a base. A jamming arm in the form of a class two lever is pivotally mounted between the plates above the base adjacent the entrance end of the stopper so that the arm can be swung from a jamming position wherein its free end is disposed close to the base and a nonjamming position wherein its free end is spaced further away from the base. A class one lever pivotally mounted between the side plates adjacent the exit end of the stopper is swingable so as to engage the free end of the arm and move the arm from its jamming to its nonjamming position even though the arm is under a very large jamming load.

Abstract: A sail line stopper is provided for controlling the rate of movement of a sailing line prior to or subsequent to the locking of a line in a fixed position. The sail sheet stopper has a base with a channel formed therethrough. A plurality of closely spaced links are mounted for pivotal movement in the base and each of the links has an opening with the line openings forming a channel through which the line to be controlled is positioned. A handle is coupled to the links for controlling the pivotal movement of the links in the base. In a first position the handle aligns the openings allowing the line to move freely through the channel, and in a second position the openings are out of alignment thereby restricting the size of the channel through which the line moves to lock the line in the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening a line supporting a fender on a vessel has a body portion defining a first bore extending through the body portion for receiving the line, and a second bore spaced apart from the first bore and extending through the body portion for receiving the line after it is passed through the first bore and wrapped around a rail on the vessel. A handle portion is generally U-shaped for receiving the body portion between opposing sides of the handle portion and is slidable relative to the body portion. A drive arm is pivotally mounted on one end to the body portion, and is coupled on another end to the opposing sides of the handle portion. The drive arm defines a toothed surface and is spring biased for engaging the line extending through the second bore with the toothed surface to lock the line in place. The toothed surface of the drive arm is moved into and out of engagement with the line by moving the handle portion toward and away from the body portion.