Abstract:
A rope tensioning device configured to prevent unintentional disengagement of the device from the rope. A jam-cleat arrangement coupled with a closed or semi-closed passageway enables the device to function as a tensioning aid while the user may release the device without it falling off the rope.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present device generally relates to a rope pulling device and more specifically to a novel approach of manually creating tension on a rope or rope-like material with the device being able to constantly stay in contact with the rope without tension being applied. 
       DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    Some general uses for a rope puller are in action sports which have the an ample need for manual manipulation of ropes such as windsurfing, kite-boarding, ice sailing, ice surfing, kite surfing, wing sailing, skate sailing, and other outdoor uses such as normal boat sailing, camping, tethering things onto vehicles, and the like. 
         [0003]    In the different described uses of manually pulling on a rope or rope-like materials to create tension, a user must either use their bare hands, gloves, or some device to assist in creating tension. Using bare hands can create pain in the fingers and hand, friction burns, and raw patches on the skin from the friction or too much pressure. While gloves can alleviate some of these effects, they can create only as much tension as the user&#39;s hand can create grip-pressure on the rope. Various devices have been advanced to be placed on the rope to assist in manually creating more tension and to have a stronger and more efficient pull effect than just bare or gloved hands. The term “jam-cleat” may be used to refer to some such devices. 
         [0004]    In many of these activities, the user does not have time to get an efficient grip on the rope, attach a pulling device to the rope, or to find and put on gloves. Many devices can be engaged onto the rope through various openings and passageways in the exteriors of those devices and create tension but such devices generally will not stay with the rope when the user releases tension on the rope and disengages from the means for gripping the rope, such as for re-gripping purposes. Once the tension is released and the rope disengages from the means for gripping the rope, the configuration of the openings and passageways create an annoying problem of the rope separating from the pulling device causing the user to grip the device in their hand or the device will fall off the rope. The problem can be illustrated in an example of a user pulling on the rope on a windsurfer and losing manual control of the pulling device. It would force the user to grab the line with one hand and affix the puller with the other hand making a one handed operation into a two handed one while also risking losing the device in the sea. One fix to control the device is to attach a strap to the device which the user would wear around their wrist. While this may be sufficient for keeping possession of the device if it inadvertently disengages, the user still has to regain manual control of the device and the rope and reattach the device when a rope pull is needed. In the event of quick action in some uses this is not optimal because the gripping device must be re-established in the user&#39;s hand and placed back on the rope. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Broadly speaking, the invention solves the problem of a gripping tensioning device inadvertently disengaging from the rope by the configuration of its parts allowing the device to remain attached to the rope after tension is released. An embodiment of the invention may comprise a dimensioned handle, a passageway running along the handle which includes a groove, an aperture, optionally a slot opening in the exterior wall of the handle, optionally a means for enclosing the rope in the passageway, and a means for maintaining the rope inside the groove. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the passageway has an aperture that is a smooth or non-smooth, generally cylindrical hole that can be located anywhere from near one end of the handle to being at or near the middle of the handle. In another embodiment of the invention, the passageway has an aperture that is open to the exterior by means of a slot opening in the handle, in a rectangular shape that is shaped to conform to the size of or slightly less than the diameter of the rope. In still another embodiment the passageway has a slot opening through the exterior wall and is optionally sealed by means of enclosing the rope in the device, with the preferred examples of the means for enclosure including a live hinge gate, a slidable gate, or a tongue-and-groove snap-lock covering arrangement. Another embodiment of the invention has a slot opening in the passageway that has convex edges near the exterior wall creating a tapering effect to the opening. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the groove within the device has a rectangular shape or may be “V” or “U” shaped. The groove traverses some or all of the length of the handle, starting near the end of the handle or near the middle of the longitudinal central axis of the handle, and ending at the aperture at the opposite end of the handle. The groove&#39;s depth into the interior of the handle will allow a useable size of rope to be placed in it. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the means for gripping the rope is at least one set of chevron shaped ridges, angled about 10 to about 90 degrees from the longitudinal central axis, each being triangular or having a saw tooth shape, set on a bias, arranged on opposite sides of the groove. The convergence of the set of ridges allows a rope to be wedged down between the ridges as the rope moves through the passageway. In still other embodiments, the number of sets of ridges is about two to about eight. The means may be a jamming cleat, a cam, and devices that are similar. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of the present invention is a method of using the device For example, the device can be used to pull on a halyard rope on a sail boat. This method would be substantially described as placing the embodiment on the rope, wrapping the rope through the device, grasping in the correct manner, and pulling on the rope. The device would enable a person to pull, then optionally re-grip the rope in another area and pull again. Once the user releases tension and, in this example, uncleats the rope, the device would stay coupled on the rope. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0010]    The objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer when one reads on the following specification, taken together with the drawing, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a device in accordance with the invention, with embodiments of the groove, means for gripping and the aperture shown interiorly as dashed lines; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a right end view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an axonometric view of the device of  FIG. 1  looking at an angle onto the bottom thereof; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a vertical cross-section view taken along the cutting plane  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 4 , showing a phantom representation of a rope-like material passing through the embodiment shown; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment showing one way a hand may grip the device, showing a phantom representation of a rope-like material extending through the device; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side view of another embodiment showing a bridging member in a slot opening to the passageway in accordance with the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is an end view of the device of  FIG. 8  looking onto the opening to the groove; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is an axonometric view of the device of  FIG. 8 , looking at an angle onto the bottom thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  depicts an alternative embodiment having a slot opening to the passageway, 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is an end view of the device of  FIG. 12  looking onto the opening to the groove; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is an axonometric view of the device of  FIG. 12 , looking at an angle onto the bottom thereof; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  depicts an alternative embodiment having a removeable gate to the passageway; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is an end view of the device of  FIG. 16  looking onto the opening to the groove; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is an axonometric view of the device of  FIG. 16 , looking at an angle onto the bottom, showing the removeable gate detached from the device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  shows another alternative embodiment of the invention with a convex exterior edge of the slot opening to the passageway; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is an end view of  FIG. 20  looking onto the opening to the groove; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 20  and; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is an axonometric view of the device of  FIG. 20 , looking at an angle onto the bottom. 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  shows another alternative embodiment of the invention with a removeable bridging member in exterior edge of the slot opening to the passageway; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is an end view of  FIG. 24  looking onto the opening to the groove; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 24  and; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is an axonometric view of the device of  FIG. 24 , looking at an angle onto the bottom. The bridging member and an alternative bridging member is shown as detached. 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  shows another alternative embodiment of the invention with a “V”-shaped slot opening to the passageway; 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is an end view of  FIG. 28  with the dashed lines showing interior openings; 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 28  and; 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  is an axonometric view of the device of  FIG. 20 , looking at an angle onto the bottom. 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  is a side view of a device in accordance with the invention, with embodiments of the groove, means for gripping and the aperture shown interiorly as dashed lines; 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  is a right end view of the device of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 34  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 35  is an axonometric view of the device of  FIG. 32  looking at an angle onto the bottom thereof; 
           [0046]      FIG. 36  is a vertical cross-section view taken along the cutting plane  4 - 4  in  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 37  is a side view of a device in accordance with the invention, with embodiments of the groove, means for gripping and the aperture shown interiorly as dashed lines; 
           [0048]      FIG. 38  is an end view of the device of  FIG. 37 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 39  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 37 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 40  is an axonometric view of the device of  FIG. 37  looking at an angle onto the bottom thereof; 
           [0051]      FIG. 41  is a vertical cross-section view taken along the cutting plane  5 - 5  in  FIG. 37 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0052]    Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. In the following paragraphs, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawing. The word “rope” used throughout this description describes any rope-like material such as braiding, bungee, cable, cordage, hawser, lace, lanyard, lariat, lasso, line, strand, strap, string, tape, thread, twine, or wire, made out of any suitable material It can be appreciated that, as used herein, “passageway” corresponds to the general areas of the handle in which the rope would pass along or through. The “groove” corresponds to any shaped area in the passageway of the device handle that has a solid component as to placing the rope upon or in. The “aperture” is any area of the passageway that creates a hole in the handle allowing the rope to pass therethrough. The “slot” or “slot opening” are used interchangeably and refer to any opening in the exterior wall of the handle that may allow the rope to have access to the passageway. The slot may in certain embodiments have static or removeable impediments to the rope being placed laterally through the exterior wall into the interior passageway. “Handle” and “device” are used interchangeably when describing the body of the device. As described herein, the passageway includes groove  15  in  FIGS. 1-7 , groove  36  in  FIGS. 8-11 , groove  48  in  FIGS. 12-15 , groove  58  in  FIGS. 16-19 , groove  78  in  FIGS. 20-23 , groove  104  in  FIGS. 24-27 , groove  119  in  FIGS. 28-31 , groove  129  in  FIGS. 32-36 , groove  149  in  FIGS. 37-41 , and “slot openings” described as slot  37  in  FIGS. 8-11 , slot  49  in  FIGS. 12-15 , slot  70  in  FIGS. 16-19 , slot  88  in  FIGS. 20-23 , and slot  112  in  FIGS. 28-31 , together with the “aperture” as described as aperture  12  in  FIGS. 1-7 , aperture  39  in  FIGS. 8-11 , aperture  50  in  FIGS. 12-15 , aperture  60  in  FIGS. 16-19 , aperture  80  in  FIGS. 20-23 , aperture  93  in  FIGS. 24-27 , aperture  113  in  FIGS. 28-31 , aperture  123  in  FIGS. 32-36 , and aperture  143  in  FIGS. 37-41 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , the tensioning device or handle of this embodiment is generally referred to by reference numeral  11 . It is contemplated the device can be made from sturdy, lightweight, relatively rigid material, such as polymers, wood, or metals, but any material or method of manufacture may be suitable and the present invention is not limited to any particular method or material. It is contemplated that the device may have any shape that is suitable to be gripped by the user with either the left or the right hand. One skilled in the art can appreciate the contemplated embodiments of the device in helping to increase gripping power of the hand, together with comfort and efficiency of use of the device. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , passageway  10  extends from aperture  12  side of device extending along groove  13 , exiting the opposite end of device  11 . In this embodiment, aperture  12  is shown to be located in about the center of the lateral and latitudinal axes, at about a 90 degree angle to the longitudinal central axis of the device. The aperture is contemplated to be located at any point along the longitudinal central axis of the device between the middle and the end and any point off dead center along the lateral axis. The aperture may have any angle from about 135 degrees to about 45 degrees from the longitudinal central axis. While the embodiment presented shows aperture  12  as a cylindrical hole, other three dimensioned shapes represented by triangles, squares, and other polygons are also contemplated. While the present embodiment of the invention manifests a smooth-walled aperture, other non-smooth or even patterned textures are contemplated as well. 
         [0055]    Beginning near the aperture is groove  13  running longitudinally along handle  11 . While  FIG. 2  generally shows the embodiment of groove  13  to be “U”-shaped, other shapes such as “V” shape and rectangular shapes are contemplated. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the shape of the groove could be varied to allow different shaped jam-cleats, and rope gripping cams, and different sizes and shapes of ropes to be used. 
         [0056]    Within the groove near the aperture is a structure shaped as a wedge for gripping the rope, the structure being generally referred in the drawing by numeral  14 . This embodiment shows what is known as a jamming cleat and gripping means  14  will generally be referred to herein as a jam-cleat. Jam-cleat  14  is shown near the aperture but can be located anywhere along base  17  of groove  13 . The jam-cleat in this embodiment is made up of a plurality, or multiple, of chevron shaped ridges  15 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . Narrow side  18  of the chevron shaped ridges is preferably near the aperture. Ridges  15  are shown as sets of two, each one sitting opposite the other on walls  16  of the groove as seen in  FIGS. 2-4 . However, ridges  15  could function satisfactorily as a single set, opposite a flat wall  16 . Ridges  15  would consist of about 1 to about 10 sets. The ridges rise on a bias from wall  16  at an angle from about 0 to about 10 degrees from the wall. The crest of each ridge  15  to its base has an angle that ranges from about 15 to about 100 degrees. The opposed ridges in the chevron shape have an angle from the longitudinal central axis of the handle that ranges from about 20 to about 90 degrees, preferably about 55 degrees. 
         [0057]    One skilled in the art would appreciate that the rope will be gripped by ridges  15  in these geometric aspects differently depending on the type and size of the rope, the wear on the ridges, and the use for the device. In addition to jam-cleat  14 , other means for gripping such as concentric and rotatable cams are contemplated as well as any means known in the art for gripping the rope that may be integrally formed with the handle. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , it is contemplated that this embodiment of the invention will be used to put tension on a rope by threading rope  20  into the passageway  1   0  through aperture  12 , laying the rope in groove  13  and wedging the rope between the chevron shaped angled ridges  15 . The user would then place the grooved side of handle  11  in the user&#39;s palm  31  and wrap fingers  30  around the opposite side of handle  11 , tucking the rope between the user&#39;s thumb and the adjacent end of groove  13 . The user would then put tension on the rope by pulling on the device, until the need for tension was ended. Optionally, the user could slide the device along the rope and re-grip the rope. The user could then remove the hand and the device would generally be left secured to rope  20  (for example, see  FIG. 6 ). The device would stay secured to the rope, not allowing inadvertent disengagement, until the user un-threads the rope from aperture  12 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-11 , an alternative embodiment device  34  is contemplated where the passageway  35  has a slot opening  37  to the exterior wall of the handle, near the center of the handle running from top to bottom of the handle. It is contemplated that aperture  39  would be generally rectangular in shape from the exterior wall of handle  34  to the beginning of groove  36 . Attached to each opposing edge of the slot opening on the exterior wall is a fixed bridging member  38  spanning the gap between exterior wall edges of the slot. This bridging member can be fixed to the device anywhere along the edge of the slot, preferably in the center as seen in  FIG. 8 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate this configuration of the passageway with the bridging member to prevent disengagement of the rope from the device. The rope must be threaded through the passageway starting either from the top in the aperture or from the bottom at the end of the groove. No lateral entry of the rope into the passageway is available in this configuration. Otherwise, the device of  FIGS. 8-11  functions in essentially the same manner as the  FIGS. 1-7  device, as has been described. 
         [0060]    For completeness of description, device  34  is formed with jam-cleat  41  having ridges  42  extending from walls  43 , and groove  36  having base  44  and narrow side  45 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 12-15 , an alternative embodiment is device  46  where passageway  47  has a slot opening  49  to the exterior wall of the handle, near an end of the handle running from top to bottom of the handle. It is contemplated that aperture  50  would be generally rectangular in shape from the exterior wall of handle  46  to the beginning of groove  48 . It can be seen that the configuration of the passageway allows lateral entrance of the rope into the groove and the aperture and is such that the rope will not inadvertently disengage from the device. It is also contemplated that the aperture may be shaped to conform to the size of the rope or it preferably may be smaller than the size of the rope. This enables the rope, which is normally somewhat deformable, to be forced through slot opening into passageway. Similarly, this alternative configuration would not allow unintentional disconnection of the device from the rope. Otherwise, the device of  FIGS. 12-15  functions in essentially the same manner as the  FIGS. 1-7  device, as has been described. 
         [0062]    For completeness of description, device  46  is formed with jam-cleat  51  having ridges  55  extending from walls  52 , and groove  48  having base  53  and narrow side  54 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 16-19 , another embodiment contemplated is device  56  where passageway  69  has slot opening  70  in the external wall of the handle, generally central in the handle and running from top to bottom of the handle. The slot has slit  66  running along the length of the slot (to reduce confusion on the use of the word “groove” this is a “tongue-and-groove” type attachment but herein the groove receiving the tongue is called a slit), with the ends near the top and near the bottom of the device and near the exterior wall. The opposite slot edge will have cut-out slit  67  running along the length of the slot, with the ends near the top and near the bottom of the device. The cut-out slit cuts out the exterior edge of the slot opening preferably in this device in a right angle though other angles are contemplated from 1 degree to 179 degrees. The ends of the cut-out slit are angled to accept snap lock  71  of removeable gate  57 . The slit and cut-out slit will be used for means of attachment and means for securing of a tongue-and-groove snap-lock removable gate to the handle. Removable gate  57  will be generally shaped to match the shape of slot opening  70  into the passageway. Running along the longitudinal ends of the tongue-and-groove snap-lock removeable gate is the complementary means for attachment to the exterior edges of the slot, preferably one side having a rectangular shaped tongue  68  shaped to fit the slit  66  creating a tongue-and-groove means for attachment. The opposite end has a parallelogram shaped tongue  71  shaped to fit the cut-out slit  67 creating a snap-lock means for securing the gate. It is contemplated that this gate will be snapped on or off the handle to allow the rope to be laterally placed in and removed from the passageway. It is also contemplated that there be a thumb latch to allow for a quick removal or placement of the gate. Other means of attachment are contemplated in that the gate could be slid onto the handle by means of the slits in the groove utilizing a friction fit. Alternatives such as a live hinged gate with some common means of securing the gate in the closed position could be employed. A screw or other removable device could be used. Under certain circumstances it may be desirable to permanently secure the gate in place and any appropriate means, such as an adhesive, could be used. Otherwise, the device of  FIGS. 16-19  functions in essentially the same manner as the  FIGS. 1-7  device, as has been described. 
         [0064]    For completeness of description, device  56  is formed with jam-cleat  61  having ridges  65  extending from walls  62  and groove  58  having base  63  and narrow side  64 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIGS. 20-23 , another embodiment contemplated is device  76  where passageway  77  has slot opening  88  in the external wall of the handle, generally central in the handle and running from top to bottom of the handle. The exterior edges of the slot have convex shape  86  toward the middle of the slot, creating a tapering of the slot opening shown near the transverse middle of the device, though it is contemplated the tapering could occur anywhere along the length of the exterior edge of the slot, or it could be more extensive than the convex shape shown, up to the entire length of the slot. Also, only one side of slot  88  could be straight and the other could be convex to any extent. The tapering is shown in a smooth equal mirror image convex curve shape but other smooth or non-smooth or equal or unequal curves and polygon shapes are contemplated. The distance between opposing apices  87  of the convex edges are contemplated to be less than the diameter of any aperture, so that the rope cannot be easily moved laterally into or out of the passageway through slot  88 . One of ordinary skilled in the art will appreciate the distance between apices will not allow a lateral entry of the rope into the passageway and, conversely, when threaded through the passageway from either the top or the bottom, the device will stay attached to the rope. Otherwise, the device of  FIGS. 20-23  functions in essentially the same manner as the  FIGS. 1-7  device, as has been described. 
         [0066]    For completeness of description, device  76  is formed with jam-cleat  81  having ridges  85  extending from walls  82  and groove  78  having base  83  and narrow side  84 . 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIGS. 24-27 , an alternative embodiment device  90  is contemplated where the passageway  91  has a slot opening  92  to the exterior wall of the device, generally near the center and running from top to bottom of the device. It is contemplated that aperture  93  would be generally rectangular in shape from the exterior wall of the device to the beginning of groove  99 . Attachable to each opposing edge of the slot opening on the exterior wall is a removeable bridging member  94  spanning the gap between exterior wall edges of the slot. This bridging member can be fixed to the device anywhere along the edge of the slot, preferably in the center as seen in  FIG. 24 . Two alternatives are contemplated for embodiments of the bridging member including rectangular bar  94   a  and oval bar  94   b . For the rectangular bar member, the edges of slot  97   a  would be formed to conform to the shape of the bar. A blocking ledge  98  that is approximately less than ½ the thickness of the exterior wall prevents bar  94   a  from passing through slot  97   a  into the interior of aperture  93 . The thickness of bar  94   a  is less than the thickness of the exterior wall by an amount generally equal to the thickness of ledge  98 . The inner dimensions of slot  97   a  are preferably slightly less than the dimension of the rectangular bar to provide a friction fit. For the cylindrical bridging member  94   b , the edges of the slot would be cut out  97   b  to conform generally to the shape of the cylinder The inner diameter dimension of the cut-out would be slightly less than the diameter of the cylinder allowing the cylinder, to be snapped into the cut-out areas. Other appropriate 3 dimensional polygon shaped members are also contemplated. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate this configuration of the passageway with the bridging member attached to prevent disengagement of the rope from the device. The rope can be threaded through the passageway starting either from the top in the aperture or from the bottom at the end of the groove. Lateral entry of the rope into the passageway is available in this configuration, when the bridging member is detached. Otherwise, the device of  FIGS. 24-27  functions in essentially the same manner as the  FIGS. 1-7  device, as has been described. It will be appreciated that the embodiment of  FIGS. 24-27  is a variation of the removable gate embodiment of  FIGS. 16-19 . The bridging member,  94  or  57 , could also be made of flexible material such as leather, a woven material, for example. 
         [0068]    For completeness of description, device  90  is formed with jam-cleat  101  having ridges  102  extending from walls  103 , and groove  99  having base  104  and narrow side  105 . 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 28-31 , an alternative embodiment device  110  is contemplated where the passageway  111  has a slot opening  112  to the exterior wall of the handle, preferably near the center of the handle generally in the shape of a “V” with the narrow point of the “V” in about the middle of the device and the open area of the “V” opening into one edge of the handle. Device  110  shows the “V”-shaped slot opening narrow side starting near the middle but it can start anywhere that is practical. It is contemplated that aperture  113  would generally be round in shape. Groove  119  is the narrow part of the “V”-shaped slot opening running only the thickness of the wall of the device. The rope must be threaded through the passageway starting either from the top or bottom of the aperture and placed into the groove of “V”-shaped slot opening. The “V”-shaped area in the vicinity of groove would act in similar fashion for gripping as the chevron shaped jam-cleat. It is contemplated that “V” have an angle from about 10 degrees to 120 degrees. No lateral entry of the rope into the passageway is available in this configuration Otherwise, the device of  FIGS. 28-31  functions in essentially the same manner as the  FIGS. 1-7  device, as has been described. 
         [0070]    While slot  112  is shown opening laterally, or 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis, it could function from any angle orientation, from 0° to 90°. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIGS. 32-36 , an alternative embodiment device  120  is contemplated where a passageway  121  has generally cylindrical aperture  123  adjacent to groove  129  running transverse from top to bottom. The groove starts at the aperture and runs along the central line of the longitudinal axis. Interior to the device adjacent to the passageway is a hollowed out area  135  holding a rotatable cam  130  with saw-tooth patterned gripping means  131 . The cam rotates about a hub  132  in the interior of the device. The saw toothed gripping means engages the rope in the passageway. The saw-tooth angles are contemplated to be from 20 degrees to 120 degrees. The rope must be threaded through the passageway starting at the bottom of the aperture from the perspective of  FIG. 32 . If the rope is threaded from the groove side of the passageway the cam will engage the rope preventing its passage through the device. Device  120  may be formed with hollowed out area  135  in any available or practical manner. 
         [0072]    An alternative to threading the rope is an embodiment where the device is comprised of two halves separated along the longitudinal axis, for example. Other device structures of two or more parts may be employed. In this alternative embodiment, the rope would be placed in the passageway of the device half not holding the cam. The separate halves would snap together enclosing the rope in the passageway utilizing the guide pins  137  and some locking means. Once the rope is placed correctly in the passageway and the device pulled in the correct manner the cam will engage the rope. Otherwise, the device of  FIGS. 32-36  functions in essentially the same manner as the  FIGS. 1-7  device as has been described and similar alternate configurations of its corresponding parts are also contemplated. 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIGS. 37-41 , an alternative embodiment device  140  is contemplated where a passageway  141  has a cylindrical aperture  143  adjacent to a groove  149  running transversely from top to bottom. The groove starts at the aperture and runs generally along the central line transverse from front to back. Interior to the device adjacent to the passageway is hollowed out area  155  holding rotatable cam  150  with saw-tooth patterned gripping means  151 . The cam rotates about a hub  152  attached in the interior of the device. The saw toothed gripping means engages the rope in the passageway. The saw-tooth angles are contemplated to be from 20 degrees to 120 degrees. The rope must be threaded through the passageway starting from the bottom from the perspective of  FIGS. 37 and 38 . If the rope is threaded from the groove side of the passageway the cam will engage the rope preventing passage of the rope through the device. As with the embodiment of  FIGS. 32-36 , device  140  maybe formed with hollowed out area  135  in any available or practical manner. 
         [0074]    An alternative to threading the rope is an embodiment where the device is comprised of two halves separated along the longitudinal axis, for example. Other device structures of two or more parts may be employed. In this alternative embodiment, the rope would be placed in the passageway of the device half not holding the cam. The separate halves would snap together enclosing the rope in the passageway utilizing the guide pins  157  and some locking means. Once the rope is placed correctly in the passageway and the device pulled in the correct manner the cam will engage the rope. Otherwise, the device of  FIGS. 37-41  functions in essentially the same manner as the  FIGS. 1-7  device, as has been described and similar alternate configurations of its corresponding parts are also contemplated. 
         [0075]    In  FIGS. 32-41  cam  130 ,  150  is shown at two different angles at 90° from each other. The cam could effectively function at any angle between 0° and 90° from that shown in either embodiment. 
         [0076]    One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the current and contemplated shapes and placements of the passageway are significant in holding the device secured to the rope after tension is released. The contemplated passageways will allow different flexibilities in threading the rope through the handle and will allow the embodiments with human effort to move along the length of the rope. The current and contemplated passageways will not allow inadvertent disengagement 
         [0077]    While the present embodiment has been illustrated and described by means of specifics and alternatives, it is to be understood that numerous changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the purpose and scope of the invention. Therefore it should be understood that the invention is not to be limited in any way except in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated embodiments, but it may be varied without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. The scope of the protection sought by the inventor will be shown from a fair reading of the claims that are appended hereto.