Patent ID: 8225463

Claim:
A rope or line clamping device comprising: a first and second generally tubular members at least partially overlapping and interfit with each other so as to be relatively rotatable about a common axis while being held together as an assembly; a hole formed in an internal web of each member, the webs being juxtaposed next to each other and the holes offset from the axis of relative rotation of the members, the holes overlying each other in rotative positions of the members, said holes being misaligned to an increasing extent upon continued relative rotation of the members in one direction; a ratchet mechanism acting between the two members allowing rotation in only said one direction so that two rope or line segments passed through both holes are clamped together as said members are relatively rotated to reduce the size of a through opening defined by the degree of overlap of the two respective holes and held by operation of said ratchet mechanism including a pawl movable to release said ratchet mechanism and allow reverse relative rotation of said members to release said rope or line segments; said ratchet mechanism comprising one of said members formed with a series of ratchet teeth extending inwardly and partially about an inner circumferential wall thereof, said pawl normally urged outwardly to bring into engagement with said ratchet teeth, said ratchet teeth angled so as to allow relative rotation of said members only in said one direction; said pawl comprising an integrally formed feature on the other member connected thereto by a bendable leg, said pawl having a portion protruding out radially from a perimeter of said outer member to enable finger pressure to deflect said pawl element radially inward to disengage said pawl one or more ratchet teeth from said ratchet teeth on said one member.