Patent ID: 8857612

Claim:
A length adjustable chain carrying device, comprising: a base member having a fixed length; first and second adjustment members positioned on an upper surface of said base member and configured to move linearly thereon, said second adjustment member being parallel to said first adjustment member; an actuator rotatably mounted to said base member upper surface and situated intermediate said first and second adjustment members, said actuator being operatively coupled to said first and second adjustment members and configured to move said first and second adjustment members in opposite linear directions along said base upper surface when actuated; first and second chain holding members coupled to distal ends of said first and second adjustment members, respectively; wherein each said first and second chain holding member includes an upstanding cylindrical configuration defining a plurality of slots configured to receive a chain thereabout: wherein: said first and second adjustment members each include a proximal end opposite a respective distal end and defining a plurality of adjustment teeth along an inwardly facing edge adjacent said proximal end; and said actuator is a pinion gear defining a plurality of actuation teeth configured to mate with said adjustment teeth, wherein rotation of said actuator in a first direction moves said first and second adjustment members toward a reduced length configuration and rotation of said actuator in a second direction moves said first and second adjustment member toward an expanded length configuration; said actuator and said first and said second adjustment members are a rack and pinion gear apparatus; said actuator includes a lever having a configuration to be selectively grasped and rotated by a user so as to rotate said actuator; said lever is pivotally coupled to said actuator and movable between an upright use configuration and a folded stop configuration.