Patent ID: 7249907

Claim:
An adjustable tensioning turnbuckle, comprising: an elongated member extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second end, and located at or spaced apart at least some distance from said second end, an end stop having a passageway therethrough defined by throughwall portions; a rod, said rod having a threaded upper portion, at least a portion of said threaded upper portion disposed along said elongated member, and said rod having a lower end comprising an attachment feature; a compression spring, said compression spring disposed adjacent a portion of said threaded rod and having a lower end situated for compression against said end stop of said elongated member; an adjustment nut threadably engaged with said upper portion of said threaded rod so as to secure said compression spring downwardly therefrom, said adjustment nut caged or secureable against rotation when said threaded rod is rotated with respect to said elongated member; a pivot housing, said pivot housing secured to said elongated member; a pivotable handle, said pivotable handle secured to said pivot housing at a first pivot axis; an upper attachment device having an upper end with an attachment feature and a lower end pivotally affixed to said pivotable handle at a second pivot axis; said lower end of said upper attachment device displaceable arcuately in a direction outward from said elongated member and increasing the distance between said second pivot axis and said second end of said elongated member when said pivotable handle is moved toward a first, open position; and said lower end of said upper attachment device displaceable arcuately in a direction inward toward said elongated member and decreasing the distance between said second pivot axis and said second end of said elongated member when said pivotable handle is moved toward a second, closed position; so that when said tensioning turnbuckle is in said second, closed position, the action of said compression spring biases the adjustment nut towards the first end of said elongated member to provide tension between said rod and said upper attachment device.