Patent ID: 7412754

Claim:
A bi-directional tensioning device for tensioning an anchoring line and a threadable line, the tensioning device having a first configuration and a second configuration, the tensioning device comprising: i) two spaced parallel plate members; ii) a rotatable drive element mounted between the plate members; iii) at least one ratchet wheel integrally connected to the rotatable drive element, wherein the ratchet wheel includes directionally oriented notches; iv) a pivot lever mounted on the drive element, the pivot level including a control cam; v) a drive pawl slidably attached to the pivot lever, the drive pawl including a handle; vi) a blocking mechanism operationally coupled to the plate members, wherein the blocking mechanism includes a blocking pawl, a handle attached to the blocking pawl, a support surface interconnecting the plate members, and a spring mounted on the support surface, the spring bracing the blocking pawl into blocking engagement with the ratchet wheel, the handle of the blocking pawl configured to enable a user to transfer the blocking pawl into an inoperative position to enable passage of one directionally oriented notch of the ratchet wheel, the control cam of the pivot lever configured to transfer the blocking mechanism from an operative position to an inoperative position to enable passage of multiple directionally oriented notches, wherein the handle is positioned beneath the threadable line when the tensioning device is arranged in the first configuration; vii) first and second anchoring line attachment members interconnecting the parallel plate members at remote ends of the tensioning device, wherein the anchoring line is removably attached to the first anchoring line attachment member when the tensioning device is arranged in the first configurations and wherein the anchoring line is removably attached to the second anchoring line attachment member when tensioning device is arranged in the second configuration; and viii) a first and second guide member serving to aid in winding the threadable line over the handle when the tensioning device is arranged in the first configuration.