Patent ID: 8127949

Claim:
A backstay spreader attached between a pair of backstay sections comprising: a) first and second backstay sections each configured for use in constructing one of a pair of backstay straps on a crane; and b) a spreader connected between the first and second backstay sections, the spreader comprising: i) first and second members each having a backstay section connector at a first end and a pivoting joint connector at a second end, the pivoting joint connectors being used to hold the first and second members together with a pivotal connection and each having an extending portion extending away from the pivotal connection, with an angle between the extending portions, and the backstay connector on the first end of the first member connecting the first member to the first backstay section and the backstay connector on the first end of the second member connecting the second member to the second backstay section; and ii) an actuator mounted between the pivoting joint connectors; iii) wherein the actuator controls the angle between the extending portions of the two pivoting joint connectors, that angle also defining an angle between the first and second members; c) whereby when the actuator forces the two extending portions towards each other, the first and second members pivot around the pivotal connection to force the first and second backstay sections further apart from one another, and when the actuator allows the two extending portions to pivot away from each other, the first and second members pivot towards each other, allowing the backstay sections to come closer together.