Self-locking tensioning bar

Abstract

A self-locking tensioning bar usable for tightening a cord utilized to encircle a relatively large object, such tensioning bar being elongate and having first and second ends, with a longitudinally disposed slot disposed in the first end. A spaced pair of holes for receiving the cord are disposed in an offset relationship in the bar, with one of the cord-receiving holes located near the outer end of the slot, and consequently near the first end of the tensioning bar. One end of the cord is secured in the one cord-receiving hole, with the cord then extending around the relatively large object, and thence back through the other cord-receiving hole. The cord is brought to an initial degree of tension while the bar is residing in a substantially perpendicular relationship to the object, with the first end of the bar closely adjacent the large object, following which the cord is then anchored to maintain such initial degree of tension. Upon the tensioning bar thereafter being bent from the perpendicular relationship into a position flat against the object and in essential parallelism with the tensioned cord, the cord is caused, because of the offset relationship of the holes, to be brought into a final degree of tension around the object. The bar is then moved to a locking relationship, to achieve a locking of the cord in the finally tensioned condition.