AU2012203744B2 - Rope tensioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tensioning device for use with a first rope or the like for a first anchoring point, and a second rope or the like for a second anchoring point. A body means is included, including a first and second 5 connection point for the first and second ropes or the like. An adjustment means is also included and at least part of the first rope or the like passes through a first opening and a second opening of the adjustment means enabling adjustment of the distance of first rope or the like between the first anchoring point and the device so that tension may be applied to the io second rope or the like, and a locking means substantially locks the first rope or the like at that distance. The invention also relates to a method of use. abstPA2010212amend310114 xN N

Description

1 PATENTS ACT 1990 Section 29 Standard Patent 5 Applicant & inventor: DAVID ALAN CHADWICK 15 Patrick Street Aitkenvale Queensland 4814 Australia 10 Title of Invention: ROPE TENSIONING DEVICE 15 The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification: 20 The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us: specPA2010212amend310114 2 ROPE TENSIONING DEVICE The present invention relates to a rope tensioning device. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used 5 with reference to applying tension to ropes used to anchor a fishing boat. The invention has numerous applications such as in the recreational industries including boating, and transport industries, to secure loads, for example. It is not intended that the invention be limited to use for tensioning the ropes of a boat. It is also envisaged that the device may be used to 10 tension, not only ropes but any other linear material such as straps, chains, cords or the like; it is not intended that the invention be limited to use with ropes. Fishing in creeks and waterways often requires careful positioning and orientation of the boat, to maximise fishing opportunities. A known method 15 of securing the boat into a suitable fishing position is use of the side or double anchoring method. The side or double anchoring method involves a member of the crew throwing the front anchor from the bow of the boat to the side of waterway. The boat is reversed out into the desired position in the waterway, which puts the rope between the bow of the boat and the 20 anchor under tension, and a second anchor is dropped at the stern of the boat. The pair of anchors, one at the front and one at the back each provide anchoring points and hence apply tension to their respective ropes which act to maintain the boat in a particular position. If only a single anchor is used currents, wind or tide movements will cause the boat to move 25 significantly, pivoting about the single anchor point, which is undesirable. When the boat moves from the desired position attention, needs to be paid to see if the boat is moving near snags, which may clog the motor or the bank itself necessitating use of the motor to reverse back into open water. Use of the side or double anchoring method avoids the aforementioned specPA2010212amend310114 3 problems by maintaining the boat between two predetermined points, with each anchor under tension. There are difficulties with the side or double anchoring method, however. It is not easy to throw the front anchor to an appropriate anchoring point on 5 the bank, for example, as the anchor and rope are heavy and the distance may be significant. If the person throwing the anchor is older he or she may not have the strength to throw the anchor to a suitable position. The same may be true of a young crew member or someone unaccustomed to throwing heavy objects. When it is time to move the boat, the anchor at the io rear is raised and then the anchor on the bank must be retrieved. Again a certain amount of strength is required in order that the anchor is freed from the bank and pulled into the boat. Further, damage may be caused to the bank or surrounding areas of a waterway when the front anchor is retrieved, which is undesirable. 15 Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have an improved means of providing tension to ropes, which could be used to replace the need for the front anchor. At present there is no way of emulating the side or double anchoring method of positioning a boat without use of two anchors. The inventor has 20 ingeniously devised a means of creating tension on two ropes without the need for a front anchor, which is easy to use and light to hold. For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere. 25 It is an object of the present invention to provide a rope tensioning device that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. specPA2010212amend310114 4 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, a tensioning device for use with a first rope or the like for a first anchoring point, and a second rope or the like for a second anchoring point, the rope tensioning 5 device including: a body means including a first connection point for the first rope or the like, a second connection point for the second rope or the like, an adjustment means enabling adjustment of the distance of first rope or the like between the first anchoring point and the device, and a 10 locking means for substantially locking the first rope or the like at that distance, wherein, in use, the first rope or the like is anchored to the first anchoring point and connected to the first connection point of the device and the second rope or the like is anchored to the second anchoring point and 15 connected to the second connection point of the device and the adjustment means is used to adjust the first rope or the like until the distance between the first anchoring point and the first connection point is reduced so that the distance between the first anchoring point and the second anchoring point is short enough to cause tension to be applied to the second rope or the like 20 and the locking means is used to substantially lock the first rope or the like in that position and further wherein the adjustment means has a first opening and a second opening and at least part of the first rope or the like passes through the first opening and the second opening of the adjustment means enabling adjustment of the distance of first rope or the like between 25 the first anchoring point and the device. Preferably, the rope tensioning device is made of a light-weight material. The rope tensioning may be made of any suitable material including metal, plastics, wood or any combination thereof. Preferably, the rope tensioning device is made of a plastics material. specPA2010212amend310114 5 The first rope or the like or the second type of rope may be any suitable length of material including rope, cord, chain or similar. Preferably, the first rope is a light-weight cord or rope. Preferably, the second rope is a strong, thick rope. The strong, thick rope may be of a type suitable for securing a 5 boat. The first rope or the like and the second rope or the like may be, in an alternative form of the invention the same as one another. The first rope or the like and the second rope or the like may be ropes suitable to be used to be tensioned and used to secure loads. Preferably, the first anchoring point is a pole, post, structure, tree or other io suitable sturdy structure. The first anchoring point may be part of a building or permanent structure. Preferably, the first anchoring point is located close to a waterway and can be readily accessed from a boat on the waterway. The first anchoring point may be any fixed point. The first anchoring point may be a D-clamp, loop, hook, ring or other fixture. In an alternative form of 15 the invention, the first anchoring point may be attached to or part of a vehicle or truck to enable a load to be covered. In this form of the invention the second anchoring point may also be attached to or part of the vehicle or truck. Preferably, the first rope or the like is readily looped around the first 20 anchoring point. Preferably, the first rope or the like can be readily looped around the first anchoring point from a short distance away. Alternatively, the first rope or the like may be threaded through, around or about the first anchoring point. Preferably, the first rope or the like is attached to the first anchoring point so as to form a strong anchor against detachment from the 25 first anchoring point. Preferably, the first rope or the like can be readily removed from the first anchor point so as to be no longer anchored thereto. Preferably, the second anchoring point is on a boat and the second rope is attached to the boat. In an alternative form of the invention, the second anchoring point may be a pole, post, structure, tree or other suitable sturdy 30 structure. The second anchoring point may be part of a building or specPA2010212amend310114 6 permanent structure. The second anchoring point may be any fixed point. The second anchoring point may be a D-clamp, loop, hook, ring or other fixture. Preferably, the body means is substantially rectangular in shape. The body 5 means may take any suitable form or shape. Preferably, the substantially rectangular shaped body is substantially hemispherical at one end and has a curved cut out at the other end. The first connection point may take any suitable form. Preferably, the first connection point is a first aperture through which an end of the first rope or io the like can be passed. The first rope or the like may be tied to the device through the first aperture. Alternatively, the first rope or the like may pass through the first aperture and be secured otherwise. Preferably, the first rope or the like is tied through the first aperture before being anchored to the first anchoring point. In alternative forms of the invention, the first 15 connection point may be a clip, clasp or other fastener for connecting or attaching the first rope or the like to the first connection point. The second connection point may take any suitable form. Preferably, the second connection point is a second aperture through which an end of the second rope or the like can be passed. The second rope or the like may be 20 tied to the device through the second aperture. Alternatively, the second rope or the like may pass through the second aperture and be secured otherwise. Preferably, the second rope or the like is tied through the second aperture before being anchored to the second anchoring point. In alternative forms of the invention the second connection point may be a 25 clip, clasp or other fastener for connecting or attaching the second rope or the like to the second connection point. The second connection point may be the same as the first connection point. The first and second connection points may be different to one another. For example, the second connection point may be adapted for a heavy rope specPA2010212amend310114 7 and the first connection point may be adapted for a light weight rope. The dimensions of the first aperture and the second aperture may be varied to suit the ropes or the like to be used. Preferably, the adjustment means enables part of the first rope or the like to 5 pass through so that the distance of the first rope between the first anchoring point and the attachment point can be varied. The variation is preferably to shorten the distance until tension is created on the second rope. Preferably, an end of the first rope or the like is passed through the adjustment means. Preferably, an end of the first rope or the like is passed io around a pole, post, structure, tree or the like before the end of the first rope is passed through the adjustment means, wherein the end of the first rope is pulled away from the pole, post, structure, tree or the like so as to shorten the length of first rope or the like and in turn the overall distance between the pole, post, structure, tree or the like and the second anchoring point. 15 Preferably, the adjustment means has a first opening and a second opening and at least part of the first rope or the like passes through the first opening and the second opening of the adjustment means. Preferably, the locking means locks the first rope or the like to the device and prevents the first rope or the like moving relative to the first anchoring 20 point. Preferably, the locking means secures the first rope or the like in a desired position. Preferably, the locking means enables the first rope or the like to pass through the adjustment means easily in one direction. Preferably, the locking means includes means to prevent movement of the first rope or the like towards the first anchoring point. Preferably, the first 25 rope or the like can be readily freed from being locked in place. Preferably, the locking means includes teeth which engage with the first rope or the like when pulled through the teeth so as to prevent the first rope or the like moving in the opposite direction. Preferably, lifting of the first rope or the like frees the first rope or the like from the teeth and enables the first rope 30 or the like to move freely in either direction. Preferably, the locking means is specPA2010212amend310114 8 formed integrally with the adjustment means. Preferably, the adjustment means and the locking means are a V-cleat. Preferably, the locking means substantially locks the first rope or the like by holding the first rope or the like in place. Alternative means of locking of the 5 first rope or the like in place may be used. In an alternative form of the invention, the second rope or the like may be locked in place of the first rope or the like. Preferably, the distance between the first anchoring point and the device is reduced in order to create tension between the device and the attached io ropes or the like. Preferably, the first rope or the like can be freed from the locking device and moved through the adjustment means so that the distance from the first anchoring point to the device is increased, enabling the device and the ropes or the like to slacken. Preferably, the distance between the first anchoring point and the second 15 anchoring point is reduced by passing part of the first rope or the like through the adjustment means and locking in place with the locking means until there is no slack and tension is applied to the second rope or the like. Preferably, the tension applied to the second rope or the like is a suitable tension so as to keep a boat substantially in place. 20 Preferably, a second locking means is included. The second locking means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the second locking means enables the tension of the second rope or the like to be isolated from the tension applied to the first rope or the like. Preferably, the first rope means is further secured by the locking means, in use. Preferably, part of the first rope is 25 passed through the adjustment means until the device is a desired distance from the first anchoring means, and the locking means is used to substantially maintain the part of the first rope or the like in that position and further a free end of the first rope or the like is secured in place by the second locking means whereby the tension of the second rope or the like is specPA2010212amend310114 9 isolated from the tension of the first rope or the like. Preferably, the second locking means includes one or more securing slot. Preferably, there are a pair of securing slots. Preferably, the body includes a neck and there are a pair of securing slots one on either side of the neck of the device. The 5 securing slots may take any suitable form. Preferably, the securing slots are adapted so that part of the first rope or the like sits in the securing slots on either side of the neck so as to be locked about the neck. Preferably, an end of the first rope or the like sits in a first securing slot and is wound about the neck to the second securing slot and is secured about the neck. 10 Preferably, the securing slots assist to hold first rope or the like about the neck. The first rope or the like may be tied around the neck. The first rope or the like may be tied around the neck of the body where the securing slots are not present, in an alternative form of the invention. In an alternative form of the invention, the second rope or the like is locked 15 in place using the second locking means. In this form of the invention the second rope or the like may also be isolated from the first rope or the like by use of the locking means. Preferably, the rope tensioning device is used to position a boat for fishing. Preferably, the first rope or the like is a lightweight rope and the second 20 rope or the like is a heavier rope. Preferably, the second rope or the like is attached to a boat that is in turn anchored in water and tension is created by shortening the length of the first rope or the like from the first anchoring point so that the second rope or the like is under tension and the boat is substantially held in place. 25 In an alternative form of the invention, the first anchoring point and the second anchoring points are on either side of a load to be covered and use of the device tightens the ropes covering the load. The tension applied to the first rope or the like may be different to the tension applied to the second rope or the like. specPA2010212amend310114 10 There may be a third or more ropes or the like used with the device. Accordingly, the present invention provides in a second aspect a tensioning device for use with a first rope or the like for a first anchoring point, and a second rope or the like for a boat, the rope tensioning device including: 5 a body means including a first connection point for the first rope or the like, a second connection point for the second rope or the like, an adjustment and locking means enabling adjustment of the distance of first rope or the like between the first anchoring point and the device and for substantially locking the first rope or the like at that 10 distance, and a second locking device, wherein, in use, the first rope or the like is anchored to the first anchoring point and connected to the first connection point of the device and the second rope or the like is anchored to the boat and connected to the second connection point of the device and the adjustment and locking 15 means is used to adjust the first rope or the like until the distance between the first anchoring point and the first connection point is reduced so that the distance between the first anchoring point and the second anchoring point is short enough to cause tension to be applied to the second rope or the like and the adjustment and locking means is used to substantially lock the first 20 rope or the like in that position and the second locking means is used to substantially isolate the tension applied to the first rope or the like from the tension applied to the second rope or the like. The present invention also provides a method of applying tension to two ropes using a rope tensioning device, the method including the steps of: 25 a) connecting an end of a first rope or the like to the device; b) anchoring the other end of the first rope or the like to a first anchoring point; c) connecting an end of a second rope or the like to the device; specPA2010212amend310114 11 d) anchoring the other end of the second rope or the like to a second anchoring point; e) passing the first end of the first rope or the like through an adjustment and locking means until a desired distance between the first 5 anchoring point and the device is established; f) locking the first rope or the like at that desired distance from the first anchoring point using the adjustment and locking means; and g) securing the first rope or the like to the device by use of a second locking means whereby the tension of the first rope or the like is 10 isolated from the tension of the second rope or the like, wherein, the tension created between the first anchoring point and the second anchoring point by reducing the length of the first rope or the like between the first anchoring point and the device and locking in place using the adjustment and locking means and the second locking means. 15 Preferably, the rope tensioning device is the rope tensioning device according to the invention in any of its many forms or aspects. Preferably, the second locking means isolates the tension of the second rope or the like from the tension of the first rope or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20 The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a rope tensioning device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the ropes 25 removed; Figure 2 is a plan view from above of the rope tensioning device of Figure 1; specPA2010212amend310114 12 Figure 3 is a side view of the rope tensioning device of Figures 1 and 2 illustrating the V-cleat in particular; Figure 4 is a plan view from below of the rope tensioning device of Figures 1 to 3 5 Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the rope tensioning device of Figures 1 to 4 with the anchoring rope and the tensioning rope attached; Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of the rope tensioning device and two ropes of Figure 5, together with a pole for anchoring the anchoring rope; io Figure 7 is the perspective view from above of Figure 6 with the anchoring rope passed through the V-cleat; Figure 8 is a detailed perspective view of the rope tensioning device of Figure 7 illustrating the position of the anchoring rope; Figure 9 is detailed perspective view of the rope tensioning device of Figure 15 8 with the anchoring rope positioned around the neck of the device; Figure 10 is a detailed perspective view of the rope tensioning device of Figure 9, showing the anchoring rope on the second loop around the neck of the device and being threaded through; and Figure 11 is perspective view of the rope tensioning device of Figures 5 to 20 10 showing both ropes under tension. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST METHOD Referring to Figures 1 to 11, and to Figures 1 to 4 in particular, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where rope tensioning 25 device 1 has body 10, head 12 with neck 14 between body 10 and head 12. Body 10 is a long rectangle shape with a rounded end at one end and neck specPA2010212amend310114 13 14 at the other end. Head 12 is similarly rectangular shape with a concave end tapering into neck 14. The shape of body 10, head 12 and neck 14 is suitable but clearly some variations to the body 10, head 12 and neck 14 can be readily made, as is desirable. 5 Body 10 includes V-cleat 16, including opening 18 and exit hole 20. Opening 18 is in communication with exit hole 20 for receipt and capturing of a rope therethrough. Inside of V-cleat 16 (not illustrated) are a series of 5 peaks and 4 troughs angled at 45 degrees to the horizontal, pointing towards exit hole 20. The troughs are V-shaped having a ratio from each io side on the top, to each side on the bottom, of 5 to 1. The distance between the troughs at the top is 20 millimetres and the distance between the troughs at the bottom is only 4 millimetres as is suitable for ropes of 10 to 16 millimetres diameter. The ratio of 5 to 1 can be varied to suit ropes of a different diameter. To prevent damage to the rope, the troughs are 15 semicircular and the peaks are concave. As the rope is pushed through from the opening 18 to exit hole 20 the V shaped peaks and troughs catch on the rope and act against removal, providing tension against the other end of the rope. Use of the V-cleat is particularly advantageous for ease of use and release. In alternative forms 20 of the invention the V-cleat may be replaced with another form of cleat or catch to hold a rope. Alternatively, other suitable means of releasably holding the rope may be used. Body 10 includes anchor aperture 22, and head 12 includes tensioning aperture 24, through which ropes are passed in use. Anchor aperture 22 25 and tensioning aperture 24 are illustrated as circular holes of a diameter of approximately 15 millimetres, as is suitable to the diameter of ropes to be used. Any suitable shape or configuration of anchor aperture 22 and tensioning aperture 24 may be used in an alternative embodiment. Neck 14 features first securing slot 26 and second securing slot 28 both in the shape 30 of notches or long slots. Any suitable shape may be used for first securing specPA2010212amend310114 14 slot 26 and or second securing slot 28. The slots may be the same shapes as one another or different. The particular dimensions of the slots can be varied for use with different ropes of different dimensions or in different situations. 5 Referring now to Figures 5 to 11, rope tensioning device 1 is illustrated with anchoring rope 30, rope 32 and also pole 34 as can be seen in Figures 6, 7 and 11. Figures 5 to 11 show the sequence in order of attaching anchoring rope 30 and rope 32 to device 1, anchoring device 1 to pole 34 and tensioning ropes 30 and 32 appropriately. 10 Referring to Figure 5, the first stage of use can be seen, the attaching of the ropes 30 and 32. Anchoring rope 30 is passed through anchoring aperture 22 and secured using a suitable knot. Similarly, rope 32 is passed through tensioning aperture 24 and also secured with a suitable knot. Use of suitable knots for attachment of ropes 30 and 32 to device 1 could be 15 replaced with a conventional splice or a standard D shackle, for example. Anchoring rope 30 and rope 32 are illustrated as a lightweight cord for ease of illustration of approximately 15 millimetre diameter. However, in use, rope 32 may be a heavier rope such as used to attach to a boat. In alternative forms of the invention, either of ropes 30 and 32 may be varied 20 in type and thickness as is suitable to the particular application to which device 1 is being used. The diameter of tensioning aperture 22 and or anchoring aperture 20 may be varied to suit the particular dimensions of the ropes to be used. Referring to Figure 6, the next stage is to encircle anchoring rope 30 around 25 pole 34. Pole 34 is suitable as a point of attachment as it is securely fixed and is unlikely to move or give. Any suitable alternative anchor may be used instead such as a tree, post, or in fact any firm structure against which ropes can be tensioned. Free end 36 of anchoring rope 30 can also be seen in Figure 6. specPA2010212amend310114 15 Referring to Figure 7, free end 36 of anchoring rope 30 has been passed into V-cleat 16 through opening 18 and exiting exit hole 20. As described above the peaks and troughs inside V-cleat 16 catch into the fibres of anchoring rope 30 acting against removal of anchoring rope 30 from V-cleat 5 16. Anchoring rope 30 is adjusted to a suitable length by passing more or less of anchoring rope 30 through V-cleat 16. Anchoring rope 30 can be tightened in this way to form an anchoring point for device 1 and attached rope 32. Therefore, appropriate tension can be applied between pole 34 and rope 32 when standing holding device 1, before anchoring rope 30 is io locked and secured in place to maintain the tension. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the detail of V-cleat 16 can be seen with anchoring rope 30 passing therethrough. Use of the V-cleat 16 may be sufficient in some circumstances, but where tension needs to be applied free end 36 of anchoring rope 30 as secured through V-cleat 16 is then 15 passed over first securing slot 26 and around neck 14 to catch into securing second securing slot 28. Pulling on anchoring rope 30 when in first securing slot 26 and second securing slot 28, assists to secure anchoring rope 30. Referring to Figure 10 and 11, free end 36 of anchoring rope 30 is looped a second time around neck 14, but more loosely this time, not in first securing 20 slot 26 or second securing slot 28 as in Figure 9. Free end 36 of anchoring rope 30 is then passed through the loop formed and tightened to knot around neck 14, in a standard half hitch knot. In this way anchoring rope 30 is tensioned and secured firmly to device 1. Where rope 32 is a heavy rope, use of anchoring rope 30, which is a lightweight rope makes handling, 25 securing and tensioning the heavy rope much easier through use of device 1 and anchoring rope 30. Release of the tension is readily achieved by reversing the process. The simple knot can be untied and free end 36 loosed from around neck 14, and removed from V-cleat 16. Anchoring rope 30 is then free to be removed specPA2010212amend310114 16 from around pole 34, and ropes 30 and 32 and device 1 can all be returned to the boat. The dimensions of device 1 can be varied depending on the application, for example, a larger version of device 1 may be used in some circumstances 5 with a larger neckl4 to accommodate thicker ropes. Device 1 as illustrated is made of a suitable plastics material, however other suitable materials may be used such as metal including steel, brass or aluminium, wood or any combination thereof. Use of device 1 is particularly useful to secure a boat in a desired position io for fishing by applying tension to ropes 30 and 32 when secured to pole 34. The ease with which the tension can be applied, and the boat secured in position, makes the old way of using two anchors seem too much like hard work. The present invention provides a simple, lightweight means to tension ropes that in fact can be performed with one hand, quickly and easily. The 15 advantages of the invention over the prior art are clear, and not only with respect to the fishing. The tensioning device may be used to tension ropes to cover a load, for example, anywhere in fact where two ropes are used and it is desired to secure and tension them. 20 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The tensioning device can readily be manufactured industrially and supplied to customers directly or to retail outlets for sale. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and 25 scope of the invention in its various aspects. specPA2010212amend310114

Claims (20)

1. A tensioning device for use with a first rope or the like for a first anchoring point, and a second rope or the like for a second anchoring point, the rope tensioning device including: 5 a body means including a first connection point for the first rope or the like, a second connection point for the second rope or the like, an adjustment means enabling adjustment of the distance of first rope or the like between the first anchoring point and the device, and a locking means for substantially locking the first rope or the like at that 10 distance, wherein, in use, the first rope or the like is anchored to the first anchoring point and connected to the first connection point of the device and the second rope or the like is anchored to the second anchoring point and connected to the second connection point of the device and the adjustment 15 means is used to adjust the first rope or the like until the distance between the first anchoring point and the first connection point is reduced so that the distance between the first anchoring point and the second anchoring point is short enough to cause tension to be applied to the second rope or the like and the locking means is used to substantially lock the first rope or the like 20 in that position and further wherein the adjustment means has a first opening and a second opening and at least part of the first rope or the like passes through the first opening and the second opening of the adjustment means enabling adjustment of the distance of first rope or the like between the first anchoring point and the device. 25

2. The tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein the first rope or the like is attached to the first anchoring point so as to form a strong anchor against detachment from the first anchoring point. specPA2010212amend310114 18

3. The tensioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second anchoring point is on a boat and the second rope is attached to the boat.

4. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body means is substantially rectangular in shape and the substantially 5 rectangular shaped body is substantially hemispherical at one end and has a curved cut out at the other end.

5. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first connection point is a first aperture through which an end of the first rope or the like can be passed and the first rope or the like is tied to the io device through the first aperture before being anchored to the first anchoring point.

6. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second connection point is a second aperture through which an end of the second rope or the like can be passed and tied. 15

7. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second connection point is adapted for a heavy rope and the first connection point is adapted for a light weight rope.

8. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adjustment means enables part of the first rope or the like to pass 20 through so that the distance of the first rope between the first anchoring point and the attachment point can be varied to shorten the distance until tension is created on the second rope.

9. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the locking means locks the first rope or the like to the device and prevents 25 the first rope or the like moving relative to the first anchoring point.

10. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking means includes means to prevent movement of the first rope or the like towards the first anchoring point. specPA2010212amend310114 19

11. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the locking means includes teeth which engage with the first rope or the like when pulled through the teeth so as to prevent the first rope or the like moving in the opposite direction and lifting of the first rope or the 5 like frees the first rope or the like from the teeth and enables the first rope or the like to move freely in either direction.

12. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the locking means is formed integrally with the adjustment means.

13. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, io wherein the distance between the first anchoring point and the device is reduced in order to create tension between the device and the attached ropes or the like.

14. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a second locking means is included and the second locking means 15 enables the tension of the second rope or the like to be isolated from the tension applied to the first rope or the like.

15. The tensioning device according to claim 14, wherein part of the first rope is passed through the adjustment means until the device is a desired distance from the first anchoring means, and the locking means is used to 20 substantially maintain the part of the first rope or the like in that position and further a free end of the first rope or the like is secured in place by the second locking means whereby the tension of the second rope or the like is isolated from the tension of the first rope or the like.

16. The tensioning device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein second 25 locking means is a neck of the body including a pair of securing slots one on either side of the neck of the device adapted so that part of the first rope or the like sits in the securing slots on either side of the neck so as to be locked about the neck. specPA2010212amend310114 20

17. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the second locking means isolates the tension of the second rope or the like from the tension of the first rope or the like.

18. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, 5 wherein the second rope or the like is attached to a boat that is in turn anchored in water and tension is created by shortening the length of the first rope or the like from the first anchoring point so that the second rope or the like is under tension and the boat is substantially held in place.

19. The tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, io wherein the tension applied to the first rope or the like may be different to the tension applied to the second rope or the like.

20. A method of applying tension to two ropes using a rope tensioning device according to claim 1, the method including the steps of: a) connecting an end of a first rope or the like to the device; 15 b) anchoring the other end of the first rope or the like to a first anchoring point; c) connecting an end of a second rope or the like to the device; d) anchoring the other end of the second rope or the like to a second anchoring point; 20 e) passing the first end of the first rope or the like through an adjustment and locking means until a desired distance between the first anchoring point and the device is established; f) locking the first rope or the like at that desired distance from the first anchoring point using the adjustment and locking means; and 25 g) securing the first rope or the like to the device by use of a second locking means whereby the tension of the first rope or the like is isolated from the tension of the second rope or the like, wherein, the tension created between the first anchoring point and the second anchoring point by reducing the length of the first rope or the like specPA2010212amend310114 21 between the first anchoring point and the device and locking in place using the adjustment and locking means and the second locking means. 5 10 15 specPA2010212amend310114