Turnbuckle device
A turnbuckle device for tensioning a safety line includes a body having a pair of opposing ends, with each end having a threaded bore. The turnbuckle device further includes a pair of connectors, with each connector having a threaded shaft configured for being received in the threaded bore of one of the pair of opposing ends of the body. The turnbuckle device further includes a handle connected to the body. The handle is movable between a stowed position and an operational position. In the operational position, the handle is configured for facilitating rotation of the body about a longitudinal axis of the body.
1 . A turnbuckle system, comprising:
a safety line;
a body having a pair of opposing ends, with each end having a threaded bore;
a pair of connectors, with each connector having a threaded shaft configured for being received in the threaded bore of one of the pair of opposing ends of the body, each connector being configured to be coupled to a portion of the safety line;
a handle connected to the body,
wherein the handle is movable between a stowed position and an operational position,
wherein, in the operational position, the handle is configured for facilitating rotation of the body about a longitudinal axis of the body and the handle projects outwardly at 90 degrees and acts as a lever fixed to the body to enable the body to be rotated about its longitudinal axis in order to either increase or relax tension in the safety line by drawing the connectors together or forcing them apart; and
a securing arrangement for securing the handle in the stowed position so that the handle does not project or swing outwardly to the operational position,
wherein the handle is integrally and pivotally mounted at one end of the body by a pivot connection, wherein the body encompasses an integral pivot mounting support for the handle with one end of the handle being connected to the pivot mounting support via the pivot connection, and the handle is movable through 90 degrees between the stowed position and the operational position,
wherein the handle is limited to rotate beyond the operational position, meaning further away from the stowed position, by means of contact between the pivot mounting support of the body and the handle in the operational position, and
wherein a diameter of a first of the pair of connectors is smaller than a diameter of a second of the pair of connectors, wherein the threaded shaft of the second of the pair of connectors has an elongate axial bore configured for receiving the threaded shaft of the first of the pair of connectors within the elongate axial bore.
2 . The turnbuckle system according to claim 1 , wherein, in the stowed position, a longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.
3 . The turnbuckle system according to claim 1 , wherein, in the operational position, a longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.
4 . The turnbuckle system according to claim 1 , wherein the handle is secured in a receiving recess in a semi interference or resiliently gripping fit.
5 . The turnbuckle system of claim 4 , wherein a portion of the handle spaced from a proximal portion of the handle is nested in the receiving recess opposite the proximal portion.
6 . The turnbuckle system according to claim 1 , wherein a terminus of each of the pair of connectors is an eye.