Adjustable tensioning devices

Abstract

Tensioning devices which may, for example, be used in fencing systems are disclosed. In one form, a system includes a pair of linking members each of which may be tensioned to transition from a flexible or somewhat flexible configuration to a more rigid configuration. The system further includes a tensioning device including a first engaging member configured to engage with a linking member, a second engaging member configured to engage with another linking member, and an adjustment member cooperating with and structured to selectively control relative positioning of the first and second engaging members. Each of the linking members may be engaged with a respective one of a pair elongate members spaced from one another, or with a first one and a second one of the elongate members. When so engaged, the tensioning device may be engaged with and tension the linking members to provide bracing between the elongate members.

1 . A system for bracing a first elongate member and a second elongate member, comprising:
 a first linking member configured to extend between and engage with the first elongate member and the second elongate member;   a second linking member configured to extend between and engage with the first elongate member and the second elongate member; and   a tensioning device including a first engaging member configured to engage with the first linking member, a second engaging member configured to engage with the second linking member, and an adjustment member cooperating with and structured to selectively control relative positioning of the first and second engaging members;   wherein the tensioning device is positionable along the first and second linking members between the first and second elongate members and is structured to tension the first and second linking members as the first and second engaging members are drawn toward one another by the adjustment member.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second linking members includes a cable. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment member includes an externally threaded portion. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member includes an internally threaded portion structured to receive the externally threaded portion of the adjustment member. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member includes an aperture configured to facilitate passage of the externally threaded portion of the adjustment member therethrough. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the adjustment member further includes a flange positioned opposite of the externally threaded portion and the flange is enlarged relative to the aperture. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second linking members are sized to prevent crossing one another when the first linking member is engaged to the first and second elongate members proximate a first end thereof and the second linking member is engaged to the first and second elongate members proximate a second end thereof. 
     
     
         8 . A system for bracing a pair of fence posts, comprising:
 a first linking member engaging with and extending between a first fence post and a second fence post;   a second linking member engaging with and extending between the first fence post and the second fence post; and   a tensioning device including a first engaging member receiving a portion of the first linking member, a second engaging member spaced from the first engaging member and receiving a portion of the second linking member, and an adjustment member structured to couple the first and second engaging members;   wherein the first and second engaging members are movable between a first configuration where the tensioning device is positionable along the first and second linking members and a second configuration where a tensioning force is applied to the first and second linking members and the tensioning device is secured to the first and second linking members.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of anchors each engageable with the first fence post or the second fence post and structured to retain positioning of the first linking member or the second linking member along the first fence post or the second fence post. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a transverse member configured to extend between the first fence post and the second fence post. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein each of the first linking member and the second linking member includes a flexible cable defining a loop within which the first fence and the second fence post may be received. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein each of the first engaging member and the second engaging member of the tensioning device includes a channel within which a respective portion of the first linking member or the second linking member is positionable. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first engaging member includes an aperture configured to facilitate passage of a portion of the adjustment member and the second engaging member includes an internally threaded portion. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the adjustment member extends through the aperture of the first engaging member and includes an externally threaded portion configured to threadingly engage with the internally threaded portion of the second engaging member. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein rotation of the adjustment member relative to the first engaging member and the second engaging member selectively controls spacing between the first engaging member and the second engaging member when the tensioning device is engaged with the first and second linking members. 
     
     
         16 . A method for bracing fence posts, comprising:
 coupling a first linking member with a first fence post and a second fence post;   coupling a second linking member with the first fence post and the second fence post;   positioning a tensioning device between and in engagement with the first linking member and the second linking member, the tensioning device including a first engagement member receiving a portion of the first linking member, a second engagement member receiving a portion of the second linking member, and an adjustment member configured to control spacing between the first engagement member and the second engagement member; and   engaging the adjustment member to decrease the spacing between the first engagement member and the second engagement member and tension the first linking member and the second linking member.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein engaging the adjustment member includes rotating the adjustment member relative to the first engaging member and the second engaging member. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising drawing the portion of the first linking member received by the first engagement member and the portion of the second linking member received by the second engagement member toward one another as the first engagement member is moved toward the second engagement member. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein engaging the adjustment member includes threadably engaging the adjustment member with one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first linking member is coupled with an upper portion of the first post and the second post, the second linking member is coupled with a lower portion of the first post and the second post, and a space is maintained and intersection avoid between the first linking member and the second linking member. 
     
     
         21 . A system for tensioning a fencing wire, comprising a tensioning device engageable with a fence post and including a first engaging member configured to engage with the fencing wire and an adjustment member cooperating with and structured to selectively control relative positioning between the first engaging member and the fence post, wherein the tensioning device is structured to tension the fencing wire as the first engaging member is drawn toward the fence post by the adjustment member when the tensioning device is engaged with the fence post. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled)