Rope-tightening device

A rope-tightening device (500) includes a first pawl member (56) mounted on a base (51) , a second pawl member (55) mounted on a lever (52), and a pivot axle (57) that permits pivoting of the lever (52) in one of a first direction toward the base (51), and a second direction away from the base (51). The pivot axle (57) is connected to one end (631) of a rope (63). A ratchet wheel (54) is mounted on and is co-rotatable with the pivot axle (57). The first and second pawl members (56, 55) interact with the ratchet wheel (54) such that the pivot axle (57) rotates with the lever (52) for tightening the rope (63) when the lever (52) moves in the first direction, and such that rotation of the pivot axle (57) with the lever (52) is arrested when the lever (52) moves in the second direction.