Device and method for holding a tensioning device

A method of holding a tensioning device, prior to the tensioning device being fastened to a fixed structure, in a tensioned state in which a guide of the tensioning device is at least partially retracted and applies a biasing force to a looped operating element for an architectural covering, the method comprising:

• applying a pulling force to the looped operating element in a direction away from the tensioning device such that the guide of the tensioning device is at least partially retracted and applies a biasing force to the looped operating element,
• providing a holding device having an abutment surface and at least one restraining element,
• inserting the looped operating element into the at least one restraining element to restrain the operating element adjacent the tensioning device, and
• releasing the pulling force on the looped operating element such that the abutment surface of the holding device bears against a body of the tensioning device under the biasing force of the guide acting on the operating element.

An assembly comprising a tensioning device for a looped operating element of an architectural covering, and a holder device, the tensioning device comprising:

• a body configured to house one end of the looped operating element;
• a guide adapted to receive thereabout said one end of the looped operating element, the guide being configured to move relative to the body between first and second positions;
• a retainer configured to prevent said one end of the looped operating element from traveling about the guide, and
• a biasing element configured to provide a biasing force to bias the guide towards the retainer,
• wherein in the first position, the looped operating element has no tension and the guide is extended to trap said one end of the looped operating element between the guide and the retainer to prevent travel of the looped operating element about the guide, and in the second position, the looped operating element is tensioned with the guide being retracted from the retainer, the holder device comprising:
• an abutment surface configured to bear against the body of the tensioning device, and
• at least one restraining element configured to engage with the looped operating element and prevent travel of the looped operating element into and/or out of the tensioning device such that the guide is maintained in the second position.