Tensioning instrument and method

A tensioning instrument for tensioning a cable, the tensioning instrument comprising:

• a pretensioning mechanism configured to allow a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable;
• a tensioning mechanism operable to increase the tension in cable by a predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension applied by the pretensioning mechanism;
• a first actuator operatively coupled to the pretensioning mechanism and configured to be moved between an initial position where the predetermined preload tension applied to the cable by the pretensioning mechanism is a nominal amount and a preloading position where the predetermined preloading tension applied by the pretensioning mechanism is greater than the nominal amount;
• a second actuator different from the first actuator that is operatively coupled to the tensioning mechanism and movable between an open position and a locked position to cause the tensioning mechanism to increase the tension in the cable by the predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension;
• wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises an over-center lock connected to the second actuator, the over-center lock being configured so that movement of the second actuator to the locked position shifts the lock beyond center and restricts the tensioning mechanism from releasing tension in the cable.

A tensioning instrument for tensioning a cable, the tensioning instrument comprising:

• a pretensioning mechanism configured to allow a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable;
• a tensioning mechanism operable to increase the tension in cable by a predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension applied by the pretensioning mechanism;
• a first actuator operatively coupled to the pretensioning mechanism and configured to be moved between an initial position where the predetermined preload tension applied to the cable by the pretensioning mechanism is a nominal amount and a preloading position where the predetermined preloading tension applied by the pretensioning mechanism is greater than the nominal amount;
• a second actuator different from the first actuator that is operatively coupled to the tensioning mechanism and movable between an open position and a locked position to cause the tensioning mechanism to increase the tension in the cable by the predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension;
• wherein the tensioning mechanism includes a locking device having an unlocked configuration that permits the cable to be connected to the locking device and a locked configuration which fixes the cable to the locking device.

A tensioning instrument comprising:

• a body assembly having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the body assembly having a longitudinal axis extending between the distal and proximal end portions;
• a guide of the body assembly adjacent the distal end portion;
• a support of the body assembly slidably movable along the axis;
• a biasing member between the guide and the support, the biasing member configured to bias the support away from the guide along the longitudinal axis of the body assembly;
• a locking mechanism carried on the support and axially movable relative to the support, the locking mechanism having an unlocked configuration which permits a cable to be connected to the locking mechanism and a locked configuration which fixes the cable to the locking mechanism;
• an actuator connected to the locking mechanism and pivotal relative to the support between an open position and a locked position;
• and
• engagement surfaces of the actuator and support configured to engage with pivoting of the actuator between the open and locked positions and shift the support axially and distally toward the guide which compresses the biasing member and applies a tensioning force to the cable when the locking mechanism is fixed to the cable.