Patent ID: 6364885
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A cable tensioning device which comprises:a tubular shaft having an outer, threaded portion; a manually rotatable member having an inner, threaded bore surrounding a portion of said shaft, said manually rotatable member carrying internal threads to engage said shaft in a threadedly engaged manner permitting rotation and causing said shaft to move longitudinally relative to said manually rotatable member as the manually rotatable member rotates; a retaining member carried on said device distal to said manually rotatable member; a cable crimp engaging said retaining member; a cable carried by said cable crimp and extending through and within said tubular shaft; and a cable lock positioned to hold said cable extending through said tubular shaft, whereby rotation of said manually rotatable member can cause said shaft to move longitudinally to lengthen the distance between said cable lock and said cable crimp engaging said retaining member, to impose a tension on said cable, said cable tensioning device comprising a meter having a longitudinally sliding portion relative to said manually rotatable member, a spring positioned to resist sliding of said sliding portion, and an indicator of the amount of said sliding as cable within said shaft is tensioned, said manually rotatable member defining a bore with an internally threaded section of no more than about 180 degrees extent around said bore, said tubular shaft defining external threads that normally engage said internally threaded section, and a member for temporarily moving said internally threaded section out of engagement with the external threads to permit the shaft to freely slide in the bore of said manually rotatable member.