Title: Modular cable support apparatus, method, and system
Abstract: A cable support system includes a plurality of first components (12) and a plurality of second components (14). Each first component (12) has a hinge edge (16), a tightening region (18) disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge (16), a cable channel (20) arranged between the hinge edge (16) and the tightening region (18), and an interconnecting structure (22). Each second component (14) has a hinge edge (24), a tightening region (26) disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge (24), and a cable channel (28) arranged between the hinge edge (24) and the tightening region (26). A first cable support device (10) is constructable by hingeably combining selected first and second components (12, 14) via the hinge edges (16, 24). A second cable support device (100) is constructable by hingeably combining selected two second components (14) via the hinge edges (24).
Patent Number: 6,892,990 Issued on 05/17/2005 to Pisczak
| Inventors:
|
Pisczak; Philip J. (Chagrin Falls, OH)
|
| Assignee:
|
Preformed Line Products Company (Mayfield Village, OH)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
114173 |
| Filed:
|
April 2, 2002 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
248/74.4; 248/62 |
| Intern'l Class: |
F16L 003/08 |
| Field of Search: |
24/279,24
16/388
403/344
285/420,367
248/218.4,219.3,219.4,744,63,61,62,675
174/45 .R,41,149. R,40 .R
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
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| 2651766 | Sep., 1953 | Runde.
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| 2779815 | Jan., 1957 | Sokol.
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| 2887669 | May., 1959 | Sylvester.
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| 2975997 | Mar., 1961 | Lindsey.
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| 2984441 | May., 1961 | Dalmasso.
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| 3026368 | Mar., 1962 | Lindsey.
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| 3431538 | Mar., 1969 | Hubbard et al.
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| 3437742 | Apr., 1969 | Lindsey.
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| 3553351 | Jan., 1971 | Lindsey.
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| 3633858 | Jan., 1972 | Houston.
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| 4131257 | Dec., 1978 | Sterling.
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| 4281213 | Jul., 1981 | Sciscione.
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| 4383668 | May., 1983 | Hall.
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| 4393998 | Jul., 1983 | Allen et al.
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| 4570884 | Feb., 1986 | Armbruster.
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| 4995753 | Feb., 1991 | Shook.
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| 5014941 | May., 1991 | Sherman.
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| 5184794 | Feb., 1993 | Saito.
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| 5195704 | Mar., 1993 | Louie.
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| 5435507 | Jul., 1995 | Murphy.
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| 5445348 | Aug., 1995 | Caldwell et al.
| |
| 5494245 | Feb., 1996 | Suzuki et al.
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| 5622341 | Apr., 1997 | Stana.
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| 5689862 | Nov., 1997 | Hayes et al.
| |
| 5711639 | Jan., 1998 | Tessier et al.
| |
| 5752680 | May., 1998 | Mann.
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| 5893538 | Apr., 1999 | Onishi et al.
| |
| D414404 | Sep., 1999 | van de Lande.
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| 6030006 | Feb., 2000 | Lin.
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| 6065251 | May., 2000 | Kindrick.
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| 6135398 | Oct., 2000 | Quesnel.
| |
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 576602 | May., 1959 | CA.
| |
| 37 08 065 | Sep., 1988 | DE.
| |
| 2002/-188757 | Jul., 2002 | JP.
| |
Other References
Transmission & Distribution Product Catalog of Preformed Line Products, Jul.
1999: pp. 157-168—Section 4 Attachment Hardware for Special Conductors—Helical
Products for T-2 Conductor; Cushion-Grip Clamp for T-2; Oval Conductor Products.
Transmission & Distribution Product Catalog of Preformed Line Products, Jul.
1999: pp. 289-301—Section 11 Fiber Optic Products—Fiber Optic Product
Layout—ADSS and OPGW; FIBERLIGN® Dead-end for OPGW; FIBERLIGN®
Suspension for OPGW; FIBERLIGN® Formed Wire Dead-end for OPGW; FIBERLIGN®
Cushion Clamp for OPGW.
|
Primary Examiner: Baxter; Gwendolyn
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
Claims
1. A cable support comprising:
a first clamp base including a projecting structure on a first side and a receiving
structure on an opposite side, the receiving structure adapted to receive the projecting
structure of an identical associated second clamp base, the first clamp base further
including a base hinge edge including a base curved tab and a base slot; and
a first clamp keeper having a keeper hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with
the base hinge edge, the first clamp keeper and the first clamp base together defining
a cable cavity for receiving an associated cable, the first clamp keeper further
cooperating with the first clamp base to selectively clamp the associated cable
therebetween, the keeper hinge edge including a keeper curved tab and a keeper
slot adapted to cooperate with the base slot and the base tab, respectively, of
the base hinge edge with a mechanical interference fit to maintain a uniform clamping
force on the associated cable over a range of drawing forces between the base and
keeper.
2. The cable support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first clamp base further includes:
a fastener opening passing through the projecting structure and the receiving
structure.
3. The cable support as set forth in claim 2, further including:
a second clamp base having at least one of a projecting structure and a receiving
structure that is substantially identical to the corresponding structure of the
first clamp base and further having a second fastener opening; and
a fastener arrangeable in the fastener opening and the second fastener opening,
the fastener adapted to cooperate with the first and second clamp bases to connect
first and second clamp bases.
4. The cable support as set forth in claim 2, further including:
a second clamp base substantially identical with the first clamp base and including
a second projecting structure and a second receiving structure, the second clamp
base defining a second fastener opening extending between the second projecting
structure and the second receiving structure; and
a fastener arrangeable in the fastener openings of the first clamp base and the
second clamp base for connecting the first and second clamp bases.
5. The cable support as set forth in claim 4, further including:
a third clamp base substantially identical with the first clamp base and including
a third projecting structure and a third receiving structure, the third clamp base
defining a third fastener opening extending between the third projecting structure
and the third receiving structure; and
a fastener arrangeable in the fastener openings of the first clamp base, the
second clamp base, and the third clamp base for rigidly connecting the clamp bases.
6. The cable support as set forth in claim 2, including:
a second clamp base substantially identical with the first clamp bases and defining
a second fastener opening passing through the second clamp base; and
a fastener selectively received in the fastener openings of the first and second
clamp bases for connecting the first and second clamp bases.
7. The cable support as set forth in claim 1, further including:
a second clamp keeper arranged to hingeably attach to the first clamp keeper
and cooperating therewith to form an overhead suspension clamp.
8. The cable support as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
the keeper curved tab and the keeper slot of the keeper hinge edge are adapted
to cooperate with a second curved tab and a second slot of a second substantially
identical clamp keeper to hingeably attach therewith, the first and second clamp
keepers cooperatively defining a cable cavity for clamping an associated cable
therebetween.
9. A cable support comprising:
a first clamp base including a projecting structure on a first side, a receiving
structure on an opposite side, and a fastener opening passing through the projecting
structure and the receiving structure, the receiving structure being adapted to
receive the projecting structure of an identical associated second clamp base,
the first clamp base further including a base hinge edge; and
a first clamp keeper having a keeper hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with
the base hinge edge, the first clamp keeper and the first clamp base together defining
a cable cavity for receiving an associated cable, the first clamp keeper further
cooperating with the first clamp base to selectively clamp the associated cable
therebetween.
10. The cable support as set forth in claim 9, further including:
a second clamp base having at least one of a projecting structure and a receiving
structure that is substantially identical to the corresponding structure of the
first clamp base and further having a second fastener opening; and
a fastener arrangeable in the fastener opening and the second fastener opening,
the fastener adapted to cooperate with the first and second clamp bases to connect
first and second clamp bases.
11. The cable support as set forth in claim 9, further including:
a second clamp base substantially identical with the first clamp base and including
a second projecting structure and a second receiving structure, the second clamp
base defining a second fastener opening extending between the second projecting
structure and the second receiving structure; and
a fastener arrangeable in the fastener openings of the first clamp base and the
second clamp base for connecting the first and second clamp bases.
12. The cable support as set forth in claim 11, further including:
a third clamp base substantially identical with the first clamp base and including
a third projecting structure and a third receiving structure, the third clamp base
defining a third fastener opening extending between the third projecting structure
and the third receiving structure; and
a fastener arrangeable in the fastener openings of the first clamp base, the
second clamp base, and the third clamp base for rigidly connecting the clamp bases.
13. The cable support as set forth in claim 9, further including:
a second clamp base substantially identical with the first clamp bases and defining
a second fastener opening passing through the second clamp base; and
a fastener selectively received in the fastener openings of the first and second
clamp bases for connecting the first and second clamp bases.
14. A cable support system comprising:
a first clamp base including a projecting structure on a first side and a receiving
structure on an opposite side, the receiving structure being adapted to receive
the projecting structure of an identical associated second clamp base, the first
clamp base further including a base hinge edge;
a first clamp keeper having a keeper hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with
the base hinge edge, the first clamp keeper and the first clamp base together defining
a cable cavity for receiving an associated cable, the first clamp keeper further
cooperating with the first clamp base to selectively clamp the associated cable
therebetween; and
a second clamp keeper arranged to hingeably attach to the first clamp keeper
and cooperate therewith to form an overhead suspension clamp.
15. A cable comprising:
a first clamp base including a projecting structure on a first side and a receiving
structure on an opposite side, the receiving structure being adapted to receive
the projecting structure of an identical associated second clamp base, the first
clamp base further including a base hinge edge having a curved tab and a slot;
and
a first clamp keeper having a keeper hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with
the base hinge edge, the first clamp keeper and the first clamp base together defining
a cable cavity for receiving an associated cable, the first clamp keeper further
cooperating with the first clamp base to selectively clamp the associated cable
therebetween, the keeper hinge edge including a curved tab and a slot adapted to
cooperate with the slot and the curved tab, respectively, of the base hinge edge
to form a hinge.
16. A cable support comprising:
a first clamp base including a projecting structure on a first side and a receiving
structure on an opposite side, the receiving structure being adapted to receive
the projecting structure of an identical associated second clamp base, the first
clamp base further including a base hinge edge having a curved tab and a slot;
and,
a first clamp keeper having a keeper hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with
the base hinge edge, the first clamp keeper and the first clamp base together defining
a cable cavity for receiving an associated cable, the first clamp keeper further
cooperating with the first clamp base to selectively clamp the associated cable
therebetween, the keeper hinge edge including a curved tab and a slot adapted to
cooperate with the slot and curved tab, respectively, of the base hinge edge to
form a hinge, wherein the curved tab and slot of the keeper hinge edge are adapted
to cooperate with the curved tab and slot of a second substantially identical clamp
keeper to hingeably attach therewith, the first and second clamp keepers cooperatively
defining a cable cavity for clamping an associated cable therebetween.
17. A method for attaching a plurality of cables to a pole, the method comprising:
providing a cable support including: a first clamp base having a projecting structure
on a first side, a receiving structure on an opposite side, and a fastener opening
passing through the projecting structure and the receiving structure, the receiving
structure being adapted to receive the projecting structure of an identical associated
second clamp base, the first clamp base further including a base hinge edge; and
a first clamp keeper having a keeper hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with
the base hinge edge, the first clamp keeper and the first clamp base together defining
a cable cavity for receiving an associated cable, the first clamp keeper further
cooperating with the first clamp base to selectively clamp the associated cable
therebetween;
connecting the first support base to the pole;
supporting a first cable by the first support base;
connecting a second support base to the first support base; and
supporting a second cable by the second support base.
18. The method as set forth in claim 17, wherein the supporting of the first
cable includes supporting the first cable above the first support base relative
to earth ground and the supporting of the second cable includes supporting the
second cable below the second support base relative to earth ground.
19. The method as set forth in claim 17, wherein the supporting of the first
cable includes supporting the first cable below the first support base relative
to earth ground and the supporting of the second cable includes supporting the
second cable above the second support base relative to earth ground.
20. The method as set forth in claim 17, further including:
repeating the connecting and supporting steps to support at least a third cable
by a third support base.
21. A modular cable support system comprising:
a plurality of bases each having a base body defining:
an interconnecting structure including a projection and a slot wherein the projection
is adapted to insert into the slot of another base for connection therebetween,
a base hinge edge, and
a cable channel;
a plurality of clamping elements each having a clamping element body defining:
a clamping element hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with the base hinge
edge of a selected base with a mechanical interference fit to maintain a uniform
clamping force on an associated cable over a range of drawing forces between the
base and the clamping element, and
a clamping surface adapted to cooperate with the cable channel of the selected
base for retaining the associated cable, and;
a plurality of fasteners, each fastener adapted to cooperate with the selected
base and a selected clamping element to draw the selected base and the selected
clamping element together about the base hinge edge of the selected base and the
clamping element hinge edge of the selected clamping element.
22. The modular cable support system as set forth in claim 21, wherein the bases
and the clamping elements are formed of an aluminum material.
23. The modular cable support system as set forth in claim 21, wherein the hinge
edges of the clamping elements are further adapted to form a hinged attachment
of two clamping elements, said clamping elements cooperating with a fastener to
clamp the associated cable between the clamping surfaces of the two clamping elements.
24. The modular cable support system as set forth in claim 21, further including:
a plurality of cable insert grommets adapted to cooperate with at least one of
the cable channel and the clamping surface for reducing stress on an associated
clamped cable selectively disposed in said cable channel.
25. The modular cable support system as set forth in claim 21, wherein each base
further includes:
a slot adapted for supporting the base on an associated pole by an associated
banding strap.
26. The modular cable support system as set forth in claim 21, wherein the interconnecting
structure of each base defines an connector opening passing therethrough.
27. The modular cable support system as set forth in claim 26, further including:
at least one securing shaft adapted to extend into the connector opening of at
least two bases for selectively connecting the bases together.
28. The modular cable support system as set forth in claim 27, wherein the at
least two bases are arranged with the respective cable channels thereof alternatingly
disposed on opposite sides of said at least one shaft for successive bases.
29. A modular cable support system comprising:
a plurality of base bodies each having:
an interconnecting structure including a projection and a slot wherein the projection
is adapted to insert into the slot of another base for connection therebetween,
a base hinge edge, and
a cable channel;
a plurality of clamping element bodies each having:
a clamping element hinge edge adapted to hingably attach with the base hinge
edge of a selected base body, and
a clamping surface adapted to cooperate with the cable channel of the selected
base body for retaining an associated cable; and,
a plurality of fasteners, each fastener adapted to cooperate with the selected
base body and a selected clamping element body to draw the selected base body and
the selected clamping element body together about the base hinge edge of the selected
base body and the clamping element hinge edge of the selected clamping element
body.
30. A modular cable support system comprising:
a plurality of bases each defining:
an interconnecting structure including a projection and a slot wherein the projection
is adapted to insert into the slot of another base for connection therebetween,
a base hinge edge, and
a cable channel; and
a plurality of clamping elements each defining:
a clamping element hinge edge adapted to hingably attach with the base hinge
edge of a selected base, and
a clamping surface adapted to cooperate with the cable channel of the selected
base for retaining an associated cable, wherein the hinge edges of the clamping
elements are further adapted to form a hinged attachment of two clamping elements,
said clamping elements cooperating with a fastener to clamp the associated cable
between the clamping surfaces of the two clamping elements.
31. A modular cable support system comprising:
a plurality of bases each having:
a base body defining: i) an interconnecting structure including a projection
and a slot wherein the projection is adapted to insert into the slot of another
base for connection therebetween, ii) a base hinge edge, and iii) a cable channel;
a plurality of clamping elements each having:
a clamping element defining: i) a clamping element hinge edge adapted to hingeably
attach with the base hinge edge of a selected base, and ii) a clamping surface
adapted to cooperate with the cable channel of the selected base for retaining
an associated cable; and,
a plurality of cable insert grommets adapted to cooperate with at least one of
the cable channel and the clamping surface for reducing stress on an associated
clamped cable selectively disposed in said cable channel.
32. A modular cable support system comprising:
a plurality of bases each forming:
an interconnecting structure including a projection and a slot wherein the projection
is adapted to insert into the slot of another base for connection therebetween;
a base hinge edge,
a cable channel; and,
a slot adapted for supporting the base on an associated pole by an associated
banding strap; and,
a plurality of clamping elements each forming:
a clamping element hinge edge adapted to hingably attach with the base hinge
edge of a selected base, and
a clamping surface adapted to cooperate with the cable channel of the selected
base for retaining an associated cable.
33. A modular cable support system comprising:
a plurality of bases each having:
an interconnecting structure including a projection and a slot wherein the projection
is adapted to insert into the slot of another base for connection therebetween,
a base hinge edge coupled with the interconnecting structure, and
a cable channel coupled with the interconnecting structure and with the base
hinge edge; and
a plurality of clamping elements each having:
a clamping element hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with the base hinge
edge of a selected base, and
a clamping surface coupled with the clamping element hinge edge, the clamping
surface being adapted to cooperate with the cable channel of the selected base
for retaining an associated cable, wherein the interconnecting structure of each
base defines a connector opening passing therethrough.
34. The modular cable support system as set forth in claim 33, further including:
at least one securing shaft adapted to extend into the connector opening of at
least two bases for selectively connecting the bases together.
35. The modular cable support system as set forth in claim 34, wherein the at
least two bases are arranged with the respective cable channels thereof alternatingly
disposed on opposite sides of said at least one shaft for successive bases.
36. A cable clamp comprising:
a first clamp portion having:
a first hinge region including a first curved projection and a first receiving
opening,
a first tightening region, and
a first cable channel region arranged between the first hinge region and the
first tightening region; and
a second clamp portion having:
a second hinge region including a second curved projection and a second receiving
opening,
a second tightening region, and
a second cable channel region arranged between the second hinge region and the
second tightening region; and,
a fastener operatively coupled with said first tightening region and said second
tightening region, and adapted to selectively draw said first and second tightening
regions together;
wherein the first and second hinge regions cooperatively form a hinge including
the first curved projection arranged in the second opening and the second curved
projection arranged in the first opening, and wherein said fastener and said first
and second tightening regions collectively form a connection region of said cable
clamp for suspending the cable clamp from overhead by an associated connecting
element.
37. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 36, wherein:
said fastener includes threaded means for hingedly drawing the first and second
tightening regions together to clamp an associated cable between the first and
second cable channel regions.
38. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 36, wherein the first and second curved
projections each include concave surfaces that adaptively contact surfaces of the
second and first openings, respectively, to maintain uniform hinging over a range
of drawing forces applied by the fastener and over a range of cable stresses within
selected design tolerance ranges.
39. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 36, wherein the first and second clamp
portions define second-class levers cooperatively acting on the associated cable
responsive to a force applied by the drawing means.
40. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 36, wherein the first and second tightening
regions include:
first and second ear members, each ear member including an opening adapted to
receive the fastener.
41. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 36, wherein the first clamp portion
further includes:
an interconnecting structure adapted for rigid connection with an associated
third clamp portion of an associated second clamp wherein the associated third
clamp portion is substantially identical with the first clamp portion.
42. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 41, wherein the interconnecting structure
includes a recess and a mating protrusion.
43. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 41, wherein the interconnecting structure
is adapted to effectuate stacking of three or more clamp portions each essentially
identical with the first clamp portion.
44. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 36 wherein said first and second projections
and the first and second openings form an interference fit to compensate for directional
changes in the first and second clamp portions.
45. A cable clamp comprising:
a first clamp portion having:
a first hinge region including a first curved projection and a first receiving
opening, a first tightening region,
a first cable channel region arranged between the first hinge region and the
first tightening region, and
an interconnecting structure adapted for rigid connection with an associated
second cable clamp; and
a second clamp portion having:
a second hinge region including a second curved projection and a second receiving
opening,
a second tightening region, and
a second cable channel region arranged between the second hinge region and the
second tightening region,
wherein the first and second hinge regions cooperatively form a hinge including
the first curved projection arranged in the second opening and the second curved
projection arranged in the first opening.
46. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 45, further including:
means for hingedly drawing the first and second tightening regions together to
clamp an associated cable between the first and second cable channel regions.
47. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 46, wherein the first and second curved
projections each include concave surfaces that adaptively contact surfaces of the
second and first openings, respectively, to maintain uniform hinging over a range
of drawing forces applied by the tightening means and over a range of cable stresses
within selected design tolerance ranges.
48. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 46, wherein the first and second clamp
portions define second-class levers cooperatively acting on the associated cable
responsive to a force applied by the drawing means.
49. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 45, further including:
a tightening shaft having a threaded region arranged on at least a portion thereof
and adapted to hingedly draw the first and second tightening regions together to
form a hinged clamping of an associated cable arranged between the first and second
cable channel regions.
50. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 49, wherein the first and second tightening
regions include:
first and second ear members, each ear member including an opening adapted to
receive the tightening shaft.
51. A cable clamp comprising:
a first clamp portion having:
a first hinge region including a first curved projection and a first receiving
opening,
a first tightening region, and
a first cable channel region arranged between the first hinge region and the
first tightening region, wherein the first clamp portion further includes an interconnecting
structure adapted for rigid connection with an associated third clamp portion of
an associated second clamp wherein the associated third clamp portion is substantially
identical with the first clamp portion; and,
a second clamp portion having:
a second hinge region including a second curved projection and a second receiving
opening,
a second tightening region, and
a second cable channel region arranged between the second hinge region and the
second tightening region, wherein the first and second hinge regions cooperatively
form a hinge including the first curved projection arranged in the second opening
and the second curved projection arranged in the first opening.
52. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 51, wherein the interconnecting structure
includes a recess and a mating protrusion.
53. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 51, wherein the interconnecting structure
is adapted to effectuate stacking of three or more clamp portions each essentially
identical with the first clamp portion.
54. A cable support system comprising:
a plurality of first components each having a hinge edge, a tightening region
disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge, a cable receiving channel arranged
between the hinge edge and the tightening region, and an interconnecting structure;
and
a plurality of second components each having a hinge edge, a tightening region
disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge, and a cable receiving channel
arranged between the hinge edge and the tightening region;
wherein a first cable support device is constructable by hingeably combining
a first set of selected first and second components at the hinge edges and developing
a material interference at the hinge edges to compensate for size variations caused
during manufacture, and
wherein a second cable support device is constructable by hingeably combining
a second set of selected two second components via the hinge edges.
55. The cable support system as set forth in claim 54, wherein the first and
second cable support devices are each adapted to clamp an associated cable between
the cable channels responsive to a drawing of the tightening regions together about
a hinge defined by the hinge edges.
56. The cable support system as set forth in claim 54, wherein the first cable
support device is adapted to connect an associated cable to an associated pole
or other essentially vertical structure via the interconnecting structure.
57. The cable support system as set forth in claim 54, wherein the second cable
support device comprises a suspension clamp for suspending an associated cable
from an associated overhead support.
58. The cable support system as set forth in claim 57, wherein the second cable
support device includes a shaft connecting the tightening regions of the two second
components, said shaft cooperating with the tightening regions to define a connection
region for the suspending.
59. The cable support system as set forth in claim 54, wherein the interconnecting
structure includes a bracket for mounting the first cable support device to a pole.
60. A cable support system comprising:
a plurality of first components each having a hinge edge, a tightening region
disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge, a cable receiving channel arranged
between the hinge edge and the tightening region, and an interconnecting structure;
a plurality of second components each having a hinge edge, a tightening region
disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge, and a cable receiving channel
arranged between the hinge edge and the tightening region;
wherein a first cable support device is constructable by hingeably combining
a first set of selected first and second components via the hinge edges;
wherein a second cable support device is constructable by hingeably combining
a second set of selected two second components via the hinge edges;
wherein the first cable support device is adapted to connect an associated cable
to an associated structure via the interconnecting structure; and
wherein a third cable support device is constructable by hingeably combining
a third set of selected first and second components, and wherein the third cable
support device is arrangeable to connect an associated second cable to the first
cable support device via cooperation of the interconnecting structures of the first
and third cable support devices.
61. A cable support system comprising:
a plurality of first components each having a hinge edge, a tightening region
disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge, a cable receiving channel arranged
between the hinge edge and the tightening region, and an interconnecting structure;
a plurality of second components each having a hinge edge, a tightening region
disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge, and a cable receiving channel
arranged between the hinge edge and the tightening region;
wherein a first cable support device is constructable by hingeably combining
a first set of selected first and second components via the hinge edges;
wherein a second cable support device is constructable by hingeably combining
a second set of selected two second components via the hinge edges;
wherein the interconnecting structure includes a bracket for mounting the first
cable support device to a pole; and
wherein the interconnecting structure further includes a projection and a slot
wherein two first cable support devices are selectively interconnectable by inserting
the projection of the one first cable support device into the slot of the other
first cable support device.
62. A cable clamp comprising:
a first clamp portion having:
a first hinge region including a first curved projection and a first receiving
opening,
a first tightening region,
a first cable channel region arranged between the first hinge region and the
first tightening region, and
an interconnecting structure adapted for rigid connection with an associated
third clamp portion of an associated second clamp wherein the associated third
clamp portion is substantially identical with the first clamp portion; and,
a second clamp portion having:
a second hinge region including a second curved projection and a second receiving
opening,
a second tightening region, and
a second cable channel region arranged between the second hinge region and the
second tightening region;
wherein the first and second hinge regions cooperatively form a hinge including
the first curved projection arranged in the second opening and the second curved
projection arranged in the first opening.
63. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 62, wherein the interconnecting structure
includes a recess and a mating protrusion.
64. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 62, wherein the interconnecting structure
is adapted to effectuate stacking of three or more clamp portions each essentially
identical with the first clamp portion.
65. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 62 wherein said first and second projections
and the first and second openings form an interference fit to compensate for directional
changes in the first and second clamp portions.
66. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 62, further including:
a tightening shaft having a threaded region arranged on at least a portion thereof
and adapted to hingedly draw the first and second tightening regions together to
form a hinged clamping of an associated cable arranged between the first and second
cable channel regions.
67. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 66, wherein the first and second tightening
regions include:
first and second ear members, each ear member including an opening adapted to
receive the tightening shaft.
68. The cable clamp as set forth in claim 67 wherein said first and second tightening
regions collectively form a connection region of said cable clamp for suspending
the cable clamp from overhead by an associated connecting element.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the cable support arts. It particularly relates
to supporting and suspending cables from poles or other overhead support structures,
and will be described with particular reference thereto. The invention will also
find application in conjunction with various types of cables such as telephone
cables, cables for "cable" television, high tension wires, fiber optical cables,
and optical ground wires (OPGW's). In addition to suspending cables from poles
and the like, the present invention is operative with flat support surfaces and,
accordingly finds use in supporting cables and other objects in vault and other
similar or related applications.
Power lines, telephone transmission lines, and other cables are frequently
suspended aerially from a plurality of poles or other support structures. An aerial
cable arrangement is relatively simple and flexible, and has a limited ground footprint
that frequently permits space substantially below the suspended cables to be used
for other purposes. An aerial arrangement also vertically separates the cables
from people or roaming ground animals and reduces the possibility of detrimental
contact therewith. Spatial separation is particularly useful for electrical power
transmission cables for safety reasons. Aerial suspension of a cable also helps
reduce damage caused either inadvertently or through malicious vandalism.
Although aerial cables are relatively safe from ground-based sources of
damage, they are subject to environmental wear and damage, principally due to winds.
Well known in the art are problems caused by aeolian vibration which is a high
frequency, low amplitude vibration caused by laminar winds passing across the line,
as well as "galloping" which is a low frequency, high amplitude wind-induced cable
motion. Wind action can produce cable damage in the form of abrasion, wear, and
fatigue, especially at the suspension points where cable support devices inherently
form mechanical stress points in the cable. The potential for such damage can be
increased by excessive clamping force, by inadequate clamping force which allows
the cable to slide within the clamp, or by an uneven or non-uniform clamping force.
Another issue with pole-mounted cables is efficient arrangement of the various
cables. This issue is increasingly confronted due to the rapid proliferation of
cable-based transport of electrical power and communication signals. Utility poles
typically support cables carrying electrical power, telephone signals, and cable
television signals. High-capacity fiber optic cables are being installed in many
localities, either for replacing existing electrical signal communication lines
or to add additional capacity such as high-speed dedicated Internet access.
Cables sag between the supporting poles, and under the influence of wind the
cables can sway about and impinge on one another. Such impingement can damage the
cables and also potentially creates safety issues, as for example if a power cable
electrically contacts a nearby telephone cable. It is known in the art that a staggered
arrangement of the cables, i.e. placing the cables at different heights, reduces
the likelihood of damaging impingements.
Yet another area of concern with cable support devices is interchangeability.
Cable support installation and maintenance is performed in the field. Cable support
devices are typically warehoused at one or more central facilities, for example
owned by the utility, and maintenance crews select and bring those selected supports
deemed necessary for the various repair jobs to be performed on a given day. Selecting
the wrong type of support can delay the installation or maintenance and can create
or prolong power or communication outages. The problem becomes more acute during
emergency situations such as when there is an immediate need during and after severe
thunderstorms, when many critical cables may be damaged at essentially the same
time. These problems could be mitigated by a modular cable support system comprising
a plurality of adaptable multi-purpose components from which a plurality of different
types of cable support devices are constructable.
The present invention contemplates an improved cable support apparatus, method,
and system which overcomes the aforementioned problems and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a cable support is disclosed.
A clamp base includes a projecting structure on a first side and a receiving structure
on an opposite side. The receiving structure is adapted to receive the projecting
structure of an identical clamp base. The clamp base further includes a base hinge
edge. A clamp keeper has a keeper hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with the
base hinge edge. The clamp keeper and the clamp base together define a cable cavity
for receiving an associated cable. The clamp keeper further cooperates with the
clamp base to effectuate clamping of the associated cable therebetween.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for
attaching a plurality of cables to a pole. A first support base is connected to
the pole. A first cable is supported by the first support base. A second support
base is connected to the first support base. A second cable is supported by the
second support base.
According to another aspect of the invention, a modular cable support system
is provided including a plurality of bases. Each base has an interconnecting structure
including a projection and a slot wherein the projection is adapted to insert into
the slot of another base for connection therebetween. Each base also has a base
hinge edge and a cable channel. A plurality of clamping elements is provided. Each
clamping element includes a hinge edge adapted to hingeably attach with the base
hinge edge of a selected base, and a clamping surface adapted to cooperate with
the cable channel of the selected base for retaining an associated cable.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a cable clamp is provided
including a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion. The first clamp portion
has a first hinge region including a first curved projection and a first receiving
opening. The first clamp portion also has a first tightening region, and a first
cable channel region arranged between the first hinge region and the first tightening
region. The second clamp portion has a second hinge region including a second curved
projection and a second receiving opening. The second clamp portion also has a
second tightening region, and a second cable channel region arranged between the
second hinge region and the second tightening region. The first and second hinge
regions cooperatively form a hinge. The hinge includes the first curved projection
arranged in the second opening and the second curved projection arranged in the
first opening. The hinges are formed having a slight material interference to compensate
for tolerance or dimensional changes due to the manufacturing process.
According to still yet another aspect of the invention, a cable support
system is provided including a plurality of first components. Each first component
has an interconnecting structure, a cable channel, and a hinge edge and tightening
region disposed on opposite sides of the cable channel. A plurality of second components
is also provided. Each second component has a hinge edge, a tightening region disposed
on an opposite side from the hinge edge, and a cable channel arranged between the
hinge edge and the tightening region. A first cable support device is constructable
by hingeably combining selected first and second components via the hinge edges.
A second cable support device is constructable by hingeably combining selected
two second components via the hinge edges.
One advantage of the present invention resides in its ability to arrange a plurality
of cable supports in a staggered-height fashion to allow greater clearance between
adjoining cables thereby reducing the likelihood of cable impingement.
Another advantage of the present invention resides in an adaptable hinge
which improves clamping force uniformity in the presence of variations in the clamp
tightening and/or in the presence of winds or other cable stresses.
Yet another advantage of the present invention resides in its modular nature
wherein the various cable support components are modularly combinable to form a
plurality of different types of cable support devices.
Numerous additional advantages and benefits of the present invention will
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components,
and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for the purpose
of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.
FIG. 1 shows an isometric exploded view of an exemplary cable support according
to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 from an
opposite perspective.
FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 with the
hinge formed.
FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the hinged cable support of FIG. 3 mounted
on a pole by a lag bolt.
FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the hinged cable support of FIG. 3 mounted
on a pole by a banding strap.
FIG. 6 shows an isometric view two interconnected support bases formed in accordance
with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 shows an isometric exploded view of the interconnection of two cable
supports formed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of three interconnected cable supports formed
in accordance with another embodiment of the invention and mounted on a pole by
a lag bolt.
FIG. 9 shows an isometric exploded view of a cable support for cable suspension
from an overhead structure, constructed in modular fashion using components formed
in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of the suspension cable support of FIG. 9 with
the hinge formed.
FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of the suspension cable support of FIG. 9 supporting
a cable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cable support
10 in accordance with
a first preferred embodiment of the invention includes a lower clamp base
12
and upper clamp keeper
14. The clamp base
12 includes a hinge region
16, a tightening region
18, and a cable channel region
20
arranged between the hinge and tightening regions
16,
18. The clamp
base
12 also includes an interconnecting structure
22 for adapting
the base for connection to a pole or other structure and for adapting a plurality
of bases
12 to be interconnected as will be described in greater detail
below. The clamp keeper
14 includes a hinge region
24, a tightening
region
26, and a cable channel region
28 arranged between the hinge
and tightening regions
24,
26.
With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and with further reference to FIG.
3, the clamp base
12 and the clamp keeper
14 are adapted to selectively
cooperatively hingedly connect via the hinge regions
16,
24. The
clamp base hinge region
16 includes a curved tab or projection
30
that mates with an opening or slot
32 of the clamp keeper hinge region
24,
and similarly the clamp keeper hinge region
24 includes a curved tab or
projection
34 that mates with an opening or slot
36 of the clamp
base hinge region
16, to form a hinge
40 shown in FIG.
3.
With reference to FIG. 3 the clamp base
12 and the clamp keeper
14
hingedly connect to form a hinged clamp body of the cable support
10. In
the preferred embodiment, two cable insert grommets
42 are arranged in the
cable channel regions
20,
28 of the cable support
10 to provide
a cable cushioning interface.
With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3 and with further reference to FIG.
