CN112042071A - Overhead cable spacers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a cable spacer device, which includes a modular design so that it can be easily adapted to a variety of cable quantities and types while maintaining ready access to individual wires without interfering with adjacent wires. The cable spacer device includes a rectangular block having a C-shaped load-bearing member, an insertion member removably mounted in the C-shaped load-bearing member, and a cable retaining member lockably mounted on the C-shaped load-bearing member. The rectangular blocks can be interconnected and interlocked to form a plurality of cable clamps, and are provided with hanging members for supporting on a suspension wire or other mounting device and connecting brackets for fixing two sets of overhead cable spacers into a parallel integral structure.

Description

Overhead cable spacers

technical field

The present invention generally relates to a spacer, and more specifically designs an overhead cable spacer.

Background technique

Aerial cable spacers support electrical, telecommunications, CATV and similar cables in an organized arrangement while being attached to supporting communication cables. Variations of the device can be adapted to protect other materials than wires, such as surgical tubing or other generally linear materials, capable of accommodating many different materials (eg, different wire sizes and/or type) and can be installed by means other than a communication cable, or can be used without mounting hardware.

In situations where overhead-mounted cables are placed on overhead utility poles, such as when cables and telephone and other communication systems are mounted in the air, it is necessary or desirable to provide a spacer mechanism to keep the cables vertically and horizontally relative to each other clamped in a fixed position. This is usually done by using plastic or metal spacers that are mounted on slings (steel tension cables) and provide receptacles for holding the cables apart from each other. One such system has been identified in Philippine Patent Application No. 1-2017-000049. Although the system described therein provides a method for readily accessing pendant wires, it does not provide the key features of the present application, and thus does not address the main problems of the present application's design. Philippine Patent Application No. 1-2017-000049 requires custom design and fabrication of complex assemblies to be able to accommodate different wire sizes and types. This involves a lengthy and expensive process of developing custom products for various uses. To address its shortcomings, there is a need for a cable spacer that can be quickly, cost-effectively manufactured to a variety of cable sizes and shapes, and that can be easily adapted to field conditions in the sky.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is used to secure up to hundreds of cables in discrete bundles over time of different sizes and types, with a single wire easily accessible without removing or adding any loose components in use.

Accordingly, a primary object of the present application is to provide a cable spacer that includes a modular design and uses interchangeable insert members such that the insert member can be easily adapted to a variety of cable numbers and types, while maintaining the integrity of a single wire easy access without interfering with adjacent wires, and can be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools.

Another object of the present application is to provide a cable spacer with a vertical connector that allows connecting a pair of cable gripping modules or connecting a single module in a centered manner.

Another object of the present application is to provide a cable spacer that is resistant to prolonged exposure to high levels of UV radiation, high temperatures, rain and high winds.

Another object of the present application is to provide a spacer device that can be adapted to hold a variety of linear materials in a variety of applications.

Another object of the present application is to provide a cable spacing system capable of accommodating cables of various types and sizes, either uniformly or in combination.

Another object of the present application is to provide a cable spacer wherein the design of the spacer allows for a vandal-resistant version that cannot be opened unless special tools are used.

Other objects and advantages of the present application will be highly appreciated and readily understood after reading the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an overhead cable spacer in an open position with an insert member in place;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the overhead cable spacer showing components of the spacer in an exploded fashion;

Figure 3 is a schematic front view of a different variant of an insert member for an overhead cable spacer;

4 is a perspective view of the overhead cable spacer in an open position with the insert member and sub-insert member in place;

Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of the assembled state of a pair of overhead cable spacer rectangular blocks with two different insert members in place;

6A-6B are perspective views of a C-shaped load bearing member for an overhead cable spacer, wherein FIG. 6A shows a front perspective view of the C-shaped load bearing member with the cable retention member in a locked position, and FIG. 6B shows a different rear perspective view of C-shaped load bearing member with cable retention member;

Figures 7A-7D are perspective views of different variations of a suspension member for an overhead cable spacer, wherein Figures 7A and 7C show the suspension member in an open position, and Figures 7B and 7D show the suspension member in a closed position position of the suspension member;

8 is a perspective view of a cable retention member for an overhead cable spacer;

Figure 9 shows a schematic front view of an example of different types and sizes of wires that can be inserted into different variants of insertion members.

Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the overhead cable spacer in use; and

Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a connection bracket for an overhead cable spacer.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring in detail to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention show that a cable spacer, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, can preferably be manufactured by injection molding, however, other methods, such as transfer molding, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machined and cast and made of plastic material, preferably polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene with glass fibre reinforcement Ethylene Styrene (ABS), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polypropylene (PP), with or without fibrous fillers, however, alternative materials can be used depending on the specific location and use, such as other polymers or corresponding metals .

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an overhead cable spacer in an open position and inserted in place. Aerial cable spacer 10 is generally defined by a rectangular block 11 comprising a generally C-shaped carrier member 20, an insert member 30 removably mounted in said C-shaped carrier member and hingedly attached to said C-shaped carrier member 20. The cable retention member 40 on the shaped carrier member.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the C-shaped bearing member 20 has a top wall 21 ; a vertical side wall 23 which protrudes downward integrally from the inner end of the top wall 21 ; and an open side portion 24 opposite the vertical side wall 23 on which the cable retention member 40 is mounted, thereby closing the open side portion 24 . Said top wall 21 has a plurality of spaced and alternating male and female interlocking means, preferably in the form of T-shaped protrusions 25, defining complementary T-shaped receptacles 26 therebetween. The T-shaped protrusions can be angular, such as V-shaped, rounded or C-shaped or ribbed, to suit different materials and applications. The top wall 21 also has lock receiving notches 27 provided on the outer edge portion 211 thereof. The bottom wall 22 also has a plurality of spaced apart T-shaped protrusions 25a, and defines therebetween complementary T-shaped receptacles 26a adapted to receive corresponding T-shaped protrusions 25 thereon (or other selected as described above). various connector shapes). The T-shaped protrusions 25 are alternately aligned with the T-shaped receptacles 26a. Chamfers 251a are provided on both sides of the lower edge of the outer and middle T-shaped protrusions 25a. The exterior of the bottom wall 22 is also provided with a notch 222 that engages the locking mechanism of the cable retention member 40 . The inside of the top wall 21 and the bottom wall 22 are each provided with a notch 28 arranged in the middle part of the outer edges of the top wall and the bottom wall. A pair of protruding lips 29 are also provided on the outer edges of the inner surfaces of the top and bottom walls 21 and 22 , which protrude into the opening of the C-shaped carrier member 20 . The notches and protruding lips are adapted to hold the insert member 30 in place once it is arranged within the C-shaped carrier member.

Insertion member 30 can be manually inserted into and removed from the C-shaped carrier member 20, but cannot be accidentally disengaged when in the inserted position. The insert member 30 has protrusions 31 on the outer surfaces of the top and bottom walls that engage with notches 28 provided inside the C-shaped carrier member 20 to lock and retain the insert member 30 in the inserted position. Preferably, the insert member 30 is internally provided with outwardly projecting fins 32 and defines a plurality of oval cable channels "P" thereon. The number and shape of the fins can and will vary depending on the specific wire or tube type and number contained. A plurality of oval cable channels "P" are adapted to support and receive cables "C" thereon in the in-use condition as shown in Figure 10 or other materials and configurations as previously described.

Figure 3 shows different variants of an insert member 30 for an overhead cable spacer. Although FIG. 3 shows an example of a variation of the insert member 30, the invention is not so limited and may incorporate any of a variety of insert members having inserts suitable for holding wires, cables, smaller inserts or protrusions of other objects of different sizes and shapes.

As shown in Figure 4, a sub-insertion member 50 is removably mounted on the insertion member 30 for routing and capturing groups of small wires, such as but not limited to fiber optic cables. This provides a means of securing multiple small cables or similar materials that are otherwise too small to fit into the standard insert member 30 . The sub-insertion member 50 can be manually inserted into and removed from the insertion member 30, but cannot be accidentally disengaged when in the inserted position.

Figure 5 is a schematic front view showing the assembled state of the rectangular blocks 11a and 11b of a pair of overhead cable spacers with two different insert members in place. The outside of the block 11a is provided with an outwardly protruding protrusion "L", which is provided on the upper part of the vertical side wall 23 of the C-shaped carrier member 20, which is adapted to be insertably mounted on the opening "0", which The opening is provided in the upper part of the vertical side wall 23 of the C-shaped carrier member 20 of the block 11b.

As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the outside of the block 11a is also provided with a protrusion "I" protruding outward, which is provided at the lower part of the vertical side wall 23 of the C-shaped carrying member 20, which is adapted to be insertable Mounted on the notch "N" provided in the inner T-shaped projection 25a of the C-shaped carrier member 20 of the block 11b. The overlapping outwardly projecting protrusion "I" and the notch "N" are adapted to act as a lock against inadvertent disengagement of the outwardly projecting protrusion "L" from the opening "O".

Figures 7A-7D are perspective views of different variations of a suspension member for an overhead cable spacer, wherein Figures 7A and 7C show the suspension member in an open position, and Figures 7B and 7D show the suspension member in a closed position of the suspension components. In order to suspend the rectangular block of interconnected overhead cable spacers to the suspended support cables, movable suspension members 60 are attached to the T-shaped projections 25 and complementary T-shaped receptacles 26 of the C-shaped carrier member 20 . Said suspension member 60 is defined by an inverted T-shaped hanger 61 having a corresponding plurality of intervals and alternating on its bottom surface portion, preferably in the form of T-shaped projections 62 and T-shaped receptacles 63 . male and female interlocks. Chamfers 621 are provided on both sides of the lower edge of the outer T-shaped protrusion 62 . Preferably, the inverted T-shaped hanger 61 has a hinged upper portion 64 that protrudes from above and is bent downward to form a through hole 65 therein. Suspended support cables are insertably mounted on the through holes 65 . In the upper portion 64 of the hinge there are fasteners, preferably stainless steel pins 66 with chamfered ends, for connecting the hinge halves 61a and 61b of the T-shaped hanger 61 .

The middle tee 62 is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the suspension member 60 to the suspension support cable in the form of interlocking complementary tee halves 62a and 62b. The interlocking complementary T-shaped projection halves 62a and 62b provide a means of securely locking the suspension member in the closed position without the use of any separate components. The suspension member locking mechanism is engaged by pressing the T-shaped projection halves 62a and 62b together and disengaged by utilizing the twisting motion of each of the T-shaped projection halves 62a and 62b relative to each other. The outermost T-shaped protrusion 62 has a notch 67 that engages the locking mechanism of the cable retention member 40 .

The hinged suspension member 60 may alternatively be shaped with a fixed hook-shaped opening on the top rather than the opening of the hinge. The entire suspension mechanism can also be replaced by a hanger with the same lower interconnecting shape (T, V, C, etc.), but the upper part is designed to be bolted, screwed, welded, riveted or otherwise fixed at the level , vertical or in any other orientation on walls, ceilings, beams and similar structures.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cable retention member for an overhead cable spacer. As shown in FIG. 1 , the cable retention member 40 is disposed on the open side 24 of the C-shaped carrier member 20 and is hingedly attached to the outer end 221 of the bottom wall 22 .

The upper end 402 of the cable retention member 40 is provided with a three-element locking mechanism. The first element is a flexible wedge element 41 which compresses when the cable retention member 40 is closed and returns to its original state after passing through the rib 212 (shown in FIG. 2 ) arranged on the top wall of the C-shaped carrier member 20 shape to form a wedge lock. This holds the cable retention member 40 in the closed position in use, but allows the cable retention member 40 to be opened easily and without difficulty as needed without the use of any tools.

The second element is a protruding element 42 protruding from the top of a wedge-shaped element 41 which engages with a receiving notch 27 provided on the outer top wall 21 of the C-shaped carrier member 20 and at the same time with the Another receiving notch 67 on the outermost T-shaped protrusion 62 or a notch 222 arranged on the bottom wall 22 of the carrier member 20 of the vertically adjacent rectangular block engages. This engagement prevents the rectangular block and the suspension member 60, or the rectangular block and the vertically adjacent rectangular block from sliding apart when in the locked position. The suspension member 60 maintains the vertical connection between the assemblies, while the interlocking protruding elements 42 and notches are maintained in a lateral orientation, wherein the pair of rectangular blocks or blocks and suspension members can only be held when the wedge lock is depressed. separated from each other.

The third element is the bottom surface 43 of the wedge-shaped element 41, which is arranged directly above the corresponding lug elements 213 (shown in FIG. 2) provided in the C-shaped carrier member 20, wherein, in the locked position, the cable retention member 40 will A support element that serves as the C-shaped load bearing member 20 to provide structural support. Since the load bearing member 20 is an open C-shaped element, loads disposed within the C-shaped region will press down on the lower horizontal portion of the load bearing member 20 and may cause it to bend and contract downwards, which would be detrimental to the intended function. The bottom surface 43 of the wedge element 41, when engaged with the lugs and held in place by the wedge element locking mechanism, allows the cable retention member 40 to become an effective fourth wall, providing structural integrity to the C-shaped load bearing member 20.

The cable holding member 40 has a movable handle 44 and a fixed handle 45 disposed below the movable handle 44, which is adapted to disengage the locking mechanism. This allows the locking mechanism to be opened by a pinching and pulling movement, wherein the vertical movement of the movable handle 44 is limited by the fixed handle 45, thereby preventing breakage due to hyperextension movement of said movable handle 44. The fixed handle 45 is also adapted to protect the movable handle 44 to some extent from flying debris. Furthermore, the cable holding member 40 is also provided with ribs 46 which are arranged on the outer side of the cable holding member. The rib 46 extends upward to and protrudes below the fixed handle 45 to provide additional strength to prevent breakage of the fixed handle 45 and cable retention member 40 as a whole.

As mentioned above, the rectangular blocks are designed to accommodate multiple cables, however, the applicant's intent is not to impose the same restriction on multiple cables, but instead each rectangular block can accommodate one large cable interconnected with the rectangular block , this large cable can hold multiple cables. As shown in FIG. 9 , the rectangular block 11e accommodates only one cable “C1 ”, therefore, the C-shaped carrier member 20 is used instead of the insert member 30 . The rectangular block 11e may be interconnected with another rectangular block 11c and 11d that accommodates a plurality of cables "C" of different sizes and shapes.

In use, the suspension member 40 is placed on the load-bearing cable or suspended support cable, locked closed, and interconnected the rectangular blocks of clamping cables with or without the insertion member 30, the corresponding T of the C-shaped load-bearing member 20 T-shaped protrusions 25 and T-shaped receptacles 26 are aligned with T-shaped protrusions 62 and T-shaped receptacles 63 of suspension member 60, and the assembly is pushed together to form an interconnected overhead cable spacer.

When the assemblies are pushed together, the chamfers 621 provided on the lower edges of the two sides of the outer T-shaped protrusions 62 of the suspension member 60 automatically move the movable handle 44 downward enough to allow the locking mechanism to open the cable holder without requiring 40 in the case of self-engagement. In a similar manner, when two vertically adjacent rectangular blocks are connected to each other, the chamfers 251a provided on both sides of the lower edge of the outer and middle T-shaped protrusions 25a of the C-shaped bearing member 20 are the same as those provided on the suspension member 60. The chamfer 612 has the same effect.

A three-element locking mechanism provided on the cable retention member 40 prevents lateral misalignment or separation of the components when the rectangular block cable retention member 40 is in its closed position. In this way, the connected components provide a channel "P" in which the cable "C" to be held and spaced is received.

When the T-shaped protrusions of the C-shaped carrier member are aligned and pressed together with the corresponding T-shaped receiving parts of the adjacent rectangular blocks, the tapered edges of the two parts allow the T-shaped protrusions to slide into the T-shaped receiving parts, thereby forming a mutual Locked joints. The pressure created by the compression within the material provides a grip such that the overhead cable spacers tend to remain interlocked with adjacent overhead cable spacers, while the T-shaped projections of the C-shaped load-bearing members, when closed, are in contact with the bottom or bottom of the above-mentioned suspension members. The T-shaped receptacles at the bottom of the other cable suspension mechanisms (CHM) interlock to prevent any lateral movement of the assembly. The shape and location of the T-shaped protrusions are used to bring the components into direct contact with each other without the need for any additional components. To separate the parts, simply unlock the hinge side and slide the parts sideways.

With this arrangement, by interconnecting a series of CHMs with their hangers, the desired number and configuration of cable accommodation spaces can be easily created.

After assembly, the corresponding cable "C" is placed within the oval channel "P" and the hinge side wall or cable retention member 40 is then closed and locked. By placing multiple spacers on the sling at appropriate intervals, the cable can be supported while being easily accessible.

As shown in Figure 11, the attachment bracket 70 is adapted to provide means for securing two sets of overhead cable spacers into a parallel monolithic structure. The connecting bracket 70 consists of two identical parts such that when one of them is inverted and placed around the tops of the two suspension members and snapped together, it is between the two suspension members (having interconnected rectangular blocks). provides a rigid, semi-permanent connection between them, allowing the components to remain in a parallel configuration.

In conclusion, it is intended that this application seeks to protect all novel features of the subject application as shown in the foregoing examples, including all modifications that may be apparent to those skilled in the art.

List of reference numbers:

10 Overhead cable spacers

11 Rectangular block

11a, 11, 11c, 11d, 11e Rectangular blocks for overhead cable spacers

20 C-shaped load bearing member

21 Top wall

211 Outer edge portion of top wall

212 Sidewall

213 lug element

22 Bottom wall

221 Outer end of bottom wall

222 External notches in bottom wall

23 Vertical side walls

24 Open side

25 Top wall T-shaped protrusion

25a Bottom wall T-shaped protrusion

251a Bottom wall T-shaped protrusion chamfer

26 Top wall T-shaped receiving part

26a Bottom wall T-shaped receiving part

27 Top wall notches

28 Top and bottom wall interior notches

29 Top and bottom wall protruding lips

30 Insert components

31 Insert member protrusion

32 Insert member protruding fins

40 Cable retaining member

402 Cable retaining member upper part

41 Cable retention member wedge element

42 Cable retention member protruding element

43 Cable retention member wedge underside

44 Removable handle

45 Fixed handle

46 Cable retention member ribs

50 Sub-inserts

60 Suspension member

61 Suspension member T-shaped hanger

61a, 61b T-hanger hinge halves

62 Suspension member T-shaped protrusion

62a, 62b Suspension member T-shaped projection half

621 Suspension member T-shaped protrusion chamfer

63 T-shaped accommodating part of suspension member

64 T-Bar Hinged Upper

65 Suspension member through hole

66 Stainless steel pin on upper hinge

67 The outermost T-shaped protrusion notch of the suspension member

70 Attachment bracket

"P" Insert member cable channel

"C", "C1" cable

The upper part of the "L" rectangular block protrudes outwards

"O" rectangular block opening

"I" The lower part of the rectangular block protrudes outwards

"N" T-shaped projection notch in C-shaped carrier member

Claims (10)

1. An overhead cable spacer defined by a generally rectangular block comprising a C-shaped carrier member, an insert member removably mounted in the C-shaped carrier member, a C-shaped carrier member mounted in the C-shaped carrier member a cable retention member in the shape of a load bearing member and a suspension member disposed on the rectangular block; wherein, the insert member is insertable into and removable from the C-shaped carrier member, and protrusions are provided on the outer surfaces of the top and bottom walls, the protrusions and the The C-shaped carrier member engages to lock and retain the insertion member in the inserted position. 2. An overhead cable spacer according to claim 1, wherein the insert member is provided with outwardly projecting fins disposed inside the insert member and defines a plurality of oval cable channels thereon to accommodate . to support and receive a cable on the insert member in use. 3. The overhead cable spacer of claim 1, wherein a sub-insertion member is removably mounted on the insertion member for arranging and capturing groups of small wires and cables. 4. The overhead cable spacer of claim 1, wherein the C-shaped carrier member is provided with a notch and a pair of protruding lips, the notches being disposed inside the top and bottom of the carrier member, A pair of protruding lips are disposed on the outer edges of the inner surfaces of the top and bottom interiors, adapted to hold the insert member in place when the insert member is placed within the C-shaped carrier member. 5. The overhead cable spacer according to claim 1, wherein the C-shaped carrier member is further provided with outwardly projecting protrusions arranged on the upper and bottom of the carrier member to be adapted to be insertable are mounted on the openings provided in the upper and lower parts of the other C-shaped load-bearing member adjacent to the rectangular block. 6. The overhead cable spacer of claim 1, wherein the upper end of the cable retention member is provided with a three-element locking mechanism, the three-element locking mechanism comprising: a flexible wedge element that compresses when the cable retention member is closed and returns to its original shape after passing through a rib arranged on the top wall of said C-shaped carrier member, thereby forming a wedge lock; A protruding element protruding from the top of the wedge-shaped element, which engages with a receiving notch provided on the outer top wall of the C-shaped carrier member and at the same time with a further receiving notch arranged on the suspension member or arranged vertically adjacent the rectangular block engaging the notch on the bottom wall of the load-bearing member; The bottom surface of the wedge-shaped element, which is arranged directly above the corresponding lug element provided in the C-shaped load-bearing member, so that in the locked position, the cable retention member acts as a structural support for said C-shaped load-bearing member. 7. The overhead cable spacer according to claim 1, wherein the cable retention member is further provided with a movable handle adapted to be pushed down to disengage the locking mechanism; a fixed handle arranged below the movable handle , the fixed handle is adapted to limit vertical movement of the movable handle; and a rib arranged on the outer side of the cable retaining member is adapted to provide additional strength to prevent breakage of the fixed handle and the cable retaining member. 8. The overhead cable spacer according to claim 1, wherein the suspension member and the C-shaped carrier member are provided with chamfers arranged on the lower edges of the T-shaped protrusions provided therein, adapted to Sufficiently allow the three-element locking mechanism to engage itself without the need to open the cable retention member. 9. The overhead cable spacer of claim 1, wherein the suspension member is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the suspension member to the overhead support cable by squeezing each T-shaped projection half Together, the complementary T-shaped protrusion halves are engaged in an interlocking manner and separated by utilizing a twisting motion of the T-shaped protrusion halves from each other. 10. The overhead cable spacer of claim 1, further comprising a connection bracket adapted to provide means for securing two sets of overhead cable spacers into a parallel monolithic structure.

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