U.S. patent application number 15/188072 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-13 for method and device for gripping a cable.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alvah Aldrich. Invention is credited to Alvah Aldrich.
Application Number | 20160301156 15/188072 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48082393 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160301156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aldrich; Alvah |
October 13, 2016 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GRIPPING A CABLE
Abstract
A device for gripping a cable includes a device body, one or
more gripping elements, and a gripping element housing configured
to support the one or more gripping elements. The gripping element
housing is rotatably coupled to the device body such that rotation
of the gripping element housing relative to the device body about a
longitudinal axis causes the one or more gripping elements to move
radially relative to the longitudinal axis. The gripping elements
may be configured such that they do not rotate relative to the
gripping element housing. The gripping elements may also be
configured such that they move only in a radial direction relative
to the longitudinal axis, or alternatively such that they move both
radially and longitudinally relative to the longitudinal axis.
Inventors: |
Aldrich; Alvah; (Geneva,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Aldrich; Alvah |
Geneva |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48082393 |
Appl. No.: |
15/188072 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13648860 |
Oct 10, 2012 |
9379482 |
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15188072 |
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61546353 |
Oct 12, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/58 20130101;
Y10T 279/17615 20150115; Y10T 279/17666 20150115; Y10T 279/1926
20150115; H01R 13/59 20130101; Y10T 29/49998 20150115; H01R 13/5804
20130101; B23B 31/16041 20130101; H02G 1/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/58 20060101
H01R013/58 |
Claims
1. A device for gripping a cable, comprising: one or more gripping
elements comprising a first threaded surface disposed on an outer
portion of the one or more gripping elements; a gripping element
housing rotatably coupled to the one or more gripping elements,
wherein the gripping element housing comprises a second threaded
surface disposed on an inner portion of the gripping element
housing, wherein a rotation of the gripping element housing
relative to the one or more gripping elements about a longitudinal
axis causes the one or more gripping elements to move
longitudinally relative to the longitudinal axis; and an inner
guide structure that abuts against an inner portion of the one or
more gripping elements, wherein the one or more gripping elements
move along an outer surface of the inner guide structure as the one
or more gripping elements move longitudinally relative to the
longitudinal axis.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of
the inner guide structure is smooth, wherein the one or more
gripping elements slide along an outer surface of the inner guide
structure as the gripping element housing rotates relative to the
one or more gripping elements.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of
the inner guide structure comprises a third threaded surface,
wherein the inner guide structure induces the one or more gripping
elements to move longitudinally as the gripping element housing
rotates relative to the one or more gripping elements.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device body and the
one or more gripping elements are coupled by a frictional
self-locking connection such that when the one or more gripping
elements are tightened in a first direction, the one or more
gripping elements are restricted by frictional forces from
releasing in a second direction that opposes the first
direction.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first threaded
surface and the second threaded surface provide the frictional
self-locking connection, wherein the first direction is an upward
direction, and wherein the opposite direction is a downward
direction.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
gripping elements comprise at least three gripping elements spaced
apart around a circumference of the inner guide structure.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
gripping elements do not rotate relative to the gripping element
housing.
8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a device
body coupled to a bottom end of the gripping element housing,
wherein the device body forms a cavity into which the inner guide
structure is at least partially disposed.
9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the gripping element
housing rotates relative to the device body.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first threaded
surface of the one or more gripping elements defines a spiral
thread located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis.
11. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a guide
element housing coupled to a top end of the gripping element
housing, wherein the guide element comprises one or more guide
elements disposed along an inner surface, wherein the one or more
guide elements guide a longitudinal movement of the one or more
gripping elements as the gripping element housing rotates relative
to the one or more gripping elements.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the guide element
housing comprises one or more guide elements disposed along an
inner surface, wherein the one or more guide elements guide a
longitudinal movement of the one or more gripping elements as the
gripping element housing rotates relative to the one or more
gripping elements.
13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the guide element
housing is integral with the gripping element housing.
14. The device according to claim 11, wherein the guide element
housing is conically shaped.
15. The device according to claim 11, wherein the guide element
housing has an open top end through which a cable can be
disposed.
16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the inner guide
structure is conically shaped.
17. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a cable
disposed within a cavity formed by the inner guide structure and
between the one or more gripping elements.
18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the one or more
gripping elements, when contacting the cable, leave the cable
substantially undamaged.
19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
gripping elements are moved relative to the device body without
tools.
20. The device according to claim 1, wherein the inner guide
structure comprises one or more guide elements disposed along an
outer surface, wherein the one or more guide elements guide a
longitudinal movement of the one or more gripping elements as the
gripping element housing rotates relative to the one or more
gripping elements.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of and claims
the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/648,860, titled
"Method and Device For Gripping a Cable" and filed on Oct. 10,
2012, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/546,353, titled "Method
And Device For Gripping A Cable" and filed on Oct. 12, 2011. The
entire contents of these aforementioned applications are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to cable
connectors, and more particularly to methods and devices for
gripping a cable.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Existing devices for gripping cables or cords utilize
gripping elements that can be tightened or loosened around a cable
or cord using screwed fasteners (screws or bolts) for adjusting the
gripping elements. For example, a device may include two or three
gripping elements located around a circumference of the device and
connected to each other by screwed fasteners, such that when the
screwed fasteners are adjusted the gripping elements are either
pulled toward each other (e.g., to clamp around a cable) or pushed
away from each other (e.g., to release a cable). Such devices are
prone to any problems associated with using screwed fasteners, such
as screws or bolts, such as the screwed fasteners stripping out
upon tightening or loosening. In addition, such devices require
tools for tightening and loosening the gripping elements.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure,
disadvantages and problems associated with existing cable gripping
devices have been reduced.
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for
gripping a cable includes a device body, one or more gripping
elements, and a gripping element housing configured to support the
one or more gripping elements. The gripping element housing is
rotatably coupled to the device body such that rotation of the
gripping element housing relative to the device body about a
longitudinal axis causes the one or more gripping elements to move
radially relative to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments,
the gripping elements are configured such that they do not rotate
relative to the gripping element housing. The gripping elements may
also be configured such that they move only in a radial direction
relative to the longitudinal axis, or alternatively such that they
move both radially and longitudinally relative to the longitudinal
axis.
[0006] A further aspect of the invention provides a method for
gripping a cable. A cable is positioned through an opening in a
gripping device that includes a device body, one or more gripping
elements, and a gripping element housing rotatably coupled to the
device body and configured to support the one or more gripping
elements. The gripping element housing is rotated relative to the
device body about a longitudinal axis, which causes the one or more
gripping elements to move radially relative to the longitudinal
axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and
advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numbers indicate like features, and
wherein:
[0008] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example cable gripping device
configured in non-gripping and gripping positions, respectively,
according to an example embodiment of the disclosure;
[0009] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate various example cable gripping
devices, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a gripping element housing and securing
ring of an example cable gripping device, according to an example
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the inside of an example
cable gripping device, according to an example embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a three-dimensional cross-sectional view
of an example cable gripping device, taken through lines 5-5 shown
in FIG. 1B, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure;
and
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an example gripping element, according to
an example embodiment of the disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates another example gripping element,
according to another example embodiment of the disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an example cable gripping device
including a locking screw and/or a locking ring for resisting
opening or loosening of the gripping device, according to an
example embodiment of the disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a three-dimensional cross-sectional view
of the example cable gripping device of FIG. 8, illustrating the
locking ring for resisting opening or loosening of the gripping
device;
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a three-dimensional cross-sectional view
of the example cable gripping device of FIG. 8, illustrating the
locking screw for resisting opening or loosening of the gripping
device;
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of another example
cable gripping device, which includes gripping elements that move
both radially and longitudinally with respect to a longitudinal
axis, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view with portions removed to
show a cross-sectional view of a section of the example cable
gripping device of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Preferred embodiments and their advantages over the prior
art are best understood by reference to FIGS. 1-12 below. However,
the present disclosure may be more easily understood in the context
of a high level description of certain embodiments.
[0021] The disclosure relates to an improved device for gripping a
cable or other similar object. As used herein, the term "cable"
refers to any one or more electrical or non-electrical cable, cord,
wire, conduit, shaft, rod, or other elongated object. In general,
the cable gripping devices disclosed herein include a first element
that rotates relative to a second element, which causes one or more
gripping elements to translate radially inward toward a cable to be
gripped by the gripping elements. For example, the cable gripping
device may include a device body rotatably coupled to a gripping
element housing that supports a set of gripping elements (e.g.,
three gripping elements). Rotation of the gripping element housing
relative to the device body about a longitudinal axis causes the
gripping elements to be translated radially relative to the
longitudinal axis. To operate such a device, a cable may be
inserted through an opening in the cable gripping device, and
positioned along the longitudinal axis. The gripping element
housing may then be rotated relative to the device body such that
gripping elements translate radially inward toward the cable, until
the cable is gripped with the desired tightness.
[0022] Unlike in existing devices that use screws as the gripping
elements or to tighten/loosing the gripping elements, the gripping
elements of the present device are not screws, but rather translate
upon rotation of the gripping element housing relative to the
device body. Thus, problems associated with existing devices that
use screws for tightening/loosening the cable grip, such as
stripping of the screws, may be reduced or eliminated in the
present device. In some embodiments, the present device may be
tightened/loosened by hand without requiring any tools. Also, some
embodiments may provide a frictional self-locking connection that
prevents or resists the gripping elements from backing off (i.e.,
loosening) after being tightened around a cable.
[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example cable gripping device
10 configured in non-gripping and gripping positions, respectively,
according to an example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0024] As shown, cable gripping device 10 includes a device body
12, gripping elements 14 for gripping a cable 20, a gripping
element housing 16 that supports gripping elements 14, and a
securing ring 18 for securing gripping element housing 16 to device
body 12 (securing ring 18 is shown in FIGS. 2A-5). Gripping element
housing 16 is rotatably coupled to device body 12 such that
rotation of gripping element housing 16 relative to device body 12
about a longitudinal axis A causes gripping elements 14 to move
radially inward or outward relative to longitudinal axis A. The
inward/outward radial movement of gripping elements 14 relative to
axis A is created by a threaded connection between a threaded
surface 24 (shown, for example, in FIG. 2A) of the device body and
opposing threaded surfaces 26 (shown, for example, in FIG. 2A) of
each gripping element 14, as discussed in more detail below with
reference to FIGS. 2A and 6.
[0025] Thus, gripping element housing 16 may be rotated relative to
device body 12 in one direction to move gripping elements 14
radially inward and toward each other (e.g., to grip onto cable
20), and rotated in the opposite direction to move gripping
elements 14 radially outward and away from each other (e.g., to
release cable 20). Rotation of gripping element housing 16 relative
to device body 12 may include rotating gripping element housing 16
while holding device body 12 in place, or rotating holding device
body 12 while holding gripping element housing 16 in place, or
rotating both gripping element housing 16 and device body 12 in
opposite directions at the same time.
[0026] Device 10 may include any suitable number of gripping
elements 14, e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, or more
gripping elements. Gripping elements 14 may be spaced around
longitudinal axis A in any suitable manner. For example, gripping
elements 14 may be spaced evenly around longitudinal axis A, e.g.,
as shown in the example embodiment in which three gripping elements
14 are spaced at 120 degree intervals. Alternatively, gripping
elements 14 may be spaced unevenly around longitudinal axis A.
[0027] In some embodiments, e.g., the illustrated example, device
10 is designed to grip cable 20 only using gripping elements 14. In
other embodiments, device 10 is designed to grip cable 20 between
one or more gripping elements 14 and one or more other structures.
For example, device 10 may include one or more gripping elements 14
located on only one side of the device, and upon rotation of
gripping element housing 16 relative to device body 12, the
gripping element(s) 14 move inward toward one or more structures of
gripping element housing 16 or device body 12 that do not move
inward/outward relative to axis A, thus enabling a cable to be
gripped between gripping element(s) 14 and these other
structure(s).
[0028] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gripping
elements 14 do not rotate relative to gripping element housing 16.
Further, gripping elements 14 move only in a radial direction
relative to longitudinal axis A (and not longitudinally relative to
the longitudinal axis A) upon rotation of gripping element housing
16 relative to device body 12 about longitudinal axis A. In other
embodiments, e.g., as when the threaded surface 24 is inclined or
declined as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, gripping elements 14 move
both radially and longitudinally relative to longitudinal axis A
upon rotation of gripping element housing 16 relative to device
body 12 about axis A.
[0029] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of the example
embodiment of cable gripping device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. In
particular, FIG. 2A shows device body 12, gripping elements 14,
gripping element housing 16, and securing ring 18 for securing
gripping element housing 16 to device body 12.
[0030] Further, FIG. 3 illustrates gripping element housing 16 and
securing ring 18 of the example embodiment of cable gripping device
10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. As shown, gripping element housing 16 may
include a securing ring groove 30 configured to receive securing
ring 18. Securing ring 18 may be configured to be manually deformed
or manipulated to be fitted into securing ring groove 30. Thus,
securing ring 18 may be formed from any suitable material(s) to
provide a semi-rigid structure.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2A-3, to assemble device 10, a lower
portion 34 of gripping element housing 16 is inserted through an
opening 36 in device body 12, such that securing ring groove 30
projects beyond a flange 38 of device body 12. Securing ring 18 is
then fitted into securing ring groove 30, thus securing gripping
element housing 16 to device body 12 such that gripping element
housing 16 can rotate relative to device body 12.
[0032] Gripping elements 14 may be inserted either before or after
connecting gripping element housing 16 to device body 12. For
example, gripping elements 14 may be inserted partially or fully
into slots 40 formed in gripping element housing 16 before gripping
element housing 16 is inserted into device body 12 and locked with
securing ring 18. As another example, gripping element housing 16
may be secured to device body 12 with securing ring 18, and then
gripping elements 14 may be inserted into the outer perimeter end
of slots 40 in gripping element housing 16 and guided inwardly
toward axis A by rotating gripping element housing 16 relative to
device body 12.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2A, device body 12 includes a planar,
threaded surface 24 that defines a plane oriented perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis A. Each gripping element 14 includes a
corresponding planar, threaded surface 26 that interacts with
threaded surface 24 of device body 12. Threaded surface 24 and/or
threaded surfaces 26 may define a thread or threads arranged in a
circular pattern, a spiral pattern, or any other suitable pattern
to provide the desired movement of gripping elements 14. Thus,
threaded surfaces 24 and 26 form a threaded connection between
device body 12 and gripping elements 14, which provides the
inward/outward radial movement of gripping elements 14 upon
rotation of the gripping element housing 16 relative to device body
12.
[0034] In some embodiments, the threaded connection is a frictional
self-locking connection such that when gripping elements 14 are
tightened in a first direction, they are prevented or restricted by
frictional forces from automatically releasing in the opposite
direction (i.e., loosening). Thus, in some embodiments, device 10
may be hand-tightened onto cable 20, and remain tight afterwards
(i.e., without becoming loosened).
[0035] In alternate embodiments, the gripping elements 14 may be
moved inward and outward radially using configurations other than
threaded surfaces 24 and 26. For example, threaded surface 24 can
be replaced by an inclined surface (as shown in FIG. 2B) or a
declined surface (as shown in FIG. 2C) along which the gripping
elements 14 can move inward and outward radially. In yet another
embodiment, threaded surface 24 can be replaced by a surface with
threads or tracks disposed radially (as opposed to
circumferentially) that permit the gripping elements 14 to move
inward and outward radially. Those of skill in the art will
appreciate that the gripping elements 14 can be configured in a
variety of ways to achieve the desired inward and outward radial
movement.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the inside of the
example embodiment of cable gripping device 10 shown in FIGS.
1A-1B.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example
embodiment of cable gripping device 10 discussed above, taken
through lines 5-5 shown in FIG. 1B (i.e., with gripping elements 14
located in the gripping position around cable 20). FIG. 5 shows the
interaction between threaded surfaces 24 and 26 of device body 12
and gripping elements 14. FIG. 5 also shows securing ring 18
disposed below flange 38 of device body 12 and received within
securing ring groove 30 formed in gripping element housing 16.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates an example gripping element 14 of the
example embodiment of cable gripping device 10 shown in FIGS.
1A-1B. As discussed above, gripping element 14 includes a planar,
threaded surface 26 that interacts with threaded surface 24 of
device body 12. Threaded surface 26 may define one or more threads
arranged in a circular pattern, a spiral pattern, or any other
suitable pattern. Gripping element 14 may also include structures
configured to hold gripping element 14 within gripping element
housing 16. For example, in this embodiment, gripping element 14
includes lateral flanges 44 configured to engage with corresponding
flanges 46 defined by slots 40 formed in gripping element housing
16 (flanges 46 are shown in FIGS. 2A and 3).
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates another example gripping element 14 of
the example embodiment of cable gripping device 10 shown in FIGS.
1A-1B. In this embodiment, gripping element 14 includes a piercing
member 50 configured to pierce an outer coating or outer layer of
the cable 20 upon tightening of the gripping element 14 onto the
cable 20, e.g., to provide conductive contact with cable 20.
Gripping element 14 may provide any suitable number of piercing
elements, in any suitable shape and size. Further, either a single
gripping element 14 or multiple gripping elements 14 may include
such piercing element(s).
[0040] As discussed above, the device may include a frictional
self-locking connection to prevent or resist the gripping elements
from backing off (i.e., loosening) after being tightened around a
cable. In addition, or alternatively, some embodiments may include
other devices for preventing or resisting the gripping elements
from backing off (i.e., loosening) from a tightened position around
a cable and/or for preventing or resisting the gripping elements
from being further tightened around the cable. For example, such
devices may include a locking screw and/or a locking ring, e.g., as
discussed below.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an example cable gripping device 10
including a locking ring 52 and/or a locking screw 54 for resisting
opening or loosening of gripping device 10, according to an example
embodiment of the disclosure. Some embodiments may include locking
ring 52, other embodiments may include locking screw 54, and other
embodiments may include both locking ring 52 and locking screw
54.
[0042] FIG. 9 illustrate a three-dimensional cross-sectional view
of example cable gripping device 10 of FIG. 8, illustrating locking
ring 52 for resisting opening or loosening of gripping device 10.
Similarly, FIG. 10 illustrate a three-dimensional cross-sectional
view of example cable gripping device 10 of FIG. 8, illustrating
locking screw 54 for resisting opening or loosening of gripping
device 10.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, locking ring 52 may have a
threaded inner surface 55 that forms a threaded connection with a
threaded outer surface 56 of device body 12. Locking ring 52 may
thus be rotated relative to device body 12 to cause locking body 52
to move axially toward or away from gripping element housing 16. In
particular, locking ring 52 may be tightened by rotating locking
ring 52 in a first direction that moves locking body 52 axially
into contact with gripping element housing 16, and further to push
gripping element housing 16 upward, which may create friction or
other forces between elements of device 10 (e.g., forces between
securing ring 18, gripping element housing 16, and device body 12)
that resist or prevent rotation of gripping element housing 16
relative to device body 12. Locking ring 52 may be loosened by
rotating locking ring 52 in the oppose direction, such that
gripping element housing 16 is again free to rotate relative to
device body 12. In some embodiments, an upper surface 61 of locking
ring 52 and/or a corresponding mating surface 63 of gripping
element housing 16 may be roughened, knurled or otherwise contoured
to provide increased friction between locking ring 52 and gripping
element housing 16.
[0044] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, locking screw 54 may be
located in a threaded opening 58 formed in gripping element housing
16. Locking screw 54 may be tightened downwardly into frictional
contact with a surface of device body 12, which may act to prevent
or resist rotation of gripping element housing 16 relative to
device body 12. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of screw 54
and/or corresponding contact surface of body 12 may be roughened,
knurled or otherwise contoured to provide increased friction
between locking screw 54 and gripping element housing 16.
[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of another example
cable gripping device 10', which includes gripping elements 14'
that move both radially and longitudinally with respect to a
longitudinal axis A', according to an example embodiment of the
disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the example device
10' of FIG. 11, with portions removed to show a cross-sectional
view of a section of the example device 10'.
[0046] In this embodiment, gripping elements 14' may be guided
between a conical inner guide structure 64' and an outer housing
defined by gripping element housing 16' and a conical guide element
60'. Conical inner guide structure 64' may be integral with, or
rigidly coupled to, device body 12'. Conical guide element 60' may
be integral with, or rigidly coupled to, device body 12', or
alternatively, conical guide element 60' may be rotationally
coupled to device body 12'. Conical guide element 60' may also
rotate relative to gripping element housing 16'. In another
embodiment, gripping element housing 16' and conical guide element
60' may be formed integrally or otherwise rigidly coupled to each
other, and rotatably coupled to device body 12'.
[0047] As shown, each gripping element 14' may include a threaded
surface 26' on a radially outer surface of element 14', which
interacts with a corresponding threaded surface 24' on a radially
inner surface of gripping element housing 16'. Threaded surfaces
24' and/or 26' may comprise circular, spiral, or any other types of
threads, e.g., as discussed above.
[0048] Device 10' may include any suitable number of gripping
elements 14', such as in the embodiments discussed above. Device
10' may also include any suitable guide structures or elements to
guide the movement of gripping elements 14'. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, guide element 60' may include guide
elements 62', and inner guide structure 64' may include guide
elements 66', which guide elements 62' and 66' may act to guide
gripping elements 14' longitudinally relative to longitudinal axis
A' as gripping element housing 16' is rotated relative to device
body 12'.
[0049] In operation, gripping element housing 16' is rotated
relative to device body 12', which causes gripping elements 14' to
move both radially and longitudinally with respect to longitudinal
axis A', as gripping elements 14' are guided between the guide
structures 64', 16', and 60', due to the interaction between
threaded surfaces 24' and 26'. In this manner, gripping elements
14' may be tightened around a cable (not shown) positioned between
the gripping elements 14'. In some embodiments, device 10' may be
hand-tightened and/or may provide a frictional self-locking
connection such that when gripping elements 14' are tightened in a
first direction, they are prevented or restricted by frictional
forces from automatically releasing in the opposite direction
(i.e., loosening). Thus, in some embodiments, device 10' may be
hand-tightened onto the cable, and remain tight afterwards (i.e.,
without becoming loosened).
[0050] In other embodiments, gripping elements 14', gripping
element housing 16', and guide element 60' and 64' may be
configured to interact with each other in any other suitable manner
in order to provide the desired movement of gripping elements 14'.
For example, one or both of guide element 60' and 64' may include
threaded surfaces to engage with threads 26' of gripping elements
14'. In such embodiments, threaded surface 24' may be removed from
gripping element housing 16', as guide element 60' and/or 64' may
provide the needed interaction with gripping elements 14'. It
should be understood that any other interaction between gripping
elements 14', gripping element housing 16', guide element 60',
and/or guide element 64' that would be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art for providing the desired movement of
gripping elements 14' may alternatively be provided.
[0051] Although the disclosed embodiments are described in detail
in the present disclosure, it should be understood that various
changes, substitutions and alterations can be made to the
embodiments without departing from their spirit and scope.
* * * * *