U.S. patent number 3,627,300 [Application Number 05/020,926] was granted by the patent office on 1971-12-14 for wire cable harness assembly apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Panduit. Invention is credited to Jack E. Caveney, Raymond F. Roberson, Joseph S. Rohaly.
United States Patent |
3,627,300 |
Caveney , et al. |
December 14, 1971 |
WIRE CABLE HARNESS ASSEMBLY APPARATUS
Abstract
A holder for forming a plurality of strands of wire into a
bundle for assembling a cable harness. The holder includes a frame
having relatively movable arms of which the ends are in spaced
relationship. An elastic band is fastened on the frame to yieldably
hold the ends spaced and provide a cradle for the wires.
Inventors: |
Caveney; Jack E. (Chicago,
IL), Roberson; Raymond F. (Tinley Park, IL), Rohaly;
Joseph S. (Alsip, IL) |
Assignee: |
Panduit (Tinley Park,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
21801324 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/020,926 |
Filed: |
March 19, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
269/131; 24/132R;
53/390; 248/68.1; 24/482; 100/7; 269/218; 269/221; 269/224;
269/238; 269/254R; 269/267; 269/274; 269/275; 269/286; 269/287 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L
3/1066 (20130101); H01B 13/01209 (20130101); B65B
27/10 (20130101); H02G 3/32 (20130101); F16L
3/233 (20130101); Y10T 24/3936 (20150115); Y10T
24/44231 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
H01B
13/012 (20060101); F16L 3/233 (20060101); H01B
13/00 (20060101); F16L 3/10 (20060101); B65B
27/00 (20060101); B65B 27/10 (20060101); F16L
3/22 (20060101); B65b 027/10 (); B65b 067/00 ();
F16l 003/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;24/16PB,73SA,73PB,81PE,243K,257,132 ;29/23MW ;53/3,148,198,390
;100/7,26,212 ;214/6H ;248/60,61,68,309 ;269/130,131,132,287
;294/87,106 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: McGehee; Travis S.
Assistant Examiner: Abrams; Neil
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A holder for retaining objects comprising a frame, a pair of
arms on said frame terminating in opposing spaced ends, said arms
being movable relative to each other to vary the spacing between
said opposing ends from a normal retaining position to an insertion
or removal position, and an elastic band embracing said arms and
spanning said ends for receiving objects inserted between said ends
and for yieldably holding said arms in said retaining position to
prevent inadvertent removal of said objects.
2. The holder as defined in claim 1 wherein said arms are
bellcranks pivotally mounted on said frame and have second
depending arms, and wherein said elastic band is operative to
restrain said second arms against turning about said pivot means
thereby to maintain said first mentioned arms in said retaining
position.
3. The holder as defined in claim 1 wherein said first mentioned
arms are each formed with a slot adjacent said ends, and wherein
said elastic band is inserted through said slots so as to underlie
said ends of said first mentioned arms and to span said space.
4. The holder as defined in claim 2 wherein said elastic band is
connected to the ends of said second depending arms for yieldably
positioning said first mentioned arms in said retaining
position.
5. The holder as defined in claim 2 wherein said pivot mounting
means comprises pivot pins disposed in elongated slots whereby said
pivot pins are free to be moved in said slots to a position wherein
an object may be removed from between said arms, and wherein said
band is operative to yieldably return said arms to the retaining
position.
6. The holder as defined in claim 5 wherein stops are mounted on
said frame and said elastic band is operative to yieldably hold
said depending arms against said stops thereby to position said
first mentioned arms in said retaining position.
7. The holder as defined in claim 6 wherein said stops are flexible
so as to be displaceable and ineffective with respect to said
second arms of said bellcranks when returning said first mentioned
arms from said removal to said retaining position.
8. The holder as defined in claim 2 wherein said frame includes a
pair of upstanding spaced walls, and wherein at least one of said
arms is a crank arm having a second depending arm, and said elastic
band is wrapped about said depending arm to maintain said first
mentioned arm in said retaining position.
9. The holder as defined in claim 8 wherein one of said arms is
fixedly and rigidly secured to said frame. 10The holder as defined
in claim 2 wherein
said elastic band is a strap attached at each end to said frame.
11. The holder as defined in claim 2 wherein said elastic band is a
continuous
band. 12. The holder as defined in claim 2 wherein said second
depending
arms are connected by a spring extending therebetween. 13. The
holder as defined in claim 1 wherein said arms are flexible and
said elastic band is
attached to yieldably hold said ends in said retaining position.
14. The holder as defined in claim 13 wherein a gate is pivotally
attached to one of said arms for insertion between said arms when
an object is inserted therebetween to prevent inadvertent removal
of objects through said space
between said ends. 15. The holder as defined in claim 13 wherein a
pair of resilient blocks are fastened to said arms adjacent said
ends and disposed to provide a restricted slit through which said
objects are inserted, and said elastic band extends through said
blocks and spans said slit to
receive said objects. 16. The holder as defined in claim 15 wherein
said band extends through said slit and forms a loop at the inner
end thereof.
7. The holder as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said arms
comprises a
fixed portion of said frame. 18. The holder as defined in claim 1
wherein
said elastic band is adapted to receive and retain wires in a
bundle. 19. The holder as defined in claim 1 wherein said elastic
band includes two elements comprising resilient material for
elasticity, and
nonresilient material for limited extensibility. 20. A holder for
retaining objects comprising a frame, a pair of arms on said frame
terminating in opposing spaced ends, said arms being movable
relative to each other to vary the spacing between said opposing
ends from a normal retaining position to an insertion or removal
position, and an elastic band embracing said arms and directly
spanning said ends for receiving a varying number and size of
objects inserted between said ends and for holding said objects.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electric wire harnesses, more
particularly to a new and improved apparatus to facilitate the
fabricating of wire harnesses.
Wire harnesses are commonly fabricated on a jig board on which are
mounted various wire-holding devices. In practice, wires are
inserted into these devices one at a time, and these devices must
hold each wire in its installed location while the harness is being
fabricated. When all wires have been so located, those wires lying
on a common path are bound together with strap or string, or the
like into a completed wire harness which is then removed from the
jig board and installed in its intended end use.
Many existing wire holding devices do not hold such groups of wires
into a circular grouping which is most desirable to insure that
binding devices will remain snug after the wire harness is removed
from the jig board. For example, if a group of wires is not
circular when a binder is applied, the binder will subsequently be
loose when the wire harness is removed from the jig board and the
wires are free to assume a circular grouping. Also, in addition to
the foregoing, it is highly desirable to retain the wires at a
distance from the jig board to facilitate the looping of a binder
strap around the wires and to allow appropriate buildup of a round
group of wires.
Further, it is an object of this invention to provide a wire bundle
retainer which will accommodate a wide range of bundle sizes and to
hold irregularly shaped objects. Also, it is an object of this
invention to provide a retainer having an elastic for gripping
objects which has a limiting elastic characteristic which will
provide nonelastic strength after a predetermined elastic
stretch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By the present invention it is proposed to provide a wire cable
forming device which overcomes the difficulties encountered
heretofore in forming and maintaining a tight bundle during the
formation of a cable harness assembly.
In accordance with the present invention, this is accomplished by a
wire cable forming device including a frame having a pair of
opposing arms of which the ends are spaced and movable relative to
each other to permit the insertion of wire strands therebetween. A
resilient band is attached to said base and disposed on the arms to
span the space between the latter to yieldably maintain the arms in
closely spaced relation to prevent strands of wires from passing
upwardly through the space. The band is also arranged so as to
retain a bundle of wires tightly gripped below the underside of the
arms after the strands of wire are inserted between the spaced
ends.
In one form of the invention, bellcranks pivotally mounted on the
frame, provide opposing arms of which the wire strand restraining
ends are movable between a closely spaced position to a widely
spaced position. The pivotal mounting of the arms is such that upon
the insertion of a strand or a bundle of wires in the cradle formed
by a resilient band spanning the space between the adjacent ends of
the arms, the band yieldly draws the opposing strand restraining
arms inwardly to lock the arms against inadvertent outward pivoting
to an open position through which the bundle or a wire strand may
be inadvertently ejected and holds the strands of wire in a compact
tight group.
In a further form of the invention, the strand restraining arms are
yieldably restrained against outward movement by lock pin means
engageable with other arms of the bellcrank. The bellcranks are
mounted so that the arms may be moved out of engagement with the
lock pin means to permit outward movement of the arms and removal
of an assembled bundle.
In another form of the invention, the arms are made from a flexible
material and fixed at one end to a base. The other ends of the arms
are spaced. The resilient band is arranged to span the ends of the
arms and to yieldably hold the ends of the arms in a wire-retaining
position.
As a further adjunct to the foregoing embodiment one of the arms
may have a gate pivotally attached adjacent one end. The gate is
insertable between the yieldable arms to restrict the passageway
between the spaced ends.
A still further embodiment of the invention similar to the
immediate foregoing embodiments includes resilient and compressible
material disposed between the space between the ends of the
yieldable arms. The compressible material is arranged to provide a
slit through which the wires are inserted into the loop formed by
the resilient band spanning the spaced ends of the arms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a wire bundle
assembly apparatus illustrating the principles of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the apparatus of this invention
sectioned along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 showing the normal, unsprung,
wire-retaining position of the elements thereof with a bundle or
single wire positioned for insertion therein.
FIG. 3 is an elevation sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
1 showing the sprung position of the retaining arms thereof and a
bundle inserted in the apparatus substantially beyond the retaining
arms.
FIG. 4 is an elevation sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
1 showing the position of the elements of the apparatus with a
bundle retained therein, with a supplemental showing of the extent
to which the retaining arms can pivot from the normal unsprung
position without overcoming the retention action of stop pins.
FIG. 5 is an elevation sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
2 showing the sprung and unsprung positions of the retaining arms
when a single wire is urged into a retained bundle.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 1 showing
two positions of the retaining arms as a bundle is retracted from
the apparatus.
FIG. 7 is an elevation sectional view showing another embodiment of
the apparatus of this invention and illustrating a variation in the
application of the elastic band thereof.
FIG. 8 is an elevation sectional view of another embodiment of the
apparatus of this invention showing one movable retaining arm with
a stationary retaining arm, and illustrated insertion and
retraction of a bundle therebetween.
FIG. 9 is an elevation sectional view of another embodiment of the
apparatus of this invention showing the variation and utilization
of the application of the elastic spring therefor and illustrating
a bundle (or a single wire) before insertion, after insertion, and
normal retained position therein.
FIG. 10 is another elevation sectional view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 9 showing two illustrative positions of the
elements thereof as a bundle is removed from the apparatus.
FIG. 11 is an elevation sectional view of another embodiment of the
apparatus of this invention showing the two illustrative positions
of the retaining arms with respect to a resilient leaf stop during
entry of a bundle for retention.
FIG. 12 is an elevation sectional view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 11 showing the illustrative position of the
elements thereof as a bundle is removed from the apparatus.
FIG. 13 is an elevation sectional view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 11 showing the interreaction and relative
position of the retaining arms and the resilient leaf stop when the
retaining arms are returned to the normal unsprung position.
FIG. 14 is a plan sectional view of another embodiment of this
invention illustrating a single elastic band around the elements
thereof and showing four illustrative positions of the retaining
arms, namely sprung, normal, partially released, and fully released
positions.
FIG. 15 is an elevation plan view of another embodiment of the
apparatus of this invention illustrating a single elastic band
doubly applied directly across the retaining arm stops with the
retaining arms in normal position and retaining a bundle and
illustrating an alternate spring application between the retaining
arms.
FIG. 16 is a partially sectioned elevation view of another
embodiment of the apparatus of this invention showing resilient
retaining arms movable between a locked position to an open
position as the bundle (or a single wire) is inserted
therebetween.
FIG. 17 is a partially sectioned elevation view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 16 showing illustrative positions of the
retaining arms as a bundle is moved from the retained position to
the released position.
FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the
apparatus of this invention similar to the one in FIGS. 16 and
17.
FIG. 19 is a partially sectioned elevation view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 18 showing a wire (or bundle) positioned
against the gate for insertion into the apparatus.
FIG. 20 is a partially sectioned elevation view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 18 showing the position of the retaining arms
and the gate with respect to a bundle (or a single wire) being
inserted therein.
FIG. 21 is a partial elevation view of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 18 showing the reaction between the gate and a bundle (or
single wire) as the bundle is removed from the apparatus.
FIG. 22 is a partially sectioned elevation view showing the
interreaction of a wire or bundle inserted in an elastic band
positioned over resilient retaining arms and blocks.
FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of a modification of an
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 showing the elastic band threaded
through the arms.
FIG. 24 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIG. 22 showing illustrative positions of
the elastic before and after the insertion of a wire or a
bundle.
FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a single-piece frame embodiment of
the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIGS. 1-6 there is shown a preferred embodiment of
a wire bundle retaining and forming apparatus or holder 10 for use
with a wiring harness jig board to form tight and compact bundles
of wires of substantially circular cross section or to retain other
items. One example would be a plurality of the holders 10 adapted
to be suitably fixed in predetermined spaced relationship, as by
bolting on a jig board or the like (not shown). Strands of wires
are then assembled in the holders on the jig board to form tight
bundles which are secured together by conventional straps, binders,
or the like (not shown) to aid in the formation of wire cable
harnesses. The formed wire cable harnesses are then removed from
the holders 10 on the jig board for subsequent installation in the
equipment in which the harness or harnesses are to be used or
incorporated. The wire cable harnesses are preferably formed in a
tight wire bundle of substantially circular cross sections.
The holder 10 includes a frame 11 which may be made, as by casting
a pair of symmetrical parts 11a and 11b, (FIG. 1) which are
assembled in abutting relationship along a longitudinal plane by
means of rivets 12. The frame 11, as illustrated, includes a
two-part base 13 having openings 14 at each end for accommodating
fastening means, such as screws or the like, for fastening the
holder assembly 10 on a harness jig board.
Projecting upwardly from opposed major sides of the base 13 of
frame 11 are a pair of spaced upstanding walls 15 (FIG. 1).
Extending transversely between the walls 15 along each end are
complementary bosses 16 through which the rivets 12 extend joining
the halves 11a and 11b. The walls 15 are each formed with a
substantially U-shaped cutout portion 17 which defines a pair of
upright spaced legs 18a-18b on each of the walls 15a-15b.
Bellcranks 20 are pivotally mounted adjacent and between the upper
ends of the complementary legs 18a of wall 15a and 18b of wall 15b
by means of respective horizontal pins 19. The bellcranks 20 each
include a retainer arm 21 formed integral with a depending arm 22
extending generally normally thereto. The retainer arms 21 are each
adapted to overlie the opening defined by cutouts 17 with free
pinlike ends 23 thereof normally disposed in closely spaced
relationship as hereinafter discussed. The depending arms 22 of
bellcranks 20 are adapted to be normally respectively disposed
between the legs 18. It is to be noted that the pivot pins 19 are
fastened to, and project from bellcranks 20 and are movably
disposed in vertically elongated slots 24 formed in legs 18. This
pin and slot relationship assists in maintaining the arms 21
normally disposed over the wire bundle, as more fully explained
hereinafter.
A longitudinally extensible elastic or resilient band 25 which may
have a predetermined limited extensibility and that has a width
which spans the space 23a (FIG. 3) between the respective ends 23
of the retainer arms 21, is normally positioned over the bellcranks
20, and serves as a wire bundle cradle. Each end of the band 25 is
formed with a loop 26 which is inserted over a pin 27 (FIG. 3)
extending between frame halves 11a and 11b adjacent the lower
portion thereof. The band 25 is then wrapped over pins 28 extending
across surface 29 formed in the depending arms 22 of the bellcranks
20. Thereafter, the band 25 is positioned about pins 30 disposed on
the frame 11a-11b, inwardly of, and above the pins 27. A stop pin
31, mounted on legs 18, engages the band 25 prior to being disposed
against a surface 29a of the arm 22 of the bellcranks 20. The band
25 is disposed through slots 32 spaced adjacent to the free ends 23
of the arms 21, is retained by pin ends 23 upwardly thereof, spans
the space 23a between the closely adjacent free ends 23.
The band 25 is tensioned to apply a force tending to maintain the
ends 23 of the arms 21 normally in a horizontal position against
upward and downward movement as shown in FIG. 2. In this
connection, it is to be noted that the pins 31 are disposed in
close proximity to the lower end of the depending arms 22 in the
normal position (FIGS. 2 and 4). When thus positioned, the band 25
is operative to apply a force on the ends 22 tending to prevent
inward rocking movement thereof toward the center line 25a (FIG.
2). This tends to maintain the arms 22 normally positioned as shown
in FIG. 2.
The holder 10, as shown, is adapted for receiving either individual
strands of wire to initiate the formation of a harness cable or to
receive additional wires being added to a partially completed
bundle of wires. A partially completed bundle B is shown (except
FIG. 5), in phantom, and to which there is to be added one or more
additional wires. The partially completed bundle B is used herein
only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the
operation of the holder 10.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the partially assembled bundle B is shown
positioned on the upper surface of the retainer arms 21 of the
bellcranks 20 is their normal stable position. The bundle B is
pushed downwardly against the upper surface of ends 23 adjacent the
portion of the band 25 spanning the space 23a causing the
bellcranks 20 to pivot about the pins 19 whereupon arms 21 turn
inwardly, as shown (FIG. 3) towards the U-shaped cutout 17 against
the opposing resilient force exerted by the elastic band 25. It is
to be noted that under these conditions, the ends 23 of the arms 21
are spaced sufficiently so that the bundle B is cradled on band 25.
When the wire or bundle is moved inwardly beyond the ends 23 of
arms 21, the arms 21 return to the full line position (FIG. 4) and
the bundle B will be trapped below the arms 21.
As shown in FIG. 5 a strand of wire W is then placed on the arms 21
and pushed downwardly whereupon the arms 21 pivotally move to the
full line position. As the arms 21 move downwardly, the elastic
band 25 is tautly disposed about the wires already in the bundle B
so that the cross section configuration of the bundle B remains
substantially circular; after the wire W is inserted in the bundle
and the externally applied force is removed the arms 21 return to
the position of FIG. 4 with the bundle and added wire W disposed
below the arms 21. At the same time it is to be noted that the wire
W inserted into the bundle B is disposed in engagement between the
ends 23 of the arms 21 so that inadvertent displacement of any of
the other wires from its position in the bundle is prevented. Also,
when band 25 is provided with the limited extensibility, band 25
will limit the size of bundle B according to the maximum
extensibility thereof. After insertion of the wire W the arms 21
return to the full line position of FIG. 2.
After a bundle has been completed, one or more suitable straps (not
shown) are fastened about the wires of the bundle B to retain them
in position and thereby form a wire cable harness. The cable
harness H is now ready for removal from the holder 10 (FIG. 6).
Removal is accomplished by pulling upwardly on the cable harness H.
As the completed harness H is forced upwardly, the bellcrank pivot
pins 19 also slide upwardly in the slots 24 so that the bellcranks
20 are now spaced a greater distance above the pins 31 than before
(FIG. 3). This permits easier pivoting movement of the bellcranks
20. Further upward pulling of the harness 11 causes the arms 21 to
assume the position shown in phantom lines so that the harness 11
is free to be extracted from the holder 10. The pivoting movement
of the bellcranks 20 is resisted by the elastic band 25 so that
upon removal of the bundle, the elastic band is automatically
operative to return the bellcranks beyond pins 31 to the normal
position (FIG. 2).
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a modified arrangement for
threading the elastic band 25 on the holder 10. As shown, the
looped ends 26 of the band 25 are attached to the studs 30 so that
the closely disposed runs of the band lie adjacent to the bosses
16.
FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein the
parts similar to parts of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 have been
designated alike. The holder 50 comprises a frame 51 made of two
longitudinal symmetrical halves 51a which are joined together by
rivets 52 extending through bosses 53. The bosses 53 are formed on
a base 54 from the sides of which there are upstanding sidewalls 56
having U-shaped cutouts 57. Pivotally mounted on one leg 58
defining the U-shaped cutout 57 is a bellcrank 20. A horizontally
disposed arm 61 is fixedly secured to the other leg. The fixed arm
61 is formed with a slot 62 adjacent the end 63.
An elastic band 25 is trained over the studs 27, 30 and 31 and over
the bellcrank pin 28 and through the slots 32 and 62 similarly to
embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. Thereafter the elastic band 25 is thread
through the slot 62 of the stationary arm 61 and over the outer end
thereof and finally looped and fixed on a stud 65.
The elastic band 25 is tensioned so that the arms 21 of the
bellcrank normally assumes the position shown in the phantom line
designated A. The insertion of the bundle B (or single wire) is
accomplished by forcing the arm 21 downwardly so that the bellcrank
arm 20 is rocked on pivot pin 19 received in the slot 24 to the
full line position shown. Upon release of the insertion force, the
bundle B returns to the phantom line position designated B. In this
position, additional individual strands of wire may be inserted in
the manner described in connection with FIGS. 1-6. To remove the
completed harness, the bundle is pulled upwardly so that the arm 21
assumes the position shown in the phantom line position designated
C. In this position, the bundle B is free to be removed. After
removal of the bundle B, band 25 returns arm 21 to the phantom
position A.
A further embodiment of a wire bundle holder 110 is illustrated in
FIG. 9 and 10. The holder 110 comprises a frame 111 formed from a
pair of symmetrical half frames 111a of which one-half is shown.
The frame 111 includes a base 112 at the ends of which there is
formed a pair of bosses 113 through which rivets extend to join the
frame halves 111a.
Extending upwardly from the sides of the base 112 are sidewalls
114. The sidewalls 114 are each formed with a U-shaped cutout 115
defined by legs 116. Each of the legs 116 is formed with an
elongated slot 117 adjacent the upper end thereof. Turnably seated
in the elongated slot 117 are pivot pins 118 fixed to bellcranks
119. The bellcranks 119 each include an arm 120 for retaining a
wire bundle confined in the U-shaped cutout 115 and a downwardly
depending arm 121. The retaining arms 120 are formed with slots 122
adjacent the ends 123 thereof. As shown, the ends 123 of the arms
are in closely spaced and opposing relationship.
The depending arms 121 are formed adjacent the ends thereof with
recesses 124 through which pins 125 extend. Stop or lock pins 126
are disposed in the path of rotation of the ends of depending arms
121 when the pivot pins 118 are located in the lower portion of the
pivot slots 117. The lock pins 126 serve to prevent inward rocking
movement of the depending arms 121 so that retainer arms 121 are
restrained from moving to the position shown in phantom in FIG.
10.
A continuous elastic band 128 is anchored on pins 127, positioned
between pins 125 and 126, around pins 125 through slots 124, and
adjacent the band 128 on pins 126 and 127. A second elastic band
129 is positioned under and partially around band 128, cranks 119,
through slots 122 and across the opening between crank 119. Elastic
band 128 is tensioned adequately to normally hold the bellcranks
119 with the retainer arms 120 positioned as shown in full lines in
FIG. 9. The doubled bands 128 and 129 in the lower portion provides
additional specific restraint against outward rotation of the lower
arms 121.
To insert a wire or bundle B into the holder 110, B is positioned
as shown in FIG. 9 on the retainer arms 120. The bundle or wire B
is forced downwardly to the position shown in phantom lines
whereupon the bellcrank 119 rotates to the phantom position. When
the wire or bundle B is moved inwardly beyond the ends 123 of arms
119, the bundle B and the arms 119 will tend to return to the full
line position. The wires are inserted in substantially the same
manner as illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 5 of
the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. It is to be noted however that after
insertion of a wire, the retainer arms 120 are restrained against
outward movement by the lock pins 126.
To remove the harness H from the assembly 110 the latter is pulled
upwardly causing the pivot pins 118 to slide upwardly in the slots
117 so that the ends of the depending arms 121 clear the lock pins
126. Upon further upward pulling on the bundle B the arms 121 are
free to rotate toward each other while the retainer arms 120 rotate
away from each other as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 10. In this
position of the arms 120, the bundle B is free to be removed from
the holder 110.
In a further embodiment of holder 150 illustrated in FIGS. 11 and
12 the multiple layer elastic band arrangement has been eliminated.
The holder 150 is similar in some respects to the holder 100 of
embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10 and includes an identical frame 110.
The elements which are identical to those of FIGS. 9 and 10 are
identified by like reference characters. The bellcrank 151 includes
the retainer arms 120 and downwardly depending arms 152. The
bellcrank 151 is pivotally mounted on the frame 111 in the same
manner as described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10 by means of
pivot pins 118 turnable and slidably in slots 117 formed on the
legs 116.
Fixed to the outer surfaces of the depending arms 152 are the ends
of an elastic band 153 which is positioned over studs 154 the arms
152, retainer arms 120 and through the slots 122 formed adjacent to
the ends of the latter. The elastic band is tensioned to hold the
arms against a flexible stop 154.
The flexible stop 154 is made from plastic or the like and includes
a central attachment means 155 fixed to the frame 116. Extending
from the attachment means 155 are resilient leaves 156 which
terminate in horizontal posts 157. The posts 157 engage the ends of
the arms 152 and serves as a stop as shown in FIG. 11. The flexible
leaves 156 are stiffened by pins 158 fixed to the frame and
disposed intermediate the ends thereof.
The bundle B and wires are inserted into the holder 150 in the same
manner as discussed above in connection with the embodiment of
FIGS. 9 and 10. Upon insertion of the bundle B into the fixture the
retainer arms 120 assume the position shown in serve phantom lines
in FIG. 11. Upon release of the inserted bundle B the retainer arms
120 return to the full line position of FIG. 12.
When the cable harness assembly H is completed and secured with
cable straps, the harness assembly H is removed by pulling
upwardly, the upward pulling causes the pivot pins 118 to ride
upwardly in the slots 117, whereupon the ends of the depending arms
152 clear the posts 157. This permits the bell cranks 151 to assume
the position shown in phantom in FIG. 12 so that the bundle B may
be removed.
After removal of the cable harness H the elastic band 153 is
operative to return the arms 120 to the full line position of FIG.
13. In this position the arms 120 engage the posts 157 on the
inboard side thereof and thereby prevent return to the locked
position. Return to locked position is accomplished by pushing
downwardly adjacent the ends of arms 121 whereupon the leaves 156
are flexed downwardly by the depending arms 152 as shown in phantom
lines. The ends of depending arms 152 then return to the locked
position shown in FIG. 11.
Referring now to FIG. 14 there is shown another embodiment of a
bundle holder 200 comprising a base 201 having upstanding posts 202
adjacent each end thereof. Each of the posts 202 is formed with
elongated slots 203 in which there is pivotally received pivot pins
204 of bellcranks 205. The bellcranks 205 each include a retaining
arm 206 and a downwardly depending arm 207. Fixed to the posts 202
are stop pins 208 which are engageable with the ends of the
downwardly depending arms 207.
A continuous elastic band 209 embraces the base 201 and the
bellcrank arms 207 and 206 to normally hold the depending arms 207
in engagement with the stop pins 208. A bundle of wires B is
inserted into the holder 200 by forcing the arms 206 downwardly to
the position shown in the phantom lines designated A. Upon release
of the downward force the bundle B returns to the full line
position. Strands of wire may then be inserted into a similar
manner.
Removal of a cable harness H is accomplished by lifting the harness
upwardly. This causes the ends of the arms 207 to be elevated above
the stop pins 208 so that further upward movement permits the
bellcrank to rotate so that the retainer arms 206 assume the
phantom line position designated C. The retainer arms 206 are
sufficiently spread to allow removal of the completed harness.
FIG. 15 illustrates a modification of the structure shown in FIG.
14. In this arrangement a continuous elastic band 210 is disposed
in direct embracing relationship about the bellcranks 205. To
assure that the depending arms 207 are retained against the stop
pins 206, the elastic 210 is doubled at 211. Alternatively, or in
addition thereto, a spring 212 as shown in phantom.
Referring now to FIGS. 16-24 there is shown further embodiments of
a cable assembly holder embodying the principles of the present
invention. Common to each of the different embodiments are a pair
of resilient opposing arms which are movable to permit the
insertion and removal of wires and a bundle of wires to form an
electrical cable harness.
FIGS. 16 and 17 disclose one modification comprising a base 250 on
which there is suitably attached a substantially U-shaped yoke 251.
The yoke 251 includes a pair of bowed arms 252 each of which
terminate at the upper end 253 thereof in outwardly diverging limbs
254. The diverging limbs 254 provide a guide or seat for inserting
wires or a bundle of wires into the holder. The arms 252 are formed
so as to be yieldable so that the spacing at the ends 253 may be
increased to permit the insertion and removal of the wires.
Also yieldably restraining the arms 252 against outward movement is
an elastic strap 255 of which the ends are fastened to opposite
sides of the base. The elastic strap 255 is positioned through
openings or slots 256 formed adjacent the ends 253 and is applied
in tension to maintain the ends 253 in closely spaced relationship
to preclude inadvertent ejection of wires therethrough as more
fully to be explained hereinafter.
To insert a wire bundle B into the holder 250 the bundle is
initially seated on the diverging limbs 254 as shown in FIG. 16.
Thereafter the bundle B is pushed downwardly so that the arms 252
are spread against the force exerted by the elastic strap 255 and
into cradling engagement with the elastic strap 255 as shown in
phantom lines. Upon release of the pushing force the bundle B is
returned and urged to the full line position shown in FIG. 17 by
the elastic strap 255. Additional strands of wire may then be added
to the bundle B. It is to be noted that the elastic band 255 serves
to maintain the bundle tight while wires are being added.
FIGS. 18-21 disclose a modification of the holder 250 shown in
FIGS. 16 and 17. To assure that the holder is capable of retaining
wire having wider tolerances there is provided a movable gate 260
in the form of a rod 261. The rod 261 is pivotally secured to the
limb 254 in a slot 262 by means of a looped wire 263. Upon
insertion of a wire or bundle B the gate 260 is turned inwardly to
the position shown in FIG. 20. The gate 260 thus restricts passage
through the space between the ends 253 so that a wire may not
inadvertently be released therethrough.
The bundle B is initially inserted into the holder to the position
shown in phantom lines by applying a downward force. The bundle
returns to the position shown in full lines under the force exerted
by the elastic strap 252. Insertion of individual wires is
accomplished in substantially the same manner. Removal of a
completed cable harness is accomplished by lifting the bundle
upwardly through the space between ends 253, whereupon the gate 260
is moved upwardly as shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 22 shows another embodiment 300 of a holder wherein the arms
301 of a yoke 302 are generally arcuate and terminate in spaced
ends 303. Suitably adhered to underside of the arms 302 are a pair
of blocks 304 of a suitable resilient material such as sponge
rubber or the like. The blocks 304 are formed with flat faces which
are maintained in spaced relation to provide a slit 305 through
which single or bundle of wires may be inserted. An elastic band
306 is inserted through passages 304a in blocks 304 to form a loop
306a below the wire entry slit 305. Individual strands of wire may
then be inserted through the slit 306 and into loop 306a formed by
the elastic band 306 to form a retained bundle as shown in phantom
(FIG. 22).
FIG. 23 discloses another variation of the embodiment shown in FIG.
22 and has a slot 307 formed in arms 301a to provide a guide
through which the elastic band 306 passes and is inserted through
the passages 304a in the resilient blocks 304.
FIG. 24 discloses still another variation of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 22 and has the elastic band 306 positioned over the ends
303 of arms 301 and directly in slit 305 between the blocks
304.
FIG. 25 further discloses still another embodiment of the invention
and includes a frame 310 having resilient arms 311 with spaced ends
312. An elastic band 313 is positioned through slot 311 in frame
310, around arms 313, and adapted to receive and retain wires or
other objects through arm ends 312 as shown.
In a further modification the elastic band 306 may be directly
inserted through the slit 305 in the block as shown in FIG. 24.
Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims, particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is
regarded as the invention.
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