Aerial cable hanger

Abstract

An aerial cable hanger which comprises a modular design so that it can be easily adapted to a wide variety of cable quantities and types while maintaining ready access to individual wires is disclosed. The aerial cable hanger comprising of a hanger member, a hook member provided on said hanger member, a helix-shaped messenger attachment member provided on said hanger member, and a plurality of modules mounted on said hanger member. The module comprises a formed wire body, an overmolded saddle, and a curved inner surface adapted to provide support for cables without damaging their insulation.

Description

[0001]AERIAL CABLE HANGER TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to a supporting device, more particularly to an aerial cable hanger. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many developing countries there is a serious problem with regards to legacy aerial mounted telecommunications cabling. Due to lack of historical regulation and enforcement, combined with the recent rapid expansion of communications companies, aerial telecom wiring has become a virtual spaghetti monster. It plagues the skies of many countries, most especially their large urban centers with high density residential occupancy. One of the key missing ingredients for addressing this problem has been the lack of a suitable cable management system tailored to the unique characteristics and challenges facing this effort. Typical aerial cable supporting devices suspend power, telecommunication, CATV and similar cables in organized arrays while attached to a supporting messenger cable. Variations of this device can be adapted to secure other materials besides just wires, such as pipes, surgical tubing or other generally linear materials, can accommodate a large variety of different materials in a single configuration (e.g., different wire sizes and / or types), and can be mounted by other means than a messenger cable. In placing aerial mounted cables as in the case of installing electrical cables and telephone and other communication systems elevated on poles, it is necessary or desirable to provide a supporting mechanism for holding individual cables or several cables in bundles. This is generally accomplished by use of plastic or metal supports which mount to a messenger wire (steel tensioning cable) and provide receptacles for holding cables discretely separated from each other. One such system has been identified in Philippine Patent No 1-2018-000118. While the system described therein provides a means for ready access to suspended wires, it does not provide the key features of the present application and hence does not address the primary concerns for which the present application is designed. This existing system is ideally suited for new cabling installations and where a high degree of specificity of cable location and identification are desirable, whereas the presently targeted application is more concerned with rapid deployment, low cost, the ability to be readily fit to existing, already installed cabling, and exhibiting a high degree of stability during installation such that installers hands can remain free for maneuvering cables without having to stabilize the support system also during the procedure. Another comparable system is described in US Patent RE49,170 E (Reissue of 9,722,405) utilizing formed wire carriers (cable rings) and, optionally, formed metal saddles, in various materials and with or without various coatings. This system addresses some of the present concerns, however, retains key drawbacks which are addressed by the present invention. To resolve the drawbacks of the existing systems, there is a need for a cable hanger which can be rapidly and cost-effectively manufactured, can accommodate a wide variety of cable sizes and shapes, can be readily adapted to field conditions on the fly, can support cables with greater spacing to minimize the number of supports required, can remain self- supporting as affixed to the messenger cable and stable in a hands-free configuration during installation, is highly resistant to extreme adverse weather conditions, can resist impacts from foreign objects (e.g., moving vehicles, flying debris in storms) and is less costly and quicker to install than existing systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention serves to secure up to hundreds of cables at a time of varying sizes and types, in discreet bundles, with individual wires readily accessible without the removal or addition of any loose components in service. It is therefore the main object of the present application to provide for a cable hanger which comprises a (i) modular design so that it can be easily adapted to a wide variety of cable quantities and types while maintaining ready access to individual wires without disturbing adjacent wires and which can be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools and also (ii) a unitary design. Another object of the present application is to provide a cable hanger which has integrated means that allow for connecting multiple modules in a vertical configuration from a single messenger cable. Another object of the present application is to provide a cable hanger which can hold multiple bundles of cables in a horizontal arrangement from a single messenger cable. Another object of the present application is to provide a cable hanger with an elongated vertical member such it can suspend a second layer of cables beneath an existing layer. Another object of the present application is to provide a cable hanger capable of resisting long-term exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, heat, rain, high winds and corrosive atmospheric conditions. Another object of the present application is to provide a supporting device that can be adapted to hold a wide variety of linear materials in a variety of applications. Another object of the present application is to provide a cable supporting system that can accommodate a variety of cable types and sizes either uniformly or in a combined state. Other objects and advantages of the present application will be highly appreciated and be easily understood upon reading the detailed description taking into consideration the appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an aerial cable hanger; Figure 2 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the aerial cable hanger; Figure 3 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the aerial cable hanger; Figure 4 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the aerial cable hanger; Figures 5a – 5e are front view (a), side view (b), top view (c), bottom view (d), and perspective view (e) respectively of a hanger member provided with loop members defining thereon loop passageways used for the aerial cable hanger; Figures 6a and 6b are front view (a) and perspective view (b), respectively of another embodiment of an extended hanger member used for the aerial cable hanger; Figure 7a is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an aerial cable hanger with two modules mounted to the hanger member and with the assembly mounted on a messenger cable in a state of use; Figure 7b is a perspective view of another embodiment of an aerial cable hanger with an extended hanger member and four modules mounted to the hanger member and with the assembly mounted on a messenger cable; Figure 8 is a perspective view of an aerial cable hanger with an extended hanger member with four modules in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables of different sizes and shapes; Figure 9a and 9b are perspective views of the preferred embodiment of a module for use with a standard or extended hanger member; Figure 10a - 10d are front view (a), side view (b), top view (c), and side bottom (d), respectively of the preferred embodiment of a module; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the formed wire body of a module, before overmolding with the saddle; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the overmolded saddle, which is permanently mounted to the formed wire body by injection overmolding; Figure 13a is a perspective view showing how a module connects to a hanger member by engaging its locking hooks with loop passageways on the hanger member; Figure 13b is a perspective view showing the interlocking mechanism with two modules installed (with overmolded saddles not shown for clarity); Figure 13c is a sectional view showing the connection mechanism of two modules connected to the hanger member; Figure 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an aerial cable hanger which utilizes a narrow hanger member and with the module being overmolded to a single formed wire body rather than a double formed wire body; Figures 15a – 15d are front view (a), side view (b), bottom view (c), and top view (d) respectively of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 14; Figures 16a – 16e are front view (a), side view (b), top view (c), bottom view (d), and perspective view (e) respectively, of the narrow hanger member 20 used for the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 14; Figures 17a and 17b are perspective views of the module used for the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 14; Figure 18a - 18d are front view (a), side view (b), top view (c), and bottom view (d), respectively of the module used for the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 14; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the formed wire body of a module under the embodiment shown in Figure 14, before overmolding with the saddle; Figure 20 is a perspective view of the overmolded saddle under the embodiment shown in Figure 14, which is permanently mounted to the formed wire body by injection overmolding; Figures 21a and 21b are perspective views showing how a module connects to a hanger member under the embodiment shown in Figure 14 by engaging its locking hook with loop passageway on the hanger member; Figures 22a and 22b are perspective views showing the interlocking mechanism with two modules installed under the embodiment shown in Figure 14 (with overmolded saddles not shown for clarity); Figure 23a is a perspective view of an aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 14 with four modules mounted to the hanger member and with the assembly mounted on a messenger cable in a state of use; Figure 23b is a perspective view of an aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 14 with two modules mounted to the hanger member and with the assembly mounted on a messenger cable in a state of use; Figure 24 is a perspective view of an aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 14 with four modules in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables of different sizes and shapes; Figures 25a - 25d are perspective view (a), top view (b), bottom view (c), and front view (d), respectively of another embodiment of an aerial cable hanger provided with an integrally incorporated overmolded saddle; Figures 26a and 26b are perspective views of the formed wire hanger members (without their saddles shown) in the short (a) and long (b) versions under the embodiment shown in Figures 25a-25d; Figures 27a and 27b are perspective views of the short and long versions of the aerial cable hanger in a state of use under the embodiment shown in Figures 25a-25d; Figure 28a is a perspective view of adapters used for the aerial cable hanger in closed and open positions; Figure 28b is a front view of the adapters used for the aerial cable hanger in closed and open positions; and Figure 28c and 28d are perspective views of the helix-shaped messenger attachment member of the aerial cable hanger engaged over the adapter. Figure 29a – 29f are perspective view (a), side view (b), front view (c), rear view (d), top view (e), and bottom view (f) respectively of another embodiment of an aerial cable hanger which utilizes a saddle being overmolded to a single formed wire body and a slidable connector being overmolded to the same single formed wire body; Figure 30 is a side view of the aerial cable hanger with a sliding clamp member in open position juxtaposed to a messenger cable under the embodiment shown in Figures 29a-29f; Figure 31a and 31b are front (a) and side (b) views respectively of the single formed wire body used for the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figures 29a-29f; Figure 32a – 32f are perspective view in open position (a), side view in open position (b), side view in closed position (c), side view in closed position with tensioning member in full deflection (d), top view (e), and rear view (f) respectively of the sliding clamp member used for the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figures 29a-29f;; Figure 33a is a perspective view the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figures 29a-29f as installed on a larger messenger cable; Figure 33b is a side view of the sliding clamp member used for the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figures 29a-29f as attached to a large messenger cable with the tensioning member in its fully deflected position; Figure 34a is a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figures 29a-29f as installed on a smaller messenger cable; Figure 34b is a side view of the sliding clamp member used for the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figures 29a-29f as attached to a small messenger cable with the tensioning member in it fully neutral position; Figure 35 is a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figures 29a-29f in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables of different sizes and shapes; Figure 36 is a perspective view of a short and a long aerial cable spacer under the embodiment shown in Figures 29a-29f in a state of use accommodating plurality of cabl es of different sizes and shapes; Figure 37 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the aerial cable hanger wherein the messenger cable connection element constitutes a twist-lock arrangement comprising a hanger member which is fully integrated with the saddle incorporated with a reinforcing single formed wire body as a single overmolded element, incorporating a secondary counter hook for stabilizing the hanger member; Figure 38 is a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 37 in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables of different sizes and shapes; Figure 39a – 39d are right side view (a), left side view (b), top view (c), and bottom view (d) respectively of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 37; Figure 40a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the aerial cable hanger also utilizing a twist-lock mechanism wherein the connection elements namely the hanger member and secondary counter hook are entirely injection molded without the use of a reinforcing metal formed wire body; Figure 40b and 40c are side view (b) and top view(c) respectively of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 40a; Figure 40d and 40e are perspective views of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 40a provided with an external formed metal support clip; Figure 40f is a perspective view of the external formed metal support clip used for the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 40a; Figure 41a is a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 40a as mounted on a small-bore messenger cable; Figure 41b is a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 40a in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables of different sizes and shapes; Figure 42a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the aerial cable hanger utilizing a simple clip-on messenger connection element designed to accommodate various shapes of small-bore cables as messengers and wherein the entire aerial cable hanger unit is injection molded without the use of a reinforcing metal formed wire body; Figure 42b is a front view of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 42a; Figure 42c is a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 42a provided with an external formed metal support clip; Figure 42d is a perspective view of the external formed metal support clip used for the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 42a; Figure 43 is a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger utilizing a simple clip-on messenger connection element under the embodiment shown in Figure 42a in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables of different sizes and shapes; Figures 44a – 44c are perspective views showing connection of the clip-on messenger connection element of the aerial cable hanger under the embodiment shown in Figure 42a to a variety of sizes and shapes of support cables. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Referring to the drawings in detail, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention for an aerial cable hanger generally designated as reference numeral 10 made preferably by means of Computer Numeric Control (CNC) wire forming and polymer injection overmolding, although other means such as transfer molding, CNC machining and casting can be employed depending on specific application requirements, and made of steel (stainless, galvanized, copper coated, etc.) with an option of overmolded polymer material preferably High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), or Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) with or without fiber fill, although alternative materials such as other polymers or suitable metals, can be utilized depending on specific locations and applications of use. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an aerial cable hanger. The aerial cable hanger 10 comprises a hanger member 20 consisting of a formed wire, a hook member 21 provided on said hanger member 20, a helix-shaped messenger attachment member 22 provided on said hanger member 20, and a pair of modules 30 mounted on said hanger member 20. The hook member 21 and helix-shaped messenger attachment member 22 can be uncoated, overmolded, or dip- coated. Figure 2 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of an aerial cable hanger. Figure 3 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of an aerial cable hanger. Figure 4 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the aerial cable hanger. Figures 5a – 5e are front view (a), side view (b), top view (c), bottom view (d), and perspective view (e) respectively of the hanger member 20 provided with a hook member 21 and a helix-shaped messenger attachment member 22 used for the aerial cable hanger. As shown in Figure 5a, the hanger member 20 is provided with two loop members 201 defining thereon two loop passageways 202 located on both the side vertical positions thereof wherein the loop passageways 202 are adapted for receiving locking hooks 304 (shown in Figure 9a) provided on the module 30. Figures 6a and 6b are front view (a) and perspective view (b), respectively of another embodiment of an extended hanger member 20 provided with four loop members 201 defining thereon four loop passageways 202 used for the aerial cable hanger. The two loop passageways 202 located at the top portion of the hanger member 20 are adapted to hold a pair of modules 30 and the two loop passageways 202 located at the bottom portion of the hanger member 20 are adapted to hold a pair of modules 30 as well. A further extended hanger member with additional loop members and loop passageways to accommodate corresponding modules can be employed as desired. Figure 7a is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an aerial cable hanger 10 with two modules 30 mounted to the hanger member 20 and with the assembly mounted on a messenger cable “M” in a state of use. Figure 7b is a perspective view of another embodiment of an aerial cable hanger with an extended hanger member 20 and four modules 30 mounted to the hanger member 20 and with the assembly mounted on a messenger cable “M”. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an aerial cable hanger with an extended hanger member with four modules in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables “C” of different sizes and shapes. Figures 9a – 9b are perspective views of the preferred embodiment of a module 30 for use with a standard or extended hanger member. As shown in Figures 9a and 9b, the module 30 comprises a double formed wire body 301 made preferably by means of CNC wire forming, an injection overmolded saddle 302, a closure element 303, locking hooks 304, a stabilizing clamp member 305, a curved inner surface 306 adapted to provide support for cables without damaging their insulation, fluted end elements 307, a stabilizing hook member 308, contact pads 309, 310, a receptacle 311, and two tabs 312 adapted to assist with flexing the closure element 303 as necessary for the installation or removal of cables when in service. The overmolded saddle 302 incorporates the stabilizing hook member 308 which engages with its corresponding receptacle 311 provided on an adjacent module while contact pads 309, 310 serve to contact matching elements on an adjacent module to maintain proper positioning of modules relative to each other. Cables are placed into and removed from cable passageway “P” via the fluted end elements 307. Figure 10a -10d are front view (a), side view (b), top view (c), and bottom view (d), respectively of the preferred embodiment of a module. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the formed wire body 301 of a module, before overmolding with the saddle. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the overmolded saddle 302, which is permanently mounted to the formed wire body by injection overmolding. Figure 13a is a perspective view showing how a module 30 connects to a hanger member 20 by engaging its locking hooks 304 with the loop passageways 202 on the hanger member 20 while Figure 13b is a perspective view showing the interlocking mechanism with two modules installed (with overmolded saddles not shown for clarity). As shown in Figure 13a, the locking hooks 304 are threaded through the loop passageways 202 such that a lower portion of the locking hooks 304 bears on a lower horizontal member of the loop passageways 202 as the principal load bearing member while upwards curved members of the locking hooks 304 engage with an upper portion of the loop passageways 202 to limit rotational travel of the module 30 and maintain it in the desired horizonal position. Figure 13c is a sectional view showing the connection mechanism of two modules 30 connected to the hanger member 20. As shown in Figure 13c, the stabilizing clamp member 305 engages with an adjacent vertical member of the hanger member 20 so as to restrict undesirable movement during cable installation. When an adjacent module 30 is installed, the stabilizing hook members 308 of each module 30 engage with the receptacles 311 provided on the adjacent module 30 to further fix the modules 30 in position and restrict undesirable motion during cable installation, thereby allowing installers to utilize both hands for cable insertion without having to manually stabilize the hanger mechanism at the same time. When engaged, the contact pad 309 of the module bears against the contact pad 310 of the adjacent module. The stabilizing clamp members 305 and stabilizing hook members 308 utilize the flexural modulus of the materials in combination with their geometries to provide adequate clamping forces to allow for this hands-free cable installation methodology. Stabilizing forces can be adjusted through variations in materials properties and details of geometries of interconnecting members. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. . In another embodiment, the module 30 is overmolded to a single formed wire body 301 rather than a double formed wire body and the aerial cable hanger 10 commensurately utilizes a narrow hanger member 20 as shown in Figure 14. Figures 15a – 15d are front view (a), side view (b), bottom view (c), and top view (d) respectively, of the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment. Figures 16a – 16e are front view (a), side view (b), top view (c), bottom view (d), and perspective view (e) respectively, of the narrow hanger member 20 used for the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment. As shown in Figure 16a, the hanger member 20 is provided with two loop members 201 located at the top and bottom portions thereof defining thereon two corresponding loop passageways 202. Figures 17a – 17b are perspective views of the module 30 used for the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment. As shown in Figures 17a and 17b, the module 30 comprises a single formed wire body 301 made preferably by means of CNC wire forming, an injection overmolded saddle 302, a closure element 303, a locking hook 304, a stabilizing clamp member 305, a curved inner surface 306 adapted to provide support for cables without damaging their insulation, fluted end elements 307, a stabilizing hook member 308, contact pads 309, 310, and two tabs 312 adapted to assist with flexing the closure element 303 as necessary for the installation or removal of cables when in service. The overmolded saddle 302 incorporates the stabilizing hook member 308 which engages with its corresponding counterpart stabilizing hook member 308 provided on an adjacent module while contact pads 309, 310 serve to contact matching elements on an adjacent module to maintain proper positioning of modules relative to each other. Cables are placed into and removed from cable passageway “P” via the fluted end elements 307. Figure 18a -18d are front view (a), side view (b), top view (c), and bottom view (d), respectively of the module used for the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the formed wire body 301 of a module under this embodiment, before overmolding with the saddle. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the overmolded saddle 302 under this embodiment, which is permanently mounted to the formed wire body by injection overmolding. Figures 21a and 21b are perspective views showing how a module 30 connects to a hanger member 20 under this embodiment by engaging its locking hook 304 with the loop passageway 202 provided on the hanger member 20 while Figures 22a and 22b are perspective views showing the interlocking mechanism with two modules installed under this embodiment (with overmolded saddles not shown for clarity). As shown in Figure 21b, the locking hook 304 is threaded through the loop passageway 202 with a lower portion of the locking hook 304 engaging with a lower portion of the loop passageway 202 to provide the load-bearing function while an upper portion of the locking hook 304 bears against an upper portion of the loop passageway 202 thereby maintaining horizontal alignment of the module 30. As shown in Figure 21a, the stabilizing clamp member 305 engages with an adjacent vertical element of the hanger member 20, and in the presence of an adjacent module, the stabilizing hook member 308 engages with its mating counterpart stabilizing hook member 308 on the adjacent module providing additional stabilizing effect. The stabilizing hook members engage in pairs much like the connectors that join pairs of railroad cars in a “mutual handshake” arrangement. When engaged, the contact pad 310 (which is the outer end portion of the stabilizing hook member 308) bears against contact pad 309 of the adjacent module. Figure 23a is a perspective view of an aerial cable hanger 10 under this embodiment with four modules 30 mounted to the hanger member 20 and with the assembly mounted on a messenger cable “M” in a state of use. Figure 23b is a perspective view of an aerial cable hanger 10 under this embodiment with two modules 30 mounted to the hanger member 20 and with the assembly mounted on a messenger cable “M” in a state of use. Figure 24 is a perspective view of an aerial cable hanger under this embodiment with four modules in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables “C” of different sizes and shapes; In yet another embodiment, the aerial cable hanger 10 comprises a hanger member 20 consisting of a single formed wire body provided with a helix-shaped messenger attachment member 22, and an integrally incorporated overmolded saddle 302 forming a circular cable passageway “P” for placement of cables as shown in Figures 25a-25d. This arrangement limits the number of layers of cable supports available on a single messenger cable to a maximum of two, i.e. a primary aerial cable hanger 10a provided with a short single formed wire body 301 as shown in Figure 27a and a secondary aerial cable hanger 10b provided with a long formed wire body 301 as shown in Figures 27b which can be co-mounted to a single messenger cable as shown in Figure 27b thereby providing a second layer of supported cables. In this embodiment the hanger member does not include the hook member 21, loop members 201, and loop passageways 202 considering that the hanger member 20 is provided with an integrally incorporated overmolded saddle 302, and the overmolded saddle 302 does not include the stabilizing clamp member 305, stabilizing hook member 308, and receptacle 311. Upon assembly, the uncoated, overmolded, or dip-coated helix- shaped messenger attachment member 22 is engaged over a messenger cable “M” and rotated into position such that the helix-shaped messenger attachment member 22 fully engages with the messenger cable “M”. In the event that an available messenger cable “M” is smaller in diameter than the opening in the helix-shaped messenger attachment member, an appropriately sized adapter 40 (shown in Figures 28a-28d) is first placed over the messenger cable to allow a single size of helix-shaped messenger attachment member to securely attach to multiple sizes of messenger cables , and the helix-shaped messenger attachment member is then locked onto the said adapter achieving a firm grip then the hook member is engaged to the messenger cable “M” creating a secure and stable connection between the aerial cable hanger and the messenger cable “M”. One or more modules 30 as per customer requirements are then clipped onto the hanger member 20 and corresponding cables “C” are placed into the circular cable passageways “P”. For removal of no longer used cables, retired cables are removed by disengaging them from each module in the opposite manner that they were installed. For addition of new cables, cables are placed into the cable passageways as with new installations, by inserting them into the cable passageway via the provided fluted end elements of the overmolded saddle of the module. Conversely, old cables can be pulled out longitudinally and new cables can be pulled in longitudinally. Figure 28a shows a perspective view of adapters 40 used for the aerial cable hanger in closed and open positions to allow a single size of helix-shaped messenger attachment member to securely attach to multiple sizes of messenger cables “M”. Figure 28b shows a front view of the adapters 40 in closed and open positions. The adapters 40 are preferentially extruded plastic with interior shaped passageways for accommodating various messenger cable sizes and exterior ribs to enhance the grip to the helix-shaped messenger attachment member. The adapters 40 can easily flex open to be positioned over smaller messenger cables. Once the helix-shaped messenger attachment member 22 of the aerial cable hanger is engaged over the adapter 40, it is held firmly in place as shown in Figures 28c and 28d. In yet another embodiment, the helix-shaped messenger attachment member of the hanger member 20 consisting of a single formed wire body provided with an integrally incorporated overmolded saddle is replaced with an asymmetric hook-shaped member 23 and an overmolded sliding clamp member 24 as shown in Figures 29a to 29f which is designed to accommodate connection to a range of sizes of messenger cables. The overmolded sliding clamp member 24 is actuated by a downward sliding motion of the hanger member 20 while the overmolded sliding clamp member 24 is engaged with a messenger cable “M” as shown in Figure 30. The downward motion of the hanger member 20 causes the hook-shaped member 23 to engage with the overmolded sliding clamp member 24 causing its flexible outwardly projecting portion 241 to be compressed inwards thereby gripping the enclosed messenger cable. The tensioning member 242 of the overmolded sliding clamp member 24 becomes wedged against the messenger cable, flexing as needed to accommodate varying messenger cable diameters, thereby providing a stabilizing tension between the overmolded sliding clamp member and the messenger cable. Upon being fully seated against the overmolded sliding clamp member 24, the hook-shaped member 23 also engages with a stabilizing protrusion 243 provided on the top portion of the overmolded sliding clamp member 24 which assists with preventing unintended disengagement of the hook- shaped member 23 from the overmolded sliding clamp member 24 while also preventing undesirable lateral movement of the hanger member 20 in its direction. The shape of the formed wire body 301 was changed in this embodiment as shown in Figures 31a and 31b. The cylindrical protrusion 244 provided on the back side of the overmolded sliding clamp member 24 as shown in Figures 32a to 32f provides a permanent connection to the hanger member 20 formed by overmolding. The cylindrical protrusion 244 is encompassing of the hanger member 20 wire either completely as shown in Figure 32d or only partially at its lower edge with a gap as shown in Figure 32c running vertically to the top. This cylindrical protrusion 244 affixes the overmolded sliding clamp member 24 to the hanger member 20 wire while allowing for sliding of the overmolded sliding clamp member 24 vertically during closure. The presence or absence of the gap is dependent on the sizing and type of material utilized for the overmolded sliding clamp member 24 and the hanger member 20 wire and the resultant level of resistance to the required sliding motion. The messenger connection arrangement described under this embodiment (i.e. asymmetric hook- shaped member 23 and an overmolded sliding clamp member 24) may also be employed as an option to substitute for the helix-shaped messenger attachment member connection arrangement on several of the other designs described under other embodiments of this patent application. Figure 33a shows a perspective view the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment as installed on a larger messenger cable while Figure 33b shows a side view of the sliding clamp member as attached to a large messenger cable with the tensioning member in its fully deflected position. Figure 34a shows a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment as installed on a smaller messenger cable while Figure 34b shows a side view of the sliding clamp member as attached to a small messenger cable with the tensioning member in it fully neutral position. Figure 35 shows a perspective view of an aerial cable hanger under this embodiment in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables “C” of different sizes and shapes. while Figure 36 shows a perspective view of a short and a long aerial cable spacer under this embodiment in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables of different sizes and shapes. Figure 37 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the aerial cable hanger wherein the messenger cable connection element constitutes a twist-lock arrangement comprising a hanger member 20 which is fully integrated with the saddle 302 incorporated with a reinforcing single formed wire body 301 as a single overmolded element, incorporating a secondary counter hook 203 for stabilizing the hanger member 20. The unit is positioned at a 90 degrees angle to its installed position and lifted up such that the messenger cable is positioned between the two connection elements, namely the hanger member 20 and secondary counter hook 203. The unit is then rotated 90 degrees such that the two connection elements engage with the messenger cable, after which cables can be placed into the saddle, as shown in Figure 38. Figure 39a – 39d shows right side view (a), left side view (b), top view (c), and bottom view (d) respectively of the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment. Figure 40a shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the aerial cable hanger also utilizing a twist-lock mechanism wherein the connection elements, namely the hanger member 20 and secondary counter hook 203 are entirely injection molded without the use of a reinforcing metal formed wire body. Figure 40b and 40c show side view (b) and top view(c) respectively of the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment. Optionally, an external formed metal support clip 205 could be added to provide greater holding capacity if needed as shown in Figures 40d – 40f. Figures 40d and 40e show perspective views of the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment provided with an external formed metal support clip while Figure 40f shows the external formed metal support clip 205 used for the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment. Figure 41a shows a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment as mounted on a small-bore messenger cable while Figure 41b shows a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables of different sizes and shapes. Figure 42a shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the aerial cable hanger utilizing a simple clip-on messenger connection element 204 designed to accommodate various shapes of small-bore cables as messengers and wherein the entire aerial cable hanger unit is injection molded without the use of a reinforcing metal formed wire body. Figure 42b shows a front view of the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment. Optionally, an external formed metal support clip 205 could be added to provide greater holding capacity if needed as shown in Figures 42c and 42d. Figure 42c shows a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment provided with an external formed metal support clip while Figure 42d shows the external formed metal support clip 205 used for the aerial cable hanger under this embodiment. Figure 43 shows a perspective view of the aerial cable hanger utilizing a simple clip- on messenger connection element under this embodiment in a state of use accommodating plurality of cables of different sizes and shapes while Figures 44a – 44c are perspective views showing connection of the clip-on messenger connection element to a variety of sizes and shapes of support cables. With the foregoing it is desired that the present application seeks to protect all novel features of the subject application as illustrated in the above embodiments including all modifications that may be obvious to those persons skilled in the art derived thereof. Reference Signs List: 10, 10a, 10b Aerial cable hanger 20 Hanger member (can be standard or extended) 201 Loop members 202 Loop passageways 203 Counter hook 204 Clip-on messenger connection element 205 Metal support clip 21 Hook member 22 Helix-shaped messenger attachment member 23 Hook-shaped member 24 Overmolded sliding clamp member 241 Flexible outwardly projecting portion 242 Tensioning member 243 Stabilizing protrusion 244 Cylindrical protrusion 30 Module 301 Formed wire body (can be single or double) 302 Overmolded saddle 303 Closure element 304 Locking hooks 305 Stabilizing clamp member 306 Curved inner surface 307 Fluted end elements 308 Stabilizing hook member 309, 310 Contact pads 311 Receptacle 312 Tabs 40 Adapter “P” Cable passageways "C" Cables "M" Messenger cable

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An aerial cable hanger comprising a hanger member, a hook member provided on said hanger member, a helix-shaped messenger attachment member provided on said hanger member, and a plurality of modules mounted on said hanger member, wherein said module comprises: a formed wire body, an overmolded saddle, and a curved inner surface adapted to provide support for cables without damaging their insulation.

2. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 1, wherein the module further comprises: a stabilizing clamp member which engages with an adjacent vertical member of the hanger member, a stabilizing hook member which engages with a corresponding receptacle provided on an adjacent module; a closure element, locking hooks adapted to be threaded through the loop passageways provided on the hanger member, fluted end elements adapted for placement and removal of cables, contact pads adapted to contact matching elements on an adjacent module, a receptacle, and two tabs adapted to assist with flexing the closure element as necessary for the installation or removal of cables when in service.

3. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 1, wherein the hanger member is provided with loop members defining thereon loop passagewayswhich are adapted for receiving locking hooks provided on the module.

4. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 1, wherein the helix- shaped messenger attachment member and the hook member are uncoated, overmolded, or dip-coated.

5. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 1, wherein the module is overmolded to a double formed wire body.

6. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 1, wherein the module is overmolded to a single formed wire body.

7. An aerial cable hanger comprising: a hanger member consisting of a single formed wire body provided with a helix-shaped messenger attachment member, and an overmolded saddle; wherein said overmolded saddle is integrally incorporated into the hanger member forming a circular cable passageway for placement of cables.

8. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 1 or claim 7, wherein an adapter can be utilized to allow a single size of helix-shaped messenger attachment member to securely attach to multiple sizes of messenger cables.

9. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 1 or claim 7, wherein the helix-shaped messenger attachment member of the hanger member is replaced with an asymmetric hook-shaped member and an overmolded sliding clamp member adapted to accommodate connection to a range of sizes of messenger cables.

10. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 9, wherein the overmolded sliding clamp member is provided with: a flexible outwardly projecting portion adapted for gripping an enclosed messenger cable; a tensioning member adapted to provide a stabilizing tension between the overmolded sliding clamp member and the messenger cable; and a stabilizing protrusion located on the top portion of the overmolded sliding clamp member which assists with preventing unintended disengagement of the hook-shaped member from the overmolded sliding clamp member while also preventing undesirable lateral movement of the hanger member in its direction.

11. An aerial cable hanger comprising: a hanger member fully integrated with a saddle as a single overmolded element, and a secondary counter hook for stabilizing the hanger member, wherein the hanger member and the secondary counter hook act as messenger cable connection elements utilizing a twist-lock mechanism.

12. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 11, wherein the saddle is incorporated with a reinforcing single formed wire body.

13. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 11, further comprising an external formed metal support clip adapted to provide greater holding capacity if needed.

14. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 11, wherein the hanger member and the secondary counter hook acting as messenger cableconnection elements utilizing a twist-lock mechanism are replaced with a simple clip-on messenger connection element designed to accommodate various shapes of small-bore cables as messengers and wherein the entire aerial cable hanger unit is injection molded.

15. The aerial cable hanger according to claim 14, further comprising an external formed metal support clip adapted to provide greater holding capacity if needed.

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