Cable protection system using coupling fasteners

Abstract

A cable protection system is provided that includes mating features for enabling efficient and efficient assembly around a cable to be protected.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 687,031, filed August 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to a cable protection system for protecting cables from harsh environmental conditions, such as underwater applications, and a coupling fastener included in the cable protection system. For example, the cable protection system may include two half-sleeves for covering the cable, wherein the coupling fastener is used to hold the two half-sleeves together. Background Technology

[0003] Offshore energy production has existed for decades, and until recently it was typically associated with oil and gas production. However, renewable energy sources have recently become more prevalent, and offshore facilities are gaining popularity in areas where available land may be too expensive or unavailable. Regardless of the type of offshore facility, power and data transmission are achieved through the use of underwater cables. Underwater cables used in offshore facilities are protected from abrasion, sharp objects, kinks, and other environmental issues that can reduce cable integrity. Known cable protection systems utilize segmented bell and spherical cast iron systems. Such protective sleeves have proven effective in protecting cables and may be preferred for certain types of installations. However, bell and spherical cast iron systems have several disadvantages, such as the weight of cast iron, which leads to increased installation time and resources, the limited lifespan of the cast iron material itself in saltwater, and worker safety issues due to their heavy and bulky nature. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This document discloses a cable protection system and a method for assembling such a cable protection system. The cable protection system includes connecting fastener features for enabling a more efficient and effective installation process.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a cable protection system is disclosed. The cable protection system includes: a first half-sleeve; a second half-sleeve configured to mate with the first half-sleeve to form a mating sleeve, the mating sleeve including an internal cavity for receiving a cable; a first connecting fastener; and a second connecting fastener configured to mate with the first connecting fastener around the mating sleeve.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a cable protection system is disclosed. The cable protection system includes: a first half-sleeve including a first connecting strap fastener embedded in the first half-sleeve; and a second half-sleeve including a second connecting strap fastener embedded in the second half-sleeve, the second half-sleeve being configured to engage with the first half-sleeve by engaging the first connecting strap fastener and the second connecting strap fastener, wherein the engaged first half-sleeve and second half-sleeve form a sleeve including an internal cavity for receiving a cable.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a cable protection system is disclosed. The cable protection system includes: a first half-sleeve including a male coupling fastener; and a second half-sleeve including a female coupling fastener, the second half-sleeve being configured to engage with the first half-sleeve by engaging the male coupling fastener with the female coupling fastener, wherein the engaging first half-sleeve and the engaging second half-sleeve form a engaging sleeve, the engaging sleeve including an internal cavity for receiving a cable.

[0008] These cable protection systems and other non-limiting exemplary embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary cable protection system including a fastener-connected connector, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 It is included in some embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of the fasteners in the cable protection system shown.

[0011] Figure 3 According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the female end of the fastener attached to the connector.

[0012] Figure 4 According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the connector with fasteners attached at the female end.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a connecting belt fastener mating with another connecting belt fastener according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a connecting band fastener including internal barbs, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, engaging with another connecting band fastener including internal barbs.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a semi-transparent perspective view of a cable protection system including an internal connecting strip according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 8 According to the third embodiment of this disclosure Figure 7 The diagram shown is a perspective view of a cable protection system including internal connecting strips.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a female connector anchor in a half-sleeve included in a cable protection system according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 10 It is according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure for use with Figure 9 The diagram shows a perspective view of a male connector anchor that mates with a female connector anchor, which is also used to embed within a half-sleeve included in a cable protection system.

[0019] Figure 11 According to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure Figure 9 The female connection anchor and shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the male connector anchor in a mating state.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a semi-transparent view of a portion of a cable protection system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the portion including... Figure 9 The female connection anchor and shown Figure 10 The male connector anchor shown.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a female connector anchor included in a half-sleeve for embedding in a cable protection system according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 14 It is according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure for use with Figure 13 The diagram shows a perspective view of a male connector anchor that mates with a female connector anchor, which is also used to embed within a half-sleeve included in a cable protection system.

[0023] Figure 15 According to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure Figure 13 The female connection anchor and shown Figure 14 The diagram shows the male connector anchor in a mating state.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a semi-transparent view of a portion of a cable protection system according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, the portion including... Figure 13 The female connection anchor and shown Figure 14 The male connector anchor shown.

[0025] Figure 17This is a perspective view of a half-length sleeve included in a cable protection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the half-length sleeve can be installed as the first step in the installation process.

[0026] Figure 18 Installation according to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 17 The diagram shows a perspective view of the full-length half-sleeve on the half-length half-sleeve, where the installation of the full-length half-sleeve onto the half-length half-sleeve ensures the offset of the subsequent full-length half-sleeves installed in the cable protection system.

[0027] Figure 19 Installation according to embodiments of this disclosure to... Figure 17 The diagram shows a perspective view of another full-length half-sleeve on the assembled cable protection system, where subsequent installations of the full-length half-sleeve in the cable protection system will create an offset. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Detailed, non-limiting embodiments are disclosed herein as needed. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and various alternative forms may be taken. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art.

[0029] This document discloses a novel cable protection system including connecting fasteners and a method for installing such a cable protection system, which provides installation efficiency and effectiveness superior to previously known cable protection systems. The cable protection system described herein may include a top row and a bottom row of a half-sleeve, wherein the top row of the half-sleeve engages with the bottom row of the half-sleeve using connecting fasteners described in the various embodiments herein. Furthermore, the description of the half-sleeve may refer primarily to the full-length half-sleeve, except where a specific description is given for the half-length half-sleeve. According to various embodiments, this half-length half-sleeve can be used to initiate and / or complete the installation of the cable protection system to achieve offset of the full-length half-sleeve during the assembly of the cable protection system described herein. References Figures 17 to 19 A description of an exemplary installation and assembly process is provided.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the half-sleeve, including the cable protection system described herein, can be manually installed to cover and protect cables intended for installation in harsh environments, such as underwater installations. According to other embodiments, the half-sleeve, including the cable protection system described herein, can be installed at least partially using machinery including an assembly line to cover and protect the cable as it travels along the assembly line. The half-sleeve included in the cable protection system described herein can be made of polyurethane, urethane, or other similar moldable materials. According to some embodiments, portions of the half-sleeve may include metal components. For example, according to some embodiments, the coupling fasteners described herein may be metal components embedded within portions of the half-sleeve. Further metal components may be added to provide additional structural stability and / or increase the weight of the half-sleeve.

[0031] Figure 1 An exemplary cable protection system 1000 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The cable protection system 1000 includes a top row of half-sleeves 200A and a bottom row of half-sleeves 200B, wherein the top row of half-sleeves 200A and the bottom row of half-sleeves 200B are identical in design. In the cable protection system 1000, each half-sleeve 200A, 200B includes a channel 201 that is aligned to form a recessed space. A pair of connecting straps 100A, 100B can engage with each other within these channels to help hold the top row of half-sleeves 200A and the bottom row of half-sleeves 200B together.

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view of one such connecting strip 100 from a cable protection system 1000 is shown. The connecting strip 100 includes a male end 110, a female end 120, and a strip body 130. The strip body 130 includes a solder pad 131 and a fastener hole 132. The male end 110 includes a male body portion 111, a tapered entry end 113, and a locking window 112 opening. The locking window 112 provides a cavity into which a locking tab 122 on the female end 120 falls to form a mating structure.

[0033] Figure 3 A perspective view of the female end 120 is shown separately, which includes a body welding tab 121 for spot welding the female end 120 to the welding pad 131 of the strip 130. The female end 120 also includes a locking tab 122, a connecting chamber 123 defined by two female body walls 125, and a pair of guide flanges 124 that flare outwards from the distal ends of the body walls 125. Figure 4 A perspective view of the connecting strip 100 before the female end is soldered to the solder pad 131 is shown.

[0034] Figure 5A perspective view shows the mating of a first connecting band 100A and a second connecting band 100B. To mate the first connecting band 100A and the second connecting band 100B, the male end 110A of the first connecting band 100A is inserted into the connecting chamber 123B of the second connecting band 100B. A guide flange 124B has a tapered design to facilitate the insertion of the male end 110A into the connecting chamber 123B. Once inside the connecting chamber 123B, the locking window 112A of the first connecting band 100A is pushed until the locking tab 122B of the second connecting band 100B falls into the locking window 112A to form a mating structure. Similarly, at the other end, the male end 110B of the second connecting band 100B is inserted into the connecting chamber 123A of the first connecting band 100A. The guide flange 124A has a tapered design to facilitate the insertion of the male end 110B into the connecting chamber 123A. The assembly formed by the first connecting strap 100A and the second connecting strap 100B can be installed into... Figure 1 The channel 201 formed in the half sleeves 200A and 200B shown.

[0035] According to the alternative second embodiment, Figure 6 Another connecting band 300 is shown, which has similar design features to connecting band 100, wherein connecting band 300 is also configured to be installed into the channel 201 of the half sleeves 200A, 200B. For example, the mating feature in the male end 310 of connecting band 300 is the same as the mating feature in the male end 110 of connecting band 100. Correspondingly, the mating feature in the female end 320 of connecting band 300 is the same as the mating feature in the female end 120 of connecting band 100. In addition to these features, connecting bands 300A, 300B also include barbs 332A, 332B on the underside of the band body 330A, 330B of connecting bands 300A, 300B. Furthermore, the female ends 320A, 320B may also include barbs 326A, 326B. These barbs 332A, 332B, 326A, and 326B are used to pierce the surface of the channel 201 formed in the half sleeves 200A and 200B to provide a stronger gripping force, which helps to provide a stronger mating structure for the mating connecting strips 300A and 300B to keep the half sleeves 200A and 200B together.

[0036] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A third embodiment of the cable protection system 3000 is shown, wherein the same connecting strips 100A, 100B are now embedded within the half-sleeves 400A, 400B. The connecting strips 100A, 100B can be embedded within the half-sleeves 400A, 400B during the molding process of the half-sleeves 400A, 400B. Figure 8As exemplarily shown, the portion of the top half-sleeve 400A surrounding the connecting strip 100A-2 is depicted as a top-side portion without material to illustrate how the connecting strip 100A-2 is embedded within the material of the top half-sleeve 400A during the molding process of the top half-sleeve 400A, and is thus surrounded by the material. The portion of the top half-sleeve 400A surrounding the connecting strip 100A-1 is depicted as having no material, to further illustrate how the connecting strip 100A-1 is embedded within the material of the top half-sleeve 400A during the molding process of the top half-sleeve 400A, and is thus surrounded by the material.

[0037] like Figure 8 As further shown, the top half-sleeve 400A may include a mating cavity 401A for exposing the female end 120A of the first connecting band 100A, and the bottom half-sleeve 400B may include a corresponding mating cavity 401B for exposing the male end 110B of the second connecting band 100B. The mating cavities 401A and 401B provide space for the installer to mate the two connecting bands 100A and 100B and to ensure the mating structure is maintained. Although not shown, identical mating cavities are provided on opposite sides of the half-sleeves 400A and 400B to mate the opposite ends of the connecting bands 100A and 100B as previously described.

[0038] Figure 12 A cable protection system 4000 according to a fourth embodiment is shown. Figure 9 The female anchor 520 according to the cable protection system 4000 is shown, and Figure 10 A male anchor 510 is shown for use with a female anchor 520 in a cable protection system 4000. (Example) Figure 12 As shown, the female anchor 520 is designed to be embedded within the first side of the half-sleeves 600A and 600B, while the male anchor 510 is designed to be embedded within the opposite second side of the half-sleeves 600A and 600B. The female anchor 520 and male anchor 510 are configured to be embedded individually within the half-sleeves 600A and 600B, without including the strap provided in the previously described embodiments.

[0039] The mating feature of the female anchor 520 is the same as the mating feature of the female end 120 of the connecting band 100. For example, Figure 9 The female anchor 520 also includes a connecting chamber 523 defined by two female body walls 525, a locking tab 522, and a pair of guide flanges 524 formed to flare outward from the distal ends of the body walls 525. Furthermore, to help retain the female anchor 520 within the half-sleeves 600A, 600B, the female anchor 520 additionally incorporates barbs 521 for embedding within the half-sleeves 600A, 600B.

[0040] The mating feature of the male anchor 510 is the same as the mating feature of the male end 110 of the connecting band 100. For example, Figure 10 The male anchor 510 is shown, which also includes a male body portion 511, a tapered entry end 513, and a locking window 512 opening. Furthermore, to help retain the male anchor 510 embedded within the half-sleeves 600A, 600B, the male anchor 510 additionally incorporates barbs 514 for embedding within the half-sleeves 600A, 600B.

[0041] Figure 11 The female anchor 520 and male anchor 510 are shown assembled together in a mating state. Similar to the mating process of the connecting band 100, the male anchor 510 is inserted into the connecting chamber 523 of the female anchor 520 under the guidance of the guide flange 524. The male anchor 510 travels within the connecting chamber 523 until the locking tab 522 falls into the cavity of the lock window 512, thus forming the mating structure.

[0042] like Figure 12 As shown in the semi-transparent view of the cable protection system 4000, the half-sleeves 600A and 600B include mating windows 601A and 601B for exposing the mating features of the female anchor 520 and the male anchor 510. The mating windows 601A and 601B are located on opposite sides of the half-sleeves 600A and 600B and assist the installer in mating the female anchor 520 and the male anchor 510 together and confirming that the mating structure is maintained.

[0043] Figure 16 A perspective view of a cable protection system 5000 according to a fifth embodiment is shown. Figure 13 The female anchor 720 of the cable protection system 5000 is shown. Figure 14 A male anchor 710 is shown for use with a female anchor 720 in a cable protection system 5000. (Example) Figure 16 As shown, the female anchor 720 is designed to be embedded within the first side of the half-sleeves 800A and 800B, while the male anchor 710 is designed to be embedded within the opposite second side of the half-sleeves 800A and 800B. The female anchor 720 and male anchor 710 are configured to be embedded individually within the half-sleeves 800A and 800B, without including the strap provided in the previously described embodiments.

[0044] The mating feature of the female anchor 720 is the same as the mating feature of the female end 120 of the connecting band 100. For example, Figure 13The female anchor 720 also includes a connecting chamber 723 defined by two female body walls 725, a locking tab 722, and a pair of guide flanges 724 formed to flare outward from the distal ends of the body walls 725. Additionally, to help retain the female anchor 720 within the half-sleeves 800A, 800B, the female anchor 720 includes serrated barbs 721 for embedding within the half-sleeves 800A, 800B.

[0045] The mating feature of the male anchor 710 is the same as the mating feature of the male end 110 of the connecting band 100. For example, Figure 14 The male anchor 710 also includes a male body 711 portion, a tapered entry end 713, and a locking window 712 opening. Furthermore, to help retain the male anchor 710 embedded within the half-sleeves 800A, 800B, the male anchor 710 additionally includes serrated barbs 714 for embedding within the half-sleeves 800A, 800B.

[0046] Figure 16 The female anchor 720 and male anchor 710 are shown assembled together in a mating state. Similar to the mating process of the connecting band 100, the male anchor 710 is inserted into the connecting chamber 723 of the female anchor 720 under the guidance of the guide flange 724. The male anchor 710 travels within the connecting chamber 723 until the locking tab 722 falls into the cavity of the lock window 712, thus forming the mating structure.

[0047] like Figure 16 As shown in the semi-transparent view of the cable protection system 5000, the half-sleeves 800A and 800B include mating windows 801A and 801B for exposing the mating features of the female anchor 820 and the male anchor 810. The mating windows 801A and 801B are located on opposite sides of the half-sleeves 800A and 800B, and assist the installer in mating the female anchor 720 and the male anchor 710 together and confirming that the mating structure is maintained.

[0048] Figures 17 to 19 The different stages of the installation process of the cable protection system 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment are shown. Although the mating features may differ, the basic steps of the installation process can be applied to the different embodiments of the cable protection system described herein.

[0049] exist Figure 17 The image shows a half-length sleeve 400C, which includes an embedded connecting strap 300. The installation process can begin with this half-length sleeve 400C, such that the full-length sleeves 400A and 400B subsequently installed into the assembly will be installed in an offset manner, wherein the offset construction provides additional stability and structural integrity to the entire cable protection system.

[0050] Figure 18 The full-length half-sleeve 400A, mounted on top of the half-length half-sleeve 400C, is shown, thus illustrating the beginning of the offset construction.

[0051] Figure 19 A full-length half-sleeve 400B is shown installed adjacent to the half-length half-sleeve 400C, such that a portion of the full-length half-sleeve 400B and the half-length half-sleeve 400C are positioned below the full-length half-sleeve 400A. Therefore, by utilizing the half-length half-sleeve 400C at the beginning and / or end of the cable protection system 2000, an offset configuration of the cable protection system 2000 can be achieved. This installation process can continue to protect cables of the desired length that fit into the cavity formed by the engagement of the opposing half-sleeves. As a final step, a final half-length half-sleeve can be installed to cap the end of the cable protection system 2000.

[0052] These mating features of the cable protection system described herein are designed to provide an effective and efficient installation for assembling the half-sleeve around the cable to be protected. For example, each half-sleeve used in the cable protection system may include one or more (e.g., multiple) connecting fasteners described herein to provide a robust mating structure for holding the half-sleeve around the cable.

[0053] Therefore, this disclosure describes a cable protection system as described above, as well as a method for installing such a cable protection system. It will be apparent from the foregoing that various non-limiting embodiments of the systems, apparatus, and methods have been described. While various embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, they are merely exemplary and not intended to illustrate and describe all possible embodiments. Rather, the language used herein is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cable protection sleeve, comprising: First half sleeve; The second half-sleeve is configured to mate with the first half-sleeve to form a mating sleeve, the mating sleeve including an internal cavity for retaining the cable; The first connecting belt has fasteners; as well as The second connecting fastener is configured to engage with the first connecting fastener around the sleeve of the mating assembly.

2. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting fastener includes a female end, a male end, and a belt body.

3. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the female end, the male end, or the band body includes one or more barbs.

4. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting fastener includes a female end, a male end, and a belt body.

5. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one of the female end, the male end, or the band body includes one or more barbs.

6. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting fastener includes a first female end, a first male end, and a first belt body; and The second connecting fastener includes a second female end, a second male end, and a second belt body, wherein the first female end is configured to mate with the second male end, and the second female end is configured to mate with the first male end.

7. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting fastener is at least partially embedded within the first half-sleeve; and The second connecting fastener is at least partially embedded in the second half sleeve.

8. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The third sleeve has a length that is less than the length of the first half sleeve and less than the length of the second half sleeve, wherein the first half sleeve and the second half sleeve have the same length.

9. A cable protection sleeve, comprising: The first half sleeve has a male connecting fastener that is embedded in the first half sleeve; as well as The second half-sleeve has a female connecting fastener embedded in the second half-sleeve. The second half-sleeve is configured to engage with the first half-sleeve by engaging the male connecting fastener with the female connecting fastener. The engaging first half-sleeve and the second half-sleeve form a sleeve including a sleeve for maintaining the engagement of the internal cavity of the cable.

10. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The male connecting fastener includes one or more barbs.

11. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The female fastener includes one or more barbs.

12. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The male connecting fastener includes serrated barbs.

13. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The female fastener includes serrated barbs.

14. The cable protection sleeve according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The third sleeve has a length that is less than the length of the first half sleeve and less than the length of the second half sleeve, wherein the first half sleeve and the second half sleeve have the same length.

Images