Swage fixing tester
The swage fixing tester addresses uneven load application and assembly inefficiencies by using a contact portion with removable components and a clamp mechanism to ensure even load distribution and easy assembly, maintaining the integrity and strength of the swage fixing.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- GB2024003934
- Authority / Receiving Office
- GB · GB
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-01
AI Technical Summary
Current swage fixing testers cause unnecessary damage to swage fixings due to uneven load application and inefficient assembly, increasing the risk of failure and compromising the quality and strength of the swage fixing.
A swage fixing tester with a contact portion that evenly applies load to the whole circumference of the swage fixing, comprising removable and magnetically coupled components for easy assembly, and a clamp mechanism to secure and pull the cable, ensuring even load distribution without damaging the swage fixing.
The solution ensures accurate and efficient testing of swage fixings by evenly distributing load, minimizing damage, and facilitating easy assembly, thereby maintaining the integrity and strength of the swage fixing.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Field The present invention relates to a device and method for testing a load that a swage fixing can withstand. In particular, the present invention relates to a swage fixing tester device that applies a load to a swage fixing secured to a cable, in order to test the load that the swage fixing can withstand thereby testing the strength of the swage fixing. Background Swage fixings are used on horizontal fall protection cable-based lifelines in order to secure the ends of cables to fall protection anchor posts and end anchors. A swage fixing is a metal sleeve connected to a terminal. The terminal of the swage fixing may be any type of fitting that has a corresponding fitting attached to the building or equipment (in which the cable is desired to be attached to), for example, a fork terminal, toggle terminal or eye terminal. To attach the terminal to the cable, in order to attach the cable to the building or piece of equipment, a metal sleeve connected to the terminal is crimped onto the end of the cable. Swage fixings are crimped onto the cable onsite by hydraulic crimping machines. The crimping machines use dies which can wear over time or break. The machine requires a skilled operative to perform the crimping operation. A swage fixing can last for more than 20 years, and throughout its lifetime the quality and strength of the swage may deteriorate. This may cause the cable to begin to slacken and weaken the crimp of the swage, thereby increasing the risk of the swage fixing breaking and the cable falling away from the swage fixing. Therefore, it is crucial that the swage fixing is tested in order to ensure it can withstand a desired load. Newly installed swage fixings must also be tested to ensure that they can withstand sufficient load without breaking or slipping. Swage fixing testers may be used to generate and measure a load applied to a swage fixing, to test whether the swage fixing fails under the applied load. However, current swage fixing testers can be known to cause additional or unnecessary damage to the swage fixing whilst the testing is conducted. Current swage fixing testers may not evenly apply the heavy loads to the swage fixing, causing some parts of the swage to experience more force than others. This may likely change the shape of the swage fixing, and in some instances, rip or mold into the swage fixing. This decreases the quality and strength of the swage fixing, increasing the likelihood of a failure given a subsequent load. Assembling swage fixing testers onto cables is also currently inefficient and difficult. For example, current swage fixing testers include many different parts all disconnected from one another, which is likely to increase the risk of parts being lost, as well as the difficulty of assembling the tester onto the cable. The present invention set outs to alleviate these problems relating to swage fixing testers, and to ensure that swage fixings are tested correctly and accurately without comprising the quality and strength of the swage fixing itself. Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a swage fixing tester for testing a load that a swage fixing can withstand, the swage fixing tester comprising: a frame comprising a section, the section configured to receive a cable secured to a swage fixing; and a contact portion configured to be coupled to the section of the frame and configured, when in use, to abut the swage fixing, the contact portion comprising: a circular hole configured to receive the cable; and a contact surface surrounding an opening of the circular hole, the contact surface configured to abut an end of the swage fixing such that, when in use, a load is applied through the contact portion to a whole circumference of the end of the swage fixing. The contact portion, when coupled to the frame, forms a continuous circular hole (in other words a continuous ring surrounding a continuous cut out) that encapsulates the cable such that the whole circumference of the end of the swage abuts the contact surface of the contact portion. This allows for the swage fixing tester to apply a load that is evenly applied through the end of the swage so that the swage fixing is not damaged during the testing, unlike existing testers where force is applied to only a portion of the swage’s circumference. The contact portion may further be removable or partly removable from the frame. This allows for the swage fixing tester to be installed on the cable, and then for the contact portion to be coupled to the frame fully surrounding and encapsulating the cable and the end of the swage fixing. Preferably, the contact portion may be comprised of a plurality of components. This allows for an easier assembly of the swage fixing tester. By having a plurality of components forming the contact portion, the contact portion can easily be fitted around the cable during assembly of the tester. Preferably, each of the plurality of components may comprise a cut-out such that, when the contact portion is coupled to the section of the frame (such as when the swage fixing tester is in use), the cut-outs of the plurality of components together form the circular hole of the contact portion. Having the multiple components form the continuous circular hole of the contact portion, allows for the load to be applied to the whole circumference of the end of the swage fixing and not only to a portion of the end of the swage fixing. As the plurality of components, when together, make up the whole of the circular hole, the contact portion may contact the whole of the circumference of the swage, and therefore evenly apply the load to the end of the swage. This decreases the damage caused to the end of the swage fixing as large loads are applied, whilst also making to easier and more efficient for the contact portion to be assembled around the cable within the swage fixing tester, given that there are multiple components. Preferably, each of the plurality of components may comprise an outer surface such that, when the contact portion is coupled to the section of the frame (such as when the swage fixing tester is in use), the contact surface of the contact portion is comprised of the outer surface of the plurality of components. This allows for the plurality of components to form the contact surface that surrounds the opening of the circular hole receiving the cable. Therefore, given that the circular hole is completely surrounded by outer surfaces of the plurality of components, the contact surface aids in contacting the whole of the circumference of the end of the swage thereby applying the load to the whole of the circumference of the end of the swage, whilst also allowing an easier assembly of the swage fixing tester onto the cable. Multiple components can therefore be used to assemble the swage fixing tester, and assemble the contact portion around the cable, whilst also ensuring that the whole circumference of the end of the swage fixing tester is abutted by the contact surface. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of components may be removably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable. Advantageously, this easily allows for each of the plurality of components to be attached and removed to the swage fixing tester. Therefore, during assembly or dismantling of the swage fixing tester, the components of the contact portion can easily be attached or removed from the swage fixing tester, whilst also ensuring that the continuous circular contact portion abuts the whole circumference of the end of the swage fixing. The section of the frame configured to receive the cable may comprise a groove shaped to receive the contact portion. Alternatively, the section of the frame may comprise a groove shaped to receive a part of the contact portion. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of components may be removably coupled to one another through a magnetic coupling. Through the use of magnets, the plurality of components can easily be attached and un-attached from one another. This allows for an improved method of assembly, as the components of the contact portion can be easily connected to each other around the cable. This also improves the way of applying the load to the swage fixing, as the load is applied to a whole circumference of the end of the swage fixing, given that the two components magnetically connect to form a continuous circular contact portion and contact surface. The removably coupled components, may alternatively be coupled to one another through a pin and hole arrangement, or any other type of coupling that allows for the components to be coupled and un-coupled from one another. Preferably, at least one of the plurality of components may be fixably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable, and wherein at least one of the plurality of components may be removably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable. In this way, the swage fixing tester can be assembled onto the cable, with the cable being received by the component that is fixed to the frame. The removable component can then be attached to the frame and the fixed component, encompassing the cable within the cutouts of the components (i.e., the circular hole of the contact portion). Therefore, a fixed component and removable component allows for easy and efficient assembly of the swage fixing tester onto the cable, whilst keeping the contact surface of the contact portion continuous such that when the load is applied, it is applied to a whole circumference of the end of the swage fixing. Having one of the components fixably attached to the section of the frame reduces the risk of losing the components, especially during assembly of the swage fixing tester. Preferably, the removable coupling of the at least one removably coupled component to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable, may be a magnetic coupling to the at least one of the plurality of components fixably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable. This allows for the removable component to be easily attached to the frame holding the other, fixed component, during assembly of the contact portion around the cable. In the case where all of the plurality of components are removably coupled to the section of the frame, the components may fit into and engage the section of the frame configured to receive the cable, when in use, and may be removable from the section of the frame before and after use. The plurality of components may be removably coupled to one another through a magnetic coupling. Preferably, the section of the frame configured to receive the cable may be a first section, such that the at least one removably coupled component is removably coupled to the first section; and the frame may further comprise a second section, wherein the at least one removably coupled component to the first section is movably coupled to the second section, such that the at least one removably coupled component is movable relative to the second section between being coupled and un-coupled to the first section. In this way, the component that is removably coupled to the section of frame in which the cable is received, may be coupled in some way to a different section of the frame to the first section i.e., a part of the swage fixing tester that does not receive the cable. This prevents the one or more removable components from being lost, as they are connected to the frame of the swage fixing tester, whilst also being removable from the first section of the frame that receives the cable for easy assembly. The component(s) may be removable from the section of the frame that receives the cable, however they are still connected to the swage fixing tester, but to a different section of the frame. The removable components may also be connected to the second section of the frame which does not receive the cable. This component therefore cannot be lost or dropped from the frame, even though it is not always coupled to the section of the frame receiving the cable. When the tester is being assembled onto the cable, the removable component can be removed from the first section (allowing the swage tester to be inserted onto the cable), but still be connected to the second section, so that the component can then be moved into the first section around the cable without being lost or dropped from the tester. The at least one removably coupled component to the first section of the frame may be coupled to the second section of the frame, for example, through a tether, a strap, a rope, or a rotatable pin. In the case where at least one of the components is fixed (i.e. not removable) to the section of the frame receiving the cable (i.e., the first section) and at least one of the components is removably coupled to the first section of the frame, it may be that only the removable component is connected to the second section of the frame, as the fixed component is connected to the swage fixing tester by being fixed to the first section of the frame. Preferably, the frame may further comprise a hook portion, the hook portion configured to allow the swage fixing tester to be inserted onto the cable and to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable during assembly and / or use of the swage fixing tester. Advantageously, the hook portion of the swage fixing tester hooks onto the cable such that the tester can be suspended on the cable during assembly. This allows for an easier assembly of the tester, as it can be hung via the hook portion from the cable while the rest of the device is being assembled, e.g., while the components of the contact portion are being connected to the frame, such that the user need not hold the swage tester / frame in place. The swage fixing tester may also comprise a plurality of hook portions, wherein each of the hook portions are configured to allow the swage fixing tester to be inserted onto the cable and to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable during assembly of the swage fixing tester. For instance, the swage tester may comprise two hook portions. These may be located a opposite ends of the frame. In other arrangements, 3, 4 or more hook portions may be used. Preferably, the hook portion comprises: an arm configured to be arranged above the cable, during assembly of the swage fixing tester, the arm configured to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable; and an opening below the arm configured to receive the cable during assembly of the swage fixing tester. This allows for the swage fixing tester to be placed or hooked onto the cable, with the arm holding the tester on the cable. This allows for an easy assembly of the swage fixing tester onto the cable. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise: a clamp coupled to the frame and configured to secure onto the cable, the clamp configured to move, when in use, relative to the frame and in a direction away from the contact portion thereby pulling the cable in the direction away from the contact portion to apply the load to the swage fixing. Advantageously, the clamp secures to the cable and is moved relative to the frame of the swage fixing tester, such that the cable is pulled away from the end of the swage fixing. As the clamp moves relative to the frame, the load produced by pulling the cable away from the swage fixing is applied to the swage fixing by the contact portion. The cable is pulled away from the swage fixing by the clamp against the contact portion, which causes an equal force to exert on the end of the swage fixing by the contact portion. This allows a load to be applied to the swage fixing in order to test its strength in securely holding the cable. Preferably, the clamp may comprise: one or more bolts configured to secure the clamp onto the cable. Advantageously, the one or more bolts on the clamp allow the clamp to be secured to the cable. The bolts may fasten so as to clamp the clamp onto the cable. This prevents the cable from slipping within the clamp as the load is applied an the clamp is pulled away from the swage fixing. Preferably, at least one of the one or more bolts may be pivotally attached to the clamp. This provides in improved clamping mechanism as the bolts are able to pivot with respect to the clamp. This may, for example, provide an improved assembly of the clamp onto the cable as the bolts may pivot to allow insertion of the cable into the clamp and pivot back in order to close the clamp over the cable. This also prevents the bolts from being lost or dropped, as the bolts are still connected to the clamp even though they are movable. Preferably, the clamp may further comprise: a first plate configured to receive the cable; and a second plate arranged above the first plate, wherein the one or more bolts are connected to the first plate and extend from the first plate, such that during use, the one or more bolts are configured to secure the second plate to the first plate with the cable therebetween. The clamp is secured to the cable by using two plates, on opposite sides of the cable (e.g. above and below), with the one or more bolts securing the cable between the first and second plate. The bolts may therefore secure the cable between the two plates to prevent slipping of the cable within the clamp whilst the load is being applied. Preferably, at least of one the one or more bolts, during assembly of the swage fixing tester, may be fixed between the first plate and the second plate. This ensures that at least one of the one bolts cannot be moved, lost or dropped whilst the swage fixing tester is being assembled onto the cable. This improves the assembly and dismantling process of the swage fixing tester. Preferably, at least one of the one or more bolts may be pivotally attached to the first plate. Advantageously, having at least one of the bolts pivotally attached to the first plate improves the clamp used within the swage fixing tester, as the bolt may pivot from the first plate, such that it can easily be moved between different positions and cannot be lost or dropped from the swage fixing tester, whilst allowing the cable to be hooked between the plates when pivoted away from the second plate. Preferably, the first plate comprises one or more pins, and wherein each of the at least one pivotally attached bolt may comprise a hole configured to receive the one or more pins such that the at least one pivotally attached bolt is free to pivot about the one or more pins. This allows for the at least pivotally attached bolt to freely pivot with respect to the first plate. Preferably, the one or more pivotally attached bolts may pivot between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, the closed position of the one or more pivotally attached bolts may be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first plate, the one or more pivotally attached bolts, when in the closed position, extending from the first plate to the second plate such that the one or more pivotally attached bolts are configured to secure the second plate to the first plate with the cable therebetween; and wherein the open position of the one or more pivotally attached bolts may be a position pivoted away from the substantially perpendicular closed position such that during assembly of the swage fixing tester, the first plate can be arranged below the cable and the second plate above the cable. In this way, the pivotally attached one or more bolts may be used to improve the assembly of the swage fixing tester onto the cable. The swage tester may be placed onto the cable whilst the bolts are in the open position as the pivoting of the bolts provides a gap such that the cable can be received between the plate. The one or more bolts can then be pivoted into the closed position in which the one or more bolts extend from the first plate below the cable to the second plate above the cable. This is a significant improvement to the clamping mechanism of the swage fixing tester, as pivotally attached bolts may be used to make the assembly of the swage fixing tester easier and more efficient, whilst also ensuring the bolts of the clamp are not lost or dropped. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise: a loading mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to apply, when in use, the load to the swage fixing; a rotatable shaft coupled to the clamp and the loading mechanism; and a rotatable wrench removably coupled to the rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable wrench is configured to rotate, when in use, the rotatable shaft such that the clamp is moved away from the contact portion thereby pulling the cable away from the swage fixing and applying the load to the swage fixing. In this way, a rotatable handle may be used in order to apply the load to the swage fixing. The wrench may be rotated which in turn rotates a shaft connected to the clamp in order to move the clamp. The rotation of the shaft drives the clamp away from the swage fixing (i.e., pulls the cable away from the swage fixing). This allows for a load to be applied to the end of the swage fixing, so that the strength of the swage fixing can be tested. Preferably, wherein the rotatable wrench may be configured to rotate about a central axis of the rotatable shaft, and wherein the swage fixing tester may further comprise: a handle coupled to the rotatable shaft and configured to rotate about the central axis of the rotatable shaft, wherein the handle, before the load is applied, is rotatable about the central axis of the rotatable shaft and wherein the handle is configured to be fixed in a stationary position about the central axis of the rotatable shaft whilst the load is applied. Therefore, in this way, the handle may be placed at any point around the central axis of the rotatable shaft such that the user may place the handle at any angle relative to the central axis of the shaft on either side of the cable. The wrench can then be rotated against (i.e. with respect to) the stationary handle any number of times in order to apply the desired load. Driving the wrench against the handle causes the rotatable shaft to rotate, via the loading mechanism, and therefore pull the clamp away from the contact portion of the frame, with the handle helping to stabilise the swage fixing tester whilst the wrench is being rotated The handle may be located between the wrench and the loading mechanism coupled to the frame of the swage tester. The handle may comprise a shaft having a distal end configured to be held by the user, and a proximal end configured to be coupled to the rotatable shaft. The proximal end configured to be coupled to the rotatable shaft preferably comprises a ring like structure configured to receive the rotatable shaft. In some arrangements, the swage fixing tester further comprises a thrust nut, such that during use, rotation of the rotatable wrench causes the thrust nut to contact the handle thereby fixing the handle relative to the frame. In this way, the handle can be used to stabilise the swage fixing tester when the load is being applied via the wrench. The thrust nut may be located on the rotatable shaft between the handle and the rotatable wrench. The loading mechanism may comprise a hydraulic fluid cell and a piston configured to compress the hydraulic fluid within the cell, wherein the piston is driven into the hydraulic fluid cell by the rotation of the wrench against the handle. This increases the force exerted by the rotation of the wrench, such that the rotatable shaft may be rotated and moved with larger force than would be possible by only using the wrench and handle. The rotatable shaft therefore begins to move away from the contact portion of the frame and given that the clamp is coupled the to the rotatable shaft, the clamp is also pulled away from the contact portion of the frame. The compression of the hydraulic fluid increases the force of pulling the clamp, such that loads of over 20 kN (2 tonnes) can be applied to test the strength of the swage fixing. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise a loading mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to apply, when in use, the load to the swage fixing. The loading mechanism coupled to the frame allows the load to be applied to the swage fixing, such as through the contact portion. This tests the load that the swage fixing can withstand, or in other words, the strength of the swage fixing. Preferably, wherein the loading mechanism may be removably coupled to the frame. This allows for the loading mechanism to be attached and un-attached from the swage fixing tester. This is helpful when assembling or transporting the swage fixing tester, as the loading mechanism may be a separate component to the rest of the swage fixing tester that can be easily fitted within the device upon assembly. Preferably, the contact portion may be configured to abut the end of the swage fixing that is furthest from a wall, or connection, to which the cable is connected through the swage (i.e. the connection to be tested). This ensures that the load applied through the contact portion is applied to the end of the swage that is furthest from the end of the cable. The end of the cable may be, for example, connected to a roof or a wall, and therefore the swage fixing must be tested by pulling the cable way from the cable or the wall. To achieve this, the swage fixing tester is placed on the cable in order to apply the load to the end of swage fixing furthest from the wall or roof (or other joint) i.e., the end of the swage that is furthest from an end of the cable. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise a load cell configured to measure the load applied to the swage fixing. Advantageously, this allows for the load applied to the swage fixing by the swage fixing tester to be measured. In addition, the load measured by the load cell may be displayed to a user of the swage fixing tester on the body of the swage fixing tester itself or an additional connected display. In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for testing a load that a swage fixing can withstand, the method comprising; inserting a swage fixing tester according to the first aspect of the present invention onto a cable secured to a swage fixing; and applying a load to the swage fixing using the swage fixing tester. In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a swage fixing tester for testing a load that a swage fixing can withstand, the swage fixing tester comprising: a frame comprising a section, the section configured to receive a cable secured to a swage fixing; and a clamp coupled to the frame and configured to secure onto the cable, the clamp comprising: one or more bolts configured to secure the clamp onto the cable, wherein at least one of the one or more bolts are pivotally attached to the clamp. The bolts may fasten so as to clamp the clamp onto the cable. This prevents the cable from slipping within the clamp as the load is applied an the clamp is pulled away from the swage fixing. The pivotally attached bolts provide in improved clamping mechanism as the bolts are able to pivot with respect to the clamp. This may, for example, provide an improved assembly of the clamp onto the cable as the bolts may pivot to allow insertion of the cable into the clamp and pivot back in order to close the clamp over the cable. This also prevents the bolts from being lost or dropped, as the bolts are still connected to the clamp even though they are movable. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise a contact portion configured to contact the swage fixing, and wherein clamp is configured to move, when in use, relative to the frame and in a direction away from the contact portion thereby pulling the cable in the direction away from the contact portion to apply the load to the swage fixing. Advantageously, the clamp secured to the cable and is moved relative to the frame of the swage fixing tester, such that the cable is pulled away from the end of the swage fixing. As the clamp moves relative to the frame, the load produced by pulling the cable away from the swage fixing is applied to the swage fixing by the contact portion. The cable is pulled away from the swage fixing by the clamp against the contact portion, which causes an equal force to exert on the end of the swage fixing by the contact portion. This allows a load to be applied to the swage fixing in order to test its strength in securely holding the cable. Preferably, the clamp may comprise one or more bolts configured to secure the clamp onto the cable. Preferably, at least one of the one or more bolts may be pivotally attached to the clamp. Preferably, the clamp may further comprise: a first plate configured to receive the cable; and a second plate arranged above the first plate, wherein the one or more bolts are connected to the first plate and extend from the first plate, such that during use, the one or more bolts are configured to secure the second plate to the first plate with the cable therebetween. Preferably, at least of one the one or more bolts, during assembly of the swage fixing tester, may be fixed between the first plate and the second plate. Preferably, at least one of the one or more bolts may be pivotally attached to the first plate. Preferably, the first plate may comprise one or more pins, and w herein each of the at least one pivotally attached bolt may comprise a hole configured to receive the one or more pins such that the at least one pivotally attached bolt is free to pivot about the one or more pins. Preferably, the one or more pivotally attached bolts may pivot between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, the closed position of the one or more pivotally attached bolts may be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first plate, the one or more pivotally attached bolts, when in the closed position, extending from the first plate to the second plate such that the one or more pivotally attached bolts are configured to secure the second plate to the first plate with the cable therebetween; and wherein the open position of the one or more pivotally attached bolts is a position pivoted away from the substantially perpendicular closed position such that during assembly of the swage fixing tester, the first plate can be arranged below the cable and the second plate above the cable. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise a contact portion configured to be coupled to the section of the frame and configured, when in use, to abut the swage fixing, the contact portion comprising: a circular hole configured to receive the cable; and a contact surface surrounding an opening of the circular hole, the contact surface configured to abut an end of the swage fixing such that, when in use, a load is applied through the contact portion to a whole circumference of the end of the swage fixing. Preferably, the contact portion may be comprised of a plurality of components. Preferably, each of the plurality of components may comprise a cut-out such that, when the contact portion is coupled to the section of the frame, the cut-outs of the plurality of components together form the circular hole of the contact portion. Preferably, each of the plurality of components may comprise an outer surface such that, when the contact portion is coupled to the section of the frame, the contact surface of the contact portion is comprised of the outer surface of the plurality of components. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of components may be removably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of components may be removably coupled to one another through a magnetic coupling. Preferably, at least one of the plurality of components may be fixably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable, and wherein at least one of the plurality of components may be removably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable. Preferably, the removable coupling of the at least one removably coupled component to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable, may be a magnetic coupling to the at least one of the plurality of components fixably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable. Preferably, the section of the frame configured to receive the cable may be a first section, such that the at least one removably coupled component may be removably coupled to the first section; and the frame may further comprise a second section, wherein the at least one removably coupled component to the first section is movably coupled to the second section, such that the at least one removably coupled component is movable relative to the second section between being coupled and un-coupled to the first section. Preferably, the frame may further comprise a hook portion, the hook portion configured to allow the swage fixing tester to be inserted onto the cable and to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable during assembly and / or use of the swage fixing tester. Preferably, the hook portion may comprise: an arm configured to be arranged above the cable, during assembly of the swage fixing tester, the arm configured to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable; and an opening below the arm configured to receive the cable during assembly of the swage fixing tester. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise: a loading mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to apply, when in use, the load to the swage fixing; a loading mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to apply, when in use, the load to the swage fixing; a rotatable shaft coupled to the clamp and the loading mechanism; and a rotatable wrench removably coupled to the rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable wrench is configured to rotate, when in use, the rotatable shaft such that the clamp is moved away from the contact portion thereby pulling the cable away from the swage fixing and applying the load to the swage fixing. Preferably, the rotatable wrench may be configured to rotate about a central axis of the rotatable shaft, and wherein the swage fixing tester further comprises: a handle coupled to the rotatable shaft and configured to rotate about the central axis of the rotatable shaft, wherein the handle, before the load is applied, is rotatable about the central axis of the rotatable shaft and wherein the handle is configured to be fixed in a stationary position about the central axis of the rotatable shaft whilst the load is applied Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise a loading mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to apply, when in use, the load to the swage fixing. Preferably, the loading mechanism may be removably coupled to the frame. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise a load cell configured to measure the load applied to the swage fixing. In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for testing a load that a swage fixing can withstand, the method comprising; inserting a swage fixing tester according to the third aspect of the present invention onto a cable secured to a swage fixing; and applying a load to the swage fixing using the swage fixing tester. In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a swage fixing tester for testing a load that a swage fixing can withstand, the swage fixing tester comprising: a frame comprising a section, the section configured to receive a cable secured to a swage fixing, the frame comprising: a hook portion, the hook portion configured to allow the swage fixing tester to be inserted onto the cable and to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable during assembly of the swage fixing tester. Advantageously, the hook portion of the swage fixing tester hooks onto the cable such that the tester can be suspended on the cable during assembly. This allows for an easier assembly of the tester, as it can be hung via the hook portion from the cable while the rest of the device is being assembled, e.g., while the components of the contact portion are being connected to the frame, such that the user need not hold the swage tester / frame in place. The swage fixing tester may also comprise a plurality of hook portions, wherein each of the hook portions are configured to allow the swage fixing tester to be inserted onto the cable and to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable during assembly of the swage fixing tester. For instance, the swage tester may comprise two hook portions. These may be located at opposite ends of the frame. In other arrangements, 3, 4 or more hook portions may be used. Preferably, the hook portion may comprise: an arm configured to be arranged above the cable, during assembly of the swage fixing tester, the arm configured to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable; and an opening below the arm configured to receive the cable during assembly of the swage fixing tester. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise a contact portion configured to be coupled to the section of the frame and configured, when in use, to abut the swage fixing, the contact portion comprising: a circular hole configured to receive the cable; and a contact surface surrounding an opening of the circular hole, the contact surface configured to abut an end of the swage fixing such that, when in use, a load is applied through the contact portion to a whole circumference of the end of the swage fixing. Preferably, the contact portion may be comprised of a plurality of components. Preferably, each of the plurality of components may comprise a cut-out such that, when the contact portion is coupled to the section of the frame, the cut-outs of the plurality of components together form the circular hole of the contact portion. Preferably, each of the plurality of components may comprise an outer surface such that, when the contact portion is coupled to the section of the frame, the contact surface of the contact portion is comprised of the outer surface of the plurality of components. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of components may be removably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of components may be removably coupled to one another through a magnetic coupling. Preferably, at least one of the plurality of components may be fixably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable, and wherein at least one of the plurality of components may be removably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable. Preferably, the removable coupling of the at least one removably coupled component to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable, may be a magnetic coupling to the at least one of the plurality of components fixably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable. Preferably, the section of the frame configured to receive the cable may be a first section, such that the at least one removably coupled component may be removably coupled to the first section; and the frame may further comprise a second section, wherein the at least one removably coupled component to the first section is movably coupled to the second section, such that the at least one removably coupled component is movable relative to the second section between being coupled and un-coupled to the first section. Preferably, the swage fixing tester further comprises: a clamp coupled to the frame and configured to secure onto the cable, the clamp configured to move, when in use, relative to the frame and in a direction away from the contact portion thereby pulling the cable in the direction away from the contact portion to apply the load to the swage fixing. Preferably, the clamp may comprise one or more bolts configured to secure the clamp onto the cable. Preferably, at least one of the one or more bolts may be pivotally attached to the clamp. Preferably, the clamp may further comprise: a first plate configured to receive the cable; and a second plate arranged above the first plate, wherein the one or more bolts are connected to the first plate and extend from the first plate, such that during use, the one or more bolts are configured to secure the second plate to the first plate with the cable therebetween. Preferably, at least of one the one or more bolts, during assembly of the swage fixing tester, may be fixed between the first plate and the second plate. Preferably, at least one of the one or more bolts may be pivotally attached to the first plate. Preferably, the first plate may comprise one or more pins, and wherein each of the at least one pivotally attached bolt may comprise a hole configured to receive the one or more pins such that the at least one pivotally attached bolt is free to pivot about the one or more pins. Preferably, the one or more pivotally attached bolts may pivot between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, the closed position of the one or more pivotally attached bolts may be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first plate, the one or more pivotally attached bolts, when in the closed position, extending from the first plate to the second plate such that the one or more pivotally attached bolts are configured to secure the second plate to the first plate with the cable therebetween; and wherein the open position of the one or more pivotally attached bolts is a position pivoted away from the substantially perpendicular closed position such that during assembly of the swage fixing tester, the first plate can be arranged below the cable and the second plate above the cable. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise: a loading mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to apply, when in use, the load to the swage fixing; a rotatable shaft coupled to the clamp and the loading mechanism; and a rotatable wrench removably coupled to the rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable wrench is configured to rotate, when in use, the rotatable shaft such that the clamp is moved away from the contact portion thereby pulling the cable away from the swage fixing and applying the load to the swage fixing. Preferably, the rotatable wrench may be configured to rotate about a central axis of the rotatable shaft, and wherein the swage fixing tester further comprises: a handle coupled to the rotatable shaft and configured to rotate about the central axis of the rotatable shaft, wherein the handle, before the load is applied, is rotatable about the central axis of the rotatable shaft and wherein the handle is configured to be fixed in a stationary position about the central axis of the rotatable shaft whilst the load is applied Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise a loading mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to apply, when in use, the load to the swage fixing. Preferably, the loading mechanism may be removably coupled to the frame. Preferably, the swage fixing tester may further comprise a load cell configured to measure the load applied to the swage fixing. In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for testing a load that a swage fixing can withstand, the method comprising; inserting a swage fixing tester according to the fifth aspect of the present invention onto a cable secured to a swage fixing; and applying a load to the swage fixing using the swage fixing tester. Description of Figures Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a swage fixing tester, according to aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the swage fixing tester, according to aspects of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a side view of the swage fixing tester indicating cross-sectional planes, according to an aspect of the present invention; Figures 4a, 4b and 4c each show a different cross-sectional view, as indicated in Figure 3, of the swage fixing tester, according to aspects of the present invention; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a swage fixing tester, according to a further aspect of the present invention. Detailed Description Swage fixings are commonly used within the construction industry to secure cables to buildings, equipment or any other connection. Swage fixings comprise a terminal that couples to a fitting on the building, equipment or desired connection, and a metal sleeve that is crimped around the end of the cable. A swage fixing must be able to withstand large amounts of load without breaking, such that the cable does not slip or drop from the connection in which it is fixed. Therefore, it is important that swage fixings are properly tested throughout their lifetime to ensure the quality and strength of the swage fixing remains intact and does not comprise the safety of the cable and fixing. The present disclosure sets out a device and method for testing an amount of load that a swage fixing can withstand. In other words, to test the bite and grip of the swage fixing to the cable to ensure that it is sufficient to withstand the load. A swage fixing tester device is described herein that can be installed onto a cable secured to a swage fixing in order to apply a load to the swage fixing. In some arrangements, the swage fixing tester evenly applies a load to the swage fixing, so as to test the strength of the swage fixing whilst ensuring that swage fixing that pass the test (i.e., can withstand the applied load) are not unnecessarily damaged due to the testing process. Figures 1 to 4 show various diagrams of a swage fixing tester 100 according to an aspect of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the swage fixing tester 100 when located on a cable to be tested. Figure 2 shows a side-on view, of side A as labelled in Figure 1, of the swage fixing tester 100 when located on a cable to be tested. Figure 3 shows a side view of side A, as labelled in Figure 1, of the swage fixing tester 100, when located on a cable to be tested, indicating cross-sectional planes A-A, B-B and C-C. Figure 4a, shows the cross-sectional view A-A of the swage fixing tester 100, Figure 4b shows the cross-sectional view B-B of the swage fixing tester 100 and Figure 4c shows the cross-sectional view C-C of the swage fixing tester 100. The swage fixing tester 100 is shown located on a cable 105. The cable 105 is secured within a swage fixing 110. The swage fixing 110 may be connected to a building, for example, to a wall or roof, or any other desired connection such as to a piece of equipment (not shown in the figures) to provide a secure connection of the cable 105 to the building. The cable 105 is an 8mm steel cable formed by seven smaller cables (not visible in Figures 1 to 4c) each made up of seven smaller wires, wrapped around one another. The swage fixing tester 100 includes a frame 120. The frame 120 includes a front plate 125, a side plate 126 which is arranged on side A of the cable 105 as labelled in Figure 1, a side plate 124 (see Figure 4b) which is arranged on side B of the cable 105 as labelled in Figure 1 (where side A opposes side B), and a back plate 128. The front plate 125, side plate 126, side plate 124 and back plate 128 are secured to one another by screws 129. The frame 120 includes four screws 129 on each side A and side B of the swage fixing tester 100, as shown in Figure 4a. The front plate 125 includes a top section 121, that when the swage fixing tester 100 is in use, is configured to receive the cable 105. Likewise, the back plate 128 further includes a top section 119 configured to receive the cable 105. A contact portion 130 is coupled to the top section 121 of the front plate 125. The contact portion 130 also receives the cable 105 and is the portion of the swage fixing tester 100 that contacts an end 115 of the swage fixing 100 (as seen in Figure 2) when in use. As further shown in Figure 2, the contact portion 130 abuts the end 115 of the swage fixing 110 at an abutment site 131. The contact portion 130 fully encapsulates the whole circumference of the cable 105, when the swage tester 100 is placed on the cable 105 as shown in Figures 1 to 5. The contact portion 130 includes a continuous circular hole 132 that is configured to receive the cable 105. The circular hole 132 is sized to exactly fit the width of the cable 105. In the present case, the circular hole 132 has a diameter of approximately 8mm. Therefore, the diameter of the circular hole 132 matches the diameter of the cable 105, such that the cable 105 fits within and contacts an inner surface of the contact portion 130 that forms the circular hole 132. The outer surface of the contact portion 130 forms a contact surface 135 that contacts the end 115 of the swage fixing 110, as seen in Figures 1 to 3. The contact surface 135 of the contact portion 130 forms a continuous surface that surrounds the circular hole 132. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the contact surface 135 is a circular disk. It would be understood that the contact surface 135 may be any shape, provided that the hole 132 formed in the contact surface 135 matches the shape of the cable 105. The contact surface 135 must also extend sufficiently around the hole 132 in order to abut the whole of the end 115 of the swage 110. Given that the contact surface 135 when formed on the swage tester 100 is a continuous surface that abuts the end 115 of the swage fixing 110. The whole circumference of the end 115 of the swage fixing 110 is abutted by the contact surface 135 of the contact portion 130. In this way, when the load is applied to the swage fixing 110 by the swage fixing tester 100, the load is evenly applied to the whole of the end 115 of the swage fixing 110. This decreases the damage caused to the swage fixing 110 during testing and applying the load, as the load is exerted on the whole circumference of the end 115 of the swage fixing 100, and not just a part of it. This is compared to current devices where their shape applies a load to only a part of the circumference of the end of the swage fixing. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the contact portion 130 protrudes from the top section 121 of the front plate 125 of the frame 120, when located thereon. The contact portion 130 further includes a coupling portion 133, as shown in Figure 2, that extends from the contact surface 135 and is received in a receiving section 122 of top section 121 to couple the contact portion 130 to the frame 120. The receiving section 122 of top section 121 comprises a groove or slot shaped to receive the coupling portion 133. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the coupling portion 133 is cylindrical with the receiving section 122 having a corresponding cylindrical shape. The rest of the contact portion 130 (e.g., the contact surface 135) protrudes away from the frame 120. The contact portion 130 is formed of two separate components 130a and 130b. Each of the two components 130a, 130b include a cut-out 136a (shown in Figure 5) and 136b (not shown) such that when the components 130a, 130b are coupled to the top section 121, they together form the circular hole 132 of the contact portion 130 configured to receive the cable 105. The cut-out 136a is shown in the alternative arrangement of Figure 5, however the component 130a of swage fixing tester 100 of Figures 1 to 4c comprises the same cutout 136a. The component 130b also comprises a corresponding cut-out 136b to that of component 130a shown in Figure 5. The cut-outs 136a, 136b of the plurality of components are semi-circular in profile, such that together when coupled to the top section 121, they form the continuous circular hole 132. In this way each component 130a, 130b may be considered to have a crescent (or crescent-like) shape. Further, as the cut-outs 136a, 136b of the plurality of components 130a, 130b form the continuous circular hole 123, it can be seen that an outer surface 137a, 137b of each component 130a, 130b forms the contact surface 135 of the contact portion 130. The outer surface 137a of component 130a can be seen in Figure 5, however the other component 130b comprises a corresponding outer surface 137b that contacts the end 115 of the swage fixing 110. Both the outer surfaces 137a and 137b of components 130a and 130b of Figure 5 are the same as the outer surfaces of components 130a, 130b of Figures 1 to 4c. By having two separate components 130a, 130b this allows the contact portion 130 to be easily formed around the cable 105 when the swage fixing tester 100 is located on the cable 105 for testing, whilst also maintaining the continuous contact surface 135 to abut the end 115 of the swage fixing 100 when assembled on the cable 105, such that the load is applied evenly throughout the swage fixing 110. Both components 130a, 130b are removably coupled to the top section 121 of the frame 120. This allows for an improved assembly and dismantling of the swage fixing tester 100, as components 130a, 130b can easily be removed or attached to the frame 120 to allow the cable 105 to be easily received by the top section 121 and also top section 119 of back plate 128, via hook portions 140 145, as will be described further below. The attachment of the removable component(s) 130a, 130b to the frame 120 is achieved through the coupling portion 130 received within the receiving portion 122. However, in addition, the components 130a, 130b are magnetically coupled to one another. One of component 130a or component 130b includes a magnetic material within a surface that contacts the other component (130a or 130b) during assembly onto the cable 105. Whilst the other component (130a or 130b) is formed of a magnetic material on a corresponding part of the surface that contacts the other of the two components (130a or 130b). In this way, the two components 130a, 130b may be easily attached to one another to form a continuous ring around the cable 105 (as shown in Figure 1) and easily detached from another to be removed from the cable 105. In addition to the top section 121 configured to receive the cable 105, the front plate 125 also includes bottom section 123. As shown in Figure I. the bottom section 123 of the front plate 125 is below the first section 121 and does not itself receive the cable 105. As outlined above, the components 130a, 130b shown in Figures 1 to 4C are removably attached to top section 121. They are also movably attached to the bottom section 123 via tethers 138a, 138b. This allows for the removable component(s) 130a, 130b to be coupled and un-coupled from the top section 121, but not completely removed from the swage fixing tester 100 altogether. In other words, the components 130a, 130b are attached to the bottom section 123 of the front plate 125 but are also able to be coupled or uncoupled to the top section 121 of the front plate 125. This prevents the one or more removable components 130a, 130b from being dropped or lost from the swage fixing tester 100 during assembly of the swage fixing tester 100 onto the cable 105. The tethers 138a, 138b are connected to the front plate 125 by the connectors 139a and 139 b respectively. Although tethers 138a, 138b are shown in Figure 1, alternatively, the movable attachment of the one or more components 130a, 130b to the bottom section 123 may be any means that allow for said components 130a, 130b to be uncoupled from the top section 121 from being positioned around the cable 105, whilst also being tethered to the frame 120 such that it is not easily misplaced or lost. This may be, for example, a pin securing the component 130a, 130b to the bottom section 123 that allows the component to pivot about the pin and rotate from being coupled and un-coupled to the top section 121. In other arrangements, the attachment may be to a different region of the top section 121, or any other part of the swage tester 100 that allows the component to be removed whilst also coupled to the cable 105. The top section 121 of the front plate 125 of frame 120 further includes a hook portion 140. The hook portion 140 is formed of an arm 141 that is located above an opening 143, through which the cable 105 can be received, as can be seen in Figure 1. During assembly of the swage tester 100 onto the cable 105, the swage fixing tester 100 can be hooked onto the cable 105 and hung by the arm 141 over the cable 105. Advantageously this allows the rest of the assembly of the swage fixing tester 100 to be completed without a user having to hold the swage fixing tester 100 in place on the cable 105. As shown in the Figures 1 to 3, the frame 120 of the swage fixing tester 100 also comprises a second hook portion 145. The second hook portion 145 is located on the back plate 128 and has an arm 147 to hold the swage fixing tester 100 on the cable 105 in the same way as the hook portion 140 includes the arm 141, with the cable 105 received within opening 149. Both the first and second hook portions 140, 145 perform the same function of suspending the swage fixing tester 100 on the cable 105 during assembly of the tester 100. The swage fixing tester 100 further comprises a clamp 150. The clamp 150 is configured to secure onto the cable 105 and move relative to the frame 120. The clamp 150 includes four bolts 155a, 155b, 157a and 157b to secure the cable 105 within the clamp 150. The one or more bolts 155a, 155b, 157a, 157b of the clamp 150, include two fixed bolts 157a, 157b and two movable bolts 155a, 155b that are pivotally coupled to the clamp 150. The fixed bolts 157a, 157b are fixed within the clamp 150 and cannot be moved relative to the clamp 150. Whereas the pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b are free to pivot relative to the clamp 150. Each of the bolts 155a, 155b, 157a, 157b include a nut 156, which is rotated and tightened during use of the swage fixing tester 100, in order to secure the bolts 155a, 155b, 157a, 157b between the first plate 151 and second plate 152. The clamp 150 is comprised of a first plate 151 and second plate 153. The first plate 151 is arranged above the second plate 153. The bolts 157a, 157b, 155a, 155b are connected to the first plate 151 and extend from the first plate 151. The two fixed bolts 157a, 157b are fixed between the first plate 151 and second plate 153. The position of the fixed bolts 157a, 157b, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4b, is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the first plate 151 (i.e. perpendicular to the cable 105). The fixed bolts 157a, 157b extend upwards from the first plate 151 to the second plate 153 and, when the nuts 156 of the fixed bolts 157a, 157b are tightened, secure the second plate 153 to the first plate 155. The two pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b are coupled to the first plate 151 and pivot about the first plate 151. The pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b pivot between an open position and closed position. Figures 1 to 4c show the clamp 150 in the closed position. In the closed position, as shown in Figure 4b and Figure 1, the pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b extend upwards from the first plate 151 to the second plate 153, such that they are parallel with the fixed bolts 157a, 157b. In this way, both the fixed and pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b, 157a, 157b can be used to secure the second plate 153 onto the first plate 151 with the cable therebetween, providing a tight attachment between the plates 151, 153 whilst also preventing the cable 105 from slipping out from between the clamp 150 when the load is applied. The pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b are free to pivot about the first plate 151 away from the closed position i.e., away from being parallel with the fixed bolts 157a, 157b, to an open position. This is also shown by the arrow 401 in Figure 4b. In the open position, the pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b extend from the first plate 151 away from the second plate 153. This open position therefore leaves a gap between the first and second plates 151, 153 for the cable 105 to be inserted between the two plates 151, 153. The pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b are arranged on the side of the clamp 150 that corresponds to the side of the frame 120 that includes the openings 143, 149 of the hook portions 140, 145 (side A - as can be seen in Figure 4a and 4b). This is such that the swage tester 100 can be inserted onto the cable 105 and between the plates 151, 153 of the clamp 150, when the pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b are in the open position. The pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b are then pivoted into the closed position, and the nuts 156 on each of the fixed 157a, 157b and pivotally attached bolt 155a, 155b are tightened such that the cable 105 is secured within the clamp 150. Further, the clamp 150 includes a pin 159 for the pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b to rotate about. The pin 159 may be coupled to the first plate 151, or another part of the clamp 150, and held in place at either end of the clamp 150. Each of the pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b also includes a ring 158, as shown in Figure 4b, configured to receive the pin 159. The rings 158 of the bolts 155a, 155b are located at the end of the bolts 155a, 155b that couple to the first plate 151. The clamp 150 may also comprise one or more pins 159. In this case, each ring 158 of each pivotally attached bolt 155a, 155b receives a different pin 159. The pin 159 is inserted into the ring 158 of each pivotally attached bolt 155a, 155b such that each bolt 155a, 155b is free to rotate about the pin 159. The pin 159 is arranged substantially parallel to the first plate 151 and along a longitudinal axis of the first plate 151. In this way, the pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b are able to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the first plate 151 between the open and closed positions. In some arrangements, the first plate 151 and second plate 152 comprise grooves carved into their inner sides (i.e., that which receives the cable). The grooves on the inner side of the first and second plates 151, 153 match the shape of the cable 105. This allows for an increased grip on the cable 105 whilst the clamp 150 is pulling the cable 105 during the application of the load to the swage fixing 110. The frame 120 further comprises one or more fixed shafts 170, as shown in Figure 4c. The fixed shafts 170 span the longitudinal length of the frame 120. The fixed shafts 170 are connected the front plate 125 and the back plate 128. The fixed shafts 170 are connected to the front plate 125 by end screws 171 and are fixed to the back plate 128 by further end screws (not shown in the figures). The clamp 150 also comprises channels 173 (shown in Figure 4c) configured to receive the fixed shafts 170. The first plate 151 of the clamp 150 comprises the channels 173, such that the fixed shafts 170 guide the clamp 150 to move along the longitudinal axis of the frame 120, whilst the clamp 150 is being moved away from the contact portion 130 during the application of the load to the swage fixing tester 100. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the swage fixing tester 100 additionally comprises a loading mechanism 160. The loading mechanism 160 generates the load to apply to the swage fixing 110 when in use. The loading mechanism 160 is removably coupled to the frame 120. A loading mechanism frame 161 is coupled to the back plate 128 of the frame 120, and protects the loading mechanism 160, when coupled to the frame 120, from damage. The loading mechanism frame 161 additionally provides an attachment means through which the loading mechanism 160 can be attached to the swage fixing tester 100. A rotatable shaft 163, as shown in Figure 4c, sits within the frame 120 and is coupled to the clamp 150. The rotatable shaft 163 is arranged between the front 125 plate of the frame 120 and extends outwardly away from the back plate 128, such that it is orientated along the longitudinal axis of the frame 120. The rotatable shaft is attached to the clamp 150 on an end adjacent to the front plate 125 and is removably coupled to the loading mechanism 160 on an end adjacent to the back plate 128. The rotatable shaft 163 is removably received by the loading mechanism 160 such that when the loading mechanism 160 is coupled to the frame 120, the rotatable shaft 163 is received through the loading mechanism 160 and extends away from the loading mechanism 160 (i.e. in the oppositive direction to the clamp 150).rotatable shaftin this way, the rotatable shaft 163 connects the clamp 150 to the loading mechanism 160. The frame 120 further comprises a rotatable shaft end cap 164 (shown in Figures 1, 4a and 4b) attached to the front plate 125. The end cap 164 is coupled to the rotatable shaft 163. A wrench 165 is removably coupled to the rotatable shaft 163. When in use, the wrench 165 is coupled to an end of the rotatable shaft 163 that extends outward from the loading mechanism 160 (i.e., in the opposite direction to the clamp 150). The wrench 165 is rotatable about a central axis of the rotatable shaft 163. The rotatable shaft 163 is threaded, such that rotation of the shaft 163 moves the shaft relative to the frame 120. Therefore, as the wrench 165 is rotated in a particular direction, the rotatable shaft 163 is rotated in said direction such that it is configured to move, relative to the frame 120, in the opposite direction to the contact portion 130 and the swage fixing 110. The swage fixing tester 100 also comprises a handle 167. The handle 167 is rotatably coupled to the rotatable shaft and is positioned between the loading mechanism 160 and the wrench 165. Whilst the load is being applied, the handle 167 is fixed in a position about the central axis of the rotatable shaft 163. Before use and before applying the load, the handle 167 may not be fixed in a specified position and is rotatable, in any direction, about the central axis of the rotatable shaft 163. The handle 167 can be rotated to a position either side of the cable 105, i.e., side A or side B, such that the user, depending on the side of the cable 105 they are working on, can use the handle 167 and the wrench 165 to apply the load. Once the load has started being applied to the swage fixing 110, the handle 167 becomes fixed in a position about the central axis of the rotatable shaft 163 chosen by the user, and the wrench 165 can therefore be rotated against the handle 167 to rotate the shaft 163.This provides stability of the swage fixing tester 100 whilst the user is rotating the wrench 165. The swage fixing tester 100 further comprises a thrust nut 169 including a bearing within it. During use of the swage fixing tester 100, the thrust nut 169 is positioned on the rotatable shaft 163 between the handle 167 and the rotatable wrench 165. Before rotating the wrench 165, and therefore before applying the load, the thrust nut 169 and bearing do not contact the handle 167. Therefore, the handle 167 is freely rotatable about the rotatable shaft 163. Once the load is applied, and the wrench 165 is rotated, the thrust nut 169 (and associated bearing) are moved towards the frame 120 along the rotatable shaft 163, thereby tightening against the handle 167 and contacting the handle 167. The handle 167 therefore begins to become fixed between the loading mechanism 160 (coupled to the frame 120) and the thrust nut 169. To continue applying the load, the user holds the now fixed handle 167 to stabilise the swage fixing tester 100 against the rotating motion of the wrench 165. Therefore, as the wrench 165 is being rotated, the clamp 150 is moved in a direction opposite to the contact portion 130, which pulls the cable 105 in the same direction, such that a load is applied by the force of pulling the cable 105 to the end 115 of the swage fixing 110 via the contact surface 135 of the contact portion 130. The wrench 165 includes a handling portion 166. The handle 167 also includes a handling portion 168. The handling portions 166, 168 of the wrench 165 and the handle 167 are held by the by the user and allow for easier gripping and rotation of the wrench 165 against the handle 167 during loading of the swage fixing tester 100. In order to apply large amounts of force to the swage fixing 110, such as loads of up to 20 kN (2 tonnes), the loading mechanism 160 also includes a piston configured to compress hydraulic fluid within a hydraulic fluid cell. As the wrench 165 is rotated, this further drives the piston into the cell, compressing the hydraulic fluid. This causes an increase in the rotational force exerted by the rotation of the wrench 165. This increase in rotational force further rotates the rotatable shaft 163 and pulls the clamp 150 further away from the contact portion 130 of the frame 120. The use of the hydraulic fluid increases the load applied to the swage fixing 110, that would not be obtainable only with the wrench 165 and handle 167, and as is known in the art. The loading mechanism 160 may further comprise a load cell configured to measure the force applied. The measurement of the force applied may further be displayed to the user via a display screen. The display may be a screen integrated into the loading mechanism 160 itself. Alternatively, the load measurements may be displayed on an external display, such as a mobile phone or computer. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the swage fixing tester 200 according to an alternative arrangement of the present invention. All the features described above in relation to Figures 1 to 4 and swage fixing tester 100 are the same as the features of the alternative swage fixing tester 200 shown in Figure 5, having corresponding reference numbers, except for the following features described below. As outlined above, the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 4c include two removable attached components 130a, 130b. However, in the arrangement shown in Figure 5, one of the components 130a, 130b is fixed to the frame 120. Specifically, component 130a is fixed within top section 121 such that it is not intended to be removed, and component 130b may be removably coupled to top section 121.Removable component 130b is not shown in Figure 5, however it is the same as the removable component 130b described in the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 4c. In this case, the component 130a is fixed to the top section 121 and arranged on the side of the top section 121 (side B) such that when the swage fixing tester 100 is inserted onto the cable 105, the cable 105 is received within the cut-out 136a of the fixed component 130a. The fixed component 130a is fixed to the section 121 of the frame by a screw 231. Alternatively, any number of screws 231 may be used to fix the component 130a within the section 121 or the fixed component 130a may be unitary with the section 121 of the frame. The removable component 130b of the arrangement shown in Figure 5 is removably attached to the top section 121 of the frame 120. The removable component 130b is also movably attached to the bottom section 123 via a tether. This allows for the removable component 130b to be coupled and un-coupled from the top section 121, but not completely removed from the swage fixing tester 200 altogether. In other words, the component 130b are attached to the bottom section 123 of the front plate 125 but is also able to be coupled or uncoupled to the top section 121 of the front plate 125. This prevents the removable component 130b from being dropped or lost from the swage fixing tester 200 during assembly of the swage fixing tester 200 onto the cable 105. In this arrangement, only the removable component 130b will have a tether connecting it to the bottom section 123, given that the other component 130a is already fixably connected to the frame 120. Alternatively, the movable attachment of the component 130b to the bottom section 123 may be any means that allow for said component 130b to be uncoupled from the top section 121 from being positioned around the cable 105, whilst also being tethered to the frame 120 such that it is not easily misplaced or lost. This may be, for example, a pin securing the component 130b to the bottom section 123 that allows the component to pivot about the pin and rotate from being coupled and un-coupled to the top section 121. In other arrangements, the attachment may be to a different region of the top section 121, or any other part of the swage tester 200 that allows the component 130b to be removed whilst also coupled to the cable 105. Although Figures 1 to 4c and Figure 5 show different arrangements, all the features of the contact portion 130 of the swage fixing testers 100 and 200 are the same, except that component 130a of the swage fixing tester 200 is fixed within section 121 of the frame 120, whereas the component 130a in swage fixing tester 100 is removable from section 121. The function of the contact portion 130 and the components 130a, 130b when coupled to the section 121 of the frame 120, and when the swage fixing testers 100, 200 are in use is the same. The clamp 150 of the swage fixing tester 200, and the features of said clamp, are the same as the clamp 150 of the swage fixing tester 100. However, Figure 5 shows the clamp 150 in an open position, whereas Figures 1 to 4c show the clamp 150 in a closed position. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, when the loading mechanism 160 is coupled to the frame 120, the shape of the loading mechanism frame 161 substantially corresponds to the shape of the loading mechanism 160. However, in the arrangements, as shown in Figure 5, the loading mechanism frame 261 does not exactly correspond to the shape of the loading mechanism 160 and is substantially larger than the body of the loading mechanism 160. The assembly of the swage fixing tester 100, as shown in Figures 1 to 4c, will now be described in detail. The loading mechanism 160, with the handle 167 attached, is firstly coupled to the back plate 128 of the frame 120. This coupling includes connecting the loading mechanism 160 to the rotatable shaft 163. The swage fixing tester 100 is then inserted onto the cable 105, such that the cable 105 is received by the hook portions 140, 145 and is inserted within the clamp 150. The pivotally attached one or more bolts 155a, 155b are moved to the open position before assembling the swage fixing tester 100, such that the cable 105 can be inserted between the first plate 151 and the second plate 153. The contact portion 130 may then be coupled to the top section 121 of the frame 120 receiving the cable 105. Both components 130a, 130b are therefore coupled to each other around the cable 105. Each cut-out 137a, 137b of the components 130, 130b therefore forms a continuous circular cut-out (the circular hole 132 of the contact portion 130) around the cable 105. The two components 130a, 130b forming the contact portion 130 and the continuous outer contact surface 135 are coupled to the section 121 of the frame 120. The swage fixing tester 100 is then moved along the cable 105 such that the contact surface 135 of the contact portion 130 abuts the end of the swage fixing 100, such as shown in Figure 2 and abutment site 131. Once the swage fixing tester 100 is in place with the contact portion 130 abutting the end 115 of the swage fixing 110, the one or more pivotally attached bolts 155a, 155b are pivoted about the first plate 151 from the open position to the closed position. The pivotally attached one or more bolts 155 close the gap of the clamp 150 in which the cable 105 was inserted and can be secured between the first plate 151 and second plate 153, with the cable 105 between the two plates 151, 153. In this way, the cable swage fixing tester 100 can be inserted onto the cable 105, with the cable 105 being easily secured within the clamp 150 without any bolts, or plates, having to be removed from the clamp 150 to allow insertion of the cable 105. Each nut 158 of each bolt 155a, 155b, 157a, 157b (fixably attached and removably attached) are tightened, such that the first plate 151 is secured to second plate 153 and the cable 105 is securely fastened within the clamp 150. The clamp 150 is secured such that the cable 105 cannot move or slip between the two plates 151, 153. In this way, the swage fixing tester 100 has been assembled onto the cable 105, contacting the end 115 of the swage fixing 110, and the testing of the strength of the swage fixing 110 can begin, as will be described below. The user rotates the handle 167 to a position on a side of the cable 105 that they are working on (side A or side B). The user then rotates the wrench 165 in the direction configured to move the rotatable shaft 163 (and therefore clamp 150) away from the front plate 125 and contact portion 130. Given that the rotatable shaft 163 is coupled to the clamp 150, the clamp 150 is also moved away from the contact portion 130 and the swage fixing 110. With such an action the clamp 150 pulls the cable 105 away from the swage fixing 110, such that an equal force is applied to the end 115 of the swage fixing 110 through the contact portion 130. In this way, a load is applied to the swage fixing 110, to test if the swage fixing 110 can withstand a desired load over a certain time period. Whilst the load is being applied, the handle 167 is fixed in a position about the central axis of the rotatable shaft 163. The user of the swage fixing tester 167 can hold the handling portion 168 of the handle 167 and rotate the wrench 165 (by using the handling portion 166 of the wrench 165) against the handle 167, to drive the rotation of the rotatable shaft 163 and in turn move the clamp away from the contact portion 130. Therefore, the clamp 150 is moved in a direction opposite to the contact portion 130, which pulls the cable 105 in the same direction, such that a load is applied by the force of pulling the cable 105 to the end 115 of the swage fixing 110 via the contact surface 135 of the contact portion 130. The force applied is increased by the use of a hydraulic cell within the loading mechanism 160, as described above. The method of assembly for swage fixing tester 200 and the method of applying a load to the swage fixing 110 using swage fixing tester 200 is exactly the same as is described above in relation to swage fixing tester 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4c, other than the fact that the component 130a is fixed within the section 121 of the frame 120 such that the first step of inserting the swage fixing tester 200 onto the cable 105 comprises the cable 105 being received by the fixed component 130 a as well as the hook portions 140, 145 and within the clamp 150. The removable component 130b is then coupled to the already fixed component 130a, such that the removable component 130b is coupled within section 121 of the frame 120. The contact portion 130 has then been formed around the cable 105, in the same way as the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 4c. While the disclosure has been described in terms of various embodiments, the person skilled in the art will recognise that the disclosure can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims. Further, while the method of assembly disclosed has been described in terms of a specific sequence of method steps, the person skilled in the art will recognise that the method of assembly of the swage fixing tester 100, 200 may be implemented in any order and is not limited to the exact sequence of steps disclosed above. An 8mm steel cable is described above as this is a UK construction industry standard. However, the cable may be any type of cable and have any thickness. The cable above is described as being a steel cable, but the cable may be any type of metal. Rather than being formed of seven cables wrapped around one another, each of the seven cables including a further seven smaller wires, alternatively it may instead be formed of 16 single smaller cables wrapped around one another. However, the cable may be of any thickness or type, and the swage fixing tester of the present invention may be adapted to work with different types or thicknesses of cables. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4a and Figure 5, four screws 129 on each side of the frame 120 (side A and side B) are used to secure the front plate 125, side plates 126 and back plate 128 together. The front 125 and back plates 128 have a thickness that allows such a connection arrangement. However, any number of screws 129 may be used on any part of the frame 120, as long as the plates are sufficiently secured to one another. Although the cable 105 is shown as being a round cable in the arrangements shown in Figure 1 to 5 this need not necessarily be the case. The shape of the cable 105 may vary and may have a non-circular cross section. For instance, it may have a rectangular, hexagonal or any other shape of cross section. The shape of the continuous hole 123 in the contact surfacel35 and contact portion 130 may vary corresponding to the shape of the cable 105. Alternatively, the slot 122 within the section 121 of the frame 120 may be shaped and sized to fit the whole of the contact portion 130, such that the contact surface 135 does not protrude outwardly from the frame 120. Although the arrangements above are shown as having two components 130a, 130b form the contact portion it would be understood that the contact portion 130 may be formed of any number of components. For instance, there may be three, four, or more components that form the contact portion 130. The contact portion 130 may include any number of components in any shape, as long as the cut-outs in the plurality of components form the continuous hole 123 of the contact portion 130 shaped to match the cable 105 and form the continuous contact surface 135. Although the components 130a and 130b are shown in Figure 1 and 5 to be crescent in shape, the components 130a, 130b may be any shape, such as rectangular, or hexagonal for instance. However, the cut-outs 136a, 136b of said components 130a, 130b must match the shape of the cable 105. Although magnetic attachment mechanism are described above for attaching the components 130a, 130b together, alternatively, this removable coupling of the plurality of components 130a, 130b of the contact portion 130 may be any mechanism capable of providing an easily removable coupling, such as a pin and hole arrangement or a latch from one component onto another, for instance. Alternatively, they may be held in place with abutment to the housing alone. Additionally, the swage fixing tester 100 may comprise any number of hook portions 140, 145 and is not limited to those shown in the figures, with each additional hook portion preferably including an opening on the same side (side A) of the frame 120 as the other hook portions 140, 145 and an arm to suspend the swage fixing tester 100 on the cable 105. As shown in Figure 1 and 5, the clamp 150 comprises four bolts, two are fixed 157a, 157b and two are pivotally attached 155a, 155b. However, the clamp 150 may comprise any number of bolts, with any number of the bolts being either fixed or pivotally attached. The clamp 150 may alternatively comprise a single bolt either fixed or pivotally attached. The loading mechanism 160 is removably coupled to the frame 120 through attachment means on the back plate 128. However, it is also possible for the loading mechanism 160 to be unitary with the frame 120 and not removable from the back plate 128. Further, although it is described above that the wrench 165, or alternatively socket wrench, is removable from the loading mechanism 160, the wrench 165 may also be fixed to or unitary with the loading mechanism 160. Although the Figures 1 to 5 show a specific arrangement of frame 120 with front 125, back 5 128 and side plates 126, 127 the present invention is not limited as such. It would be understood that the invention may comprise any arrangement of frame 120 that enables a region for receiving a cable, and receiving a contact portion. For instance, the frame may take the form of a body or housing which may be formed of a unitary' piece of material. 10 Although the contact potion 130 is shown in the arrangements as being two components 130a, 130b forming a circular hole 132 for receiving the cable 105, there is envisaged a swage tester having a contact portion 130 formed of a single component, i.e. only component 130a or component 130b, with the other features as shown in the figures. It would be understood the contact portion in this arrangement formed of a single component 15 130a / 130b would not abut the whole of the circumference of the swage fixing 110.
Claims
1. A swage fixing tester for testing a load that a swage fixing can withstand, the swage fixing tester comprising:a frame comprising a section, the section configured to receive a cable secured to a swage fixing; anda contact portion configured to be coupled to the section of the frame and configured, when in use, to abut the swage fixing, the contact portion comprising:a circular hole configured to receive the cable; anda contact surface surrounding an opening of the circular hole, the contact surface configured to abut an end of the swage fixing such that, when in use, a load is applied through the contact portion to a whole circumference of the end of the swage fixing.
2. The swage fixing tester according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is comprised of a plurality of components.
3. The swage fixing tester according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of components comprises a cut-out such that, when the contact portion is coupled to the section of the frame, the cut-outs of the plurality of components together form the circular hole of the contact portion.
4. The swage fixing tester according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of components comprise an outer surface such that, when the contact portion is coupled to the section of the frame, the contact surface of the contact portion is comprised of the outer surface of the plurality of components.
5. The swage fixing tester according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein one or more of the plurality of components are removably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable.
6. The swage fixing tester according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein one or more of the plurality of components are removably coupled to one another through a magnetic coupling.
7. The swage fixing tester according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of components is fixably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable, andwherein at least one of the plurality of components is removably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable.
8. The swage fixing tester according to claim 7, wherein the removable coupling of the at least one removably coupled component to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable, is a magnetic coupling to the at least one of the plurality of components fixably coupled to the section of the frame configured to receive the cable.
9. The swage fixing tester according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the section of the frame configured to receive the cable is a first section, such that the at least one removably coupled component is removably coupled to the first section; andthe frame further comprising a second section, wherein the at least one removably coupled component to the first section is movably coupled to the second section, such that the at least one removably coupled component is movable relative to the second section between being coupled and un-coupled to the first section.
10. The swage fixing tester according to any preceding claim, the frame further comprising a hook portion, the hook portion configured to allow the swage fixing tester to be inserted onto the cable and to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable during assembly and / or use of the swage fixing tester.
11. The swage fixing tester according to claim 10, wherein the hook portion comprises:an arm configured to be arranged above the cable, during assembly of the swage fixing tester, the arm configured to suspend the swage fixing tester on the cable; andan opening below the arm configured to receive the cable during assembly of the swage fixing tester.
12. The swage fixing tester according to any preceding claim, wherein the swage fixing tester further comprises:a clamp coupled to the frame and configured to secure onto the cable, the clamp configured to move, when in use, relative to the frame and in a direction away from the contact portion thereby pulling the cable in the direction away from the contact portion to apply the load to the swage fixing.
13. The swage fixing tester according to claim 12, wherein the clamp comprises: one or more bolts configured to secure the clamp onto the cable.
14. The swage fixing tester according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the one or more bolts are pivotally attached to the clamp.
15. The swage fixing tester according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the clamp further comprises:a first plate configured to receive the cable; anda second plate arranged above the first plate,wherein the one or more bolts are connected to the first plate and extend from the first plate, such that during use, the one or more bolts are configured to secure the second plate to the first plate with the cable therebetween.
16. The swage fixing tester according to claim 15, wherein at least of one the one or more bolts, during assembly of the swage fixing tester, is fixed between the first plate and the second plate.
17. The swage fixing tester according to any of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein at least one of the one or more bolts is pivotally attached to the first plate.
18. The swage fixing tester according to claim 17, wherein the first plate comprises one or more pins, andwherein each of the at least one pivotally attached bolt comprises a hole configured to receive the one or more pins such that the at least one pivotally attached bolt is free to pivot about the one or more pins.
19. The swage fixing tester according any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the one or more pivotally attached bolts pivot between an open position and a closed position.
20. The swage fixing tester according to claim 19, wherein the closed position of the one or more pivotally attached bolts is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first plate, the one or more pivotally attached bolts, when in the closed position, extending from the first plate to the second plate such that the one or more pivotally attached bolts are configured to secure the second plate to the first plate with the cable therebetween; andwherein the open position of the one or more pivotally attached bolts is a position pivoted away from the substantially perpendicular closed position such that during assembly of the swage fixing tester, the first plate can be arranged below the cable and the second plate above the cable.
21. The swage fixing tester according to any of claims 12 to claim 20, wherein the swage fixing tester further comprises:a loading mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to apply, when in use, the load to the swage fixing;a rotatable shaft coupled to the clamp and the loading mechanism; anda rotatable wrench removably coupled to the rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable wrench is configured to rotate, when in use, the rotatable shaft such that the clamp is moved away from the contact portion thereby pulling the cable away from the swage fixing and applying the load to the swage fixing.
22. The swage fixing tester according to claim 21, wherein the rotatable wrench is configured to rotate about a central axis of the rotatable shaft, and wherein the swage fixing tester further comprises:a handle coupled to the rotatable shaft and configured to rotate about the central axis of the rotatable shaft, wherein the handle, before the load is applied, is rotatable about the central axis of the rotatable shaft and wherein the handle is configured to be fixed in a stationary position about the central axis of the rotatable shaft whilst the load is applied.
23. The swage fixing tester according to any of claims 1 to 22, the swage fixing tester further comprising a loading mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to apply, when in use, the load to the swage fixing.
24. The swage fixing tester according to claim 23, wherein the loading mechanism is removably coupled to the frame.
25. A method for testing a load that a swage fixing can withstand, the method5 comprising:inserting a swage fixing tester according to claims 1 to 24 onto a cable secured to a swage fixing; andapplying a load to the swage fixing using the swage fixing tester.
Citation Information
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