Improved wire tensioning systems

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved wire tensioning system that allows for attaching / removing a cable as easily and quickly as possible, while being safe as well, the wire tensioning systems being for supporting various structures. According to an embodiment, the improved wire tensioning system comprises at least one cable gripper attached to at least one existing turnbuckle that is to be installed for wire tensioning for supporting various structures.

Description

“IMPROVED WIRE TENSIONING SYSTEMS”FEILD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is generally related to wire tensioning systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to cable / wire grippers that can be installed in a wire tensioning system for attaching / removing a cable as easily and quickly as possible, the wire tensioning systems being for supporting various structures.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] There are many methods known of tensioning cables and wires that are used to support various structures, with the most common being the turnbuckle. Whilst turnbuckles offer a reliable method of controlling tension, they do not provide an easy method of attaching the tensioned cable to the ends of the turnbuckle.

[0003] Known methods of attaching the cables to the turnbuckle include mechanical clamps, swaged ferrules, and knots. Whilst a swaged ferrule is a compact and secure solution, it requires heavy machinery to install which is difficult to transport and power in mobile locations. Mechanical clamps are bulky and slow to install. Knots are unreliable and prone to failure.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a need to improve and develop a wire tensioning system for attaching / removing a cable as easily and quickly as possible, and is a safe system as well.OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved system of tensioning cables and wires that are used to support various structures.

[0006] An objective of the present invention is to provide a faster and more compact system of attaching a cable to an existing turnbuckle, which avoids the need for knots, bulky clamps, and heavy equipment.

[0007] An objective of the present invention is to attach / remove a cable as easily and quickly as possible, while being safe as well.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] An aspect of the present invention provides a wire tensioning system comprising at least one cable gripper including: at least a housing with an internal tapered channel; at least one gripping component that is free to move within the tapered channel; a spring to push the at least ongripping component towards the narrower end of the tapered channel; and a slot at one end of the cable gripper to insert a wire into the tapered channel, such that when a load is applied to the wire in the same direction as which the tapered channel tapers, then the wire is gripped between the at least on gripping component and the tapered channel; and at least one existing turnbuckle that is to be installed in the wire tensioning system for wire tensioning to support various structures; wherein, the at least one cable gripper is attached to at least one end of the at least one existing turnbuckle to allow for quick and easy attachment as well as removal of the wire to the at least one existing turnbuckle; and wherein the at least one cable gripper firmly grips the wirerestricting it from slipping out and also allows for adjustment in length of the wire to be inserted in the wire tensioning system amounting to adjusting the tension in the wire, in addition to the tension operated and maintained by the at least one existing turnbuckle to support various structures.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides the turnbuckle either has an open body or a closed body, and is provided with at least one of a hook, or a jaw, or a stud, or an eyeloop at the other end of the turnbuckle other than the one attached with the cable gripper.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides the cable gripper being permanently attached to the at least one end or both ends of the turnbuckle, or the cable gripper being removably attached to the at least one end or both ends of the turnbuckle, or the cable gripper being permanently attached to the at least one end, while removably attached to the other end of the turnbuckle.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention provides one end of the turnbuckle has the eyeloop or the stud, and wherein the eye loop / stud being either permanently secured to a concrete for support, or the eyeloop being connected to another wire under tension.

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention provides the cable gripper being attached to both the ends of the turnbuckle to firmly grip another wire at the other end, creating a combined wire tensioning system that includes a plurality of the wire tensioning systems, each with at least one turnbuckle and at least two cable grippers attached to both the ends of the turnbuckle, and each of the plurality of the wire tensioning systems being attached to each other in series, to support a large, heavy, complex structure.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention provides the cable gripper being a oneway cable gripper to let the wire to be inserted and gripped while not allowing the gripped wire to be moved in opposite direction, after being gripped, restricting the movement of the wire out of the cable gripper, ensuring safety and proper tensioning of the wire in the wire tensioning system.

[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention provides the cable gripper further includes a tapered plunger and a locking nut to apply and secure the load for gripping the wire between the gripping component and the tapered channel, and wherein the locking nut being for locking a decompressed position of the tapered plunger while, the gripping components are gripping the wire.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention provides the cable gripper includes the slot for insertion of the wire into the tapered channel, at its top end.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] For a better understanding of the embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, references will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements / components throughout and wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art method for tensioning cables and wires that are used to support various structures.

[0018] FIGs. 2A-2F illustrate multiple views of an exemplary embodiment of an improved wire tensioning system for attaching / removing a cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIGs. 3A-3F illustrate multiple views of another exemplary embodiment of an improved wire tensioning system for attaching / removing a cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary environment showing the improved wire tensioning system in operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary representation of a cable gripper in its simplest form showing only minimal components for its working principle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0022] This patent describes the subject matter for patenting with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The principles described herein may be embodied in many different forms.

[0023] Illustrative embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0024] The present invention provides an improved wire tensioning system that allows for attaching / removing a cable as easily and quickly as possible, while being safe as well, the wire tensioning systems being for supporting various structures. According to an embodiment, the improved wire tensioning system comprises at least one cable gripper attached to at least one existing turnbuckle that is to be installed for wire tensioning for supporting various structures.

[0025] The types of structures that may be supported include, but are not limited to, mobile cellular telephone masts, telegraph poles, overhead lighting, and traffic lights, and the like.

[0026] FIGs. 2A- 2F shows a first embodiment of the improved wire tensioning system 200. FIG. 2A shows an isometric view 200, FIG. 2B shows a top view 300, FIG. 2C shows a front view 400, FIG. 2D shows a left side view 500, FIG. 2E shows a right-side view 600 and FIG. 2F shows a bottom view 700.

[0027] Similarly, FIGs. 3A- 3F shows a second embodiment of the improved wire tensioning system 800. FIG. 3A shows an isometric view 800, FIG. 3B shows a top view 900, FIG. 3C shows a front view 1000, FIG. 3D shows a bottom view 1100, FIG. 3E shows a left side view 1200, FIG. 3F shows a right-side view 1300.

[0028] The improved wire tensioning system 200 includes at least one cable gripper 202 which is attached to at least one existing turnbuckle 204 with the eyeloop 206. The turnbuckle 204 in this embodiment has an open body 208. The turnbuckle 204 may be attached with a hook, or a jaw, or a stud, or a similar structure instead of an eyeloop 206.

[0029] The improved wire tensioning system 800 includes at least one cable gripper 802 which is attached to at least one existing turnbuckle 804 with a stud 806. The turnbuckle 804 in this embodiment has a closed body 808. The turnbuckle 804 may be attached with a hook, or a jaw, or an eyeloop, or a similar structure instead of the stud 806.

[0030] As can be seen, both the embodiments are largely similar to each other. Following is the explanation of the configuration and the operation of the improved wire tensioning system, that similarly applies to both the embodiments shown in FIGs. 2A-2F and FIGs. 3A-3F. And, therefore, the following description may use the numeral 200’ s to indicate and explain the improved wire tensioning system in general, which can be interchangeably applied to numerals 800’ s also.

[0031] The improved wire tensioning system 200 includes at least one cable gripper 202 which is attached to at least one existing turnbuckle 204 with the eyeloop 206. In an embodiment, the cable gripper 202 is a one-way cable gripper, which means it lets the cable to be inserted and gripped while not allowing the gripped cable to be moved in opposite direction, after being gripped. Thus, it restricts the movement of the cable out of the gripper 202, once the cable is firmly gripped by gripping components of the cable gripper 202. This way the cable gripper 202 ensures safety of the structures being held using the cables by restricting the cables from slipping away from the wire tensioning system 200. Additionally, the gripper 202 can also ensure proper tensioning of the cable in the wire tensioning system 200.

[0032] The cable gripper 202 can be permanently attached to the one or both ends of the turnbuckle 204, or it can be removably attached to the one or both ends of the turnbuckle 204, or permanently attached to one end, while removably attached to other end of the turnbuckle 204, depending on the design and requirements in the wire tensioning system 200.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 5 showing the exemplary illustration 1500 of the gripper 202, the cable gripper 202 may include at least a housing 1502 or a body 1502 with an internal tapered channel 1504; at least one gripping component 1506 or a gripping element 1506 that is free to move within the tapered channel 1504; a spring (not shown) to push the gripping component 1506 towards the narrower end of the tapered channel 1504; and a slot 1508 at one end of the gripper 202, e.g., a top end, which allows insertion of a wire / cable 1402 into the tapered channel 1504, such that when the wire 1402 is inserted within the gripper 202 and a load is applied to the wire 1402 in the same direction as which the channel 1504 tapers, then the wire is gripped between the gripping component 1506 and the tapered channel 1504. In an embodiment, the load for gripping the wire between the gripping component 1506 and the tapered channel 1504 can be applied by a combination of a tapered plunger, the spring and a locking nut. In an embodiment, the gripping component may be a ball, or a wedge or a roller.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the gripper 202 also includes a locking nut for locking the decompressed position of the tapered plunger while, the gripping components aregripping the cable wire. The plunger can include holes or cavities for housing the gripping components.

[0035] In an embodiment, the cable gripper 202 can be attached to either one of the ends of the turnbuckle 204. In another embodiment, the cable gripper 202 can be attached to both the ends of the turnbuckle 204.

[0036] The following description may use the numeral 200’s of FIG. 2A to indicate and explain the improved wire tensioning system in general, which can be interchangeably applied to numerals 800’ s of FIG. 3 A also.

[0037] Under operation, as shown in an exemplary environment 1400 in the FIG. 4, the wire tensioning system 200 can allow for inserting a cable 1402 into the gripper 202 which can firmly grip the cable 1402, as explained above. In an embodiment, being a one-way gripper, the gripper 202 restricts the cable 1402 from slipping out of the gripper 202. The cable gripper 202 allows for quick attachment (as well as removal) of the cable 1402 to the turnbuckle 204 and as easily as possible, the turnbuckle 204 being attached to the gripper 202. While the gripper 202 firmly grips the cable 1402 restricting it from slipping out, the turnbuckle 204 can be operated to maintain full tension in the cable 1402 that is required in the wire tensioning system 200, to support various structures.

[0038] Additionally, the cable gripper 202 can also add on maintaining the tension in the wire tensioning system 200. Because the cable gripper 202 allows for easy insertion of the cable 1402 into the gripper 202, and hence, into the wire tensioning system 200, it becomes easy in the present invention to allow for installing a cable of any length in the wire tensioning system 200 to support the structure, because the length of the cable 1402,as required in the wire tensioning system being under tension, can also be adjusted by simply letting more cable 1402 to be inserted into the gripper 202. Therefore, an operator may not be required to bring / install, in advance, a specific required length of the cable 1402, and instead, can simply adjust the length using the cable gripper 202, at the site of the wire tensioning system 200. Such adjustments in the length of the cable 1402 also amounts to adjusting the tension in the cable 1402.

[0039] In an embodiment, where one end of the turnbuckle 204 has the eyeloop 206 or the stud 806, the eye loop 206 / stud 806 can either be permanently secured to a concrete for support, or the eyeloop 206 can be connected to another cable under tension.

[0040] In another embodiment, the other end of the turnbuckle 204 may also be attached with a cable gripper 202 instead of an eyeloop 206 or the stud 806, and the cable gripper 202 can firmly grip another cable in the same way as explained above. Thus, a combined large wire tensioning system can be achieved that includes a plurality of wire tensioning systems 200 / 800, each with a turnbuckle 204 with the cable grippers 202 attached on both the ends of the turnbuckle 204, and each of the plurality of wire tensioning systems 200 / 800 attached to each other in series, to support a large, heavy, complex structure.

[0041] Advantageously, the improved wire tensioning system provides a faster and more compact method of attaching the cable to the turnbuckle, which avoids the need for knots, bulky clamps, and heavy equipment. The improved wire tensioning system also provides a quick and easy way to attach a cable and remove a cable to / from the turnbuckle, by implementing the cable gripper. The mechanism of the cable gripper allows for quick andeasy attachment and removal of the cable, while also providing safety to the structure by restricting the cables to slip out of the wire tensioning system.

[0042] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods, devices, and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wire tensioning system 200 / 800 comprising: at least one cable gripper 202 / 802 including: at least a housing 1502 with an internal tapered channel 1504; at least one gripping component 1506 that is free to move within the tapered channel 1504; a spring to push the at least one gripping component 1506 towards the narrower end of the tapered channel 1504; and a slot 1508 at one end of the cable gripper 202 / 802 to insert a wire into the tapered channel 1504, such that when a load is applied to the wire in the same direction as which the tapered channel 1504 tapers, then the wire is gripped between the at least one gripping component 1506 and the tapered channel 1504; and at least one existing turnbuckle 204 / 804 that is to be installed in the wire tensioning system 200 / 800 for wire tensioning to support various structures; wherein, the at least one cable gripper 202 / 802 is attached to at least one end of the at least one existing turnbuckle 204 / 804 to allow for quick and easy attachment as well as removal of the wire to the at least one existing turnbuckle 204 / 804; and wherein the at least one cable gripper 202 / 802 firmly grips the wire restricting it from slipping out and also allows for adjustment in length of the wire to be inserted in the wire tensioning system 200 / 800 amounting to adjusting the tension in the wire, in addition to the tension operated and maintained by the at least one existing turnbuckle 204 / 804 to support various structures.

2. The wire tensioning system of claim 1, wherein the turnbuckle 204 / 804 either has an open body 208 or a closed body 808, and is provided with at least one ofa hook, or a jaw, or a stud 806, or an eyeloop 206 at the other end of the turnbuckle 204 / 804 other than the one attached with the cable gripper 202 / 802.

3. The wire tensioning system of claim 1, wherein the cable gripper 202 / 802 is permanently attached to the at least one end or both ends of the turnbuckle 204 / 804, or the cable gripper 202 / 802 is removably attached to the at least one end or both ends of the turnbuckle 204 / 804, or the cable gripper 202 / 802 is permanently attached to the at least one end, while removably attached to the other end of the turnbuckle 204 / 804.

4. The wire tensioning system of claim 2, wherein one end of the turnbuckle 204 / 804 has the eyeloop 206 or the stud 806, and wherein the eye loop 206 / stud 806 is either permanently secured to a concrete for support, or the eyeloop 206 is connected to another wire under tension.

5. The wire tensioning system of claim 3, wherein the cable gripper 202 / 802 is attached to both the ends of the turnbuckle 204 / 804 to firmly grip another wire at the other end, creating a combined wire tensioning system that includes a plurality of the wire tensioning systems 200 / 800, each with at least one turnbuckle 204 / 804 and at least two cable grippers 202 / 802 attached to both the ends of the turnbuckle 204 / 804, and each of the plurality of the wire tensioning systems 200 / 800 attached to each other in series, to support a large, heavy, complex structure.

6. The wire tensioning system of claim 1, wherein the cable gripper 202 / 802 is a one-way cable gripper to let the wire to be inserted and gripped while not allowing the gripped wire to be moved in opposite direction, after being gripped, restricting the movement of the wire out of the cable gripper 202 / 802, ensuring safety and proper tensioning of the wire in the wire tensioning system 200 / 800.

7. The wire tensioning system of claim 1, wherein the cable gripper 202 / 802 further includes a tapered plunger and a locking nut to apply and secure the load for gripping the wire between the gripping component and the tapered channel,and wherein the locking nut being for locking a decompressed position of the tapered plunger while, the gripping components are gripping the wire.

8. The wire tensioning system of claim 1, wherein the cable gripper 202 / 802 includes the slot for insertion of the wire into the tapered channel, at its top end.

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