Split spelter socket for post and cable system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for forming a socket on the end of a wire cable, such as may be required in post and cable security fencing systems and other applications. The working end of the wire cable is reeved through a sleeve in a termination post and then splayed into a fan shape. A laterally separable collar having multiple discrete segments is brought around the wire cable. The laterally separable collar has conical bowl and an upwardly pointing fill-hole. A cap having an aperture is disposed over the laterally separable collar so that its aperture aligns with the fill-hole, both oriented to point vertically upward. A hardenable potting material is poured in the bowl of the laterally separable collar so that it flows around and inbetween the individual strands of the wire within the splayed section before curing. The potting material preferably comprises a 2 -part resin.

Description

SPLIT SPELTER SOCKET FOR POST AND CABLE SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application Serial No. US 63 / 660,070 filed on June 14, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and relied upon.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Field of the Invention. The invention relates generally to wire cable / rope systems, and more particularly to an improved spelter socket for a wire cable.

[0003] Description of Related Art. Wire cable, or wire rope, is used in a great many cable applications that require high tensile strength. One such application is for anti- vehicular post and cable security fencing systems, where parallel strands of wire cable are strung between posts set at spaced intervals. In the example of post and cable high security fencing systems, sockets attach the ends of the wire cable to the respective end or termination posts. Wire cable sockets are termination components that are permanently fixed to the ends of wire cable as part of an anchoring system. Considering the old maxim “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” it will be appreciated that the ultimate tensile strength of the wire cables is often limited by the failure strength (i.e., transfer efficiency) of the sockets attaching the cable strands to the termination posts.

[0004] There are many different types of wire cable sockets designed to suit different applications and / or to match a certain size or type of wire cable. One popular type of socket is known as a spelter socket, also sometimes referred to as a poured socket. Spelter sockets have a cone-shaped recess, or bowl, into which the frayed end of a wire cable is anchored with either molten zinc or curable potting material. Curable potting materials are often selected from one of the many commercially available types of two-part resin mixtures. Once the zinc or resin hardens, the socket stays firmly affixed onto the end of the cable. As load is applied to the cable, the zinc or resin cone is pulled into the bowl of the socket. The cone taper compresses the hardened zinc or resin cone into the frayed wires, thus generating a strong grip. Spelter sockets are popular because they are very strong - offering close to 100% transfer efficiency.

[0005] The general procedure for installing a spelter socket includes: 1. Reeving the working end of the wire cable through the socket; 2. Fraying a length of the working end corresponding to the tapered length of the socket; 3. positioning the frayed end in the bowl of the socket; 4.Orienting the socket vertically; 5. Closing the bottom end of socket around the wire cable to prevent leakage; 6. Pouring molten metal or curable potting material into the vertically positioned socket; and 7. Allowing the metal / resin to hardened while the socket remains vertically suspended.

[0006] In recent times, 2-component resin has overtaken molten metal as the preferred type of potting material when affixing spelter sockets. As the resin cures, shrinkage creates a frictional bond to the wires which may be accentuated by silica blended into the resin mixture.

[0007] A significant drawback of the traditional spelter socket installation system is that some applications are not well-suited to accommodate the several steps requiring that the socket be suspended vertically while the resin is poured into to bowl area of the socket and allowed to harden. For example, in the case of post and cable high security fencing systems, wire cable is strung horizontally though posts. An in-situ horizontal cable orientation is the required for convenient installation. To accommodate a temporary vertical suspension of the socket and working end of the cable during installation would introduce numerous practical challenges. Moreover, it is desirable to install high security fencing systems so that the multiple parallel wire cables strung between posts are all pulled to very approximately the same tension so that the resulting sag in each wire cable appears equivalent. Often, a turnbuckle device is needed to perfect the amount of tension. However, turnbuckle devices reduce transfer efficiency and add cost to the system. For these reasons, the installer may avoid use of a spelter socket in favor of some other type of end fitting that is structurally inferior to a spelter socket but nevertheless more accommodating for in situ horizontal installation.

[0008] There is therefore a need in the art for an improved system and method for in situ attaching a spelter socket to the working end of a wire cable in situations where a temporary vertical orientation of the wire cable during attachment of the spelter socket is inconvenient and a where a particular cable tension is required. Such an improved system and method should preferably avoid the need for additional mechanical devices to aide in attachment and / or tensioning.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a spelter socket assembly comprises a laterally separable collar. The laterally separable collar has multiple discrete segments configured to be brought into proximity with one another to form an elongated neck. The neck has a base and a distal end. A conical bowl is formed inside the neck. The conical bowl isnarrowest adjacent the base of the neck and widest adjacent the distal end of the neck. A fillhole extends laterally through the neck. A cap is adapted to surround the neck with a mated fit. The cap includes an aperture that aligns with the fill-hole in the neck.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a post and cable security fencing system comprises a termination post configured for anchoring in a vertically upright posture. The termination post has opposed inner and outer walls. A through-hole penetrates the opposed inner and outer walls. The through-hole extends horizontally, or generally horizontally, through the termination post at a desired cable height. A sleeve passes through the termination post. The sleeve is disposed in the through-hole. The invention utilizes an elongated wire cable composed of multiple individual strands. The wire cable has a standing part and a working end that extends through the sleeve. The working end is offset from the outer wall of the termination post. The individual strands along the working end are splayed apart into a generally conical fan shape. A laterally separable collar having multiple discrete segments is configured to be brought into proximity with one another around the wire cable to form an elongated neck. The neck has a base disposed adjacent the outer wall of the termination post and a distal end. A conical bowl is formed inside the neck. The conical bowl is narrowest adjacent the base of the neck and widest adjacent the distal end of the neck. A fill-hole extends laterally through the neck. The splayed strands of the wire cable are disposed in the bowl. A cap is adapted to surround the neck with a mated fit. An aperture disposed in the cap aligns with the fill-hole in the neck. The aperture and the fill-hole are oriented to point vertically upward. A hardenable potting material is poured in the bowl of the laterally separable collar so that it flows around and in between the individual strands of the wire within the splayed section. The potting material comprises a 2-part resin.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided for attaching a wire cable to a termination post in a post and cable security fencing system. The method comprises the steps of: reeving the working end of a wire cable through a termination post, tensioning the wire cable to achieve a desired sag in the standing part of the wire cable, locking the sag in the standing part of the wire cable, cutting the free end of the wire cable to a predetermined length, and forming a splayed section in the working end of the wire cable. The forming step includes unwinding and spreading apart wire strands into a generally conical shape. The segments of a laterally separable collar are brought together on opposite sides the splayed section of the cable. The bringing together step includes orienting the laterally separable collar so that a fill-in hole points in an upward direction. A cap is then placed over the laterallyseparable collar so that its aperture aligns with the fill-hole in the laterally separable collar. Finally, a hardenable potting material is poured into the bowl through the aligned aperture and fill-hole. The potting material flows under the influence of gravity around the individual strands of wire within the splayed section and filling the interstitial spaces between the strands before curing.

[0012] The improved system and method enables in situ attaching of the spelter socket to the working end of a wire cable in situations. The invention is particularly well-suited for applications where a temporary vertical orientation of the wire cable during attachment of the spelter socket would otherwise be inconvenient, and for applications where a particular cable tension is required. The invention obviates the need for additional mechanical devices to aide in attachment and / or tensioning and is especially convenient and cost effective.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 is a simplified elevation view of a post and cable high security fencing system presented as an exemplary application for the teachings of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the right-most intermediate and termination posts of the post and cable high security fencing system shown in Figurel;

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 3-3 of Figure 2;

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 4-4 of Figure 3;

[0018] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an improved spelter socket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a neck of the spelter socket assembly shown in Figure 5;

[0020] Figure 7 is an elevation view of a segment of the neck taken generally along lines 7- 7 of Figure 6;

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cap of the spelter socket assembly shown in Figure 5;

[0022] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cap taken generally along lines 9-9 of Figure 8;

[0023] Figure 10 is a simplified flow diagram explaining the method steps to attach the improved spelter socket assembly to a wire cable according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 11A depicts the method steps of reeving the working end of the wire cable through the sleeve, tensioning the wire cable and then clamping the wire cable within the sleeve to hold the wire cable at the desired sag;

[0025] Figure 11B depicts the method step of cutting the free end of the wire cable to generally match the length of the laterally separable collar, with the ;

[0026] Figure 11C depicts the method step of forming a splayed section on the working end of the cable;

[0027] Figure 1 ID depicts the method step of bringing together the segments of the laterally separable collar around the splayed section of the cable so that the fill-in hole is in an upwardly pointing direction;

[0028] Figure 11 E depicts the method step of placing the cap over the laterally separable collar so that its aperture aligns with the fill-hole in the neck;

[0029] Figure 1 IF depicts the method step of pouring the potting material in liquid form into the bowl through the aligned aperture and fill-hole;

[0030] Figure 11G depicts the method step of plugging the aperture in the cap with a cover either before or after the potting material is fully cured in the bowl; and

[0031] Figure 12 is a view as in Figure 5 showing the spelter socket assembly operationally affixed to a wire cable according to an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Referring to the figures, the invention is presented in terms of an improved system and method for in situ attaching a spelter socket to the working end of a wire cable for applications that require a horizontal orientation of the wire cable during attachment of the spelter socket and for applications that require the wire cable to be maintained at a particular tension. For illustrative purposes, the invention is described in the context of a post and cable high security fencing systems, however those of skill in the art will appreciate other wire cable applications that will benefit from these teachings.

[0033] Post and cable high security fencing systems are a type of passive barrier system that provides cost-effective, flexible solutions for perimeter protection along roadways, entrycorridors, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and the like. Figure 1 displays an exemplary post and cable high security fencing system according to the present invention. Termination posts 20 are embedded in the earth at opposite ends of a demarcation line. Each termination post 20 is configured for anchoring in a vertically upright posture so that the installed termination post 20 has an exposed vertical height HTP. Depending on the distance between the termination posts 20, one or more intermediate posts 22 may be stationed along the demarcation line, between the termination posts 20, at spacings determined by the system designer. Like the termination post 20, each intermediate post 22 is also configured for anchoring in a vertically upright posture so that the installed intermediate post 22 has an exposed vertical height Hip. Figure 1 suggests that the respective post heights HTP and Hip could be generally equal, however this is a matter of design choice.

[0034] At least one, but more typically several, wire cables 24 are strung between the termination posts 20, with intermediate posts 22 (if any) providing supplemental support for the cables 24. Figure 1 is an exemplary depiction showing a configuration in which three wire cables 24 are strung between the termination posts 20, with two intermediate posts 22 stationed therebetween. Breaks in the cables 24 are suggestive of extended distances between the posts 20, 22. Each wire cable 24 is preferably composed of multiple individual strands. Using tradition rigging terminology when focusing particularly on the termination post 20 as indicated in Figures 2-4, for convenience it can be said that the wire cable 24 has a standing part and a working end. The working end being the terminal end of the wire cable 24, whereas the standing part is that length extending toward the other intermediate posts 22 and / or to the other termination post 20 at the far end.

[0035] Figure 2 is an enlargement of Figure 1 showing the right-most intermediate post 22 and termination post 20. For appearance’s sake, it is common to affix the wire cable 24 to the termination post 20 and intermediate post 22 at a common cable height C. The weight of cable 24 will produce a sage S at about the mid-point of the cable 24 between its points of support. The amount of sag S depends on the tension applied to the cable 24. In many cases, the system designer will specify the amount of sag S needed to achieve the design intent. In the example of a high-security fencing system, the amount of sag S will have a bearing on system performance. In applications like that shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is desirable to equalize the amount of sag S in the wire cables 24 so that the cables 24 remain equidistant (vertically) from one another at all positions. That is to say, the vertical spacing V between the parallel cables 24 remains consistent along the entire distance between the adjacent posts 20, 22. It will beappreciated that an optimal appearance is achieved when the parallel wire cables 24 are installed with equal, sag S and / or consistent vertical spacing V between cables 24, in addition to the aforementioned system performance considerations.

[0036] Figures 3 and 4 are cross- sections through the termination post 20. In the illustrated examples, the termination post 20 is shown having a generally constant cross-section along its vertical height HTP. This may be a common configuration but is by no means a requirement. Likewise, the termination post 20 is shown with its cross-section being generally rectangular. Other geometric shapes are contemplated. In most cases, the termination post 20 will be hollow. For purposes of the following description, it will be helpful to mention that the termination post 20 has opposed inner 20A and outer 20B walls. The inner wall 20A being that surface facing toward the standing part of the cable 24, and the outer wall 20B being that surface facing toward the working end of the cable 24.

[0037] To add structural rigidity to the hollow body of the termination post 20 and facilitate assembly, a tube-like sleeve 26 may be welded, or otherwise affixed, at the desired vertical height of the cable 24. The sleeve 26 extends between the inner 20A and outer 20B walls. Preferably, an outer end of the sleeve 26 is generally flush with the outer wall 20B of the termination post 20. A separate sleeve 26 is provided for each cable 24 passing through the termination post 20. Holes for each sleeve 26 can, if desired, be drilled in the post 20 at the time of installation so that the desired vertical heights C of each cable 24 are achieved. After drilling a through hole in the termination post 20, the sleeve 26 can be secured in place such as by welding.

[0038] The wire cable 24 extends through the sleeve 26 with its working end offset from the outer wall 20B of the termination post 20. The free end of the wire cable 24 is secured via an improved spelter socket 28 according to this invention. An optional stiffener plate 30 can be welded, or otherwise affixed, inside the hollow body of the termination post 20 to increase resistance to crushing. The stiffener plate 30 extends interiorly between the opposed inner 20A and outer 20B walls and is laterally offset from the sleeve 26 and its through-hole as perhaps best seen in Figure 3. In the illustrated example, the stiffener plate 30 is generally centered on the opposed inner 20A and outer 20B walls. Figures 4 and 5 show the stiffener plate 30 configured with an optional grab hole to facilitate handling and setting the post 20.

[0039] Turning now to Figures 5-9, components of the improved spelter socket 28 are shown in greater detail. The spelter socket 28 includes a laterally separable collar 32, which is shown in perspective and side elevation views in Figures 6 and 7. The laterally separable collar 32 iscomposed of multiple segments that are capable of being brought together around the wire cable 24. That is to say, the laterally separable collar 32 has multiple discrete arcuate segments that are configured to be brought into proximity with one another around the wire cable 24. In the illustrated examples, the laterally separable collar 32 is composed of two segments - halves - each mirror images of one another. However, in other contemplated embodiments the segments that make up the laterally separable collar 32 could be non-mirror images and / or could be three of more in number.

[0040] Also notable in the illustrated examples are the fact that the multiple segments of the laterally separable collar 32 do not mechanically attach to one another. Rather, the segments of the laterally separable collar 32 are merely brought into proximity with one another without being joined together, as suggested in the exploded view of Figure 5. In other contemplated embodiments, the segments of the laterally separable collar 32 could include integrated features, such as hinges or clips, that hold the components together in the shape shown in Figure 6. In a hinged embodiment, the segments of the laterally separable collar 32 are brought together laterally, like a clamshell, around the wire cable 24. Alternatively, the laterally separable collar 32 could include an externally applied feature, such as an elastic band, to hold the segments together in the shape shown in Figure 6. Indeed, many variations are possible.

[0041] When the segments of the laterally separable collar 32 are brought into proximity with one another, they form an elongated neck 34. The neck 34 is aligned with and extends generally horizontally away from the sleeve 26, on the outer wall of the termination post 20. The neck 34 has a base and a distal end. The base is disposed toward, i.e., adj cent to, the outer wall 20B of the termination post 20. Inside the neck 34 is formed a conically tapered bowl 36. The conical bowl 36 is narrowest adjacent the base of the neck 34 and widest adjacent the distal end of the neck 34. Said another way, the narrow end of the bowl 36 is disposed toward, i.e., adjacent to, the outer wall 20B of the termination post 20. Thus, each segment of the laterally separable collar 32 forms a piece or section of the neck 34 and bowl 36. Only when all the segments are arranged and in proximity do they fully form the neck 34 and bowl 36 features. In the illustrated examples, the separate segments of the laterally separable collar 32 also form a flange 38 at the base of the neck 34. The flange 38 is adapted to abut the outer wall 20B of the termination post 20 and there be affixed directly. In the illustrated examples, a plurality of mounting holes are disposed in the flange 38. Fasteners can be run through the mounting holes and into the termination post 20. In addition to the mounting holes, the flange 38 may further include a plurality of threaded holes for a purpose to be described subsequently.

[0042] When set side-by-side as in Figure 6, the segments of the laterally separable collar 32 may take the form of a body of revolution, wherein the neck 34 has a cylindrical appearance and the flange 38 an annular appearance. That is to say, the circular configuration of the laterally separable collar 32 shown in the illustrations may be considered a preferred embodiment but is not intended to represent a limitation on the shapes possible within the spirit of this invention.

[0043] A fill-hole 40 is formed in the side of the neck 34. In the illustrated examples, the fill-hole 40 comprises opposing semi-circular openings in each laterally separable collar 32 half-part. In other contemplated embodiments, the fill-hole 40 could be formed entirely in one of the half-parts of the laterally separable collar 32. When the laterally separable collar 32 is disposed for use as shown in Figure 4, the fill-hole 40 will be oriented in a vertically upward pointing direction. Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the assembled laterally separable collar 32 does not take the form of a body of revolution. For example, its exterior shape could have a square or hexagonal cross-section. Many variations are possible.

[0044] The improved spelter socket 28 also includes a cap 42, which is shown in detail in Figures 8 and 9. The cap 42 is a dome-like member adapted to snuggly slide over and encapsulate the neck 34 portion of the laterally separable collar 32 in a mated fashion. The shape of the laterally separable collar 32, and particularly the outer shape of its neck 34, will largely define or at least influence the shape of the inside of the cap 42. Thus, if the neck 34 has a squarish or hexagonal shape, the inside of the cap 42 is likely to have a similar squarish or hexagonal shape to achieve the aforementioned mated slip fit thereover. However, this is not to be considered an absolute relationship since the inside of the cap 42 can be designed with an irregular shape relative to the outside of the next 34.

[0045] The cap 42 has a foot 44 that is adapted to seat flush against the flange 38 portion of the laterally separable collar 32. Mounting holes in the foot 44 align with threaded holes in the flange 38 so that the cap 42 can be secured to the laterally separable collar 32 with fasteners. Other coupling configurations are certainly possible. For one example, the neck 34 or flange 38 could be fitted with male threads adapted to complement female threads in the cap 42. Or in another example, the foot 44 could attach directly to the outer wall of the termination post 20 rather than to the flange 38. Indeed, many variations are possible.

[0046] The cap includes an aperture 46. The aperture 46 is disposed on the side of the cap and located so as to align with the fill-hole 40 of the laterally separable collar 32 in use, as shown in Figure 4. It is preferable that both the aperture 46 and the fill-hole 40 are pointingvertically upward in the final assembled condition. Preferably, but not necessarily, the aperture 46 and fill-hole 40 are about the same size and shape.

[0047] An exemplary sequence of assembly steps is flow diagrammed in Figure 10, whereas Figures 11A-G graphically depict the exemplary assembly sequence in step-by-step fashion. Figures 10 and 1 IA-G are illustrative in nature showing but one expression of the invention acted out in several scenes. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate means and / or methods could be employed to achieve substantially similar results.

[0048] Steps 48-52 (Figure 10) are graphically illustrated in Figure 11 A. As just mentioned, many variations of these method steps are possible. According to Step 48, the working end of the wire cable 24 is threaded (reeved) through the sleeve 26 that passes through the termination post 20 at the desired vertical height C of the cable 24. In Step 50, the installer tensions the wire cable 24 using a come-along, winch or other suitable device or human effort. According to Step 52, when the desired sag S is achieved, a clamp 54 is set to hold the wire cable 24 fast within the sleeve 26. The clamp 54 can be of any suitable type. The illustrated examples show the clamp 54 in the form of a U-bolt secured by a small crossbar and nuts. The sleeve 26 may be configured with an extension 56 that protrudes from the inner wall 20 A of the termination post 20 in the direction of the standing part of the wire cable 24. The U-bolt slips into a notch 58 formed on the underside of the sleeve extension 56. As the nuts are tightened, the U-bolt is pulled into the notch 58, squeezing the wire cable 24 against the upper inside of the sleeve extension 56. In this manner, the wire cable 24 is held fast at the desired sag S.

[0049] Step 60 is graphically depicted in Figure 11B. In Step 60, the free end of the wire cable 24 is cut to generally match the length of the laterally separable collar 32. Figure 11B illustrates simply holding the laterally separable collar 32 against the face of the termination post 20 and then cutting by eye or by measurement so that the cantilevered portion of the wire cable 24 is roughly the same length.

[0050] Step 62 is illustrated in Figure 11C. Here, the portion of cable 24 that is extended from the face of the termination post 20 is unwound and spread apart in a frayed manner to form a splayed section that loosely approximates the taper of the bowl 36. The splayed section of the working end will have a generally conical, fan-like shape. Any desired cleaning / degreasing of the wire cable 24 should be carried out before proceeding.

[0051] Step 64 is shown in Figure 11D. In Step 64, the two segments of the laterally separable collar 32 are brought together on opposite sides the splayed section of the cable 24 like halves of a mold closing. Optionally, a putty-like caulk or packing P of any suitable typecan be applied around the base of the wire cable 24 where it emanates from the post 20 and sleeve 26, and / or in the gap between the two segments of the laterally separable collar 32, to perfect a liquid-tight seal. The laterally separable collar 32 is oriented so that the fill-in hole 40 is in an upwardly pointing direction. In this position, the laterally separable collar 32 segments are secured to the termination post 20 using suitable fasteners.

[0052] Step 66 (Figure 1 IE) shows the cap 42 being placed over the laterally separable collar 32 and secured in place through its foot 44. Care is taken to align the aperture 46 with the fillhole 40.

[0053] Step 68 is illustrated in Figure 1 IF. Any suitable potting material 70 capable of transitioning from fluid state to a solid state, i.e., hardenable, such as molten zinc or a 2-part resin system, is prepared and then poured into the bowl 36 through the aligned aperture 46 and fill-hole 40. The potting material 70 flows around the individual strands of wire within the splayed section, filling all or substantially all of the interstitial spaces therebetween as well as the entire cavity of the bowl 36. Recently, 2-part resin systems have become popular. As the resin hardens and cures, shrinkage occurs that creates a frictional bond to the individual wires. Often, silica will be blended into the resin mixture to add frictional grip and absorb heat caused by the exothermic chemical reaction. Once the internal void is filled to capacity, the assembly is left to cure, which is indicated as Step 72 in Figure 10.

[0054] Finally, in Step 74 the aperture 46 is plugged using a suitably-sized cover 76 or other device. See Figure 11G. Once the potting material 70 is fully hardened, the clamp 54 can be removed. Figure 12 shows the installed spelter socket operationally affixed to the working end of a wire cable for applications that require a horizontal orientation of the wire cable maintained at a particular tension.

[0055] The improved spelter socket 28 is well-suited to accommodate applications where the wire cable is strung horizontally, for example as is the case with post and cable high security fencing systems. The present invention avoids the drawbacks of the prior art that require the spelter socket to be suspended vertically for attachment, so that the potting material can be poured into the bowl from the end. The present invention also avoids the drawbacks of the prior art in the subject of tensioning multiple parallel wire cables. The invention enables the installer to conveniently set the desired amount of sag S in each cable 24. Installers who in the past have avoided use of a spelter socket type of end fitting because of these drawbacks will be enabled to use the structurally superior spelter socket 28 for in situ horizontal installations.

[0056] As load is applied to the cable 24, the resin cone is pulled into the bowl of the spelter socket 28. The wedging effect compresses the hardened resin together with the individual wire strands, thus generating increased frictional grip.

[0057] In conclusion, the improved spelter socket 28 is an improved system and method for in situ attaching a spelter socket to the working end of a wire cable 24 in situations where a horizontal orientation of the wire cable 24 maintained at a particular tension is required. The improved system and method of this invention avoids the need for additional mechanical devices to aide in attachment and / or tensioning of the wire cable and therefore represents both material and labor savings. These and many other advantages will become apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0058] The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A spelter socket assembly comprising: a laterally separable collar, said laterally separable collar having multiple discrete segments configured to be brought into proximity with one another to form an elongated neck, said neck having a base and a distal end, a conical bowl formed inside said neck, said conical bowl being narrowest adjacent said base of said neck and widest adjacent said distal end of said neck, a fill-hole extending laterally through said neck, a cap adapted to surround said neck with a mated fit, an aperture disposed in said cap, said aperture aligning with said fill-hole in said neck.

2. The assembly of Claim 1 wherein said fill-hole intersects at least two adjacent said segments.

3. The assembly of Claim 1 further including a flange extending from said base of said neck, said flange including a plurality of mounting holes.

4. The assembly of Claim 3 wherein said neck has a generally cylindrical outer shape, said flange having a generally annular shape.

5. The assembly of Claim 3 wherein said cap includes a foot seated against said flange of said laterally separable collar.

6. The assembly of Claim 1 further including a sleeve configured to pass through a termination post, said sleeve having an outer end and an extension opposite said outer end, a notch disposed in said extension, said extension having an underside, said notch being located in said underside of said extension.

7. The assembly of Claim 6 further including a clamp disposed in said notch of said sleeve.

8. The assembly of Claim 7 wherein said clamp includes a threaded fastener.. The assembly of Claim 1 further including a hardenable potting material disposed in said bowl of said laterally separable collar, said potting material comprising a 2-part resin, and an elongated wire cable composed of multiple individual strands, said wire cable having a working end, said individual strands along said working end being splayed apart into a generally conical fan shape within said bowl of said laterally separable collar.

10. A post and cable security fencing system comprising: a termination post configured for anchoring in a vertically upright posture, said termination post having opposed inner and outer walls, a through-hole penetrating said opposed inner and outer walls, said through-hole extending horizontally through said termination post at a cable height, a sleeve passing through said termination post, said sleeve disposed in said through-hole, an elongated wire cable composed of multiple individual strands, said wire cable having a standing part and a working end, said wire cable extending through said sleeve with said working end thereof offset from said outer wall of said termination post, said individual strands along said working end being splayed apart into a generally conical fan shape, a laterally separable collar, said laterally separable collar having multiple discrete segments configured to be brought into proximity with one another to form an elongated neck, said neck having a base disposed adjacent said outer wall of said termination post and a distal end, a conical bowl formed inside said neck, said conical bowl being narrowest adjacent said base of said neck and widest adjacent said distal end of said neck, a fill-hole extending laterally through said neck, said splayed strands along said working end disposed in said bowl, a cap adapted to surround said neck with a mated fit, an aperture disposed in saidcap, said aperture aligning with said fill-hole in said neck, said aperture and said fill-hole being oriented vertically upward; and a hardenable potting material disposed in said bowl of said laterally separable collar and interposed between said individual strands of said wire within said splayed section, said potting material comprising a 2-part resin.

11. The system of Claim 10 wherein said fill-hole intersects at least two adjacent said segments.

12. The system of Claim 10 further including a flange extending from said base of said neck, said flange including a plurality of mounting holes, said flange further including a plurality of threaded holes.

13. The system of Claim 12 wherein said neck has a generally cylindrical outer shape, said flange having a generally annular shape.

14. The system of Claim 12 wherein said cap includes a foot seated against said flange of said laterally separable collar, a plurality of holes disposed in said foot, said holes aligned with said threaded holes in said flange.

15. The system of Claim 10 wherein said sleeve has an extension opposite said outer end, said extension protruding from said inner wall of said termination post, a notch disposed in said extension, said extension having an underside, said notch being located in said underside of said extension.

16. The system of Claim 15 further including a clamp configured to restrain said wire cable relative to said termination post, said clamp disposed in said notch of said sleeve.

17. A method for attaching a wire cable to a termination post in a post and cable security fencing system, said method comprising the steps of:reeving the working end of a wire cable through a termination post, tensioning the wire cable to achieve a desired sag in the standing part of the wire cable, locking the sag in the standing part of the wire cable, cutting the free end of the wire cable to a predetermined length, forming a splayed section in the working end of the wire cable, said forming step including unwinding and spreading apart wire strands into a generally conical shape, bringing together segments of a laterally separable collar on opposite sides the splayed section of the cable, said bringing together step including orienting the laterally separable collar so that a fill-in hole disposed therein points upwardly, placing a cap over the laterally separable collar, aligning an aperture in the cap with a fill-hole in the laterally separable collar, pouring a hardenable potting material into the bowl through the aligned aperture and fill-hole, the potting material flowing under the influence of gravity around the individual strands of wire within the splayed section and filling the interstitial spaces between the strands, and curing the potting material.

18. The method of Claim 17 wherein said reeving step includes passing the working end through a sleeve fixed in the post, said locking step including clamping the wire cable to the sleeve,19. The method of Claim 17 wherein said bringing together step includes securing the laterally separable collar to the termination post, and said placing a cap step includes affixing the cap relative to the laterally separable collar.

20. The method of Claim 17 further including the step of plugging the aperture with a cover after said pouring step.

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