Single bolt hinged cable cleat

Abstract

A cable retention device includes an upper clamp and a lower clamp pivotally connected to the upper clamp. The upper clamp includes an upper hinge portion, an upper fastener portion, and an upper jaw portion. The upper jaw portion includes an upper groove configured to receive a cable. The lower clamp includes a lower hinge portion, a lower fastener portion, and a lower jaw portion. The lower jaw portion includes a lower groove configured to receive the cable.

Description

SINGLE BOLT HINGED CABLE CLEATFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to brackets and straps for retaining cables.BACKGROUND

[0002] Cable retainers, for example brackets and straps can be used to retain different types of cables in different installations. In power system installations, various retainers can be used to hold runs of power cables along support structures, such as cable trays, rails, or ladders. Various retainers can also be used to hold data cables along similar structures.

[0003] Cable cleats are essential components in electrical installations, designed to secure and manage cables effectively. They ensure the safety and longevity of both the cables and the overall electrical system. The primary function of cable cleats is to provide support and restraint for cables, particularly in scenarios where the cables are subjected to mechanical stress, short circuit forces, or other environmental factors.

[0004] One example of such a retainer is a cable cleat. Cable cleats are used to maintain the stability and integrity of cable installations. They are used to fix cables to support structures, prevent excessive movement, and ensure that the cables remain in their intended positions. This is particularly important in high-voltage and heavy-duty applications, where the forces exerted on cables can be substantial. By securing thecables, cable cleats help to prevent damage, reduce the risk of electrical faults, and enhance the overall reliability of the electrical system.

[0005] Cable cleats are available in various designs and materials to suit different applications and environments. Some examples include single cable cleats designed to secure individual cables. They are often used in applications where cables are installed in a straight line and require individual support. Cable cleats can be used to secure any number of cables, with single, double, trefoil, or quad runs being common. Trefoil cable cleats are designed for three-phase systems where three cables are bundled together in a trefoil (triangular) formation. Quad formations add a neural cable along with the three phase cables. Cable cleats provide uniform support and help to manage the electromagnetic forces generated during short circuits. Multicore cable cleats are used for securing multicore cables, which contain multiple conductors within a single outer sheath. These cleats can provide support along the entire length of the cable.

[0006] Cable cleats are manufactured from various materials, each offering distinct advantages based on the application requirements. Common materials include metal and plastic. Metal cleats, often made from stainless steel or aluminum, offer high mechanical strength and durability. They are suitable for harsh environments and applications requiring high load-bearing capacity. Plastic cleats, typically made from nylon or polypropylene, are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and non-conductive. They are ideal for use in less demanding environments and where electrical insulation is important.SUMMARY

[0007] In certain configurations, a cable retention device includes an upper clamp and a lower clamp pivotally connected to the upper clamp. The upper and lower clamp define a cable groove for receiving a cable.

[0008] In certain configurations, a cable retention device includes an upper clamp and a lower clamp pivotally connected to the upper clamp. The upper clamp includes an upper hinge portion, an upper fastener portion, and an upper jaw portion. The upper jaw portion includes an upper groove configured to receive a cable. The lower clamp includes a lower hinge portion, a lower fastener portion, and a lower jaw portion. The lower jaw portion includes a lower groove configured to receive the cable.

[0009] In certain configurations, a cable retention device includes an upper clamp having an upper hinge portion, an upper fastener portion, and an upper jaw portion. The upper jaw portion includes an upper groove configured to receive a cable. A lower clamp includes a lower hinge portion, a lower fastener portion, and a lower jaw portion. The lower jaw portion includes a lower groove configured to receive the cable. The lower clamp is pivotally connected to the upper clamp. A fastener extends through the upper fastener portion and the lower fastener portion. The fastener is configured to tighten the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion on the cable.

[0010] In certain configurations, a cable retention device includes an upper clamp having an upper hinge portion, an upper fastener portion, and an upper jaw portion. The upper jaw portion includes an upper groove configured to receive a cable. A lower clamp includes a lower hinge portion, a lower fastener portion, and a lower jaw portion. The lower jaw portion includes a lower groove configured to receive the cable.The lower clamp is pivotally connected to the upper clamp. A fastener extends through the upper fastener portion and the lower fastener portion. The fastener is configured to tighten the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion on the cable. The upper jaw portion is positioned between the upper hinge portion and the upper fastener portion.

[0011] In certain configurations, a cable retention device includes an upper clamp having an upper hinge portion and an upper jaw portion. The upper hinge portion includes a knuckle. The upper jaw portion includes an upper groove configured to receive a cable. A lower clamp includes a lower hinge portion and a lower jaw portion. The lower hinge portion includes an integrally formed pivot pin configured to mate with the knuckle to pivotally connect the lower clamp with the upper clamp. The lower jaw portion includes a lower groove configured to receive the cable.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following drawings depict exemplary configurations and implementations of the inventive concepts of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. i is a top perspective view of a cable cleat and cable.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the cable cleat of FIG. i.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the cable cleat of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the cable cleat of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of the cable cleat of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cable cleat of FIG. 2.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the upper clamp of the cable cleat of FIG.2.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a is a bottom perspective view of the upper clamp of FIG. 7.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another cable cleat.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the cable cleat of FIG. 9.

[0023] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the cable cleat of FIG. 9.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another cable cleat.

[0025] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the cable cleat of FIG. 12.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of another cable cleat.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a side view of the cable cleat of FIG. 14.

[0028] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the cable cleat of FIG. 14.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of another cable cleat.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a side view of the cable cleat of FIG. 17.

[0031] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the cable cleat of FIG. 17.

[0032] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of another cable cleat.

[0033] FIG. 21 is a side view of the cable cleat of FIG. 20.

[0034] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the cable cleat of FIG. 20.

[0035] FIG. 23 is a rear exploded view of the cable cleat of FIG. 20.

[0036] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the cable cleat of FIG. 20 connected to a rail.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Certain implementations are directed to a cable cleat that can be used to support a cable on a support structure. In certain uses, the cable is a power (e.g., electrical, etc.) cable or a data cable (e.g., electrical, optic, etc.) and the structure can be a rail, ladder, or cable system. In certain configurations, the cable cleat can be configured to hold a single cable. The cable cleat can hold a range of cable diameters, so that a single cable cleat can be used for different cables. The cable cleats can be used as free-standing devices to support or separate cables or can be mounted to a support structure, such as a cable rail or cable ladder.

[0038] Single bolt, hinged cable cleats can efficiently and reliably secure one or more cables. The main structure, or body, of the cleat can be made from high-strength materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or reinforced plastic. This ensures the cleat can withstand mechanical stress and environmental factors, providing a durable solution for cable support. Single bolt, hinged cable cleats can be used in various industries and applications, including power generation and distribution, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and transportation infrastructure.

[0039] This hinge facilitates easy installation and removal of the cable without the need to fully disassemble the cleat, ensuring the cable can be securely enclosed within the cleat body. The cleat is secured using a single bolt, which simplifies the installation process. This single bolt design ensures a secure fit while minimizing installation time and effort. The single bolt can be used to provide compression to the cable as well as to secure the cable cleat to a structure.

[0040] Single-bolt, hinged cable cleats offer several functional advantages. The hinged design and single bolt mechanism allow for quick and straightforward installation, reducing installation time and labor costs. The robust construction ensures the cable is held firmly in place, preventing unwanted movement and maintaining the integrity of the cable installation. These cleats are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, from industrial and commercial installations to residential settings. The cleats can be designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. This durability ensures a long service life and reliable performance. They are suitable for securing cables in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

[0041] FIGS. 1-8 shows an exemplary configuration of a single-bolt cable cleat 100. The cable cleat 100 includes an upper clamp 102 and a lower clamp 104. The upper clamp 102 and lower clamp 104 can be pivotally connected to one another by a hinge member including a pivot member such as a hinge pin 106. The upper clamp 102 and lower clamp 104 can be secured with a fastener 108. The upper clamp 102 and lower clamp 104 can define a cable groove for receiving and securing a cable no.

[0042] The fastener 108 can secure the upper clamp 102 relative to the lower clamp 104 and can be used to tighten the upper and lower clamps 102, 104 on the cable 110. In the illustrated configuration, the fastener 108 includes a bolt 112 and a bolt support 114. The bolt 112 can be connected to a nut positioned in a support, for example a channel nut positioned in a channel rail such as a unistrut channel rail.

[0043] In the illustrated configuration, the upper clamp 102 and lower clamp 104 have an identical configuration. It can be advantageous to have the upper and lowerclamp 102, 104 configured so that the same die can be used to form both clamps, with the clamps having a configuration to allow for a reversal of the clamp to serve as the upper clamp 102 or lower clamp 104. The following describes certain elements that can be shared by the upper clamp 102 and lower clamp 104 with reference to clamp 102. In other configurations, variations can be applied so that the clamps are different without departing from the inventive concepts described herein.

[0044] The clamps can include a hinge portion positioned at the rear of the clamp body. The hinge portion can include a knuckle 116 and journal surface 118. The knuckle 116 can have a curved configuration and the journal surface 118 can have a curved surface configured to receive a mating knuckle 116 of the opposite clamp. The knuckle 116 can have an opening for receiving the hinge pin 106. When the clamps 102, 104 are connected together, the hinge pin 106 extends through the respective knuckles 116 which can rotate on the opposite journal surfaces 118. This allows pivoting movement of the upper clamp 102 and lower clamp 104.

[0045] In certain configurations, a pair of rear hinge protrusions 120 can extend from either side of the clamps 102, 104. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, a leg 122 can extend from at least one of the protrusions 120. The leg 122 can be configured to engage an opposite hinge protrusion 120 to limit rotation of the clamps 102, 104.

[0046] The clamps 102, 104 can include a fastener portion positioned forward of the hinge portion. The fastener portion can include a fastener opening 124 for receiving the fastener 108. The fastener opening 124 can be sized to allow for movement of the fastener 108. In certain configurations the movement can be both translation and rotation of the bolt 112.

[0047] In certain configurations, a pair of curved rims 126 extend on opposite sides of the fastener openings 124. The curved rims 126 can extend from the hinge protrusions 120 to a notch 128. The curved rims 126 can slidably receive the bolt support 114. When connected, the bolt support 114 can slide along the curved rims 126 during movement of the upper and lower clamps 102, 104. The notch 128 is configured to at least partially receive the bolt support 114 and limit rotation of the clamps 102, 104 when the fastener 108 is connected.

[0048] The clamps 102, 104 can include a jaw portion having a curved outer surface 130 and a pair of ribs 132 extending from the curved outer surface. The ribs 132 can extend from the notches 128 above the curved outer surface 130 and intersect with an outer edge 134 extending along the clamp. The ribs 132 can be spaced to fit into a support structure such as a unistrut channel rail and limit or prevent rotation of the cleat 100 relative to the support.

[0049] A tooth 136 can extend from a portion of the outer edge 134 along a portion of the front of the clamp 102. For example, the tooth 136 can extend along approximately half or less than half of the clamp 102 so that it will mate with an opposed tooth 136 to surround the outer edge of the cable no.

[0050] The jaw portion can include a curved inner surface 138 at least partially defining the cable receiving area or groove for receiving a cable. In certain configurations, a set of projections, such as teeth 140 can extend from the curved inner surface 138 into the cable receiving area. In certain configurations, the teeth 140 can taper from a wider base to a narrow point to help provide support and grip to the received cable. Other sizes and shapes of the teeth can also be used.

[0051] In certain configurations, as best shown in FIG. 8, the teeth 140 can have a helical configuration, extending along the inner surface 138 in an angled or spiral pattern. In certain implementations, the teeth 140 can extend at a first orientation for the upper clamp 102 and a second orientation for the lower clamp 104. For example, the teeth 140 of the upper clamp 102 can be opposite the teeth of the lower clamp 104. This can provide increased hold and cable retention than a uniform orientation. Other configurations of the teeth pattern can also be used.

[0052] In certain configurations, the curved inner surface 138 can have different radii. For example, as best shown in FIG. 6, the inner surface 138 can include a first radius Ri at the central portion of the inner surface, a second radius R2 at the front of the curved surface, and a third radius R3 at the rear of the curved surface. In certain configurations, the second radius R2 can equal the third radius R3, or different radii can be used for each section. Use of the different radii can provide a better clamping force for different sized conductors received by the cable cleat.

[0053] FIGS. 9-11 show an exemplary configuration of a single-bolt cable cleat 200. The cable cleat 200 includes an upper clamp 202 and a lower clamp 204. The upper clamp 202 and lower clamp 204 can be pivotally connected to one another by a hinge member including a pivot bolt. The upper clamp 202 and lower clamp 204 can be secured with a fastener. The upper clamp 202 and lower clamp 204 can define a cable groove for receiving and securing a cable.

[0054] In the illustrated configuration, the upper clamp 202 and lower clamp 204 have an identical configuration. It can be advantageous to have the upper and lower clamp 202, 204 configured so that the same die can be used to form both clamps, withthe clamps having a configuration to allow for a reversal of the clamp to serve as the upper clamp 202 or lower clamp 204. The following describes certain elements that can be shared by the upper clamp 202 and lower clamp 204 with reference to clamp 202. In other configurations, variations can be applied so that the clamps are different without departing from the inventive concepts described herein.

[0055] The clamps 202, 204 can include a hinge portion positioned at the rear of the clamp body. The hinge portion can include a knuckle 216 and journal surface 218. The knuckle 216 can have one or more curved bodies, for example three circular bodies spaces from one another. The journal surface 218 can have a curved surface configured to receive a mating knuckle 216 of the opposite clamp. The knuckle 216 can have an opening for receiving the hinge pin. When the clamps 202, 204 are connected together, the hinge pin extends through the respective knuckles 216 which can rotate on the opposite journal surfaces 218. This allows pivoting movement of the upper clamp 202 and lower clamp 204.

[0056] The clamps 202, 204 can include a fastener portion positioned forward of the hinge portion. The fastener portion can include a fastener opening 224 for receiving the fastener. The fastener opening 224 can be sized to allow for movement of the fastener. In certain configurations the movement can be both translation and rotation of the bolt.A pair of curved rims 226 extend on opposite sides of the fastener openings 224.

[0057] The clamps 202, 204 can include a jaw portion having an outer surface and a set of ribs 232 extending from the outer surface. The ribs 232 can intersect with an outer edge 234 extending along the clamp. The jaw portion can include a curved innersurface 238 at least partially defining the cable receiving area or groove for receiving a cable.

[0058] FIGS. 12 and 13 show an exemplary configuration of a single-bolt cable cleat 300. The cable cleat 300 includes an upper clamp 302 and a lower clamp 304. The upper clamp 302 and lower clamp 304 can be pivotally connected to one another by a hinge member including a pivot bolt. The upper clamp 302 and lower clamp 304 can be secured with a fastener. The upper clamp 302 and lower clamp 304 can define a cable groove for receiving and securing a cable.

[0059] The clamps can include a hinge portion positioned at the rear of the clamp body. The hinge portion can include a knuckle 316 and journal surface 318. The knuckle 316 can have a curved configuration and the journal surface 318 can have a curved surface configured to receive a mating knuckle 316 of the opposite clamp. The knuckle 316 can have an opening for receiving the hinge pin. When the clamps 302, 304 are connected together, the hinge pin extends through the respective knuckles 316 which can rotate on the opposite journal surfaces 318. This allows pivoting movement of the upper clamp 302 and lower clamp 304.

[0060] The clamps 302, 304 can include a fastener portion positioned forward of the hinge portion. The fastener portion can include a fastener opening 324 for receiving the fastener. The fastener opening 324 can be sized to allow for movement of the fastener. In certain configurations the movement can be both translation and rotation of a bolt.

[0061] The clamps 302, 304 can include a jaw portion having a pair of jaws 332 extending from the outer surface. The jaws 332 can be spaced from one another andoffset from the center so that the jaws 332 of the opposing upper clamp 302 and lower clamp 304 can mate to extend around a received cable. The jaws 332 can include a curved inner portion and have a substantially triangular outer configuration.

[0062] FIGS. 14-16 show an exemplary configuration of a single-bolt cable cleat 400. The cable cleat 400 includes an upper clamp 402 and a lower clamp 404. The upper clamp 402 and lower clamp 404 can be pivotally connected to one another by a hinge member including a pivot bolt. The upper clamp 402 and lower clamp 404 can be secured with a fastener. The upper clamp 402 and lower clamp 404 can define a cable groove for receiving and securing a cable.

[0063] The clamps can include a hinge portion positioned at the rear of the clamp body. The hinge portion can include a knuckle 416 and journal surface 418. The knuckle 416 can have a curved configuration and the journal surface 418 can have a curved surface configured to receive a mating knuckle 416 of the opposite clamp. The knuckle 416 can have an opening for receiving the hinge pin. When the clamps 402, 404 are connected together, the hinge pin 406 extends through the respective knuckles 416 which can rotate on the opposite journal surfaces 418. This allows pivoting movement of the upper clamp 402 and lower clamp 404.

[0064] In certain configurations, a pair of rear hinge protrusions 420 can extend from either side of the clamps 402, 404. The protrusions 420 can be configured to engage an opposite hinge protrusion 420 to limit rotation of the clamps 402, 404.

[0065] The clamps 402, 404 can include a fastener portion positioned forward of the hinge portion. The fastener portion can include a fastener opening 424 for receiving the fastener. The fastener opening 424 can be sized to allow for movementof the fastener. In certain configurations the movement can be both translation and rotation of the bolt.

[0066] In certain configurations, a pair of curved rims 426 extend on opposite sides of the fastener openings 424. The curved rims 426 can extend from the rear of the hinge portion to a notch 428. The curved rims 426 can slidably receive a portion of the fastener, for example a bolt support.

[0067] The clamps 402, 404 can include a jaw portion having a curved outer surface 430 and a pair of ribs 432 extending from the curved outer surface. The ribs 432 can extend from the notches 428 above the curved outer surface 430 and intersect with an outer edge 434 extending along the clamp. The ribs 432 can be spaced to fit into a support structure such as a unistrut channel rail and limit or prevent rotation of the cleat 400 relative to the support.

[0068] A tooth 436 can extend from a portion of the outer edge 434 along a portion of the front of the clamp 402. For example, the tooth 436 can extend along approximately half or less than half of the clamp 402 so that it will mate with an opposed tooth 436 to surround the outer edge of the cable.

[0069] The jaw portion can include a curved inner surface 438 at least partially defining the cable receiving area or groove for receiving a cable. In certain configurations, a set of projections, such as teeth 440 can extend from the curved inner surface 438 into the cable receiving area. In certain configurations, the teeth 440 can taper from a wider base to a narrow point to help provide support and grip to the received cable. Other sizes and shapes of the teeth can also be used.

[0070] In certain configurations, the teeth 440 can have a helical configuration, extending along the inner surface 438 in an angled or spiral pattern. In certain implementations, the teeth 440 can extend at a first orientation for the upper clamp 402 and a second orientation for the lower clamp 404. For example, the teeth 440 of the upper clamp 402 can be opposite the teeth of the lower clamp 404. This can provide increased hold and cable retention than a uniform orientation. Other configurations of the teeth pattern can also be used.

[0071] In certain configurations, the curved inner surface 438 can have different radii. For example, the inner surface 438 can include a first radius at the central portion of the inner surface, a second radius at the front of the curved surface, and a third radius at the rear of the curved surface. In certain configurations, the second radius can equal the third radius, or different radii can be used for each section. Use of the different radii can provide a better clamping force for different sized conductors received by the cable cleat.

[0072] FIGS. 17-19 show an exemplary configuration of a single-bolt cable cleat 500. The cable cleat 500 includes an upper clamp 502 and a lower clamp 504. The upper clamp 502 and lower clamp 504 can be pivotally connected to one another by a hinge member including a pivot bolt. The upper clamp 502 and lower clamp 504 can be secured with a fastener. The upper clamp 502 and lower clamp 504 can define a cable groove for receiving and securing a cable.

[0073] The clamps can include a hinge portion positioned at the rear of the clamp body. The hinge portion can include a knuckle 516 and journal surface 518. The knuckle 516 can have a curved configuration and the journal surface 518 can have acurved surface configured to receive a mating knuckle 516 of the opposite clamp. The knuckle 516 can have an opening for receiving the hinge pin. When the clamps 502, 504 are connected together, the hinge pin 506 extends through the respective knuckles 516 which can rotate on the opposite journal surfaces 518. This allows pivoting movement of the upper clamp 502 and lower clamp 504.

[0074] In certain configurations, a pair of rear hinge protrusions 520 can extend from either side of the clamps 502, 504.

[0075] The clamps 502, 504 can include a jaw portion positioned forward of the hinge portion. The jaw portions have a curved outer surface 530 and a pair of ribs 532 extending from the curved outer surface. The ribs 532 can extend to notches 528 above the curved outer surface 530. The ribs 532 can be spaced to fit into a support structure such as a unistrut channel rail and limit or prevent rotation of the cleat 500 relative to the support.

[0076] The jaw portion can include a curved inner surface 538 at least partially defining the cable receiving area or groove for receiving a cable. In certain configurations, a set of projections, such as teeth 540 can extend from the curved inner surface 538 into the cable receiving area. In certain configurations, the teeth 540 can taper from a wider base to a narrow point to help provide support and grip to the received cable. Other sizes and shapes of the teeth can also be used. The teeth 540 can have a spiral configuration, with the upper teeth 540 and lower teeth 540 extending in opposite directions. The curved inner surface 538 can also include an inner curvature having multiple radii.

[0077] The clamps 502, 504 can include a fastener portion positioned forward of the jaw portion. The fastener portion can include a fastener opening 524 for receiving the fastener. The fastener opening 524 can be sized to allow for movement of the fastener. In certain configurations the movement can be both translation and rotation of the bolt.

[0078] In certain configurations, an outer flange 550 extends above an outer surface of the clamps 502, 504. The outer flange 550 extends from the notch 528 and around the fastener opening 524. The outer flange 550 can have a substantially obround inner rim and a curved outer profile that rises toward a central crest from a front portion and a rear portion.

[0079] In certain configurations, an inner flange 552 extends from an inner surface of the clamps 502, 504. The inner flange 552 can extend from the jaw portion toward the front edge of the clamp around the fastener opening 524. The inner flange 552 can have a substantially cylindrical outer profile, rising from the inner surface to an upper edge of the jaw portion.

[0080] FIGS. 20-23 show an exemplary configuration of a single-bolt cable cleat 600. The cable cleat 600 includes an upper clamp 602 and a lower clamp 604. The upper clamp 602 and lower clamp 604 can be pivotally connected to one another by a hinge member. The upper clamp 602 and lower clamp 604 can be secured with a fastener. The upper clamp 602 and lower clamp 604 can define a cable groove for receiving and securing a cable.

[0081] The clamps can include a hinge portion positioned at the rear of the clamp body. The upper clamp 602 and lower clamp 604 include a number of commonfeatures but have a non-identical configuration of the hinge-portion. The upper clamp 602 can include a hinge portion with a knuckle 616 and journal surface 618. The lower clamp 604 can include a hinge portion with a knuckle 616, a journal surface, 618 and a pivot pin 620. The pivot pin 620 can extend from the knuckle 616 of the lower clamp 604 and is configured to extend into the knuckle 616 of the upper clamp 602. The pivot pin 620 can be integrally formed with the lower clamp 604 or it can be separately formed and attached, for example using fasteners, an interference fit, or a joining process such as welding. The knuckles 616 can have a curved configuration and the journal surfaces 618 can have a curved surface configured to receive the mating knuckle 616 of the opposite clamp. When the clamps 602, 604 are connected together, the pin protrusion 620 extends through the opposite knuckle 616 which can rotate on the opposite journal surfaces 618. This allows pivoting movement of the upper clamp 602 and lower clamp 604.

[0082] The clamps 602, 604 can include a jaw portion positioned forward of the hinge portion. The jaw portions have a curved outer surface 630 and a pair of inner ribs 632 extending from the curved outer surface 630. A pair of outer rails 634 can extend along the jaw portion spaced from the inner ribs 632. The ribs 632 can be spaced to fit into a support structure such as a unistrut channel rail and limit or prevent rotation of the cleat 600 relative to the support. The rails 634 can be spaced to fit outside of the support structure. In certain configurations, only an inner rib 632 or an outer rail 634 can be used. In other configurations, a rail 634 can be configured to be positioned inside of a support structure.

[0083] The jaw portion can include a curved inner surface 638 at least partially defining the cable receiving area or groove for receiving a cable. In certain configurations, a set of projections, such as teeth 640 can extend from the curved inner surface 638 into the cable receiving area. In certain configurations, the teeth 640 can taper from a wider base to a narrow point to help provide support and grip to the received cable. Other sizes and shapes of the teeth can also be used. The teeth 640 can have a spiral configuration, with the upper teeth 640 and lower teeth 640 extending in opposite directions. The curved inner surface 638 can also include an inner curvature having multiple radii.

[0084] The clamps 602, 604 can include a fastener portion positioned forward of the jaw portion. The fastener portion can include a fastener opening 624 for receiving the fastener. The fastener opening 624 can be sized to allow for movement of the fastener. In certain configurations the movement can be both translation and rotation of the bolt.

[0085] In certain configurations, an outer flange 650 extends above an outer surface of the clamps 602, 604. The outer flange 650 extends around the fastener opening 624. The outer flange 650 can have a substantially obround inner rim and outer profile. In certain configurations, an inner surface 652 of the clamps 602, 604 can extend from the jaw portion toward the front edge of the clamp around the fastener opening 624.

[0086] FIG. 24 shows the cable cleat 600 connected to a unistrut channel rail 660. The rail 660 includes a base and a pair of side walls with an upper edge defining an interior channel. A portion of a fastener assembly, such as a channel nut can bepositioned in the channel. The cable cleat 600 can be positioned on the upper edge of the rail 660 so that the inner ribs 632 are positioned inside of the sidewalls and the outer rails 634 are positioned outside of the side walls. A cable can be positioned in the cable groove and a fastener, such as a bolt, can be inserted through the fastener openings 624 and connected to the nut. When the bolt is tightened, the upper clamp 602 and lower clamp 604 will apply a compressive force to the cable.

[0087] The foregoing detailed description has been provided for the purpose of explaining the general principles and practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various configurations and implementations, and with various modifications as are suited to the particular uses contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to what is disclosed. Any of the configurations and / or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional configurations and implementations are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

[0088] As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the structure of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular position or orientation. Terms of degree, such as“substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general tolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. The words “member,” “component,” “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like are not a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element should be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cable retention device comprising: an upper clamp having an upper hinge portion, an upper fastener portion, and an upper jaw portion, wherein the upper jaw portion includes an upper groove configured to receive a cable; a lower clamp having a lower hinge portion, a lower fastener portion, and a lower jaw portion, wherein the lower jaw portion includes a lower groove configured to receive the cable, and wherein the lower clamp is pivotally connected to the upper clamp; and a fastener extending through the upper fastener portion and the lower fastener portion, wherein the fastener is configured to tighten the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion on the cable.

2. The cable retention device of claim 1, wherein the upper hinge portion is configured to mate with the lower hinge portion.

3. The cable retention device of claim 2, wherein the upper hinge portion includes an upper knuckle and an upper journal surface and the lower hinge portion includes a lower knuckle and a lower journal.

4. The cable retention device of claim 3, wherein a pivot bolt extends into the upper knuckle and the lower knuckle.

5. The cable retention device of claim 1, wherein the upper fastener portion includes a curved rim configured to slidably receive a portion of the fastener.

6. The cable retention device of claim 1, wherein the upper jaw portion includes a set of upper teeth extending from the upper groove towards the lower groove.

7. The cable retention device of claim 6, wherein the upper teeth have a spiral configuration.

8. The cable retention device of claim 7, wherein the lower jaw portion includes a set of lower teeth having a spiral configuration oriented opposite the upper teeth.

9. A cable retention device comprising: an upper clamp having an upper hinge portion, an upper fastener portion, and an upper jaw portion, wherein the upper jaw portion includes an upper groove configured to receive a cable; a lower clamp having a lower hinge portion, a lower fastener portion, and a lower jaw portion, wherein the lower jaw portion includes a lower groove configured to receive the cable, and wherein the lower clamp is pivotally connected to the upper clamp; and a fastener extending through the upper fastener portion and the lower fastener portion, wherein the fastener is configured to tighten the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion on the cable, wherein the upper jaw portion is positioned between the upper hinge portion and the upper fastener portion.

10. The cable retention device of claim 9, wherein the upper fastener portion includes an upper outer rim extending around an upper fastener opening and an upper inner rim extending around the upper fastener opening.

11. The cable retention device of claim 9, wherein the upper hinge portion includes an upper knuckle and an upper journal surface and the lower hinge portion includes a lower knuckle and a lower journal.

12. The cable retention device of claim 11, wherein the lower hinge portion includes a pivot pin extending from the lower knuckle into the upper knuckle.13- The cable retention device of claim 12, wherein the pivot pin is formed integrally with the lower clamp.

14. The cable retention device of claim 9, wherein the upper jaw portion includes a set of upper teeth extending from the upper groove towards the lower groove.

15. The cable retention device of claim 14, wherein the upper teeth have a spiral configuration.

16. The cable retention device of claim 15, wherein the lower jaw portion includes a set of lower teeth having a spiral configuration oriented opposite the upper teeth.

17. The cable retention device of claim 9, wherein the upper clamp includes an upper rib and an upper rail spaced from the upper rib.

18. The cable retention device of claim 17, wherein the upper rib is configured to be positioned inside of a support structure and the upper rail is configured to be positioned outside of a support structure to limit rotation of the upper clamp relative to the support structure.

19. A cable retention device comprising: an upper clamp having an upper hinge portion and an upper jaw portion, wherein the upper hinge portion includes a knuckle, and wherein the upper jaw portion includes an upper groove configured to receive a cable; and a lower clamp having a lower hinge portion and a lower jaw portion, wherein the lower hinge portion includes an integrally formed pivot pin configured to mate with the knuckle to pivotally connect the lower clamp with the upper clamp, and wherein the lower jaw portion includes a lower groove configured to receive the cable.

20. The cable retention device of claim 19, wherein a fastener extends through the upper clamp and the lower clamp and wherein the fastener is configured to tighten the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion on the cable.

21. The cable retention device of claim 19, wherein the upper jaw portion includes a set of upper teeth extending from the upper groove towards the lower groove.

22. The cable retention device of claim 21, wherein the upper teeth have a spiral configuration.

23. The cable retention device of claim 22, wherein the lower jaw portion includes a set of lower teeth having a spiral configuration oriented opposite the upper teeth.

24. The cable retention device of claim 19, wherein the upper clamp includes an upper rib.

25. The cable retention device of claim 24, wherein the upper rib is configured to be positioned inside of a support structure to limit rotation of the upper clamp relative to the support structure.

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