Internal dam for cable gland

Abstract

An internal dam for a cable gland includes a disc-shaped barrier having an axis and a slots extending radially outward relative to the axis to define barrier sectors. The barrier axially receives the one or more conductors therethrough such that barrier sectors surround the one or more conductors and inhibit the curable liquid received in the cavity from flowing through the internal dam and from flowing between the internal dam and the one or conductors.

Description

P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301INTERNAL DAM FOR CABLE GLANDCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of IN Provisional Patent Application Serial No.202411088005, filed on November 14, 2024, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to an internal dam for the cable gland, cable glands including the internal dam, and methods of making and using the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Cable gland assemblies are used for terminating cable in hazardous and nonhazardous environments. Typical cable gland assemblies provide a seal around the conductors of the cable, mechanical retention of the cable therein, electrical continuity via the termination of the cable, and an environmental seal on the outer jacket of the cable. To seal the conductors within a sealing chamber of the cable gland assembly, a sealing compound is generally used to seal the individual conductors. Generally, the sealing compound is used in conjunction with a secondary damming material to prevent the flow of the sealing compound beyond the sealing chamber. Conventional damming materials include fiber materials that require the cable gland assembly to be disassembled to place the fiber materials therein. In addition, these fiber damming materials generally require a large volume to contain the material therein.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a cable gland comprising: a cavity having first and second axial ends, the cavity being configured to receive one or more conductors and a curable liquid therein; and an internal dam adjacent a second axial end of the cavity, the internal dam including a disc-shaped barrier having an axis and a slots extending radially outward 1CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301relative to the axis to define barrier sectors. The barrier is configured to axially receive the one or more conductors therethrough such that barrier sectors surround the one or more conductors and inhibit the curable liquid received in the cavity from flowing through the internal dam and from flowing between the internal dam and the one or conductors.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an internal dam for a cable gland. The internal dam comprises: a first annular barrier having an axis and slots extending radially outward relative to the axis to define barrier sectors, wherein the first annular barrier has an outer diameter, and central opening defining an inner diameter defined by free ends of the barrier sectors; and a second annular barrier having an axis and slots extending radially outward relative to the axis of the second annular barrier to define barrier sectors, wherein the second annular barrier has an outer diameter, and a central opening defining an inner diameter defined by free ends of the barrier sectors. The first and second annular barriers are stacked on one another such that the central openings of the first and second annular barrier are axially aligned. The inner diameter of the first annular barrier is greater than the inner diameter of the second annular barrier. The first and second barrier are configured to axially receive the one or more conductors therethrough such that respective barrier sectors surround the one or more conductors and inhibit the curable liquid received in the cavity from flowing through the internal dam and from flowing between the internal dam and the one or conductors.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to

[0007] Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an internal dam for a cable gland with a conductor extending through the internal dam.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the internal dam of FIG. 1 without the conductor extending through the internal dam.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded viewed of the internal dam of FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an internal dam for a cable gland with a conductor extending through the internal dam.2CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301

[0012] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the internal dam of FIG. 4 without the conductor extending through the internal dam.

[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded viewed of the internal dam of FIG. 5.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an internal dam for a cable gland with a conductor extending through the internal dam.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the internal dam of FIG. 7 without the conductor extending through the internal dam.

[0016] FIG. 9 is an exploded viewed of the internal dam of FIG. 8.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an internal dam for a cable gland with a conductor extending through the internal dam.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the internal dam of FIG. 10 without the conductor extending through the internal dam.

[0019] FIG. 12 is an exploded viewed of the internal dam of FIG. 11.

[0020] FIG. 13A is a perspective of another embodiment of an internal dam.

[0021] FIG. 13B is another perspective of the internal dam of FIG. 13 A.

[0022] FIG. 13C is a plan view of the internal dam of FIG. 13A.

[0023] FIG. 13C is a cross section taken through the internal dam of FIG. 13C.

[0024] FIG. 14A is a top perspective of a strip with slits for an internal dam for a cable gland.

[0025] FIG. 14B is side elevation and a front perspective of the strip of FIG. 14A helically wound.

[0026] FIG. 14C is a side elevation and a front elevation of the strip of FIG. 14B helically wound and compressed.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a partial longitudinal section of a prior art cable gland including an internal dam.

[0028] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.3CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0029] The present disclosure is directed to an internal dam configured to surround and engage cable conductors within a cable gland to inhibit the egress of a curable liquid from a compound cavity, such as one defined by a compound chamber, of the cable gland during curing of the liquid. The dam allows one or more cable conductors to pass through a center of the dam. The dam generally seals around the cable conductor(s) to inhibit the curable liquid from flowing through the dam along the conductor(s). The curable liquid may be any liquid-based, flowable product that hardens after it is poured or otherwise delivered into the compound chamber of the cable gland. Suitable curable liquids are generally known.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, each of the elements of the internal dam 100 and its operation are described below. Throughout this application, each change in embodiment will have corresponding reference numbers to the internal dam 100 plus 1000 for similar features (e.g., internal dam 1100 in FIGS. 4-6, internal dam 2100 in FIGS. 7-9, internal dam 3100 in FIGS. 10-12, internal dam 4100 in FIGS. 13, and internal dam 5100 in FIGS. 14A-14C). The internal dams (FIGS. 1-14C) of this application can be secured within a cable gland to inhibit the egress of a curable liquid from a compound cavity, such as one defined by a compound chamber.

[0031] Figure 15 show views of a conventional cable gland 300 including a prior art internal dam 100'. As explained in more detail herein, the prior art internal dam 100' may be replaced with one of the internal dams of the present disclosure. In other words, the internal dams of the present disclosure may be used with the cable gland 300 in place of the internal dam 100'. The conventional cable glad 300 is described in U.S. Application Serial No. 17 / 284,697, filed April 12, 2021, the corresponding teachings, other than the internal dam disclosed therein, are incorporated by reference herein. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or elements of FIGS. 15-18 may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted. Moreover, the internal dam described herein may be used with other cable glands having other constructions and designs.

[0032] The cable gland 300 includes a hub body 350, a compound chamber 351, a union body 352, a union body nut 353, and a gland nut 355. The compound chamber 351 includes a cavity 354 that traverses the length of the compound chamber 351. The cavity 354 of the compound chamber 351 receives one or more conductors 355 that traverse the internal dam 100'. The cavity 354 of the compound chamber 351 can also receive a sealing compound. The cavity 354 can have a substantially uniform horizontal cross-sectional area along the length of the cavity. Otherwise,4CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301the horizontal cross-sectional area along the length of the cavity 354 can vary. The cavity 354 is wide enough to allow one or more conductors 355 of a cable 356 to pass through. The cavity 354 can be a hollow sleeve that is removably coupled to the inner wall of the body of the compound chamber 351.

[0033] The compound chamber 351 can be seated within a cavity of the hub body 350. The compound chamber 351 can be coupled to the hub body 350 in one or more of a number of ways, including, but not limited to, fixedly, slidably, removably, threadably, and mechanically. The hub body 350 includes a cavity that traverses the length of the hub body 350. The hub body 350 is configured to be coupled to (e.g., threaded to) an enclosure of an electrical / electronic device. The hub body 350 can be made of a number of suitable materials. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The hub body 350 can be made of the same or different materials used for the compound chamber 351.

[0034] The cavity of the hub body 350 can have one or more features that are complementary of the features on the outer side of the body of the compound chamber 351. For example, the cavity walls of the hub body 350 can have smooth surfaces that are disposed at angles that complement the smooth surfaces of the outer walls of the compound chamber 351. Alternatively, the cavity walls of the hub body 350 can have one or more features (e.g., a notch, mating thread, etc.) that mechanically couple with complementary features disposed on the outer walls of the compound chamber 351.

[0035] The union body nut 353 is used to mechanically couple the union body 352 to the compound chamber 351, and / or the hub body 350. The union body nut 353 can be coupled to the union body 352 and / or the hub body 350 in one or more of a number of ways, including, but not limited to, threadably, removably, clampably, and slidably. In other words, the union body nut 353 can be a nut, a clamp, a brace, or any other suitable fastening device that mechanically couples the union body 352, the compound chamber 351, and / or the hub body 350. The union body nut 353 can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials. Examples include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The union body nut 353 can be made of the same or different materials used for the union body 352, the compound chamber 351, and / or the hub body 350.

[0036] When the compound chamber 351 is positioned inside of and / or coupled to the hub body 350, there can be a gap that is formed around at least a portion of the perimeter of the coupled5CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301components. A bottom portion of the union body 352 is positioned inside of this gap to mechanically couple the union body 352 to the hub body 350 and the compound chamber 351. The union body 352 also includes a cavity that traverses at least a portion of the union body 352 and through which one or more conductors 355 are passed and / or positioned.

[0037] The union body 352 can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The union body 352 can be made of the same or different materials as the compound chamber 351 and / or the hub body 350. Also, the shape (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, etc.) of the cavity 354 of the union body 352 can be the same or different than the shape of the cavity 354 of the compound chamber 351.

[0038] The gland nut 358 is threadable mated to the union body 352 and configured to compress a spring 370 (or other grounding contact) and a bushing 372 within the union body. In use, the gland nut 358 is tightened on the union body 352 such that the bushing 372 seals around the armor of the cable and the spring electrically contacts the armor of the cable, as is generally known in the art. The bushing 372 is configured to generally inhibit dust, debris, water, and / or other liquid from entering the gland 300. The spring 370 (or other grounding contact) is configured to electrically ground the cable 356. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of an internal dam constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 100. As described above, this internal dam 100 is configured for use with the cable gland 300 in FIG. 15 and replaces the prior art internal dam 100'.

[0039] The internal dam 100 generally includes a first compound dam component, generally indicated at 102, and a second compound dam component, generally indicated at 105. A number of compound dam components may vary without departing from the present disclosure. For example, the internal dam 100 may include only the first compound dam component 102. In other embodiments, additional compound dam components can be added to the first and second compound dam components 102, 105. The first compound dam component 102 and second compound dam component 105 include a barrier 102A, 105A, respectively. Each barrier 102A, 105A defines a corresponding a plurality of slits 103, 107 and a central hole 104, 108. Together, the slits 103, 107 and the central hole 104, 108 define barrier sectors spaced apart from one another around the barrier 102 A, 105 A. The sectors may be generally triangular shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the central hole 108 of the second compound dam component 105 is aligned with the6CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301central hole 104 of the first compound dam component 102. The central holes 104, 108 and the slits 103, 107 are sized and shaped to receive at least one conductor C, and in one embodiment a plurality of conductors, therethrough.

[0040] The slits 103, 107 of the first and second compound dam components 102, 105 extend radially inward towards the central holes 104, 108 to define an average inner radial extent that is less than the radius of an interior defined by the first and second compound dam components 102, 105, such that free ends 109, 111 of the barrier sectors define the central holes 104, 108 and do not extend to a central longitudinal axis LA of the internal dam 100. Through this arrangement, the central holes 104, 108 together define a longitudinal opening 110 (e.g., a central longitudinal opening) extending through the internal dam 100.

[0041] In one embodiment, the slits 107 of the second compound dam component 105 are misaligned with slits of the first compound dam component 102 so that the barrier sectors are also misaligned. In an embodiment, each of the first compound dam component 102 and second compound dam component 105 include eight slits extending radially inward and directed to the central holes 104, 108, which define eight barrier sectors. In one or more embodiments, the number of slits 103, 107 and sectors may vary without departing from the present disclosure.

[0042] The barriers 102 A, 105 A (therefore the barrier sectors) of the first compound dam component 102 and second compound dam component 105 can be made of a flexible, non-elastomeric material for inhibiting the egress of a curable liquid from a compound cavity. In another example, the barriers 102 A, 105 A (and the other barriers described herein) may be resiliently flexible or resiliently deflectable. Preferably, the free ends 109, 111 of the barrier sectors adjacent the central holes 104, 108 of the first compound dam component 102 and the second compound dam component 105 themselves create a suitable barrier that inhibits the flow of curable liquid through dam 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier sectors are capable of bending when inserting the at least one conductor therethrough.

[0043] As an example, the free ends 109, 111 of the barrier sectors adjacent the central holes 104, 108 of the first compound dam component 102 are generally flexible and contact a conductor (i.e., a bundle of conductor cores) extending through the longitudinal opening 110. In particular, the free ends 109, 111 of the barrier sectors are suitable to engage the conductor cores and inhibit the flow of curable liquid along and between the cores out of the compound chamber.7CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301In some examples, however, such as where more than one large conductor core is used, fiber or other material may be packed in the space between the more than one conductor.

[0044] To facilitate installation of the internal dam 100, the internal dam may have generally cylindrical shape, which is circular in a plan view, to be received within a cable gland. When received in the annular channel-shaped cavity 364, and outer perimeter of the dam 100 (e.g., an outer diameter of the first compound dam component 102 and second compound dam component 105) may conform generally to the perimeter (e.g., inner diameter) of the annular channel-shaped cavity so that there is substantially no space between the opposing perimeter wall of the annular channel-shaped cavity and an outer perimeter wall of the internal dam 100. In this way, the effective area of the internal dam 100 may be maximized to maximize the effective cross-sectional dimension of the bundle of conductors 355 that can pass through the dam.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or elements may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a second embodiment of an internal dam constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 1100. The internal dam 1100 is similar to the previous embodiment described herein. As described above, this internal dam 1100 is configured for use with the cable gland 300 in FIG. 15 and replaces the prior art internal dam 100'.

[0047] The internal dam 1100 includes a compound dam component 1102 and a gripper layer 1105. In an embodiment, the gripper layer 1105 is a leak-proof gripper received on the first compound dam component 1102. The compound dam component 1102 may be the same as the first compound dam component 102 described above and may function in the same manner. Accordingly, the teachings of the first compound dam component 102 applies to the present compound dam component 1102.

[0048] The main difference between the internal dam 100 and the present internal dam 1100 is the second compound dam component 105 is omitted and replaced with the gripper layer 1105. The gripper layer 1105 may include the central hole 1108, or the central hole can be formed by being punctured (e.g., punctured by one or more conductors C). The central hole 1108 of the gripper layer 1105 is aligned with the central hole 1104 of the compound dam component 1102. Referring to FIG. 6, the compound dam component 1102 includes four slits 1103 extending radially inward and directed to the central hole 1104 defining four sectors. However, similar to the8CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301previous embodiment an amount of slits in the plurality of slits 1103 may vary without departing from the present disclosure. Through this arrangement, the free ends 1109 adjacent the central hole 1104 of the first compound dam component 1102 and material adjacent the central hole 1108 of gripper layer 1105 define a longitudinal opening 1110 (e.g., a central longitudinal opening) extending through the internal dam 1100.

[0049] In at least one example, the central hole 1108 of the gripper layer 1105 will expand and then compress to be the size of the conductor extending through the gripper layer and the first compound dam component 1102. The gripper layer 1105 engages the conductor and inhibits the flow of curable liquid along the conductors and between the conductors out of the compound chamber. Further, the free ends 1109 of the sectors adjacent the central hole 1104 of the compound dam component 1102 is generally bend and contact the conductor (e.g., one or more conductor cores) extending through the longitudinal opening 1110. In particular, the free ends 1109 are suitable to engage the conductor core(s) and inhibit the flow of curable liquid along the core(s) and between the core(s) out of the compound chamber.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or elements may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a third embodiment of an internal dam constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 2100. The internal dam 2100 is similar to the previous embodiment 1100 described herein. As described above, this internal dam 2100 is configured for use with the cable gland 300 in FIG. 15 and replaces the prior art internal dam 100'.

[0052] The internal dam 2100 includes an annular ferrule barrier 2102 and a gripper layer 2105. In one embodiment, the gripper layer 2105 is a leak-proof gripper received on the annular ferrule 2102. The gripper layer 2105 may be the same as the gripper layer 1105 described above and may function in the same manner. Accordingly, the teachings of the gripper layer 1105 applies to the present gripper layer 2105.

[0053] The main difference between the internal dam 1100 and the present internal dam 2100 is the compound dam component 1102 is omitted and replaced with the annular ferrule 2102. Instead of having a plurality of slits, the annular ferrule 2102 has a central hole 2104 defined by a ring region 2112 having a flat surface. The gripper layer 2105 rests on top of the flat surface of the ring region 2112. The ring region 2112 provides structural support to the gripper layer 2105. The9CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301gripper layer 2105 may be coupled (e.g., adhered) to the ring region 2112. The central hole 2108 of the gripper layer 2105 is aligned with the central hole 2104 of the first compound dam component 2102. Through this arrangement, the ring region 2112 adjacent the central hole 2104 of the annular ferrule 2102 and material adjacent the central hole 2108 of gripper layer 2105 define a longitudinal opening 2110 (e.g., a central longitudinal opening) extending through the internal dam 2100.

[0054] In an embodiment, the central hole 2108 of the gripper layer 2105 will expand and then compress to be the size of the conductor extending through the gripper layer and the first compound dam component 2102. The gripper layer 2105 engages the conductor core(s) and inhibits the flow of curable liquid along the conductors and between the cores out of the compound chamber.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or elements may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 10-12, a fourth embodiment of an internal dam constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 3100. The internal dam 3100 is similar to the previous embodiment 1100 described herein. As described above, this internal dam 3100 is configured for use with the cable gland 300 in FIG. 15 and replaces the prior art dam 100'.

[0057] The internal dam 3100 includes a core gripper 3102 and a gripper layer 3105. In a the illustrated embodiment, the gripper layer 3105 is a leak-proof gripper received on the core gripper 3102. The gripper layer 3105 may be the same as the gripper layer 1105 described above and may function in the same manner. Accordingly, the teachings of the gripper layer 1105 applies to the present gripper layer 3105.

[0058] The main difference between the internal dam 1100 and the present internal dam 3100 is the first compound dam component 1102 is omitted and replaced by the core gripper 3102. Instead of having a plurality of slits, the core gripper 3102 has a plurality of wedges 3115 defining a central hole 3104. The central hole 3108 of the gripper lay er 3105 is aligned with the central hole 3104 of the core gripper 3102. Through this arrangement, free ends 3109 on the wedges 3115 adjacent the central hole 3104 of the core gripper 3102 and material adjacent the central hole 3108 of gripper layer 3105 define a longitudinal opening 3110 (e.g., a central longitudinal opening) extending through the internal dam 3100.10CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301

[0059] In an embodiment, the central hole 3108 of the gripper layer 3105 will expand and then compress to be the size of the conductor extending through the gripper layer and the core gripper 3102. The gripper layer 3105 engages the conductor and inhibits the flow of curable liquid along the conductors and between the conductors out of the compound chamber. Further, the free ends 3109 adj acent the central hole 3104 of the core gripper 3102 is generally flexible and contacts the conductor extending through the longitudinal opening 3110. In particular, the free ends 3109 are also suitable to engage the cores and inhibit the flow of curable liquid along the cores and between the cores out of the compound chamber.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or elements may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 13A-13D, a fifth embodiment of an internal dam constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 4100. The internal dam 4100 is similar to the previous embodiment described herein. As described above, this internal dam 4100 is configured for use with the cable gland 300 in FIG. 15 and replaces the prior art dam 100'.

[0062] The internal dam 4100 includes a compound dam component 4102 having a plurality of annular polymer discs 4105A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D, which are concentrically stacked on one another and axially aligned. The annular polymer discs 4105A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D may be made from a flexible, non-elastomeric material. The discs 4105 A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D may be attached to one another, such as by lamination, to form a single compound dam component. The discs 4105A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D may be secured to one another in other ways. Alternatively, the compound dam component 4102 may be formed in other ways, such as from a single disc and machined (e.g., laser cut) have the structure and function described below.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the dam component 4102 include four laminated annular polymer discs 4105A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D, although in other embodiments, the dam component may include 2, 3, or more than 4 discs. Each of the annular discs 4105A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D has an outer diameter OD1, OD2, OD3, OD4, respectively, and an inner diameter, ID1, ID2, ID3, ID4 defining respective openings. The outer diameters OD1, OD2, OD3, OD4 are uniform or equal to one another and are flush with one another, such that the outer diameters define a uniform outer perimeter of the dam component 4102. The inner diameters ID1, ID2, ID3, ID4 are non-unform or not equal to one another. In the illustrated example, the first inner diameter ID111CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301is greater than the second inner diameter ID2, the second inner diameter is greater than the third inner diameter ID3, and the third inner diameter is greater than the fourth inner diameter ID4. Because the annular discs 4105A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D are concentric, the decreasing diameters define a stepped (e.g., stepped down) inner diameter of the component 4102 defining a stepped central opening 4110 extending through the component, such that the inner diameter of the component decreases in a stepwise fashion from the first disc 4105 A to the last disc 4105D.

[0064] Each of the plurality of annular polymer discs 4105A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D include an annular barrier having radial slits spaced apart from one another around the barrier to define barrier sectors. The slits extend from the inner diameter ID1, ID2, ID3, ID4 toward the outer diameter OD1, OD2, OD3, OD4, and terminate before the outer diameters (e.g., the slit can extend approx, from about 10% up to about 90% of annular radial length). In this way, each barrier of the discs 4105A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D define radially extending barrier sectors 4114A, 4114B, 4114C, 4114C that overlap one other and having widths that taper toward the center of the disc component 4102. In one preferred embodiment, the slits of each barrier of the annular polymer disc 4105A, 4105B, 4105C, 4105D are not aligned with slits of an adjacent annular polymer disc. Accordingly, the barrier sectors 4114A, 4114B, 4114C, 411C are staggered around the circumference of the component 4102.

[0065] The barrier sectors 4114A, 4114B, 4114C, 411C are generally flexible out of plane and may bend freely and accommodate any gaps formed on periphery of the conductor cores. The barrier sectors 4114A, 4114B, 4114C, 411C may be formed from a flexible material, which may be elastically flexible. The barrier sectors 4114A, 4114B, 4114C, 411C (and the other barrier sectors disclosed herein) may be connected to a perimeter of the barriers via a living hinge, enabling the barrier sectors to deflect, such as resiliently deflect, about the living hinge. Having the slits offset from one disc to the adjacent disc inhbits direct void formation and thus inhibits liquid from passing through. Once the annular polymers discs are placed on top of each other with the slits misaligned, the plurality of annular polymer discs are crimped together to form the compound dam barrier 4102. The annular polymer discs 4105 can be integrated with a variety of joining methods, such as, but not limiting to, heating, collapsing, compression, gluing, or polymer welding.

[0066] As explained above, the annular polymer discs 4105 are stacked to have a different inner diameter but a same outer diameter. Through this arrangement, a diameter or cross-sectional12CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301dimension of the longitudinal opening 4110 is non-uniform longitudinally. In particular, the longitudinal opening 4110 has a first diameter at a rear longitudinal portion thereof, and a second diameter at a front longitudinal portion thereof that is greater than the first diameter. The larger second diameter provides clearance to facilitate insertion of a conductor or bundle of conductors through the opening 4110, and the smaller first diameter provides a closer engagement of the annular polymer discs 4105 with the conductors to inhibit the flow of the curable liquid through the opening along the conductors. In addition, this always enables use with different diameter cables. In a preferred embodiment, an inner radius reduces constantly over consecutive layers of the annular polymer discs 4105. With the inner radius reducing, the annular polymer discs 4105 will covers major surface area on the conductor to inhibit the flow of curable liquid along the conductors and between the conductors out of the compound chamber. Preferably, even when more than one conductor is used, the annular polymer discs 4105 fill any gaps between and around the more than one conductor by the annular polymer discs flexing against the conductors.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or elements may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, a sixth embodiment of an internal dam constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 5100. The internal dam 5100 includes a compound dam component 5102 having a plurality of layers 5105. As described above, this internal dam 5100 is configured for use with the cable gland 300 in FIG. 15 and replaces the prior art dam 100'.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the layers 5105 are made from a flexible, non-elastomeric material.

[0070] The main difference between the internal dam 4100 and the present internal dam 5100 is the plurality of annular polymer discs 4105 is replaced with a helically wound strip 5105 with slits 5107 directed to a central hole 5108 to define barrier sectors. In the illustrated embodiment, the slits are cut in a manner that does not extend to a complete width of the helically wound strip 5105 (e.g., the slit can extend approx, from about 10% up to about 90% of width). The helically wound strip 5105 is compressed to form the compound dam component 5102. In an embodiment, the a helically wound strip 5105 with slits 5107 is wound in helical manner for at least two to three turns such that the slits offset from one layer to an adjacent layer avoid direct void formation that would allow liquid seal to pass through. After being wounded, the strip 510513CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301is compressed and crimped at its periphery to bond the turns to make a single part, compound dam component 5102.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, an inner radius reduces constantly over consecutive layers of the helically wound strip 5105. With the inner radius reducing, the helically wound strip 5105 will covers major surface area on the conductor to inhibit the flow of curable liquid along the conductors and between the conductors out of the compound chamber. Preferably, even when more than one conductor is used, the helically wound strip 5105 fdls any gaps between and around the more than one conductor by the helically wound strip 5105 flexing against the conductors.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or elements may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted.

[0073] When introducing elements of the present invention or the illustrated embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there are additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0074] As various changes could be made in the above products without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.14CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1

Claims

P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.011301WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cable gland comprising:a cavity having first and second axial ends, the cavity being configured to receive one or more conductors and a curable liquid therein; andan internal dam adjacent a second axial end of the cavity, the internal dam including a disc-shaped barrier having an axis and a slots extending radially outward relative to the axis to define barrier sectors,wherein the barrier is configured to axially receive the one or more conductors therethrough such that barrier sectors surround the one or more conductors and inhibit the curable liquid received in the cavity from flowing through the internal dam and from flowing between the internal dam and the one or conductors.

2. The cable gland of claim 1, wherein the barrier sectors are flexible.

3. The cable gland of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots have generally uniform lengths and define unform barrier sectors.

4. The cable gland of claim 1, wherein the barrier has a central opening at the axis of the barrier, wherein free ends of the barrier sectors define the central opening.

5. The cable gland of claim 1, wherein the disc-shaped barrier is a first disc-shaped barrier, the internal dam comprising a second disc-shaped barrier stacked on the first disc-shaped barrier and having an axis aligned with the axis of the first disc-shaped barrier.

6. The cable gland of claim 5, wherein the second disc-shaped barrier has slots extending radially outward relative to the axis to define barrier sectors, wherein the second disc-shaped barrier is configured to axially receive the one or more conductors therethrough such that barrier sectors of the second disc-shaped barrier surround the one or more conductors and inhibit the curable liquid received in the cavity from flowing through the internal dam and from flowing between the internal dam and the one or conductors15CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.0113017. The cable gland of claim 6, wherein the barrier sectors of the second disc-shaped barrier are generally flexible.

8. The cable gland of claim 6, wherein the plurality of slots of the second annular disc have generally uniform lengths.

9. The cable gland of claim 6, wherein the first disc-shaped barrier and the second disc-shaped barrier each have central opening defined by free ends of the respective barrier segments, wherein the central openings of the first and second disc-shaped barrier defines respective first and second inner diameters of the first and second disc-shaped barriers, wherein the first inner diameter of the first disc-shaped barrier is greater than the second inner diameter of the second disc-shaped barrier.

10. The cable gland of claim 6, wherein central openings of the first and second disc-shaped barriers are axially aligned.

11. The cable gland of claim 6, wherein the first and second disc-shaped barriers have respective first and second outer diameter, wherein the first and second outer diameter are equal and flush with one another.

14. The cable gland of claim 6, wherein the slots of the first annular disc are offset from the slots of the second annular disc such that the barrier sectors of the first and second discs are staggered around the internal dam.

15. The cable gland of claim 1, wherein the barrier sectors are formed from a flexible polymeric material.

16. The cable gland of claim 6, wherein the first and second barrier sectors are formed from a flexible polymeric material.16CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.01130117. An internal dam for a cable gland, the internal dam comprising:a first annular barrier having an axis and slots extending radially outward relative to the axis to define barrier sectors, wherein the first annular barrier has an outer diameter, and central opening defining an inner diameter defined by free ends of the barrier sectors; anda second annular barrier having an axis and slots extending radially outward relative to the axis of the second annular barrier to define barrier sectors, wherein the second annular barrier has an outer diameter, and a central opening defining an inner diameter defined by free ends of the barrier sectors,wherein first and second annular barriersA are stacked on one another such that the central openings of the first and second annular barrier are axially aligned,wherein the inner diameter of the first annular barrier is greater than the inner diameter of the second annular barrier,wherein the first and second barrier are configured to axially receive the one or more conductors therethrough such that respective barrier sectors surround the one or more conductors and inhibit the curable liquid received in the cavity from flowing through the internal dam and from flowing between the internal dam and the one or conductors.

18. The internal dam of claim 17, wherein the respective barrier sectors of the first and second barriers are flexible.

19. A method of installing a cable gland comprising:inserting a cable into the cable gland such that one or more conductors of the cable extend through a barrier of an internal dam and a cavity of the cable gland, wherein radially-extending slots of the barrier define flexible barrier sectors which bend as the cable is inserted and surround and engage the one or more conductors; andpouring a curable liquid into the cavity, wherein the barrier sectors inhibits the curable liquid from flowing through the barrier and from flowing between the internal dam and the one or more conductors;wherein the one or more conductors comprises a plurality of conductors, wherein at least some of the plurality of slots fill gaps between the plurality of conductors.17CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1P23-1940W001; ETNC231940.INWO; 3512816.01130120. The method of installing the cable gland set forth in claim 19, wherein the barrier sectors resiliently bend along their respective lengths when the one or more conductors extends through the internal dam.18CORE / 3512816.011301 / 231242919.1

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