Cable hanging system

Abstract

According to aspects of the invention, there is provided a cable hanger (120), a cable hanging system (100) comprising the cable hanger (120), and a method of installing the cable hanging system (100). The cable hanger (120) comprises a support member (122). The cable hanger (120) comprises a saddle (130) protruding from the support member (122), the saddle (130) being configured to support at least one cable (2). The cable hanger (120) comprises an upper connector (132) for hanging the cable hanger (120) from an upper support wire (104). The cable hanger (120) comprises a lower connector (142) for securing the cable hanger (120) to a lower support wire (106).

Description

[0001] CABLE HANGING SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cable hanging system. In particular, but not exclusively, they relate to a solar power cable hanging system.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] A cable hanging system comprises cable hangers suspended from a catenary wire. If the cable hangers are loaded unevenly with elongate articles such as cables, the cable hangers may tilt due to the eccentricity of the weight. Furthermore, if the cable hangers are knocked, they may sway.

[0006] Therefore, the geometry of a cable hanger is generally designed such that the centre of mass of the cable hanger is directly below the catenary wire. Furthermore, cable hangers may be designed to trap one or more cables therein, so that tilting does not result in the cable falling out.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a cable hanging system comprising:

[0009] an upper support wire;

[0010] a first tensioner configured to tension the upper support wire;

[0011] a lower support wire;

[0012] a second tensioner configured to tension the lower support wire; and a cable hanger,

[0013] wherein the cable hanger comprises:

[0014] a support member;a saddle protruding from the support member, the saddle being configured to support at least one cable;

[0015] an upper connector for hanging the cable hanger from the tensioned upper support wire; and

[0016] a lower connector for securing the cable hanger to the lower support wire, wherein the lower connector is configured to engage the tensioned lower support wire to restrain the cable hanger against horizontal movement.

[0017] This provides the advantage of a more secure cable hanging system. The cable hanger is braced not only against vertical weight loads but also against horizontal loads. Therefore, the cable hanger is less susceptible to swinging in the wind, tilting due to eccentric loads on the saddle(s), or tipping due to impacts with livestock or other objects. Therefore, the cables are less likely to fall out of the saddle, allowing a more open saddle design with no gate or equivalent retainers for retaining the cables on the saddle.

[0018] Tensioning the lower support wire ensures that the lower support wire provides a rigid restraint against horizontal movement of the cable hanger, whereas if the lower support wire is draped over the cable hanger then it would not provide a horizontal restraint.

[0019] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a cable hanger comprising:

[0020] a support member;

[0021] a saddle protruding from the support member, the saddle being configured to support at least one cable;

[0022] an upper connector for hanging the cable hanger from an upper support wire; and

[0023] a lower connector for securing the cable hanger to a lower support wire.According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a solar installation system comprising the cable hanging system or the cable hanger.

[0024] Optionally, at least one of the first and second tensioners comprises at least one of a clamping device, a turnbuckle, a winch, a ratchet tensioner.

[0025] An advantage is allowing precise setting of the tension of each support wire.

[0026] Optionally, at least one of the first and second tensioners comprises a tension adjuster. Optionally, the tension adjuster comprises a one-way clamping mechanism for allowing the respective support wire to be pulled through the tensioner in one direction while preventing the respective support wire from moving in an opposite direction. Alternatively, the tension adjuster comprises a screw tension adjuster.

[0027] An advantage is allowing precise setting of the tension of each support wire. Alternatively, a different type of tensioner may be used such as a turnbuckle, winch, ratchet tensioner, or the like.

[0028] Optionally, the upper connector is located on the support member. Optionally, the lower connector is located on the support member. Optionally, the upper and lower connectors are securable to the upper and lower support wires at operating positions in which the upper and lower support wires are horizontally aligned and vertically spaced from each other.

[0029] An advantage is that the tensioned upper and lower support wires hold the support member in an upright or substantially vertical orientation.

[0030] Optionally, the upper connector is connectable with the upper support wire in a first direction and the lower connector is connectable with the lower supportwire in a direction parallel to the first direction. Optionally, an entrance of the lower connector faces or mostly faces a same direction as an entrance of the upper connector. Alternatively, they may face different directions.

[0031] An advantage is ease of installation, because the cable hanger can be pushed onto the upper and lower support wires from one side.

[0032] Optionally, the upper connector is shaped as a hook engageable with the upper support wire. Optionally, the lower connector is shaped as a hook engageable with the lower support wire.

[0033] An advantage is ease of installation because the cable hanger can be hooked onto the upper and lower support wires.

[0034] Optionally, the or each connector is reinforced to define a rigid hook. Optionally, each connector has a profiled cross-section defining the reinforcement. Optionally, the profiled cross-section comprises flanges interconnected by a web, the flanges and web defining the reinforcement, wherein the hook is formed in the flanges.

[0035] An advantage is ease of removal because the cable hanger can be removed and reused without any permanent deformation of the hook.

[0036] Optionally, the support member comprises an upper guide slot defining the hook-shaped upper connector. Optionally, the support member a lower guide slot defining the hook-shaped lower connector.

[0037] Optionally, at least one of the upper and lower guide slots is nonlinear to be shaped as a hook, and comprises a vertical slot portion for receiving the respective upper or lower support wire in an operating position. Alternatively, atleast one of the upper and lower guide slots may be linear, such as a vertical slot extending from a top or bottom end of the support member.

[0038] An advantage is that an upwards heave force, or other unexpected force, will not lift the cable hanger straight off one or both guide slots.

[0039] Optionally, at least one of the upper and lower guide slots comprises a sloped slot portion that is open at a first end and connected to the vertical slot portion at a second end, wherein the sloped slot portion slopes upwardly from the first end to the second end.

[0040] An advantage is reducing the likelihood of accidental release of the cable hanger from the upper and lower support wires.

[0041] Optionally, a width of the vertical slot portion is greater than 1x a diameter of the respective upper or lower support wire and less than 1.5x or less than 2x the diameter.

[0042] An advantage is a more secure cable hanging system because free play in the horizontal direction is reduced or minimised.

[0043] Optionally, the cable hanger has an asymmetric centre of gravity, and the lower connector is horizontally staggered relative to the upper connector. Optionally, each connector has an entrance and an end, with a horizontal separation therebetween, wherein the horizontal separations are different.

[0044] Optionally, a straight line passing from the end of the upper connector through the asymmetric centre of gravity of the cable hanger intersects the saddle, and wherein the horizontal separation associated with the lower connector is less than the horizontal separation associated with the upper connector.An advantage is improved alignment of the cable hanging system, because the cable hanger tips in the direction of the saddle, and therefore horizontally ‘kicks out’ the lower support wire. Therefore, the connectors are optimised to at least partially straighten the cable hanger to reduce or eliminate the tipping.

[0045] Optionally, the cable hanger is configured to be fastened to a structure.

[0046] An advantage is a more secure cable hanging system because some cable hangers can be fastened directly to structures (e.g., support posts such as ground-engaging piles).

[0047] Optionally, upper and lower end regions of the cable hanger are each configured to be fastened to the structure. Optionally, upper and lower end regions of the support member are configured to be fastened to the structure.

[0048] An advantage is a more secure cable hanging system because the secured cable hanger is fastened to the structure at more than one location, preventing rotation or other unintended movement of the secured cable hanger.

[0049] Optionally, the cable hanging system comprises a plurality of the cable hangers, wherein in use a pair of the cable hangers are fastened to spaced structures, and a cable hanger between the pair of cable hangers is suspended from the upper and lower support wires.

[0050] Optionally, the cable support system comprises an anchor configured to be prefastened to the structure before the cable hanger is secured to the anchor.

[0051] Optionally, the cable support system comprises a blocking member to which the cable hanger is engageable in a position in which the blocking member blocks one of the upper and lower support wires in the respective one of the upper and lower connectors of the cable hanger.Optionally, the anchor is configured as the blocking member.

[0052] An advantage is a more secure cable hanging system because a subset of the cable hangers cannot be removed from the upper and lower support wires, whether by accident or otherwise. Furthermore, sagging of the upper and lower support wires may be reduced by the blocking members.

[0053] Optionally, the blocking member / anchor comprises a fastening point for receiving a fastener, such as the mechanical fastener described above. Optionally, the blocking member / anchor comprises a passage, such as a horizontal bore, defining the fastening point. Alternatively, the blocking member / anchor comprises a plug, such as a threaded rod, defining the fastening point, for receiving a fastener such as a threaded nut.

[0054] An advantage is a more secure cable hanging system because the upper and lower support wires are blocked in the upper and lower connectors of the cable hanger by blocking members which themselves are securely fastened and cannot become dislodged.

[0055] Optionally, the cable hanger is shaped to cover the blocking member.

[0056] An advantage is a more secure cable hanging system because the blocking members are protected and hidden.

[0057] Optionally, the cable support system allows the blocking member to be prefastened to an upright support (e.g., the structure as defined above), before the cable hanger is secured to the blocking member.

[0058] Optionally, the blocking member comprises a seat for receiving the respective one of the upper and lower support wires before the cable hanger is secured to the blocking member. Optionally, the seat of the blocking member is alignedwith the respective one of the upper and lower connectors of the cable hanger when the cable hanger is secured to the blocking member.

[0059] An advantage is ease of installation because pre-installed support wires can be used as a guide. This means positioning the seat of a blocking member against a pre-installed support wire, and then marking out a drilling location on the upright support for the mechanical fastener.

[0060] Optionally, the blocking member is formed from a material with a higher elastic modulus than the support member. Optionally, the support member is formed from a polymeric material.

[0061] Optionally, the cable hanger comprises an interface, such as a socket, mountable with the blocking member.

[0062] Optionally, the cable hanger comprises an upper one of the blocking member and a lower one of the blocking member, for each of said upper and lower connectors.

[0063] Optionally, the cable hanger comprises an upper one of the interface and a lower one of the interface, wherein the upper interface is mountable to the upper blocking member and the lower interface is mountable to the lower blocking member.

[0064] Optionally, the cable hanger has an asymmetric centre of gravity, and the lower blocking member has a different length than the upper blocking member in a horizontal direction, to position the seat of the lower blocking member horizontally from the structure by a different distance than the seat of the upper blocking member, to cause the lower blocking member to support the lower support wire at different horizontal position relative to the upper support wire.Optionally, the different length is configured to counteract gravitational tipping as a consequence of an asymmetric centre of gravity of the cable hanger. Optionally, a straight line passing from the upper connector through the asymmetric centre of gravity of the cable hanger intersects the saddle, and wherein the lower blocking member is horizontally longer than the upper blocking member, to position the seat of the lower blocking member horizontally further away from the structure than the seat of the upper blocking member.

[0065] An advantage is straightening the cable hangers which have asymmetric centres of gravity. The asymmetry of the cable hangers may cause them to tip forwards at the top, away from the structure, and horizontally ‘kick out’ the lower support wire in the middle of the span. Therefore, the lower blocking member positions the lower support wire slightly forward of the upper support wire at the upper blocking member, to reduce or eliminate the tipping at the mid-span.

[0066] Optionally, the cable hanging system comprises a plurality of the cable hangers and a plurality of the blocking members, wherein the blocking members are mounted to a subset of the cable hangers in use. Optionally, in use, only the cable hangers which are mounted to support posts are connected to blocking members, and wherein at least one of the cable hangers between the support posts is suspended from the upper and lower support wires and is free from blocking members.

[0067] An advantage is a secure cable hanging system while using less material and mass for the suspended cable hangers between the upright supports.

[0068] Alternatively, the cable support system comprises an anchor configured to be pre-fastened to a structure, wherein the upper or lower support wire is securable to the anchor, and wherein the cable hanger is not securable to the anchor.Optionally, the anchor comprises a fastening point for receiving a fastener, such as a mechanical fastener. Optionally, the anchor comprises a passage, such as a horizontal bore, defining the fastening point.

[0069] Optionally, the anchor comprises a seat for receiving a respective one of the upper and lower support wires. Optionally, the anchor comprises a locking device, such as a set screw, configured to clamp the respective one of the upper and lower support wires in the seat.

[0070] Optionally, the cable hanging system comprises an upper one of the anchor and a lower one of the anchor, for each of said upper and lower support wires.

[0071] Optionally, the cable hanger has an asymmetric centre of gravity, and the lower anchor has a different length than the upper anchor, to position the seat of the lower anchor horizontally from the structure by a different distance than the seat of the upper anchor, to cause the lower anchor to support the lower support wire at different horizontal position relative to the upper support wire.

[0072] Optionally, the different length is configured to counteract gravitational tipping as a consequence of an asymmetric centre of gravity of the cable hanger. Optionally, a straight line passing from the upper connector through the asymmetric centre of gravity of the cable hanger intersects the saddle, and wherein the lower anchor is horizontally longer than the upper anchor, to position the seat of the lower anchor horizontally further away from the structure than the seat of the upper anchor.

[0073] An advantage is straightening the cable hangers which have asymmetric centres of gravity, as described above.Optionally, a root of the saddle is connected to a first lateral side of the support member. Optionally, the saddle is cantilevered from the first lateral side of the support member.

[0074] An advantage is ease of installation because cables can be placed onto the cantilevered saddle.

[0075] Optionally, the upper connector is open at a second lateral side of the support member, opposite the first lateral side. Optionally, the lower connector is open at a second lateral side of the support member, opposite the first lateral side.

[0076] An advantage is that the connectors do not interfere with the saddles.

[0077] Optionally, the saddle slopes down towards the support member to retain the at least one cable on a surface of the saddle.

[0078] An advantage is a more secure cable hanging system because the cable is retained in the saddle.

[0079] Optionally, the cable hanger comprises a plurality of the saddles, vertically spaced relative to each other along the support member.

[0080] An advantage is a high-capacity cable hanging system which can receive many cables, such as solar power cables in a long row of solar panels of a solar farm.

[0081] Optionally, the saddles extend parallel to each other.

[0082] Optionally, the cable hanger is handed. Optionally, the cable hanger comprises more of the saddles to one lateral side of the cable hanger than the other, wherein the other lateral side of the cable hanger comprises zero or more of the saddles. Optionally, the other lateral side of the cable hanger comprises aflat region that can be placed against an upright surface. Optionally, the other lateral side is a substantially flat side.

[0083] An advantage is that the cable hangers each have a flat side, enabling any of the cable hangers to be placed directly against the surface of an upright support (e.g., support post) and fastened thereto. By contrast, a cable hanger with saddles symmetrically disposed on both sides of the support member may lack an appropriate location for placing the cable hanger against an upright support. Despite the uneven distribution of load to one side of the support member, the combination of tensioned upper and lower support wires react against a tipping force of the cable hanger and hold it upright.

[0084] Optionally, the upper connector is located above a root of an uppermost one of the saddles. Optionally, the lower connector is located below most or all the saddles.

[0085] An advantage is a more secure cable hanging system because the upper and lower connectors are highly spaced from each other which increases their mechanical advantage against tipping rotation of the cable hanger.

[0086] Optionally, the support member is upright. Optionally, the support member is vertical. Optionally, the support member is linear.

[0087] Optionally, the upper or lower support wire is configured as a grounding messenger wire, the cable hanging system being arranged to define a continuous electrically conductive (e.g., metallic) path from the grounding messenger wire to at least one structure to which the grounding messenger wire is mounted. Optionally, the at least one structure comprises a groundengaging pile.

[0088] An advantage is that a third wire is not required for electrical grounding.Optionally, the lower support wire has a lower tensile strength than the upper support wire.

[0089] An advantage is material reduction. The lower support wire may not carry much of the weight of the cable hanger, if any. Instead, the lower support wire provides mostly horizontal restraint and perhaps electrical grounding. Therefore, a smaller cross-sectional area or more electrically conductive material may be used at the expense of tensile strength.

[0090] Optionally, the cable hanger comprises an upper lateral member protruding from the support member, from a same side of the support member as the saddle, wherein the upper lateral member comprises the upper connector. Optionally, the upper lateral member comprises the upper connector. Optionally, the upper lateral member comprises the upper connector at an underside of the upper lateral member.

[0091] Optionally, the upper connector is located within a central third of a span of the upper lateral member, and / or is aligned with a central third of a span of the saddle.

[0092] Optionally, the upper connector on the upper lateral member comprises an upper guide slot. Optionally, the upper guide slot is open to the underside of the upper lateral member.

[0093] Optionally, the cable hanger comprises a lower lateral member protruding from the support member, from a same side of the support member as the saddle, wherein the lower lateral member comprises the lower connector. Optionally, the lower lateral member is below the saddle and is another one of said saddle. Optionally, the lower lateral member is a lowermost one of a plurality of the saddles. Optionally, the lower lateral member comprises the lower connector.Optionally, the lower lateral member comprises the lower connector at an underside of the lower lateral member.

[0094] Optionally, the lower connector is located within a central third of a span of the lower lateral member, and / or is aligned with a central third of a span of the saddle.

[0095] Optionally, the lower connector on the lower lateral member comprises a lower guide slot. Optionally, the lower guide slot is open to the underside of the lower lateral member.

[0096] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method of installing the cable hanging system, the method comprising:

[0097] tensioning the upper and lower support wires between end supports; fastening the blocking member to a structure between the end supports, with a first one of the upper and lower support wires seated on the blocking member;

[0098] securing one of the cable hangers to the blocking member such that the cable hanger is supported by the structure and the first support wire is engaged with a respective one of the upper and lower connectors of the cable hanger; and

[0099] hanging a further one or more of the cable hangers from the upper and lower support wires between the support posts.

[0100] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0101] For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0102] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cable hanging system;FIG. 2 illustrates a top cross-section view of a tensioner securing a loop of lower support wire around an end support;

[0103] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of upper and lower tensioners securing upper and lower support wires to an end support;

[0104] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a cable hanger;

[0105] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view of a cable hanging system; FIG. 6 illustrates a detail perspective exploded view of a cable hanging system; FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a cable hanger with horizontally offset connectors;

[0106] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of anchors of a cable hanging system; and FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate partial front views of a further example cable hanger.

[0107] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0108] FIG. 1 illustrates a solar installation 1 representing part of a solar panel array. The visible elements in FIG. 1 may extend underneath a row of solar panels (not shown) in use.

[0109] FIG. 1 shows a plurality of cables 2, each being a solar power cable for carrying electrical energy from one or more solar panels. The cables 2 may be heavy and may be required not to sag such that they do not touch the ground. Therefore, a cable management system is provided in the form of a cable hanging system 100.

[0110] The cable hanging system 100 comprises a plurality of spaced cable hangers 120, to minimise material use compared to a continuous cable tray. The cable hangers 120 may be spaced by several hundred millimetres, at least.The cable hangers 120 are suspended from an upper support wire 104 defining a catenary wire. The upper support wire 104 may be formed from steel or an equivalent structural metal.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the upper support wire 104 is strung between end supports 103, and tensioned to an operating tension of more than one kilonewton by a first tensioner 108.

[0112] Each end support 103 may comprise a ground-engaging pile such as an I-beam column or tubular column.

[0113] To brace the cable hangers 120 against swinging or tipping, a lower support wire 106 is also provided. The lower support wire 106 may be formed from the same material and gauge as the upper support wire 104, or a different material and / or gauge.

[0114] Depending on the manner of connection of the cable hangers 120 to the lower support wire 106, the lower support wire 106 may or may not bear a portion of the weight load of the cable hangers 120.

[0115] The lower support wire 106 is located beneath the upper support wire 104. The lower support wire 106 may be located directly beneath the upper support wire 104, with no horizontal offset therebetween. Alternatively, the lower support wire 106 may be horizontally offset further away from the upper support wire 104, where the wires 104, 106 are supported.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the lower support wire 106 is strung between end supports 103, which may be the same or different as the end supports 103 for the upper support wire 104. The lower support wire 106 is tensioned to an operating tension of several kilonewtons by a second tensioner 108.Turning to FIG. 1 , a plurality of intermediate structures are provided in the form of support posts 102. The support posts 102 are located between the end supports 103. The support posts 102 may be solar array support posts, for supporting a solar panel array (not shown). The support posts 102 also support the cable hanging system 100, to reduce sag thereof.

[0117] The cable hangers 120 are of a design such that any one of them can be suspended (hung) from the support wires 104, 106 at a location between the support posts 102, and is also compatible with being fastened directly to the support posts 102. Alternatively, different designs of cable hangers 120 may be provided, one for hanging and the other for fastening to the support posts 102.

[0118] The tension of the upper and lower support wires 104, 106 allows the cable hangers 120 to have an asymmetric, handed design in which the centre of mass is eccentric from a vertical plane along which the upper and lower support wires 104, 106 extend. As more cables 2 are added, the centre of mass may become more eccentric. However, the high tension of the support wires 104, 106 keeps the cable hangers 120 in an upright orientation, without twisting.

[0119] FIG. 2 illustrates a specific example of a tensioner 108 that could be used for the upper or lower support wire 106.

[0120] The illustrated tensioner 108 comprises a clamping device. The tensioner 108 comprises a body comprising through-bores, the through-bores defining first and second passages 112. The passages 112 are wedge-shaped passages, tapering towards one end. A movable clamp 114 is located in each passage 112. Each clamp 114 is urged by a respective spring 116 towards a narrowing space of the passage 112. When the support wire 104, 106 is present in the passage 112, the clamp 114 presses the side of the support wire 104, 106 against a side wall of the passage 112.If the support wire 104, 106 is pulled in one direction through the passage 112, the clamp 114 is pulled into the narrower space and clamps the support wire 104, 106 harder. If the support wire 104, 106 is pulled in the opposite direction against an urging force of the spring 116, the clamp 114 is pushed into a wider space of the passage 112 and loosens.

[0121] Therefore, by providing two adjacent passages 112 and taper in opposite directions, it is possible to wrap a loop of the support wire 104, 106 around the end support 103, and feed the end of the loop back through the tensioner 108. The tail of the loop can be pulled to tighten the loop and set a tension of the support wire 104, 106.

[0122] The passages 112, clamps 114, and springs 116, therefore collectively define a tension adjuster 110 of the tensioner 108.

[0123] In other examples, a different type of tensioner 108 may be used such as a turnbuckle, winch, ratchet tensioner, or the like. A screw or ratchet can provide the function of a tension adjuster 110.

[0124] Based on the above description, it would be appreciated that the upper support wire 104 can be taut and avoid sagging. Meanwhile, the lower support wire 106 can be taught to prevent tipping or swaying of the cable hangers 120.

[0125] To provide the functionality of a grounding wire, at least one of the support wires 104, 106 may be each formed from a metal such as copper or copper alloy. The support wire 104 or 106 is electrically connected to a dedicated grounding point (e.g., ground rod) separate from the end supports 103.

[0126] In one example, the lower support wire 106 is configured as a grounding wire, the lower support wire 106 and end supports 103 defining a continuous electrically conductive path to earth. Furthermore, the lower support wire 106may not bear a weight load of the cable hangers 120. This allows the lower support wire 106 to be formed from a more electrically conductive material such as aluminium or copper, having a tensile strength than the upper support wire 104. The upper support wire 104 may be formed from steel which is stronger than copper. Alternatively, or additionally, the lower support wire 106 may have a lower gauge (e.g., smaller cross-sectional area) than the upper support wire 104.

[0127] In other examples, a third, untensioned wire may be provided for electrical grounding.

[0128] FIG. 4 illustrates a frontal view of a fully-loaded cable hanger 120.

[0129] The cable hanger 120 comprises an upright vertical spine defining a support member 122, and a plurality of cantilevered saddles 130 attached to a first lateral side (right in FIG. 4) of the support member 122.

[0130] The saddles 130 and support member 122 may be integrally formed as a single body (e.g., moulding or casting), or may be separate parts that have been attached to each other.

[0131] Each saddle 130 comprises an elongate straight member, sloping at least partially in a diagonally upwards direction away from the support member 122, to retain the cables 2 therein. In another example, each saddle 130 extends horizontally and has a vertical lip at its end.

[0132] The illustrated saddles 130 are open, allowing side loading of the cables 2. Therefore, the gates of dozens of cable hangers 120 do not need to be opened and closed when adding or removing cables 2. In other examples, each saddle 130 has a gate at its end which means that a lip or diagonal slope may not be as useful or important.The cable hanger 120 comprises saddles 130 at the first lateral side, and has a flat region 152 at the second lateral side (opposite the first lateral side), allowing the cable hanger 120 to be placed against a vertical surface (e.g., flange) of a support post 102. The illustrated second lateral side of the cable hanger 120 of FIG. 4 is flat for substantially an entire height of the support member 122.

[0133] The support member 122 in FIG. 4 has a first lateral side to which the roots of the saddles 130 are connected, and a second lateral side which is flat for abutting against the support post 102.

[0134] The vertical support member 122 has an upper connector 132 at its upper end, and a lower connector 142 at its lower end. The upper connector 132 is configured to allow hanging of the cable hanger 120 from the tensioned upper support wire 104. The lower connector 142 is configured to allow securement of the cable hanger 120 to the lower support wire 106.

[0135] The upper connector 132 is shown as a hook whose entrance 134 is located along the flat region 152 at the second lateral side (left in FIG. 4) of the support member 122, opposite the saddles 130. The support member 122 comprises an upper guide slot 136 defining the hook. The upper guide slot 136 comprises a sloped slot portion 140 and a vertical slot portion 138. One end of the sloped slot portion 140 defines the entrance 134 of the upper guide slot 136. The sloped slot portion 140 slopes upwardly away from the entrance 134. The other end of the sloped slot portion 140 is connected to the vertical slot portion 138. The vertical slot portion 138 extends vertically above the sloped slot portion 140.

[0136] To hang the cable hanger 120 from the upper support wire 104, the entrance 134 of the upper guide slot 136 is fed through the upper support wire 104, andthe upper support wire 104 is guided into the top end of the vertical slot portion 138 such that the cable hanger 120 hangs therefrom.

[0137] The lower connector 142 is shown as a hook with a similar design as the upper connector 132. The entrance 144 of the upper connector 132 is located along the flat second lateral side of the support member 122, opposite the saddles 130. The support member 122 comprises a lower guide slot 146 defining the hook. The lower guide slot 146 comprises a sloped slot portion 150 and a vertical slot portion 148. One end of the sloped slot portion 150 defines the entrance 144. The sloped slot portion 150 slopes upwardly away from the entrance 144. The other end of the sloped slot portion 150 is connected to the vertical slot portion 148. The vertical slot portion 148 extends vertically above the sloped slot portion 150.

[0138] To secure the cable hanger 120 to the lower support wire 106, the entrance 144 is fed through the lower support wire 106, and the lower support wire 106 is guided into the vertical slot portion 148. If the lower support wire 106 does not contact the upper end of the vertical slot portion 148, then the lower support wire 106 does not bear any weight of the cable hanger 120 and provides horizontal restraint only. In other examples, the spacing of the upper and lower connectors 132, 142 is configured to allow the lower support wire 106 to bear some of a weight of the cable hanger 120.

[0139] The nonlinear shape of the slots protects the cable hanger 120 from becoming unhooked by an upwards heave force, or other unintended forces.

[0140] In another implementation, the lower connector 142 is not hook shaped and comprises a downwardly-facing entrance 144 at a bottom end of the support member 122. As single vertical slot portion 148 extends upwardly from the entrance 144.The upper and lower connectors 132, 142 are stiff and resist deformation, such that the cable hanger 120 can be removed and reused. The widths of the upper and lower guide slots 136, 146 are greater than 1 x a diameter of the respective support wire but less than 1 ,5x or less than 2x the diameter, to provide a snug fit.

[0141] In FIG. 4, the upper connector 132 is located above a root of an uppermost one of the saddles 130. The lower connector 142 is located below most or all of the saddles 130. None of the saddles 130 comprise the connectors 132, 142.

[0142] Turning to FIGS. 5-6, a method for securing some cable hangers 120 to support posts 102 is shown. The cable hanging system 100 further comprises anchors 157 pre-fastenable to the support posts 102, which also function as blocking members 156.

[0143] Each anchor 157 comprises a body formed from metal or another material. A horizontal bore 158 extends through the anchor 157, defining a fastening point through which a mechanical fastener 154 such as a bolt can be inserted. An installer can drill a hole in the support post 102, and then insert the mechanical fastener 154 through the bore 158 of the anchor 157 into the support post 102.

[0144] The anchor 157 functions as a plug. The support member 122 of the cable hanger 120 comprises a corresponding socket 128 (FIG. 6). Alternatively, the anchor 157 comprises a socket and the cable hanger 120 comprises a plug. FIG. 6 illustrates that the support member 122 of the cable hanger 120 can comprise an upright U-shaped channel, open at one side, wherein the open side of the U-shaped channel faces the second lateral direction and receives the anchor 157 therethrough.

[0145] Therefore, the cable hanger 120 can be hung from the anchor 157.Two anchors 157 are shown in FIG. 5, comprising an upper anchor 157 and a lower anchor 157. The upper anchor 157 is above a root of a topmost one of the saddles 130 to receive an upper end region of the cable hanger 120, and the lower anchor 157 is below most or all of the saddles 130 to receive a lower end region of the cable hanger 120.

[0146] The anchors 157 may be aligned with the upper and lower connectors 132, 142 of the cable hanger 120, each anchor 157 further being configured as a blocking member 156. The cable hanger 120 is engageable with each anchor 157 in a position in which the anchor 157 blocks the respective support wire from exiting the respective connector.

[0147] The anchor 157 comprises a seat in the form of a slot 160, for receiving the support wire 104, 106. The slot 160 is open at the top and closed at the bottom . The slot 160 may be upright. When the anchor 157 is pre-fastened to the upright surface (e.g., flange surface) of the upright post 102, the slot 160 faces upwards. The installer pushes the anchor 157 up against the support wire 104, 106 such that the support wire 104, 106 is received in the slot 160 of the anchor 157. The user then fastens the anchor 157 to the support post 102 at this position.

[0148] Then, while the support wire 104, 106 is positioned inside the slot 160 of the anchor 157, the user places the cable hanger 120 over the anchor 157, guiding the support wire 104, 106 into the respective connector 132, 142 of the cable hanger 120, such that the support wire 104, 106 is located in the vertical slot portion 138, 148. The support wire 104, 106 is now trapped between two opposite facing slots, collectively defining a closed hole. Therefore, the anchor 157 also functions as a blocking member 156.

[0149] To provide further security, the cable hanger 120 may be configured to receive a set screw 155 or other locking device for securing the cable hanger 120 tothe upper support wire 104. The top end region of the support member 122 may comprise a hole for receiving the set screw 155.

[0150] Turning back to FIG. 1, the cable hangers 120 which are suspended between support posts 102 may not connect to an anchor 157 / blocking member 156. Only the cable hangers 120 secured to support posts 102 may connect to an anchor 157 / blocking member 156.

[0151] In the above description, the anchor 157 and the blocking member 156 are the same component. In other examples, the blocking members 156 may be separate components than the anchors 157.

[0152] In examples where the upper or lower support wire 104, 106 is a grounding wire, one of the anchors 157 may comprise a metal electrical conductor (not shown) protruding from the metal body and extending inside the support member 122 of the cable hanger 120.

[0153] FIG. 6 illustrates a detail view of one of the connectors 132, 142, viewed from the second lateral side of the cable hanger 120. This shows that the support member 122 of the cable hanger 120 can comprise an upright U-shaped channel, defined by a web 126 interconnecting two flanges 124. Each flange 124 has a corresponding slot cut into it, the pair of slots collectively defining the upper connector 132.

[0154] The hollow space inside the support member 122 is shaped to receive the anchor 157. The anchor 157 may fit inside the hollow space of the support member 122 such that the anchor 157 is covered (concealed) by the web 126 of the support member 122, as well as the head of the mechanical fastener 154. The hollow space of the support member 122 defines an interface, such as a socket 128.Although not shown, the lower connector 142 may have a similar arrangement to the upper connector 132 shown in FIG. 6.

[0155] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0156] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0157] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0158] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

[0159] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

[0160] FIG. 7 illustrates part of a cable hanger 120 with offset upper and lower connectors 132, 142, horizontally offset from each other by distance ‘S’. Specifically, the ends of their vertical slot portions 136, 148 are horizontally offset by the distance ‘S’. The end of the lower connector 142 is horizontally closer to the entrance 144 and flat region 152 of the support member 122, than the end of the upper connector 132.Therefore, the offset ‘S’ will geometrically cause the cable hanger 120 to tilt backwards (away from the saddles 130) by an angle (e.g., 1-7 degrees). When the weight of the cable hanger 120 and any cables 2 loaded thereon are taken into account, the cable hanger 120 may still tip forward, but by less than if the connectors 132, 142 were horizontally aligned.

[0161] The centre of gravity of the cable hanger 120 can be controlled by varying its height relative to the spans of its saddles 130. In some examples, the vertical height of the cable hanger 120 between the upper and lower connectors 132, 142 is greater than the horizontal offset from the connectors 132, 142 to the tips of its saddles 130.

[0162] This will affect the ratio of the number of saddles 130 (‘m’) to the number of cables of maximum diameter that will fit in each saddle 130 (‘n), to support the required number of cables m x n. In some examples, m=0.67n to 1.5n. For example, this includes a cable hanger 120 with four saddles 130 each supporting six cables 2, or six saddles 130 each supporting four cables 2. This range provides a compromise between the overall height of the cable hanger 120 and the degree of asymmetry. Taller hangers are more upright but take up more vertical space.

[0163] The centre of gravity of the cable hanger 120 can also be controlled by varying the diagonal angle of the saddles 130 relative to the support member 122. As the saddle angle increases to make them more upright, the centre of mass will shift inwardly and horizontally towards the connectors 132, 142. The saddle angle may be selected from the range 15 to 45 degrees. When m<n (a smaller number of long saddles), the tipping is greater so the saddle angle may be >20 degrees or >30 degrees.

[0164] To prevent the saddles 130 from being tipped into a downwardly sloping orientation at the mid-span where the lower support wire 106 is ‘kicked out’ tothe greatest extent, the saddle angle may be >20 degrees or >30 degrees in some examples.

[0165] FIG. 8 illustrates an additional or alternative means for reducing forwards tipping of the cable hangers 120. FIG. 8 illustrates a support post 102 (structure) and a pair of anchors 157B according to a second embodiment. The anchors 157B may be only for supporting the support wires 104, 106, and the cable hangers 120 may not be connectable to the support posts 102 or anchors 157B.

[0166] A set screw 155B or other locking device clamps the support wire 104, 106 in a seat 160 body of the respective anchor 157B.

[0167] The lower anchor 157B for the lower support wire 106 is longer in the horizontal direction than the upper anchor 157B for the upper support wire 104. Therefore, the seat 160 of the lower anchor 157B is horizontally further away from the support post 102 than the seat 160 of the upper anchor 157B.

[0168] As a consequence, the lower support wire 106 is horizontally offset forward of the upper support wire 104, at the support posts 102. The offset may be in the order of 10-100mm, for example. The cable hangers 120 closest to the support posts 102 may tip back very slightly, but the cable hangers 120 at mid-span may tip forwards. The offset at the support posts means that, on average, the lower support wire 106 is more aligned with the upper support wire 104 over the whole span between support posts 102, when ‘kick out’ of the lower support wire 106 is taken into account.

[0169] If the cable hanger 120 has a centre of gravity aligned with the connectors 132, 142 such that a straight line can be drawn from one connector 132 to the other 142 with the centre of gravity substantially on that line, then the features described in FIGS. 7-8 may not be required unless the cable hangers 120 are expected to be asymmetrically loaded.FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate partial front views of a further example cable hanger 120 that is resistant to horizontal tipping. Instead of the support member 122 comprising both the upper and lower connectors 132, 142, the upper and lower connectors 132, 142 are offset laterally from the support member 122. Therefore, the centre of gravity of the cable hanger 120 and the load of the cables 2 supported by the cable hanger 120 are horizontally aligned with the upper and lower connectors 132, 142 while the cable hanger 120 is supporting the cables 2.

[0170] FIG. 9A shows the cable hanger 120 comprising an upper lateral member 162 protruding from the support member 122, from the same side of the support member 122 as the saddles 130, and in a direction generally parallel to the saddles 130 (cropped out in FIG. 9A). The upper lateral member 162 is above the uppermost one of the saddles 130. The cables 2 on the uppermost saddle 130 may fit into the space between the uppermost saddle 130 and the underside of the upper lateral member 162.

[0171] FIG. 9A shows the upper lateral member 162 comprising the upper connector 132. The upper connector 132 may be located within a central third of a span of the upper lateral member 162. The upper connector 132 may be aligned with a central third of the spans of the saddles 130. The upper lateral member 162 may comprise the upper connector 132 at its underside.

[0172] The illustrated upper connector 132 comprises an upper guide slot 136. The upper guide slot 136 comprises a vertical slot portion 138 open at an underside of the upper lateral member 162. In use, the upper support wire 104 is received in the space between the uppermost saddle 130 and the underside of the upper lateral member 162, and the cable hanger 120 is lowered onto the upper support wire 104 such that the upper support wire 104 is received in the upper connector 132.FIG. 9B shows the cable hanger 120 comprising a lower lateral member protruding from the support member 122. In the illustrated example, the lower lateral member is a lower one of the saddles 130, such as a lowermost saddle 130. In another example, the lower lateral member is not one of the saddles 130, but extends from the same side of the support member 122 as the saddles 130, and in a direction generally parallel to the saddles 130.

[0173] FIG. 9B shows the lower saddle 130 comprising the lower connector 142. The lower connector 142 may be located within a central third of a span of the lower saddle 130. The lower connector 142 may be aligned with a central third of the spans of the saddles 130 above it. The lower saddle 130 may comprise the lower connector 142 at its underside.

[0174] The lower connector 142 comprises a lower guide slot 146. The lower guide slot 146 may comprise a vertical slot portion 148 open at an underside of the lower saddle 130. In use, the cable hanger 120 is hung from the upper support wire 104, and lowered onto the lower support wire 106 such that the lower support wire 106 is received in the lower connector 142.

[0175] An advantage of the example of FIGS. 9A-9B is that the cable hanger 120 is more resistant to horizontal tipping when supporting the loads of the cables 2. A further advantage is that access to the upper connector 132 is blocked by the cables 2 on the uppermost saddle 130, to reduce the chance of the cable hanger 120 falling off the upper support wire 104.

[0176] In other examples, the upper and lower connectors 132, 142 may be formed in other sides of the upper and lower lateral members 162, 130, than their undersides.The support member 122 and upper and lower lateral members 162, 130 may collectively define a C-shaped bracket, with saddles 130 between said members 162, 130.

[0177] Due to the location of the upper and lower connectors 132, 142 away from the support member 122, anchors 157B such as those shown in FIG. 8 may be attached to the support posts 102 to space the upper and lower support wires 104, 106 from the support posts 102 and align them with the connectors 132, 142 of the cable hangers 120. The seats 160 of the upper and lower anchors 157B may be equidistant from the support post 102, or one may be further from the support post 102 than the other as shown in FIG. 8, depending on the lateral positioning of the connectors 132, 142 of the cable hangers 120 relative to each other.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cable hanging system comprising:an upper support wire;a first tensioner configured to tension the upper support wire;a lower support wire;a second tensioner configured to tension the lower support wire; and a cable hanger,wherein the cable hanger comprises:a support member;a saddle protruding from the support member, the saddle being configured to support at least one cable;an upper connector for hanging the cable hanger from the tensioned upper support wire; anda lower connector for securing the cable hanger to the lower support wire, wherein the lower connector is configured to engage the tensioned lower support wire to restrain the cable hanger against horizontal movement.

2. The cable hanging system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second tensioners comprises a tension adjuster, wherein the tension adjuster comprises a one-way clamping mechanism for allowing the respective support wire to be pulled through the tensioner in one direction while preventing the respective support wire from moving in an opposite direction.

3. The cable hanging system of claim 2, wherein the cable hanging system comprises a plurality of the cable hangers, wherein in use a pair of the cable hangers are fastened to spaced structures, and a cable hanger between the pair of cable hangers is suspended from the upper and lower support wires.

4. The cable hanging system of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the upper and lower connectors are securable to the upper and lower support wires atoperating positions in which the upper and lower support wires are horizontally aligned and vertically spaced from each other.

5. The cable hanging system of any preceding claim, wherein the upper connector is connectable with the upper support wire in a first direction and the lower connector is connectable with the lower support wire in a direction parallel to the first direction.

6. The cable hanging system of claim 5, wherein an entrance of the lower connector faces or mostly faces a same direction as an entrance of the upper connector.

7. The cable hanging system of any preceding claim, wherein a root of the saddle is connected to a first lateral side of the support member.

8. The cable hanging system of claim 7, wherein the saddle is cantilevered from the first lateral side of the support member.

9. The cable hanging system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the saddle slopes down towards the support member to retain the at least one cable on a surface of the saddle.

10. The cable hanging system of any preceding claim, wherein the cable hanger comprises a plurality of the saddles.

11. The cable hanging system of claim 10, wherein the saddles extend parallel to each other.

12. The cable hanging system of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the cable hanger is handed, wherein the cable hanger comprises more of the saddles to onelateral side of the cable hanger than the other, wherein the other lateral side is a substantially flat side.

13. The cable hanging system of claim 10, 11, or 12, wherein the upper connector is located above a root of the uppermost one of the saddles, and wherein the lower connector is located below most or all of the saddles.

14. The cable hanging system of any preceding claim, wherein the support member is upright, vertical, and linear.

15. The cable hanging system of any preceding claim, wherein the cable hanger comprises an upper lateral member protruding from the support member, from a same side of the support member as the saddle, wherein the upper lateral member comprises the upper connector.

16. The cable hanging system of claim 15, wherein the upper connector is located within a central third of a span of the upper lateral member, and / or is aligned with a central third of a span of the saddle.

17. The cable hanging system of claim 15 or 16, wherein the upper lateral member comprises the upper connector at an underside of the upper lateral member.

18. The cable hanging system of claim 17, wherein the upper connector on the upper lateral member comprises an upper guide slot, and wherein the upper guide slot is open to the underside of the upper lateral member.

19. The cable hanging system of any preceding claim, wherein the cable hanger comprises a lower lateral member protruding from the support member, from a same side of the support member as the saddle, wherein the lowerlateral member comprises the lower connector at an underside of the lower lateral member.

20. The cable hanging system of claim 19, wherein the lower lateral member is below the saddle and is another one of said saddle, wherein the lower lateral member is a lowermost one of a plurality of the saddles.

21. The cable hanging system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the lower connector on the lower lateral member comprises a lower guide slot, wherein the lower guide slot is open to the underside of the lower lateral member.

22. A method of installing the cable hanging system as claimed in any preceding claim, the method comprising:tensioning the upper and lower support wires between end supports; fastening the blocking member to a structure between the end supports, with a first one of the upper and lower support wires seated on the blocking member;securing one of the cable hangers to the blocking member such that the cable hanger is supported by the structure and the first support wire is engaged with a respective one of the upper and lower connectors of the cable hanger; andhanging a further one or more of the cable hangers from the upper and lower support wires between the support posts.

23. A cable hanger comprising:a support member;a saddle protruding from the support member, the saddle being configured to support at least one cable;an upper connector for hanging the cable hanger from an upper support wire; anda lower connector for securing the cable hanger to a lower support wire.

24. The cable hanger of claim 23, wherein the upper and lower connectors are securable to the upper and lower support wires at operating positions in which the upper and lower support wires are horizontally aligned and vertically spaced from each other.

25. The cable hanger of claim 23 or 24, wherein the cable hanger comprises a lower lateral member protruding from the support member, from a same side of the support member as the saddle, wherein the lower lateral member comprises the lower connector at an underside of the lower lateral member, wherein the lower connector on the lower lateral member comprises a lower guide slot, wherein the lower guide slot is open to the underside of the lower lateral member.

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