CN110546840A

CN110546840A - Overhead cable separator

Info

Publication number: CN110546840A
Application number: CN201880011665.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 彼得艾斯·海尔维尔
Original assignee: Bi Deaisihaierweier
Current assignee: Bi Deaisihaierweier
Priority date: 2017-02-20
Filing date: 2018-02-13
Publication date: 2019-12-06
Also published as: MX2019009795A; WO2018151613A1; PH12017000049B1; PH12017000049A1

Abstract

The present invention is a cable divider that possesses a modular design so that it can be adapted for use with various numbers and types of cabling. The cable separator comprises a block having a cable holding member and a cable locking and clamping member, which is fixed to the cable holding member in an articulated and lockable manner. It is provided with interlocking T-shaped projections and T-shaped clip seats and is further provided with a plurality of spaced projecting fins defining a plurality of cable receiving channels thereon. The blocks may be interconnected and interlocked to form a plurality of cable trays and may be provided with hangers supported by a messenger or other mounting device.

Description

Overhead cable separator

This patent application relates generally to separation devices, but more particularly to an overhead cable separator that will be used to support cables of the power, telecommunications, cable television, etc. type in an orderly arrangement and yet be secured to a supporting messenger. Variations of the apparatus may be adapted to secure other materials than wires, such as medical rubber tubing or other commonly used linear materials, may accommodate a variety of different materials (e.g., different sizes and/or types of wires) in a single structure, may be installed using other means than messenger, or may be used without installation hardware.

in the case of aerial cables, such as power cables and telecommunication lines mounted on elevated poles, it is necessary or desirable to provide a separation mechanism for holding several cables in fixed positions relative to each other in both the vertical and horizontal directions. This can typically be achieved using a plastic separator. The plastic separator is mounted on a suspension wire (steel tension cable) and is provided with a cable holder for holding 3-4 cables separated from each other. Such separators are commonly used for medium and high voltage cables as designed. It is well documented that such devices are specially designed for low voltage power cables and telephone cables. This is described in US 4,646,433a (entitled "single or multiple aerial cable securing device") published 3/3 in 1987, which describes a cable securing spacer for securing one or more aerial cables to a messenger. While this system does provide a device specifically for flying wires, it does not provide the key features of the present application and therefore does not address the main problems addressed by the present application. The device described in US 4,646,433a can only be applied to a limited number of cables at a time, typically 1 to 5 cables per hoist cable, and requires disassembly of the individual components to enable the laying or removal of overhead wires. The design concept is extended to allow a large number of cables to be used as required, which is not at all feasible or practical. To address the shortcomings, there is a need for a cable divider that discretely mounts a large number of cables in such a manner that each cable can be received without disturbing adjacent wires. This patent application holds up to 60 cables at a time in discrete bundles and provides easy access to each wire without the need to remove or add any loose parts during use.

It is therefore a primary object of the present application to provide a cable divider having a modular design that facilitates its use with a wide variety of numbers and types of cables while providing easy access to each wire without disturbing adjacent wires.

It is another object of the present application to provide a cable divider with vertical connectors that allows a pair of cable gripping modules or a single module to be connected in a centered manner.

It is another object of the present application to provide a cable separator that is resistant to high intensity ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, and weather for long periods of time.

It is another object of the present application to provide a spacer device that can hold a variety of linear materials suitable for a variety of applications.

It is another object of the present application to provide a partitioning system that can accommodate various types and sizes of cables in a unified or combined state.

Another object of the present application is to provide a cable divider with an anti-theft design that cannot be opened unless special tools are used.

other objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood and appreciated upon reading the detailed description of the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an overhead cable divider in an open state;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an overhead cable divider member shown in an interconnected fashion;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view of a pair of divider blocks shown in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary front view of four divider blocks shown in assembled form;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary front view of four divider blocks shown in assembled form in a closed condition;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary front view of four divider blocks shown in an assembled configuration in an open position;

fig. 7 is an exemplary view of a cable separator showing a use state;

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate another preferred embodiment of the subject cable divider and show examples of different types and sizes of wires for a single or combination of two or more cables;

fig. 9-12 show perspective views of different embodiments of modular overhead cable dividers;

Fig. 13A-13C are perspective views of various hangers for a modular overhead cable divider;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a different embodiment of an integrated hanger with a modular overhead cable divider; and

Fig. 15-19 show perspective views of different embodiments of fixed or non-modular overhead cable dividers.

Referring to the drawings in detail, it can be seen that a cable separator, generally designated by the numeral 10, is provided in the present application. On the one hand, it is preferably produced by injection molding. While other methods, such as transfer molding, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, and casting, may be used depending on the particular application requirements; on the other hand, it may be made of a plastic material (preferably High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) or Polycarbonate (PC) with or without fibre filling), but alternative materials, such as other polymers or suitable metals, may be used depending on the specific location and application.

the overhead cable separator 10 is defined by a block 11 which is rectangular in outline, the block 11 comprising a cable retaining member 20 which appears C-shaped and a cable gripping member 30 hingedly secured to the C-shaped cable retaining member. The C-shaped cable holding member 20 has a top wall 21, a vertical side wall 23 integrally protruding downward from an inner end portion of the top wall 21, a bottom wall 22 integrally protruding outward from an end portion of the vertical side wall 23, and an open side portion 24 opposite to the vertical side wall 23, wherein the clamping member 30 is mounted thereon, closing the open side portion 24. The top wall 21 has a plurality of spaced and alternating male and female interlocking means, preferably T-shaped projections 25 and defining mating T-shaped holders 26 therebetween. The T-shaped protrusion can be made into an angular shape, such as a V shape, and can also be ground into a round shape, a C shape or a rib shape so as to be suitable for different materials and application scenes. The top wall 21 also has a lock receiving recess 27 provided on an outer edge portion 211 of the top wall 21. The bottom wall 22 also has a plurality of spaced-apart T-shaped projections 25a and defines mating T-shaped holders 26a therebetween for receiving the corresponding T-shaped projections 25 (or alternatively, other connectors of various shapes as described above). As shown, the T-shaped protrusions 25 are alternately aligned with the T-shaped sockets 26 a. The inner portion 231 of the vertical side wall 23 is provided with equally spaced, outwardly projecting fins 28, the fins 28 being disposed on the opposite open side portion 24 and defining a number of cable receiving recesses 29 therein. Preferably, the end of each fin 28 is bent downward. The plurality of cable receiving recesses 29 and 32 are adapted for supporting and receiving thereon a cable "C" or other material and structural means as previously described in the in-use condition shown in fig. 6.

The cable gripping member 30 is arranged at the open side portion 24 of the C-shaped cable holding member 20 and is hinged on the outer end 221 of the bottom wall 22. The inner portion 301 of the cable gripping member 30 is provided with equally spaced inwardly projecting gripping fins 31 and defines a number of corresponding cable receiving recesses 32 thereon. The number and shape of the fins may or will vary with the type and number of wires or tubes being clamped. This includes a variation without fins to accommodate a single larger cable or tube. Preferably, the end of each clamping fin 31 is bent upwards and can abut against the downwardly bent end of the fin 28 to define several oval cable channels "P". The upper end portion 302 of the cable locking and gripping member 30 is provided with mating male and female locking members, preferably defining flexible snap locking means 33 which are provided with locking protrusions 34 at an inner upper portion so that they can be insert locked and snapped onto female locking means in the form of locking receiving recesses 27 provided on the outer top wall 21 of the C-shaped cable holding member 20. The flexible snap locking means 33 is provided with an extension arm member 35 to be pushed downwards to disengage the locking protrusion 34 from the lock receiving recess 27 and a lateral locking recess (not shown).

In another embodiment as shown in fig. 9, wherein several blocks 11f are interconnected, wherein each of said blocks 11f has an upwardly extending block portion 60 arranged on an inner corner portion of the cable retention member, and said upwardly extending portion 60 is arranged with several spaced and alternating male and female interlocking means. The block 11f employs a male locking arrangement defined by a pair of opposed offset clamping members 50a and 50b, the offset clamping members 50a and 50b having a locking front end portion 51 and a pressing handle 52 pivotally disposed at opposite side portions of the cable clamping member. The locking nose part 51 has an inwardly projecting protrusion 511 so that it locks and snaps over a mating receiving lug 53, which mating receiving lug 53 is arranged at an upper edge part of the cable retention member.

In another embodiment as shown in fig. 10, several blocks 11g are interconnected, wherein each of said blocks 11g has an upwardly extending plate 61 arranged on an inner corner portion of the cable retention member, and said upwardly extending plate 61 is arranged with several male and female interlocking means spaced apart and alternately arranged. The block 11g employs a male locking means defined by a fulcrum-type clamping member 54, wherein the fulcrum-type clamping member 54 internally has a clamping lug 541 capable of engaging and locking with a mating defining projection 542, the mating defining projection 542 being disposed at an edge portion of the top wall of the cable holding member. The fulcrum type gripping member 54 is disposed near an edge portion of the cable gripping member and has an outwardly extending pressing handle 543 for locking and unlocking the cable gripping member on the above-mentioned cable holding member.

In another embodiment as shown in fig. 11, several blocks 11h are interconnected, wherein the male locking means is defined by a lift locking member 55, the lift locking member 55 having a fulcrum center portion arranged at an edge portion of said cable holding member. The elevation locking member 55 has a locking lug (not shown) on an inner upper portion thereof to conform to engagement with a receiving groove (not shown) disposed at an inner lower portion of the cable holding member; and a protruding handle member 551 which allows the locking lug to disengage from the receiving slot when the protruding handle member is lifted.

In another embodiment as shown in fig. 12, several blocks 11i are interconnected in a body, wherein the male locking means is defined by a U-shaped bar 56 having opposite free end portions 561 thereof, which opposite free end portions 561 are pivotally mounted on mounting posts 562 on opposite side portions of the cable holding member. The horizontal portions 563 of the U-shaped bar 56 are adapted to be mounted on a pair of adjacent bars 564, the bars 564 having curved surfaces and defining mounting spaces 565 thereon.

As shown in fig. 2-5 and 6-7, several rectangular blocks 11,11a,11c, and 11d may be interconnected to form an interconnected overhead cable divider 100. The blocks 11,11a and 11c,11d are interconnected by respective T-shaped protrusions 25,25a and complementary T-shaped recesses 26,26 a. The blocks 11 and 11a are also provided with outwardly projecting protrusions "L" provided on the upper portion of said vertical side wall 23 of the C-shaped cable holding member 20, which are adapted to be insertably mounted on openings "O" provided on the upper portion of the vertical side wall 23 of the C-shaped cable holding member 20 of the blocks 11C and 11 d. To suspend the interconnected overhead cable separator 100 from the suspension support cable "M", a removable hanger block 40 is attached to the T-shaped projection 25 and the mating T-shaped receptacle 26. The hanger block 40 is defined by an inverted T-shaped hanger 41 with spaced and alternating rows of corresponding male and female interlocking means, preferably by T-shaped projections 25b and recesses 26b at a bottom portion thereof. Preferably, the inverted T-shaped hanger 41 has a hinged upper portion 42 protruding and bent downward, thereby forming a through hole 43 thereon. A suspension support cable "M" is insertably mounted on the through hole 43. In the hinged upper portion 42 there is a fastener, preferably a stainless steel pin 44 with chamfered ends, which connects the half-hinged sections 41a and 41b of the T-shaped hanger 41. The hinged hanger block may alternatively be formed with a fixed hook-like opening at the top instead of the hinged opening. The entire hanger mechanism may alternatively be replaced with a hanger having the same lower interconnection shape (T-shape, V-shape, C-shape, etc.), but with an upper portion designed to be bolted, threaded, welded, riveted or otherwise secured to a wall, ceiling, beam or similar structure, and mounted in a horizontal, vertical or any other orientation.

As mentioned above, the blocks are designed to accommodate a plurality of cables, however, it is not the intention of the applicant to limit this to accommodate a plurality of cables, but rather each block can accommodate a larger format cable and can be interconnected with a plurality of blocks to accommodate a plurality of cables. As shown in fig. 8A-8D, the rectangular block 111 only accommodates one cable "C1", and thus, the cable retention and clamping member has no protruding fins. The block 111 may be interconnected to other blocks 111a and 111b, as shown in fig. 8A and 8C, or the blocks 111, 111a and 111b may be interconnected to blocks 11d,11e housing a plurality of cables "C".

The suspension member 40 may have different configurations as described above. As shown in fig. 13A, the suspension member 401 is defined by an L-shaped hanger body 401a having a plurality of spaced and alternately arranged male and female interlocking means 25b and 26b disposed at a lower portion thereof and a mounting plate 401c disposed at a side end portion of the horizontal member 401b thereof, and the mounting plate 401c has a plurality of mounting holes 401 d. In another embodiment as shown in fig. 13B, the suspension member 402 is defined by an L-shaped hanger body 402a having a plurality of spaced apart and alternating male and female interlocks 25B and 26B and a mounting plate 402B disposed at a lower portion thereof, and the mounting plate 402B having a mounting hole 402c disposed at an upper end portion of the vertical support member 402 d. In another embodiment as shown in fig. 13C, wherein the suspension member 403 is defined by a hook-shaped hanger body 403a, the hook-shaped hanger body 403a has a plurality of spaced and alternating male and female interlocks 25b and 26b disposed in a lower portion thereof and a hook-shaped member 403b disposed in an upper portion thereof.

The preferred embodiment as shown in fig. 1-12 is of a modular type whereby several blocks can be interconnected according to the number and type of cables to be separated. Alternatively, the CHMs may be permanently fixed together (non-modular), as shown in FIGS. 15-18. In these fixed versions, the number of modules is not easily variable, but the functionality of the devices is substantially the same. This has the advantage of simplifying the mechanism, which is however often not only compensated by avoiding a reduction in the number and type of cable gripping openings, which is a desirable feature. In this way, the suspension member 41a is integrally formed on the block or an adjacent block, and may be arranged on the upper portion of the block or an adjacent block, as shown in fig. 15 to 16 and 19, or in the middle portion of the block or an adjacent block, as shown in fig. 17 to 18. Further, another variation of an integral suspension member 41a is disclosed in fig. 14, but with attachable or detachable blocks.

As shown in fig. 14, the divider 200 comprises a unitary body 201 with a pair of spaced parallel vertical panels 202, with a unitary hanger 41a interconnecting upper end portions of the panels 202. The panel 202 has corresponding mounting slots 203 such that the mounting posts with clamping heads 204 project entirely inside the cable holding member 20 so as to be slidable and insertable mounted thereon. Interlocking complementary bridges 205 are spaced between the panels 202. The divider 200 has locking means defined by wedge-shaped locking projections 206, the wedge-shaped locking projections 206 being arranged at a free end portion of said cable gripping member 30 so as to be capable of an insert receiving mating with mating receiving lugs 207, the mating receiving lugs 207 being arranged at a free end portion of a top wall of said cable holding member 20.

as shown in fig. 15, divider 300 comprises a unitary body 301 with a pair of spaced parallel vertical panels 302, with unitary hangers 41a interconnecting upper end portions of said panels 302. Disposed between the panels are interlocking complementary bridges 303. Projecting integrally outside the panel are spaced apart cable retaining members 20, on which cable gripping members 30 can be locked. The locking means employed on the divider 300 are defined by wedge-shaped locking projections 304 arranged on the free end of the cable gripping member 30, said wedge-shaped locking projections 304 being adapted for insertion receiving engagement with mating receiving lugs 305, which mating receiving lugs 305 are arranged at the free end portion of the top wall of the cable holding member 20.

In another embodiment as shown in fig. 16, the divider 400 comprises a unitary body 401 with a pair of spaced parallel vertical panels 402, with a unitary hanger 41a interconnecting upper end portions of the panels 402. The panel 402 has ribs 403 disposed on its interior and exterior. Projecting integrally outside the panel are spaced apart cable retaining members 20, on which cable gripping members 30 can be locked. The divider 400 has a locking means defined by an integral swinging bent metal clip 404 having a first rectangular bar member 405 pivotally mounted on a mounting means 406, the mounting means 406 being arranged at an upper portion of said cable holding member 20. The distal end 407 of the lever member 405 abuts against the outer upper end portion of the cable holding member 30, wherein the end of the lever member 405 protrudes inwardly and downwardly to the second lever member 408 and the end of the second lever member has an inwardly protruding member 409, so that in the locking position, the first lever member 405 is arranged along the upper portion of the cable holding member 20 and the cable holding member 30, the second lever member 408 abuts against the outer side surface of the cable holding member 30 and the inwardly protruding member 409 is forcibly mounted at the lower end portion of the cable holding member 30.

In addition, as shown in another variation in fig. 17, an overhead cable divider 500 is shown, wherein the divider 500 includes a unitary body 501 with a pair of spaced parallel vertical panels 502, wherein a unitary hanger 41a is interconnected with a middle portion 502 of the panels 502. Projecting integrally outside the panel are spaced apart cable retaining members 20, on which cable gripping members 30 can be locked. The divider 500 has a locking arrangement defined by a pair of spaced apart semi-arrowhead shaped locking members 505, the locking members 505 being disposed outwardly of an upper portion of the cable retaining member 20 and facilitating snap locking over mating mounting bridging grooves 506 at the ends of the cable gripping members 30.

Still another variation, as shown in fig. 18, shows an overhead cable divider 600, wherein the divider 600 includes a unitary body 601 with a pair of spaced parallel vertical panels 602, with a unitary hanger 41a interconnected with a middle portion 602 of the panels 602. Projecting integrally outside the panel are several cable holding means 20 spaced apart, wherein cable gripping means 30 are lockably arranged thereon. The divider 600 has locking means defined by a pair of spaced apart wedge-shaped locking projections 603, said wedge-shaped locking projections 603 being arranged at a free end portion of said cable gripping member 30 for insertion receiving engagement with mating receiving lugs 604, the mating receiving lugs 604 being arranged at a free end portion of a top wall of said cable retaining member 20. To ensure engagement of the locking means, a cable harness strap 605 is wrapped around the cable gripping and cable holding members in each block.

In another embodiment as shown in fig. 19, an overhead cable divider 700 includes a unitary body 701 with a pair of spaced parallel interconnected vertical panels 702 with a unitary hanger 41a interconnected with an upper end of the panels 702. Projecting integrally outside the panel are several cable holding means 20 spaced apart, wherein cable gripping means 30 are lockably arranged thereon. In the embodiment, as for the cable holding member 20, wherein the cable gripping member 30 may be made in a double structure, wherein the cable holding member 20 is provided with a number of spaced apart outwardly protruding fins 703, the fins 703 having a number of cable receiving recesses 704 defined thereon, and the cable gripping member 30 is provided with a number of spaced apart inwardly protruding gripping fins 705, the gripping fins 705 having a number of corresponding cable receiving recesses 706 defined thereon. The inwardly projecting clamping fins 705 are adapted to abut the corresponding outwardly projecting fins 703 to define a cable channel 707. In addition, the cable gripping member 30 has outwardly projecting gripping fins 708 to mate with fins 709 of the other cable gripping member 30 a.

The locking member may be made of any of the locking devices previously disclosed or combinations thereof, but is preferably the same as those of the preferred embodiments.

In use, the hanger 41 is placed on a messenger or suspension support cable "M" and the cable retention block is interconnected therewith, the respective projections 25,25a and recesses 26,26a are aligned, and the components are brought together to form the interconnected overhead cable divider 100. The locking mechanism or projection on the device 33 prevents misalignment or lateral separation of the components when the hinged side of the block is in its closed position. In this way, the connected components provide a channel "P" into which the cable "C" to be spaced and fixed is received.

The protrusions 25,25a,25b are defined by T-shaped ribs with rounded edges around them. The openings of the recesses 29,32 also have rounded or chamfered edges at the openings on both sides thereof. When the protrusions are aligned with the corresponding openings and pressed together, the tapered edges of the two components slide the protrusions into the recesses, thereby forming an interlocking joint. The pressure caused by the compression within the material of the protrusions provides a grip such that the dividers tend to remain interlocked with their adjacent dividers, while the protrusions on the locking mechanism of the cable retention block interlock with cavities on the bottom of an overhead hanger or other cable suspension mechanism (CHM) when closed, thereby preventing any lateral movement of the components. The shape and positioning of the protrusions serve to hold the components in direct contact with each other without any additional components. The parts can be separated by simply undoing the hinged sides and sliding the parts laterally apart.

With this arrangement, a desired number and configuration of cable retention spaces can be formed by interconnecting a series of CHMs with their hangers.

In assembly, the respective cable "C" is placed within the oval channel "P" and then the hinged side wall or cable locking and clamping member 30 is closed and locked. Several dividers are placed at appropriate intervals on the messenger to both support and facilitate access to the cables.

The entire hanger mechanism may alternatively be replaced with a hanger having the same lower interconnection shape (T-shape, V-shape, C-shape, etc.), but with an upper portion designed to be bolted, threaded, welded, riveted or otherwise secured to a wall, ceiling, beam or similar structure, and mounted in a horizontal, vertical or any other orientation.

In view of the foregoing, it is desired that the present application seek to protect all of the novel features of the present application shown in the above embodiments, including all modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art from which it is derived.

Claims

1. An overhead cable divider defined by a generally block body including a cable retaining member, a cable gripping member lockably mounted on the cable retaining member, and a suspension member disposed on the block body; the clamping member is provided with locking means arranged at an upper portion thereof adapted to snap-lock locking receiving means provided on the cable holding member.

2. The overhead cable divider of claim 1, wherein the cable retention member has a top wall, a vertical side wall projecting integrally downward on an inner end portion of the top wall, a bottom wall projecting integrally outward on an end of the vertical side wall, and an open side portion opposite the vertical side wall, wherein the clamping member is mounted thereon and adapted to close the open side portion.

3. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamping member is hingedly mounted at a free end of the bottom wall of the cable retaining member or on the top wall, the locking mechanism being located in the bottom wall (not shown).

4. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top and bottom walls of the cable retaining member are provided with a plurality of spaced apart and alternating male and female interlocking means.

5. The overhead cable divider of claim 1, wherein the cable retention member is provided with a plurality of spaced apart outwardly projecting fins having a plurality of cable receiving recesses defined therein; and said clamping member is provided with a plurality of spaced apart inwardly projecting clamping fins directed inwardly thereof and defining a plurality of corresponding cable receiving recesses thereon; the inwardly projecting clamping fins are for abutting against corresponding outwardly projecting fins to define a cable channel.

6. The overhead cable spacer of claim 2, wherein the cable gripping member is provided with a plurality of spaced apart outwardly projecting fins, the fins being provided with a plurality of cable receiving recesses; and said clamping member is provided with a plurality of spaced apart inwardly projecting clamping fins directed inwardly thereof and defining a plurality of corresponding cable receiving pockets thereon; the inwardly projecting clamping fins are adapted to abut against corresponding outwardly projecting fins to define a cable channel.

7. The overhead cable divider of claim 3, wherein the cable retention member is provided with a plurality of spaced apart outwardly projecting fins defining a plurality of cable receiving recesses thereon; and said clamping member is provided with a plurality of spaced apart inwardly projecting clamping fins directed inwardly thereof and defining a plurality of corresponding cable receiving recesses thereon; the inwardly projecting clamping fins are adapted to abut against corresponding outwardly projecting fins to define a cable channel.

8. the overhead cable divider of claim 4, wherein the cable retention member is provided with a plurality of spaced apart outwardly projecting fins having a plurality of cable receiving recesses defined therein; and said clamping member is provided with a plurality of spaced apart inwardly projecting clamping fins directed inwardly thereof and defining a plurality of corresponding cable receiving recesses thereon; the inwardly projecting clamping fins are adapted to abut against corresponding outwardly projecting fins to define a cable channel.

9. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inner upper portion of the cable retaining member is provided with an outwardly projecting projection which facilitates plug-in mounting on an opening provided on the upper portion of another cable retaining member of an adjacent block.

10. the overhead cable divider of claim 4, wherein the suspension member is removably attached to an upper portion of the block or an adjacent block.

11. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 7, wherein the suspension member has a corresponding plurality of spaced and alternating male and female interlocking means on its lower portion to facilitate interlocking engagement on mating male and female interlocking means of the cable retention member.

12. the overhead cable divider of claim 8, wherein the suspension member has a hinged upper portion that protrudes downwardly and is bent to form a through-hole therein for facilitating insertion of a mounting messenger or suspension support cable.

13. The overhead cable divider of claim 8, wherein the suspension member is defined by an L-shaped hanger body having a plurality of spaced-apart and alternating male and female interlocks disposed at a lower portion thereof, and a mounting plate disposed at a side end portion thereof.

14. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 8, wherein the suspension member is defined by an L-shaped hanger body having a plurality of spaced apart and alternating male and female interlocking means disposed at a lower portion thereof, and a mounting plate disposed on an upper end portion thereof.

15. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 8, wherein the suspension member is defined by a hook-shaped hanger body having a plurality of spaced-apart and alternating male and female interlocking means disposed at a lower portion thereof and a hook-shaped member disposed at an upper portion thereof.

16. The overhead cable divider of claim 4, wherein the suspension member is removably attached to an upper portion of the block or an adjacent block.

17. The overhead cable divider of claim 1, wherein the suspension member is integrally formed on the block or an adjacent block.

18. The overhead cable divider of claim 17, wherein the suspension member is disposed at an upper portion of the block or an adjacent block.

19. The overhead cable divider of claim 17, wherein the suspension member is disposed at a middle portion of the block or an adjacent block.

20. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking means is defined by a flexible snap locking member having a locking projection at an inner upper portion thereof, the locking means being arranged at an upper portion of the cable holding member and facilitating insertion locking and snapping into a locking receiving recess provided at an upper portion outside a top wall of the cable holding member.

21. The overhead cable divider of claim 1, wherein the locking device is defined by a pair of opposed biased clamping members having a locking front end portion and pivotal pressing handles disposed on opposite side portions of the cable clamping members; the locking nose portion has an inwardly projecting protrusion facilitating its snap locking over a mating receiving lug arranged on an upper edge portion of the cable retention member.

22. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking means is defined by a fulcrum-type clamping member, wherein the clamping member has a clamping lug on its inside for engaging and locking on a mating restraining projection arranged at an edge portion of the top wall of the cable holding member; the fulcrum-type gripping member is disposed near an edge portion of the cable gripping member and has an outwardly extending pressing handle for locking and unlocking the cable gripping member on the cable holding member.

23. The overhead cable divider of claim 1, wherein the locking device is defined by a lift lock member having a fulcrum center portion disposed on an edge portion of the cable gripping member; the elevation locking member has a locking lug at an upper portion thereof for engaging with a receiving groove disposed at a lower portion inside the cable holding member; and a protruding handle member such that the locking lug disengages the receiving slot when the protruding handle member is lifted.

24. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking means is defined by a U-shaped bar, opposite free ends of which are pivotally mounted on mounting posts disposed on opposite sides of the cable retaining member; the horizontal portion of the U-shaped bar facilitates mounting on a pair of adjacent bars having curved surfaces and defining a mounting space thereon.

25. The overhead cable divider of claim 1, wherein the locking means is defined by a wedge-shaped locking protrusion disposed at a free end portion of the cable gripping member, the wedge-shaped locking protrusion facilitating insertion reception and mating with a mating receiving lug disposed on a free end portion of a top wall of the cable retention member; and wherein the suspension member is integrally connected to a pair of spaced apart panels having mounting slots that facilitate sliding receipt and mounting of the cable retention member thereon with mounting posts with outwardly projecting gripping heads.

26. The overhead cable divider of claim 18, wherein the locking means is defined by a wedge-shaped locking projection disposed at a free end portion of the cable gripping member, the wedge-shaped locking projection facilitating insertion reception and mating with a mating receiving lug disposed at a free end portion of a top wall of the cable retention member.

27. The overhead cable divider of claim 18, wherein the locking device is defined by an integrally bent metal clip having a first rectangular bar member pivotally mounted on a mounting device on an upper portion of the cable retaining member, a distal end of the bar member abutting an outer upper end portion of the cable gripping member with a second bar member integrally protruding therefrom, an end of the second bar member having an inwardly protruding member; whereby in the locked position, the first lever member is disposed along the upper portions of the cable holding member and the cable gripping member, the second lever member abuts against the outer side surface of the cable gripping member, and the inwardly projecting member is forcibly fitted in the lower end portion of the cable gripping member.

28. An overhead cable divider as claimed in claim 19, wherein the locking means is defined by a pair of spaced-apart half-arrowhead-like locking members disposed outwardly of an upper portion of the cable retention member and facilitating engagement locking against mating mounting bridging grooves disposed on the cable gripping member upper end.

29. The overhead cable divider of claim 19, wherein the locking device further comprises a wedge-shaped locking protrusion disposed at a free end portion of the cable gripping member, the wedge-shaped locking protrusion facilitating insertion-receiving engagement with a mating receiving lug disposed at a free end portion of the cable retention member top wall.

30. The overhead cable divider of claim 29, wherein the cable harness strap is wrapped around the locked cable retention member and cable gripping member.

31. the overhead cable divider of claim 18, wherein a plurality of spaced apart outwardly projecting fins are provided on the cable retention member, the fins defining a plurality of cable receiving recesses thereon; and said cable gripping member is provided with a plurality of inwardly projecting gripping fins directed inwardly thereof and defining a plurality of corresponding cable receiving recesses thereon; the inwardly projecting clamping fins are adapted to abut against corresponding outwardly projecting fins to define a cable channel; the cable gripping member also has an outwardly projecting gripping fin that is usable to mate with another cable gripping member.