GB2094074A

GB2094074A - Strip-fastener for shrinkable tubular cable sheath

Info

Publication number: GB2094074A
Application number: GB8205258A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Krone GmbH
Current assignee: ADC GmbH
Priority date: 1981-03-04
Filing date: 1982-02-23
Publication date: 1982-09-08
Also published as: ZA821164B; AR227963A1; EP0059332A1; DE3108126C2; DE3108126A1; AU8094582A

Description

SPECIFICATION Self-sealing locking means for tubular cable couplings The invention relates to a self-sealing locking means for tubular cable couplings of longitudinally slitted pieces of shrinkable material. A locking means for a longitudinally slitted cable coupling tube has been known from the DOS 2,820,181. In the locking region the cable coupling tube is provided with overlapping edges. Two superposed beads are brought into engagement with one another. One of the drawbacks of this locking means is the additional provision of a supporting clamp which is fixedly mounted over the outer bead of the cable coupling tube. It is the object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing locking means for tubular cable couplings, which locking means may be manufactured very simply and at low cost without the use of clamps or other additional devices. In accordance with the present invention the above object is solved in that the edges of the locking means comprise force-locking complementary self-sealing profiles, one of said profiles being formed as a female profile of square hollow crosssection and a tapering insertion opening whereby two hooks are formed which are provided with outer locating faces for self-sealing purposes, and the other of said profiles being formed as a male profile comprising an expanding unit adapted to be inserted into the female profile, the expanding unit having arrow-like cross-section and inner locating faces adapted to be brought into engagement at the outer locating faces for self-sealing purposes. Advantageous further characteristics of the various features of the invention are characterised in the subclaims. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which Figure 1 is a cross-section of the locking edge profiles in interengaged condition; Figure 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cable coupling tube provided with an inner flap; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cable coupling tube with unilaterally displaced locking edge profile; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the locking edge profiles with the simple female and the simple male profile; and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the locking edge profiles with the cascade-like female and the cascade-like male profile. As shown in Figure 1, the self-sealing longitudinal locking of the cable coupling tube 1 is effected at the joint by interlocking of the male profile 12 and the female profile 8. From Figures 4 and 5 it is evident that the dimension of the two spreader arms 14 of the arrow-like expanding unit 9 is greater than the internal dimension of the sqare cross-section 2 of the female profile 8. After interlocking the spreader arms 14 apply pressure against the inner wall of the square crosssection 2. As is apparent from or shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, advantageously the outer locating faces 6, 7, which are formed on the hooks 4, 5 of the inwardly tapering insertion opening 3 of the female profile 8, sealingly engage under pressure with the locating faces 10,11 behind the expanding unit 9 of the male profile 12. Due to this advantageous arrangement the locating faces 6, 7 and 10,11 also serve to stabilise the locking means. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment, in which in both the female profile 8 and the male profile 12 a plurality of square cross-sections 2, 2a, 2b and, respectively, arrowlike expanding units 9, 9a, 9b is disposed cascade-like behind one another. Also, for stabilising purposes supporting fins 13 (shown in Figures 4 and 5) may be formed in the rear portions of the female profile 8 and the male profile 12 integrally therewith. Figure 2 and Figure 3 show embodiments which provide for a smooth inner surface in the interior of the cable coupling tube 1.

Claims

1. A locking means fortubular cable couplings of longitudinally slitted pieces of schrinkable material, characterised in that the edges of the locking means comprise force-locking complementary self-sealing profiles (8, 12), one of said profiles being formed as a female profile (8) having a hollow cross-section (2) and a tapering insertion opening (3) whereby two hooks (4, 5) are formed which include outer locating faces (6, 7) for self-sealing purposes, and the other of said profiles being formed as a male profile (12) comprising an expanding unit (9) adapted to be inserted into said female profile (8), the expanding unit (9) having arrow-like cross-section and inner locating faces (10, 11) adapted to engage said outer locating faces (6, 7) for self-sealing purposes.

2. A locking means as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that in both the female profile (8) and the male profile (12) a plurality of square cross-sections (2, 2a, 2b) and, respectively, of arrow-like expanding units (9, 9a, 9b) is disposed cascade-like behind one another (Figure 5).

3. A locking means as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that supporting fins (13) are arranged in the rear portion of both the female profile (8) and the male profile (12).

4. A locking means as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that internally of the cable coupling tube (1) an innerflap (15) is formed integrally therewith for covering the profiles (8,12).

5. A locking means as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, characterised in that the profiles (8, 12) are designed to protrude unilaterally from the outer surface (1a) of the cable coupling tube (1 ) so that a smooth innerwall (1b) is formed therein.