US20220344921A1 - Adapter for mounting cable hangers - Google Patents
Adapter for mounting cable hangers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220344921A1 US20220344921A1 US17/861,612 US202217861612A US2022344921A1 US 20220344921 A1 US20220344921 A1 US 20220344921A1 US 202217861612 A US202217861612 A US 202217861612A US 2022344921 A1 US2022344921 A1 US 2022344921A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- adapter
- floor
- engagement features
- teeth
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 8
- DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetaldehyde Diethyl Acetal Natural products CCOC(C)OCC DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 125000002777 acetyl group Chemical class [H]C([H])([H])C(*)=O 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000005404 monopole Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920002302 Nylon 6,6 Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000019687 Lamb Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000237503 Pectinidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003623 enhancer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002783 friction material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000029278 non-syndromic brachydactyly of fingers Diseases 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000020637 scallop Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/30—Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings
- H02G3/32—Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings using mounting clamps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/04—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening internal, i.e. with spreading action
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
- F16B2/08—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using bands
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
- F16B2/12—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using sliding jaws
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
- F16B2/24—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal
- F16B2/241—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal
- F16B2/243—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal internal, i.e. with spreading action
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B31/00—Screwed connections specially modified in view of tensile load; Break-bolts
- F16B31/02—Screwed connections specially modified in view of tensile load; Break-bolts for indicating the attainment of a particular tensile load or limiting tensile load
- F16B31/021—Screwed connections specially modified in view of tensile load; Break-bolts for indicating the attainment of a particular tensile load or limiting tensile load by means of a frangible part
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B5/00—Clamps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
- F16B2/065—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using screw-thread elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B35/00—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws
- F16B35/005—Set screws; Locking means therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B35/00—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws
- F16B35/04—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
- F16B35/06—Specially-shaped heads
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
- F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
- F16B7/0433—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in parallel relationship
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
- H01R4/36—Conductive members located under tip of screw
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to devices for supporting cables and, in particular, to hangers for securing cables to support structures.
- Cable hangers are commonly used to secure cables to structural members of antenna towers and other structures. Generally, each cable is attached to a structural member by cable hangers mounted at periodically-spaced attachment points.
- Antenna towers may be crowded due to the large numbers of cables required for signal-carrying. Over time, as systems are added, upgraded and/or expanded, installation of additional cables may be required. To conserve space, it may be desirable for each set of cable hangers to secure more than a single cable. Certain cable hangers have been constructed to secure multiple cables; other cable hangers have a stackable construction that permits multiple cable hangers to be interlocked extending outwardly from each mounting point/structural member. Stacked and multiple-cable hangers significantly increase the number of cables mountable to a single attachment point.
- Hangers disclosed therein have generally a U- or C-shaped profile with rounded arms. A locking projection extends from the free end of each arm, and the “root” of the hanger that spans the fixed ends of the arms has a large aperture. The hanger can hold a cable between the arms; gripping of the cable is enhanced by short fingers that extend inwardly from the arms to engage the cable. Hangers can be “stacked” onto each other by inserting the locking projections of one hanger into the large aperture of the next hanger.
- cable hanger of this type is the SNAP-STAK® hanger, available from CommScope, Inc. (Joliet, Ill.).
- Other cable hangers are shown in U.S. patent application. Nos. 15/081,177, filed Mar. 25, 2016, Ser. No. 15/081,240, filed Mar. 25, 2016, and 15/335,614, filed Oct. 27, 2016, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in full.
- the adapter 10 has a trapezoidal profile, with a base panel 12 and three serially-attached mounting panels 14 .
- Each of the mounting panels 14 includes a mounting hole 16 (typically a nominal 3 ⁇ 4 inch hole) that can receive a cable hanger such as those described above, one of which is designated 20 in FIG. 2 .
- the base panel 12 of the adapter 10 has a hole 18 that can be used to mount the adapter 10 to a mounting structure via a bolt.
- the base panel 12 also includes slots 22 on either side of the hole 18 that can receive a hose clamp 26 or the like to mount the adapter 10 to a pole 24 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- This mounting approach may be desirable when the pole 24 has no pre-formed holes to receive a typical cable hanger.
- inventions of the invention are directed to an adapter for a cable hanger.
- the adapter comprises: a housing having a floor, a vertical wall extending generally perpendicularly from the floor, and side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the floor and vertical wall, each of the side walls including a finger extending generally parallel to the floor, the fingers including first engagement features, the vertical wall including a mounting hole; and a plunger having a main panel and second engagement features on opposite sides of the main panel, the second engagement features configured to engage the first engagement features to restrict relative movement of the plunger relative to the housing.
- an adapter for a cable hanger comprising: a housing comprising a floor, first and second side walls and a ceiling that define an opening, an edge of the opening including first engagement features, the ceiling including a mounting hole, the first side wall including a first aperture and the second side wall including a second aperture; a wheel comprising a generally cylindrical body and second engagement features extending radially outwardly of the body; and a strap with a retaining feature at a first end and a plurality of third engagement features.
- the strap is routed from the first aperture, around the first side wall, a mounting feature adjacent the floor, and the second side wall, and through the second aperture, the retaining feature retaining the first end of the strap within the opening, the third engagement features of the strap engaging the second engagement features of the wheel to retain a second end of the strap within the opening.
- the second engagement features of the wheel engage the first engagement features of the housing to prevent relative rotation of the wheel relative to the housing.
- embodiments of the invention are directed to an adapter for a cable hanger comprising: a housing having a floor, a rear wall extending generally perpendicularly from the floor, a ceiling; extending generally parallel to the floor, and side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the floor and rear wall, each of the side walls including an open-ended slot generally parallel to the floor, at least one of the floor and the rear wall including a mounting hole, and the ceiling including a threaded opening; and a securing screw having a shank with threads and a head structure, the shank inserted into the threaded opening and having threads that mesh with the threaded opening.
- embodiments of the invention are directed to an adapter for a cable hanger comprising: a housing having a floor, a rear wall extending generally perpendicularly from the floor, a ceiling extending generally parallel to the floor, and side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the floor and rear wall, each of the side walls including an open-ended slot generally parallel to the floor, at least one of the floor and the rear wall including a mounting hole, and the ceiling including a threaded opening; and a securing screw formed of a polymeric material and having a shank with threads and a head structure, the shank inserted into the threaded opening and having threads that mesh with the threaded opening, wherein the head structure comprises a lower head attached to the shank, a transition section attached to the lower head, and an upper head attached to the transition section, and wherein the transition section is configured to fracture at a predetermined torque threshold.
- embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of mounting an adapter for a cable hanger on a mounting structure comprising the steps of
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art adapter for cable hangers.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the adapter of FIG. 1 with a cable hanger mounted therein.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 1 mounted to a pole via a hose clamp.
- FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a housing; for an adapter for cable hangers according to embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the housing of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a rear view of a plunger used with the housing of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 7 is a rear perspective vim of the housing of FIG. 4 and the plunger of FIG. 6 combined to form an adapter for cable hangers according to embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a rear view of the adapter of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a front view of the adapter of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 7 mounted on the fling of a ladder.
- FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a housing, a wheel and a strap of an adapter for cable hangers according to additional embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the housing and wheel of FIG. 11 with the teeth of the wheel engaged with the teeth in the opening of the housing.
- FIG. 13 is a front view of the adapter of FIG. 11 with the strap inserted into the housing and wrapped around a mounting structure.
- FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 13 with the strap in place.
- FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 13 with a cable hanger inserted into the housing to engage the strap and wheel to maintain the adapter in a secured condition.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a housing of another adapter for a cable hanger according to embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 17 is a front view of the housing of FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a securing screw of the adapter of FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 19 is a front view of the seeming screw of FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 20 is a front view of the adapter of FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 22 is a perspective schematic view of the adapter of FIG. 16 mounted on a ladder rung.
- FIG. 23 is a perspective schematic view of the mounted adapter of FIG. 22 with the upper head and transition section of the screw broken off.
- FIGS. 4-10 an adapter for mounting a cable hanger to a mounting structure, designated broadly at 100 , is shown in FIGS. 4-10 .
- the adapter 100 comprises two separate parts: a housing 102 and a plunger 104 . These components are described in greater detail below.
- the housing 102 is shown therein.
- the housing 102 is generally C-shaped in profile, with a base 106 , a vertical wall 108 that extends from one end of the base 106 , side walls 107 that extend from the side edges of the vertical wall 108 , and a ceiling 109 that extends from the end of the vertical wall 108 opposite the base 106 and spans the upper ends of the side walls 107 .
- the base 106 includes a series of teeth 110 that protrude upwardly and extend transversely across the base 106 .
- Each tooth 110 includes a recess 112 that extends for much of the length of the tooth 110 .
- the vertical wall 108 includes a hole 114 (typically nominally inch in diameter) for the mounting of a cable hanger.
- Two fingers 116 extend from the upper forward edges of the side walls 107 .
- Each of the fingers 116 includes a series of asymmetric: teeth 118 that are more shallowly sloped on their lower edges.
- the plunger 104 has a main panel 120 .
- a flange 122 extends perpendicularly to each of the side edges of the main panel 120 .
- Each flange 122 has asymmetric teeth 124 on its lateral surface that are configured to mesh with the teeth 118 of the housing 102 .
- a hook 126 extends from and generally normal to the lower end of the main panel 120 , then gently curves below the lower edge of the main panel 120 .
- a leverage hole 128 is located in the main panel 120 near the base of the hook 126 .
- the housing 102 and plunger 104 can be formed of a variety of materials, but are typically formed of a polymeric material. Exemplary polymeric materials include acetal and nylon 6,6.
- the housing 102 and plunger 104 may be formed in any suitable manner, but ordinarily are injection-molded.
- the housing 102 and plunger 104 may be formed of the same material or different materials as desired.
- the housing 102 is first inserted onto a mounting structure, such as a rung 150 of a ladder on an antenna tower (see FIGS. 8 and 10 ).
- the housing 102 is positioned on the rung 150 with the base 106 below the rung 150 and the fingers 116 above the rung 150 ; typically, the rung 150 will also abut the edges of the side walls 107 .
- the plunger 104 is then inserted from above between the fingers 116 , such that the teeth 124 on each side of the plunger 104 engage the teeth 118 of the fingers 116 , and lowered until the hook 126 engages the upper surface of the rung 150 .
- the shapes of the teeth 118 , 124 permit the plunger 104 to be lowered relative to the housing 102 but prevent the plunger 120 from rising relative to the housing 102 .
- the adapter 100 is mounted firmly to the rung 150 .
- a cable hanger such as that shown in FIG. 2 can be mounted in the hole 114 in the vertical wall 108 of the housing 102 to serve to capture and organize cables.
- lowering of the plunger 104 relative to the housing 102 can be facilitated with the use of a screwdriver or other leverage-type tool.
- the blade of the screwdriver can be inserted through the hole 114 and into the leverage hole 128 in the plunger 104 .
- the handle of the screwdriver can then be raised to contact the upper edge of the hole 114 , which serves as a fulcrum to drive the blade of the screwdriver (and in turn the plunger 104 ) downwardly.
- This capability can enable the plunger 104 to fit tightly within the fingers 116 , thereby improving the retention of the adapter 100 on the rung 150 .
- teeth 118 , 124 are described herein, other engagement features that enable the plunger 104 to be retained in a desired position relative to the housing 102 may be employed.
- the teeth 118 , 124 may be symmetric rather than asymmetric, or one of the sets of teeth may be replaced with a single tooth or ridge.
- the teeth may be replaced with other protrusions and indentions, such as scallops, detents and mating recesses, or the like.
- the engagement features may be latches (e.g., on the plunger 104 ) and receptacles (e.g., on the housing 102 ). Other variations are also possible.
- housing 102 and/or plunger 104 may be modified in other ways.
- the leverage hole 128 in the plunger may be omitted, and a tab or other graspable member may be employed instead to facilitate installation.
- the hook 126 may be omitted, or may be replaced with a different engagement feature, such as a sharpened edge or the like. Other variations may also be suitable.
- This adapter 200 includes a housing 202 , a wheel 204 and a strap 206 . These components are described in greater detail below.
- the housing 202 is generally square or rectangular, with a floor 210 , side walls 212 and a ceiling 214 that surround an opening 218 .
- the ceiling 214 includes a mounting hole 220 that is typically nominally 3 ⁇ 4 in diameter.
- Each of the side walls 212 includes a slot 222 near its upper end.
- a lower edge 224 of the opening 218 is arcuate and has asymmetric teeth 226 that are inclined toward one of the side walls 212 .
- the wheel 204 has a generally cylindrical body 230 with a length that is greater than the depth dimension of the housing 202 . Near one end, the body 230 includes a plurality of holes 232 . At the opposite of the body 230 , asymmetric teeth 234 extend radially outwardly, the teeth 230 are configured to mesh with the teeth 226 on the housing 202 .
- the strap 206 has an elongate body 240 with regularly-spaced rectangular holes 242 .
- the holes 242 are sized to capture the teeth 234 of the wheel 204 .
- a knob 244 is located at one end; the lamb 244 is sized to fit through the mounting hole 220 in the ceiling 214 of the housing 202 , but to be unable to fit through the slots 222 in the side walls 214 .
- the body 240 of the strap 206 is sized to be able to fit through both of the slots 222 .
- the housing 202 , wheel 204 and strap 206 may be formed of any suitable material, but is typically formed of a polymeric and/or elastomeric materials. Exemplary polymeric materials include acetal and nylon 6,6.
- the housing 202 , wheel 204 and strap 206 may be formed in any suitable manner, but ordinarily are injection-molded. In some embodiments, the housing 202 and wheel 204 may be formed of the same material, and may be injection-molded together as a single unit, with the wheel 204 being attached to the housing 202 via breakaway tabs or the like.
- the strap 206 is typically formed of a material that is more flexible than that of the housing 202 and wheel 204 to enable it to bend easily.
- the adapter 200 can be mounted to a mounting structure 270 , such as a leg of an antenna tower or a monopole, that lacks a pre-formed mounting hole.
- a mounting structure 270 such as a leg of an antenna tower or a monopole
- the strap 206 is threaded through the mounting hole 220 into the opening 218 , through one of the slots 222 and out of the housing 202 , along the remainder of the side wall 214 , around the mounting structure 270 , along the opposite side wall 214 , and back into the opening 218 through the opposite slot 222 .
- the wheel 204 is positioned in the opening 218 .
- the strap 206 is tightened somewhat, then laid over the surface of the wheel 204 near the mounting hole 220 , with the teeth 234 of the wheel 204 being received in the holes 242 in the strap 206 .
- the wheel 204 is then forced against the lower edge 224 of the opening 218 , then rotated relative to the housing 202 .
- the shapes of the teeth 226 , 232 enable the wheel 204 to rotate in one rotative direction (e.g., counterclockwise from the vantage point of FIG. 13 ), but not rotate in the opposite rotative direction. It should be noted that rotation of the wheel 204 can be assisted by inserting a screwdriver or similar tool into one or two of the holes 232 in the wheel 204 to provide leverage.
- the strap 206 can be held in place by inserting a cable hanger 280 into the mounting hole 220 .
- the hooks of the inserted cable holder 280 engage the wheel 204 and/or the strap 206 and force the wheel 204 against the lower edge 224 of the housing 202 .
- the wheel 204 is unable to rotate relative to the housing 202 , which prevents the strap 206 from loosening.
- the mounting hole 282 in the cable hanger 280 is then positioned for the mounting of additional cable hangers adjacent the mounting structure 270 .
- housing 202 , wheel 204 and/or strap 206 may take other forms.
- features on the housing 202 and wheel 204 that engage and resist movement other than the teeth 226 , 232 may be employed.
- Exemplary alternatives include symmetric teeth on both components, a single tooth or ridge on one component (e.g., the housing 202 ) and multiple teeth on the other component (e.g., the wheel 204 ), a system of mating recesses and flexible fingers, or the like.
- the housing 202 , wheel 204 and strap 206 may include high-friction material (akin to a clutch belt). Other variations may also be suitable.
- each of the adapters 100 , 200 may be firmed of polymeric materials, with the result that cable hangers can be mounted to metallic structures (such as monopoles or antenna tower ladders) that lack limiting holes, and can do so without generating. PIM that could otherwise negatively impact antenna performance.
- FIGS. 16-23 another adapter according to embodiments of the invention is illustrated therein and designated broadly at 300 .
- the adapter comprises a housing 302 and a securing screw 304 . These components are discussed in greater detail below.
- the housing 302 includes a floor 310 , a rear wall 312 , a ceiling 314 , and side walls 316 . These structures are arranged to form generally a cube with an open front side. Each of the side walls 316 has a slot 318 that is open at its front end. Teeth 320 are present in the lower edge of each slot 318 to improve grip.
- the ceiling 314 has an opening 322 with threads 324 .
- the floor 310 also has a mounting hole 326 .
- the rear wall 312 has a mounting hole 328 that is sized and configured to receive a cable hanger in the manner of the adapter 100 , 200 above. Typically, the mounting holes 326 , 328 have a nominal 1 ⁇ 4 inch diameter.
- Each of the floor 310 , rear wall 312 , ceiling 314 , and side walls 316 has a pattern of ribs that can provide strength and stiffness.
- the securing screw 304 includes a shank 340 with threads 342 configured to mesh with the threads 324 of the housing 302 .
- the bottom surface of the shank 340 has nubs 344 or some other variety of grip-enhancer (e.g., a roughened surface, teeth, spikes, etc,).
- the securing screw 304 has a compound head structure 346 , Which includes an upper head 348 , a transition section 350 , and a lower head 352 .
- the upper and lower heads 348 , 352 are configured to receive a rotatable fastening tool (e.g., a wrench) that is used to tighten the screw 304 .
- a rotatable fastening tool e.g., a wrench
- the upper and lower heads 348 , 352 have the same shape and size, to permit the same fastening tool to be used on them, but in some embodiments the size and/or shape of the upper and lower heads 348 , 352 may differ.
- the transition section 350 is generally configured as a panel or wall 354 that includes a rib 356 extending between the upper and lower heads 348 , 352 , although other configurations may also be employed.
- the seeming screw 304 can be inserted into the opening 322 in the ceiling 314 of the housing 302 .
- the threads 324 of the opening 322 mesh with the threads 342 of the screw 304 .
- the adapter 300 is illustrated mounted on a mounting structure 370 , such as the rung of a ladder.
- the housing 302 of the adapter 300 is attached to the mounting structure 370 by aligning the slots 318 in the side walls 306 of the housing 302 with the mounting structure 370 , and slipping the housing 302 onto the mounting structure 370 so that the mounting structure 370 is received in the slots 318 .
- the securing screw 304 is rotated relative to the housing 302 to cause it to advance onto the mounting structure 370 . Movement of the securing screw 370 ceases when the lower end of the shaft 340 engages the surface of the mounting structure 370 (see FIG. 21 ). At this point a cable hanger can be mounted in either of the mounting holes 326 , 328 .
- the configuration of the securing screw 304 is such that, once the second, upper threshold torque is reached (e.g., 3-5 ft-lbs), the transition section 350 of the securing screw 340 fractures, so that the upper head 348 breaks away from the remainder of the securing screw 340 (see FIG. 23 ). As a result, the screw 304 is installed and engages the mounting structure 370 at the desired pressure.
- the second, upper threshold torque e.g., 3-5 ft-lbs
- the securing screw 304 is formed of a polymeric material such as acetal or polyethylene, and if the transition section has a height of 8 mm, a width of 5.7 mm and a thickness of 3.8 mm with ribs having a depth of 5.7 mm, the resulting torque to fracture is typically between about 3 and 5 N-m.
- the presence of the nubs 344 on the lower end of the shaft 340 of the securing screw 304 can improve the grip of the screw 304 on the mounting structure 370 .
- the presence of the teeth 320 in the slots 318 can improve the grip of the housing 302 on the mounting structure, 370 .
- the adapter 300 may be formed of polymeric materials, cable hangers can be mounted to metallic structures (such as monopoles or antenna tower ladders) that lack mounting holes, and can do so without generating PLM that could otherwise negatively impact antenna performance.
- metallic structures such as monopoles or antenna tower ladders
Abstract
An adapter for a cable hanger includes: a housing having a floor, a vertical wall extending generally perpendicularly from the floor, and side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the floor and vertical wall, each of the side walls including a finger extending generally parallel to the floor, the fingers including first engagement features, the vertical wall including a mounting hole; and a plunger having a main panel and second engagement features on opposite sides of the main panel, the second engagement features configured to engage the first engagement features to restrict relative movement of the plunger relative to the housing.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/160,604, filed Jan. 28, 2021, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/904,803, filed Jun. 18, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,910,805, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/707,437, filed Dec. 9, 2019, which claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/784,986, filed Dec. 26, 2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in full.
- The present invention relates generally to devices for supporting cables and, in particular, to hangers for securing cables to support structures.
- Cable hangers are commonly used to secure cables to structural members of antenna towers and other structures. Generally, each cable is attached to a structural member by cable hangers mounted at periodically-spaced attachment points.
- Antenna towers may be crowded due to the large numbers of cables required for signal-carrying. Over time, as systems are added, upgraded and/or expanded, installation of additional cables may be required. To conserve space, it may be desirable for each set of cable hangers to secure more than a single cable. Certain cable hangers have been constructed to secure multiple cables; other cable hangers have a stackable construction that permits multiple cable hangers to be interlocked extending outwardly from each mounting point/structural member. Stacked and multiple-cable hangers significantly increase the number of cables mountable to a single attachment point.
- One popular stackable cable hanger is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,836 to Korczak, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. Hangers disclosed therein have generally a U- or C-shaped profile with rounded arms. A locking projection extends from the free end of each arm, and the “root” of the hanger that spans the fixed ends of the arms has a large aperture. The hanger can hold a cable between the arms; gripping of the cable is enhanced by short fingers that extend inwardly from the arms to engage the cable. Hangers can be “stacked” onto each other by inserting the locking projections of one hanger into the large aperture of the next hanger.
- One variety of cable hanger of this type is the SNAP-STAK® hanger, available from CommScope, Inc. (Joliet, Ill.). Other cable hangers are shown in U.S. patent application. Nos. 15/081,177, filed Mar. 25, 2016, Ser. No. 15/081,240, filed Mar. 25, 2016, and 15/335,614, filed Oct. 27, 2016, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in full.
- Another available stackable cable hanger is discussed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0045336 to Vaccaro, the disclosure of Which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This cable hanger (versions of which are available from CommScope, Inc. under the name SNAPTAK) is formed of a polymeric material and is typically employed for smaller cables. In addition, the polymeric SNAPTAK hanger can reduce or eliminate passive intermodulation (PIM) near an antenna. PIM, which can negatively impact antenna performance, can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is metal-to-metal interfaces of components near the antenna. Using a polymeric hanger that is mounted on a metallic antenna mount or other structure can eliminate potential PIM that might otherwise be caused by a metal hanger mounted to a metal antenna leg.
- In some instances, it may be desirable to mount multiple stacks of cable hangers in close proximity. In such instances, it may be desirable to employ an adapter, such as that shown at 10 in
FIG. 1 . Theadapter 10 has a trapezoidal profile, with abase panel 12 and three serially-attachedmounting panels 14. Each of themounting panels 14 includes a mounting hole 16 (typically a nominal ¾ inch hole) that can receive a cable hanger such as those described above, one of which is designated 20 inFIG. 2 . Thebase panel 12 of theadapter 10 has ahole 18 that can be used to mount theadapter 10 to a mounting structure via a bolt. Thebase panel 12 also includesslots 22 on either side of thehole 18 that can receive ahose clamp 26 or the like to mount theadapter 10 to apole 24, as shown inFIG. 3 . This mounting approach may be desirable when thepole 24 has no pre-formed holes to receive a typical cable hanger. - It may be desirable to provide additional configurations for mounting cable hangers, particularly to structures without pre-formed holes, and particularly in a manner that can reduce or eliminate PIM.
- As a first aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to an adapter for a cable hanger. The adapter comprises: a housing having a floor, a vertical wall extending generally perpendicularly from the floor, and side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the floor and vertical wall, each of the side walls including a finger extending generally parallel to the floor, the fingers including first engagement features, the vertical wall including a mounting hole; and a plunger having a main panel and second engagement features on opposite sides of the main panel, the second engagement features configured to engage the first engagement features to restrict relative movement of the plunger relative to the housing.
- As a second aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to an adapter for a cable hanger, comprising: a housing comprising a floor, first and second side walls and a ceiling that define an opening, an edge of the opening including first engagement features, the ceiling including a mounting hole, the first side wall including a first aperture and the second side wall including a second aperture; a wheel comprising a generally cylindrical body and second engagement features extending radially outwardly of the body; and a strap with a retaining feature at a first end and a plurality of third engagement features. The strap is routed from the first aperture, around the first side wall, a mounting feature adjacent the floor, and the second side wall, and through the second aperture, the retaining feature retaining the first end of the strap within the opening, the third engagement features of the strap engaging the second engagement features of the wheel to retain a second end of the strap within the opening. The second engagement features of the wheel engage the first engagement features of the housing to prevent relative rotation of the wheel relative to the housing.
- As a third aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to an adapter for a cable hanger comprising: a housing having a floor, a rear wall extending generally perpendicularly from the floor, a ceiling; extending generally parallel to the floor, and side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the floor and rear wall, each of the side walls including an open-ended slot generally parallel to the floor, at least one of the floor and the rear wall including a mounting hole, and the ceiling including a threaded opening; and a securing screw having a shank with threads and a head structure, the shank inserted into the threaded opening and having threads that mesh with the threaded opening.
- As a fourth aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to an adapter for a cable hanger comprising: a housing having a floor, a rear wall extending generally perpendicularly from the floor, a ceiling extending generally parallel to the floor, and side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the floor and rear wall, each of the side walls including an open-ended slot generally parallel to the floor, at least one of the floor and the rear wall including a mounting hole, and the ceiling including a threaded opening; and a securing screw formed of a polymeric material and having a shank with threads and a head structure, the shank inserted into the threaded opening and having threads that mesh with the threaded opening, wherein the head structure comprises a lower head attached to the shank, a transition section attached to the lower head, and an upper head attached to the transition section, and wherein the transition section is configured to fracture at a predetermined torque threshold.
- As a fifth aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of mounting an adapter for a cable hanger on a mounting structure comprising the steps of
-
- (a) providing an adapter for a cable hanger comprising: a housing having a floor, a rear wall extending generally perpendicularly from the floor, a ceiling extending generally parallel to the floor, and side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the floor and rear wall, each of the side walls including an open-ended slot generally parallel to the floor, at least one of the floor and the rear wall including a mounting hole, and the ceiling including a threaded opening; and a securing screw having a shank with threads and a head structure, the shank inserted into the threaded opening and having threads that mesh with the threaded opening;
- (b) positioning the adapter on a mounting structure so that the mounting structure is received in the opening-ended slots; and
- (c) rotating the securing screw relative to the housing so that a lower end of the securing screw engages the mounting structure.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art adapter for cable hangers. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the adapter ofFIG. 1 with a cable hanger mounted therein. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adapter ofFIG. 1 mounted to a pole via a hose clamp. -
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a housing; for an adapter for cable hangers according to embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the housing ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is a rear view of a plunger used with the housing ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 7 is a rear perspective vim of the housing ofFIG. 4 and the plunger ofFIG. 6 combined to form an adapter for cable hangers according to embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the adapter ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a front view of the adapter ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the adapter ofFIG. 7 mounted on the fling of a ladder. -
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a housing, a wheel and a strap of an adapter for cable hangers according to additional embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the housing and wheel ofFIG. 11 with the teeth of the wheel engaged with the teeth in the opening of the housing. -
FIG. 13 is a front view of the adapter ofFIG. 11 with the strap inserted into the housing and wrapped around a mounting structure. -
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the adapter ofFIG. 13 with the strap in place. -
FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the adapter ofFIG. 13 with a cable hanger inserted into the housing to engage the strap and wheel to maintain the adapter in a secured condition. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a housing of another adapter for a cable hanger according to embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 17 is a front view of the housing ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a securing screw of the adapter ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 19 is a front view of the seeming screw ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 20 is a front view of the adapter ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the adapter ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 22 is a perspective schematic view of the adapter ofFIG. 16 mounted on a ladder rung. -
FIG. 23 is a perspective schematic view of the mounted adapter ofFIG. 22 with the upper head and transition section of the screw broken off. - The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in Which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in Many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments that are pictured and described herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It will also be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in any way and/or combination to provide many additional embodiments.
- Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms that are used in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the below description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in this disclosure, the singular forms “a.”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when an element (e.g., a device, circuit, etc.) is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
- Referring now to the figures, an adapter for mounting a cable hanger to a mounting structure, designated broadly at 100, is shown in
FIGS. 4-10 . Theadapter 100 comprises two separate parts: ahousing 102 and aplunger 104. These components are described in greater detail below. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , thehousing 102 is shown therein. Thehousing 102 is generally C-shaped in profile, with abase 106, avertical wall 108 that extends from one end of thebase 106,side walls 107 that extend from the side edges of thevertical wall 108, and aceiling 109 that extends from the end of thevertical wall 108 opposite thebase 106 and spans the upper ends of theside walls 107. Thebase 106 includes a series ofteeth 110 that protrude upwardly and extend transversely across thebase 106. Eachtooth 110 includes arecess 112 that extends for much of the length of thetooth 110. Thevertical wall 108 includes a hole 114 (typically nominally inch in diameter) for the mounting of a cable hanger. Twofingers 116 extend from the upper forward edges of theside walls 107. Each of thefingers 116 includes a series of asymmetric:teeth 118 that are more shallowly sloped on their lower edges. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , theplunger 104 has amain panel 120. Aflange 122 extends perpendicularly to each of the side edges of themain panel 120. Eachflange 122 hasasymmetric teeth 124 on its lateral surface that are configured to mesh with theteeth 118 of thehousing 102. Ahook 126 extends from and generally normal to the lower end of themain panel 120, then gently curves below the lower edge of themain panel 120. Aleverage hole 128 is located in themain panel 120 near the base of thehook 126. - The
housing 102 andplunger 104 can be formed of a variety of materials, but are typically formed of a polymeric material. Exemplary polymeric materials include acetal and nylon 6,6. Thehousing 102 andplunger 104 may be formed in any suitable manner, but ordinarily are injection-molded. Thehousing 102 andplunger 104 may be formed of the same material or different materials as desired. - Use of the
adapter 100 can be understood fromFIGS. 7-10 . Thehousing 102 is first inserted onto a mounting structure, such as arung 150 of a ladder on an antenna tower (seeFIGS. 8 and 10 ). Thehousing 102 is positioned on therung 150 with thebase 106 below therung 150 and thefingers 116 above therung 150; typically, therung 150 will also abut the edges of theside walls 107. Theplunger 104 is then inserted from above between thefingers 116, such that theteeth 124 on each side of theplunger 104 engage theteeth 118 of thefingers 116, and lowered until thehook 126 engages the upper surface of therung 150. The shapes of theteeth plunger 104 to be lowered relative to thehousing 102 but prevent theplunger 120 from rising relative to thehousing 102. Thus, once theplunger 104 is lowered to snugly engage therung 150, theadapter 100 is mounted firmly to therung 150. A cable hanger such as that shown inFIG. 2 can be mounted in thehole 114 in thevertical wall 108 of thehousing 102 to serve to capture and organize cables. - Notably, lowering of the
plunger 104 relative to thehousing 102 can be facilitated with the use of a screwdriver or other leverage-type tool. The blade of the screwdriver can be inserted through thehole 114 and into theleverage hole 128 in theplunger 104. The handle of the screwdriver can then be raised to contact the upper edge of thehole 114, Which serves as a fulcrum to drive the blade of the screwdriver (and in turn the plunger 104) downwardly. This capability can enable theplunger 104 to fit tightly within thefingers 116, thereby improving the retention of theadapter 100 on therung 150. - Those of skill in this art will appreciate that other configurations for the
housing 102 andplunger 104 may be employed. For example, althoughteeth plunger 104 to be retained in a desired position relative to thehousing 102 may be employed. For example, theteeth - In addition, the
housing 102 and/orplunger 104 may be modified in other ways. For example, theleverage hole 128 in the plunger may be omitted, and a tab or other graspable member may be employed instead to facilitate installation. Moreover, thehook 126 may be omitted, or may be replaced with a different engagement feature, such as a sharpened edge or the like. Other variations may also be suitable. - Referring now to
FIGS. 11-15 , another adapter for mounting cable hangers, designated broadly at 200, is shown therein. Thisadapter 200 includes ahousing 202, awheel 204 and astrap 206. These components are described in greater detail below. - Referring to
FIGS. 11 and 12 , thehousing 202 is generally square or rectangular, with afloor 210,side walls 212 and aceiling 214 that surround anopening 218. Theceiling 214 includes a mountinghole 220 that is typically nominally ¾ in diameter. Each of theside walls 212 includes aslot 222 near its upper end. Alower edge 224 of theopening 218 is arcuate and hasasymmetric teeth 226 that are inclined toward one of theside walls 212. - The
wheel 204 has a generallycylindrical body 230 with a length that is greater than the depth dimension of thehousing 202. Near one end, thebody 230 includes a plurality ofholes 232. At the opposite of thebody 230,asymmetric teeth 234 extend radially outwardly, theteeth 230 are configured to mesh with theteeth 226 on thehousing 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 , thestrap 206 has anelongate body 240 with regularly-spacedrectangular holes 242. Theholes 242 are sized to capture theteeth 234 of thewheel 204. Aknob 244 is located at one end; thelamb 244 is sized to fit through the mountinghole 220 in theceiling 214 of thehousing 202, but to be unable to fit through theslots 222 in theside walls 214. Thebody 240 of thestrap 206 is sized to be able to fit through both of theslots 222. - The
housing 202,wheel 204 andstrap 206 may be formed of any suitable material, but is typically formed of a polymeric and/or elastomeric materials. Exemplary polymeric materials include acetal and nylon 6,6. Thehousing 202,wheel 204 andstrap 206 may be formed in any suitable manner, but ordinarily are injection-molded. In some embodiments, thehousing 202 andwheel 204 may be formed of the same material, and may be injection-molded together as a single unit, with thewheel 204 being attached to thehousing 202 via breakaway tabs or the like. Thestrap 206 is typically formed of a material that is more flexible than that of thehousing 202 andwheel 204 to enable it to bend easily. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 13-15 , theadapter 200 can be mounted to a mountingstructure 270, such as a leg of an antenna tower or a monopole, that lacks a pre-formed mounting hole. To mount theadapter 200, first thehousing 202 is positioned with thefloor 210 resting against the mountingstructure 270. Thestrap 206 is threaded through the mountinghole 220 into theopening 218, through one of theslots 222 and out of thehousing 202, along the remainder of theside wall 214, around the mountingstructure 270, along theopposite side wall 214, and back into theopening 218 through theopposite slot 222. Thewheel 204 is positioned in theopening 218. Thestrap 206 is tightened somewhat, then laid over the surface of thewheel 204 near the mountinghole 220, with theteeth 234 of thewheel 204 being received in theholes 242 in thestrap 206. Thewheel 204 is then forced against thelower edge 224 of theopening 218, then rotated relative to thehousing 202. The shapes of theteeth wheel 204 to rotate in one rotative direction (e.g., counterclockwise from the vantage point ofFIG. 13 ), but not rotate in the opposite rotative direction. It should be noted that rotation of thewheel 204 can be assisted by inserting a screwdriver or similar tool into one or two of theholes 232 in thewheel 204 to provide leverage. - As shown in
FIG. 15 , once thestrap 206 is tightened sufficiently, thestrap 206 can be held in place by inserting acable hanger 280 into the mountinghole 220. The hooks of the insertedcable holder 280 engage thewheel 204 and/or thestrap 206 and force thewheel 204 against thelower edge 224 of thehousing 202. As such, thewheel 204 is unable to rotate relative to thehousing 202, which prevents thestrap 206 from loosening. The mountinghole 282 in thecable hanger 280 is then positioned for the mounting of additional cable hangers adjacent the mountingstructure 270. - Those of skill in this art will appreciate that the
housing 202,wheel 204 and/orstrap 206 may take other forms. For example, features on thehousing 202 andwheel 204 that engage and resist movement other than theteeth housing 202,wheel 204 andstrap 206 may include high-friction material (akin to a clutch belt). Other variations may also be suitable. - It is also notable that each of the
adapters - Referring now to
FIGS. 16-23 , another adapter according to embodiments of the invention is illustrated therein and designated broadly at 300. The adapter comprises ahousing 302 and a securingscrew 304. These components are discussed in greater detail below. - Referring first to
FIGS. 16 and 17 , thehousing 302 includes afloor 310, arear wall 312, aceiling 314, andside walls 316. These structures are arranged to form generally a cube with an open front side. Each of theside walls 316 has aslot 318 that is open at its front end.Teeth 320 are present in the lower edge of eachslot 318 to improve grip. Theceiling 314 has anopening 322 withthreads 324. Thefloor 310 also has a mountinghole 326. As can be seen inFIG. 17 , therear wall 312 has a mountinghole 328 that is sized and configured to receive a cable hanger in the manner of theadapter holes floor 310,rear wall 312,ceiling 314, andside walls 316 has a pattern of ribs that can provide strength and stiffness. - Referring now to
FIGS. 18 and 19 , the securingscrew 304 includes ashank 340 withthreads 342 configured to mesh with thethreads 324 of thehousing 302. The bottom surface of theshank 340 hasnubs 344 or some other variety of grip-enhancer (e.g., a roughened surface, teeth, spikes, etc,). At its upper end, the securingscrew 304 has acompound head structure 346, Which includes anupper head 348, atransition section 350, and alower head 352. The upper andlower heads screw 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper andlower heads lower heads transition section 350 is generally configured as a panel orwall 354 that includes arib 356 extending between the upper andlower heads - As can be seen in
FIGS. 20 and 21 , the seemingscrew 304 can be inserted into theopening 322 in theceiling 314 of thehousing 302. Thethreads 324 of theopening 322 mesh with thethreads 342 of thescrew 304. - Referring now to
FIG. 22 , theadapter 300 is illustrated mounted on a mountingstructure 370, such as the rung of a ladder. Thehousing 302 of theadapter 300 is attached to the mountingstructure 370 by aligning theslots 318 in theside walls 306 of thehousing 302 with the mountingstructure 370, and slipping thehousing 302 onto the mountingstructure 370 so that the mountingstructure 370 is received in theslots 318. Once the mountingstructure 370 is in position in theslots 318, the securingscrew 304 is rotated relative to thehousing 302 to cause it to advance onto the mountingstructure 370. Movement of the securingscrew 370 ceases when the lower end of theshaft 340 engages the surface of the mounting structure 370 (seeFIG. 21 ). At this point a cable hanger can be mounted in either of the mountingholes - Once the
shaft 340 engages the mountingstructure 370, continued rotation of the securingscrew 304 tightens thescrew 304 in place. Typically, there exists a lower threshold pressure for securing theadapter 300 onto the mountingstructure 370, which may be generated via a corresponding threshold torque on the securingscrew 304. Overtightening the securingscrew 304 beyond a second, higher threshold pressure raises the risk of damaging thehousing 302 or the securingscrew 304. Ordinarily, a wrench W or other fastening tool (seeFIG. 22 ) is employed to rotate and advance thescrew 304 via engagement with theupper head 348. The configuration of the securingscrew 304 is such that, once the second, upper threshold torque is reached (e.g., 3-5 ft-lbs), thetransition section 350 of the securingscrew 340 fractures, so that theupper head 348 breaks away from the remainder of the securing screw 340 (seeFIG. 23 ). As a result, thescrew 304 is installed and engages the mountingstructure 370 at the desired pressure. - As one example, if the securing
screw 304 is formed of a polymeric material such as acetal or polyethylene, and if the transition section has a height of 8 mm, a width of 5.7 mm and a thickness of 3.8 mm with ribs having a depth of 5.7 mm, the resulting torque to fracture is typically between about 3 and 5 N-m. - It should also be noted that the presence of the
nubs 344 on the lower end of theshaft 340 of the securingscrew 304 can improve the grip of thescrew 304 on the mountingstructure 370. In addition, the presence of theteeth 320 in theslots 318 can improve the grip of thehousing 302 on the mounting structure, 370. - Like the
adapters adapter 300 may be formed of polymeric materials, cable hangers can be mounted to metallic structures (such as monopoles or antenna tower ladders) that lack mounting holes, and can do so without generating PLM that could otherwise negatively impact antenna performance. - The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
Claims (11)
1. An adapter for a cable hanger, comprising:
a housing having a floor, a vertical wall extending generally perpendicularly from the floor, a ceiling extending generally perpendicular to the vertical wall, and side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the floor and vertical wall, each of the side walls including an opening for receiving a horizontal mounting structure, the housing including first engagement features, the vertical wall including a round mounting hole; and
a capture member with second engagement features that engage with the first engagement features, the capture member extending through an upper opening in the ceiling to engage and exert a capturing force on the mounting structure, the first and second engagement features being configured to resist movement of the capture member relative to the housing away from the mounting structure.
2. The adapter defined in claim 1 , wherein the first engagement features comprise a first plurality of teeth, and the second engagement features comprise a second plurality of teeth that are configured to engage the first plurality of teeth.
3. The adapter defined in claim 2 , wherein the first and second pluralities of teeth are asymmetric teeth configured to permit relative movement of the plunger toward the floor but limit relative movement of the plunger away from the floor.
4. The adapter defined in claim 1 , wherein the floor includes a third plurality of teeth configured to grip a mounting structure.
5. The adapter defined in claim 1 , wherein the upper opening in the ceiling has an open side.
6. The adapter defined in claim 1 , wherein the first engagement features and the second engagement features are intermeshing features.
7. The adapter defined in claim 1 , wherein the openings in the side walls reach the floor.
8. The adapter defined in claim 1 , wherein the housing and capture member are formed of a polymeric material.
9. The adapter defined in claim 1 , in combination with the mounting structure.
10. The adapter defined in claim 9 , wherein the mounting structure is a rung of a ladder.
11. The adapter defined in claim 1 , in combination with a cable hanger inserted into the mounting hole.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/861,612 US20220344921A1 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2022-07-11 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862784986P | 2018-12-26 | 2018-12-26 | |
US16/707,437 US10920911B2 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2019-12-09 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US16/904,803 US10910805B2 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2020-06-18 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US17/160,604 US20210151972A1 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2021-01-28 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US17/861,612 US20220344921A1 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2022-07-11 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/160,604 Continuation US20210151972A1 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2021-01-28 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20220344921A1 true US20220344921A1 (en) | 2022-10-27 |
Family
ID=72663269
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/904,803 Active US10910805B2 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2020-06-18 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US17/160,604 Abandoned US20210151972A1 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2021-01-28 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US17/861,612 Abandoned US20220344921A1 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2022-07-11 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/904,803 Active US10910805B2 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2020-06-18 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US17/160,604 Abandoned US20210151972A1 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2021-01-28 | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US10910805B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9611652B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2017-04-04 | Dustin M. M. Haddock | Mounting device for building surfaces having elongated mounting slot |
WO2013101597A1 (en) * | 2011-12-29 | 2013-07-04 | Haddock Dustin M M | Mounting device for nail strip panels |
US10640980B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2020-05-05 | Rmh Tech Llc | Metal panel electrical bonding clip |
NZ764108A (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2022-08-26 | Rmh Tech Llc | Rail assembly attachable to a building surface |
CA3094498C (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2023-04-25 | Rmh Tech Llc | Pv module mounting assembly with clamp/standoff arrangement |
EP3894760A4 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2022-09-07 | RMH Tech LLC | Mounting device for nail strip panels |
US10910805B2 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2021-02-02 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US10920911B2 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2021-02-16 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
IT201900018416A1 (en) * | 2019-10-10 | 2021-04-10 | Fi Mo Tec Spa | PERFECTED CLAMP FOR MOUNTING CABLES TO ONE SUPPORT ELEMENT |
WO2021188442A1 (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2021-09-23 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for a metal roof |
US11041310B1 (en) | 2020-03-17 | 2021-06-22 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for controlling uplift of a metal roof |
WO2024053446A1 (en) * | 2022-09-09 | 2024-03-14 | 株式会社椿本チエイン | Fixture, and method for using fixture |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1570820A (en) * | 1976-04-14 | 1980-07-09 | Hilti Ag | Pipe or cable clamp |
GB2359112A (en) * | 2000-02-12 | 2001-08-15 | Smiths Group Plc | Clamp for cables or the like |
DE10040736A1 (en) * | 2000-08-17 | 2002-02-28 | Krone Gmbh | Device for fixing the centering of objects includes a base part with jaws and a separate U-shaped locking dog shaped as a jaw capable of being fixed to the base part with strips of teeth |
US20050006535A1 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2005-01-13 | Brown Larry D. | Pipe and cable holder |
EP2048375A2 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2009-04-15 | Buresuto Kogyo Co. Ltd. | Supporting bracket and nut holder |
US20180266587A1 (en) * | 2015-09-14 | 2018-09-20 | Ellis Patents Holdings Limited | A clamp |
US10910805B2 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2021-02-02 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US10920911B2 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2021-02-16 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US20210111546A1 (en) * | 2019-10-10 | 2021-04-15 | Fi.Mo.Tec. S.P.A. | Clamp for mounting cables to a supporting element |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2915267A (en) | 1954-06-14 | 1959-12-01 | Kaysing Carl Christian | Wire holder for flexible electric wires |
CH411299A (en) | 1963-02-25 | 1966-04-15 | Geser Albert | Spacer device for reinforced concrete reinforcement inserts |
US3341909A (en) * | 1965-09-01 | 1967-09-19 | Spring Steel Fasteners Inc | Clamp |
DE2631967A1 (en) | 1976-07-13 | 1978-01-19 | Rud Ketten Rieger & Dietz | CLAMPING DEVICE |
US5286211A (en) * | 1993-01-29 | 1994-02-15 | The Whitaker Corporation | Ground connector |
US6516948B1 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2003-02-11 | Jose A. Caballero | Item carrying system |
US20060131465A1 (en) | 2004-12-22 | 2006-06-22 | Lynch Edward J Jr | Pipe support and method of installation |
US8011621B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2011-09-06 | Andrew Llc | Snap-in cable hanger clip |
US8857771B2 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2014-10-14 | Randy J. Streetman | Conduit attachment device for use with a trapeze |
DE102010039135B4 (en) | 2010-08-10 | 2013-11-07 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Aerial or spacecraft with a device for supporting systems |
US8534625B2 (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2013-09-17 | Cooper B-Line, Inc. | Sway brace attachment |
CN107078410B (en) * | 2014-10-01 | 2020-02-07 | 豪倍公司 | Separation pressure screw |
US9853434B2 (en) | 2015-03-27 | 2017-12-26 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Hanger for mounting multiple cables |
CN110081047B (en) | 2015-03-27 | 2021-08-27 | 康普技术有限责任公司 | Cable hanger for securing a cable to a support structure having an aperture |
US9746011B2 (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2017-08-29 | Jiangmen Eurofix Metal And Rubber Products Co., Ltd. | Beam clamp |
US9903510B2 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2018-02-27 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Hanger for mounting cables |
US10253906B2 (en) | 2016-08-15 | 2019-04-09 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Hanger for mounting cables |
GB2559350B (en) | 2017-02-01 | 2020-09-02 | Ge Aviat Systems Ltd | Plastic cable management design for retaining wire bundles in aerospace applications |
-
2020
- 2020-06-18 US US16/904,803 patent/US10910805B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-01-28 US US17/160,604 patent/US20210151972A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2022
- 2022-07-11 US US17/861,612 patent/US20220344921A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1570820A (en) * | 1976-04-14 | 1980-07-09 | Hilti Ag | Pipe or cable clamp |
GB2359112A (en) * | 2000-02-12 | 2001-08-15 | Smiths Group Plc | Clamp for cables or the like |
DE10040736A1 (en) * | 2000-08-17 | 2002-02-28 | Krone Gmbh | Device for fixing the centering of objects includes a base part with jaws and a separate U-shaped locking dog shaped as a jaw capable of being fixed to the base part with strips of teeth |
US20050006535A1 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2005-01-13 | Brown Larry D. | Pipe and cable holder |
EP2048375A2 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2009-04-15 | Buresuto Kogyo Co. Ltd. | Supporting bracket and nut holder |
US20180266587A1 (en) * | 2015-09-14 | 2018-09-20 | Ellis Patents Holdings Limited | A clamp |
US10910805B2 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2021-02-02 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US10920911B2 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2021-02-16 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Adapter for mounting cable hangers |
US20210111546A1 (en) * | 2019-10-10 | 2021-04-15 | Fi.Mo.Tec. S.P.A. | Clamp for mounting cables to a supporting element |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20210151972A1 (en) | 2021-05-20 |
US10910805B2 (en) | 2021-02-02 |
US20200321763A1 (en) | 2020-10-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20220344921A1 (en) | Adapter for mounting cable hangers | |
US11300230B2 (en) | Adapter for mounting cable hangers | |
US9995414B2 (en) | Hanger for mounting cables | |
KR102020162B1 (en) | Blind hole mount | |
US8403277B2 (en) | Electrical box mounting bracket | |
US11396958B2 (en) | Adapter for mounting cables and cable hangers | |
EP3396221B1 (en) | Aircraft cable tie mount | |
US20190390796A1 (en) | Adapter for mounting cable hangers | |
US8991774B2 (en) | Cable tie mount | |
KR101651165B1 (en) | Stud retainer assembly | |
WO2018118528A1 (en) | Hanger for mounting multiple cables | |
US20030222185A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for anchoring a cable | |
EP2016321B1 (en) | Mounting device for studs comprising t-shaped channels | |
US20170204995A1 (en) | Connectable Cable Organizer | |
EP1746697A1 (en) | Securing element for securing a box to a wire cable tray | |
US11846310B2 (en) | Apparatuses and assemblies for a solar panel installation with T-bolt and clamp | |
US20200094086A1 (en) | Safety Cable Routing System | |
CN211239181U (en) | Railway cable fixture | |
US11735896B2 (en) | Adapter for mounting cable hangers | |
US11677220B2 (en) | Low profile cable cleat assembly | |
US10563792B2 (en) | Adapter for mounting cable hangers | |
US11437800B2 (en) | Adapter assemblies and arrangements for mounting cables | |
CA2428415C (en) | Electrical housing assembly including serrations and arched clamp for retaining non-metallic sheathed cables |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |