US3087006A

US3087006A - Insulated junction tapping device

Info

Publication number: US3087006A
Application number: US35548A
Authority: US
Inventors: Roy H Mcclain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1960-06-13
Filing date: 1960-06-13
Publication date: 1963-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 1980-04-23

Description

April 23, 1963 R MCCLAIN INSULATED JUNCTION TAPPING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 13, 1960 RoyHMcClain INVENTOR.

R. H. M CLAIN INSULATED JUNCTION TAPPING DEVICE April 23, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 15, 1960 PoyH.McC1a1'n INVENTOR United States Patent Ofi 3,087,006 Patented Apr. 23, 1963 ice 3,087,006 INSULATED JUNCTION TAPPING DEVICE Roy H. McClain, Portland, Oreg. (Box 24, Quinault, Wash.) Filed June 13, 1960, Ser. No. 35,548 13 Claims. (Cl. 174-71) 1: This invention relates to conductor tapping mechanism and particularly to tapping mechanism comprising a housing and plural clamping mechanisms mounted therein, {each of which is adapted to be connected to a conductor or strand and each of which includes at least one, usually "two or more connectors, for the attachment of tapping conductors thereto. 2 A common form of power line used by utilities comprises a triplex cable made up of three conductors (a ground conductor and two charged or hot conductors) supported on a carrier or messenger strand. In the usual house, the ordinary outlets are wired for 110 volts, and items such as ranges, water heaters, etc., are supplied from a 220 volt source. A triplex cable can be used to supply conveniently current at either voltage, by making suitable connections with the ground and charged conductors of the cable. The tapping mechanism described herein is particularly useful in connection with tapping a triplex cable, and an embodiment specifically designed for this purpose is described herein, but it should be understood that modified forms of the invention could be used in other applications.

A general object of the invention is to provide novel tapping mechanism for tapping the conductors of a power line which makes possible substantial savings in the time required to tap the line.

Another general object is to provide improved tapping mechanism for tapping easily and quickly the conductors or strands of a cable where good electrical connections with the various strands of the cable are possible with such connections electrically isolated from each other.

More specific objects of the invention comprise:

(A) The provision of an improved tapping mechanism comprising a housing with top and bottom housing portions separable from each other, and plural clamping mechanisms mounted in the bottom portion of the housing for making connections with the conductors of a cable, that includes means for connecting the housing portions together that also enables them to be separated with the bottom housing portion supported by the top one, and with the clamping mechanisms exposed. According to this feature of the invention, the bottom housing portion may function as a support when making a tapping connection.

(B) The provision of tapping mechanism of the type hereinabove described, wherein novel means is provided for locking each clamping mechanism in place in the bottom housing portion, which results in greatly facilitating making a tapping connection wtih a cable strand. This is and important feature, particularly when it is remembered that a lineman frequently has only one hand free to work with.

(C) The provision of a novel clamping mechanism for a tapping device, which comprises, as separate pieces, an anchoring member, and two clamp members, and which is made secure on a cable strand by fastening one of the clamp members to the anchoring member. Where means is provided for holding the anchoring member fast in a housing, the entire clamping mechanism may be made fast in the housing when the one clamp member and anchoring member are secured together. According to this invention, the anchoring member is locked in position through the process of fitting the other of the clamp members in place in the clamping mechanism.

(D) The provision of novel tapping mechanism which comprises a split housing with top and bottom portions separable from each other, and which further comprises a dividing wall of insulating material separating clamping mechanisms disposed on either side of the housing, whereby the clamping mechanisms are electrically insolated from each other. This is true whether the housing portions are separated or together.

(E) The provision of novel tapping mechanism having novel clamping mechanisms easily separated from a housing, when necessary for maintainence purposes.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the same is described hereinbelow, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of tapping mechanisms as contemplated by this invention, showing the same supported from a carrier or messenger strand and fastened to the conductors of a triplex cable, as in a typical installation;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1, illustrating details of interior construction;

FIG. 4 is a plan view looking down on the tapping mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the tapping mechanism, showing a bottom portion of the housing dropped below but supported by a top portion;

FIG. 6 is a section view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a section view taken along the line 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 illustrates one of the clamp members of a clamping mechanism in the construction, showing the part alone;

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an anchoring member in the clampingmechanism, showing the part alone;

FIG. 11 illustrates another clamp member in the clamping mechanism, showing the part alone; and

FIG. 12 is a view taken along the line 1212 in FIG. 6.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, the tapping mechanism in the form of the invention shown comprises a housing 10 of insulating material, having a top housing portion 12 and a bottom housing portion 14. These are separable from each other. In operative position, they are fastened together, by means of an elongated fastener 16. In the usual installation, the device is used with a triplex cable, having a ground conductor or strand 18, and charged conductors or

strands

20, 22. The two charged conductors extend longitudinally and within the housing, and the ground conductor extends in the same direction while secured to the top of the housing. The housing itself is supported on a carrier or messenger strand 24.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, 5 and 6, bottom housing portion 14 is rectangular, and has a base 30 and

side walls

31, 32, 33, and 34. Extending along the longitudinal midline of the bottom housing port-ion is a dividing Wall 36 integral with [the housing portion. A bore 29 extends up through base 30 and wall 36. \As best seen in FIG. 5, the dividing wall extends above the level of side walls 31-34. On either side. of the dividing wall, and defined by the inner surfaces of side wall-s 31-34 and base 30, are a pair of recesses, indicated generally at 38 and 40. A clamping mechanism, such as mechanism 42 is mounted in each recess. In operative position, the clamping mechanisms are secured to the bottom housing portion, and are clamped onto

charged conductors

20, 22. The two

recesses

38, 40, and the two clamping mechanisms are identical, so only one of each will be described in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, and 12, one end of each recess (the left end of recess 38 in FIG. 6) is relatively shallow. Surface 44 that forms the bottom of this end is fiat, and

only slightly below the level of the top edges of side walls 3134 (see FIG. 3). The other end of the recess is prov-ided with a well 46. This is substantially rectangular in outline, and surface 48 forming the bottom of :the well is considerably lower than surface 44. Adjacent well 46, dividing wall 36 is provided with a vertically extending channel 50. The channel, at approximately the level of surface 44, widens, and where the channel widens, locking shoulders 52 are presented. At the base of each Well and extending through base 30 is a round hole 53.

Each clamp mechanism 42 comprises three members, referred to herein as an anchoring member 54, a first or bottom clamp member 56, and a second or top clamp member 58. Anchoring member 54 is shown removed from the housing in FIGS. 9 and 10. First clamp member 56 is shown removed from the housing in FIG. 8, and second clamp member 53 is shown removed from the housing in FIG. 11.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, anchoring member 54 comprises, in operative position,

upright end walls

60, 62 and side wall 64, all joined together to define a channel shape. Extending transversely and joined to the front edges of

end walls

60, 62 is an elongated seat portion 66 bounded on its upper side a semi.cylindrical surface 66a. Along the outer surfaces of

end walls

60, 62 are vertical shoulders 67 and horizontal shoulders 68 joining with these vertical shoulders. The anchoring member is of a size that enables it to be fitted loosely into Well 46 by dropping it downwardly therein. When the member is moved snugly against dividing wall 36, hori- Zontal shoulders 68 slide under locking shoulders 52, and

end walls

60, 62 slide into the confines of channel 50. In this position, the anchoring member is held from movement up and down, and lateral movement to all sides but the side having seat portion 66. Portions of the recess so confining movement of the anchoring member constitute first restraining portions in the construction.

First clamp member 56, and now referring to FIGS. 3, =6, and 8, comprises an elongated bar portion 70 having three connectors. or tails 72 integral therewith and extending out to one side. One end of bar portion 70 has a convex, elongated, semicylindrioal bottom surface 70a shaped to fit within surface 66a of the anchoring member. The same end is provided with a concave, semicylindrical, upper surfiace 70b. Completing the description of the first clamp member, 74 indicates a vertical tightening flange integral with the bar member, and projecting to the side away from connector 72 are opposed curved fingers 73. The first clamp member in operative position is supported on the anchoring member, and is fitted on the anchoring member by placing fingers 73 about vertical shoulders 67. When the clamp member is in place, bar portion 70 rests on surface 44. Fingers 73 of the bottom housing portion surround shoulders 67. Surface 70a rests on surface 66a. (The shoulders 67, fingers 73, and surfaces 66a, 70a constitute interfi tting means confining the bottom or first clamp member and anchoring member from relative movement). Tightening flange 74 engages the inside of a side wall of the bottom housing portion (such as the inside of side wall 32 in FIG. 3), and holds the anchoring member locked in position in channel 50, such inside of a side wall constituting second restraining portions in the construction. I 1

Second clamp member 58, and referring to FIGS. 3, 6, and 11, comprises, in operative position, an upright post 80 and a transversely extending lip portion 82 integral with the post at its upper end. Lip portion 82 is provided with an elongated concave, semicylindrical clamp surface 82 that faces downwardly. The second clamp member is fitted into the anchoring member by sliding post 80 into the space bounded by

end walls

60, 62 and side wall 64. In this position, clamp surface 84 is located directly above concave surface 70b of bar portion 70. The clamping mechanism is secured to a conductor or strand by placing the conductor between clamp surface 84 and surface 70b,

and tightening the upper clamp member downwardly on the lower one using a screw 86 (see FIG. 5) turned into an internally threaded bore 88 provided the upper clamp member. The head of the screw is supported on the base of anchoring member 54 by a washer 90 (see FIG. 5 and access to the head is provided by hole 53. When the clamping mechanism is entirely assembled, it is held securely on the bottom housing portion by reason of the fact that the anchoring member is locked in place.

Top housing portion 12 that fits over bottom housing portion 14 is illustrated disassociated from the mechanism in FIG. 7. The housing portion comprises a top wall 92 and side and end

walls

94, 95, 96, and 97, all integral with each other.

End walls

96, 97 are provided with notches 98 to receive conductor-s passing out through the housing when the top and bottom portions are fitted together. Integral with top Wall 92 are downwardly depending walls 100, 162. Walls 100, .102 fit on either side of dividing wall 35 with the housing portions together, and the ends of dividing wall 36 fit within

end walls

96, 97, generally as indicated by the dashed outline of wall 36 in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 5, fastener 16 used in securing top and

bottom portions

12 and 14 together comprises a screw part 104 extensible from a shank portion 106. Shank portion 106 has an internally threaded bore 108 into which the screw part 104 is turned when bringing the housing portions together. The top of shank portion 106 is provided with a threaded extension 110. A nut 112 screwed onto the extension holds the top end of the fastener on top housing portion 12. The nut also holds a plate 113 on the top of the housing means, this plate having mechanism for tapping a ground conductor which in operative position for the mechanism passes over the plate and is secured thereto.

Shank 106 has a square cross-sectional outline, and fits within elongated

square holes

114, 116 provided the top and bottom housing portions, respectively. The square shape of the holes and shank inhibit relative turning of the housing portions when they are separated, as in FIG. 5.

Considering now how a ground conductor is secured to plate 113, and referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, joined to plate 113 are upstanding threaded studs 124. A pair of opposed grippers 126 are mounted on each stud. The grippers have turned-down corners that fit on opposite sides of a conductor. In FIG. 4, ground conductor 18 is fastened in place by passing it between the opposed grippers of each stud and tightening nuts 130.

The entire mechanism is supported on a messenger strand such as strand 24 using spring clips 120 detachably mounted on ears 118. The clips have loop portions 122 intermediate their ends adapted to be placed about a messenger strand. To place a messenger strand in a loop, a leg of the clip having the loop is pulled free from an ear 118, which permits the loop to be opened up.

Explaining how the tapping mechanism of the invention may be used with the usual triplex cable, a lineman first mounts the housing on the messenger strand, using spring clips 120 as just described. Grippers 126 on each stud are then separated by loosening nuts 130. The ground conductor or strand may then be placed within each pair of grippers. At the same time conductor pieces such as pieces 128 are secured in place as shown in FIG. 4. When nuts 130 are then tightened, the ground conductor is held securely, and the ends of conductor pieces 128 provide means for connecting a tapping conductor to the ground conductor, using conventional sleeve-type clamps.

To provide access to the clamping mechanisms within the housing, screw part 104 is backed out of shank portion 106, with the result that the lower housing portion drops below the upper housing portion while being suspended thereby. When the housing portions separated, each clamping mechanism on each side of dividing wall 36 may be loosened, to enable a charged conductor or strand to be placed therein. Important is the fact that during loosening, the anchoring members are locked in place in the housing, a considerable convenience factor as it enables a lineman to make proper adjustment easily with one hand. After a strand is placed between the first and second clamp members of a clamping mechanism, the clamp members may be drawn together using screw 86, and when tightened the entire clamping mechanism is securely held in the housing as explained. This feature is important, as it means that after a strand is properly installed on one side of the housing, the other side may be -worked upon, without fear of the parts on the said one side becoming dislocated. Three connectors or tails are provided for the connection of tapping conductors to each clamping mechanism, using conventional sleeve-type clamps. When both of the charged conductors are properly in place, screw part 104- may be turned to advance it into shank portion 106, with the housing portions moving together and finally assuming the position shown in FIGS. 1-4.

The housing, since it is made of an insulating or dielectric material, provides proper electrical insulation for the clamping mechanisms. Note that the charged conductors are separated by wall 36 at all times. Each of the clamping mechanisms is separable from the housing, so that it may be easily replaced if such should be necessary.

While there has been described an embodiment of the invention, it is appreciated that changes may be made in the parts and their arrangement without departing from the invention. It is desired not to be limited to the specific embodiment disclosed, but to cover all modifications and variations that would be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that come within the scope of the appended claims.

:It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. Conductor tapping mechanism comprising a housing portion, an anchoring member, a first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, said housing portion having wall portions defining a recess receiving the anchoring member and first clamp member, said recess being constructed to hold loosely the anchoring member and accommodate removal of the anchoring member from the housing portion with the first clamp member removed from the anchoring member, said recess having locking portions constructed to confine the anchoring member from movement with the first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, a second clamp member, and means for securing the second clamp member to said anchoring member with the first and second clamp members clamping onto a conductor, at least one of said members having at least one connector for the attachment of a conductor thereto.

2. Conductor tapping mechanism comprising a housing portion, an anchoring member, a first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, said housing portion having wall portions defining a recess receiving the anchoring member and first clamp member, said recess being constructed to hold loosely the anchoring member and accommodate removal of the anchoring member from the housing portion with the first clamp member removed from the anchoring member, said recess includ-. ing locking portions constructed to confine the anchoring member from movement with the first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, a second clamp member, and means for securing the second clamp member to said anchoring member, said first and second clamp members having clampnig portions adapted to be clamped onto a conductor, at least one of said clamp members having at least one connector for the attachment of a con nector for the attachment of a conductor thereto.

3. Conductor tapping mechanism comprising a housing portion, an anchoring member, a first clamp member supported on the anchoring member and removable therefrom, interfitting means integral with said first clamp and anchoring members confining the two from relative lateral movement, said housing portion having wall portions defining a recess receiving the anchoring and first clamp members, said recess being constructed to hold loosely the anchoring member and accommodate removal of the anchoring member from the housing portion with the first clamp member removed from the anchoring member, said recess, with the first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, having first restraining portions confining movement of the anchoring member up and down and to all sides but one side and second restraining portions engaging said first clamp member confining movement of the anchoring member to said one side, a second clamp member, and means for securing said second clamp member to said anchoring member with the first and second clamp members clamping onto a conductor, at least one of said members having at least one connector for the attachment of a conductor thereto.

4. Conductor tapping mechanism comprising a housing portion, an anchoring member, a first clamp member supported on the anchoring member and removable therefrom, interfitting means integral with said first clamp and anchoring members confining the two from relative lateral movement, said housing portion having wall por tions defining a recess receiving the anchoring and first clamp members, said recess being constructed to hold loosely the anchoring member and accommodate removal of the anchoring member from the housing portion with the first clamp member removed from the anchoring member, said recess, with the first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, having first restraining portions confining movement of the anchoring member up and down and to all sides but one side and second restraining portions engaging said first clamp member confining movement of the anchoring member to said one side, a second clamp member, and means for securing the second clamp member to said anchoring member, said first and second clamp members having clamping portions adapted to be clamped onto a conductor, at least one of said clamp members having at least one connector for the attachment of a conductor thereto.

5. Conductor tapping mechanism comprising a split housing having top and bottom housing portions, means for supporting the top housing portion on a strand, means for supporting the bottom housing portion on the top housing portion with the bottom housing portion separated from and spaced below the top housing portion, clamping mechanism for clamping onto a conductor including top and bottom clamp members that are adjustable toward and away from each other, at least one of the clamp members having a connector for the attachment of a conductor thereto, and means mounting the bottom clamp member on said bottom housing portion and constructed to confine the bottom clamp member from lateral shifting with the top and bottom clamp members adjusted away from each other and with the bottom housing portion separated from and below the top housing portion of the housing.

6. Conductor tapping mechanism comprising a split housing having a top and bottom housing portion, means for supporting the top housing portion on a strand, means for supporting the bottom housing portion on the top housing portion with the bottom housing portion separated from and spaced below the top housing portion, an anchoring member, a first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, said bottom housing portion having wall portions defining a recess receiving the anchoring member and first clamp member, said recess being constructed to hold loosely the anchoring member and accommodate removal of the anchornig member from the bottom housing portion with the first clamp member removed from the anchoring member, said recess having locking portions constructed to confine the anchoring 7 member from movement with the first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, a second clamp member, and means for securing the second clamp memher to said anchoring member with the first and second clamp member clamping onto a conductor, at least one of said members having at least one connector for the attachment of a conductor thereto.

7. Conductor tapping mechanism comprising a split housing with top and bottom housing portions, means for supporting the top housing portion on a strand, means for supporting the bottom housing portion on the top housing portion with the bottom housing portion separated from and spaced below the top housing portion, an anchoring member, a first clamp member supported on the anchoring member and removable therefrom, interfitting means provided integral with the first clamp and anchoring members confining the two from relative lateral movement, said bottom housing partition having wall portions defining a recess receiving the anchoring and the first clamp members, said recess, with the first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, having first restraining portions confining movement of the anchoring member up and down and to all sides but one side and second restraining portions engaging said first clamp member confining movement of the anchoring member to said one side, a second clamp member, and means for securing said second clamp member to said anchoring member with said first and second clamp members clamping onto a conductor, at least one of said members having at least one connector for the attachment of a conductor thereto.

8. Conductor tapping mechanism comprising a split housing having top and bottom housing portions, means for supporting the top housing portion on a strand, means for supporting the bottom housing portion on the top housing portion with the bottom housing portion separated from and spaced below the top housing portion, a pair of clamping mechanisms, each for clamping onto a conductor and each having top and bottom clamp members that are adjustable toward and away from each other, at least one of the clamp members of each clamping mechanism having a connector for the attachment of a conductor thereto, means mounting the clamping mechanisms on the bottom housing portion with one adjacent one side and one adjacent the other side of the housing portion, and a dividing wall of insulating material integral with the bottom housing portion disposed between the clamping mechanisms and constructed to isolate electrically one from the other.

9. The mechanism of claim -8 wherein each clamping mechanism further comprises an anchoring member with said bottom clamp member supported thereon, said bottom clamp member being removable from said anchoring member, the means mounting the clamping mechanism comprising wall portions defining a recess constructed to lock the anchoring member in position with said bottom clamp member supported on the anchoring member, and means for securing the top clamp member to said anchoring member.

10. Tapping mechanism for a triplex cable having a ground and two charged conductors comprising a split housing having top and bottom housing portions, means connected to the top housing portion adapted to be connected to the ground conductor of the cable and accommodating the connection of a tapping conductor thereto, fastener means connecting together the top and bottom housing portions and adjustable to enable separation of the housing portions with the bottom housing portion dropped below and supported by the top housing portion, a pair of clamping mechanisms for clamping onto the two charged conductors, each of said clamping mechanisms having top and bottom clamping members that are adjustable toward and away from each other, and means mounting the clamping mechanisms on said bottom housing portion with one adjacent one side and one adjacent the other side of the housing, said clamping members being removable separately from the housing.

ll. The tapping mechanism of claim 10 wherein the bottom housing portion further comprises a dividing wall of insulating material integral therewith and disposed between the two clamping mechanisms and constructed to isolate electrically one from the other.

12. The tapping mechanism of claim 10 wherein each clamping mechanism comprises a first and second clamp member and an anchoring member with the first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, said first clamp member and anchoring member having interfitting means integral therewith confining the two from relative lateral movement with the first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, said bottom housing portion having wall portions defining a recess receiving the clamping mechanism, said recess, with the first clamp member supported on the anchoring member, having first restraining portions confining movement of the anchoring member up ad down and to all sides but one side and second restraining portions engaging said first clamp member confining movement of the anchoring member to said one side.

13 Tapping mechanism for a triplex cable supported by a messenger strand, said cable having a ground and two charged conductors, said tapping mechanism comprising a split housing having top and bottom housing portions, means connected to the top housing portion for connecting it to the messenger strand, means secured to the top housing portion adapted to be connected to the ground conductor and accommodating the connection of a tapping conductor thereto, fastener means connecting together the top and bottom housing portions and adjustable to enable separation of the housing portions with the bottom housing portion dropped below and sup ported by the top housing portion, a pair of clamping mechanisms for clamping onto the two charged conductors, each having top and bottom clamping members that are adjustable toward and away from each other, and means mounting the clamping mechanisms on said bottom housing portion with one adjacent one side and one adjacent the other side of the housing, said clamping members being removable separately from the housing.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,929,861 Husted Mar. 22, 1960