Concentric retainer mechanism for variable diameter cables

• US 6,278,061 B1
• Filed: 10/28/1999
• Issued: 08/21/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avaya Technology Corporation Miami Lakes FLA US
• Original Assignee: Avaya Technology Corporation Miami Lakes FLA US
• Inventors: Daoud, Bassel Hage
• Primary Examiner(s): Reichard, Dean A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PATEL, DHIRUBHAI R
• Application Number:
  US09/428,728
• Time in Patent Office: 663 Days
• Field of Search: 174/65.R, 174/65.G, 174/65.SS, 174/11.BH, 174/135, 174/151, 248/56, 16/21, 16/22, 439/604
• US Class Current: 174/659
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/18 providing line outlets
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/22 Installations of cables or lines through walls, floors or ceilings, e.g. into buildings

Abstract

A cable retaining mechanism has a hollow body containing a plurality of projections extending radially into the hollow cavity. The projections are spaced equidistantly from each other and have a resiliency such that each projection exerts equal retaining pressure on the cable passing through the hollow body. The equal pressure retains the cable in a central location within the hollow body. This allows for symmetrical application of a shrinkable protective layer to secure the cable and mechanism.

Claims

1. A retainer mechanism for holding an elongated member therein, comprising:

a hollow body having a side wall defining a longitudinal hollow cavity for receiving the elongated member; and

a plurality of radial projections, each of said plurality of projections extending inwardly from said side wall;

said projections being equidistantly spaced and resilient for engaging and retaining the elongated member in a centered position relative to said side wall.

2. The retainer mechanism of claim 1 wherein each of said projections extends from a position along a perimetric line defined by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said side wall.

3. The retainer mechanism of claim 1 wherein said mechanism comprises at least three projections.

4. The retainer mechanism of claim 1, wherein said hollow body is substantially cylindrical in shape.

5. The retainer mechanism of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of projections is curved in a direction corresponding to an insertion direction of an elongated member.

6. The retainer mechanism of claim 5 wherein each perimetric path contains at least three projections.

7. The retainer mechanism of claim 5 wherein said projections of a first of said perimetric paths are in substantially non-overlapping, alternating relationship with said projections of a second of said perimetric paths.

8. The retainer mechanism of claim 5, wherein each of said plurality of projections is curved in a direction corresponding to an insertion direction of the elongated member.

9. A retainer mechanism for holding an elongated member therein, comprising:

a hollow body having a side wall defining a longitudinal hollow cavity for receiving the elongated member; and

a plurality of radial projections each extending inwardly from said side wall;

each of said projections being equidistantly spaced and resilient for engaging and retaining the elongated member in a centered position relative to said side wall;

wherein each of said projections extends from a position along one of at least two a perimetric line, each path is defined by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said side wall.

10. A retainer mechanism for holding an elongated member therein, comprising:

a hollow body having a side wall defining a longitudinal hollow cavity for receiving an elongated member; and

a plurality of radial projections each extending inwardly from said side wall;

said projections being equidistantly spaced and resilient for engaging and retaining the elongated member in a centered position relative to said side wall;

wherein said mechanism is adapted for elongate members having non-circular, oblong cross-sectional shapes by having at least four projections, arranged about 90 degrees from each other are employed for retaining the cable in a centered position.