Apparatus for isolating and reinforcing bend corners of flexible cable
US6194664A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02G3/0475
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for reinforcing a flexible cable has a series of alternating rigid and flexible segments that are fastened together to form a continuous support unit along most of the length of the cable. The rigid segments are preferably formed from stiff plastic while the flexible segments are formed from elastomeric material. The rigid segments typically have an elongated strip on one side of the cable, and a pair of front and rear, elongated tabs on the opposite side for clamping onto the cable. The strips and tabs have inner channels for accommodating the thickness of the cable between them. The flexible segments are soft but resilient sheet-like members that act as support hinges for the bend radii of the cable. Fasteners used to join the segments together. The cable is flexed at predefined flex points which are located adjacent to the flexible segments. The flex points do not move and are isolated between the fastened ends of the flexible segments. The ends of the cable are interconnected with the stationary and dynamic portions of an automated device. The dynamic portion moves relative to the stationary portion between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.