Wire bushing

A bushing is provided for a wire. The bushing includes a polymeric body that extends a length from an end to an opposite end. The body includes a pre-coiled shape wherein the body includes at least one coil defined between the ends. The body is biased to the pre-coiled shape and is flexible such that the body is configured to be at least partially unwound from the pre-coiled shape, against the bias, for wrapping the body around the wire. The body is resiliently unwindable from the pre-coiled shape such that the body is configured to at least partially return to the pre-coiled shape as the body is wrapped around the wire.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter described and/or illustrated herein relates generally to wires, and more particularly, to a bushing for wires.

Some wires that are terminated to connector assemblies include shim members. The shim member extends between the wire(s) and a component of the connector assembly. For example, the connector assembly may include a connector and a clamp or other support member that mounts on a rear end of the connector. The wire(s) extend through an opening within the support member and into the connector for termination thereby. The shim member extends radially between an outer circumference of the wire(s) and a radially inner surface of the support member, for example to provide stress and/or strain relief to the wire(s).

A length of tape is often used as a shim member. The tape is wrapped around the wire(s) until the tape builds to a radial thickness that is sized to fill the radial gap between the outer circumference of the wire(s) and the radially inner surface of the support member. But, tape is typically relatively thin such that it takes a relatively large number of wraps around the wire(s), and thus a relatively long length of tape, to fill the radial gap. For example, it may take up to 40 wraps and six feet of tape to build the tape to a radial thickness that fills a radial gap of between approximately 0.020 inch (0.051 cm) and approximately 1.000 inch (2.540 cm). Applying the relatively large number of wraps around the wire(s) is time consuming and labor intensive. The relatively long length of tape required to fill the radial gap may also be relatively expensive. Moreover, the tape is typically not reusable because the multiple wraps of tape adhere to each other and the wire(s) after being wrapped. Disposing of the tape after only a single use may be expensive and may require stocking a relatively large inventory of tape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a bushing is provided for a wire. The bushing includes a polymeric body that extends a length from an end to an opposite end. The body includes a pre-coiled shape wherein the body includes at least one coil defined between the ends. The body is biased to the pre-coiled shape and is flexible such that the body is configured to be at least partially unwound from the pre-coiled shape, against the bias, for wrapping the body around the wire. The body is resiliently unwindable from the pre-coiled shape such that the body is configured to at least partially return to the pre-coiled shape as the body is wrapped around the wire.

In another embodiment, a support assembly is provided for supporting a wire. The assembly includes a support member configured to support the wire, and a bushing having a polymeric body extending a length from an end to an opposite end. The body is configured to extend between the support member and the wire when the wire is supported by the support member. The body includes a pre-coiled shape wherein the body has at least one coil defined between the ends. The body is biased to the pre-coiled shape and is flexible such that the body is configured to be at least partially unwound from the pre-coiled shape, against the bias, for wrapping the body around the wire. The body is resiliently unwindable from the pre-coiled shape such that the body is configured to at least partially return to the pre-coiled shape as the body is wrapped around the wire.

In another embodiment, a bushing is provided for a wire. The bushing includes a polymeric body extending a length from an end to an opposite end. The body includes a natural resting position that includes a curve extending between the ends. The body is flexible such that the curve is configured to be at least partially unwound for wrapping the body around the wire. The body is resilient such that the body is configured to at least partially return to the natural resting position as the body is wrapped around the wire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a bushing10for one or more wires12(FIGS. 3 and 4). As will be described below in more detail, the bushing10is wrapped around the wire(s)12, for example, to hold the wire(s)12, support the wire(s)12, protect the wire(s)12, electrically insulate the wire(s)12, cushion the wire(s)12, provide strain and/or stress relief to the wire(s)12, and/or the like. The bushing10may be wrapped around any number of wires12. In some embodiments, the bushing10is wrapped around a plurality of wires12, which may or may not be grouped together as a cable.

The bushing10includes a body14that extends a length from an end16to an opposite end18. The body14of the bushing10includes opposite sides20and22that extend along the length of the body14from the end16to the end18. The sides20and22also extend along a width of the body14from a side end24of the body to an opposite side end26of the body14. A thickness T of the body14is defined between the sides20and22. The body14may include any thickness T. In some embodiments, the thickness T of the body14is at least approximately 0.050 inch (0.127 cm). For example, in some embodiments the thickness T of the body14is approximately 0.060 inch (0.152 cm). Moreover, in some embodiments, the thickness T of the body14is between approximately 0.050 inch (0.127 cm) and approximately 0.200 inch (0.508 cm). Further, in some embodiments, the thickness T of the body14is between approximately 0.100 inch (0.254 cm) and approximately 0.150 inch (0.381 cm).

Optionally, the body14of the bushing10includes one or more ribs28that extends along at least a portion of the length of the body14. In the exemplary embodiment, the body14includes a rib28at the side end24and a rib28at the side end26. As will be described below, the optional ribs28may facilitate preventing the body14from unraveling and/or telescoping during use. In the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10, each rib28is formed by a bend of the body14proximate the corresponding side end24or26, as can be seen inFIG. 1. Alternatively, one or both of the ribs28is formed by extra material added to the thickness T of the body14. Moreover, one or both of the ribs28may be formed by molding or profile extrusion.

The body14of the bushing10is shown inFIG. 1in a pre-coiled shape. The pre-coiled shape of the body14includes one or more coils30. Each coil30is defined as a curved segment (e.g., a loop, ring, curl, wrapping, and/or the like) of the length of the body14that curves around a central longitudinal axis32of the pre-coiled shape of the body14. In the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10, the body14includes a plurality of coils30that are wound into a spiral shape. In other words, the length of the body14of the bushing10is wound into a spiral shape beginning with the end16and terminating at the end18. The pre-coiled shape of the body14includes a radially outermost (relative to the central longitudinal axis32) coil30athat includes the end16. The pre-coiled shape of the body14further includes a series of sequential inner coils30b-30gthat extend from the outermost coil30a. The inner coils30b-30ginclude a radially innermost (relative to the central longitudinal axis32) coil30g, which includes the end18of the body14. Beginning with the outermost coil30aand moving along the length of the body14toward the end18, each subsequent coil30b-30gis nested within the previous coil30a-30f, respectively. Specifically, each coil30b-30gextends radially between the central longitudinal axis32and each previous coil30a-30f. The nesting of the coils30b-30gdefines the spiral path of the pre-coiled shape of the body14. As can be seen inFIG. 1, the end18of the body14is nested within the coils30a-30g. The end16may be referred to herein as an “outer end”, while the end18may be referred to herein as an “inner end”.

Although seven coils30are shown and described herein, the pre-coiled shape of the body14may include any number of the coils30. In the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10, each of the coils30a-30fis defined by a corresponding segment of the length of the body14that extends a 360° angular length. In contrast to the other coils30a-30f, as shown the innermost coil30gof the pre-coiled shape of the body14does not extend a 360° angular length in the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10. Rather, the innermost coil30gextends approximately 180° in angular length. However, the innermost coil30gmay extend any angular length, including 360° angular length. In the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10, the pre-coiled shape of the body14includes a central opening34. Alternatively, the end18is engaged with adjacent segments of the body14such that the pre-coiled shape of the body14does not include the central opening34. The central opening34may enable the bushing10to be more easily manufactured.

The pre-coiled shape of the body14of the bushing10is not limited to the spiral shape shown inFIG. 1. In some alternative embodiments, the pre-coiled shape of the body14includes a plurality of coils30that are wound into a helical shape in addition (commonly referred to as a “conic helix”) or alternative (commonly referred to as a “helix”) to the spiral shape. Moreover, in some alternative embodiments, the pre-coiled shape of the body14includes a single coil30. Examples of some alternative embodiments wherein the pre-coiled shape of the body14includes a single coil will be described below.

The body14of the bushing10is biased to the pre-coiled shape shown inFIG. 1. In other words, the pre-coiled shape of the body14is the natural resting position of the body14, which includes a curve. The body14is flexible such that the body14can be at least partially unwound, against the bias, from the pre-coiled shape. Unwinding of the body14enables the body14to be wrapped around the wire(s)12, as will be described in more detail below. In the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10, the body14is sufficiently flexible such that the body14can be completely unwound from the pre-coiled shape to the shape of the bushing10shown inFIG. 2. The body14is optionally sufficiently flexible such that the body14can be partially or completely unwound from the pre-coiled shape by a user without using any tools.

The bushing body14is resilient such that the body14is resiliently unwindable from the pre-coiled shape. Accordingly, after the body14has been at least partially unwound from the pre-coiled shape, when a user releases the body14the body14is configured to at least partially return to the pre-coiled shape. In other words, the bias of the body14to the pre-coiled shape causes the body14to at least partially return to the pre-coiled shape. The extent that the body14returns to the pre-coiled shape will depend on a plurality of factors, such as, but not limited to, the amount of resilience selected for the body14, the number and/or overall diameter of the wire(s)12that the body14is wrapped around, the size of the central opening34when the body14is in the pre-coiled shape and is not wrapped around any wire(s)12, the length of the body14, and/or the like. For example, if the overall diameter of the wire(s)12that the body is being wrapped around is greater than the size of the central opening34when the body14is in the pre-coiled shape and is not wrapped around any wire(s)12, the body14will only partially return to the pre-coiled shape after being wrapped around the wire(s)12. It should be understood that the number of coils30of the body14in the pre-coiled shape may be greater or less than the number of times that the body14is wrapped around the wire(s)12depending on the size (e.g., overall diameter) of the wire(s)12as compared to the length of the body14. In some embodiments, the amount of resilience of the body14is selected such that the body14, after being partially or completely unwound from the pre-coiled shape, will completely return to the pre-coiled shape if nothing (e.g., a structure such as the wire(s)12that the body14is wrapped around) obstructs the body14.

As described above, the body14of the bushing10extends a thickness T between the sides20and22. The body14is optionally at least partially compressible along the thickness T of the body14. In other words, the body14is optionally compressible such that the sides20and22can be pushed closer to each other. In the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10, the body14is resiliently compressible along the thickness T. In other words, after being at least partially compressed along the thickness T, the body14is biased to at least partially return to the natural resting thickness of the body14once the body14is released from the compression. When the body14is wrapped around the wire(s)12, the compressibility of the body14along the thickness T provides a cushion between the wire(s)12and a support member46(FIGS. 3 and 4) that supports the wire(s)12, as will be described below. The amount of compressibility of the body14along the thickness T may be selected to provide a predetermined amount of cushioning between the wire(s)12and the support member46. When the body14is resiliently compressible along the thickness T, the body14may provide an increased amount of cushioning between the wire(s)12and the support member46.

The bushing body14may be fabricated from any materials that enable the body14to function as described and/or illustrated herein. In some embodiments, the body14is fabricated from a polymeric material. For example, in some embodiments the body14is fabricated from a thermoplastic material (e.g., polyethylene and/or the like), an elastomeric material (e.g., a silicone, a silicone compound, and/or the like), and/or the like. An elastomeric material may provide the resilience of the body14with respect to the bias to the pre-coiled shape and/or the bias to the natural resting thickness of the body14.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the bushing10illustrating a shape of the bushing10before the bushing10is formed into the pre-coiled shape.FIG. 2also illustrates the shape of the body14of the bushing10after the body14has been completely unwound from the pre-coiled shape shown inFIG. 1. The body14may be fabricated using any process, structure, means, method, and/or the like. Moreover, the body14may be formed into the pre-coiled shape using any process, structure, means, method, and/or the like. In the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10, the body14is extruded to fabricate the body14having the shape shown inFIG. 2. Any extrusion molding, and/or skiving process, structure, mean, method, and/or the like may be used to fabricate the body14with the shape shown inFIG. 2. As can be seen inFIG. 2, the extruded body14extends the length from the end16to the end18and includes the sides20and22that extend along the length of the body14from the end16to the end18. The thickness T of the body14is defined between the sides20and22. The body14also extends the width from the side end24to the side end26, and includes the ribs28at the side ends24and26.

After the body14has been fabricated with the shape shown inFIG. 2, the body14may be cut to a desired length. The desired length that the body14is cut to may be selected to enable the body14to be used with a specific support member46and/or a specific single wire12, bundle of wires12, and/or cable. For example, the body14of the bushing10may be cut to a length that enables the bushing10to be used with a single wire12, bundle of wires12, and/or cable of a specific overall diameter. The length that the body14is cut to may be selected to enable the body14to be used with a specifically-sized (e.g., the opening56) support member46. Moreover, the body14of the bushing10may be cut to a length that provides the body14with a predetermined number of coils30and/or that provides the body14with a predetermined number of wrappings around the selected single wire12, bundle of wires12, and/or cable. In some embodiments, after the body14has been fabricated with the shape shown inFIG. 2, the body14is cut into a plurality of bodies14that define a plurality of bushings10of the same and/or different lengths. In other words, a plurality bodies14may be cut from a single strip of material that has been fabricated with the shape shown inFIG. 2.

To form the body14into the pre-coiled shape, the body14is wrapped around a mandrel (not shown) into the pre-coiled shape. The body14is optionally thermoformed and/or optionally cross-linked to set the body14into the pre-coiled shape. The body14may be cross-linked using any process, structure, means, method, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, chemical cross-linking (e.g., via peroxide, another cross-linking agent, and/or the like), radiation cross-linking (e.g., by an electron beam, a gamma radiation source, and/or the like), and/or the like.

As discussed above, the body14of the bushing10is not limited to being extruded, wrapped around a mandrel, thermoformed, or cross-linked. Rather, the body14may be fabricated and formed into the pre-coiled shape using any process, structure, means, method, and/or the like. For example, in addition or alternative to being extruded, the body14may be molded, may be cut, and/or may be fabricated out of heat shrink tubing. Examples of some alternative embodiments for fabricating the body14and forming the body14into the pre-coiled shape, as well as the structures resulting therefrom, will be described below.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a wire and connector assembly40that includes the bushing10.FIG. 4is another perspective view of the wire and cable assembly40taken from a different angle thanFIG. 3. The wire and connector assembly40includes a connector sub-assembly42, one or more of the wires12, and the bushing10. The connector sub-assembly42includes a connector44that terminates the wires12and is configured to mate with a mating connector (not shown) to electrically and/or optically connect the wires12to the mating connector. In the exemplary embodiment of the assembly40, the connector44terminates a plurality of the wires12. It should be understood that the connector44may terminate any number of wires12, including a single wire12. In the exemplary embodiment of the assembly40, each wire12includes an insulation layer that is discrete from the insulation layer of the other wires12. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the wires12do not include a discrete insulating layer. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment of the assembly40, the wires12are grouped together without using a common jacket, which is commonly referred to as a “wire bundle” and/or a “wire harness”. But, in some alternative embodiments, the plurality of wires12are surrounded by a common jacket (whether or not any of the wires12include a discrete insulating layer), which is commonly referred to as a “cable”. As used herein, the term “wire” is not limited to an electrical wire or an optical wire. In other words, each of the wires described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., the wires12) need not include an electrical conductor or an optical conductor. Rather, each wire may be any elongate structure, whether generally rigid or generally flexible, that one or more of the bushings described and/or illustrated herein (e.g., the bushing10) is capable of being wrapped around. In some alternative embodiments, one or more of the wires described and/or illustrated herein is a conduit (e.g., a tube and/or the like) that is configured to carry a fluid (e.g., a fuel, air, and/or the like). Moreover, in some alternative embodiments, one or more of the wires described and/or illustrated herein is a solid rod.

The connector sub-assembly42includes the connector44and a support member46that mounts to a rear end of the connector44for supporting the wires12. The connector44includes an optional mounting flange45, for example for mounting the connector to a wall, panel, and/or the like. In the exemplary embodiment of the assembly40, the support member46is a clamp. But, the support member46may alternatively be another structure, such as, but not limited to, a panel through which the wires12are passed through and/or the like. In the exemplary embodiment of the assembly40, the support member46is a saddle clamp that includes a body50and a pair of opposing clamping members52and54that are mounted to the body50and that are discrete from each other. Optionally, one or both of the clamping members52and54is hingedly mounted on the body for rotation relative thereto. The support member46includes an opening56for receiving the wires12therethrough. The opening56extends between the clamping members52and54and through the body50of the support member46. In some alternative embodiments, the support member46is another type of clamp, such as, but not limited to a P-clamp and/or the like. A combination of the support member46and the bushing10may be referred to herein as a “support assembly”.

When installed within the assembly40, the body14of the bushing10is wrapped around the wires12in a position within the opening56of the support member46such that the body14extends radially between the wires12and the clamping members52and54. The bushing10can be installed within the assembly40after the wires12have been terminated to the connector44, which is commonly referred to as a “side entry”. For example, after terminating the wires12to the connector44, the support member46may be mounted on the connector44. Alternatively the support member46is mounted on the connector44before the wires12are terminated to the connector44. The body14of the bushing10is then at least partially unwound from the pre-coiled shape and wrapped around the circumference of the bundle of wires12at a location along the length of the wires12that is spaced from the support member46. Once the bushing body14has been wrapped around the wires12, the body14is moved along the length of the wires12toward the support member46until the body14is in position within the opening56wherein the body14extends radially between the wires12and the clamping members52and54. The clamping members52and54may be loosened relative to each other to facilitate insertion of the bushing body14into the opening56. Once the body14of the bushing10is positioned within the opening56between the wires12and the clamping members52and54, the clamping members52and54are tightened relative to each other until at least the clamping members52and54are engaged with the body14. Optionally, the clamping members52and54may be tightened relative to each other sufficiently to at least partially compress the body14of the bushing10between the wires12and the clamping members52and54. In some alternative embodiments, the support member46is mounted on the connector44after the bushing body14has been wrapped around the wires12.

Referring now solely toFIG. 4, in the exemplary embodiment of the assembly40, the length of the body14as compared to the overall diameter of the bundle of wires12is such that the number of wrappings of the body14around the bundle of wires12is the same as the number of coils30of the body14. Specifically, the innermost coil30gof the body is wrapped around and engaged with the circumference of the bundle of wires12. Notably, in the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10, the innermost coil30gis only wrapped around a portion of the circumference of the bundle of wires12because the innermost coil30ghas an angular length of less than 360°. A portion of the length of the coil30fis also wrapped around and engaged with the circumference of the bundle of wires12. The remainder of the coil30fis wrapped around the wires12and the coil30gin engagement with the coil30g. Each successive coil30e-30a(moving along the length of the body14toward the end16) is wrapped around the wires12and the previous coil30f-30b, respectively, in engagement with the previous coil30f-30b, respectively. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments wherein the coils30of the bushing body14have a helical shape, successive coils30along the length of the body14may or may not be engaged with (i.e., overlap) the previous coil30.

When the body14of the bushing10is installed within the assembly40as described above and shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, stiction between the body14and the bundle of wires12, stiction between the body14and the clamping members52and54, and/or stiction between the coils30of the body14facilitates holding the body14in position along the length of the wires12. Stiction between the body14and the bundle of wires12, stiction between the body14and the clamping members52and54, and/or stiction between the coils30of the body14may facilitate preventing the body14from unwinding and/or telescoping. Moreover, the optional ribs28may also facilitate preventing the body14from unwinding and/or telescoping. Notably, in the exemplary embodiment of the assembly40, the body14of the bushing10does not include an adhesive thereon. Because of the stiction and/or the ribs28, adhesive is not necessary to hold the body14in position along the length of the wires12, nor to prevent the body14from unwinding or telescoping. In some alternative embodiments, one or both of the sides20and22(FIGS. 1 and 2) of the body14includes an adhesive.

In the exemplary embodiment of the assembly40, the bushing10is wrapped around a plurality of the wires12. But, the body14of the bushing10may be wrapped around any number of wires12, including a single wire12. Although each wire12includes an insulation layer that is discrete from the insulation layer of the other wires12, alternatively the bushing body14may be wrapped around one or more wires12that do not include a discrete insulating layer. In some alternative embodiments, the body14of the bushing10is wrapped around a cable (i.e., a plurality of wires12surrounded by a common jacket, whether or not any of the wires12includes a discrete insulating layer). As discussed above, in the exemplary embodiment of the assembly40, the length of the body14as compared to the overall diameter of the bundle of wires12is such that the number of wrappings of the body14around the bundle of wires12is the same as the number of coils30of the body14. But, the number of coils30of the body14in the pre-coiled shape may alternatively be greater or less than the number of times that the body14is wrapped around the wire(s)12. The length of the body14of the bushing10, the number of coils30of the body14in the pre-coiled shape, the thickness T of the body14, and/or the amount of compressibility of the body14may be selected to provide a predetermined number of wrappings between the support member46and a predetermined overall diameter of a single wire12, a bundle of wires12, and/or a cable. In some embodiments, a single body14accommodates a range of overall diameters of a single wire12, a bundle of wires12, and/or a cable.

As described above, the bushing10may be used to hold the wires12, support the wires12, cushion the wires12, protect the wires12, electrically insulate the wires12, provide strain and/or stress relief to the wires12, and/or the like. For example, the bushing10provides strain and/or stress relief to the wires12by shimming the radial gap between the wires12and the clamping members52and54of the support member46. In other words, the body14of the bushing10extends radially between the wires12and the clamping members52and54such that the body14fills the radial gap between the wires12and the clamping members52and54. Accordingly, the bushing10may be used in place of a foam, a grommet, a tape, or any other type of shim member for shimming the radial gap between the wires12and the clamping members52and54. In some embodiments, and for example, the body14of the bushing10fills a radial gap between the wires12and the clamping members52and54of between approximately 0.020 inch (0.051 cm) and approximately 1.000 inch (2.540 cm). The bushing10may electrically insulate the wires12and/or may protect the wires12against abrasion resulting from vibration, torque, twist, and/or the like of the wires12and/or the connector sub-assembly42. Moreover, the bushing10may prevent foreign object debris (FOD) from entering the connector44and/or lodging between the wires12and the support member46, which thereby protects the connector44, the support member46, and/or the wires12from damage caused by such FOD. The bushing10may provide a cushion between the wires12and the support member46, which may dampen vibrations and other forces that may damage the wires12, the connector44, and/or the support member46. The thickness T (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the body14, the number of wrappings around the wires12, and/or the amount of compressibility of the body14(including whether the body14is resiliently compressible) may be selected to provide the bushing10with a predetermined amount of cushioning and/or dampening. Further, the bushing10may be used as a wire management device that holds, supports, and/or organizes the wires12. For example, the bushing10may be used to hold the bundle of wires12together. Moreover, the bushing10may be used as a marking or labeling device using any type of mark, label, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, color coding, ink jet marking, laser, marking, and/or the like.

The bushing10is reusable. For example, the bushing10may be removed from the assembly40and used with a different wire(s)12, cable, and/or connector sub-assembly42. Specifically, when the bushing10is removed from the assembly40by unwrapping the body14from around the wires12, the bushing body14will at least partially return to the pre-coiled shape. The bushing can thereafter be unwound from the pre-coiled shape and wrapped around the different wire(s)12and/or cable. Moreover, the bushing10may be reused with the same assembly40after the connector44or another component of the assembly40has been reworked. For example, to rework the connector44, the clamping members52and54are loosened relative to each other and the bushing10is unwrapped from around the wires12(and at least partially returns to the pre-coiled shape). The connector44can then be reworked as desired. After the connector44has been reworked, the bushing10is unwound from the pre-coiled shape and re-wrapped around the wires12.

The bushing10is not limited to being used with a support member that mounts to a connector that terminates one or more wires. For example, bushing10may be used with a mounting member that is used to mount the one or more wires to a structure.FIG. 5is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a wire assembly140that includes the bushing10. The wire assembly140includes a support member146, a cable111, and the bushing10. In alternative to the cable111, the wire assembly140may include one or more of the wires12. The cable111includes a plurality of wires (not visible) surrounded by a common jacket113. In the exemplary embodiment of the assembly140, the support member146is a P-clamp that is used to mount the cable111to structure (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a wall, a panel, a floor, a ceiling, and/or the like. The support member146includes a body150having a single, circular-shaped, clamping member152. The clamping member152defines an opening156for receiving the cable111therethrough. The clamping member152includes a flange153that receives a fastener155for tightening and loosening the clamping member152and/or for mounting the support member146to the structure. When installed within the assembly140as shown inFIG. 5, the body14of the bushing10is wrapped around the cable111in a position within the opening156of the support member146such that the body14extends radially between the cable111and the clamping member152. A combination of the support member146and the bushing10may be referred to herein as a “support assembly”. The support member146may be referred to herein as a “mounting member”.

The bushing10may provide strain and/or stress relief to the cable111by shimming the radial gap between the cable111and the clamping member152of the support member146. The bushing10may electrically insulate the cable111. The bushing10may protect the cable111against abrasion resulting from vibration, torque, twist, and/or the like of the cable111and/or the support member146. Moreover, the bushing10may prevent FOD from lodging between the cable111and the support member146, which thereby protects the support member146and/or the cable111from damage caused by such FOD. The bushing10may provide a cushion between the cable111and the support member146, which may dampen vibrations and other forces that may damage the cable111and/or the support member146. The thickness T (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the body14, the number of wrappings around the cable111, and/or the amount of compressibility of the body14(including whether the body14is resiliently compressible) may be selected to provide the bushing10with a predetermined amount of cushioning and/or dampening. Further, the bushing10may be used as a marking or labeling device using any type of mark, label, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, color coding, ink jet marking, laser, marking, and/or the like.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a wire assembly240that includes the bushing10. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6, the bushing10is used as a wire management device. The wire assembly240includes the bushing10and one or more wires212. In the exemplary embodiment of the assembly240, the assembly240includes a bundle of a plurality of wires212. The body14of the bushing10is wrapped around the wires212. Specifically, the body14of the bushing10is first at least partially unwound from the pre-coiled shape and thereafter wrapped around the circumference of the bundle of wires212. When wrapped around the bundle of wires212, the body14of the bushing10holds and organizes the wires212. For example, the bushing10holds the wires212together in the bundle.

The bias of the bushing body14to the pre-coiled shape, stiction between the body14and the bundle of wires212, and/or stiction between the coils30of the body14facilitates holding the body14in place around the wires212. For example, the bias of the body14of the bushing10, stiction between the body14and the bundle of wires212, and/or stiction between the coils30of the body14may facilitate preventing the body14from unwinding and/or telescoping. Moreover, the optional ribs28may also facilitate preventing the body14from unwinding and/or telescoping. Notably, in the exemplary embodiment of the assembly240, the body14of the bushing10does not include an adhesive thereon. Because of the bias, the stiction, and/or the ribs28, adhesive is not necessary to hold the body14in place around the bundle of wires212, nor to prevent the body14from unwinding or telescoping. In some alternative embodiments, one or both of the sides20and22(FIGS. 1 and 2) of the body14includes an adhesive.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a wire assembly340that includes the bushing10. The wire assembly340includes a support member346, a cable311, and the bushing10. In alternative to the cable311, the wire assembly340may include one or more of the wires12. The cable311includes a plurality of wires (not visible) surrounded by a common jacket313. In the exemplary embodiment of the assembly340, the support member346is a structure (such as, but not limited to, a wall, a panel, a floor, a ceiling, and/or the like) having an opening356through which the cable311is passed. When installed within the assembly340as shown inFIG. 7, the body14of the bushing10is wrapped around the cable311in a position within the opening356of the support member346such that the body14extends radially between the cable311and the support member346. A combination of the support member346and the bushing10may be referred to herein as a “support assembly”.

The bushing10may provide strain and/or stress relief to the cable311by shimming the radial gap between the cable311and the support member346. The bushing10may electrically insulate and/or seal the cable311. The bushing10may protect the cable311against abrasion resulting from vibration, torque, twist, and/or the like of the cable311and/or the support member346. Moreover, the bushing10may prevent FOD from lodging between the cable311and the support member346, which thereby protects the support member346and/or the cable311from damage caused by such FOD. The bushing10may provide a cushion between the cable311and the support member346, which may dampen vibrations and other forces that may damage the cable311and/or the support member346. Moreover, the bushing10may be used as a marking or labeling device using any type of mark, label, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, color coding, ink jet marking, laser, marking, and/or the like.

FIG. 8is a plan view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a bushing410for the one or more wires12(FIGS. 3 and 4), wherein the pre-coiled shape of the bushing410includes a single coil430. The bushing410includes a body414that extends a length from an end416to an opposite end418. The body414includes opposite sides420and422that extend along the length of the body414from the end416to the end418and that define a thickness T1of the body414therebetween. The body414of the bushing410is shown inFIG. 8in a pre-coiled shape. The pre-coiled shape of the body414includes a single coil430. The coil430is a curved segment (e.g., a loop, ring, curl, wrapping, and/or the like) of the body414that curves around a central longitudinal axis432of the pre-coiled shape of the body414. In the exemplary embodiment of the bushing410, the coil430defines an entirety of the length of the body414. Alternatively, the coil430defines only a portion of the length of the body414(e.g., the end416and/or the end418includes a flange (not shown) that extends radially outwardly relative to the central longitudinal axis432). A bushing including a single coil is suitable for use when the bushing surrounds a rigid or relatively rigid substrate that is to be used with a clamp or other device to maintain the bushing and the abutted ends416,418in position. Such substrates, such as relatively stiff cable jackets or pipes for carrying fuel, generally do not collapse when a clamp is attached and avoid wrinkling of the bushing that may occur when used with flexible substrates such as wires.

In the exemplary embodiment of the bushing410, the ends416and418of the body414are approximately aligned with each other along the central longitudinal axis432. In other words, the center of a width of the body414at the end416and the center of the width of the body414at the end418lie approximately in a common plane that extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis432and parallel to an axis434that extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis432. Accordingly, the coil430does not follow a helical path. Alternatively, the ends416and418of the body414are offset from each other along the central longitudinal axis432such that the coil430follows a helical path. In alternative embodiments wherein the coil430follows a helical path, the end416or the end418may extend past the other end416or418. In other words, in alternative embodiments wherein the coil430follows a helical path, the angular length of the body414is optionally greater than 360°. In such alternative embodiments wherein the coil430follows a helical path and the angular length of the body414is greater than 360°, the body414may be considered to include a single coil430having of an angular length greater than 360° or may be considered to have two coils430(i.e., an outermost coil having an angular length of 360° and an inner coil having an angular length of less than 360°). Moreover, with respect to such alternative embodiments wherein the coil(s)430follows a helical path and the angular length of the body414is greater than 360°, each of the ends416and418may be referred to herein as an “outer end” or as an “inner end”.

The ends416and418of the body414oppose each other and, in the exemplary embodiment of the bushing10, abut each other because of the alignment of the ends416and418along the central longitudinal axis432. The coil430has an approximately constant curvature along the length of the body414in the exemplary embodiment of the bushing410. In other words, the coil430has the shape of a circle. Accordingly, the coil430does not follow a spiral path. But, the curvature of the coil430may alternatively be non-constant along the length of the body414such that the ends416and418are offset from each other along an axis436that is perpendicular to the axis434. In other words, in some alternative embodiments, the coil430follows a spiral path. In alternative embodiments wherein the coil430follows a spiral path, the end416or the end418may extend past the other end416or418. In other words, in alternative embodiments wherein the coil430follows a spiral path, the angular length of the body414is optionally greater than 360°. In such alternative embodiments wherein the coil430follows a spiral path and the angular length of the body414is greater than 360°, the body414may be considered to include a single coil430having an angular length greater than 360° or may be considered to have two coils430(i.e., an outermost coil having an angular length of 360° and an inner coil having an angular length of less than 360°). Further, in such alternative embodiments wherein the coil(s)430follows a spiral path and the angular length of the body414is greater than 360°, the end416or418is nested within the single coil430(or the outermost coil when the body414is considered to have two coils430). Moreover, with respect to such alternative embodiments wherein the coil(s)430follows a spiral path and the angular length of the body414is greater than 360°, each of the ends416and418may be referred to herein as an “outer end” or as an “inner end”. It should be understood that, in some alternative embodiments, the coil(s)430of the body414may follow both a spiral and a helical path.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a bushing510for the one or more wires12(FIGS. 3 and 4) fabricated using an exemplary alternative fabrication embodiment. The bushing510includes a body514that has been formed into a pre-coiled shape that includes a plurality of coils530wound into a spiral shape. The body514is fabricated using heat shrink tubing. Specifically, a heat shrink tubing extends from an end524to an opposite end526. The heat shrink tubing is severed from the end524to the end526to define a body514that includes opposite ends516and518. The body514extends a length from the end516to the end518, and extends a width from the end524to the end526. The body514is then wrapped around a mandrel (not shown) into the pre-coiled shape. The body514is optionally thermoformed and optionally cross-linked to set the body514into the pre-coiled shape. The body514may be cross-linked using any process, structure, means, method, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, chemical cross-linking (e.g., via peroxide, another cross-linking agent, and/or the like), radiation cross-linking (e.g., by an electron beam, a gamma radiation source, and/or the like), and/or the like.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of another exemplary alternative embodiment of a bushing610for the one or more wires12(FIGS. 3 and 4) fabricated using another exemplary alternative fabrication embodiment. The bushing610includes a body614that is shown inFIG. 10before the bushing610is formed into a pre-coiled shape.FIG. 10also illustrates the shape of the body614after the body614has been completely unwound from the pre-coiled shape. The body614is fabricated by being molded to fabricate the body614having the shape shown inFIG. 10. Any molding process, structure, mean, method, and/or the like may be used to fabricate the body614with the shape shown inFIG. 10. The molded body614extends a length from an end616to an opposite end618, and extends a width from a side end624to an opposite side end626. The side ends624and626intersect the ends616and618at corners619. The body614includes opposite sides620and622that extend along the length of the body614from the end616to the end618. A thickness of the body614optionally tapers inwardly at the end616and/or the end618, as can be seen inFIG. 10. Moreover, the width of the body614optionally tapers inwardly at the end616and/or the end618. Optionally, one or more of the corners619is rounded.

To form the body614into the pre-coiled shape, the body614is wrapped around a mandrel (not shown) into the pre-coiled shape. In the pre-coiled shape, the body614includes a plurality of coils (not shown) wound into a spiral shape. The body614is optionally thermoformed and/or optionally cross-linked to set the body614into the pre-coiled shape. The body614may be cross-linked using any process, structure, means, method, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, chemical cross-linking (e.g., via peroxide, another cross-linking agent, and/or the like), radiation cross-linking (e.g., by an electron beam, a gamma radiation source, and/or the like), and/or the like.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of another exemplary alternative embodiment of a bushing710for the one or more wires12(FIGS. 3 and 4) fabricated and formed into a pre-coiled shape using an exemplary alternative fabrication and forming embodiment. The bushing710includes a body714that has been formed into a pre-coiled shape that includes a plurality of coils730wound into a spiral shape. The body714is fabricated by molding a cross-linked material to fabricate the body714with the general disc-shape shown inFIG. 11. More specifically, the molded body714does not yet include the coils730. Any molding process, structure, mean, method, and/or the like may be used to fabricate the body714. The body714is then cut to define the coils730. More specifically, the spiral path of the coils730is cut from the molded disc-shaped body714. Any cutting process, structure, mean, method, and/or the like may be used to cut the spiral path of the coils730, such as, but not limited to, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, and/or the like.

The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide a bushing that takes less time and/or is less labor intensive to install than at least some known shim members. The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide a bushing that is less expensive to manufacture and/or install than at least some known shim members. The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide a bushing that is reusable.