Bracket device and method

A bracket device to secure a tail wire of a drop wire clamp to a structure including a base having a surface. The bracket device further includes a retention hook having a first end, a second end, and retention region defined between the first end and second end. The first end of the retention hook is coupled to the base surface, and the second end of the retention hook is disposed at a predetermined distance from the base surface to define a gap therebetween having a width. The bracket device further includes a locking nut that is cooperatively coupled to the second end of the retention hook and adapted to move between an unlocked position to permit a wire to enter the retention region and a locked position in which a wire is retained by the retention hook in the retention region by a reduction of the gap width.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosed Subject Matter

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to devices and methods to secure a wire to a structure.

Description of the Related Art

Bracket devices are commonly used in conjunction with drop wire clamps to secure telecommunication wires and the like to both round and flat structures. For example, such devices can be used to secure telephone cables, television cables, network cables, fiber optic cables, and the like to buildings, utility poles, or other structures. Often bracket devices are used to secure wires at an intermediate portion thereof to a point on a structure. For example, bracket devices are commonly used to secure a wire or wires to the outside of buildings at a point just short of the position in which the wires enter the building.

Bracket devices to secure wires to structures are known in the art. Some bracket devices are designed to cooperate with clamps, such as drop wire clamps disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,517,317 and 6,581,251, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. Some known bracket devices, however, have deficiencies. For example, light-weight and springy wires, such as a fiber-optic wires can be dislodged from traditional bracket devices such as hooks due to wind whipping or other forces. Additionally, some wires tend to resist bending and may act as springs when subjected to various loads and bending. This springing action of the wire can cause the wire to jump out of a bracket device that secured the wire to a structure. Furthermore, installation of some bracket devices can be difficult.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved bracket device that overcomes at least the above-identified issues.

SUMMARY

To achieve these and other advantages, and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a bracket device to secure a tail wire of a drop wire clamp to a structure. The bracket device generally includes a base having a surface. The bracket device further includes a retention hook having a first end, a second end, and a retention region defined between the first end and the second end. The first end of the retention hook is coupled to the base surface, and the second end of the retention hook is disposed at a predetermined distance from the base surface to define a gap therebetween having a width. The bracket device further includes a locking nut that is cooperatively coupled to the second end of the retention hook and adapted to move between an unlocked position to permit a wire to enter the retention region and a locked position in which a wire is retained by the retention hook in the retention region by a reduction of the gap width.

According to a further aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method for securing a tail wire of a drop wire clamp to a structure with a bracket device as described above is provided. The method includes attaching the bracket device to a structure and cooperatively coupling a locking nut to the second end of the retention hook in an unlocked position. The method further includes inserting a wire having a gauge into the retention region with the locking nut in the unlocked position and then transitioning the locking nut from the unlocked position to the locked position. Transitioning the locking nut to the locked position retains the wire in the retention region since the width of the gap is less than the gauge of the wire when the locking nut is in the locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, exemplary embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The structure and corresponding method of operation of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.

The apparatus and methods presented herein can be used for securing a wide variety of wires to a structure. The disclosed subject matter is particularly suited for securing utility wires, including fiber optic wires, to structures such as buildings. The securement can be at a point just short of the position in which the wire enters the building.

The bracket devices and methods for securing wires to structures of the disclosed subject matter have demonstrated desired performance characteristics not achieved by conventional bracket devices. For purpose of understanding, and not limitation, bracket devices of the disclosed subject matter can prevent lightweight wires, such as fiber-optic wires, from coming unsecured or unattached from a structure. Such lightweight wires can be more likely to be dislodged from traditional bracket devices due to wind and other loads acting over the length of the wire and causing the wire to become dislodged from the bracket device. When the locking nut of bracket devices in accordance with the disclosed subject matter is moved to the locked position, a reduction of the gap disclosed herein retains the wire in the retention region and prevents the wire from becoming dislodged. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter herein, the bracket device generally includes a base having a surface. The bracket device further includes a retention hook having a first end, a second end, and a retention region defined between the first end and the second end. The first end of the retention hook is coupled to the base surface, and the second end of the retention hook is disposed at a predetermined distance from the base surface to define a gap therebetween having a width. The bracket device further includes a locking nut that is cooperatively coupled to the second end of the retention hook and adapted to move between an unlocked position to permit a wire to enter the retention region and a locked position in which a wire is retained by the retention hook in the retention region by a reduction of the gap width.

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, exemplary embodiments of the bracket device in accordance with the disclosed subject matter are shown inFIGS. 1-6. The bracket device of the disclosed subject matter is suitable for securing a wide range of wires to various structures.

For purpose of illustration, and not limitation, reference is made to the exemplary embodiment of a bracket device10shown inFIGS. 1-6. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the bracket device10generally includes a base100with a surface110. As embodied herein, the base100can further include one or more features to secure the bracket device10to a structure. For purpose of example, and not limitation, the base100can define at least one aperture or hole135to receive an implement400, such as a screw, nail, anchor, rivet, or a bolt to secure the base to a structure. For purpose of example and not limitation, and as embodied herein, the base has four holes135as shown inFIG. 3. The base100can be any suitable shape. For purpose of example and not limitation, and as embodied herein, the base100can have a generally U shape in a top view with opposing legs120extending from opposing sides of the surface110, as best shown inFIG. 5Bdiscussed herein. The legs120can arranged with the base100at any suitable angle as discussed below. Opposing legs120can further define holes such as slots125therein, which can be configured to receive one or more fasteners to secure the base to the structure. For purpose of example, and not limitation, a fastener900such as a band, a strap, a cable tie, or the like, can be passed through slots125in opposing legs120and around a structure to secure the bracket device10, as best shown inFIG. 6discussed herein. As further embodied herein, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the base100can further include flanges130extending from the opposing legs120. The flanges130can be arranged with the legs120at any suitable angle that is complementary with the structure to which the device10is fastened as discussed below. Holes135can be defined in flanges130or along an interface between the legs and flanges to accept implements400to secure the device10to a structure. Additionally, or alternatively, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, holes135can be defined in the surface110of the base, or any other suitable location to secure the bracket device10to a structure.

As embodied herein, the size and orientation of the base100, including surface110, opposing legs120, and flanges130can be selected to facilitate securing the bracket device10to the desired structure and to accommodate the necessary weight and/or tension of the wire to be retained. For purpose of example and not limitation, and as embodied herein, opposing legs120and flanges130can be angled relative to one another to facilitate securing the bracket device10to the outer perimeter of a curved structure. Additionally, or alternatively, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the size and orientation of surface110and/or the opposing legs120and flanges130if present can be selected to facilitate securing the bracket device10to a generally flat structure or an angled structure as desired.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, and as discussed further herein, the base100can be made of any suitable material and made using any suitable method of manufacture. For purpose of example, and as embodied herein, the base100can be made from galvanized steel amongst other materials and can have a thickness dimension of between approximately 50 mil and approximately 150 mil. Furthermore, the base can have a height dimension of between approximately 1 inch and 5 inches and a width dimension between approximately 1 inch and approximately 5 inches. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the material of the base100and dimensions of the base100can be selected to achieve the desired performance of the bracket device10.

With reference toFIG. 2, the bracket device10further includes a retention hook200with a first end210coupled to the surface110of the base100. As discussed further herein, the first end210can be coupled to the base using any suitable method. For example, the retention hook200can be welded to the base100. Additionally, or alternatively, and as embodied herein, the retention hook200can be secured to the base100using a rivet140. Alternatively, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the base100and the retention hook200can be monolithic and made of a single piece of material, such as cast from a mold. As best shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the retention hook200further includes a second end220disposed at a predetermined distance from the surface110to define a gap700therebetween having a width, as further discussed herein. A retention region205is defined between the first end210and the second end220of the retention hook200. As depicted inFIG. 1, the retention region is configured to retain a wire, such as a bail wire512of a drop wire clamp500. While reference is made herein to the exemplary embodiments ofFIG. 1andFIG. 6, which depict the bracket device10retaining a bail wire512of a drop wire clamp500, the bracket device10can be used with any suitable wire in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of example, and not limitation, the bracket device10can be used with utility cables, including fiber optic utility cables, which can be retained by the retention region205directly or with the use of a drop wire clamp500, as further discussed herein.

FIG. 4Adepicts the bracket device ofFIG. 1with locking nut300in an unlocked position to permit a wire to enter the retention region205. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the second end220of the retention hook200is disposed at a predetermined distance from the surface110of bracket100to define a gap700between the inner surface222of the second end220and the surface110of base. The predetermined distance between the inner surface222of the second end220and the bracket surface110can be any suitable distance and can be selected to achieve a gap width which corresponds with the properties of the wire512to be retained by the retention hook. For example, the wire to be retained can have a gauge or diameter, and the predetermined distance can be selected such that the distance is greater than the gauge of the wire to be retained. For purpose of example, and not limitation, the predetermined distance can be between approximately 100 mil to approximately 200 mil.

Further referencingFIGS. 4A and 4B, and as embodied herein, the retention hook200can have a first segment201extending from the surface110, and a second segment202disposed at an angle to the first segment201. The angle215between the first segment201and the second segment202can be any suitable angle depending on the desired shape and dimensions of the retention region205. For purpose of example, and not limitation, the angle215can be between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 90 degrees. Additionally, or alternatively, and as further embodied herein, the retention hook200can have a curved portion204between the first segment201and the second segment202. The first segment201and the second segment202, along with the curved portion204if provided, can be monolithic with each other.

Further referencingFIG. 4A, the retention hook200can include a third segment203extending between the second segment202and the second end220, which can also be monolithic with the second segment202. The third segment can have any suitable length dimension. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, and as embodied herein, the third segment203can extend parallel to the surface110of the base100. The bracket device10can also be configured such that the third segment203extends parallel to the mounting surface800of the structure to which the bracket device10is secured. The orientation of the third segment with respect to the base surface110and the mounting surface800can make it easier to transition the locking nut300between the unlocked position and the locked position. For example, the orientation of the third segment can make it easier for a user to place a wrench or other tool on the locking nut300to transition the locking nut between an unlocked position and a locked position. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the retention hook can have any shape suitable for retaining a wire in the retention region. Furthermore, while the bracket device10of the disclosed subject matter is depicted with the second end202oriented upwards, it is understood that the second end202can be oriented in any direction in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, including downwards.

As embodied herein, the retention hook200can have any suitable size and dimensions and can be made out of any suitable material, as discussed further herein. For example, the dimensions and materials of the retention hook200can be selected such that the device10can accommodate the necessary weight and/or tension of the wire to be retained. For purpose of example, and not limitation, and as embodied herein, the retention hook can be generally tubular and have a generally circular shape in cross-section. For purpose of example, and not limitation, the retention hook can have a diameter of between approximately 200 mil and 500 mil in a tubular configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, and as further embodied herein, the dimensions and shape of the retention hook can be selected such that the second end202of the retention hook200extends beyond an outer edge116of the base surface110.

As referenced above, the bracket device10further includes a locking nut300that is cooperatively coupled with the second end220of the retention hook200and adapted to or able to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. As embodied herein, when the locking nut300is in an unlocked position, a wire, such as a bail wire512of a drop wire clamp500, can be inserted into the retention region205by passing the wire512through gap700to enter the retention region205. For purpose of example, the wire512can have a gauge, or diameter such that the predetermined distance defining the width of gap700can be greater than the gauge of the wire to permit the wire to pass through the gap when the locking nut300is in the unlocked position.

As further embodied herein, the locking nut300can be moved or transitioned between an unlocked position and a locked position to reduce a width of the gap700to allow the wire512to be retained by the retention hook200in the retention region205.FIG. 4Bdepicts the locking nut300in a locked position such that the width of the gap700is reduced. When the locking nut300is in the locked position, the width of the gap700is less than the gauge of the wire512such that the wire is retained in the retention region205by the reduction of the gap width. The dimensions of the locking nut300can be selected to complement and reduce the dimension of the predetermined distance defining the gap700when the locking nut is in the locked position. As such, the dimensions of the locking nut300can be selected such that a wire inserted into the retention region is removable through the gap when the locking nut is in the unlocked position. For purpose of example, and not limitation, when a bracket is constructed for use with a drop wire clamp having a bail wire gauge of approximately 40 mil to approximately 200 mil, the width of the gap700can be between approximately 40 mil to approximately 200 mil when the locking nut300is in the unlocked position, and the width of the gap can be reduced to between approximately 20 mil to approximately 180 mil when the locking nut is in the locked position. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, larger or smaller configurations of bracket device10are envisioned within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Additionally, or alternatively, and as embodied herein, the locking nut300can be disposed distal of an outer edge116of the surface110when the locking nut300is in the unlocked position, and the locking nut300can be disposed proximate the outer edge116when the locking nut is in the locked position.

The locking nut300can be cooperatively coupled to the second end220of the retention hook using any suitable engagement. For purpose of example, and not limitation, and as embodied herein, the second end220can include a threaded configuration, and the locking nut300can engage with the threads of the second end. Alternate engagement configurations are further contemplated herein as known in the art, such as but not limited to groove/ridge configurations. Additionally, or alternatively, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the locking nut can be removeable from the bracket device10. Alternatively, and accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the locking nut300can be secured with the second end220to prevent disassembly of the locking nut300from the bracket device10. For purpose of example, and not limitation, threads of second end220can be staked or crimped to prevent locking nut300from being disassembled. Such configurations can, for example, prevent unwanted dropping or separation of the locking nut300during installation of bracket device10. Additionally, a cap can additionally fit about the nut and the second end220for further securement. Nylon patches can further be applied to the second end for further securement.

As discussed above, the bracket device10can be used with any suitable wire in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of example, and not limitation, the bracket device10can be used with wires such as utility cables, including fiber optic utility cables, which can be retained by the retention region205directly or with the use of a drop wire clamp500. Suitable drop wire clamps for use with bracket device10are known in the art and, for purpose of example, can include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,517,317 and 6,581,251, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. Drop wire clamps commonly include a clamping means to secure a wire within the drop wire clamp at a position between or intermediate to the ends of the wire. With reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 6, drop wire clamps can include a tail wire510which can further include a loop, or bail,512.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, bracket device10can be used in combination with a drop wire clamp to secure a wire to a structure. For example, a wire, such as a fiber optic cable or telephone line, can be secured in drop wire clamp500, and the bail or loop512of the drop wire clamp500can be inserted into the retention region205when the locking nut300is in an unlocked position. The bail wire512can have a gauge or diameter, and the predetermined distance and width of gap700can be configured to permit the wire512to enter the retention region205. After the bail wire512is inserted in the retention region205, the locking nut300can be transitioned from the unlocked position to the locked position to retain the wire512in the retention region205. The width of gap700can be reduced when the locking nut300is in the locked position such that width of the gap700is less than the gauge of the wire512when the locking nut is in the locked position.

Additionally, or alternatively, and in accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the bracket device10can be used to secure wires without the use of a drop wire clamp. For purpose of example, and not limitation, a loop can be formed in a wire directly, and the loop can be retained in the retention region205. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, an intermediate portion of a wire can be retained in the retention region.

In accordance with the embodiments of the subject matter previously described, the device can be made out of a plurality of suitable materials. For instance, the device can comprise any suitable material of construction such as, but not limited to, metals, such as galvanized steel, stainless steel and aluminum, or suitable plastics. In one embodiment, the device comprises a weather resistant and ultraviolet resistant material. Although the device as described herein references several components and features, it is understood that the device can be a monolithic, one-piece device. The device can be manufactured as a solid piece or as a hollow unit. Alternatively, and as embodied herein the device can be welded together from one or more pieces to form a monolithic device. The device can be manufactured in a number of suitable manners, such as by stamping, forging, extruding, molding or any other suitable method of manufacture. According to one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the materials and dimensions of the bracket device can be selected such that the bracket device supports at least 1,000 pounds of tension.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method of securing a wire512to a structure using a bracket device10of the disclosed subject matter is provided. The method includes attaching the bracket device10to a structure, and cooperatively coupling a locking nut300to the second end220of the retention hook200in an unlocked position. The method further includes inserting a wire512having a gauge into the retention region205with the locking nut300in the unlocked position and transitioning the locking nut300from the unlocked position to the locked position to retain the wire512in the retention region205. The width of the gap700is less than the gauge of the wire512when the locking nut300is in the locked position.

In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.