Abstract:
A compression-type drop wire clamp that avoids damaging a signal carrying portion of a cable by applying a compressive force primarily to a support portion of a cable is disclosed herein. A plurality of holes may be included in a compression portion of the clamp to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp. An abrasive coating, such as an enamel and crushed glass mixture, may be added to the clamp to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp. Tines or other aligning mechanisms may also be used to center the cable in the clamp and/or to align other portions of the clamp (e.g. a shim).

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/815,334 filed Apr. 1, 2004 which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0002]     The present disclosure relates to clamps and, more particularly, to clamps for suspending and directing a wire or cable relative to a structure such as a pole or building.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Various types of clamps are employed to support and direct cables extending between supports and/or structures, such as from a utility pole to a building. One common type of clamp used for such a purpose is conventionally referred to as a drop wire clamp. A drop wire clamp enables a cable or wire, such as a telephone wire or coaxial cable, to be supported and attached to a building, pole, or other support wire in a manner that lessens the potential for compromising the signal transmission capability of the cable or wire. The drop wire clamp also is used because the clamp supports the weight of the cable or wire and maintains tension on the line, while relieving stress on the attachment points of the cable or wire, such as the attachment structure on a pole or building.  
         [0004]     Drop wire clamps generally fall into one of two categories: (1) a wire wrap-type drop wire clamp; or (2) a compression-type drop wire clamp. With wire wrap-type drop wire clamps, a wire, such as a portion of a messenger strand, is wrapped around the drop wire clamp to secure the signal carrying cable therein. With compression-type drop wire clamps, the cable or wire is secured to the clamp through pressure exerted on the cable or wire by the clamp. In either type of drop wire clamp, it is important that the clamp does not degrade the quality of the signal carried by the cable or wire by damaging the signal-carrying cable or wire or the insulation of the cable or wire and does not otherwise damage the cable or wire, thereby increasing the likelihood of failure of the cable or wire.  
         [0005]     More specifically, a compression-type drop wire clamp secures the cable or wire with a compressive force. Compression-type designs may or may not use a trough to accept the cable or wire, but the distinguishing feature of the compression-type drop wire clamps is that the cable or wire is typically held within the clamp through some type of compressive force or pressure on the cable or wire.  
         [0006]     One shortcoming with compression-type drop wire clamp designs is that they may damage the cable through the pressurized contact used to secure the cable or wire to the drop wire clamp. This shortcoming becomes particularly evident when compression-type drop wire clamps are used in conjunction with cables or wires that are relatively fragile or are more apt to suffer damage due to the compressive forces or pressure exerted on the cable or wire by the drop wire clamp. Due to the damage caused by the pressurized contact used to secure the cables, the signal carried by the cable is attenuated, disrupted, or interfered with, making prior art compression-type drop wire clamps unsuitable for use with such fragile cables or wire.  
         [0007]     While a variety of different types of cables and wires have been found to be more fragile and more likely to be damaged when used with compression-type drop wire clamps, one type of cable or wire which has generally been found to be unsuitable for use with compression-type drop wire clamps is fiber optic-based cables and wires. This shortcoming of compression-type drop wire clamps has become more pronounced in recent years, as the use of fiber optics in cables and wires has greatly increased, particularly in the communications industry.  
         [0008]     Fiber optic cables or wires may be constructed in a variety of ways, but generally include: (1) optical fibers; (2) a loose fitting tube or buffer coating; (3) a protective strength member; and (4) an outer jacket. The optical fiber or optical fibers are generally located at the core of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic core is surrounded by a loose fitting tube or is covered in with a buffer coating. If a loose fitting tube is used, a plastic buffer tube having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the fiber optic core typically surrounds the core. The plastic tube is sometimes filled with another material, such as silicone gel, to prevent the buildup of moisture between the loose fitting tube and the core. If the buffer coating is used, a thick coating of a plastic-type material is typically applied directly to the outside of the fiber optic core. The use of the buffer coating generally allows the final fiber optic able to be smaller in diameter and more flexible, but the cable is less resistant to external forces. A protective strength member generally surrounds, or is located adjacent to but not surrounding (for example, in the form of Kevlar® strength members which run coextensive with the fiber optic core), the loose fitting tube or the buffer coating. The protective strength member gives strength to the final fiber optic cable and helps the cable resist damage. Finally, the outer jacket is generally made of a PVC material, or some other similar material, and surrounds the other components of the fiber optic cable in order to protect the components from exposure to the elements.  
         [0009]     Although the construction of fiber optic cables lessens the potential for damage to the fragile fiber-optic core in general uses, the construction of the fiber optic cables does not protect the fiber optic core from damage from compression-type drop wire clamps. As a result, the use of conventional compression-type drop wire clamps with fiber optic cables damages the cables, typically by crushing or damaging the fiber optic core through the increased compressive force and pressure subjected on the cable by the drop wire clamp. Thus, conventional compression-type drop wire clamps have been found to be ill-suited to use with fiber optic cables. This limitation upon the use of compression-type drop wire clamps has become significant, as fiber optic cables and wires have become more common and often must be connected to supporting structures, such as poles and buildings.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0010]     The drop wire clamp disclosed herein is a compression-type drop wire clamp that includes a housing, a mating slide assembly, which includes a hanger portion for securing the assembly to a supporting structure, and a shim located therebetween. A fiber optic cable (or any other type of suitable cable) is positioned between the housing and the shim.  
         [0011]     One embodiment of the drop wire clamp disclosed herein avoids damaging the signal carrying portion of the cable (e.g., the portion with the fiber optics) by applying the compressive force primarily to a support portion of the cable (e.g., the portion with the Kevlar® strength members). For example, one or more recesses in the clamp may form a non-compression portion of the clamp to protect the signal carrying portion of the cable from excessive forces. A non-recessed portion of the clamp may be used to prevent the cable from slipping by applying the compressive force on the support portion of the cable.  
         [0012]     Thus, the compressive force or pressure which holds the cable in place within the drop wire clamp is exerted primarily against the support portion of the cable and preferably little or no compressive force or pressure is exerted against the signal carrying portion, such as the fiber optic strands, of the cable. As a result, the drop wire clamp assembly may be used in conjunction with the cable without damaging or reducing the data transmission ability of the core, such as the fiber optic strands, carried therein, while still allowing a sufficient compressive force or pressure to be applied to the cable by the drop wire clamp assembly to hold the cable in position.  
         [0013]     In an embodiment, the compression portion (e.g., the non-recessed portion) of the clamp defines a plurality of holes to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp. For example, a housing portion and/or a shim portion of the clamp may define the holes.  
         [0014]     In an embodiment, an abrasive coating may be added to the clamp to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp. For example, the abrasive coating may be added to a housing portion of the clamp and/or a shim portion of the clamp (see  FIG. 21 ). The abrasive coating may include any suitable combination of materials such as an enamel and crushed glass mixture. The abrasive coating and/or a shim may be used in any suitable clamp, including clamps designed to carry cables that do not include a signal carrying portion and a separate support portion (e.g., a standard coaxial cable).  
         [0015]     In addition, tines or other aligning mechanisms may be used to center the cable in the clamp. By centering the cable in the clamp, the recessed portion of the clamp is properly aligned with the signal carry portion of the cable, and the non-recessed portion of the clamp is properly aligned with the support portion of the cable. These tines, or any other suitable cable alignment portion, may also be used to align other portions of the clamp. For example, the cable alignment tines may also cooperate with notches in a shim portion of the clamp to align the shim portion in the housing of the clamp. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example clamp assembly attached to a supporting structure.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the example clamp assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the example clamp assembly of  FIG. 1  as viewed from the bottom.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the example clamp assembly of  FIG. 1  taken substantially along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the example housing of the example clamp assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the example housing of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is bottom view of the example housing of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 8   a  is a front elevational view of the example housing of  FIG. 5  with projections.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8   b  is a front elevational view of the example housing of  FIG. 5  with holes.  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of the example slide assembly and the example hanger portion of the example clamp assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the example slide assembly and the example hanger portion of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of the example shim of the example clamp assembly of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the example shim of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 13   a  is a cross-sectional view of an example shim with projections taken substantially along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 13   b  is a cross-sectional view of an example shim with holes taken substantially along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 14   a  is a cross-sectional view of an example “winged” fiber optic cable.  
         [0032]      FIG. 14   b  is a cross-sectional view of example “flat” fiber optic cable.  
         [0033]      FIG. 15  is an perspective view of the example housing of  FIG. 5  with alignment tines.  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  is a side elevational view of the example housing of  FIG. 5  with alignment tines.  
         [0035]      FIG. 17  is a front elevational view of the example housing of  FIG. 5  with alignment tines.  
         [0036]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an example clamp assembly for a circular cable.  
         [0037]      FIG. 19  is a front elevational view of the example slide assembly for a circular cable.  
         [0038]      FIG. 20  is a front elevational view of an example housing for a circular cable.  
         [0039]      FIG. 21  is a plan view of the example shim with an abrasive coating. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a drop wire clamp assembly  10  is illustrated which secures and supports an insulated electrical cable, such as a fiber optic cable  12 , to a supporting structure  14  to which the cable is being run. For example, the electrical cable may be a fiber optic telecommunications cable being strung between a telephone utility pole and a building. The supporting structure  14  may be a telephone utility pole, a building, or any other suitable structure which may be used to suspend cables or wires. The supporting structure  14  includes an attachment structure  16  for securing the drop wire clamp assembly  10  to the structure  14 .  
         [0041]     While the attachment structure  16  illustrated is in the form of a pair of hooks  16   a  secured to the side of the attachment structure  16 , any other suitable attachment structure may be used. The drop wire clamp assembly  10  includes a hanger portion  18  which engages the attachment structure  16 . Preferably, where hooks  16   a  are used as part of the attachment structure  16 , the hanger portion  18  may be looped over both hooks  16  in order to provide a more secure attachment to the supporting structure  14 .  
         [0042]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , the drop wire clamp assembly  10  includes the housing  20 , the mating slide assembly  24 , which includes the hanger portion  18  for securing the assembly to the supporting structure  14 , and the shim  22  located therebetween. The fiber optic cable  12  is sandwiched between the housing  20  and the shim  22 .  
         [0043]     The drop wire clamp assembly  10  secures the fiber optic cable  12  by compressive force or pressure in such a way that the fiber optic wire or cable  12  is not damaged. Preferably, the cable  12  is secured between a housing  20  and a shim  22  by pressure applied thereon by a slide assembly  24 . The drop wire clamp assembly  10  serves to reduce or remove the tension on the fiber optic cable  12  after the clamp  10  at the supporting structure  14 . The fiber optic cable  12  is thereby held in position by the drop wire clamp assembly  10  and may continue onto its final destination, such as a junction box or other connection. Optionally, the cable  12  may be looped over the attachment structure  16  after being secured in place with the drop wire clamp assembly  10  in order to provide slack in the cable  12  between the drop wire clamp assembly  10  and the attachment structure  16 . The slack in the cable  12  also allows the drop wire clamp assembly  10  to be shifted relative to the attachment structure  16 , such as by the wind or other elements, without stretching or damaging the cable  12 .  
         [0044]     As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the housing  20  has a tapered shape, with a first end  20   a  having a height that is less than that of a second end  20   b  and top edges  20   c  which form an angle relative to the horizontal. While the height of the first end  20   a  and the height of the second end  20   b  may be any dimensions that are sufficient to accept the cable  12 , preferably the ratio of the height of the second end  20   b  to the height of the first end  20   a  is approximately 1.7. Likewise, the angle of the top edges  20   c  maybe any angle which is sufficient to allow the slide assembly  24  to mate with the housing  20 , but preferably the top edges  20   c  have an angle of approximately 6 degrees relative to the horizontal. The housing  20  may have any size and dimensions sufficient to accept the cable  12 . For example, the housing  20  may have a length of about 3.375 inches, a height at the first end  20   a  of about 0.510 inches, a height at the second end  20   b  of about 0.865 inches, and a width of about 0.564 inches.  
         [0045]     As illustrated in  FIG. 8   a  and  FIG. 8   b,  the housing  20  has a U-shaped cross-section and includes a pair of side walls  20   d  and a center wall or base  20   e . The side walls  20   d  extend along a longitudinal direction and have a tapered configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The U-shape of the housing  20  creates an interior channel  20   f  within which the cable  12  may be received.  
         [0046]     The top edges  20   c  of the side walls  20   d  are each bent inward to form a pair of tracks  26  for receiving and guiding the slide assembly  24 . The tracks  26  define a track channel  26   a  for receiving the slide assembly  24  may be received. That is, top edges  24   c  of side walls  24   d  of the slide assembly  24  may be slidably engaged within the track channels  26   a  of the tracks  26 . The tracks  26  and track channels  26   a  may have any dimensions which are sufficient to allow the tracks  26  to receive the slide assembly  24 . For example, the tracks  26  may have an outside width of 0.124 inches and the track channel  26   a  may have a width of 0.060 inches and a depth of 0.079 inches, wherein the inner corners of the channels  26   a  have a radius of curvature of about 0.015 inches. The surface of the track channels  26   a  is preferably smooth, in order to facilitate the easy insertion of the slide assembly  24  into the housing  20 .  
         [0047]     The housing  20  may also includes a longitudinal recess or groove  28  that is sized and configured to receive the cable  12 . A cross-section of an exemplar “winged” fiber optic cable  12  for use with the longitudinal groove  28  is illustrated in  FIG. 14   a.  A cross-section of an exemplar “flat” fiber optic cable  12  is illustrated in  FIG. 14   b.  In either case, the cable  12  has an elongated cross-section, wherein the width of the cable  12  is greater than its height. Generally, the cable  12  includes a signal-carrying, or transmission, portion  12   a  and a support, or non-signal-carrying, portion  12   b  surrounded by an outer jacket  56 . In particular, the support portion  12   b  is generally coextensive with the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12 . The cable  12  includes a core of fiber optic strands  48 , but the core may alternatively include a single fiber optic strand or a bundle of a plurality of fiber optic wire strands. The core of fiber optic strands  48  is surrounded by a flexible moisture resistant material  50 , such as silicone gel, which prevents the buildup of moisture surrounding the fiber optic strands  48 . A loose fitting flexible tube  52  surrounds the core fiber optic strands  48  and the moisture resistant material  50 . The flexible tube  52  is preferably made of plastic, but other suitable materials may also be used. The signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the fiber optic cable  12  generally comprises the fiber optic strands  48 , the moisture resistant material  50 , and the flexible tube  52 .  
         [0048]     The cable  12  may also includes a pair of protective strength members  54  which are mounted adjacent to the flexible tube  52  opposite sides to run coextensive with the signal-carrying portion  12   a . The strength member  54  may form “wings” which extend outward from the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12  (as shown in  FIG. 14   a ), or the strength member  54  may be substantially “flat” with respect to the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12  (as shown in  FIG. 14   b ). The strength members  54  may comprise any material which imparts strength to the cable  12 . For example, the strength members may be strands of Kevlar®. The support, or non-signal carrying, portion  12   b  of the cable  12  comprises the strength members  54 .  
         [0049]     The signal-carrying portion  12   a  and support portion  12   b  of the cable  12  are covered by the outer jacket  56 . The outer jacket  56  completely surrounds the interior of the cable  12 . The outer jacket  56  is preferably constructed of a plastic material, but any suitable material may be used to form the outer jacket  56 .  
         [0050]     While reference to the configuration of a “winged” cable  12  and a “flat” cable  12  is made herein, it should be appreciated that the clamp  10  may be used in conjunction with other cables having different configurations and particularly in connection with cables having a signal-carrying portion and at least one coextensive support portion. For example,  FIGS. 18-20  illustrate a clamp adapted for use with a circular cable  12 . In addition, while reference is made herein to fiber optic cables, it will be recognized that the clamp  10  may be used in conjunction with other types of cables.  
         [0051]     The longitudinal groove  28  is sized to receive the cable  12  therein. Preferably, the longitudinal groove  28  is sized to have dimensions that are slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12 . That is, preferably the longitudinal groove  28  is sized such that the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12  is in clearance with the longitudinal groove  28 , or in substantial clearance therewith, when the cable  12  is received therein. For example, the longitudinal groove  28  may have a width of about 0.173 inches, a depth of about 0.030 inches, and have a radius of curvature of about 0.099 inches when used with the exemplar cable  12 . The longitudinal groove  28  may also include notches  28   a  in the center base  20   e  at the first end  20   a  and second end  20   b  of the housing  20  in order to better receive the cable  12 . For example, the notches  28   a  may be semi-circular in shape and have a radius of curvature of about 0.078 inches.  
         [0052]     The longitudinal groove  28  of the housing  20  is preferably located at the centerline of the center base  20   e  of the housing  20 . That is, the longitudinal groove  28  is located at the midpoint of the center base  20   e  and extends longitudinally from the first end  20   a  of the housing  20  to the second end  20   b  of the housing  20 .  
         [0053]     In addition, the housing  20  may include one or more cable centering portions. For example, the housing  20  may include one or more pairs of tines  21  that are sized and configured to center the cable  12  as shown in  FIG. 15 ,  FIG. 16 , and  FIG. 17 . In one embodiment, the tines  21  are formed by cutting a portion of the housing  20  and pushing that portion of the housing  20  into the interior channel  20   f  of the housing  20 . The cable centering portion may also be used to align other portions of the drop wire clamp assembly  10 . For example, the tines  21  may cooperate with notches  22   f  (see  FIG. 11 ) in the shim  22  to align the shim  22  in the housing  20 .  
         [0054]     The center base  20   e  of the housing  20  preferably includes a gripping surface used in securing the fiber optic cable  12 . The gripping surface enables the drop wire clamp assembly  10  to facilitate an enhanced hold or grip on the fiber optic cable  12  as it is pressed against the housing  20 . While the gripping surface provides the drop wire clamp assembly  10  with this enhanced gripping feature when the cable  12  is pressed against the housing  20 , the gripping surface is such that it allows the cable  12  to slide in a longitudinal direction within the housing  20  prior to the assembly of the drop wire clamp assembly  10 . The gripping surface may be in the form of any suitable surface which increases the friction between the housing  20  and the cable  12 . For example, the gripping surface may be in the form of projections  30  and/or holes  31  (i.e., a portion of the clamp defines the holes and a rim associated with the defined hole forms a surface).  
         [0055]     The projections  30  and/or holes  31  may have any suitable size which is sufficient to secure the cable  12  to the drop wire clamp assembly  10 . Likewise, the projections  30  and/or holes  31  may have any suitable shape, such as circular or elongated. The projections  30  are preferably elongated in a direction which is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable. For example, the projections  30  may have a width of about 0.092 inches, a length of about 0.066 inches, and a depth of about 0.030 inches. The holes  31  are preferably circular, but may be any suitable shape. For example, the holes  31  may have a diameter of about 0.046 inches. When holes  31  are used, the material of the cable  12  projects into the holes  31  when the cable  12  is compressed in the clamp assembly  10  thereby increasing the gripping surface area of the clamp assembly  10 .  
         [0056]     The projections  30  and/or holes  31  may be formed in the center base  20   e  of the housing  20  in any suitable manner. For example, the housing may be stamped, punched, or drilled. In one embodiment, indentations  32  (or holes) are formed on the outside of the center base  20   e  and the projections  30  on the inside of the center base  20   e . The projections  30  are formed in such a way so that they do not have any relatively sharp or jagged edges. Any suitable forming operation which breaks all sharp corners and edges, or prevents there formation entirely, so that the surface of the projections  30  remains relatively smooth, is acceptable. For example, the projections  30  may be formed in a way that forms edges on the projections  30  that have a radius of curvature that is small enough to sufficiently secure the cable  12  within the drop wire clamp assembly  10 , yet are large enough to prevent damage to the cable  12  by the edges. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the edges of the projections  30  which lie in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing  20  is less than that of the edges of the projections  30  extending on the longitudinal direction. For example, the preferred configuration may be formed by using a stamp which has a “D” shaped flattened tip, wherein the curved edges of the “D” are oriented downward and in a direction which is transverse to the longitudinal direction and edges of the flattened tip are oriented in the longitudinal direction.  
         [0057]     The projections  30  and/or holes  31  may be located anywhere on the center base  20   e  of the housing  20  and have any suitable configuration that allows the cable  12  to be secured thereby. Preferably, the projections  30  and/or holes  31  are disposed immediately adjacent the longitudinal groove  28 , but do not extend into the longitudinal groove  28 . For example, the projections  30  and/or holes  31  are configured in two longitudinal rows, with each row located adjacent to, but not extending into, the longitudinal groove  28 , between the longitudinal groove  28  and the side walls  20   d.    
         [0058]     More preferably, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the location of the projections  30  and/or holes  31  is such that the projections  30  and/or holes  31  engage the support portion  12   b  of the cable  12  but do not engage the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12 . The preferred location of the projections  30  and/or holes  31  is such that the projections  30  and/or holes  31  contact the cable  12  adjacent the strength members  54 . The longitudinal rows of projections  30  and/or holes  31  preferably extend over the entire length of the housing  20 . For example, the projections  30  and/or holes  31  may be separated by about 0.187 inches on center.  
         [0059]     Optionally, the surface of the housing  20 , the surface of the center base, and/or the surface of the projections  30 , may include an abrasive surface which may be used as the gripping surface, either alone or in combination with the projections  30  and/or holes  31 . For example, the surface of the housing  20  may be subjected to a sandblasting process, which creates a rough surface from the housing material.  
         [0060]     In another embodiment, the surface of the housing  20 , the surface of the center base, and/or the surface of the projections  30 , may include an abrasive coating which may be used as the gripping surface, either alone or in combination with the projections  30  and/or holes  31 . Preferably, the abrasive coating includes a pliable substrate and a coarse additive. For example, an enamel and crushed glass mixture may be applied to the surface of the surface of the housing  20 , the surface of the center base, and/or the surface of the projections  30 . Other abrasive examples include, but are not limited to, adding aluminum oxide, metal, sand, and/or glass to epoxy, glue, and/or enamel.  
         [0061]     Preferably, the housing  20  is constructed of stainless steel for added protection against corrosion and other similar damage from exposure to the elements. For example, the housing  20  may be constructed of 0.032 inch stainless steel. However, any suitable material having sufficient strength and rigidity, and preferably resistance to corrosion, may be used for the construction of the housing  20  in place of stainless steel.  
         [0062]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 9 , and  10 , the slide assembly  24  has a tapered shape, with a first end  24   a  having a height that is less than that of a second end  24   b , and top edges  24   c  which form an angle relative to the horizontal. The height of the first end  24   a  and the height of the second end  24   b  may be any that are sufficient to be received by the housing  20 , preferably the ratio of the height of the second end  24   b  to the height of the first end  24   a  is about 2.56. Likewise, the angle of the top edges  24   c  may be any angle which is sufficient to allow the slide assembly  24  to mate with the housing  20 , but preferably, the top edges  24   c  have an angle of approximately 6 degrees relative to the horizontal.  
         [0063]     More specifically, it is preferred that the angle of the top edges  24   c  of the slide assembly  24  be substantially the same as the angle of the top edges  20   c  of the housing  20 . The slide assembly  24  may have any size and dimensions sufficient to allow the slide assembly  24  to be received by and mate with the housing  20 . For example, the slide assembly  24  may have a length of about 3.750 inches, a height at the first end  24   a  of about 0.253 inches, a height at the second end  24   b  of about 0.865 inches, and a width of about 0.482 inches. Preferably, the slide assembly  24  has a length which is greater than the length of the housing  20 , such that the second end  24   b  of the slide assembly  24  extends slightly beyond the second end  20   b  of the housing  20  when the slide assembly  24  is mated with the housing  20 .  
         [0064]     The slide assembly  24  preferably includes the hanger portion  18 , such that ends  18   a  of the hanger portion  18  are attached to the slide assembly  24 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . While the hanger portion  18  alternatively may be connected to the drop wire clamp assembly  10  at a location other than the slide assembly  24 , the connection of the hanger portion  18  to the slide assembly  24  allows the weight of the cable  12  to securely mate the slide assembly  24  within the housing  20 .  
         [0065]     Preferably, the slide assembly  24  is constructed of stainless steel for added protection against corrosion and other similar damage from exposure to the elements. For example, the slide assembly  24  may be made of 0.032 inch stainless steel. However, any material having sufficient strength and rigidity, and preferably resistance to corrosion, may instead be used for the construction of the slide assembly  24 .  
         [0066]     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the slide assembly  24  has a U-shaped cross-section having a pair of side walls  24   d , extending in a longitudinal direction and having a tapered configuration, and a center wall or base  24   e . The U-shape of the slide assembly creates an interior channel  24   f  therein.  
         [0067]     The center base  24   e  includes a plurality of upwardly punched hoops  34  extending upward from the bottom of the slide assembly  24 . The hoops  34  extend upward to form apertures  36  in the bottom surface of the slide assembly  24  which may receive ends  18   a  of the hanger portion  18 . The hoops  34  and the apertures  36  may have any suitable configuration. For example, there may be two parallel longitudinal rows of four hoops  34 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , wherein the hoops  34  have a length of about 0.250 inches, a width of about 0.150 inches, and are separated by about 0.150 inches and the apertures  36  have a diameter of about 0.086 inches.  
         [0068]     Alternatively, the slide assembly may include a single longitudinal row of hoops, rather than a pair of longitudinal row as discussed herein, that may receive the ends of the hanger portion. For example, the hoops of the single longitudinal row may have a length of about 0.250 inches, a width of about 0.243 inches, and are separated by about 0.300 inches and the apertures are in the form of a rectangular loop with a width of about 0179 inches and a height of about 0.076 inches.  
         [0069]     After the end portions  18   a  of the hanger portion  18  are inserted into the apertures  36  formed by the hoops  34 , the hoops  34  are crimped to secure the hanger portion  18  therein. The preferred crimping deforms the hoops  34  and the end portions  18   a  to form an intimate interfitting therebetween. The crimped hoops  34  enable the connection between the slide assembly  24  and the hanger portion  18  to withstand a considerable separation force without breaking, slipping, or pulling out of the hoops  34 . Preferably, the connection between the hanger portion  18  and the slide assembly  24  can withstand a separation force in excess of 555 pounds.  
         [0070]     The center base  24   e  preferably includes a longitudinal groove  38  that may receive a longitudinal bulge  40  of a top surface  22   a  of the shim  22 . The opposite side of the bulge  40  defines a longitudinal recess or groove  42  in a bottom surface  22   b  of the shim  22 . The longitudinal groove  38  of the center base  24   e  of the slide assembly  24  is preferably sized to cooperate with the longitudinal bulge  40  of the shim  22 . For example, the longitudinal groove  38  of the slide assembly  24  may have a width of approximately 0.220 inches, a depth of about 0.39 inches, and a radius of curvature of about 0.068 inches. However, the slide assembly  24  may alternatively have a flat center base which does not include a longitudinal groove. Additionally, the preferred bottom surface of the slide assembly  24  is smooth, so as to better slide over the top surface  22   a  of the shim  22  when the drop wire clamp assembly  10  is being installed.  
         [0071]     As shown in  FIG. 11 ,  FIG.12 ,  FIG. 13   a,  and  FIG. 13   b,  the shim  22  has a substantially elongated rectangular shape. The dimensions of the shim  22  are such that the shim  22  may be received in the interior channel  20   f  of the housing  20 . For example, the shim  22  may have a width of about 0.420 inches and a length of about 3.925 inches.  
         [0072]     Each end of the shim  22  preferably terminates with an enlarged, transversely extending end portion  22   c  with a pair of curved lobes  22   d . Each end portion  22   c  is located and sized such that the shim  22  may be longitudinally captured within the housing  20 , so as to limit the longitudinal motion of the shim  22  within the housing  20 . For example, each end portion  22   c  may have a width of approximately 0.690 inches and a length of about 0.250 inches and the curved lobes  22   d  each may have a radius of curvature of about 0.125 inches. Additionally, the end portions  22   c  allow the installer to hold and tilt the shim  22  within the housing  20  to assist in the insertion of the shim  22  therein.  
         [0073]     The shim  22  may also include notches  22   f  which accept the tines  21  located in the housing  20 . In this manner, the shim  22  is easily assembled with the housing  20 .  
         [0074]     The shim  22  may also includes a longitudinal recess or groove  42  which is capable of receiving the cable  12  in the bottom surface  22   b  of the shim  22 . The presence of the longitudinal groove  42  in the bottom surface  22   b  of the shim  22  causes the longitudinal bulge  40  to be formed in the top surface  22   a  of the shim  22  opposite the groove  42 . Both the longitudinal groove  42  and the longitudinal bulge  40  are preferably located at the longitudinal centerline of the shim  22 .  
         [0075]     The longitudinal groove  42  is sized to receive the cable  12  therein. Preferably, the longitudinal groove  42  is sized to have dimensions that are slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12 . That is, preferably the longitudinal groove  42  is sized such that the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12  is in clearance with the longitudinal groove  42 , or in substantial clearance therewith, when the cable  12  is received therein. For example, the longitudinal groove  42  may have a width of approximately 0.25 inches, a depth of approximately 0.035 inches, and a radius of curvature of about 0.068 inches for use with cable  12 .  
         [0076]     The shim  22  includes a gripping surface that facilitates securement of the fiber optic cable  12 . The gripping surface enables the drop wire clamp assembly  10  to better hold or grip the cable  12  as it is pressed between the shim  22  and the housing  20 . While the gripping surface enables the drop wire clamp assembly  10  to better hold or grip the cable  12  when the cable  12  is pressed against the housing  20 , the gripping surface is such that it allows the cable  12  to slide in a longitudinal direction within the housing  20  before the cable  12  is pressed between the shim  22  and the housing  20  by the slide assembly  24 . The gripping surface may be in the form of any suitable surface which increases the frictional engagement of the cable  12  by the shim  22 , but preferably, the gripping surface is in the form of projections  44  and/or holes  45  (i.e., a portion of the clamp defines the holes and a rim associated with the defined hole forms a surface).  
         [0077]     The projections  44  and/or holes  45  may have any suitable size which is sufficient to secure the cable  12  to the drop wire clamp assembly  10 . Likewise, the projections  44  and/or holes  45  may have any suitable shape, such as circular or elongated. For example, if projections  44  are used, the projections  44  may have a diameter of about 0.085 inches and a depth of about 0.350 inches. If holes  45  are used, the holes  45  may have a diameter of about 0.046 inches.  
         [0078]     The projections  44  and/or holes  45  may be formed in the shim  22  in any suitable manner. For example, the shim  22  may be stamped, punched, or drilled. In one embodiment, indentations  46  (or holes) are formed in the top surface  22   a  of the shim  22 , resulting in the projections  44  in the bottom surface  22   b  of the shim  22 . Any suitable forming operation which breaks all sharp corners and edges, or prevents there formation entirely, so that the surface of the projections  44  remains smooth, is acceptable. More specifically, the projections  44  are formed in the shim  22  in such a way that no sharp or jagged edges are formed on the projections  44  or the shim  22 . For example, the projections  44  may be formed in a way that forms edges on the projections  44  that have a radius of curvature that is small enough to sufficiently secure the cable  12  within the drop wire damp assembly  10 , yet is large enough to prevent damage to the cable  12  by the edges. For example, the projections may be formed by punching or stamping the shim  22  with a stamp which has a circular tip having a small diameter, such as about 0.060 inches. Alternatively, the projections  44  may have different shapes or configurations. For example, the projections  44  may be formed to have an elongated configuration, such as projections  44  formed by using a stamp which has a “D” shaped flattened tip, wherein the curved edges of the “D” are oriented downward and in a direction which is transverse to the longitudinal direction and edges of the flattened tip are oriented in the longitudinal direction, as discussed above in connection with the projections  30  of the housing  20 .  
         [0079]     The projections  44  and/or holes  45  maybe located anywhere on the shim  22  and have any suitable configuration that allows the cable  12  to be secured thereby. Preferably, the projections  44  and/or holes  45  are disposed immediately adjacent the longitudinal groove  42  but do not extend into the longitudinal groove  28 . For example, the projections  44  and/or holes  45  may be configured in two longitudinal rows, with each row located adjacent to, but not extending into, the longitudinal groove  42 , between the longitudinal groove  42  and the side edges  22   e  of the shim  22 . More preferably, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the projections  44  and/or holes  45  are located on the shim  22  such that the projections  44  and/or holes  45  engage the support portion  12   b  of the cable  12  but do not engage the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12 . That is, the location of the projections  44  and/or holes  45  is such that the projections  44  and/or holes  45  contact the cable  12  adjacent the strength members  54 . The longitudinal rows of projections  44  and/or holes  45  preferably extend over substantially the entire length of the shim  22 . For example, the projections  44  and/or holes  45  may be separated by about 0.210 inches on center.  
         [0080]     Optionally, the surface of the shim  22 , the surface of the longitudinal groove  28 , and/or the surface of the projections  44  may include an abrasive surface which may be used as the gripping surface, either alone or in combination with projections  44  and/or holes  45 . For example, the surface of the housing may be subjected to a sandblasting process, which creates a rough surface on the shim  22 .  
         [0081]     In another embodiment, the surface of the shim  22 , the surface of the longitudinal groove  28 , and/or the surface of the projections  44 , may include an abrasive coating which may be used as the gripping surface, either alone or in combination with the projections  44  and/or holes  45 . Preferably, the abrasive coating includes a pliable substrate and a coarse additive. For example, an enamel and crushed glass mixture may be applied to the surface of the shim  22 , the surface of the longitudinal groove  28 , and/or the surface of the projections  44 . Other abrasive examples include, but are not limited to, adding aluminum oxide, metal, sand, and/or glass to epoxy, glue, and/or enamel.  
         [0082]     Preferably, the shim  22  is constructed of stainless steel for added protection against corrosion and other similar damage that maybe caused by exposure to the elements. More preferably, the shim may be made of 0.020 inch stainless steel. However, any suitable material having sufficient strength and rigidity, and preferably resistance to corrosion, may be used for the construction of the shim  22  in place of stainless steel.  
         [0083]     The drop wire clamp assembly  10  also includes the hanger portion  18  for securing the drop wire clamp assembly  10  to the attachment structure  116  of the supporting structure  114 . The hanger portion  118  is preferably in the form of a wire loop  18   b  extending from the slide assembly  24 . As discussed above, the ends  18   a  of the hanger portion  18  are secured to the slide assembly  24  by crimped hoops  34  of the slide assembly  24 . However, alternative forms of the hanger portion may also be used, such as a hanger portion which is integral with one of the components of the drop wire clamp assembly, and the hanger portion may alternatively be attached to the drop wire clamp assembly in locations other than the slide assembly.  
         [0084]     Preferably, the hanger portion  18  is constructed of stainless steel wire for added protection against corrosion and other similar damage from exposure to the elements. For example, the hanger portion  18  may be constructed of 0.081 inch diameter annealed stainless steel wire. However, any suitable material having sufficient strength and rigidity, and preferably resistance to corrosion, may be used for the construction of the hanger portion  18 .  
         [0085]     The hanger portion  18  includes a pair of arms  18   c,  a loop  18   e,  and curved portions  18   d  connecting the arms  18   c  to the loop  18   e . The hanger portion  18  has dimensions which are large enough to provide sufficient clearance between the housing  20 , shim  22 , and slide assembly  24  and the supporting structure  14 , such that the operation of the drop wire clamp assembly  10  is not interfered with and that the cable  12  has sufficient room to travel to its final destination. The loop  18   e  of the hanger portion  18  also has dimensions sufficient to enable the hanger portion  18  to be attached to the attachment structures  16  of the supporting structure  14 . For example, the hanger portion  18  may have an overall length of about 6.781 inches, the arms  18   c  may have a length of about 4.469 inches and be separated by about 0.220 inches on center, the loop  18   e  may have a radius of curvature of about 0.460 inches, and the curved portions  18   d  may have a radius of curvature of about 2.040 inches.  
         [0086]     A segment of the arms  18   c  which is sufficient to provide sufficient strength to the connection between the slide assembly  24  and the hanger portion  18  may be held within the crimped hoops  34  of the slide assembly  24 . For example, about 1.681 inches of the hanger portion  18  may be located within the interior channel  24   f  of the slide assembly  24  and held therein by the crimped hoops  34 , while about 5.10 inches of the hanger portion  18  may extend beyond the first end  24   a  of the slide assembly  24 . Preferably, this connection between the hanger portion  18  and the slide assembly  24  can withstand a separation force in excess of 555 pounds.  
         [0087]     In some cases, it may be desirable to provide an insulated connection between the drop wire clamp assembly  10  and the supporting structure  14 . In such cases, at least a portion of the hanger portion  18  may be insulated. For example, the hanger portion may include a portion thereof which is covered with an insulating material or which includes an insulating material that has been molded thereon. Alternatively, the insulation may be provided by an insert constructed of an insulating material, such as polyurethane, which may be secured to the hanger portion  18 , and particularly within the wire loop  18   e  of the hanger portion  18 . In either event, the insulating material provides an insulated connection between the drop wire clamp assembly  10  and the supporting structure  14 .  
         [0088]     Generally, when the drop wire clamp assembly  10  is to be utilized, the installer inserts the fiber optic cable  12  into the housing  20 , such that it lies within the longitudinal groove  28 . The installer then grasps one of the end portions  22   c  of the shim  22  and tilts the shim  22  relative to the side walls  20   d  of the housing  20  and, then, places the shim  22  over the fiber optic cable  12 , with the cable  12  within the longitudinal groove  42  of the shim  22 . The notches  22   f  in the shim  22  align with the tines  21  of the housing  20  to help guide the shim  22  into place. The slide assembly  24  is then inserted into the housing  20  with the shorter end  24   a  being placed in the larger end  20   b  of the housing. The top edges  24   c  of the slide assembly  24  also are placed under the tracks  26 . An installer or user can pull the hanger portion  18  to slide the slide assembly  24  in the longitudinal direction. The tapered side walls  24   d , which engage the tracks  26  of the tapered housing  20 , then guide the slide assembly  24  to move longitudinally along the tracks  26  and simultaneously cause the bottom surface of the slide assembly  24  to move downward against the shim  22 , thus creating a clamping or compressive force or pressure between the housing  20  and the shim  22 .  
         [0089]     This motion firmly presses the projections  30  and/or holes  31  of the housing  20  and the projections  44  and/or holes  45  of the shim  22  against the support portions  12   b  of the cable  12 . The projections and/or holes  30 ,  31 ,  44 ,  45  are pressed into the outer jacket  56  of the cable  12  adjacent the support portion  12   a , thus firmly retaining the cable  12  within the drop wire clamp assembly  10 .  
         [0090]     In addition, an abrasive coating may be added to the clamp to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp. For example, the abrasive coating may be added to a housing portion of the clamp and/or a shim portion of the clamp. The abrasive coating may include any suitable combination of materials such as an enamel and crushed glass mixture. The abrasive coating and/or a shim may be used in any suitable clamp, including clamps designed to carry cables that do not include a signal carrying portion and a separate support portion (e.g., a standard coaxial cable).  
         [0091]     Preferably, little or no clamping or compressive force or pressure is exerted against the signal-carrying or transmission portion  12   a  of the cable  12 . More preferably, the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12  is in clearance with the longitudinal grooves  28 ,  42  such that no force is exerted thereon. Once the cable  12  is firmly clamped within between the shim  22  and the housing  20 , the hanger portion  18  may be hooked to the attachment structure  16  of the supporting structure  14 , thus completing the installation of the drop wire clamp assembly  10 .  
         [0092]     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the cable  12  is sandwiched between the shim  22  and the housing  20 , within the longitudinal groove  42  of the shim  22  and the longitudinal groove  28  of the housing  20 . The configuration of the longitudinal grooves  28 ,  42 , as well as the projections  44  and/or holes  45  of the shim  22  and the projections  30  and/or holes  31  of the housing  20 , is such that the projections and/or holes  30 ,  31 ,  44 ,  45  contact the cable  12  at shoulders  58  of the cable  12  located adjacent the strength members  54  at the support portion  12   b  of the cable  12 . That is, the projections and/or holes  30 ,  31 ,  44 ,  45  contact the cable  12  and exert a compressive force or pressure on the support portion  12   b  of the cable  12 , rather than on the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12 , which typically contains a more fragile data transmission means, such as fiber optic strands  48 .  
         [0093]     Preferably, the projections and/or holes  30 ,  31 ,  44 ,  45  contact the cable  12  at the shoulders  58  of the cable  12 , but the projections and/or holes  30 ,  31 ,  44 ,  45  may alternatively contact the cable  12  slightly outside the shoulders  58 . More preferably, the projections and/or holes  30 ,  31 ,  44 ,  45  contact the support portion  12   b  of the cable  12  as close as possible to the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12  without exerting force on the signal-carrying portion  12   a , such that the surface area of the contact between the projections and/or holes  30 ,  31 ,  44 ,  45  and the support portion  12   b  of the cable  12  is maximized. That is, more preferably the inner edges of the projections and/or holes  30 ,  31 ,  44 ,  45  contact the support portion  12   b  of the cable  12  immediately adjacent the boundary between the signal-carrying portion  12   a  and support portion  12   b  of the cable  12 .  
         [0094]     The location and dimensions of the longitudinal grooves  28 ,  42  allow the portion of the cable  12  containing the data transmission means, such as fragile fiber optic strands  48 , to be held in substantial relief from the compressive force of the drop wire damp assembly  10  within the longitudinal grooves  28 ,  42 . That is, the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12  is held within the drop wire clamp assembly  10  in such a way that little or no pressure or compressive force is exerted on the signal-carrying portion  12   a . In one embodiment, the longitudinal grooves  28 ,  42  may cause the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12  to be in clearance with the longitudinal grooves  28 ,  42 , so as to form a small gap  60  between the outer jacket  56  of the cable  12  at the signal-carrying portion  12   a  and the surface of the longitudinal grooves  28 ,  42 . In another embodiment, an abrasive coating may be added to the clamp to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp.  
         [0095]     Thus, the compressive force or pressure which holds the cable  12  in place within the drop wire clamp assembly  10  is exerted only against the support portion  12   b  of the cable  12  and preferably little or no compressive force or pressure is exerted against the data transmission core, such as the fiber optic strands  48 , of the cable  12 . That is, the force is exerted only against the strength members  54  of the cable  12  within the support portion  12   a . As a result, the drop wire clamp assembly  10  may be used in conjunction with the cable  12  without damaging or reducing the data transmission ability of the core, such as the fiber optic strands  48 , carried therein, while still allowing a sufficient compressive force or pressure to be applied to the cable  12  by the drop wire clamp assembly  10  to hold the cable  12  in position. For example, the drop wire clamp assembly  10  may grip the support portions  12   b  of the cable  12  with a grip sufficient to withstand as much as about 600 pounds of longitudinal force attempting to pull the cable  12  out of the assembly  10 , while little or no force is applied to the signal-carrying portion  12   a  of the cable  12  and no attenuation of the signal carried therein is exhibited.  
         [0096]     While the specification and the corresponding drawings reference preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that various changes may be made and equivalents maybe substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following appended claims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims, as defined in the appended claims, without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention, but that the present invention will include any embodiments falling within the description of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.