Abstract:
A securement apparatus comprising a securing body and an engaging member is provided. The securing body may include a first passage therethrough for receiving one or more retention members, wherein a first side of the first passage has a generally uniform surface generally configured to conform to a periphery of at least one of the one or more retention members; and a second passage meeting the first passage. The engaging member may be securable within said second passage and positionable within the second passage to retain the one or more retention members within the first passage by encouraging a position of the one or more retention members to rest within the surface.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to a mechanical apparatus, in particular a securement apparatus that is adapted to transfer a force or a load in one or more retention members. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Cables and other kinds of retention devices are often used to sustain weight, transfer loads and forces and otherwise secure objects or structures. Special cables, such as aircraft cables, can be designed for use in aircraft industries and military applications. Cables, wires, and ropes are also used in many general-purpose applications such as slings, winch lines, and more. When in use, a cable (or wire or rope) is typically secured onto a body or a structure (such as a cargo plane) by a clamp or some other kind of a securement apparatus. 
         [0003]    A retention device may also be designed for applications where extreme events such as earthquake (seismic) and/or wind loads act on components or structures. That is, such a retention device transferring a load, or force, may endure movements, including movements caused by earthquakes (seismic) bomb blasts and wind, without a reduced rate of failure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. The summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the description below. 
         [0005]    In accordance with a first embodiment, there may be provided a securement apparatus comprising: 1) a securing body including: a first passage therethrough for receiving one or more retention members, wherein a first side of the first passage has a generally uniform surface generally configured to conform to a periphery of at least one of the one or more retention members; and a second passage meeting the first passage; and 2) an engaging member securable within said second passage, the engaging member being positionable within the second passage to retain the one or more retention members within the first passage by encouraging a position of the one or more retention members to rest within the surface. 
         [0006]    Further in accordance with the first embodiment, the securement apparatus may further include a securing member, wherein an end of the securing member defines the surface and is retained within a third passage of the securing body, the third passage meeting the first passage. 
         [0007]    Still further in accordance with the first embodiment, the generally uniform surface may be a smooth surface. 
         [0008]    Still further in accordance with the first embodiment, the generally uniform surface may be a curved surface. 
         [0009]    Still further in accordance with the first embodiment, the second passage may be threaded and the engaging member threaded therein, and the engaging member may be securable within the second passage. 
         [0010]    Still further in accordance with the first embodiment, the third passage may be threaded and the securing member may be a bolt threaded therein, the bolt being destructively held in place by the first passage intersecting an end of the bolt to define the surface. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an second embodiment, a method of manufacturing a securement apparatus may be provided comprising the steps of: 1) inserting a securing member into a securing body; and 2) forming a first passage through the securing body for receiving one or more retention members, wherein the first passage is through part of the securing member, and wherein a first side of the first passage has a generally uniform surface generally configured to conform to a periphery of at least one of the retention members. 
         [0012]    Further in accordance with the second embodiment, a further step may be forming a second passage for receiving an engagement member. 
         [0013]    Still further in accordance with the second embodiment, the first passage may be formed by machining, laser-cutting, plasma-cutting, or die-casting, and an end of the securing member may be destroyed by the forming of the first passage. 
         [0014]    Still further in accordance with the second embodiment, the securement apparatus may be manufactured with off-the-shelf products or readily available hardware. 
         [0015]    In accordance with a third embodiment, there is provided a securement apparatus kit comprising: a securing body; and an engaging member. 
         [0016]    Further in accordance with the third embodiment, the securement apparatus kit may comprise one or more retention members. 
         [0017]    Still further in accordance with the third embodiment, the securing body may include: 1) a first passage therethrough for receiving one or more retention members, wherein a first side of the first passage has a generally uniform surface generally configured to conform to a periphery of at least one of the one or more retention members; and 2) a second passage meeting the first passage. 
         [0018]    Still further in accordance with the third embodiment, the engaging member may be securable within said second passage, the engaging member being positionable within the second passage to retain the one or more retention members within the first passage by encouraging a position of the one or more retention members to rest within the surface. 
         [0019]    Still further in accordance with the third embodiment, the securing body may further comprise a securing member, wherein an end of the securing member defines the surface and is retained within a third passage of the securing body, the third passage meeting the first passage. 
         [0020]    Still further in accordance with the third embodiment, the generally uniform surface may be a smooth surface. 
         [0021]    Still further in accordance with the third embodiment, the generally uniform surface may be a curved surface. 
         [0022]    Still further in accordance with the third embodiment, the second passage may be threaded and the engaging member threaded therein, and the engaging member may be securable within the second passage. 
         [0023]    Still further in accordance with the third embodiment, the third passage may be threaded and the securing member may be a bolt threaded therein, the bolt being destructively held in place by the first passage intersecting an end of the bolt to define the surface. 
         [0024]    Still further in accordance with the third embodiment, the securement apparatus kit may further comprise a second securing body and a second engaging member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    Reference will now be made to the drawings, which show by way of example embodiments of the present disclosure, and in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a securement apparatus  100  in operation with a retention member  500 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  shows a cross-section view of an example, embodiment of a securement apparatus  100  in operation with a retention member  500 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 3A  shows an example embodiment of a securing body  200  in operation with an engaging member  400  inserted. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3B  shows another example embodiment of a securing body  200  without an engaging member  400 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of two securement apparatus in operation with two retention members. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-section view of an example embodiment of two securement apparatus in operation with two retention members. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of another example embodiment of two securement apparatus in operation with one or more retention members. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  shows a cross-section view of another example embodiment of two securement apparatus in operation with one or more retention members. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    Some of the conventional tie down or cable locking mechanisms may damage the “live” end of a retention member (i.e., portion of the retention member that carries a load or force). This may weaken the live end of the retention member that transfers the load or force and this may lead to failure. This invention may reduce point loading and or damaging the live section of the retention member such as cable or wire or rope. 
         [0036]    It is also desired that a securement apparatus is easy to operate for a user, where the user can set the assembly into a secured (or closed) position with a simple tool or driver such as an Allen key or a wrench. 
         [0037]    In addition, it is further desired that such a securement apparatus is simple to manufacture on an assembly line with readily available standard parts. 
         [0038]    Note that there may be a tradeoff between cost of manufacturing and flexibility of the securement apparatus. In addition, conventional tie-down mechanism may be bulky, heavy or otherwise less desirable. Improvement is thus desired. 
         [0039]    In the present disclosure, a securement apparatus is described, which provides securement for applications such as with earthquake (seismic) and wind load and may be relatively simple to manufacture with preferably off-the-shelf parts or readily available standard hardware. Furthermore the securement apparatus product may be manufactured at a reasonable cost. 
         [0040]    It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the following description and in the drawings. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example embodiment of a securement apparatus  100  in operation with a retention member  500  in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. In particular, in  FIG. 1  a securement apparatus  100  is shown together with a retention member  500 , the securement apparatus  100  has a securing body  200  (shown in phantom outline for easy of illustration of internal components) and an engaging member  400 . The securing body  200  is shown to have a securing member  300  on a first end of the  210  of the securing body  200 . The securing body  200  in this example embodiment is shown to have a hexagonal shape. However, it may be any shape suitable for the purpose of the invention. For example, the securing body  200  may be of a round, square or oval shape. It may also be of an irregular shape. 
         [0042]    It is noted that various configurations of the securement apparatus  100  including any one (or more) of the securing body  200 , the securing member  300  and the engaging member  400  are possible and the illustrations in the drawings are not meant to be limiting. For example, even though in the example embodiments shown, the retention member  500  does not form part of the securement apparatus  100 , in another configuration a securement apparatus  100 , for example in a kit, may or may not include the retention member  500 . In addition, a securing body  200  may or may not include the securing member  300  or the engaging member  400 . 
         [0043]    Turning back to  FIG. 1 , it is shown that the securing body  200  has a first end  210 , a second end  220  opposite to the first end  210 , a first passage  225 , a second passage  280  and an outer surface  260 . The first passage  225  has two opposite facing ends: a first side  230  and a second side  240 . The first passage has an axis A1. The second passage has an axis A2 which may intersect first end  210  and second; end  220  of the securing body  200 . Axis A1 and A2 may or may not be perpendicular. In addition, axis A1 may or may not be parallel to the first side  230  or the second side  240  of the first passage  225 . A third passage may also extend from the first end  210  of the securing body  200  to the first side  230  of the first passage  225 , meeting the first passage  225 . The third passage may also meet the second passage  280 . Furthermore, the first passage  225  and the second passage  280 , and optionally with the third passage, may intersect to form a void through which one or more retention members may pass. The void may be of any shape or form to permit securement of one or more retention members in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention. 
         [0044]    The first passage  225  may be positioned somewhere in, or in an embodiment close to the middle of, the securing body  200  generally adjacent or along the axis A2, as shown in  FIG. 1  and more clearly in  FIG. 3B . However, it can also be located anywhere else in the securing body  200 . Turning briefly to  FIG. 3B , an example embodiment of a securing body  200  without an engagement member  400  is shown. The securing body  200  comprises a securing member  300 , which is described in detail below, at the first end  210  of the securing body  200 . As previously stated, the first passage  225  may have a first side  230  and a second side  240 . The first side  230  may be defined as the side closest to the first end  210  of the securing body  200 . In the drawing shown in  FIG. 3B , for clarity, the first side  230  is generally shown to be the shaded area. However, the surface area of the first side  230  may be smaller or larger than the shaded area shown here. The first side  230  may have a generally uniform surface, which may be generally smooth, and may generally correspond to the surface or a periphery of one or more retention members  500 . That is, in an embodiment, the curvature or another shape of the first side  230  may match or conform to the curvature or another shape of the retention member  500 . A retention member  500  may be, for example, a cable, a rope, a wire, or any structure that may be capable of transferring a load or force and which engages within a passage of a securing body. 
         [0045]    In another example the combination of side  230  of securing body  200  and second end  320  of the securing member  300  may provide a saddle for live end  520  of the retention member  500  that may match or conform to the curvature of live end  520 . 
         [0046]    In another example embodiment, the retention member  500  may be a steel cable with a generally circular or round cross-section. Accordingly, the first side  230  of the first passage  225  of the securing body  200  can have a smooth, curved (or concave) surface corresponding to the surface of one or more steel cables. Such a generally smooth surface may ensure that limited or no sharp edges, unduly small radius, or incongruent shape is present in the first side  230  of the first passage  225 . This may prevent the securing body, or any component inside the securing body, from interfering with the live end of the cable and consequently encouraging damage or weakening the cable and leading to possible failure. 
         [0047]    As will be described below, a proper seat or saddle for the retention members  500  may allow the pressure applied to the retention members  500  to be distributed more evenly on the live end of the retention member and thus to reduce the possibility of excessive stress. 
         [0048]    Turning back to  FIG. 1 , the securing body  220  may have a second passage  280 . The diameter of the second passage  280  may be any suitable size or dimension. In one example embodiment, it may have a size to fit an engaging member  400 . The second passage  280  optionally has a threaded inner surface. The second passage  280  may extend from the second side  240  of the first passage  225  to the second end  220  of the securing body  200 . 
         [0049]    A securing member  300  may also form part of the securing body  200 . Alternatively, it may be a separate entity from the securing body  200 . In some embodiments, a securing member  300  may be secured to, attached to, integrated with, or otherwise be made part of securing body  200  within a passage. The attachment, integration, securement or fixing of the securing member  300  to the securing body  200  may be in a releasable form so that the securing member  300  may be taken out of the securing body  200  without damaging either structure. For example, the securing member  300  can take the form of a bolt or some other form such as a cam or a wedge and that the securing member  300  can be releasably threaded, pressed, pushed or sided into the securing body  200 , which may be in the form of a nut-like or cylindrical or conical component. The securing member  300  may be integrated into securing body  200  in various other configurations and the possible embodiments of the invention should not be limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed herein. 
         [0050]    An engaging member  400  may also form part of the securing body  200 . Alternatively, it may be a separate entity from the securing body  200 . In some embodiments, an engaging member  400  may be secured to, attached to, integrated with, or otherwise be made part of securing body  200  within a passage. The attachment, integration, securement or fixing of the engaging member  400  to the securing body  200  may be in a releasable form so that the engaging member  400  may be taken out of the securing body  200  without damaging either structure. For example, the engaging member  400  can take the form of a bolt or some other form such as a cam or a wedge and that the engaging member  400  can be releasably threaded, pressed, pushed or sided into the securing body  200 , which may be in the form of a nut-like or cylindrical or conical component. The engaging member  400  may be integrated into securing body  200  in various other configurations and the possible embodiments of the invention should not be limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed herein. 
         [0051]    As shown in the drawings, securing member  300  and securing body  200  appear to be similar in size and shape to a bolt-like and a nut-like component, respectively. However, other lengths, sizes, or shapes of securing member  300  and/or securing body  200  may be used in some embodiments. 
         [0052]    In one example embodiment the securing member  300  may have a first end  310  and a second end  320 . The second end  320  may be a machined end and may have a generally uniform or smooth surface generally corresponding to the surface or periphery of one or more retention members  500 . That is, the curvature of the second end  320  of the securing member  300  may generally match or conform to the curvature of the retention member  500 . A retention member  500  may be for example a cable, a rope, a wire, or any structure that may be capable of holding a weight and retained within a passage of a securing body. 
         [0053]    In another embodiment, the second end  320  of the securing member  300  has a smooth, curved (or concave), inward-facing surface that generally resembles a somewhat C or U shape, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3A . Together with the first side  230  of the first passage  225 , the inner surface portions of the first end  230  and the second end  320  respectively may be contoured to provide respective concave portions that fit relatively closely or snugly around the outer shape (e.g. a curvature or another shape) of a retention member  500 . The first side  230  of the first passage  225  and the second end  320  of the securing member  300  may be manufactured in such a way so that they may form a seat or saddle for a live end  520  of a retention member  500 . The generally uniform or smooth surface of the second end  320  generally in contact with the retention member  500  may allow the pressure, when secured, to be somewhat distributed evenly on the live end  520  of the retention member  500  and thus may limit excessive stress on the live end  520 . This may eliminate a direct force or point load on the live end  520  and may prevent or reduce weakening or damage affecting the performance of the securement apparatus. 
         [0054]    A retention member  500 , as described earlier, may be a wire, a rope, a cable, combination of cable and attachment bracket, or cable attachment bracket and thimble, or other suitable feature. However, it should be appreciated that a retention member  500  is not limited to those examples. It may be any body or structure that is capable of resisting force holding some mass or weight (“load”) on at least one end. A retention member  500  may have two ends  510  and  520 . When connected to a load (not shown), at least one end is connected to the load. The end connected to a load is typically referred to as the live end  520 , and the end not connected to a load is typically referred to as the dead end  510 . As the live end  520  is the end resisting the force or load, it may provide a resisting force of the system and thus is preferably strong and durable in both static and high stress environments situations or extreme events (e.g. earthquake, bomb blast, wind, securing an object in transit, or construction). The damage and/or stress to the live end  520  of a retention member  500  should be reduced or minimized, and in particular any point or similar load should be eliminated or reduced. To this end, it would be preferable if a surface with which the live end  520  comes into contact is more or less uniform or smooth, and generally corresponds to or matches the outer shape (e.g. a curvature shape) or periphery of the live end  520  of the retention member  500 . This way, when external pressure is applied against the live end  520  of the retention member  500 , the pressure may be distributed somewhat evenly onto the live end  520  and then transferred (in whole or in part) to the surface in contact with the live end  520 . In some cases, if a live end  520  is in close contact with the dead end  510  of the retention member  500  along some length or portion, as shown in the example embodiment, a pressure applied against the dead end  510  could be (in whole or in part) transferred onto the live end  520  along the point or portion of contact. In such cases, it is preferable that the pressure or force transferred onto or applied against the live end  520  is generally evenly distributed along some surface of the live end  520 , and may be (in whole or in part) transferred onto the securing body where appropriate and possible. 
         [0055]    An engaging member  400  is also shown in  FIG. 1 . It may be appreciated that an engaging member  400  does not necessarily form part of the securement apparatus  100  or the securing body  200 . In some embodiments, an engaging member  400  may be secured to, attached to, integrated with, or otherwise be made part of securing body  200 . The attachment, integration, securement or fixing of the engaging member  400  to the securing body  200  can be in a releasable form so that the engaging member  400  may be taken out of the securing body  200  without damaging either structure. For example, the engaging member  400  can take the form of an adjustable set screw or bolt and that the engaging member  400  can be releasable threaded into the securing; body  200 , which may be in the form of a nut-like or cylindrical or oval like component. It may be appreciated that the engaging member  400  may be connected with or otherwise secured to securing body  200  in various other configurations and the possible embodiments of the invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0056]    As shown in the drawings, engaging member  400  and securing body  200  may be similar in size and shape to a set screw and a nut-like component, respectively. However, other lengths, sizes, or shapes of engaging member  400  and/or securing body  200  may be used in some embodiments. The engaging member  400  will be described in more detail below in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
         [0057]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , which is a cross-section view of an example embodiment of a securement apparatus  100  with a retention member  500 . It may be appreciated that the retention member  500  does not necessarily form part of the securement apparatus  100 , but is included here to better illustrate the relationships between various components of the securement apparatus  100  when operating. Retention member  500  may have a live end  520  with a weight load (not shown), and a dead end  510 . Both ends  510  and  520  may be within or through the first passage  225 . The retention member may have a loop formed by the two ends, though a loop is not necessary for a retention member  500  to be functional according to one or more aspects of the invention. On a first side  230  of the first passage  225  and adjacent to the first passage  225 , there may be a securing member  300  threaded or otherwise inserted into the second passage  280  at the first side  210  of the securing body  200 ; on the other side  240  of the first passage  225  and adjacent to the first passage  225 , there may be an engaging member  400  threaded or otherwise inserted into the second passage  280  at the second side  220  of the securing body  200 . The securing member  300  may have a first end  310  and a second end  320 . The second end  320  is shown to be in contact with the live end  520  of the retention member  500 . Even though not explicitly illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the second end  320  of the securing member  300  may have a generally uniform or smooth, inward-facing surface that generally resembles a C or U shape, and/or that corresponds to the outer shape or periphery of the live end  520  of the retention member  500 . The second end  320  of the securing member  300  may substantially or fully align with the first side  230  of the first passage  225 , that is, the surface of the second end  320  and the surface of the first side  230  may be somewhat flush with each other. 
         [0058]    The engaging member  400  may have a first end  410  and a second end  420 . The first end  410  of the engaging member  400  may be smooth; or alternatively it may be rough or have a generally uneven surface. The engaging member  400  may be inserted (such as threaded) all the way into the second passage  280  of the securing body  200  so that the first end  410  of the engaging member  400  may come into contact with the dead end  510  of the retention member  500 , such as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3A . The engaging member  400  may be inserted into the second passage  280  by hand or by any driver or tool that can apply a suitable amount of torque to the securing member  400 . For example, an Allen, hex key or a wrench may be used to push or thread the engaging member  400  into the securing body  200 . 
         [0059]    A user may purchase a securement package or kit for use. The securement kit may include the securing body  200  and a securing member  300 . The securement kit may further include an engaging member  400  and a matching Allen/hex key. Alternatively, the securement kit may not include an engaging member  400  if the engaging member  400  may be otherwise obtained. The securement kit may further include a retention member  500  for use with the securement apparatus. Such a retention member  500  can for example be a cable, a rope or a wire. It may be made of steel, copper, iron, high-strength fiber or any other suitable material. 
         [0060]    During operation, in an example embodiment, a user may first ensure that a securing member  300  is properly secured, attached of otherwise connected to the securing body  200  so that the second end  320  of the securing member  300  generally or substantially aligns with the first side  230  of the first passage  225  of the securing body  200 . The user may use his or her hand, or any suitable tool or driver to adjust the position of the securing member  300  inside the securing body  200 . The user next may insert a retention member  500  through the first passage  225  so that both the live end  520  and the dead end  510  are within the first passage  225 . The user may then use his or her hand, or any suitable tool or driver to secure, attach, insert or thread the engaging member  400  into the second passage  280  of the securing body  200  from the second end  220 , so that the first end  410  of the engaging member  400  may be tightly or snugly secured or encouraged against the dead end  510  of the retention member  500 . The user may then connect a load to or otherwise attach to the live end  520  of the retention member  500 , and further adjust the engaging member  400  with hand or any suitable tool or driver in order to fix or otherwise secure the retention member  500  in place with a weight load or a potential load. In another example, the retention member  500  so secured may have a loop forming with the two ends  510  and  520 . This loop may then be hung on or otherwise attached to another structure, such as a wall, a cabinet, or a ceiling. This loop may provide resistance, agility, buffer and/or flexibility to prevent breaking or otherwise loosening of the weight load in static or high stress situations. 
         [0061]    In another example this can be offered as a pre-assembled kit, where a cable wire or wire rope or other feature is fished or provided through the first passage  225  of the securing body to form a retention member  500 , where the live end section  520  is seated against the first side  230  of the first passage  225  of the securing body  200 , and optionally against second end  320  of the securing member  300 , and optionally against the dead end section  510 , which may be located next to the live end section  520 . The engaging member  400  may be assembled inside the securing body and may be snug against the dead end section  510 . The user then may be required to pull the cable, wire or wire rope to adjust the length and then may use his or her hand, tool, torque wrench or other feature to secure engaging member  400 . 
         [0062]    In yet another example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , which demonstrate an example embodiment of two securement apparatus in operation with two retention members, this device may be used for splicing or otherwise joining two or more cables to obtain advantages such as a longer length. As can be seen from  FIGS. 4 and 5 , two retention members, each forming a loop secured by a securement apparatus, may be joined together to provide longer length. In one possible embodiment, one live end  520  can be secured or attached to a structure, object, fixture, wall, or a ceiling; and the other live end  520  may also be secured or attached to another structure, object, fixture, wall, a cabinet, or a weight load. The two loops may be joined, linked or intertwined together as to form a secure and reliable connection between the two retention members and thus between the two live ends  520  and their respective loads or attachments. In another embodiment, each of two live ends  520  may be secured or otherwise attached to an objection in motion, such as an airplane or a vehicle. That is, the two objects in motion may be reliably and securely connected with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . One possible usage scenario may be that one aircraft needs to deliver and/or transfer fuel to another aircraft, and it may be necessary to tie one aircraft to the other during the fueling process. The two securement apparatus linked to ether by the loops of retention members may provide the appropriate resistance, agility, buffer and/or flexibility in such unusual and high stress situations. The figures are provided for illustrative purpose only; applications are not limited to the illustrations shown. 
         [0063]    In still another example, as demonstrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , which show another example embodiment of two securement apparatus in operation, two or more securement apparatus may be used to secure one or more retention members, where the retention members may go through a first passage of each securement apparatus. The figures are provided for illustrative purpose only; applications are not limited to the illustrations shown. 
         [0064]    Such application of a securement apparatus  100  may require minimum torque or force (applied by at least the engaging member) to fix a retention member  500  (e.g. a steel cable) with a weight load onto structures and to provide an industry standard safety factor based on the minimum breaking strength of the retention member  500 . In addition, since there is limited or no sharp edge or small radius in the surface area in contact with the live end  520  of the retention member  500 , the securement apparatus  100  may prevent the possibility of biting into the retention member  500 , causing damage or weakening the live end  520  and leading to possible failure of the securement apparatus. 
         [0065]    In one example embodiment according to one or more aspects of the invention, using a nut-like component as the securing body, a bolt as the securing member, a set screw as the engaging member, and a cable as the retention member, enough force may be applied to retain generally at least one of the dead end and the live end of the cable. Force of the bolt/set screw may be transferred, preferably evenly, by the dead end to the live end of the cable seated on the feature or saddle created by the generally uniform or smooth, curved surfaces of the bolt and the nut-like component in the first passage. This may reduce any direct force or point load on the live end and could prevent weakening or damage affecting the performance of the securement apparatus when connected to a load. 
         [0066]    In another example embodiment according to one or more aspects of the invention, a securement apparatus kit may be packaged and provided. The kit could include an instruction manual including instructions in appropriate languages to teach a user how to use the securement apparatus. The kit may include two or more of: at least one securing body, at least one securing member, at least one engaging member, and/or at least one retention member. The kit may further include any or no appropriate tools or drivers for use with the securement apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the securing body may have a securing member pre-inserted into the securing body. However, a securing member may be separate from the securing body, and a user could choose to install the securing member and the securing body together with hands and/or suitable tools. In yet another embodiment, the kit may include at least one securing body  200  with a round or oval-shaped first passage  225 , and separate from the securing body  200 , the kit may also include multiple engaging member  400  or securing member  300 , each securing member  300  may have a uniquely shaped second end  320 . This is so that the user may pick the desired securing member  300  with a desired shape at the second end  320  in order to fit a retention member  500 . The kit in this scenario may further include different kinds of retention members  500  and/or different engaging members  400 . 
       Manufacturing of the Securement Apparatus, 
       [0067]    A manufacturing process of a securement apparatus according to one or more aspects of the invention is described next. The ordering of steps may be changed or varied as needed. A first step in the manufacturing process may be to insert, attach, or otherwise secure a securing member  300  into a securing body  200 . A second step is to form a passage or a hole through the securing body  200 , which may become first passage  225 , such that the passage or the hole may be formed through both the securing body  200  and part of the securing member  300 , destroying the end of the securing member  300  to form a new second end  320  of the securing member  300 . Optionally the passage or hole is formed so that the second end  320  of the securing member  300  may have a generally uniform or smooth, curved (or concave), inward-facing surface that generally resembles a C or U shape, such as a saddle or seat that generally corresponds to the outer shape or periphery of the live end  520  of a retention member  500 . The second end  320  of the securing member  300  may also substantially or generally align with the first side  230  of the first passage  225 , that is, the surface of the second end  320  and the surface of the first side  230  may be somewhat flush with each other. In a preferred embodiment, the first side  230  of the first passage  225  and the second end  320  of the securing member  300  are machined in such a way that the inner surface portions of the first end  230  and the second end  320  respectively are contoured to provide respective concave portions that fit relatively closely or snugly around the outer shape (e.g. a curvature shape) or periphery of a retention member  500 . In some other examples, the second end  320  of the securing member  300  and/or the first side  230  of the first passage  225  of the securing body  200  can also take the shape of a quoit, a torus, a toroid, a quonset, an oblate spheroid, prolate spheroid, a segment bf a sphere, a spherical wedge, an arch, a camber, a kidney, obround, oval, a pyriform, a crescent, or any other suitable shape that has a smooth, gradual curve. 
         [0068]    In one example embodiment, during the forming of the first passage  225 , the machining process may permanently or semi-permanently alters an original part or end of the securing member  300 , forming a new end  320  of the securing member  300 , such that the securing member  300  may be permanently or semi-permanently molded to, attached to or otherwise fixed to the securing body  200 . During this process, the securing member  300  may lose part of its original functionality. For example, in one embodiment, the securing member  300  may be a bolt, which may have its end permanently or semi-permanently altered, or may even be destroyed, by the machining process, such that the bolt may not function properly (i.e., serving its original, typical purpose of a fastener) outside of the securement apparatus. In another embodiment, the securing member  300  may be a screw, which may have its end altered by the machining process in the forming of a first passage  225  of the securing body  200 . Through the machining process which may alter an original part or end of a securing member  300 , a new end  320  of the securing member  300  is formed. This new end  320  may have a generally uniform or smooth surface afforded by the machining process. Somewhat flush with the first side  230  of the formed first passage  225 , the new end  320  of the securing member  300  may be part of a feature, a seat or a saddle that generally conforms to a periphery or outer shape of one or more retention members  500 . A process of forming a passage or a hole in a securing body  200  in which an original part or end of a securing member  300  is permanently or semi-permanently altered may thus encourage the securing body  200  to be crimped, welded, glued (using chemical agents), damaged, destroyed or altered to hold the securing member  300  in place, where the formed passage may intersect with an end  320  of the securing member  300  to define a generally uniform or smooth surface. 
         [0069]    In another example, securing member  300  may be seated against surface  210  of securing body  200  and the assembly may be punched or crimped together at one or multiple locations to secure in place securing member  300  permanently before or after the machining process for creating passage  225 . 
         [0070]    In yet another example, securing member  300  can be part of the securing body  200 . This may be done through either machining process, molding/casting process and or combination of both machining and molding/casting processes. In such case side  230  of passage  225  of securing body  200  and end  320  of securing member  300  may become one part. 
         [0071]    The forming of the passage or hole may be done by drilling, plasma, laser-cutting, die-cast, machining or any other suitable means of forming a passage through an object. 
         [0072]    In one example embodiment, each component in a securement apparatus  100  may be sourced from off-the-shelf products or readily available hardware. For example, the securing body  200  may be a nut or a coupling nut, the securing member  300  may be a bolt or screw or a set screw, and the engaging member  400  may be a set screw or any type of bolt or set screw. All of these components may be obtained easily and are inexpensive from many suppliers. 
         [0073]    The embodiments of the present disclosure described above are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations to the disclosure may be made without departing from the intended scope of the present disclosure. In particular, selected features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be combined to create alternative embodiments not explicitly described. All values and sub-ranges within disclosed ranges are also disclosed. The subject matter described herein intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. All references mentioned are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.