Abstract:
Aerial markers are disclosed for hanging on overhead support cables at discrete spaced apart distances to warn passersby, such as airplanes, helicopters, hang gliders, hot air balloons, and the like of the presence of the cables. The aerial markers can be made in multiple parts, having various parting lines, including a vertical parting line, and can be hung in a spaced relationship to the support cables. To space the marker body from the support wire, a support frame is used to enable hanging the marker body via one or more external clamps. Direct connection is also possible.

Description:
FIELD OF ART 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to apparatus, system, and method involving aerial marker assemblies or aerial markers for use with overhead cables and wires to indicate potential hazards for low flying aircrafts of the presence of the cables, including power lines. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Existing devices for marking the presence of transmission lines have been supported and, in the case of illuminated markers, energized from the line itself. Of these, some have been clamped to the line while others have been suspended freely from it. Sometimes the above mentioned devices have included a flashing light attached to an assembly so that the light is visible from all angles. In addition, these aircraft warning marker assemblies have employed various body shapes, including spheres and cones. Most of these were not singularly formed and have employed various methods of joining the different body sections, typically along a horizontal seam relative to the ground. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Aspects of the present disclosure include an aerial marker assembly for use with an overhead cable. In an example, the aerial marker comprises a hollow marker body having at least two separately formed body sections; a parting seam where the at least two body sections are joined; a support frame attached to the marker body and having at least a portion extending externally of the marker body; and a clamp coupled to the support frame. A particular aspect of the present aerial marker assembly includes a clamp wherein the clamp comprises a hook and a body section comprising a channel having a secure tab movably fixed therein and movable towards the hook and away from the hook. 
         [0004]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the parting seam can be mounted generally vertical relative to the ground. 
         [0005]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the support frame has a support body and can have at least two openings formed therethrough and wherein at least two fasteners can project through the marker body and through the at least two openings on the support frame. 
         [0006]    The aerial marker wherein the support frame can be curved to match at least part of the contour of the marker body and can have two spaced apart ends. 
         [0007]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the secure tab is secured to the body section by a fastener projecting through a bore in the secure tab. 
         [0008]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the support frame can comprise outwardly extending tabs extending externally of the marker body and inwardly extending tabs extending at least between the parting seam. 
         [0009]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the first body section and the second body section can each include the same number of openings around a periphery thereof. 
         [0010]    The aerial marker assembly can further comprise a plurality of dimples formed on an exterior surface of the marker body. 
         [0011]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the marker body can be made from a metallic material, a composite, or a thermoplastic. 
         [0012]    The aerial marker assembly wherein at two dimples can be formed at the parting seam so that part of each of the two dimples are formed on a first side of the parting seam and part of each of the two dimples are formed on a second side of the parting seam. 
         [0013]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the secure tab can comprise a clamping portion comprising a first width and a block portion comprising a second width, and wherein the first width is greater than the second width. 
         [0014]    The aerial marker assembly can further comprise a support block with a bore attached to the body section of the clamp, a block portion with a bore on the secure tab, and a threaded fastener projecting through the bore of the support block and the bore of the secure tab. 
         [0015]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the support frame can have an enclosed circumference. 
         [0016]    A still further feature of the present disclosure is an aerial marker body having a vertical parting seam relative to the ground where at least two separately formed body sections are joined. The aerial marker body has a plurality of dimples. The aerial marker body can have a plurality of spaced apart dimples. The aerial marker body can comprise a plurality of overlapping dimples. The aerial marker body can comprise at least two dimples that are intersected by the parting seam. The aerial marker body can have aligned bores having fasteners projecting therethrough to attach the two body sections together. The aerial marker body can have a support frame attached thereto to provide an attachment point for one or more clamps. 
         [0017]    A yet further feature of the present disclosure is a unique clamp for use with an aerial marker body. The unique clamp can comprise a hook and a body section comprising a channel having a secure tab movably fixed therein and movable towards the hook and away from the hook. A support block with a bore can attach to the body section of the clamp, a block portion with a bore can be provided with the secure tab, and a threaded fastener projecting through the bore of the support block and the bore of the secure tab to move the secure tab towards the hook. 
         [0018]    A still further feature of the present disclosure is an aerial marker assembly for use with an overhead cable comprising a hollow marker body made of a first material having at least two separately formed body sections; a parting seam where the at least two body sections are joined, the parting seam being vertical relative to the ground; a support frame made of a second material disposed in the parting seam and having at least a portion extending externally of the marker body; and a clamp coupled to the support frame for attaching the marker body to an overhead cable; wherein the clamp comprises a hook and a body section having a secure tab having a clamp end movable towards the hook. 
         [0019]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the parting seam can form a continuous ring around the marker body. 
         [0020]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the support frame can have a support body comprising at least two openings formed therethrough and wherein at least two fasteners project through the marker body and through the at least two openings on the support frame. 
         [0021]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the support frame can be curved with two spaced apart ends. 
         [0022]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the marker body can comprise a plurality of spaced apart dimples. The marker body can comprise a plurality of overlapping dimples. The marker body can comprise at least two dimples that are intersected by the parting seam. 
         [0023]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the secure tab can comprise a clamping portion comprising a first width and a block portion comprising a second width, and wherein the first width is greater than the second width. 
         [0024]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the marker body can be made from a metallic material, a composite, or a thermoplastic. 
         [0025]    The aerial marker assembly wherein the support bracket can be made from a metallic material, a composite, or a thermoplastic. 
         [0026]    The aerial marker assembly can further comprise a support block with a bore attached to the body section of the clamp, a block portion with a bore on the secure tab, and a threaded fastener projecting through the bore of the support block and the bore of the secure tab. 
         [0027]    The aerial marker assembly can further comprise a gasket located between the support frame and the clamp. 
         [0028]    The aerial marker assembly can further comprise two curved gaskets located between the hook and the secure tab. 
         [0029]    A still further feature of the present disclosure is a method for mounting an aerial marker assembly onto an overhead cable. As disclosed, the method can comprise the steps of assembling a clamp to an aerial marker body comprising at least two separately formed body sections to form an aerial marker assembly, said assembling step comprising: attaching a support frame and the at least two body sections together by placing at least two fasteners through two sets of openings in the at least two body sections, said at least two body sections when joined define a parting seam; and attaching the clamp to the support frame, said clamp comprising a hook and a body section comprising a channel having a secure tab movably fixed therein and defining a gap with the hook, said gap being adjustable by a fastener; mounting the aerial marker assembly by placing the gap of the aerial marker assembly around an overhead cable; and turning the fastener to decrease the gap from a first gap distance to a second gap distance, which is smaller than the first gap distance. 
         [0030]    The method wherein the parting seam of the aerial marker assembly can be generally vertical relative to the ground. 
         [0031]    The method can further comprise placing two gaskets in between the hook and the secure tab prior to mounting the aerial marker assembly onto the overhead cable. 
         [0032]    The method wherein a support block with a bore can be attached to the body section of the clamp, a block portion with a bore is provided with the secure tab, and the fastener projects through the bore of the support block and the bore of the secure tab. 
         [0033]    The method wherein the marker body can comprise a plurality of spaced apart dimples. 
         [0034]    The method wherein the marker body can comprise a plurality of overlapping dimples. 
         [0035]    The method wherein the marker body can comprise at least two dimples that are intersected by the parting seam. 
         [0036]    Another feature of the present disclosure is an aerial marker assembly comprising a marker body having at least two marker body sections having a support bracket secured therebetween, said support bracket comprising at least one outwardly extending tab and at least one inwardly extending tab with each tab comprising an opening and wherein the support bracket has two spaced apart ends. 
         [0037]    A still further feature of the present disclosure is an aerial marker assembly comprising a marker body having at least two marker body sections having a support bracket secured therebetween, said support bracket comprising at least one outwardly extending tab and at least one inwardly extending tab with each tab comprising an opening and wherein the support bracket has an enclosed circumference. 
         [0038]    A still yet further feature of the present disclosure is an aerial marker assembly comprising a marker body having at least two marker body sections having a support bracket secured therebetween, said support bracket comprising at least one outwardly extending tab and at least one inwardly extending tab with each tab comprising an opening and wherein the support bracket is attached to a clamp having an end for securing onto a cable. 
         [0039]    Yet another feature of the present disclosure is an aerial marker assembly comprising a marker body having at least two marker body sections having a support bracket secured therebetween, said support bracket comprising at least one outwardly extending tab and at least one inwardly extending tab with each tab comprising an opening and wherein the support bracket is attached to a clamp having a slidable secure tab. 
         [0040]    The present disclosure can also include an aerial marker assembly comprising a marker body having at least two marker body sections having a support bracket secured therebetween, said support bracket comprising at least one outwardly extending tab and at least one inwardly extending tab with each tab comprising an opening and wherein the support bracket is attached to a clamp having a pivotable secure tab. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]    These and other features and advantages of the present device, system, and method will become appreciated as the same becomes better understood with reference to the specification, claims and appended drawings wherein: 
           [0042]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an aerial marker attached to a support wire. 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the aerial marker of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the support wire clamp. 
           [0045]      FIG. 4A  shows an exploded view of an alternative aerial marker body with a support frame and two clamps and  FIG. 4B  show the assembly of  FIG. 4A  in an assembled state. 
           [0046]      FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of an alternative clamp assembly provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0047]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show the clamp assembly of  FIG. 5  in an assembled state in two different views. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of aerial marker assemblies provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present device, system, and method may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and the steps for constructing and using the embodiments of the present device, system, and method in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an aerial marker attached to a support wire in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method is shown, which is generally designated  100 . The aerial marker assembly  100  is suspended from a support wire  120 , which is typically the highest wire along a transmission or distribution system that is also not energized. They are placed on the highest wire, in part, because that is where they will be most visible to an aircraft and to signify the lowest safe point of an array of lines. For the same reason, a marker body  150  is typically one foot in diameter or larger and more commonly about 36 inches with smaller sizes, such as 20 inches, possible for less extensive power lines or on power lines below a certain height and within a specified distance from an airport runway. More often, the aerial marker size is regulated by various governmental authorities. 
         [0050]    The support wire  120  is placed between two consecutive electrical transmission line towers or other support structures and the line, or different sections stringed together between a series of towers, can span for miles. The markers are typically mounted at discrete spaced apart distances that are often regulated. The support cables, or sections of support wires  120 , differ from a transmission lines or power line cables in at least two related aspects. Because the function of each support cable  120  is to help maintain the structural stability of two adjoining towers, the support cables differ from the power line or transmission cables in their composition. They also do not carry electrical energy. The fact they carry no electrical energy renders them safer for attaching or maintaining the aerial marker assemblies. The aerial marker assembly  100  is attached to the support wire  120  by one or more clamp assemblies  130 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the aerial marker assembly  100  has two clamp assemblies  130 . However, in other embodiments, the number of clamp assemblies  130  and corresponding number of attachment points  160  to attach to the marker body  150  can vary depending on the particular circumstances surrounding the installation of the aerial marker assembly  100 , as further discussed below. 
         [0051]    As shown, the marker body  150  comprises two body sections  150   a,    150   b  that are attached together along a vertical seam  102 , also referred to as a parting seam, relative to the ground. In other examples, the marker body  150  is formed from more than two body sections, such as three, four, or greater than four and their assembly defines several distinct seams. Although the two clamp assemblies  130  can be attached directly to the two body sections  150   a,    150   b,  a support frame  140  is provided that attaches to the two body sections along the seam  102 . The two clamp assemblies  130  are then attached to the support frame  140 . Accordingly, application of the aerial marker assembly  100  discussed herein is understood to include single and multi-clamp assemblies  130  and multi section marker bodies. 
         [0052]    In one exemplary embodiment, the aerial marker assembly  100  comprises a plurality of clamp assemblies  130 . Shown in  FIG. 1  are two clamp assemblies  130 , or simply “clamp” or “clamps,” with each clamp assembly  130  attached to the support frame  140  and at the other end of each clamp to the support wire  120 . As is readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, the ability to attach the marker  100  quickly to the overhead support wire  120  can reduce the inherent danger of installing the maker and in performing subsequent maintenance. As the process typically involves using a helicopter with the installer hanging outside on an a platform attached to the helicopter, less time hovering above the ground and in close proximity to live wires is preferred. 
         [0053]    One aspect of the present device, system, and method includes a clamp assembly  300  that attaches the aerial marker assembly  100  to a support wire  120 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the disclosed clamp assembly  300  in one embodiment includes a clamp body  310 , a secure tab  320 , and a first fastener  330  to connect the secure tab  320  to the clamp body  310 . The attachment of the clamp body  310  to the support frame  140  comprises a second fastener  340  and a transition washer  350 . In other examples, the support frame to clamp body attachment may be carried out using integrally formed hooks, detents, and the like to directly couple the two units together. As shown, the clamp body  310  comprises a hook  360  for wrapping around the support wire  120 . The hook  360  is configured to engage the support wire  120 , which can be any number of gauges or sized wires, by allowing the secure tab  320  to move to take up any slack due to the different sizes. The clamp body  310  may be constructed of any sufficiently rigid material able to retain its shape and structural integrity in the anticipated weather and wind conditions, including from a metal material, from an engineered plastic, such as PEEK, or from a composite material. The inner diameter of the hook  360  is such that it will accommodate the largest diameter support wire  120  in use. 
         [0054]    As shown, the secure tab  320  has a generally elongated body  322  comprising a channel, through hole, or opening  323  for receiving the first fastener  330 . The secure tab  320  further comprises a curved wire landing area  324  for pressing against the support wire  120 , a curved anchor point  326  for abutting the nut  332 , and a curved body section  328  having a similar curvature as the curved body section  312  on the clamp body  310  for fit. The secure tab  320  slides through an opening  314  in the clamp body  310  and pushes upwardly until stopped by the support wire  120 . The opening  314  in the clamp body  310  allows the secure tab  320  to slide freely generally along the vertical direction relative to the ground, but limits side to side movement of the secure tab  320  within the opening  314  to a small clearance. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , one end of the secure tab  320 , such as the curved wire landing area, engages the support wire  120  in the open portion of the hook  360 . In other aspects of the present device, system, and method, a middle portion or a different section of the secure tab  320  can engage the support wire  120 . For example, the secure tab  320  may be elongated and installed to the clamp body, via the first fastener  330 , prior to placing the hook end  360  over the wire. This elongated body allows the secure tab  320  to slide in place within the opening  314  of the clamp body  310  rather than be installed anew onsite to reduce installation and/or maintenance time. In other examples, the secure tab  320  is pivotably attached to the clamp body  310 . 
         [0055]    To retain the secure tab  320  to the clamp body  310 , the clamp assembly  300  uses a first fastener  330 , as previously described. The first fastener  330  is placed into an aperture or boss  316  in the clamp body  310 . The boss  316  may be formed through a shoulder section  318  on the clamp body  310 . The head  334  of the fastener  330  is larger than the aperture  316  in the clamp body  310  and the interference between the head and the aperture prevents the fastener from passing clear through the clamp body  310 . The first fastener  330  then passes through the opening  323  in the secure tab  320 , which in one example may be a central longitudinal opening or channel. A fastener piece  332 , such as a nut, is provided on the opposite end of the fastener head that is larger than the central longitudinal opening  323  in the secure tab  320 . The interference between the fastener piece and the opening of the secure tab  320  prevents the secure tab  320  from falling free of the clamp assembly  300 . When the first fastener  330  is loosened, it allows the secure tab  320  to move along the opening or channel  323  and through the opening  314  in the clamp body  310 , away from the support wire  120 . In one embodiment, the secure tab  320  is attached by a first fastener  330  comprising a nut and bolt combination. In other embodiments the first fastener may further comprise a lock washer or a standard washer, or both. In still other embodiments, the secure tab  320  may be hinged from the clamp body  310  itself, and only move around the hinge outside the clamp body  310  rather than through it. 
         [0056]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the clamp assembly  300  engages the support wire  120  around nearly its entire circumference. The configuration allows the clamp assembly  300  to securely engage the support wire  120  even in inclement weather conditions, including high winds, in other aspects of the present device, system, and method, the inside diameter of the hook  360  and the portion of the secure tab  320  that engage the wire may be lined with a material that increases the friction between the clamp assembly  300  and the support wire  120 . For example, a gasket or washer may be provided between the wire  120  and the clamping surfaces to provide a more secure fit. The surfaces of the secure tab  320  and hook  360  may also be roughened to increase friction or grip on the support wire. 
         [0057]    In an alternate embodiment, the clamp assembly  300  may use a vice grip style configuration. For example, a set of jaws is sized to enclose, at least part of the circumference of the support wire  120 . The jaws are hingedly attached at their base. A handle is hingedly attached to one jaw of the set of jaws. The handle is split longitudinally, dividing it into left and right halves. A lever is attached near the middle of the handle on one end and past the middle of the clamp body  310  opposite the jaw on the other. When the handle is moved toward the clamp body  310 , the jaws close and the lever is moved over its center point. Moving the lever over its center point locks the jaws in place. As the handle locks in place, protrusion from the clamp body moves and aligns between the left and right halves of the handle. Through holes are provided through the left and right halves of the handle and the protrusion. A cotter pin is placed through the through holes to ensure the jaws remain locked into place. Thus, an aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an easy to use and fast to secure clamp assembly to clamp around a support wire. As described, the clamp assembly does not require on the spot assembly to piece the components or parts together but simply require a quick turn or simple rotation to attach to the overhead wire. 
         [0058]    In accordance with other aspects of the present device, system, and method, a support frame  140  attaches to the clamp assemblies  300  and to the marker body  150  of the aerial marker. As shown, the support frame  140  ( FIG. 2 ) is a central rigid structure to which the marker body and clamp assemblies attach. In various embodiments, the frame may be constructed of a metal, such as aluminum or steel, a rigid plastic, such as engineered plastic like PEEK, or a composite material, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber. One embodiment of the support frame  140  is shown in  FIG. 2 . The support frame  140  comprises a body  142  that resembles a partial outer contour of the two body sections  150   a,    150   b.  The body  142  has a width and a thickness that are sized and shaped to support the body marker  150  under all adverse conditions, such as in high winds and storms. The body  142  is provided with a plurality of holes  220 . In one example, the number of holes  220  corresponds to the fastener attachment points for the clamp body  310  along at least a portion of the two body sections  150   a,    150   b.  In other words, the two body sections  150   a,    150   b  may have additional attachment holes than the holes on the support frame  140 . 
         [0059]    As shown, there are two outwardly extending tabs  144  defining two through holes  220  for attaching two clamp bodies  310 , and four inwardly extending tabs  146  defining four through holes  220  for attaching the two vertically split marker body sections  150   a,    150   b.  Other embodiments may comprise a support frame  140  configured to extend over the entire circumference of two body sections  150   a,    150   b.  In other words, the frame body  142  may embody an enclosed perimeter. In yet another example, the support frame  140  may comprise several sections that when combined cover part or the entire circumference of the marker body sections  150   a,    150   b.  In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the support frame  140  comprises a single frame leg  250  and single frame body  142 . 
         [0060]    As previously discussed, the support frame  140  and the clamps  300  connect to form an assembly. Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the clamp assembly  300  comprises a second connection, on the end opposite the hook end  360 , to attach the clamp body  310  to the support frame  140 . The second connection comprises a second fastener  340 , an opening  362  in the clamp body, an opening or through hole in the support frame  220  ( FIG. 2 ), and a transition washer  350 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the second fastener is a nut and bolt. In other embodiments, the fastener may further comprise a lock washer or a regular washer, or both. The fastener can also be a bolt and wing nut or a rivet. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the transition washer  350  is made from a durable rubber compound that can withstand direct and indirect sun light for prolonged periods. In other embodiments, the transition washer may be made from a plastic, a soft elastomeric material, nylon, a paper washer, or a composite. In other embodiments, the clamp and support frame can be formed unitarily, such as welded or singularly formed, or clamped without a washer. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 5 ,  6 A and  6 B show different views of an alternative damp assembly provided in accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure. Refer initially to  FIG. 5 , which shows an exploded perspective view of the clamp assembly  300 , a clamp body  310  is provided, which comprises a hook end  360 . As shown, the hook end  360  has an arcuate surface for supporting a curved gasket or to directly contact and grip a round cable, such as an overhead support cable. A secure tab  320  is provided for use with the clamp body and comprises a body  342  and a support plate  344 . In one embodiment the body  342  and support plate  344  are two separate pieces that are joined together, such as by welding, detents, threaded engagement, or a fastener. In other embodiments the body  342  and support plate  344  may be cast, forged, or machined, such as from a metal material, to form a unitary piece. The support plate  344  has an arcuate surface for receiving a matching gasket or cushion. In other examples, the arcuate surface is configured to directly contact and grip a cable or wire for hanging the aerial marker. 
         [0062]    The body  342  of the secure tab  320  comprises a block shaped portion  347  that is sized and shaped to extend through the channel or opening  314  in the clamp body  310 . A threaded bore  348  extends vertically through the block shaped portion  347  and is sized and shaped to accept a fastener  330 , which may be referred to as the first fastener. The block shaped portion  347  is configured to slide in the channel  314  along a vertical direction relative to the ground to tighten the clamp assembly around a wire, as further discussed below. 
         [0063]    The body  342  also comprises a clamping portion or clamp end  343 . The clamping portion is unitarily formed with the block shaped portion  347 . In other examples, the block shaped portion  347  and the clamping portion  343  are separately formed and subsequently attached to one another, such as by welding, threaded engagement, detents, or fasteners. In one example, the clamping portion  347  is wider than block shaped portion  347  and the width of the channel to prevent the secure tab  320  from sliding through the channel  314  from the orientation shown in  FIG. 5 . The top of the clamping portion  343  is arcuate and sized and shaped to support the support plate  344 , as shown with reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B . In other examples, the support plate  344  and the clamping portion  343  are reduced to a single piece and attached to the block portion  347 , either as a unitarily formed structure or as two separate structures that are secured to one another. 
         [0064]    A support block  375 , through which the first fastener  330  passes, has a bore  331 , which may be threaded or unthreaded. In some embodiments, the support block  375  is formed as a separate piece (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) and then welded or otherwise attached to the clamp body  310 . In other embodiments, the support block  375  and the clamp body  342  are unitarily formed by casting, forging, or machining. A washer  355  is provided with the first fastener  330  to facilitate turning the fastener. In some examples, a lock washer or a Belleville washer is used with the first fastener  330  instead of a general flat washer to help maintain a load on the fastener upon tightening down against the secure tab  320 , as further discussed below. 
         [0065]    Another washer  377  is provided with the clamping assembly  300 . As shown, the washer  377  has an opening  379  sized and shaped to receive the block portion  347  of the secure tab  320 . The washer has at least one straight section  382  on the outer edge  384  thereof. The straight section  382  is sized and shaped to allow the washer to be placed against the flat undersurface of support block  375  than it would otherwise be able to if the washer  377  had an entirely round circumference. However, the various components can clearly be sized and shaped to accommodate different shaped washer, including one that has a round circumference or perimeter. 
         [0066]    With reference now to  FIGS. 4B ,  5 ,  6 A and  6 B, two rubber clamping pieces  364   a,    364   b,  which may also he referred to as gaskets, are provided for use with the support plate  344  and the hook end  360  of the clamp assembly to facilitate gripping and prevent slippage between the clamping assembly  300  and a support wire  120 . A first clamping piece  364   a  is seated in the interior of the hook end  360  of the clamp body  310 . The first clamping piece  364   a  may be attached via adhesive or any other method to prevent the first clamping piece  364   a  from separating from the clamp body  310  during normal movement or installation of the clamp assembly. The second clamping piece  364   b  is seat on the support plate  344 . In some embodiments, the clamping pieces have an arcuate channel cut along their length in order to preform them to the support wire  120 . In other embodiments, they have a flat surface which contacts the support wire  120 . The clamping pieces may be made of any number of elastomeric compounds that will provide high friction and long life when squeeze around, the support wire  120 . The rubber clamping pieces may be made from saturated and unsaturated rubbers, thermo plastic elastomers, acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber, polyurethane rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, butadiene rubber, and silicone rubber, among others. In less preferred embodiments, the rubber clamping pieces  364   a,    364   b  are omitted and the support plate  344  and the hook end  360  clamp directly onto the support wire  120 . 
         [0067]    With reference to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 A and  6 B, the present clamp assembly, once assembled, is ready for use with minimal assembling to minimize operator installation time during installation of an aerial marker. As show, the first fastener  330  passes through the bore  331  of the support block  375 , which may be threaded or unthreaded. The support block  375  supports the head  334  of the first fastener  330  preventing the head  334  from moving through the bore. The secure tab body  342  passes through the channel  314  in the clamp body  310 . The clamping portion  343  is located on a first side  311  of the clamp body  310  following assembly. The block shaped portion  347  extends through the channel  314 . The washer  377  is placed around the block shaped portion  347  of the secure tab  320  and rests against a second side  313  of the clamp body  310 . The straight section  382  of the washer is placed so that it is closest to the support block  375 . Also shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  is a hole  362  along a lower end of the clamp body  310  for attaching to the outwardly extending tab  144  on the support frame  140 . The lower portion of the clamp body  310  can also optionally be tilted or bent relative to the upper portion of the clamp body  310  as shown to facilitate hanging or aligning the clamp assembly  300  relative to the support frame  140  and the marker body  150 . The first fastener  330  threads through the bore  348  of the block portion  347  of the secure tab  320 . Turning the head  334  of the first fastener  330  clockwise brings the secure tab  320  closer to the hook end  360  of the clamp body  310 . This has the effect of allowing the clamp assembly  300  to clamp down on the support wire (not shown) between the two rubber clamping pieces  364   a,    364   b  and the clamp assembly to securely hold the aerial marker (not shown) to the support wire (not shown). The clamping assembly  300  attaches to the support frame  140  via a mechanical fastener, as further discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
         [0068]    As described, the clamp assembly  300  of  FIGS. 5 ,  6 A, and  6 B provides a quick assembly feature so minimize operator service time for installing an aerial marker. With the clamp assembly  300  fully assembled as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , an operator simply has to slide the support cable in the gap  359  between the two rubber clamping pieces  364   a    364   b  and then allowing the entire clamp assembly and aerial marker to rest on the support cable. The clamp assembly can now be tightened by using an appropriate socket and a hand tool, such as a cordless drill, to turn the first fastener  330 . This will pull up on the secure tab  320  as the threads on the fastener  330  are turned against the threaded bore  348  on the block portion  347  of the secure tab  320 . The fastener  330  is rotated until a desired grip is placed around the support cable. 
         [0069]    Thus, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include a unique clamp for use with an aerial marker body. The unique clamp can comprise a hook and a body section comprising a channel having a secure tab movably fixed therein and movable towards the hook and away from the hook. A support block with a bore can attach to the body section of the clamp, a block portion with a bore can be provided with the secure tab, and a threaded fastener projecting through the bore of the support block and the bore of the secure tab to move the secure tab towards the hook. This allows the clamp to clamp a cable between the hook and the secure tab. 
         [0070]    Another aspect of the present device, system, and method includes the support frame, the clamp and aerial marker body sections defined by a vertical split. Referring to  FIG. 2  in combination with  FIG. 1 , the aerial marker body sections  150   a,    150   b  are shown. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are two aircraft aerial marker body sections  150   a,    150   b.  In other embodiments, there can be three or more body sections. The body sections have indents  250  that allow access to the through holes  220 . These indents  250  are advantages in allowing tools to come to bear on the fasteners while allowing the through holes in the support frame  140  and aerial marker body sections  150   a,    150   b  to be conveniently assembled. The indents are generally elongated and vary in contour as it extends from the tip near the parting line and away toward the body section. As will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, this allows the assembly to be more aerodynamic as compared to prior art designs, which included through holes in an outer rib or flange that run the entire circumference of the marker. In other words, a prior art device that includes a flange projecting outwardly of the seam, along the entire external circumference of the prior art marker body. In addition to reducing the amount of movement anticipated in the wind, the lack of an outwardly projecting flange minimizes any potential for ice formation on the aerial marker and the trapping of snow on the marker. The body sections  150   a,    150   b  may be formed from fiberglass or a composite and may be cast from aluminum. The opening perimeter  262  of the two body sections  150   a,    150   b  where they join to form a seam upon assembly can further include recess sections to accommodate the thickness of the support frame  140 . In some embodiment, the recess section may be built into a single one of the two body sections  150   a,    150   b.  In other embodiments, a part of the recess section may be formed in each of the two body sections  150   a,    150   b.  If the support frame  140  has a complete circumference, then recess sections for accommodating the support frame may not be necessary since the opening perimeters  262  of the two sections can directly abut the frame. 
         [0071]    In the embodiment shown, there are six sets of matching through holes  264  on the body sections  150   a,    150   b.  In other embodiments, there may be two to twelve sets of through holes  264  or more. As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , some sets of through holes  264  are for the body sections  150   a,    150   b  only while other through holes aligns the holes of the aerial marker body sections  150   a,    150   b  with the through holes  220  in the support frame  140 . 
         [0072]    Another aspect of the present device, system, and method includes the support frame and aerial marker body sections defined by a vertical split. Aerial markers unfortunately are sometime targets of renegade hunters and hooligans. By having multiple aerial marker body sections, a damaged section of the marker can easily be replaced, avoiding the cost of replacing the entire unit should the marker assembly be hit with gunfire or damaged by other airborne debris. Attaching the body sections with the seams formed vertically around the circumference allows any moisture entering the assembly to drain out from the bottom. Prior art devices with horizontal seams would retain such moisture, making the assembly heavier and placing additional strain on the support wire. Thus, another aspect of the present device, system, and method include the use of one or more drain holes or passages to ensure drainage out the vertical seam  102 , along the bottom of the seam. Additionally, if the marker body sections  150   a,    150   b  clamp directly to the support wire, such as in a clam-shell configuration, any gunfire sustained by the marker body  150  may also damage the support wire itself, which cannot be detected if covered by the marker body in a clam-shell arrangement over the support wire. In other words, the section of the support wire located inside the prior art clam-shell aerial marker cannot be inspected for damage. By hanging the marker body  150  below the support wire  120  as shown in  FIG. 1 , any damage to the wire  120  can easily be inspected. 
         [0073]    Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for assembling a plurality of components to form an aerial marker assembly. Following assembly of the various components to form the aerial marker assembly  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , the assembly  100  may be hung on an overhead cable using quick-to-install clamps. For example, the support frame  140  may be assembled with the two body sections  150   a,    150   b  and the appropriate number of clamp assemblies  300  attached to the support frame  140  so that all that remains is to place the ends of the clamp assemblies  300  over the support wire and then securing the clamp assemblies to the support wire. This allows the disclosed marker  100  to be efficiently hung to a support wire  120  with minimal installation time. 
         [0074]    Thus, aspects of the present device, system, and method are understood to include steps for assembling an aerial marker assembly comprising connecting aerial body sections to a support frame ( FIG. 2 ), attaching the support frame to at least one clamp body ( FIG. 3 ), and preparing the clamp body for attachment to a support wire ( FIG. 3 ). A further aspect of the present invention is a provision for forming an aerial marker assembly comprising connecting at least two body sections together to a support frame having a clamp for attaching to a wire. Preferably the support frame is singularly formed but can comprise two or more assembled parts or components. The aerial marker preferably has a seam  102  that is vertical or orthogonal relative to the ground that the aerial marker is hung over. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show further aspects of the present device, system, and method in an alternative embodiment that includes dimples  190  or partial spherical recesses spaced on the surface of the two body sections  150   a,    150   b.  The dimples  190 , arranged in rings or generally circular patterns  195   a - h  on the surface of the body  150 , are more closely spaced on the area of the body halves  150   a,    150   b  at the intersection of the parting seam  102  and the equator of the body E when assembled. In one example, in the initial ring or circular pattern  195   a  closer to the parting line  102 , the dimples  190  overlap. The dimples  190  then extend in rings  195   a - h  moving toward a vertical circumference VC perpendicular to the parting seam  102 . The dimples  190  are spaced farther and farther apart in each consecutive ring  195   a - h  as they move toward a vertical circumference VC perpendicular to the parting seam  102 . The rings  195   a - h  contract the spacing between dimples  190  from the vertical circumference VC to a point opposite an origin O in a reversal of the arrangement just described. Additionally, in some embodiments, at least one of the dimples are split by the parting seam  102 . As shown, a plurality of dimples are split by the parting line, such as from 7 or more dimples, for example 12 dimples are split by the parting line. The dimples  190  help reduce drag when wind passes over the body halves  150   a,    150   b.  They are directionally arranged. That is, the dimples  190  and arranged in rings  195   a - h  such that they reduce drag most greatly along an axis A parallel to the support wire  120 . 
         [0076]    At a plurality of locations along the parting seam  102 , aligned holes  192   a - d  are provided in the two body halves  150   a,    150   b  to allow the body halves to join using mechanical fasteners (not shown). In one embodiment the number of holes  192   a - d  corresponds to locations for holes in the support frame  140 . In other embodiments there are more holes  192  on the body halves  150   a,    150   b  spaced at locations than those corresponding to the support frame  140 . The body halves  150   a,    150   b  may be connected by any mechanical fastener (not shown) that will be able to withstand the vibration and buffeting from the wind, including, for example, nuts and bolts, rivets, split pins, or threaded inserts. The assembled aerial marker comprises a plurality of dimples with a hollow spherical center and with a split line or seam. In some examples, the dimples are randomly placed around the periphery of the body halves or in different patterns than shown. Thus, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include an aerial marker body having a vertical parting seam relative to the ground where at least two separately formed body sections are joined. The aerial marker body has a plurality of dimples. The aerial marker body can have a plurality of spaced apart dimples. The aerial marker body can comprise a plurality of overlapping dimples. The aerial marker body can comprise at least two dimples that are intersected by the parting seam. The aerial marker body can have aligned bores having fasteners projecting therethrough to attach the two body sections together. The aerial marker body can have a support frame attached thereto to provide an attachment point for one or more clamps. The support frame can be placed between the parting seam and has a frame section extending externally of the marker body and internally of the marker body. 
         [0077]    In a still further aspect of the present disclosure, the marker body  150  may be painted or molded with a color coat. In some examples, the color coat includes orange, white, or yellow. 
         [0078]    A system is further provided. In one aspect of the present system, two or more aerial markers  100  of the present disclosure are hung on sections of support cables that span between a plurality of transmission, distribution, or other towers. In a specific example, an orange aerial marker  100  is hung near each end of the two ends of a cable section with said two ends each located next to or is hung to a corresponding transmission, distribution, or support tower. The spacing between two aerial markers can vary. In one example, the spacing is 60 feet from an aerial marker to a tower. In another example, the spacing is about 180 feet to about 2000 feet or more between two adjacent aerial markers  100 . 
         [0079]    Although limited embodiments of the aircraft warning marker assemblies and their components have been specifically described and illustrated herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various component parts may incorporate different materials, some sub-assemblies may be unitarily formed, etc. Furthermore, it is understood and contemplated that features specifically discussed for one aerial marker assembly may be adopted for inclusion with another marker assembly embodiment, provided the functions are compatible. For example, a unitary clamp and frame assembly may be used in another embodiment shown with four support frame legs. Another example includes using an alternate secure tab with the clamp assembly embodiment. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the aerial marker assemblies and their components constructed according to principles of the disclosed device, system, and method may be embodied other than as specifically described herein. The disclosure is also defined in the following claims.