Patent GB-665020-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to devices for coupling or securing ropes and the like
Inventor: SANFORD WILLIAM HERBERT
IPC: F16G11/04
Filed: 1949-04-01
Abstract: 665,020. Rod couplings. SANDFORD, W. H., and WARBURTON, R. E. L. Sept. 5, 1949 [April 1, 1949 ; Aug. 23, 1949], Nos. 8848/49 and 21833/49. Class 99 (i). [Also in Group XXV] A device for securing or coupling rods comprising a tapered sheath or socket and a sliding wedge with a passage therebetween to admit at least one rod is provided on either or both of the sheath and wedge with a longitudinally extending V-shaped groove adapted to grip the rod, whereby the pull of the rod on this member is increased in relation to the forces resisting movement so as to operate the device to secure the rod. At least one of the socket and wedge members is provided with a flat bearing surface opposing the V-groove. The device may be adapted for securing a single rod, coupling two rods. or for forming a loop from a single rod. In the form shown for securing a single rod, the rod 9, Fig. 2, is inserted between the V-grooved edge 3 of the tapered wedge 2 and the opposing wall of the correspondingly tapered socket 1 and the rod pulled to draw the wedge home. In another form for a single rod, the V-groove 3, Fig. 4, is provided in the socket 1 and the rod 9 engaged between this V-groove and the upper edge of the wedge 2. The latter may be U-shaped with its legs 2c bearing on the upturned ends 1a of the socket. The parts in this case may be made of sheet metal and in the other constructions by die casting or drop forging. In one form for coupling two rods V-grooves 3, Fig. 5, are formed on the wedge 2 and socket 1, the surfaces 4 being flat. A rod 9 is inserted in each groove and the pull of each in opposite directions draws the wedge and socket home to grip the rods. In a similar form, Fig. 7, for forming a loop from a single rod, two parts of the same rod are gripped instead of two separate rods. In any of the forms, the wedge 2 may be provided with projections 6 engaging in a longitudinal groove 7 in the socket I to ensure correct entry of the wedge and also for retaining the wedge loosely within the socket when not in use by means of a screw 7a. In another form (not shown), for coupling two rods, the V-grooves are arranged on the same side of the wedge one on the latter and the other on the socket, the rods overlaying each other with or without a bearing strip inserted therebetween. In any of the above forms, the socket may be formed in two halves hinged or bolted together. In a further modification for a single rod, the socket 1, Fig. 11, is formed with an open side and the wedge and socket are curved with the V-groove 3 and flat surfaces 4 as before. A locking bar 7c is secured by bolts onto lugs on the socket to retain the wedge in position. Any of the forms may include a loose screw operated link between the wedge and the socket for drawing the wedge home within the socket or for freeing it. An attaching eye may be provided on the wedge or socket which does not carry the V-groove. The apex angle of the V-groove may be 50 degrees for steel rods. The first Provisional Specification also includes an embodiment in which a single rod is bent around the base of the wedge and between the wedge edges and the socket, the V-groove being provided in the latter as before.